Lord Bramall death: Former head of the Armed Forces and D-Day veteran dies aged 95

Former head of the Armed Forces and D-Day veteran Lord Bramall, has died at the age of 95, it has been reported.

The decorated war veteran took part in the Normandy landings in June 1944.

He was also chief of the defence staff in 1982 until 1985 and went on to have a 26-year career in the House of Lords, retiring in 2013.

Following reports of his death on Tuesday, former defence minister Tobias Ellwood paid tribute to Lord Bramall on Twitter.

He wrote: "An inspirational leader, fellow Green Jacket and mentor who landed on the Normandy beaches, received an MC in Holland a year later, served in our Special Forces, commanded the British Army and then the entire Armed Forces."

Lord Bramall lived at Bulford Manor in Wiltshire during his time as head of the army with his wife Lady Bramall, who died in 2015.

Lord Bramall was one of a number of high-profile people who were falsely accused by fantasist Carl Beech.

Beech was given an 18-year prison sentence earlier this year for falsely claiming that he had been sadistically abused by figures from the worlds of politics, the Armed Forces and security services.

Lord Bramall's home was raided by up to 20 officers as part of the controversial Operation Midland and he was questioned by police in connection with the allegations.

When it emerged he would face no action in 2016, then London mayor Boris Johnson said: "It is pretty clear that Field Marshal Lord Bramall is owed a full and heartfelt apology."

Following reports of his death on Tuesday, Ms Dick said: "I met him recently to apologise personally for the great damage the Metropolitan Police investigation into Carl Beech's false allegations has had on him and his family.

"I was struck by his selflessness and generosity in the issues he wanted to discuss, focusing on a desire to ensure the lessons from Operation Midland had been learnt by the Met.

"It was very humbling to be in his company and hear first hand his experience.

"He was a great man, a brilliant soldier and leader, and much-loved family man. He was a true gentleman and will be hugely missed."

Reporting by PA.

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