D-Day veteran to make his final journey escorted by 100 motorbikes

TOWN WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO NORMAN, WHO DIED AGED 110

- By SOPHIE BUSCIMESE

A PROCESSION of more than 100 motorbikes will mark the funeral of a D-Day hero.

Donald Rose, who spent the final years of his life at a care home in Ilkeston, died at the age of 110 in July. At the time he was the UK’s oldest surviving Second World War veteran.

Mr Rose claimed the secret to his long life had been the salty water he had to drink while serving as a Desert Rat. He served in North Africa and Europe and survived a bullet to the leg during the Normandy landings.

In June, he was awarded the Freedom of the Borough Award by Erewash Borough Council - the highest honour it can bestow.

More than 100 bikers will ride in convoy to Mr Rose’s memorial service at Ilkeston Town’s New Manor Ground at noon today. Meeting at the Morrisons supermarket, in Nottingham Road, at 11.30am, they will escort the hearse and family of Mr Rose to the football ground via Chalons Way.