Harry Garthwaite, known as Happy Harry, had a long, exciting and heroic life, his family say.
'Don't be sorry that he's not with us any longer. Just be happy he had what he had,' David Garthwaite said of his father's deathHarry Garthwaite, known as Happy Harry, had a long, exciting and heroic life, his family said, after his skilful piloting saw him survive many adventurous situations.
He was born in Huddersfield but moved to Hartlepool and "illegally" qualified for the RAF at the age of 17, as he had about a month to go until he reached the required age of 18.Mr Garthwaite had many adventures including him parachuting behind enemy lines to steal a plane so it could be analysed for weaknesses
"Sounds a bit odd but if you're going on a bombing raid, you need to know what the weather's going to be like when you get there," he said.He then helped fly senior officials around the country before and actually on D- Day. Seeing emaciated and lost prisoners and "countless huge earth mounds" containing thousands of bodies was the "one image and time in the entire war he found he had tears in his eyes".
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Prince William's hidden tribute to Prince Harry in behind-the-scenes royal videoEagle eyed royal fans think they've spotted a 'nod' to Prince Harry in William's home, despite the brothers no longer being close
Read more »
Harry Potter star Dame Maggie Smith dies aged 89 as family issues tributeThe acting legend's sons issued a statement to confirm the sad news
Read more »
Prince Harry slighted by King Charles in cold tribute in CardiffIn a speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Senedd, King Charles praised his heir Prince William but many feel he delivered a cold message to his youngest son.
Read more »
J.K. Rowling pays touching tribute to Harry Potter actress Dame Maggie SmithDame Maggie Smith played Professor Mcgonagall for a decade on screen.
Read more »
Scott Hastings pays tribute to 'beautiful' late wife on World Mental Health DayJenny Hastings, 60, a mother-of-two, vanished on September 3 while swimming at Wardie Bay, Edinburgh, after a two-decade struggle with mental health.
Read more »
Union J star shares tribute to Jaymi Hensley's fiancé on day of his funeralUnion J star Josh Cuthbert paid a touching tribute to Jaymi Hensley's late fiancé Oliver Marmon on the day of his funeral after he tragically died last month
Read more »