By George Palmer-Soady
Ralph McClure, one of Nottingham’s last surviving D-Day veterans, and grandfather of actor Vicky McClure, has died aged 99.
His passing was announced by granddaughter Vicky on Monday morning (December 2).
Ralph served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and recently spoke of his experiences on the ITV show ‘Vicky McClure: My Grandad’s War,’ which aired last June.
In the documentary, the pair spent time at Ralph’s Nottingham home and discussed his part in the D-Day invasion, where US, British and Canadian troops landed in occupied Europe.
Vicky, 41, grew up in Wollaton and went to Fernwood Comprehensive School. In a statement posted to social media this morning, she said: “My grandad Ralph peacefully passed away this morning (Monday, November 2).
“His love for football, gardening and his family kept him young all these years. I feel so grateful having so many special memories with him.
“A much-loved hero by all and a loving Grandad to all his grandkids and great grandkids.
“Sleep well Grandad, back with Nana Jean now, giggling and dancing in the stars.”
BAFTA-winning Vicky is best-known for her roles as Kate Fleming in police thriller Line of Duty, and as Lol in the This is England film series.
In 2019, she founded Our Dementia Choir, in memory of her grandmother who had the condition.
The choir performs across the country and has twice appeared at Splendour Festival at Wollaton Park.
Vicky’s husband, director Jonny Owen, also paid tribute to Ralph in a statement posted to Instagram today.
“Stormed the beaches of Normandy as a teenager on one of the great days in human history,” he said.
“Then back to your hometown of Notts to watch your beloved County. Raised an incredible family.
“I was lucky to have met you and got to know you as we all went back to France together. Back with your Jeannie now.”
