Distinguished Wirral war hero Ian Fraser, who won the British and Commonwealth forces’ highest accolade the Victoria Cross, died in Arrowe Park Hospital last week after a short illness.

The 87-year-old from Wallasey won the medal as captain of the midget submarine XE3 in Operation Struggle, which involved a death-defying attack on a 10,000-ton Japanese ship stationed near Singapore.

Lieutenant-Commander Fraser was decorated with one of the last two VCs to be awarded to Royal Navy submariners in World War II.

Mr Fraser married his childhood sweetheart, former WREN Melba Estelle Hughes, in 1943, after meeting her at an event in Wallasey.

He leaves behind four sons and two daughters, one of whom died two years ago. He also leaves 13 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

In May, 1945, Cmdr Fraser spent 24 hours underwater steering the XE3 though 80 perilous miles of mined waters to reach the heavy cruiser Takeo in the Jahore Strait.

After explosives were attached to the hull of the enemy ship, the submarine then became stuck between it and the seabed, and it took Cmdr Fraser a nerve-wracking 50 minutes to free before steering his sub and its crew to safety.

Daughter-in-law Leah Fraser said: “He was a wonderful man, a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was always extremely hospitable and loved to give parties.

“He was also a devoted family man and his grandchildren and great-granchildren were always eager to see him as he had such a genuinely lovely manner with them.”

Ian Fraser had been due to attend the three day bi-annual VC reunion hosted by Prince Charles and all the other surviving VC recipients which took place last week.

He had also been invited to unveil a memorial on behalf of the Noel Chavasse VC Memorial association two weeks ago, but could not attend because of his declining health.

Ian Edward Fraser was born in 1920, in Ealing, London, and went to school in High Wycombe.

After initially working on merchant ships and serving in the Royal Naval reserve he became a lieutenant at the age of 24 and joined the Royal Navy at the beginning of World War II.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1943, for bravery and skill in successful submarine patrols, and was placed in charge of the midget submarine that lead to his receiving the Victoria Cross for navigating the mined waters and successfully placing mines on the Japanese cruiser.

His diver, Acting Leading Seaman James Magennis, also received the VC for fixing the limpet mines to the bottom of the Japanese ship.

Ian’s son Tim said: “He loved the water and was a life member of West Cheshire and Hoylake Sailing Club, and he continued to sail dinghies right up until his late 60s and early 70s.

“I would define my father by saying he enjoyed life to the full. He was sociable, generous, kind and thoughtful. He was a very private man who didn’t like a fuss and loved his family. He was a modern man before the phrase was invented and enjoyed nothing more than helping out with his grandchildren.

“He faced many challenges throughout his life which he met with the same strength and character throughout.

“He never gave up on anyone or any situation and that’s what he taught me about life.”

Wirral Council leader Cllr Steve Foulkes said: “Men of such courage and valour are few and far between. We were all very proud to be able to bestow the Freedom of the Borough to such a great man.

“Our thoughts are with his family.”

An open service will take place this Thursday, September 11, at 3pm, at St James’s Church in New Brighton.