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Helena WilkinsonNews correspondent
PA
The Prince of Wales was among royalty Ron Gumbley met during events marking the contribution of veterans in World War Two.
One of the last surviving veterans who served in the Far East during World War Two has died at the age of 101.
Ron Gumbley, from Birmingham, was 18 when he joined the war, serving with the RAF.
Confirming that he died on Tuesday, his daughter Kay shared a statement with the BBC on behalf of the family, who described him as a hero.
"We are deeply saddened at the loss of our amazing dad, who passed peacefully," it read. "A proud veteran, who lived life to the full, he will always be our hero, greatly missed and forever in our hearts."
He was one of 33 veterans invited as guests of honour to a national service in Staffordshire in August that marked 80 years since the surrender of Japan (VJ Day) and the end of World War Two.
The service of remembrance, hosted by the Royal British Legion at the National Memorial Arboretum and attended by the King and Queen and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, heard personal testimonies from veterans.
During the event, Gumbley read an excerpt of Laurence Binyon's poem For The Fallen and later met the King at a reception for VJ veterans and their families.
In November, he attended a reception at Windsor Castle to mark VJ Day with the King and Queen and the Prince of Wales.
Reuters
Gumbley, from Birmingham, was 18 when he joined the war, serving with the RAF in the Far East
The BBC spoke to Gumbley at his home in August and it was the first time he had publicly shared his story.
He said his main job was to get letters to troops and their letters back home and he recalled the difficulties landing in some parts of the jungle, and helping prisoners of war released after Japan surrendered.
One of his special memories, he said, was seeing Vera Lynn, the wartime singer who travelled the world to entertain troops and boost morale.
During the BBC interview, Gumbley also shared his first love letter home to his "sweetheart" Peggy who later became his wife.
"To the only girl I love, I will always remember you, my darling," he wrote.
"I am waiting for the day when I can come back to you and make you very happy. From your ever loving sweetheart, Ron xxxx".
