Norman Powell is one of an estimated six remaining veterans in Britain - but doesn't speak to anyone for days at a time
Across World War I, World War II and many other conflicts over the past 100 years, veterans around the country made sacrifices so we could live freely today. But often they're forgotten about, now living solitary lives - with only their memories for companionship.
But tragically, Norman - who was 17 back then and is turning 99 this year - tells me he has all but been forgotten about by society when we talk. A conversation with such a hero should be one recounting tales of tragedy and triumph from years gone by. Mr Powell, an engineer, was in the engine room of a landing craft carrying Canadian and French troops and their tanks across the English channel. Next to him was a sick bucket.
"I went up on deck and started looking around," says Norman. "On the starboard side the whole sea was full of dead men. Thousands and thousands of soldiers all lying in the water floating face down. Norman was sent with the Navy to the Far East afterwards amid the ongoing war in the Pacific but only made it to Egypt before the Japanese surrendered in the wake of the atomic bombings. After the war, Mr Powell was demobbed and went on to complete a college course, obtaining a degree in engineering in the process.
"I can't go anywhere," Norman tells me. "I don't drive now. They've taken my car away from me. All I have is a battery-operated scooter and as far as I can get is Tesco. To have someone like you come to see me and talk to me is absolutely wonderful."
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