He was taken to Erwin Rommel who decided he should not be shot. Mr Wooldridge, who was twice awarded the Military Cross, later lived in Cardiff, where his funeral was held.

"Erwin Rommel, who was forced to commit suicide by the Nazis, died 74 years ago today," wrote Peter Tauber, a former close ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Twitter.

He was taken to Erwin Rommel who decided he should not be shot. Mr Wooldridge, who was twice awarded the Military Cross, later lived in Cardiff, where his funeral was held.