A SOMBER yet proud atmosphere enveloped the streets of Pembroke Dock as around a hundred armed forces personnel and community members lined up to pay their final respects to a true hero, Ted Owens.

The decorated D-Day veteran, who fought courageously in the Second World War as a Royal Marines commando and marksman, passed away just weeks before his 99th birthday.

Born in 1924 in Pembroke Dock, Ted Owens’ life was a testament to bravery and dedication. He played a pivotal role in the liberation of Normandy in 1944, a contribution that earned him the esteemed Légion D’Honneur, the highest honor in France. On this solemn day, the community came together to honor not only his valor on the battlefield but also his profound impact on the lives of those he encountered.

Ted’s indomitable spirit was evident throughout his wartime journey. Despite sustaining injuries during the D-Day landing on Sword Beach on 6 June, he defied adversity and returned to the battlefield just a few months later, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his comrades and the cause of freedom.

A remarkable aspect of Ted’s story was his resilience in the face of adversity. He survived being injured three times in a span of just five months, twice seriously, and yet continued to play a pivotal role in liberating not only France but also Belgium and the Netherlands. His dedication to service and sacrifice resonated deeply with all who knew his story.

Beyond his wartime heroics, Ted Owens’ legacy extended to the realm of education and remembrance. In the program “Lest We Forget,” he embarked on a poignant journey with two primary school children, imparting invaluable lessons about World War Two as he retraced his steps as a young soldier. His firsthand accounts of the Normandy landing brought history to life, leaving an indelible mark on the young minds he interacted with.

“He may not have been a scholar, but he had a world of knowledge,” said Greg Lewis, Ted’s friend and TV producer, during the funeral ceremony. “It is not just a history book or a war diary that we have lost with Ted’s passing; we have lost a library of memories and wisdom.” These words aptly encapsulated the profound impact Ted had on generations far beyond his own.

As the hearse carrying Ted’s coffin made its way from Garrison Chapel to St. John’s Church, standard bearers led the procession, a poignant reminder of his military service and dedication. The local fire station played its part, with a fire engine leading the way, a symbolic farewell to a man whose courage burned brightly.

In his own words, Ted Owens reflected on his extraordinary life, saying, “I have had a wonderful life, exceptional.” The turnout at his funeral, the heartfelt tributes, and the tears shed by those who had the honor of knowing him underscored just how exceptional his life truly was.

The community of Pembroke Dock, along with veterans and armed forces personnel, united on this solemn day to bid farewell to a true hero, whose legacy of courage, resilience, and wisdom will continue to inspire generations to come. As Ted Owens takes his final journey, his memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him and learn from his remarkable life.