TRIBUTES have been paid to a former D-Day veteran and army gunner who died aged 95.
Edward ‘Eddie’ Robinson died on January 17 after a short illness. He was born on April 13, 1924 in Paisley, Glasgow but moved to Cawthorne in 1944 while he was in the army and was training for what would become known as D-Day.
“He joined the army when he was 18 in 1942,” said Eddie’s son, Howard, 67. “He took part in the D-Day landings and fought in Caen, Le Havre, and Dunkirk, and was also involved in the liberation of Belgium.”
Eddie’s involvement in the Second World War, and his bravery during the conflict, earned him the Legion d’Honneur which he accepted at Thoresby Hall, Nottingham in 2016.
“The award was given to everyone who helped to liberate France as a thank you,” said Howard. “He was so proud and excited to receive it - he had dementia by this time but I think he knew it was something big.”
Eddie was diagnosed with dementia in 2012 but Howard said it never concerned him and Eddie remained cheerful.
“He was always happy and smiling and he was just very good company,” added Howard. “He only started talking about the war since he had dementia and we had to piece together what he told us as he had never spoken about it before.”
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Eddie was invited to take part in a week-long cruise on the ship Boudicca, which sailed from Dover to Le Havre.
“He really enjoyed the trip and got to visit some of the places he hadn’t seen since the war. He did get a bit upset when he remembered his friends that never came home, but I think it was healing for him to see the place all built up and not in ruins.”
Eddie was married to Pat (nee Blacker) whom he met while he was stationed in Cawthorne during the war.
The couple were married in All Saints Church, Cawthorne on December 20, 1947 and they had four children together; Ian, Howard, Linda and, Elaine. They also had four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Eddie’s funeral took place at All Saints Church, Cawthorne on January 28 and he received a guard of honour and a salute from members of the Royal British Legion.
“Everyone knew him and loved him,” said Howard.
“He was popular and a hard worker. He loved to be busy and always had a smile on his face. It’s lovely that we were able to celebrate his life as he achieved a lot.”
