More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
People in Sevenoaks have been paying tribute to veteran Harry Garrett, who has died aged 101.
Mr Garrett was rescued during the Dunkirk evacuation and went on to fight with the Desert Rats in North Africa, and was well known and widely loved in the town.
Mr Garrett and his brother were among the lucky British soldiers who managed to retreat home thanks to the Dunkirk evacuation, the pair able to board HMS Wolsey, one of the last ships to leave.
The evacuation was then immortalised in the 2017 Christopher Nolan film 'Dunkirk', and Mr Garrett was among a small number of remaining Dunkirk survivors invited to Kensington Place to meet Prince Harry and relate his experiences.
While serving as a soldier, he was rendered unconsciousness by mortar fire several times but avoided serious injury, unlike many around him.
This led to his Army colleagues nicknaming him 'Lucky Harry'.
Mr Garrett was a regular face around Sevenoaks, where he lived for many years.
He also helped raise more than £60,000 for the Poppy Appeal, and kept a watchful eye on the Pontoise Close play area for Sevenoaks Town Council.
He would regularly report any faults or concerns, earning him another nickname, 'The Sheriff of Pontoise'.
On the day of his 100th birthday, Sevenoaks Town Council planted a tree in his honour in the Pontoise Close Play Area, a park a short distance from his home in Riverhead.
"The memory of their contribution in our darkest hour will shine on forever. Thank you..."- Cllr Nicholas Busvine
Following the announcement of his death, the Sevenoaks Town Clerk Linda Larter tweeted out a tribute.
She said: "So sad to learn of the death of Harry Garrett, he meant so much to this community, not only as a Veteran, his work for the Royal British Legion, a volunteer for many years with the Town Council.
"He will be very much missed in the community and by everyone at STC."
Her sentiments were echoed by Sevenoaks Mayor, Cllr Nicholas Busvine, who said: "First Pat Moore, now Harry.
"Our living link with a great generation is gently fading away.
"The memory of their contribution in our darkest hour will shine on forever. Thank you."
Social media has been filled with tributes from people who wanted to pay their respects.
One message to Mr Garrett reading: "Your family are so proud of you, as are we".
Several tributes described Mr Garrett as a true gentleman and a lovely man.
