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  "path": "/news/john-dennett-d-day-veteran-dies-aged-101-tributes-hero",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-24T09:12:50.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Dragon’s Den entrepreneur transforms Covid lockdown idea into eco-friendly business success",
    "King Charles inaugurates historic English coastal path named after him",
    "Schoolboy, 11, in once in a lifetime No10 visit after leading campaign against child cruelty",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nOne of the final surviving veterans of the D-Day landings has died at the age of 101.\n\nJohn Dennett, from Wallasey on the Wirral, died peacefully on Sunday, with loved ones at his bedside.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Royal Navy serviceman's death marks the loss of one of Britain's most decorated Second World War heroes, a man who witnessed history's largest amphibious military operation firsthand.\n\nHis family confirmed he died in hospital following a brief illness.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMr Dennett had remained active in commemorating his fallen comrades until his final months, travelling to Normandy as recently as June 2024 for the 80th anniversary of the landings that helped liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.\n\nHe enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1942 at the age of 17, signing up against his mother's wishes and reportedly being accepted without officials verifying his birth certificate.\n\nHe trained as an anti-aircraft gunner before being assigned to HMS LST 322, a tank landing ship crucial for delivering armoured vehicles to hostile shores.\n\nOn June 6, 1944, he formed part of the 7,000-vessel fleet that descended upon Sword Beach in Normandy.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHis duties included offloading troops and heavy military equipment onto French soil, then ferrying wounded soldiers and captured enemy combatants back to Portsmouth.\n\nMr Dennett held the exceptional distinction of serving in every major Allied amphibious assault of the war, including operations across North Africa and Italy before the pivotal Normandy campaign.\n\nFollowing the war's conclusion, Mr Dennett channelled his energies into community service and grassroots sport.\n\nIn 1949, he established Ashville FC, along with his wife Joyce, naming the club after the Wallasey street where they lived.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Dragon’s Den entrepreneur transforms Covid lockdown idea into eco-friendly business success\n  * King Charles inaugurates historic English coastal path named after him\n  * Schoolboy, 11, in once in a lifetime No10 visit after leading campaign against child cruelty\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe club has flourished over more than seven decades, now boasting its own ground and approximately 20 youth teams.\n\nHis commitment to fellow servicemen proved equally enduring. Mr Dennett became a founding member of the Royal British Legion's City of Liverpool branch and dedicated himself to the annual Poppy Appeal.\n\nHe also served the Italy Star Association for many years, ascending to its presidency in 2019.\n\nRecognition for his tireless efforts came through the British Empire Medal in 2022, followed by an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours—the first list issued under King Charles.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAshville FC described their founder as \"a true legend\" whose \"lifelong commitment, dedication and passion for the club were second to none.\"\n\nThe club stated that his \"presence, wisdom, and unwavering support will be sorely missed by all who knew him.\"\n\nThe Royal British Legion's City of Liverpool branch hailed Mr Dennett as \"a pillar of strength\" and \"a guiding light for many people worldwide.\"\n\nSpeaking ahead of his 100th birthday in 2024, Mr Dennett offered his philosophy: \"Live every minute because life is precious, and so is freedom. We got freedom, so enjoy it while you can, and treasure it.\"\n\nA minute's applause will honour his memory at Ashville FC's final fixture of the season this Saturday at 3pm.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "D-Day veteran dies aged 101 as tributes pour in for 'hero'"
}