JOCK WILSONJock Wilson, who died on 29 September, 2008, aged 105, was the oldest British veteran of D-Day.He was 41 when he served as a frontline observer for the 79th Regiment Royal Artillery during the Normandy Landings and fought on the beach as Allied forces turned the course of the war.Most of his comrades were half his age but because of his role in the radio division it was necessary for him to be among the first to land on Juno Beach on 6 June, 1944. He and colleagues advanced under heavy fire to set up a radio station that was crucial for tactical deployment of further waves of troops.During the surge across France towards Germany, Mr Wilson was twice wounded.He received the Military Medal for his service and in 2004 was honoured by France with their Legion d'Honneur, their highest military decoration.After the war he worked at a printing firm. He lived in Edinburgh and was a passionate supporter of Hibernian who he had been following since he was seven.His wife Lily died in 1964. He was survived by a daughter, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
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