A MAN from Uley who was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions during one of the biggest battles of the Second World War has died.

Brigadier Mike Dauncey was part of the massive airborne contingent in the infamous Operation Market Garden offensive towards the end of the war.

Following a period of months of training in Anglesey with the Cheshire Regiment, Mike Dauncey was called up to be a part of the massive 40,000-strong airborne assault which formed a key part of Operation Market Garden.

As a 24-year-old he flew in by glider to the battleground three miles west of the Dutch town of Arnhem near Oosterbeek with the aim of securing nearby river crossings for a huge push into Germany.

Together with other pilots and soldiers who had become separated from their battalions, he set about securing a sector of Oosterbeek to enable the infantry advance.

After a few days the group was being pressured by German forces and they decided to launch a counter-attack to repel them.

With two paratroopers Brigadier Mike took part in a flanking move aimed at dealing with a group of enemy soldiers holed-up in a house. Rushing the building he took eight prisoners.

However a few days later a sniper shot launched a metal splinter into his eye, leaving him unable to see from his left side.

Despite this he took part in another assault with a fellow soldier aimed at ambushing German tanks during which he was shot in the thigh before his jaw was broken by a grenade.

Following the failure of the operation, he was taken to a German hospital in Utrecht from where, with another soldier, he managed to escape.

They were taken in by a Dutch family and hidden until February 1945 when they made their way back to Allied lines disguised as doctors. 

He was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his bravery but this was changed to a Distinguished Service Order because five Victoria Crosses had already been awarded for the battle.

After the war he stayed in the army before retiring and settling in Uley (where his grandfather had been born) and embarking on a series of charitable ventures – including a stint as deputy lieutenant in 1983.

He died on August 23.