12/12/2024
Norwich, GB 8 C
Researching and reporting on the lives of some really interesting people (RIP)

JOSS NAYLOR, aged 88

Injury prone young farmer who took up fell running to recover and became the greatest ever in his sport, setting many records and achieving incredible feats.

NICOLA TRAHAN, aged 97

A French schoolgirl who joined the SOE and was regularly parachuted into France, assisting the Resistance in fighting the Nazis. She received the Croix de Guerre.

GEORGE ‘JOHNNY’ JOHNSON, aged 101

A bomb aimer during the war, he was assigned to the 617 Squadron – the Dambusters. He flew on their famous mission and was the last survivor of the group.

PIPPA LATOUR, aged 102

The longest surviving female SOE agent working in occupied France, she paved the way for D-Day, but was never acknowledged by her male colleagues.

BOB LE SUEUR, aged 102

An insurance salesman who was active in the resistance in Jersey in the Channel Islands during the war, rescuing Russian slave labourers from the occupiers.

VERA SELBY, aged 93

A lecturer in art and textiles she became world snooker champion, overcoming immense prejudice. She was also a witness in a snooker murder.

JAMES BUTLER, aged 90

A noted sculptor he worked with the Queen, for the Royal Mint, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Wolverhampton Wanderers and for the military – his statues are to be found in diverse places.

PADDY HOPKIRK, aged 89

A brilliant rally driver from Northern Ireland, he was excommunicated from the Catholic church before winning the Monte Carlo Rally and appearing on the London stage. He bravely saved the life of a rival and won the MBE.

Roy Hackett, aged 93

Part of the Windrush generation coming to the UK from the Caribbean, he organised the Bristol Bus Boycott , which led to the first race relations legislation.

TESSA GAISMAN, aged 67

Always at Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s side, she was her Diary Secretary and was present for all the significant events in her premiership. Tessa also made a significant contribution to the world of music.