A SECOND world war veteran who figured in some of the Royal Navy's most hazardous actions - including the sinking of the Bismarck while serving on HMS King George V - has died suddenly.

Mr Hughie Green, who passed away at his home in Loughrigg Avenue, Clinkham Wood, aged 75, is survived by his widow Audrey, children Patricia and Michael, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Born and bred in Sutton Moss, Hughie answered the call of King and Country by volunteering for the Royal Navy on the outbreak of war in 1939, and was trained as a gunner.

He was awarded no fewer than five maritime campaign medals, including the Atlantic Star and its Pacific equivalent, but Able Seaman Green's most abiding nautical memory was probably of the events of May 25, 1941.

For it was on that day the German battleship Bismarck, returning to port in triumph via the North Sea after the sinking of HMS Hood, was intercepted by HMS King George V and Rodney, who promptly dealt her a similar fate.

Formerly employed by UGB and Rockware Glass, Hughie Green retained his links with the Senior Service in peacetime by being a founder member of the Royal Naval Club in Volunteer Street, and was later awarded life membership.

Also a loyal member of the British Legion and the 'Buffs', 6ft tall, barrel-chested and of military bearing, Hughie cut a distinguished figure as the RNA's standard bearer, an honour in which he took great pride and held up to his death.

Paying tribute to his old shipmate, RNA vice-president Sam Hill said: "Hughie was a larger-than-life character with a booming voice, big heart and a keen sense of humour, and I would have loved to have been on watch with him."

Shipmates from the Volunteer Street 'mess deck' will form a guard of honour at Mr Green's funeral, which takes place at St Mark's Church, North Road, today (Thursday, May 7) at 12.15pm.

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