The passing of Albert Lamond at the age of 100 marks the loss of one of Scotland's last surviving D-Day veterans, a poignant reminder of the dwindling generation that shaped modern history through immense sacrifice.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Born in Glasgow, Albert Lamond was merely 18 years old when he participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Serving as a signalman aboard HMS Rowley, he played a crucial role in one of the most pivotal military operations of World War Two.
Duty in the Face of Danger
Mr Lamond joined the Royal Navy in 1943, and his vessel was deployed as part of the 3rd Escort Group to protect battleship HMS Warspite during the Normandy landings. The frigate's mission involved circling the warship as a first line of defence, with sailors fully expecting to sacrifice their lives in the process.
Miraculously, Albert survived this harrowing experience. A year later, on VJ Day in August 1945, his duties shifted to evacuating Allied prisoners of war from remote islands in the Pacific, transporting them to safety in Australia.
Remembering the Fallen
Reflecting on his wartime experiences during the 80th anniversary commemorations in 2024, Mr Lamond emphasised the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. "It was horrible. It lives with you forever," he stated. "If we don't pass the stories on, people will forget, and we can't let that happen."
He described the prisoners of war he rescued as "living skeletons" who nevertheless managed to smile upon their liberation, a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Family Pride and Public Legacy
Albert Lamond's family have expressed profound pride in their centenarian relative, who consistently maintained that he was "just doing his duty" rather than considering himself a hero.
His nephew Martin Lamond shared: "We're all deeply saddened by Albert's passing. He was a joy to be around and an example to everyone right up to the last. He'll be so greatly missed. Not only have Albert's friends and family suffered a great loss, everyone has, even if they never had the pleasure of knowing him."
Post-War Life and Community Impact
After leaving the Navy, Mr Lamond enjoyed a career working on the railways before eventually residing at McKellar House within Erskine Veterans Village in Renfrewshire.
Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive at Erskine, paid tribute: "Albert represented the very best of his generation. He spoke honestly about his service, not to glorify war, but to make sure people understood its cost. Through his time at Erskine, he was committed to passing on those lessons."
He added: "We won't forget the ever-present twinkle in Albert's eye, or his cheeky patter. We were truly privileged to care for and support him in later life."
Final Farewell
Albert Lamond will be laid to rest on Tuesday at Dalnottar Cemetery in Clydebank, leaving behind a legacy of courage, humility, and dedication that will continue to inspire generations to come.
