Second World War hero dies at age of 95
VETERAN LOST LEFT EYE IN ARNHEM AND WAS TAKEN PRISONER IN 1944
AWAR hero who was one of the last surviving parachutists to have taken part in Operation Market Garden during the Second World War has died at the age of 95.
Freddie Deane, who was originally from Cheshire but lived in Gwynedd, died at the Bryn Blodau care home in Llan Ffestiniog on July 30.
The veteran was a member of the 1st Airborne Division, which was formed in 1941, and took part in the ill-fated operation at Arnhem in the Netherlands as a parachutist.
During the 1944 battle, Mr Deane was wounded and lost his left eye before he was taken as a prisoner of war to a Stalag near the town of Moonsburg in Southern Bavaria.
He was freed by US forces the following year.
Described by friends as “quite the character”, the veteran became an artist and painted portraits of notable figures such as David Cecil and Lord Denning over the years.
In February of this year, having missed the initial ceremony due to illness, he was awarded the Arnhem Veteran Medal at his care home.
The Arnhem 1944 Fellowship, a charity which aims to preserve relationships between veterans of the battle and to share its history, gave their condolences to Mr Deane and his family.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “The Arnhem 1944 Fellowship was saddened to hear of the loss of one of the last two known Arnhem veterans from the 10th Parachute Battalion.
“Freddie will be sadly missed and we extend our sympathies to his family and friends. Rest in peace Freddie.”
Others paid tribute to the veteran on social media.
David King said: “RIP Freddy ‘Dixie’ Deane true hero like so many past and present I will raise a glass of Port this evening and toast your gallant life.”
Samantha Tinley added: “Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.”
Nigel Leaney said: “Thank you Freddie for your service and condolences to your family and friends.”