SAD NEWS: GB News Interrupted For Devastating D3ATH Announcement As Presenter Pays EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE

GB News presenter Ben Leo interrupted his show to share the sad news the UK’s oldest World War 2 veteran has died. Looking solemn he said: “A really sad story. Donald Rose… the UK’s oldest surviving World War 2 veteran has sadly died at the age of 110. Mr Rose served in the Queen’s Royal Regiment as a sniper and survived a bullet to the leg during the D-Day landings. He served in North Africa and Europe, and was awarded the French Legion of Honour, the highest award the French can give.”

As he listed off Rose’s accomplishments a picture of the veteran was broadcast on screens. Leo then paid his own tribute saying: “I just want to say, and I’m sure the panel agree, all of us at GB News send our sincere condolences to his family, and thank Mr. Rose, and indeed all his his colleagues and compatriots for their extraordinary service to our country. May he rest in peace.”

The news was confirmed by Erewash Borough Council, which presented Mr Rose with a freedom honour in May. Receiving the award he said it was “great”, adding “I didn’t do anything that anybody else wouldn’t have done.”

Born on Christmas Eve 1914 Rose, who lived in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, was also the UK’s oldest man and put his longevity down to salty water he had to drink during his time as a Desert Rat.

During the celebrations to mark the 80th anniversay of VE Day in May this year he was part of a special episode of BBC’s The One Show during which he filmed with comedian and war history enthusiast Al Murray.

He also joined 45 other veterans as guests of honour at a tea party celebration hosted by the Royal British Legion at the National Memorial Arboretum, to mark the occasion.

While he was lauded at anniversary celebrations Rose admitted he never celebrated VE Day at the time.

“When I heard that the armistice had been signed 80 years ago, I was in Germany at Belsen and, like most active soldiers, I didn’t get to celebrate at that time.

“We just did what we thought was right and it was a relief when it was over,” he said.

On his 110th birthday he was serenaded by opera star Alfie Boe via video call, who sang him a special version of Happy Birthday and he also received a card from Buckingham Palace.