Second World War veteran dies at 101

A 101-year-old war veteran and one of Wolverhampton's oldest residents has died.

James Hardware lived at Nelson Mandela House Residential Home in Pendeford. Staff there today said he will be sadly missed.

Mr Hardware served his country as a gunner in the Royal Artillery between 1942 and 1946, seeing action in France and Germany.

Mr Hardware was born in Tettenhall on November 25, 1910.

He attended Tettenhall C of E School and either side of the war he enjoyed a number of careers including jobs as a driver, warehouseman, factory worker at a battery maker and also produced silk materials at Courtaulds in Wolverhampton.

He celebrated his landmark 100th birthday in November 2010 with a surprise visit from members of his old regiment. Representatives from the Royal Artillery, along with guests including family and friends, joined him to mark his centenary and presented him with a Royal Artillery beret and replica medals.

Kathleen Kane, assistant manager at Nelson Mandela House, said: "James was dearly loved by his fellow residents and the staff. We were extremely fond of him and he was a pleasure to work for. He remained active until the end, enjoying reading and writing, and had a passion for classic cars.

"He was a very independent despite his age, and liked to make sure he was always smartly dressed and well groomed and was very organised and meticulous, probably something he picked up in his Army days when he served his country with distinction."

"He brought a smile to everyone's face and will be very much missed."

His funeral is being held on May 10 at St Michael's Church in Tettenhall.