A World War Two veteran who won a medal for his bravery in shooting down a war plane has died aged 98.
Able Seaman Alexander Scaife was born in Kirkdale, Liverpool, in March 1924. In 1942 he joined The Royal Navy and was stationed on board LCG (Landing Craft Gun) 14 in the Mediterranean during WWII.
He won a Distinguished Service Medal for his bravery and resourcefulness at sea during the early days of Operation Shingle . The hero saved countless lives by shooting down a war plane attacking a hospital ship on January 22, 1944.
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Alexander’s grandson Paul Thompson-Lloyd paid tribute to his grandfather. He said: “We knew him as a humble man and a family man.
“One of the qualities we always admired most was the youth he had about him. He could bring out the youth in someone in any situation.
“People were always taken aback at his actual age because he was younger than his years. He certainly impressed me and helped mould who I am.”
Alexander later won a second Distinguished Service Medal for jumping into the sea fully clothed to rescue a shipmate who had gone overboard.
Paul said his grandfather was also a loyal Liverpool fan, regularly attending matches at Anfield until he was 94 years old, when he continued to support the club at home.
He died peacefully on April 8, leaving behind a daughter, two grandsons, and two great grandchildren.
