Guard of honour as Hartlepool's most decorated war hero is laid to rest

Charles Humphrey, who was President of the Hartlepool branch of the Royal British Legion right up to his passing, was given a guard of honour as fellow former servicemen turned out to salute him at his funeral on Wednesday, May 13. | JPIMedia

Hartlepool’s most decorated veteran who was awarded France’s highest merit for his actions during the Second World War has been laid to rest.

Charles Humphrey, who was President of the Hartlepool branch of the Royal British Legion right up to his passing, was given a guard of honour as fellow former servicemen turned out to salute him at his funeral on Wednesday, May 13.

He died peacefully at home aged 93 on April 25 after a brave fight against cancer.

In 2016, Charles, who served in the Royal Navy in the war, received the Legion of Honour – France’s highest military and civic merit – for his role in the Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944.

Hartlepool war hero Charles Humphrey, photographed at Hartlepool War Memorial. | JPIMedia Resell

His proud daughter Lynne Moses said: “He was such a hero to us all. He was the most decorated veteran in Hartlepool.”

Charles joined the Royal Navy just before Christmas in 1943 aged just 17, and was a gunner on hunt craft destroyer HMS Atherstone.

The following year, he and the crew rescued a number of survivors, including the captain, from the destroyer HMS Aldenham after she was sunk in the Adriatic Sea.

During the invasion of France, Charles and HMS Atherstone escorted the Allied convoy and bombarded the shore.

Standard bearers with their standards at the funeral service for Charles Humphrey. By FRANK REID | JPIMedia Resell

French Ambassador Sylvie Bermann said in Charles’s Legion of Honour citation said: “We owe our freedom and security to your dedication because you were ready to risk your life.”

And in 1999, he received a Greek commemorative medal for his part in the country’s liberation and that of Yugoslavia.

After the war, Charles joined the Territorial Army as a sergeant where he met his future wife Pearl Stainsby, a corporal.

“It was love at first sight and they were together for 58 years,” said Lynne.

Hartlepool war hero Charles Humphrey, photographed in 1944, and a picture of the ship HMS Atherstone, on which he served. | User (UGC)

They had five daughters; Jeanie, Carole, Paula, Olwyn and Lynne. Charles also had more than 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He worked as a driver and forklift driver, and remained a proud veteran, leading the Royal Navy veterans’ parade on Remembrance Sunday and taking part in Armed Forces Day.

Charles was cared for right until the end at home at Owton Manor by his family.

Charles Humphrey's coffin is carried into Stranton Grange Crematorium Chapel. Photo FRANK REID | JPIMedia Resell

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