Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Family mourn war hero, 98
The family of beloved Greengairs war hero William Hannah have paid tribute to his “remarkable courage and zest for life”.
William sadly passed away on December 12 following a short illness at the age of 98.
His death comes just four months after the brave veteran was recognised for the dedicated service he gave to his country by being awarded the prestigious National Order of the Legion of Honour medal, the highest French order for military and civil merits.
William was the oldest surviving soldier in his home village and proudly attended the Remembrance Sunday service at Airdrie Cenotaph every year after being encouraged to do so by his son William back in 2012, although ill-health led to him missing this year’s event.
His National Order medal was one of five well-deserved plaudits presented to William since his departure from the army; the 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal and the 1930-45 War Medal.
The brave Hillrigg man served in World War II with the 49th Infantry Division, who became known as the Polar Bears because of their service in Iceland.
He was initially called up for six months but ended up serving in the military for a total of six years.
William’s post-army career saw him work in engineering and he was also a founding member of Greengairs Bowling Club back in the seventies.
He lived in Greengairs for 66 years with his cherished love, wife Agnes, 88.
William was a proud father of sons William junior and Brian and loved nothing more than a visit from grandchildren Brian, Lynne and Iain and great-grandchildren Reece, Ethan, Amber, Katie and Noah.
William junior told the Advertiser: “We are all so proud of dad and everything that he accomplished in his life.
“He was a wonderful man with remarkable courage and a zest for life and he will be sadly missed.
“He was very well-known in Greengairs and touched a lot of lives; the house is full of flowers, cards and tributes from kind-hearted people.
“His time in the army was very important to him and he was over the moon when he was awarded the Legion of Honour medal earlier this year.
“It took pride of place alongside his other four medals and they were all a fitting tribute to his bravery and the bond he developed with his fellow soldiers.”
William’s funeral took place yesterday afternoon at McLaren’s in Airdrie and Holytown Crematorium, with hundreds expected to turn out and pay their respects to the extraordinary great-grandfather.