He was in command of the Allied military organization that pulled off Operation Torch (the invasion of North Africa), Operation Husky (Sicily), and Operation Overlord (Normandy).

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The retired rower then passed it to the young athletes, who lit part of the outer rim of the torch, setting off a domino effect as fire spread to 205 small metal "petals, " symbolizing the nations taking part.

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The torch relay will set off from Nottingham Castle the following morning.

BBC: Olympic torch relay to stop in Nottingham