A FAMILY is paying tribute to an 103-year-old veteran who served during the Second World War.

Norman Boughton-Smith was a father of six, granddad to 12, great-granddad to 20 and great great granddad to another two toddlers.

The heroic veteran, who was stationed in Hildesheim as a captain when the Nazis signed an unconditional surrender in Berlin on May 8, 1945, had one wish – to spend the rest of his life in his Westcliff flat.

His daughter, Lynda Brooks, remembers listening to her father’s war stories growing up.

The 76-year-old, from Devon, said: “Dad lived in Westcliff since he was eight. He went to Lindisfarne College before leaving to join the Territorial Army which was stationed in East Street, Prittlewell. He worked in a London bank until he was called to serve across the West Coast, and then served in Germany during the war.

“He was 22 when it started and would always tell us how scared he was not knowing where or when he was going next.

“He met my mum Betty while he was in the Army. She was a Radar Sargent. They married in 1942 and did everything together until she passed away from breast cancer.

“Dad stayed in the army until he was 55 years old, it really was his passion. He used to always talk about the moment when peace was declared and people began shaking hands in the street.”

Lynda, his eldest daughter, continued: “Dad also helped in the 1953 Canvey floods. After the war he took part in Remembrance Sunday marches and volunteered in the Royal Tournament.

“He was a trustee for the Southend Carers, part of the Salvation Army Leigh lunch club, a member of Blind Veterans UK, and was heavily supported by Southend in Sight.

“Sadly we said bye to dad on December 14. We would love to personally thank his carers, Amy and Eunice, the team from Redspot Homecare, and The Valkyrie Surgery.”

Norman’s funeral will be held at Southend Crematorium at 11.20am on January 27.