A D-Day veteran awarded international medals for his bravery died just days before the 80th anniversary of the event that changed the course of the Second World War.

As one of the few remaining survivors, Raymond Grose was proud to be featured in several media tributes prior to the commemoration on June 6.

But he passed away at Pembroke House nursing home in Gillingham on May 27 ahead of the anniversary. He was 100.

Even after losing both legs through illness, Raymond would sit outside his home to encourage donations to the Poppy Appeal and in 2020, from his lodgings, he single-handedly organised a campaign that raised £1,000.

Raymond was called up in 1943 and posted to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. As plans for Operation Neptune – the Normandy landings – progressed, he was attached to the Special Airborne Service.

He landed in Normandy on D-day plus 3 and became one of those who fought their way through France and into Germany.

For the rest of his life, he would remember the horror of being in a bunker and seeing the two men either side of him shot dead.

Raymond’s service was recognised with multiple medals, including the Croix de Guerre and the Legion d’honneur, France’s highest order of merit.

At the end of the war, Raymond went with his regiment to Liebenau in Germany where he met his future wife, Herta, at a dance.

Two years and much bureaucracy later, Herta was able to leave her home country and come to England.

They married at Chatham Register Office in 1947 and eventually set up home together in Arthur Road, Rainham.

Despite some initial suspicion of Herta by a few in the community, they went on to live there happily for six decades and were regarded as a kindly and sociable couple who threw memorable parties.

Raymond became a bus driver and then an electrical engineer.

In later life, he and Herta owned several shops around the Medway Towns, including a delicatessen, a greengrocers and hairdressers.

She also became an active member of the Royal British Legion.

He was delighted to be able to say that, as a member of the Legion, he met Queen Elizabeth II three times.

Both Raymond and Herta were keen travellers and spent many holidays driving back to Germany to see her family and touring the rest of Europe.

They were disappointed to have no children. Herta died in 2012 and gradual loss of sight made independent living too difficult for Raymond.

He moved to Pembroke House in Oxford Road, which is run by the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust.

Raymond is survived by a younger brother, John.

His funeral will take place on Thursday July 4 at midday at the Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing.

Flowers may be sent or donations to Cats Protection made through Buttons & Family Funeral Services on 01634 813 989.