David Asdel

17 June 1922 - 13 March 2016

David had a long and full life. He was born in Hornsey and spent his childhood in Selly Oak in Birmingham.

David served in WWII, joining the 13/18th Hussars in 1942 having trained at Sandhurst, and was posted to the 6th US Armoured Division in 1943 as Liaison Officer in their England HQ. He transferred to the 1st Derbyshire Yeomanry and fought as a tank commander in North Africa and Italy. He was badly wounded several times; losing a finger and receiving a bullet wound to his head, and lost his left leg in Italy in October 1944. He did not let his disability hinder him, despite the challenges of using an artificial leg from his early twenties.

After studying engineering and law at St Catharine’s College Cambridge, he had a successful career before starting his own business, Churchill Instrument Company, which he sold before retiring.

In his spare time he enjoyed sailing and was active in many organisations, including Blesma. A Member of the Southampton, Winchester & District Branch he was, at various times, Chairman/ Vice Chairman and Honorary Treasurer of the South West Area. Latterly, he was a Trustee and a Life Vice President. His Christian faith was an integral part of his life, and he attended church regularly.

David was married to Elisabeth (Tiz), whom he met studying at Cambridge, for 57 years. Tiz sadly died in September 2007. David is survived by three children (Jayne, Tricia and John), eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.