A SUCCESSFUL businessman who received the MBE at the age of 26 has died on his 98th birthday.

Harry Birtwhistle, who was the chairman of timber merchant Firwood until the day he died, is thought to have held the honour for one of the longest-ever periods.

The eldest of six children, Mr Birtwhistle was born in Heap Bridge in 1916 and attended Bury Technical School.

After gaining qualifications in book keeping and accounts, he was employed in the transport department of Bury Corporation before volunteering for the Army in the Royal Army Service Corps as a Warrant Officer in December 1939.

He initially worked in administration, gaining experience in accountancy which would later stand him in good stead in his business pursuits.

Mr Birtwhistle was stationed in France, Greece, Egypt, Sicily, Italy and the Western Desert of Egypt and Libya.

He was transferred to serve as Chief Clerk with Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery, famed as the hero of El Alamein and North Africa, in the 8th Army regiment from 1942, until returning to his country at the end of 1944.

Montgomery put him forward to receive the MBE in recognition of his outstanding service, receiving the honour on April 19, 1945.

Following his part in the war effort, Mr Birtwhistle set up timber merchants firm New Bury Saw Mills, which he then sold in 1973.

As a major shareholder in the business, he financially benefited from the sale and was able to go into semi-retirement.

With the persuasion of managing director Peter Booth, he then became chairman of Firwood, which he helped to build from the ground to become the large firm that it is today, with 10 depots including in Greengate Lane, Prestwich.

Outside of his business interests, Mr Birtwistle, of Springwater Lane, Whitefield, was also involved in the Freemasons for 60 years, and a supporter of Bury FC.

Elsie, his wife of 60 years, died about 10 years ago, and the couple had no children.

Mr Booth said: "He was a very shrewd character, and a very organised person who was successful at everything he did. He was a top man."

Derek Calrow, who was his stockbroker, added: "He was as straight as a die. He was a very prudent man, and a very successful businessman."

Mr Birtwhistle died of natural causes, and his funeral was held at the East Lancashire Crematorium in Radcliffe on Tuesday. (January 13)