DUNKIRK veteran Arthur Johns died this month at the age of 93.

The Marsh Baldon resident, whose middle name was William and was known as Bill, joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment just before the outbreak of the Second World War. He was sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force in January 1940.

His unit was sent to Belgium once the Germans invaded but was overwhelmed and pushed back to Dunkirk.

Mr Johns received a serious head wound from a German mortar and was taken on a hospital train to Bath. On leaving hospital he was sent to join the Seaforth Highlanders and saw action in North Africa and the Middle East.

His son Alan said: “His proudest moment was marching into Rome on liberation day with the massed bands of the Scottish Regiments. He said he felt seven feet tall.”

Mr Johns was born in East Hanney and lived in the village, attending the local school and working for the vicar as a gardener and chauffeur.

After the war he moved to Marsh Baldon where he lived for more than 60 years. He married his wife Hazel in St Peter’s Church, Marsh Baldon, in 1943 and worked at Morris Motors until he retired.

He captained the village football team, was a keen gardener and was treasurer of the local branch of the Dunkirk Veterans’ Association.

He is survived by his wife, his son Alan, his daughter Madge, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

His funeral took place on January 18 at St Peter’s Church.