Dambusters WW2 hero dies of coronavirus aged 96 as family honour ‘true gent’
A SECOND World War hero who flew with the legendary Dambusters squadron has died after contracting coronavirus.
Kenneth Law Sumner, 96, - known as Ken - died at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary on April 2 after he fell ill and tested positive for Covid-19.
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Ken's family paid tribute to the "true gentleman" RAF hero after his death.
Last night, The Queen evoked Britain's wartime spirit as the deadly virus causes nationwide pain, quoting Vera Lynn as she promised "we'll meet again" in a stirring address to the nation.
Ken joined the RAF aged 18 in July 1941 and as part of the No.44 Rhodesia Squadron flew 27 daredevil missions in Lancaster Bombers.
He went on to win a Distinguished Flying Medal after battling through a raid on Germany in April 1944 despite being injured by shrapnel.
WORLD WAR TWO HERO
A announcing news of Ken's medal read: "In April, 1944, he was the bomb aimer in an aircraft detailed to attack Schweinfurt.
"Long before the target was reached the aircraft was hit by antiaircraft fire.
"Flight Sergeant Sumner was hit in the hand and arm by fragments of shrapnel but coolly informed his captain that his injuries were not serious and insisted on fulfilling his duties.
"When the target area was reached he directed the bombing run with skill and successfully attacked the objective.
"Only when the enemy coast had been crossed on the homeward flight would he allow anyone to attend to his injuries.
"His actions throughout were characteristic of the determination and devotion to duty he has shown throughout his tour."
At the age of 21, he joined the 617 Dambuster squadron, which was famed for carrying out one of the most daring air operations of World War Two.
The Dambusters attacked a series of German dams with bouncing bombs in Operation Chastise on May 16, 1943.
Eight of the 19 Lancaster Bombers were shot down, with 53 Allied air crew killed and three taken prisoner.
The mission was immortalised in a 1955 film.
While flying with 617 Squadron, Ken met his future wife Phyllis “Rennie” Reynolds, who he was married to from 1946 until her death in 2015.
They had three children, Warren, Lorelle and Graham.
Great grandfather Ken was father-in-law to ex-Newcastle United owner Freddy Shepherd, who was married to Lorelle.
Ken's grandson Kenneth Shepherd paid tribute to his "flawless" grandfather and said his family "could not have wished for a bigger hero to look up to".
He said: "He was a true gentlemen who never stopped loving his family, his wife of over 60 years Rennie and, of course, his cat Patchy.
"As they say, they don’t make them like them anymore: there was never a truer saying."
He thanked NHS staff at the RVI hospital and Ken's carer Cindi, adding he had thought his grandfather "was going to walk out of hospital with his medals on".
A total of 47,806 across the UK have now tested positive for coronavirus after 5,903 more people were infected.
The number of new daily infections jumped - as 5,903 more people tested positive in the past 24 hours, compared to 3,735 the previous day.
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As the crisis deepens, millions gathered around their TV sets last night to hear Her Majesty deliver a stirring address to the nation in the face of the worsening coronavirus crisis.
The 93-year-old monarch, who is in isolation, directly thanked families for obeying stay-at-home guidance and hailed the incredible life-saving NHS heroes.
The Queen echoed WWII forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn as she promised those coping with forced separation from loved-ones "we willl meet again".
She spoke of her first public broadcast with her sister Margaret as children during the war in 1940.
She urged millions in the UK and around the Commonwealth to remain "united and resolute" and that soon "better days will return".
She said: "I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time.
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"A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all.
"I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all.
"I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times."
It is only the fifth time in national crisis or celebration that the Queen has addressed the nation.
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