A VETERAN of the Second World War has been remembered by the community in Copeland.

Roland Bell, known as Ronnie, has died aged 82 at Dickinson Court Care Home in Whitehaven.

He lived in Newtown, Frizington after returning from National Service.

Mr Bell lived a full life, working at the Kangol factory in Cleator Moor, as a bus conductor and in an iron ore mine. Mr Bell most recently lived at Bransty.

Members of the Royal British Legion have paid their respects to Mr Bell for his service.

Treasurer of the Wath Brow RBL branch Keith Faulkner said: “I was in the same battalion.”

Mr Bell served in The Second World War with the prestigious Border Regiment as a police officer.

Mr Faulkner knew Mr Bell as he was based in the same barracks at Spandau. Mr Faulkner was a driver of the military transport.

“I knew Ronnie because I occasionally took him up to brigade headquarters at the Olympic stadium,” he recalled.

The barracks were based near the notorious Spandau Prison.

Ronnie is believed to have guarded the cell of high-ranking Nazi officer Rudolph Hess in Spandau Prison during his service.

Chairman of the RBL Cumberland Branch, Ian Fisher, said that Mr Bell was always a supporter of the legion when he was still able to attend.

One of his hobbies was horse racing and his daughter Val Robson recalled trips to Blackpool in his Mini Cooper.

He would drive the family to the seaside holiday with his wife in front holding the baby and his three children in the back.

Mr Bell had four children, Brian, Valerie, Gillian and Sharron.

His grandchildren still treasure his medals and memories from National Service.

A Border Regiment Facebook page posted a picture of Mr Bell online when he passed away in February, with fellow Cumbrian members of The Royal British Legion holding the standard as tribute.

They also posted an image of the nation’s flag flying at half mast, a traditional mark of respect.