Tributes paid as 'true gentleman' WWII prisoner of war dies, aged 102

Tributes are being paid to a Second World War veteran and former prisoner of war (POW) who has died, aged 102.

Sapper Norman Lewis, from Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, was captured and held by the Germans in June 1940 while serving with the Royal Engineers in Dunkirk.

He was held as a POW in Poland for five years until he embarked on an epic 10,000-mile escape.

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In August 2021, Mr Lewis dedicated his 102nd birthday celebrations to charity as he aimed to raise £10,000 – reflecting his 10,000-mile escape from Poland.

Mr Lewis was also among those given a special preview of a restored Spitfire when it went back on show at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in September 2021 on Battle of Britain Day.

Speaking at the time about the chance to see the Spitfire, he said: "As soon as they said 'do you want to go and see the spitfire?', I jumped at it.

"I can't walk but I got here somehow."

A Facebook post from the Tri-Services & Veteran Support Centre said: "We said goodbye to one of our favourite friends and supporters.

"So it is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we have to inform you of the passing of 102-year-old Sapper Norman Lewis.

"He passed peacefully at home with his family around him. Norman was a great friend to us all and he will be sadly missed.

"We will post the funeral details as soon as we know them. Rest in peace Norman," it added.

The Stoke-on-Trent community group Veterans Connect, which supports the city's veterans and homeless population, called him "a true gentleman" who would be "sorely missed".

The group's post said: "He was a true gentleman, Normandy veteran, WWII POW, and had one of the greatest stories about his time during the war.

"Stand down Sir."