THE last surviving crew member of HMS Victory from its time afloat has died aged 103.

As a teenager, Raymond Perrett was the last man to raise the famous signal -England Expects Every Man To Do His Duty -over the ship while it was still afloat in 1921.

Mr Perrett, who lived in Moorlands Nursing Home, Strensall, York, joined the Royal Navy at 17 and spent 13 years in the service. He was a torpedo-firer on the ship, which went into dry dock in Portsmouth in 1922.

HMS Victory is the world's oldest commissioned warship and became a national institution after Lord Nelson's triumph against the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in 1805. Last year, as part of the Royal Navy's 200th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Trafalgar, Mr Perrett was visited by Lieutenant Commander Charles Wood.

Lt Cdr Wood presented him with a framed photograph of the ship, taken while it was still afloat, and a new sailor's hat featuring the HMS Victory hat ribbon.

The photograph was signed by the captain of the ship, Lieutenant Commander Frank Nowosielski.

Mr Perrett's son, Christopher, said his father was very proud to have served in the Navy.

The present captain of HMS Victory, Lieutenant Commander John Scivier, said last night: "It is with regret that we have learnt of Raymond's passing, and our thoughts and sympathies go to his family and friends.

"There will be very few people that remember HMS Victory surrounded by water 84 years ago, and to have been involved in the last 'England Expects' signal hoist onboard whilst the ship was last afloat must have been a momentous and memorable occasion.

"Every October 21, that same signal is still hoisted onboard at 9am to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, the death of Lord Nelson and all those that fell with him.

"Life onboard Victory has probably not changed much since Raymond was onboard, although she looks quite different to what she did in 1921.

"He would be reassured to know, though, that the traditions, capabilities and spirit of the Royal Navy are very much the same as they were in his day and, indeed, during the time that HMS Victory was in action."

In August last year, Mr Perrett won a battle of a different kind when he was told he would have to wait a year to have his toenails cut.

The NHS initially said it was the care home's responsibility, but agreed to carry out the job until the dispute was resolved.

Mr Perrett's funeral will place at York Crematorium tomorrow. He will then be buried with his Victory hat.