"A former Royal Navy sailor who was given a Norwegian honour for his part in a World War Two battle has died at the age of 98. Norway's government presented Ralph Brigginshaw with a diploma of gratitude, just three days before his death. Mr Brigginshaw served on destroyer HMS Hardy in the Battle of Narvik in April 1940. The bold efforts of the ship's company helped to surprise strong German forces who had captured the Atlantic iron ore port. The vessel, however, was sunk. Ralph had to fight for survival in the icy water with shrapnel in his back and arm. After struggling 200 yards to reach land, he collapsed. The bold efforts of the ship's company helped to surprise strong German forces who had captured the Atlantic iron ore port. The vessel, however, was sunk. Ralph had to fight for survival in the icy water with shrapnel in his back and arm. After struggling 200 yards to reach land, he collapsed." www.forces.net/news/98-year-old-wwii-veteran-dies-days-after-receiving-norwegian-honour