Bath veteran Dennis Lanham has died aged 100

A D-Day veteran from Bath who recently celebrated his 100th birthday has died.

Dennis Lanham’s funeral was held on Thursday, surrounded by his family as well as his friends from the Bristol Normandy Veterans Association.

He served in the 79th Armored Division as a senior mechanic during World War II and was awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honor in 2016.

Mr Lanham grew up in Bath and after his service years moved back to the city to marry his wife Peggy. They remained together until she died in 2004.

Mr. Lanham was also a published author, writing a memoir about his life, using the proceeds to help children’s and veterans’ charities.

Paul Turner, chairman of Bristol Normandy Veterans, said: “He was dear to the hearts of the whole group… from the moment he joined he was a joy.

“He was a man of great character and great strength, and very proud of the fact that he was responsible for turning tanks into what are called ‘crocodiles’ – flamethrowers.

“He had a lot to tell about his years in Normandy and entertained us many times.”

Mr Turner added: “He would have celebrated the 80th anniversary (of D-Day) in style … a very proud Normandy veteran he was.”

He also said the group’s numbers are dwindling, going from being able to take two veteran coaches to commemorations in Normandy just 20 years ago to just three left in Bristol.

Denise Southern, the association’s welfare officer, visited Dennis every week for three months before he died.

She added that she used to visit him often a few years ago, saying she would cook him lunch and described him as a “wizard” with the air fryer.

Ms Southern added that she would speak to school children about the importance of remembering the Second World War as a warning to avoid conflict in the future.

“He was remarkable … he was a believer. Nothing got him down,” she said, adding that he was “indomitable” and “knew his mind.”

“We are very proud to have known him.”