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Funeral for D-Day landing veteran

THE funeral of one of the last D-Day veterans will take place in Co Down today. John Leishman, who served in the 51st Highland Division during World War Two, died in hospital on Wednesday aged 92.

Mr Leishman was last night described as "a true hero and gentleman".

Just three years ago he met Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Belfast and reminded her of the time she changed the spark plugs on his car when she worked in the auxiliary territorial service during the war.

Born in Falkirk, Scotland, in 1920, he joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on September 3 1939, the day that war was declared. During his military career, he was stationed at Lisburn, Waringstown, Donacloney and Moira where he met local woman Florence Lennon during a church service at St John's Parish in the village.

They were married in 1941 and after he was released from the army they settled in Moira.

Mr Leishman moved to Dundonald in east Belfast following his wife's death in 2008.

He often shared stories of his military career, including his escape in a small fishing boat from Dunkirk in June 1940, the Battle of El Alamein where in October 1942 he fought with Montgomery and the 8th Army 'desert rats' against Rommell in the deserts of North Africa.

He also spoke about the his experiences in Italy and the D-Day Landings at Sword Beach, Normandy in June 1944.

First minister Peter Robinson last night described him as "a true hero and gentleman".

His funeral will be held today at St Mary's Parish Church, Craigleith Drive, Dundonald at 11a.m. followed by burial in Moira Parish churchyard.

He is survived by his children Yvette and John and family circle.