RIP: Jock Wilson MM

John "Jock" Wilson MM
7 Sep 1903 - 30 Sep 2008

ZUI this article from The Scotsman:

THE oldest survivor of the Normandy landings has died, just three weeks after his 105th birthday.

Jock Wilson, who was awarded the Legion d'Honneur for his role in liberation of France, died at Hollytrees Nursing Home, Dunbar, East Lothian, earlier this week.

The Second World War hero was an observer for the 79th Regiment Royal Artillery and landed on Juno beach on June 6, 1944. He was later awarded the Military Medal for his bravery that day.

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On his 105th birthday, on September 7, Mr Wilson was presented with his second letter from the Queen by East Lothian's Lord Lieutenant, Gareth Morrison.

Mr Wilson was 36 when the war broke out in 1939 and originally deemed too old to fight but, by 1941, he was called up due to his earlier service in the Territorial Army. In 2004 he was awarded the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest decoration, for his war effort.

He married Lily Ross in October 1934 at the Plaza ballroom in Morningside. Sadly, Lily died in 1964. After the war, Mr Wilson, a lifelong Hibs fan, returned to stationers McNiven and Cameron, where he worked until his retirement in 1976.

ZUI also this article, published 4 Sep 08, from the East Lothian Courier:

THE oldest surviving British veteran of the Normandy landings, Jock Wilson, is set to receive his SECOND telegram from the Queen on Sunday, when he celebrates his 105th birthday.

East Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Garth Morrison will visit the evergreen centenarian at Hollytrees, in Belhaven Hospital, to present a signed letter from Her Majesty.

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The grandfather-of-three and great-grandfather-of-four almost met his maker prematurely when the armoured personal carrier he was travelling in around Goch, Germany, was bombed during the Second World War.

“It’s all down to luck that I have lived to this age,” said indefatigable Jock.

The Scotsman also has an article about Wilson's 105th birthday here.