Albert Keir 26/06/1925 – 05/10/2025

Albert Keir, a veteran who helped to liberate Europe from the Nazi occupation, has died at the age of 100.

Albert Keir was part of the D-Day naval crew which assisted American troops landing on Omaha Beach in France on 6 June 1944.

Albert was awarded the Freedom of Derbyshire on 12 February 2025 in recognition of his service and achievements.

Albert had been working as a painter and decorator after leaving school at the age of 14, and was a member of the Local Defence Volunteers in Aberfeldy.

In 1943 he joined the Navy, where as a seaman he carried out general ship and gunnery duties on the Flower class corvette HMS Potentilla.

He was discharged in 1945, slightly before the war ended, as part of a "category B" discharge, offered to those in the construction trade who could repair and build houses ready for the massive amount of people coming home.

Albert was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour (Legion d'honneur) by the French government in 2015, the highest French order of merit for military and civilian personnel.

Before receiving the Freedom of Derbyshire, Albert returned to Normandy in June last year with other veterans to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

While there he met King Charles III and Queen Camilla, President Macron and the First Lady, among other dignitaries.

On 26th June this year, Albert celebrated his 100th birthday, and received 156 cards, including one from His Majesty the King.