Victor Alfred Lessons (No.4 Army Commandos) died on 5th December 2015, peacefully, in Lister House (Royal British Legion), Ripon, North Yorkshire, where he had lived for nearly 5 years.

Born in 1924 in London, he joined the Coldstream Guards just before his 18th birthday, transferring to the Commandos in 1943 and training in Heavy Weapons. He saw active service on D-Day, under Lord Lovat's command, and, later in 1944, in the landings on Walcheren in Holland. He came through these two fierce assaults with a scratched hand. In No.4 Commando, 'B' troop, he fought alongside his dearly-loved brother, George (died 1980).

His 5 years in the forces were, he would say, the most exciting and significant in his life, loving, as he did, the purposeful and disciplined life. He spoke with pride of his time as a member of Montgomery's bodyguard in Normandy (and with much amusement at his role guarding the officers' WC on the landing craft on D-Day, to prevent use by other ranks). Being billeted with farmers in Holland, Victor made good friends amongst the locals, a close and affectionate link with one particular family continuing throughout his life.

In civilian life he worked for shipping companies in the City of London, living in Essex, Kent and North London before retiring to Corbridge, Northumberland (where the open space and straight roads allowed him full enjoyment of his beloved Jaguar cars). He was married twice, with two sons. The most important annual event in his life, especially in later years, was the trip to Fort William to mark Remembrance Sunday.