Second Covid vaccine dose for Doncaster World War Two hero who narrowly escaped death twice

Now the 101-year-old World War Two veteran has become one of the latest in Doncaster to have his second dose of the vaccine, and he has told of his gratitude to the team at the vaccine centre for carrying out the job.

Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry veteran Fred fought in the Battle of Normandy following the D Day landings nearly 77 years ago.

On Sunday, he received his second dose of the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine at his local vaccination hub.

His grandson, Philip Knight, said: “Fred would like to thank all NHS staff and volunteers at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, Denaby Main, Doncaster. It’s so important we all get vaccinated as part of the road map out of the pandemic.”

Fred celebrated his 101st birthday last year under lockdown, with a bugler, Kev Fawcett, visiting his Conisbrough home to play a fanfare outside his house.

He also got a card and best wishes from his regimental association, and numerous birthday wishes via social media.

Philip said his grandfather was generally coping well but missed being able to get out occasionally to regimental events and gatherings.

Fred, a retired wages clerk, from Conisbrough, last hit the headlines in 2019, when he celebrating his 100th birthday in style, chauffeured from his home to the party at Conisbrough Cricket Club in a World War Two jeep, and then greeted by five military buglers on arrival.

He was also in the papers when he was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 2019.

When he was celebrating his 100th birthday, he told the Free Press how he remembered at least two occasions when he was just inches from death as he fought during World War Two.

On one occasion he was folding blankets when the Nazis started firing mortars. The soldier holding the other end of a blanket with him was killed by one of the mortar shells, which missed Fred.

The second time, shrapnel hit his cigarette box during another mortar attack. The metal box had been in his breast pocket and stopped it from entering his body.

READ MORE: These are the first patients to receive their coronavirus vaccines in Doncaster at new GP hubs

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.