D-Day veteran David Teacher has died aged 100 at Broughton House in Salford, Greater Manchester, just days away from the 80th anniversary of the landings (Picture: PA Wire)
A veteran of one of WWII’s most famous battles has died aged 100.
David Teacher served as a mechanic with the RAF during the Second World War, and was one of the first to put boots on the ground at Juno beach as part of the 1944 ‘D-Day’ invasion.
His death on Friday came just before the 80th anniversary of the Normandy beach landings, which turned the tide of the conflict in favour of the Allied Forces.
A native of Hastings, Mr Teacher had been living for the last three years at Broughton House veterans retirement home in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Karen Miller, chief executive of the home, said: ‘David was 100 years old and was an inspiration to us all.
‘He lived with us for three years and was immensely popular, much-loved and respected by all of our residents and staff.’
She went on: ‘David served his country during World War Two with enormous courage, and after his service he continued to inspire others through his charity work with ex-service organisations and by sharing with the younger generation the important values of friendship, duty and service.
Mr Teacher worked as a mechanic with the RAF and was also present for the Battle of the Bulge
‘It was a privilege for us to care for him in his later years and he will be greatly missed by us all.
‘Our sympathies are with his family at this sad time.’
In addition to his work as a mechanic, Mr Teacher also worked with his military squadron to ensure that provisions and equipment, including food and ammunition, remained protected at all times.
He also directed arriving troops through designated safe areas on the beaches.
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After three months in a trench there, he was later deployed to the Battle of the Bulge.
Following his military service, he became a volunteer at the Imperial War Museum, and in 2012 was the recipient of an MBD for his work with veteran organisations and charities in Greater Manchester.
Mr Teacher was also a vice-chairman of Bolton and District Normandy Veterans Association, and an ex-chairman of the Manchester Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women.
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