A DUNKIRK veteran found floating face down in the River Severn had fallen in before, an inquest heard.

George Watts was seen floating in the river 300 yards upstream of Bewdley Rowing Club.

He had taken his dog Tilly out for a walk on Friday, July 21, and had already been taken out of the river by the time his wife Theresa raised the alarm after the dog walked home alone. Police never traced the lead.

The inquest at Stourbridge County Court yesterday heard Mr Watts, of Northwood Lane, Bewdley, who was 89, had fallen into the river eight months earlier.

"He seems to have been confused and fell into the river but didn't explain how to his wife," said Worcestershire coroner Victor Round.

The inquest heard Mr Watts had been helped out by passers-by and had minor cuts. He was treated by Scouts with a first aid kit, before making his way home.

"Mr Watts was a very proud man and never wished to burden others with his problems," said a report by Kidderminster coroner's officer Russ Jones.

He had been walking the dog on a lead and it had chased geese apparently causing Mr Watts to end up in the water. His wife said he returned home "looking rather stunned."

In this latest incident a pair of spectacles was found near a 10-foot drop into the river where Mr Watts apparently plunged to his death.

He was suffering from bowel and prostate problems and had poor eyesight after suffering a detached retina two years before.

Pathologist Dr Lesley Smallman said the cause of death was drowning due to a head injury. Heart disease was a contributory factor.

A fisherman nearby reported hearing a splash and a dog barking at around 1pm but Mr Watts was found before 12.20pm when the dog returned home.

Mr Round recorded an open verdict.