Normandy veteran who lied about age to enlist dies at 101
Donald Turrell, a World War Two veteran who lied about his age to enlist at 17, has passed away at the age of 101. He served in the Normandy campaign and was remembered by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans for his courage and service.
Why it matters
As the generation of World War II veterans passes, these stories serve as historical records of the personal sacrifices made during the conflict.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Donald Turrell, 17 when he enlisted, forged a letter from his parents to say he was 18
A World War Two veteran who fought in the Normandy campaign after lying about his age has died aged 101, a charity has said.
Born in London in 1925, Donald Turrell was just 17 when he enlisted, having forged a letter from his parents to say he was 18.
His battalion crossed over to France in June 1944 in the days following D-Day and Turrell landed on Sword Beach before taking part in fierce fighting.
On Saturday, the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans said in a post on Facebook , external it was "deeply saddened" to share that Turrell, who recently lived in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, had died on Friday, surrounded by his family.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in