Tributes paid to Littlehampton war veteran and poppy appeal collector: 'he was a hero'

Tributes have been paid to a Littlehampton war veteran following his death.
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Denis Hosgood, from The Winter Knoll, Littlehampton, passed away on Monday, June 29.

The 94-year-old, who fought in the Second World War, was a familiar sight outside Lidl in New Road and Tesco Express in Finisterre Way, raising money for the Poppy Appeal.

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His granddaughter Ellie Hosgood, from Pulborough, led the tributes. She said: "He was just a real gentleman and devoted family man."

Denis Hosgood was a familiar face at Lidl and Tesco Express in LittlehamptonDenis Hosgood was a familiar face at Lidl and Tesco Express in Littlehampton
Denis Hosgood was a familiar face at Lidl and Tesco Express in Littlehampton

Born in Battersea three quarters of an hour before his twin sister, Denis left school at 14 and began working in a factory, making submarine detectors for the Royal Navy.

A visit to Southampton to see service life convinced him to enroll in the Home Guard and he joined the army in June 1943, shortly after his 17th birthday.

Denis fought during the invasion of Normandy, landing at the start of August, 1944, as part of reinforcements and fought in France, Holland and Belgium.

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At the Battle of Le Havre, he suffered a severe head wound and had shrapnel lodged in his jaw. German POWs found help for him and their swift action probably helped to save his life.

Denis joined the army aged 16 and fought in the Second World WarDenis joined the army aged 16 and fought in the Second World War
Denis joined the army aged 16 and fought in the Second World War

Denis was sent back to Cardiff for hospital treatment and during the flight home, the nurse propped him up so he could see the white cliffs of Dover and know for sure that he was back in ‘Blighty’.

Once recovered, Denis served in India and Japan, visiting Hiro and seeing the impact of the Allied bombing on Hiroshima.

According to his family, he also survived sepsis secondary to skin infections from tropical climates during his service.

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In 1949, Denis married his wife Pauline and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last year.

Denis wrote a book about his war experiencesDenis wrote a book about his war experiences
Denis wrote a book about his war experiences

He and Pauline took an active role in the Project 71 veterans charity, attending each trip they hosted to war sites for the last five years.

The charity paid tribute to Denis on their Facebook page.

The post said: "He was a hero to many and loved by everyone who met him. We at P71 will cherish the time we had with him."

The great-grandfather is survived by his family and Pauline, his wife of seven decadesThe great-grandfather is survived by his family and Pauline, his wife of seven decades
The great-grandfather is survived by his family and Pauline, his wife of seven decades
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A fundraising page was set up by his family to get him a knee replacement as his mobility had deteriorated in the lockdown, and NHS waiting times were too long.

Sadly, the great-grandfather suffered a fall at home on Friday, June 26 after being discharged from hospital due to his mobility improving, and did not recover.

Ellie said: "We are absolutely devastated as a family. Losing him in this utterly tragic way, given he made such a remarkable improvement, is unbearable."

The £2,200 raised so far will be donated to the Project 71 veteran's charity.

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Penny Keen, who runs the Littlehampton branch of the Support Our Soldiers charity, was a good friend of Denis, having met him at what became the Littlehampton Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club.

She said: "He was an amazing, amazing man. You couldn't wish for a better friend to have in the whole world.

"He was just loved by everyone who met him."

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