Tributes have been paid to World War II tank hero and 'true gentleman' Thomas ‘Tom’ Bailey, who has died aged 101.

Tom, who lived in Middlewich and Winsford all his life, fought in North Africa, France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany, during the conflict and beyond, having chosen to remain in Europe after the surrender to help the rebuilding effort. 

The Legion of Honour medal holder was a radio operator in elite tank regiment, the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, and his 'floating tank' was one of the first to hit the beach in Normandy on D-Day in June, 1944.

He was also one of the first soldiers to enter occupied Germany when it was invaded by Allied forces on March 22, 1945, and his regiment’s capture during Operation Market Garden was the subject of the 1977 epic war film A Bridge Too Far.

Tom’s grandson, Alex Bailey, has spoken about his grandfather’s life, and what his death means to the family.

Northwich Guardian: Tom Bailey (centre) with fellow Sherwood Rangers (Alexander Bailey)Tom Bailey (centre) with fellow Sherwood Rangers (Alexander Bailey) (Image: Alexander Bailey)

Alex said: “He was my grandad, my hero, and someone I looked to for advice whenever I was stuck.

“He chose his words carefully, and those he did choose were always filled with warmth.

“His passing leaves a void in all our lives we will not ever seek to fill. We feel like we have lost not just lost our hero, but our best friend. 

Northwich Guardian: Tom Bailey (left) with his tank crew (Alexander Bailey)Tom Bailey (left) with his tank crew (Alexander Bailey) (Image: Alexander Bailey)

“We were so lucky to have him for the time we did.”

Tom Bailey was born in Middlewich in October 1921. He lived much of his adult life in Queen Street, in a house he significantly rebuilt using money he managed to save from his wartime army pay.

After leaving the army, Tom served his time as a plumber, then worked at his trade with the family firm, which was founded by his grandfather in 1842. Tom also worked in Manchester, including at the Palace Hotel, where he cycled to each day with his tools.

Northwich Guardian: Tom (left) with an unknown comrade (Alexander Bailey)Tom (left) with an unknown comrade (Alexander Bailey) (Image: Alexander Bailey)

Tom married his first wife, Nancy, in June, 1952. The couple had one child, Alan, and three grandchildren - Sam, Gemma and Alex. He also had two great grandchildren - Bligh and Jasper.

Tom was widowed in 1979, but later remarried, then moved to Winsford to be nearer to the family of his new wife, June. He retired in 1988.

Tom was keen on horseracing and an avid follower of Manchester City, who he first saw play at Maine Road in 1935. His main passion, though, was his family.

Northwich Guardian: Tom with current members of his regiment, the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, on his 100th birthday (Alexander Bailey)Tom with current members of his regiment, the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, on his 100th birthday (Alexander Bailey) (Image: Alexander Bailey)

Alex added: “I was always taken aback by his humility. Even though his achievements were so huge, whenever we asked about his role in the war, his response was just - ’there was a gang of us’.

"He didn’t want the limelight for his achievements, even though it would have been so very well deserved.

"I also don’t know anyone else who attracted such universal respect and admiration.

Northwich Guardian: Tom on his 100th birthday with son Alan, daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Sam, Gemma, and Alex, and great grandson Bligh (Alexander Bailey)Tom on his 100th birthday with son Alan, daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Sam, Gemma, and Alex, and great grandson Bligh (Alexander Bailey) (Image: Alexander Bailey)

"He was a true gentleman - everyone who met him, even briefly, he made an enormous impact on. I have tried so many times to find the words to do him justice, but I have failed to truly capture the man he was.

"He was simply wonderful."

Tom's funeral will be held at St Michael's and All Angels' Church, Middlewich, on Thursday, February 2.