A veteran of the D-Day and Dunkirk campaigns has passed away at the age of 98.

Frederick Broom BEM died peacefully in his sleep at Crawford’s Walk Nursing Home in Chester in the early hours of October 25.

Fred saw active service with The Royal Engineers during the Second World War, which he was encouraged by his family to document in a book.

In A Clean Sweep, he discussed his exploits and friendships during that period, and gave his own perspective of factual aspects of the war.

He joined the Territorial Army Royal Engineers in March 1939 and was on his way to France by early April.

Fred and his wife Rene celebrating their golden wedding anniversary with family in August 1992
Fred and his wife Rene celebrating their golden wedding anniversary with family in August 1992

He was part of the British Expeditionary Force, which left France in 1940, and returned four years later to take part in the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944.

He returned to France four times to attend remembrance services and, as national standard bearer for the Dunkirk Veterans’ Association, Fred saluted the Queen during the 40th anniversary parade in Aldershot in 1990.

Fred, who was born in Brighton, moved to Chester with his late wife Irene in 1996 to be closer to their daughter Carol.

Fred with his late wife Irene
Fred with his late wife Irene

In a foreword to the book, son John and Carol wrote: “So, just in case we haven’t said it enough dad, we all love you and are proud of you for who you are, what you accomplished and what you helped make us, your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

Fred leaves two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at Chester Crematorium on Tuesday (November 10) at 2.40pm.

Family flowers only, with donations in Mr Broom’s memory to Blind Veterans UK.

Did you know Fred? You can leave your tributes in the comments below or email cheshire.news@trinitymirror.com