Ex-Dunkirk veteran dies aged 100

A 100-year-old Dunkirk veteran and former sweet shop owner from Walsall has died just three months short of his next birthday.

Leonard Osborne, who was a former secretary of Walsall Dunkirk Veteran's Association, passed away in his sleep last week. He had most recently been a resident at Parkland Court nursing home in Bloxwich but had lived in Norwich Road, Alumwell, into his 90s.

Mr Osborne, who worked until the age of 80, had grown up in Aston, Birmingham, and after leaving school he went to work as a sugar boiler in a sweet and toffee shop.

He then joined Exide and Oldham Batteries as an engineer, which was a skill he was able to use when in the war. While in France his first wife Elsie bought a sweet shop in Blue Lane East, in Walsall, and moved with son Peter because the family's home in Aston had been bombed in a German air raid.

The Salvation Army member served in the Royal Artillery and at the age of 30, was sent to serve in France and Belgium. His unit supplied ammunition to the front line troops helping the French hold off the Nazi advance during the Battle of Dunkirk in 1940.

Mr Osborne, known as Len and an Aston Villa fan, died in his sleep in the early hours of November 3. His grandson Clint Osborne, aged 49, said: "He was my hero, he was honest, hard- working and always very supportive. If he ever saw anyone in need he would offer his help. He loved his football and music. He will be sadly missed."

Mr Osborne leaves behind three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

His first wife Elsie, whom he wed in 1931, died in 1986. He was married to second wife Marjorie for a decade until she died about eight years ago. His only child Peter, who owned Osborne Bakery, until he was aged 80, has also died.

Mr Osborne's funeral will take place at Streetly Crematorium on November 24. Family members are asking for no flowers but for people to make donations to Help for Heroes through the Co-op in Hatherton Street, Walsall.