HE was dropped into the depths of Nazi-occupied France with a mission to prepare the way for the greatest invasion in the history of warfare.
Yet humble hero Gerald 'Gerry' Fisher stayed quiet about his part in the D-Day landings when he returned to his native Glasgow, merely telling relatives he had played "hide and seek" with the Germans before the allied armies arrived.
But as he was laid to rest on the day his fellow veterans gathered to mark the 75th anniversary of the battles which launched the liberation of Europe, the former soldier finally gained the recognition he deserved but was too modest to claim.
An appeal for mourners to attend the 93-year-old's funeral was issued by his surviving family, who feared only a small crowd would attend.
Mr Fisher (inset) prepared the path for invading troops on D-Day
Fellow veterans and the people of Glasgow enthusiastically heeded the call, swelling the congregation to more than 100 and forming an honour guard as his casket was borne through the city's streets to St. Alphonsus Church on London Road.
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Police closed off the street as military men and women lined up to pay tribute as his coffin passed. At St. Coval’s Cemetery in Barrhead, the Saltire and Parachute regiment flags were lowered by Royal Signalists and The Last Post played during the internment service.
Mr Fisher, who never married, was dropped to Normandy the days prior to D-Day to ensure that areas were safe for troops, removing booby-traps and other dangers lying in wait for the allied forces.
His great-nephew Nicky Fisher, said: "He spoke very little of his wartime service.
"I found a letter in the house from the D-Day Veterans' Society, that said he was there in the lead up to D-Day.
"I asked him, ‘What does this mean?’ He said, ‘I was there’. I asked him, ‘what did you do?’ He said ‘I sent signals out. It was just like hide-and-seek for a few weeks’. What a way to put it.”
In 2016,veteran was awarded the Legion D’Honour - Frances’s highest award- for distinction in Military and Civil Service.
Old soldiers lined the streets as the funeral cortege passed
Canon Tom White, who led the service, said: “Gerald was always a parishioner in the background, a face folk knew but didn’t know his name.”
“I think he would have been blown away by the honour guard that lined the streets on London road for him… the public came together and responded indeed.”
READ MORE: D-Day remembered 75 years later
“The simple but solemn ceremony today was tremendous, for one who was once one of many, but now is one of few. It was a fitting thing.”
“I think it is very important that we remember the price paid for the peace that we enjoy today.”
An honour guard formed at Mr Fisher's graveside
In Portsmouth, the Queen thanked veterans and hailed the resilience of "the wartime generation" as world leaders gathered to honour. those who fought in the D-Day landings.
More than 300 veterans joined leaders representing the Allied nations involved in Operation Overlord at the Portsmouth event marking 75 years since D-Day.
Prime Minister Theresa May, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump were among those at the national commemorative ceremony.
Thousands of members of the public attended the Portsmouth Naval Museum to watch the hour-long service.
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Before reading the letter of a young resistance fighter, President Macron said: "First, let me thank you sincerely, on behalf of my nation."
The Queen stood in the royal box next to her son, the Prince of Wales, as she paid tribute to the resilience of her generation.
"When I attended the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, some thought it might be the last such event," she said.
"But the wartime generation - my generation - is resilient, and I am delighted to be with you in Portsmouth today."
Veterans gathered in Portsmouth
Her Majesty added: "Seventy-five years ago, hundreds of thousands of young soldiers, sailors and airmen left these shores in the cause of freedom.
"In a broadcast to the nation at that time, my father, King George VI, said: '... what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve ...'
"That is exactly what those brave men brought to the battle, as the fate of the world depended on their success.
"Many of them would never return and the heroism, courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten.
"It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the entire country - indeed the whole free world - that I say to you all, thank you."
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