HE EXPERIENCED some of the Second World War’s most important moments, and never forgot what he lived through, our report says today.

Ernie Spacagna was Southampton’s oldest surviving D-Day veteran, one of Monty’s “Desert Rats” and helped to liberate prisoners from the horror of Nazi concentration camps.

His death at 99 marks the end of a remarkable life, one of a true hero. In an age now when that term is used far too often in praise of those who do little more than kick a football, the bravery of Ernie is perhaps hard to understand. A glance at his proud war record tells its own story. Yet Ernie would no doubt have insisted he was just one of a generation of brave men and women who put personal safety second to the call to action.

He saw many of his comrades fall and some face terrible injury. That he never forgot those who served with him was borne out by his presence at the annual Remembrance Day services in Southampton. In many ways he became the face, the symbol of the city’s Remembrance services, his tribute to those who in his generation gave their all that we could be free.

They may now be passing into history, but Ernie and all those who served with him will never be forgotten.

Goodnight Ernie, and thank you.