Tributes have been paid following the death of Keighley war veteran Albert Joyner, who – at 102 – was Britain’s oldest surviving ex-Royal Marine.
Mr Joyner, a resident at Herncliffe Nursing Home, was a familiar figure at the annual poppy appeal and raised thousands of pounds.
George Metcalf, who as deputy mayor presented Mr Joyner with a citizenship award on behalf of the town council in 2011, told us: “It was a tremendous honour for me to present him with the award.
“Albert was a fantastic gentleman and soldier who always put other people first. Everyone loved him to bits.”
Tommy Thompson, Keighley’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal organiser, said he would be hugely missed.
“He was a real stalwart – he was a popular, long-time member of the Legion and always supported the poppy appeal, raising a huge amount of money for the cause,” said Mr Thompson.
Mr Joyner, a former apprentice tailor, joined the marines in 1930. In 1932, while serving on HMS Dragon, he helped victims of a hurricane that devastated the Cayman Islands.
He served on Arctic convoys during the Second World War, helping to deliver food and munitions to Russia.
He was also involved in the defence and evacuation of Singapore and supported the Salerno landings during the Allied liberation of Italy in 1943.
Mr Joyner retired in 1956, holding the rank of colour sergeant. He went on to become president of Bradford and District Royal Marines’ Association.
And last year he was awarded life membership of the association in a ceremony hosted by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Khadim Hussain.
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