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Veteran, 101, Honored for D-Day and Royal Service
30 Mar
Summary
- Veteran sailed with King George VI during World War Two.
- He participated in the crucial D-Day landings in Normandy.
- Awarded France's highest military honor, the Legion d'Honneur.
A funeral is being held for Richard Wood, a 101-year-old Royal Navy veteran who passed away on March 4, 2026. Wood's service included sailing with King George VI to Malta in 1943 and participating in the D-Day landings in June 1944, supporting the Allied invasion of Northern France. He joined the Royal Navy in August 1942 as a Stoker 2nd Class and later transferred to engineering after discovering he was colorblind.
Wood witnessed a tragic event in October 1943 when his ship, HMS Aurora, was hit by a German bomb, resulting in the deaths of 47 friends and wounding 30 others. This event profoundly impacted him, and he carried the memory of his lost comrades with great dignity. He was also awarded the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest military award, for his wartime contributions.
In September 2024, Wood returned to Normandy for the D-Day 80th commemorations, where he was thanked by the mayor of Courseulles-sur-Mer for liberating the town. His son noted that Richard often questioned why lessons from war were not learned. His legacy is one of quiet strength, determination, and a steadfast sense of duty.
