A World War II veteran from Chadderton who landed in Normandy when he was just 18 has died at the age of 97.

Dougie Farrington died on February 18 after a short illness and his funeral service took place yesterday (March 16) at Hollinwood Crematorium.

He was the recipient of many medals, including the Legion d’Honneur, the highest French military honour, in recognition of his service. 

Paying tribute to their father, his daughters Anne and Fay said: "Dad was such a character, he loved life, and he lived life to the full, especially in his later years.

"He made many good friends both at home and abroad and he will be sadly missed."

Dougie and his wife of 66 years Alice had two daughters and a son, named Melvin, before Alice's death at the age of 85.

The Oldham Times: Doug signed up to serve when he was just 18Doug signed up to serve when he was just 18 (Image: Royal British Legion)

In June 1944, Doug landed on Gold Beach in Normandy, 19 days after D-Day, and his battalion fought their way through Normandy and Holland to join the Battle of the Bulge which started on 26th December 1944, his 19th birthday.

In an interview with the Royal British Legion (RBL) in 2019, Dougie said his mother had been unhappy with him signing up to serve, but that he did not like what Hitler stood for. 

The Oldham Times: Doug survived being shot in February 1945Doug survived being shot in February 1945 (Image: Royal British Legion)

He was eventually forced to stop fighting when he was shot through his right leg in February 1945 in the Reichswald Forest in Germany after being separated from the rest of his division.

He crawled inside a pigsty, where he put on a field dressing and waited until he was eventually rescued.

Doug told the RBL: "The surgeon told me if the shot had been a quarter of an inch lower, I would’ve lost my foot.

"I told him, 'I’m glad you saved it, I like a dance.'"

The Oldham Times: Doug received many medals and honours, including the highest French military honourDoug received many medals and honours, including the highest French military honour (Image: Royal British Legion)

After the war and in his later life, Doug collected for the RBL’s Poppy Appeal for 22 years and, in June 2019, he returned to Normandy on a specially chartered cruise ship with the RBL to take part in the charity’s D-Day 75 commemorations.

Stuart Steel, Membership Engagement Officer for the RBL, said of Doug: "He was a bubbly and infectious character, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy.

"All our thoughts are with Doug’s family and friends."