Tributes have been paid to a ‘true gentleman’ Second World War veteran who has died aged 102.

Edward ‘Ted’ Hayford served with distinction on board minesweepers in North Africa, Norway, the Mediterranean and the Pacific throughout the conflict.

The small warships did perilous work removing and detonating naval mines to clear the path for larger destroyers, battleships and aircraft carriers.

They kept the waterways clear for shipping convoys in the face of the German blockades while facing the U-Boat threat.

Post-war, the North Londoner and devoted Tottenham Hotspur fan was a tiled fireplace maker, bus driver and London taxi driver who drove for veterans charities.

Tributes have been paid to 'true gentleman' Second World War veteran Edward 'Ted' Hayford, who has died aged 102
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Tributes have been paid to ‘true gentleman’ Second World War veteran Edward ‘Ted’ Hayford, who has died aged 102

Mr Hayford served with distinction on board minesweepers in North Africa, Norway, the Mediterranean and the Pacific throughout the conflict
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Mr Hayford served with distinction on board minesweepers in North Africa, Norway, the Mediterranean and the Pacific throughout the conflict

He was married to Helen who died in 2017 and they had two children, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

Dick Goodwin, his relation and vice president of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: ‘The minesweepers were out at the front trying to clear the path for the bigger ships – the destroyers, battleships and aircraft carriers.

‘Uncle Ted was one of life’s true gentlemen, kind, humble, and always ready with a smile or a story.

‘He represented the very best of his generation and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.’

Edward 'Ted' Hayford (right) with fellow veterans, with his medals on his chest
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Edward ‘Ted’ Hayford (right) with fellow veterans, with his medals on his chest

The veteran laying a wreath at his local memorial
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The veteran laying a wreath at his local memorial

Mr Hayford died peacefully at his home in Carlby, Stamford, Lincolnshire, on October 3.

Tributes were paid online thanking Ted for his ‘service and bravery’ keeping the Nazis at bay.

Carl Ross said: ‘RIP Uncle Ted, reunited with your comrades again, thank you for your service.’

Alan Cole added: ‘At rest now sailor, thanks for your service and bravery, anchors away now.’