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Vicky McClure shares heartbreaking family loss in moving tribute as she reveals her gratitude at having ‘so many special memories’

BBG News

As a dedicated follower and admirer of Vicky McClure‘s work, I find myself deeply moved by her recent loss. Her grandfather Ralph, a D-Day veteran who narrowly escaped death during the Normandy invasion, was not only a hero but also a cherished family member.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’m deeply saddened to share that, following his peaceful passing at the age of 99 on Monday morning, my beloved grandfather, Ralph, has left us. It’s a poignant moment as I reflect upon his remarkable life and the profound impact he had on mine.

The actress posted a picture of her WWII veteran grandpa on Instagram, expressing gratitude to her followers for the numerous cherished moments she had with him.

‘This morning, my Grandad Ralph sadly passed away. Despite his age, he remained youthful due to his passion for football, gardening, and spending time with his loved ones.’

I’m incredibly thankful for the numerous cherished moments we shared together. Adored by everyone, he was also a loving grandfather to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

‘Sleep well Grandad, back with Nana Jean now, giggling and dancing in the stars.’ 

Many sympathetic messages poured in for Vicky from her followers and entertainment friends such as Davina McCall, Alan Carr, and Gaby Roslin following her touching tribute.

Previously, just before the 80th commemoration of the D-Day beachhead on June, Vicky’s grandpa recounted his close call with mortality when his boat was struck by enemy gunfire during the Allied invasion at Normandy.

At seventeen years old, Ralph enlisted in the Royal Navy and found himself serving as a signaller aboard a landing craft tank during a significant historical event.

Mr McClure led his ship to shore, bringing armored vehicles along with him. On the shores, he recounted instances where he had to leap off and seek cover as gunfire erupted from snipers.

‘To me it was a job that was to be done  and you did it to your best ability,’ he told the BBC.

He continued: ‘I was going down and I could hear ‘Ping! Ping! Ping!’ and I thought ‘that must be snipers.’ 

In the houses, there were German sharpshooters. When I found myself under fire, I quickly dove into the spots where the tanks previously stood, to avoid their line of sight.

‘These are the bits of the landing you don’t forget.’

Vicki, famed for portraying the dynamic character Kate Fleming in Line Of Duty, expressed heartfelt admiration for her grandfather and emphasized the significance of commemorating that particular day.

She emphasized that we should always remember our history and ensure that our children are aware of it, she added.

It’s crucial for individuals similar to my grandfather to be capable of remembering such events, and I’m confident that numerous veterans may have found it challenging or unappealing to do so.

‘So any kind of information we can have that comes in about that history is important.’ 

She added that he had only started talking about his experiences in the war recently. 

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2024-12-02 18:35

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