Veteran John dies aged 98

Local World War Two veteran John Summerson has died.

Royal Air Force veteran John passed away on March 12, aged 98, at Stonehaven Care Home, Quadring.

John was born in Donington in 1922 and served in the Royal Air Force during WWII with the Desert Rats in Syria.

He spent many years working as chief cashier with the Water Board in Spalding before taking early retirement.

He spent much of his spare time supporting charities, in particular Soldier, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) where he was a caseworker, assistant secretary, treasurer and fundraiser and was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2007.

Over 25 years ago John became involved with fundraising for the Anglia Motel where the owner, Harold Payne, started the Normandy Veterans Association, which raises money for local service units along with fundraising to take veterans back to Normandy.

He had great pride in attending events that Harold and his team organised, in particular attending the emotive annual commemorations held in Normandy, the most recent being the 75th Anniversary in 2019.

John was widower of Pearl and stepfather to David.

more >

Emergency pot hole repairs to close part of A17 tomorrow

27 Feb 2026

Thief jailed after admitting 11 offences

26 Feb 2026

High cost of pot hole repairs hitting drivers hard in the wallet

25 Feb 2026

Projects serve up experiences

25 Feb 2026

Fundraiser after home found for mother and son facing homelessness

25 Feb 2026

Thieves target town fire station

25 Feb 2026