One of the final surviving veterans of the D-Day landings has died at the age of 101.
John Dennett, from Wallasey on the Wirral, died peacefully on Sunday, with loved ones at his bedside.
The Royal Navy serviceman's death marks the loss of one of Britain's most decorated Second World War heroes, a man who witnessed history's largest amphibious military operation firsthand.
His family confirmed he died in hospital following a brief illness.
Mr Dennett had remained active in commemorating his fallen comrades until his final months, travelling to Normandy as recently as June 2024 for the 80th anniversary of the landings that helped liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.
He enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1942 at the age of 17, signing up against his mother's wishes and reportedly being accepted without officials verifying his birth certificate.
He trained as an anti-aircraft gunner before being assigned to HMS LST 322, a tank landing ship crucial for delivering armoured vehicles to hostile shores.
On June 6, 1944, he formed part of the 7,000-vessel fleet that descended upon Sword Beach in Normandy.
D-Day veteran John Dennett, from Wallasey on the Wirral, died peacefully on Sunday, with loved ones at his bedside
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His duties included offloading troops and heavy military equipment onto French soil, then ferrying wounded soldiers and captured enemy combatants back to Portsmouth.
Mr Dennett held the exceptional distinction of serving in every major Allied amphibious assault of the war, including operations across North Africa and Italy before the pivotal Normandy campaign.
Following the war's conclusion, Mr Dennett channelled his energies into community service and grassroots sport.
In 1949, he established Ashville FC, along with his wife Joyce, naming the club after the Wallasey street where they lived.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Ashville FC paid tribute after the passing of club president John Dennett on Instagram
|The club has flourished over more than seven decades, now boasting its own ground and approximately 20 youth teams.
His commitment to fellow servicemen proved equally enduring. Mr Dennett became a founding member of the Royal British Legion's City of Liverpool branch and dedicated himself to the annual Poppy Appeal.
He also served the Italy Star Association for many years, ascending to its presidency in 2019.
Recognition for his tireless efforts came through the British Empire Medal in 2022, followed by an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours—the first list issued under King Charles.
John Dennett received the British Empire Medal in 2022, followed by an MBE in 2023
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Ashville FC described their founder as "a true legend" whose "lifelong commitment, dedication and passion for the club were second to none."
The club stated that his "presence, wisdom, and unwavering support will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
The Royal British Legion's City of Liverpool branch hailed Mr Dennett as "a pillar of strength" and "a guiding light for many people worldwide."
Speaking ahead of his 100th birthday in 2024, Mr Dennett offered his philosophy: "Live every minute because life is precious, and so is freedom. We got freedom, so enjoy it while you can, and treasure it."
A minute's applause will honour his memory at Ashville FC's final fixture of the season this Saturday at 3pm.
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