DEBBIE Sherwood's late father was renowned for his modesty but beneath his good humour lived some vivid memories of his time as a soldier who helped to storm the beaches on D-Day.

William Chilton, 80, from Lenham, died last year, but his experiences as a member of the 53rd Welsh division which landed on Gold Beach, were passed on to his daughter.

Mrs Sherwood, of Wye, said: "He took part in the 50th anniversary celebrations and was very proud of that. It took place at Portsmouth and the Queen Mother attended.

"I remember him saying that, looking back, so many funny things happened as they went across the sea. He joked that his friend thought he had been shot, but it was a leaky pipe that was dripping hot liquid on to his head."

But underneath the self-deprecating persona, Mr Chilton had many disturbing memories.

"Occasionally, when he attended reunions or saw something on the TV about the war, he would have a tear in his eye. He did see some terrible things."

Mr Chilton, who as a soldier specialised in blowing up bridges, was also among the first troops into the infamous Belson concentration camp.

"He didn't speak in huge detail about that, but he did say that it was awful.

"They had to dig trenches for the dead. He remarked that he just didn't know how humans could do those things to each other."