A WAR hero from Worcestershire, one of a band of five brothers who survived the Second World War, has died weeks before he was due to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Herbert Verdun Clarke was the eldest of five brothers who survived the war, dying peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 27, just six weeks before he was to celebrate the milestone.

It is a miraculous story, one Mr Clarke's family compared to the Hollywood blockbuster Saving Private Ryan but with a much happier ending.

The other brothers, all in their 90s, are Paul Clarke of Martin Hussingtree, near Worcester, Anthony "Tony" Clarke of Merton Close, Kidderminster, Tom Clarke of Bewdley and Peter Clarke of Droitwich.

Mr Clarke, known as ‘Herb’ to friends and family, was born on March 18, 1916 and grew up at Avenue House, Birmingham Road in Kidderminster, the third eldest of ten children.

His daughter Juliet said of him: "He had a vitality and interest in all around him until his death cheated us of a wonderful celebration of a wonderful life."

He was educated at Sebright School, Wolverley. Mr Clarke was the first brother to volunteer for military service at the outbreak of the Second World War.

Initially he served as a driver until joining REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers), training as a radar mechanic.

After gaining a commission he became a second lieutenant posted to Italy, in charge of 90 gunners. He stayed on in Italy for six months after the war had ended as a railway transport officer helping to get troops and displaced people home again.

Once back in civvies Mr Clarke initially returned to work in the family grocery business but later moved into insurance, working for the Co-operative Insurance society until his retirement.

He married his sweetheart, Mary Marcuis whom he had met at Bewdley Rowing Club, in 1941 and they were married for 69 years until her death six years ago. They had six children; Angela, Jill, Edward, Juliet, David and Sarah, and three grandchildren who he adored, Luke, Alex and Freddie.

Mr and Mrs Clarke lived in the family cottage at Bewdley all their married lives, raising their six children and supporting their family, friends and the local community.

During his long retirement Mr Clarke enjoyed cultivating his large cottage garden. He also helped daughter Juliet fit out a narrow boat, on which he and Mary enjoyed many trips and which he was still occasionally steering along the local canals at the age of 99.

He was a keen rugby player in the Seabright school team, a good learning ground for later appearances with Kidderminster Town Rugby Team.

His flourishing rugby career was cut short when he enlisted to fight in the war. Mr Clarke was also enthusiastic about politics and loved the sea but his family and friends were described as the most important thing to him.

Mr Clarke died peacefully at home of cancer after a short illness.

His family has expressed their appreciation for the fantastic care their father received at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital Medical Assessment Unit, and also to the district nurses and care team who enabled Mr Clarke to be cared for at home until his death.

Mr Clarke's funeral will be held at St Leonard’s Church, Ribbesford, Bewdley at 2.30pm on Friday, February 19.

All family, friends and colleagues are welcome.