Donald Howkins, a World War Two veteran from Buckingham who took part in the D-Day landings, has died at the age of 105. Mr Howkins served as a gunner in the Middlesex Regiment, helping to waterproof vehicles and ammunition before landing at Gold Beach.
He served alongside his four brothers during the war, all of whom survived. Speaking in 2024, he reflected, "I often wonder why I've lived this long and so many of my mates and friends got killed."
Dick Goodwin, vice president of Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, described Mr Howkins as "a truly wonderful gentleman." After the war, he established a successful family business while remaining connected to his wartime memories.
Mr Howkins joined the Territorial Army at 17 before the war. Following D-Day, his unit moved from Normandy to fight German soldiers in Belgium and the Netherlands. He sustained a shrapnel wound to his leg and was recovering in hospital when he learned of his son's birth.