The funeral of Harry Billinge, one of the first British soldiers to storm Gold Beach during the Normandy landings in 1944, is taking place later today (Tuesday 26 April).
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Harry Billinge was 96 when he died earlier this month after a short illness.
Harry Billinge’s memorial/ funeral will be held at 11am in St Paul’s Church in Charlestown, followed by a cremation for his immediate family.
Harry Billings was a sapper attached to the 44 Royal Engineer Commandos, and he was one of only four men from his 10-man unit to survive the landings and subsequent battles in France, later fighting in Caen and the Falaise pocket in Normandy.
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Harry Billinge spent more than 60 years collecting for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Harry Billinge’s family paid tributes to him and the tributes were led by one of his daughters Margot Billinge, who said on behalf of the family:
“Harry was a very loving husband who always looked after mum. He was steadfast in his love for her.”
“As a dad, he taught us great values: honesty, kindness, generosity and not to judge.”
Harry Billinge is survived by his wife Sheila, daughters Sally and Margot, son Christopher and granddaughters Amy and Claire.
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