Biker convoy will escort the coffin of D-Day hero as he makes final journey

DIGNITARIES TO ATTEND MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DONALD AT FOOTBALL GROUND

- By SOPHIE BUSCIMESE

A PROCESSION of more than 100 motorbikes will mark the funeral of the UK’s oldest Second World War veteran, Donald Rose.

D-Day veteran Mr Rose, who spent the final years of his life in Ilkeston, died at the age of 110 in July.

Mr Rose claimed the secret to his long life had been the salty water he had to drink while serving as a Desert Rat, and had spent his final days living at a care home in the Derbyshire town.

Born in Surrey in 1914 and joining the regiment aged 25, Mr Rose later served in North Africa and Europe and survived a bullet to the leg during the Second World War Normandy landings.

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