Godfrey Rampling, who was Britain’s oldest Olympian when he died at the age of 100, won medals at the 1932 and 1936 Games in Los Angeles and Berlin.

A 400m runner, he was a member of the 4x400m relay teams which won silver in 1932 and gold in 1936.

In 1932 he ran the anchor leg to help the British 4x400m team win silver behind the USA. Four years later he ran a brilliant second leg to overtake the Americans and help clinch the gold for his team.

Mr Rampling, father of the actress Charlotte Rampling, narrowly missed out on individual medals at both Games. But he won gold in the 440 yards at the British Empire Games in 1934, as well as helping the English 4x440 yard team to capture the gold medal.

Born in Blackheath, south London on 14 May, 1909, he was a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Artillery, attached to NATO, until his retirement after 29 years’ service with the rank of colonel in 1958.

On his 100th birthday, he was welcomed to his party by trumpeters from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

A member of staff at the care home where he lived in Bushey, Hertfordshire said that he died in his sleep on 20 June, 2009.

Linda Simpson, clinical manager at the nursing home, said: "He was a lovely gentleman, he was a true gentleman and he will be truly missed."