'His own son didn't even know he had fought in it until about 20 years ago and he never spoke about his medals.'
Landing by sea on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944, Andrew Charles fought his way through occupied enemy territory with the Royal Ulster Rifles.
He was also awarded the Military Medal for helping to take out heavy German artillery which was pinning back his platoon, B Company. He was presented with the Military Medal in the Netherlands in August 1944 by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery.Despite having such dramatic stories to tell, Mr Charles' great nephew Dr Andrew Charles said he was a "humble individual"."His own son didn't even know he had fought in it until about 20 years ago and he never spoke about his medals.
While in the Home Guard, he was able to develop his rifle skills, which were to set him up for the role he played in the Army.