11 March 2024 , 21:29
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One of the youngest Royal Marine commandos to storm northern France in the D-Day landings has died aged 98.
Lieutenant Norman Rose was just 18 when he landed ashore to fight to take Port en Bessin from 4,000 Nazis in June 1944. He said in 2016: “When I landed at D-Day we had to reach Port en Bessin to take it from the rear and went for 12 miles almost entirely on the stomach – if you stood up you were dead.”
The commandos captured the fortified port between Omaha and Gold beaches the next day. Norman, of 47 Commando, had also served with 40 Commando in Italy. He said: “I also went from Sicily to Rome on my stomach.”
Norman’s war ended on November 1, 1944, on the Dutch island of Walcheren when he badly injured his right leg. In 2016, he was presented with France’s highest honour, the Legion d’Honneur.
He said: “It is a privilege and an honour to receive it, it’s far and away the best medal I’ve got.” Norman, of Brecon, Powys, subsequently had a distinguished career as a nuclear physicist and achieved a doctorate.
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He returned to France every year to remember those who fell, including fellow members of the 4th Special Service Brigade. Norman leaves his widow Daphne, son Dorian, daughter Sarah and two grandchildren. The 80th anniversary of D-Day will be marked on June 5 and 6.