In memory of Ben Platts

A WW2 veteran who was awarded the Legion d’honneur medal for his part in the D-Day landings has died. He was 94.

Ben Platts served in the Navy aboard HMS Ramillies during the three-day invasion which began on June 6 1944.

After being honoured in March 2018, Ben said: "I’m happy I’ve done my bit but not as proud as I think my dad would have been - the son of a miner done good.”

When talking about the Normandy Invasion Ben added: "I never realised at the time I was part of something important. I was just doing my job and doing my duty.”

Ben worked aboard the ship and his job entailed passing the cordite and ammunition to the gunners when the action stations were sounded. 

He said: “In the Navy you always obey your last order and during D-Day that was to keep firing at the coastline armoury to back up our boys as they arrived inland.”

After his death Ben's daughters Elizabeth Pritchard and Helen Rawson described him as 'impulsive, impatient and impetuous but a rock for family and friends who needed help, living life to the full - he was strong in both strength and character and was well-respected, back in the day Ben loved a few pints.'

Who was Ben Platts? 

Born on January 14 1925 in Consiborough, South Yorks he left school aged 14 and started work with his father at Yorkshire Main Colliery.

Ben joined the Navy after seeing a colleague cut in half during a coalmine accident. He would go on to survive two cave-ins in later life after returning to mining.

The father-of-two - who owned and ran Ben’s Chippy on Fairfield Road for 20 years - sailed all over the world while on HMS Ramillies. After the war Ben worked in Manchester as a baker - which was where he met future wife Nancy.

Daughter Helen told how during a 'well-attended' funeral Buxton Sea Cadets formed a line and 'piped him aboard' as part of a 'very moving tribute'.

During the service a bell was rung eight times signalling the end of a sailor's watch. 

She added: "What greater parade could there have been to honour a man of such humble beginnings?"