A solicitor who took part in one of the most heroic military operations of the Second World War, has died aged 85.

Neil Oughtred, who set up the Moeran Oughtred legal practice in Stanmore and Edgware, died on March 19 after suffering a heart attack a few days earlier.

Mr Oughtred, who lived in Chorleywood, will be best remembered locally for his work as an advocate, prosecuting and defending at Watford Magistrates Court.

He was born in Lincolnshire in 1918 and joined the Lincolnshire Regiment straight from school, seeing active service as a commando in the Second World War.

In 1942 he was involved in the Raid on St Nazaire, Operation Chariot, which saw the destruction of the heavily defended Normandie Dock, the only such facility on the Atlantic seaboard capable of taking in huge German battleships for repair.

HMS Campbeltown was gutted, packed with explosives and rammed into the dock gate. Its mission was supported by small launches carrying commandos whose task was to destroy the dockyard infastructure.

Mr Oughtred completed his role, but was wounded in the neck as the commandos escaped. His life was saved by a fellow soldier who plugged the wound with his thumb until Mr Oughtred reached safety.

Having survived what became known as the 'Greatest Raid of All Time', Mr Oughtred went on to serve in Italy in 1944 and was a deputy governor of an Italian province after the Germans surrendered.

Returning to England, he qualified as a solicitor in Lincolnshire and moved to Stanmore, setting up a legal practice in Edgware. He established another branch in Chesham and then one in Watford.

He retired in the early 1980s, but the company he founded is still operating in Station Road, Edgware, and in Watford.

Mr Oughtred was a member of the Commando Association and the St Nazaire Society.

He enjoyed sailing, and was a life member of Rickmansworth Sailing Club.

His other interests included travel and gardening.

He was married to his late wife, Toni, for more than 50 years, and the couple had a daughter, Susanne, and three grandchildren.

His son-in-law Richard Hanney said: "My father-in-law was very courteous, a humorous man.

"He always had time for people and would never brush you off if you went to see him."