D-Day Tribute to ‘Inspirational’ Veteran | News

David Teacher has died at the age of 100

A 100-year-old D-Day veteran described as an “inspiration” has died less than two weeks before the 80th anniversary of the landings.

David Teacher, who served as a mechanic in the RAF in the Second World War, died last Friday, a spokesman for Broughton House care home in Salford, Greater Manchester, said.

Mr Teacher, who was born in Hastings, East Sussex, was one of the first to arrive on Juno Beach in the 1944 Normandy landings.

In addition to repairing broken down vehicles, he worked with his squadron to take control of all equipment, including food and ammunition, and to ensure that arriving troops passed through designated safe areas.

He stayed on the beach for three months, living in a trench, and went on to the Battle of the Bulge.

Karen Miller, Chief Executive of Broughton House Veterans Care said:

“David was 100 years old and an inspiration to us all. He lived with us for three years and was extremely popular, loved and respected by all our residents and staff.

“David served this country during the Second World War with enormous courage and after his service he continued to inspire others through his charity work with ex-service organizations and by sharing with the younger generation the important values ​​of friendship, duty and service.

“It was a privilege for us to look after him in his final years and he will be greatly missed by us all. Our sympathies are with his family at this sad time.”

Mr Teacher, who has been a volunteer at the Imperial War Museum, was made an MBE in 2012 for his work with ex-servicemen and charities in Greater Manchester.

She was a past vice-president of the Bolton and Normandy District Veterans Association and a past president of the Manchester Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women.

The 80th anniversary of D-Day will be marked on Thursday (June 6) with commemorations in Normandy as well as in Britain.

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