A survivor of an infamous wartime attack has died aged 97.

Ernest Pettiford, of Weymouth, has been described by friend and carer Valerie Hibbs as ‘a true gentleman who lived for the Navy’.

Mr Pettiford. who passed away in Dorset County Hospital after suffering an illness lasting a few months, never forgot his fellow sailors who died on HMS Foylebank in 1940.

Harboured off Portland, the ship was attacked in a German raid on July 4.

Killing almost 80 men on board, the surprise attack became famous for the acts of heroism it inspired.

Jack Mantle, just 23 at the time, was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously after he carried on fighting at his post despite suffering appalling injuries.

Mr Pettiford himself helped injured colleagues but always downplayed his involvement.

Mrs Hibbs, a companion to Mr Pettiford since he lost his second wife Kay 15 years ago, said: “He was always talking about Jack Mantle.

“He said he was too young to die.”

Mr Pettiford was born on Portland in 1914, one of 10 children, and moved to Weymouth with his family as a young child. At 16 he left school and took an apprenticeship to train as an electrical engineer.

Mrs Hibbs said: “When he was 22 he joined the Navy.

“He said it was because he wanted to see the world.”

After the war Mr Pettiford had a house built in Weymouth to share with his wife Margery, known as Rita.

In various roles, eventually becoming a chief petty officer, Mr Pettiford was posted to America, India and Malta, in a career spanning decades.

After leaving the Navy, he joined the Merchant Navy, spending time working in Jersey and Guernsey.

He was introduced to Kay by friends after Rita died.

Mrs Hibbs added: “Even after he retired, he continued to travel with Kay, but his favourite place was Weymouth.

“He loved it because it’s a small town.”

Mr Pettiford enjoyed an active retirement, winning several gold medals in ballroom dancing in Dorchester.

He also discovered a passion for music, learning to play the organ.

In the late 1990s, he became a widower for the second time.

Mrs Hibbs said: “I was widowed at around the same time, and we became quite close, having known each other through our partners.

“He was very lost after Kay died, so I would cook for him, and take him cakes.

“More recently, when he became frail, I started looking after him more and more, but I kept my own house because I like my independence.

“He was an absolute gentleman, a very brave man. It was clear from how much he talked about his days as an officer that he lived for the Navy.”

She added: “I think the war affected him, and it took him time to come to terms with what had happened on HMS Foylebank.”

Peggy Symes, Mr Pettiford’s niece, said: “He was a very private man, but active right until the end.

“He was quite handsome really, and very tall. He certainly had a good life.”

Mr Pettiford is survived by a daughter, two sisters, Sylvia and Pearl, and nieces and nephews.

Speaking at the funeral service, Reverend Tim Greenslade said: “Most important in terms of his war service was the part he played in the Foylebank bombing.

“Ernest was badly burned and was part of the bravery of that day.”

Mr Pettiford’s coffin was carried into the chapel draped in the Union Flag.

A Royal British Legion standard bearer, Leon Meter, also attended the service.