5ft 3in D-Day hero who captured 7ft 6in German soldier dies aged 97

A D-DAY hero who captured Germany’s tallest soldier has died aged 97.

Corporal Bob Roberts, just 5ft 3in, took the surrender of 7ft 6in Jakob Nacken in 1944.

Bournemouth News

D-Day hero Corporal Bob Roberts has died aged 97[/caption]

BNPS

In 1944 Bob, just 5ft 3in, captured 7ft 6in Jakob Nacken[/caption]

Months earlier, on June 6, Bob was one of the first men ashore on the Normandy beaches.

He cheated death twice during World War Two and was later honoured for his role in the liberation of France.

Bob, originally from Canada, died in his sleep in Bournemouth after a short illness.

His wife Vera died in 2011.

He leaves four kids, ten grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Dot Savill said: “He was a very special person and we all miss him dearly.”

In September 1944, he was snapped by a pal as he searched Nacken, an ex-circus performer, at Sangatte near Calais.

Bob recalled: “I was aware my mates and Germans were having a good laugh.”

Valery Hollier, of the local vets association, said: “He was a remarkable, amazing man.”

©BobRoberts

Bob, centre, during a break in the battle of Normandy with the remaining comrades from his platoon[/caption]

©BobRoberts

After the war, Bob married his sweetheart Vera, who died in 2011[/caption]

©BobRoberts

Corporal Bob Roberts was honoured by the French government and awarded a Legion d’Honneur in 2015[/caption]

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