A HAMPSHIRE man who took part in the Atlantic Convoys and the D-Day landings has died aged 90.

Vernon House was born in Bugle Street, Southampton on December 8, 1926 and and was educated at Swaythling School.

He joined the merchant Navy at just 15 and served in two Atlantic Convoys bringing vital supplies from the USA to Britain.

Aged just 17 Vernon was aboard two different vessels during the Normandy invasion, transporting fuel and American troops to the beaches.

He also served aboard a ship that brought German prisoners of war away from the Channel Islands and delivered extra rations to the hungry islanders.

Wendy House, Vernon’s daughter-in-law, said: “He was a lovely man, a brave soul and a real family man. All the children in the family flocked to him.

“He was a proud man who always got people laughing and I know he was a popular member of the Normandy Veterans Association too."

Following the war, Vernon spent time as a cook on the liner Queen Elizabeth criss crossing the Atlantic.

Vernon left the sea when he married his wife Dorothy, whom he had know since childhood, in 1949.

At the time of the marriage, Dorothy was working at Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft in Eastleigh.

The couple moved to St Albans the following year, but six years later, returned to Laburnum Road in Southampton.

Vernon then spent the rest of his working life at Ford and then the docks until his retirement at 60.

The couple had two children.

Shortly after Dorothy's death in 1995, at the age of 67, Vernon became a member of the Normandy Veterans Association (NVA).

Bill Edwards, treasurer of the Southampton NVA, said: “He was such a lovely chap and was a member for about 20 years here. He was an active member too, participating in projects and parades.”

Bill said: “He was so friendly and we’d often meet in Lordshill, which then became our base.”

Vernon was awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in September 2015, the highest French military medal,for his services to the liberation of France.

Vernon moved to Oakwood Rest Home in Bitterne last year.

He leaves one son and four grandchildren.