Reg was awarded France’s highest military honour in 2016 and was a top marksman as a tank gunner.
At just four feet and 11 inches tall, Reginald Snowling found himself affectionately known as ‘Titch’ during his time serving in World War Two.
But it was while he was serving as a tank gunner that Corporal Snowling proved you don’t need to be big to have the heart of a lion, destroying two enemy tanks with just one shell.
Born in Ipswich in 1921, Mr Snowling was one of five boys with brothers Peter, Sid, Alfred and his twin, Cyril.
He, like many young men, joined the war effort in 1939 and served in five different regiments during his service.
During the advance across Nazi-occupied Europe, two Panzer tanks fired at the regiment, but it was Corporal Snowling who came out of the skirmish victorious.
He also managed to dispatch two submarines in a single shot when moving across Holland and spying them from a canal.
It took over 70 years, but Mr Snowling was awarded the ‘Legion d’Honneur’ in 2016.
The medal, which is France’s highest order of merit for the military, was in recognition of his part in the D-Day landings and the liberation of Europe in 1944.
The Mayor of Ipswich held a special reception in Reg’s honour the same year, in recognition of his bravery and his gallant efforts throughout the war.
After the war he returned to civilian life in Ipswich, working as as a shop assistant, delivery driver and as assistant manager of a cash and carry.
His wife, Agnes, sadly passed away in 2012 after sharing 70 years of marriage together.
The couple were close with their family, which includes many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr Snowling moved to the Barking Hall Care Home, near Needham Market, in December last year.
Care home manager Sue Oates said:
“We would like to send our most sincere condolences to all of Reg’s family and friends; he was a lovely gentleman with such a rich history.
“We all enjoyed chatting to him and hearing him talk about his life stories and experiences.
“His wartime efforts and Legion d‘Honneur award were simply remarkable.
Mr Snowling died on Saturday June 30, aged 97.
The funeral service for Reg took place on Tuesday July 31 at Ipswich Crematorium.
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