Scotland's Last D-Day Veteran Albert Lamond Dies at Age 100
One of Scotland's final surviving D-Day veterans, Albert Lamond, who played a crucial role in the Allied landings as part of the Royal Navy, has passed away at the remarkable age of 100. His family has expressed immense pride in the centenarian, who consistently maintained he was not a hero but simply fulfilling his duty.
Service During World War II
Albert Lamond was just 18 years old when he participated in the historic Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Serving as a signalman aboard the frigate HMS Rowley, he had joined the Royal Navy only a year prior in 1943. His vessel was part of the 3rd Escort Group, deployed to rendezvous with the battleship HMS Warspite as it travelled to Normandy to shell German positions.
The frigate's mission was to act as a first line of defence by circling HMS Warspite, with sailors fully expecting to sacrifice their lives. Remarkably, Lamond survived this perilous duty. Following D-Day, he continued his service in the Pacific theatre leading up to VJ Day on August 15, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to Allied forces.
Post-War Reflections and Legacy
On the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings in June 2024, Lamond emphasised the vital importance of passing on wartime stories to future generations. He described the experience as "horrible" and something that "lives with you forever," warning that without sharing these accounts, people would forget the reality and cost of conflict.
After the war, Lamond had a career on the railways before residing at McKellar House within Erskine Veterans Village in Renfrewshire. Born in Glasgow's East End, he remained committed to ensuring the lessons of war were not lost to history.
Tributes from Family and Community
Martin Lamond, Albert's nephew, shared heartfelt words about his uncle's passing. "We're all deeply saddened by Albert's passing. He was a joy to be around and an example to everyone right up to the last. He'll be so greatly missed," he stated. "Albert never thought of himself as a hero. He believed he was just doing his duty, and he carried the memory of those who didn't make it with him throughout his life."
Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive at Erskine, paid tribute to Lamond's character and contributions. "Albert represented the very best of his generation. He spoke honestly about his service, not to glorify war, but to make sure people understood its cost. Through his time at Erskine, he was committed to passing on those lessons," Cumming remarked. "We won't forget the ever-present twinkle in Albert's eye, or his cheeky patter. We were truly privileged to care for and support him in later life."
Albert Lamond will be laid to rest on Tuesday at Dalnottar Cemetery in Clydebank, where family, friends, and members of the veterans' community will gather to celebrate his extraordinary life and service.
