A 99-year-old war hero who was on a secret unit formed by Sir Winston Churchill has died of coronavirus.
Charles Wright, who lived in a care home in Ipswich, Suffolk, was selected to go behind enemy lines during World War II to protect Britain and its allies.
Mr Wright died of Covid-19 amid increasing concerns about the number of deaths in care homes, which are feared to be as high as 7,500.
Known as Sonny to his family and friends, he was the “ultimate modern father” and was still doing handyman work in his 90s, his grief-stricken son Clive said.
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He said his father died at Willows Care Home on Friday morning.
Clive Wright told the Ipswich Star that his dad would “do anything for anyone” and was “still hanging doors in his 90s”.
He added: “There is no sorrow, he had a long healthy life and to live such a full-one is amazing.
“He lost lots of friends in the war, so for him to be that lucky and to survive is incredible.
“It has been hard not being able to go and see my dad at the care home due to the restrictions, but I know he was not alone as the carers and staff there are incredible. I just hope he didn’t think we had abandoned him."
Mr Wright, who began his military career when he was 15, was awarded a medal and diploma from Norway's government at a special ceremony three years ago for his service during the war.
He took part in special operations to help the Norwegians.
He fought the Germans and Italians during the Siege of Malta and in 1943 was captured as a prisoner of war on the Greek island of Leros.
After 18 months in captivity, he was released and returned home to Ipswich.
In 1946, he married his wife Ruby and the couple went on to have three children, 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
He co-owned a building company before retiring at 65.
His wife, who had Alzheimer's disease, died four years ago and he became a resident of the care home last year.
More than 15,000 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus.
