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Telegraph
12-07-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Britain's oldest Second World War veteran dies aged 110
Britain's oldest Second World War veteran has died aged 110. Donald Rose, who could be Britain's oldest man, was born on Christmas Eve in 1914 and would become one of the first soldiers on the beach during the D-Day landings, where he was shot in the leg. Mr Rose was brought up in Westcott, near Dorking in Surrey, as the youngest of four brothers and three sisters. In the middle of 1940, at the age of 25, he enlisted in Guildford and went through training at the Stoughton Barracks. He would go on to fight in North Africa as one of the iconic 'Desert Rats', the highly regarded British Army brigade who fought at Tobruk. He was also part of an advance party that placed what were known as beacon lamps on beaches so the Allies could establish their bridgehead to liberate Europe from Hitler and the Nazis. Mr Rose was presented with the prestigious 'Freedom of the Borough' award by Erewash Borough Council in May, The council, in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, confirmed his death on Friday, with council leader James Dawson paying tribute to a 'war hero'. Mr Dawson said: 'Erewash was privileged to count him as a resident.' When he was presented with the award by council mayor Harry Atkinson, Mr Rose said: 'I didn't do anything that anyone else would not have done.' 'We just did what we thought was right' On May 8, Mr Rose joined 45 other veterans as guests of honour at a tea party celebration hosted by the Royal British Legion in Staffordshire. The event, which was held at the National Memorial Arboretum, marked 80 years since Germany formally surrendered to the Allies in the Second World War. At the event, Mr Rose said he did not celebrate what is known as 'VE' (Victory in Europe) day. He said: 'When I heard that the Armistice had been signed 80 years ago, I was in Germany at Belsen and, like most active soldiers, I didn't get to celebrate at that time. 'We just did what we thought was right and it was a relief when it was over. I never would have believed I would be remembering this day at 110 years old. 'It's meaningful to come here today with the Royal British Legion, to remember the people who didn't come back.' To mark his death, Erewash council flew its flags at half mast. Oldest in Europe According to the European Supercenterian Organisation, the oldest man in the UK is now Hugh Kerr, of Paisley in Scotland. He is 109 years and 276 days old. The oldest person in Britain, and all of Europe, remains Ethel Catherham, of Lightwater, in Surrey, who is 115 years and 325 days old. Women make up 18 of the 20 oldest people in the UK.
ITV News
11-07-2025
- General
- ITV News
Derbyshire veteran Donald Rose has died at care home aged 110
Britain's oldest Second World War veteran has died at the age of 110. Donald Rose, from Ilkeston in Derbyshire, served with the Desert Rats in North Africa before going on to fight across Europe. He was born in 1914 and served on the front line with the 7th Armoured Division. After surviving a bullet to the leg during the Normandy landings Mr Rose went on to become the nation's oldest forces veteran. The Canal Vue Care Home, where the veteran was residing, has confirmed that he passed away on Friday (11 July). Erewash council leader, James Dawson, led tributes to Mr Rose following the announcement of his death. As the borough prepared to fly its flags at half-mast to mark the old soldier's passing, Cllr Dawson said: 'Our condolences go out to Donald's family and all who knew him." 'Erewash was privileged to count him as a resident.' In May the town hall sent a delegation to the Canal Vue Care Home to Mr Rose with its highest honour – the Freedom of the Borough. Donald would have celebrated his one hundred and eleventh birthday on Christmas Eve and he partly put his longevity down to the salty water he had to drink while serving as a Desert Rat. He also joked that Maltesers chocolate and the 'odd tot of rum' may also have played a part.
North Wales Chronicle
05-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
William tells of George's interest in war veterans at Palace tea party
A 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served with the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings, and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE), known as Churchill's Secret Army, were among 30 veteran guests of honour, according to the Royal British Legion (RBL) which helped organise the event. The King told one veteran: 'It's so special to get you here on this sort of occasion. It's the least we could do for you.' Prince George, 11, joined William and his mother the Princess of Wales, along with the King and Queen and other members of the royal family, to meet the veterans on Monday. The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, near Portsmouth, that George is 'interested' in learning about those who served in the war, the veteran's granddaughter said. Samantha Davidson, 58, from Denmead in Hampshire, told the PA news agency: 'The prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans. 'George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service.' She said Mr Littlefield was very happy that George had taken an interest in the past. Royal Engineers veteran Mr Littlefield said: 'I'm very proud.' William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was 'very important' for George and the 'next generation' to hear the stories from those who fought in the war. He told Douglas Hyde, who joined the Merchant Navy aged 18 in 1944, that his son was 'very keen' to ask the former serviceman some questions. Meanwhile, Kate asked for a copy of a book written by a Second World War evacuee, the author said. Margaret Wood was evacuated from Chingford in east London at the start of the war to the Midlands, where she remained until May 23 1945. She said the princess had asked for the book during their conversation at the Palace tea party. Ms Wood said: 'I have written a book about my time as an evacuee and it was published. She asked for a copy. 'My mother also wrote about it and it was her reaction to sending her children away.' Ms Wood said of Kate: 'She is just an ordinary lady, just a mum.' As she chatted with veterans, Kate joked of her son: 'He's going to have to practise his shooting like you.' Norman Brown, 101, said he performed a magic trick to the Queen while talking to her. The trick involved tying string on Camilla's finger before whipping it off. She laughed as the trick was performed. Mr Brown said: 'I was dared to show the magic trick to the Queen, so I did it. 'She loved it, so I'm glad, I'm chuffed to be here, very proud.' Joy Trew, who signed up to join the war effort aged 17 and served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, said Charles tucked her blanket into her wheelchair during Monday's military parade in London to prevent her from getting chilly. 'He bent down and tucked me in,' she said. Of the procession, Ms Trew, who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: 'I said to him (the King) a lot of the women look formidable and he said 'yes'.' The 98-year-old said she discussed parenting with Charles and told him she had tried to be a strict mother to her children. Robert Piper, 99, from Southwater in West Sussex, said of the King: 'He is a very interesting person and he seems very understanding. 'We spoke for a while about my service and the memories I have of the war.' Mr Piper said he has 'lots of memories' of the war, which come back to him at night. He added: 'The men I served with gave it their all for this country, it's right they're still remembered and I hope the young generations keep remembering them. 'Today has been superb but very overwhelming.' Henry Ducker, 104, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, said Camilla spoke with him about her father. He said: 'It was an honour to talk with her, she was quite funny, very humorous. 'We had quite a laugh, she is a lovely woman.' Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa. Veterans enjoyed sandwiches, scotch eggs and scones at the tea party. Also on the menu were potted shrimps with brown bread and butter, egg and bacon quiche, vegetable pasties and sausage rolls, along with lemon and carrot cake, chocolate cake, treacle tarts and strawberries and cream. They dined on large tables in the Marble Hall which was decorated in bunting made from fabrics recycled from the royal estate. The veterans had a prime spot on the Buckingham Palace garden steps as a flypast went over. Many looked up and smiled and applauded, while Army veteran Joe Mines, 100, waved as the planes went over. Among them was Ruth Barnwell, 100, who joined the Women's Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941. Regarding the commemoration, she told PA: 'It was great. Really great. Today has been wonderful.' Politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch were also there. They were joined by actor Timothy Spall and were serenaded by a brass band as they waited for the aircraft. RBL director general Mark Atkinson said the charity was 'proud' to take a place 'at the heart of these national celebrations and commemorations as this really will be one of our last opportunities as a nation to pay tribute to those veterans still with us today'. British and Commonwealth armed forces veterans from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, plus Wrens, SOE members, D-Day veterans and Desert Rats were among those attending the tea party.
Rhyl Journal
05-05-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
William tells of George's interest in war veterans at Palace tea party
A 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served with the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings, and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE), known as Churchill's Secret Army, were among 30 veteran guests of honour, according to the Royal British Legion (RBL) which helped organise the event. The King told one veteran: 'It's so special to get you here on this sort of occasion. It's the least we could do for you.' The King speaks to Second World War veteran Joe Mines (Yui Mok/PA) Prince George, 11, joined William and his mother the Princess of Wales, along with the King and Queen and other members of the royal family, to meet the veterans on Monday. The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, near Portsmouth, that George is 'interested' in learning about those who served in the war, the veteran's granddaughter said. Samantha Davidson, 58, from Denmead in Hampshire, told the PA news agency: 'The prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans. 'George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service.' She said Mr Littlefield was very happy that George had taken an interest in the past. Royal Engineers veteran Mr Littlefield said: 'I'm very proud.' William and George join Second World War veterans at the tea party (Jordan Pettitt/PA) William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was 'very important' for George and the 'next generation' to hear the stories from those who fought in the war. He told Douglas Hyde, who joined the Merchant Navy aged 18 in 1944, that his son was 'very keen' to ask the former serviceman some questions. Meanwhile, Kate asked for a copy of a book written by a Second World War evacuee, the author said. Margaret Wood was evacuated from Chingford in east London at the start of the war to the Midlands, where she remained until May 23 1945. She said the princess had asked for the book during their conversation at the Palace tea party. Ms Wood said: 'I have written a book about my time as an evacuee and it was published. She asked for a copy. 'My mother also wrote about it and it was her reaction to sending her children away.' Kate chats with a war veteran (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Ms Wood said of Kate: 'She is just an ordinary lady, just a mum.' As she chatted with veterans, Kate joked of her son: 'He's going to have to practise his shooting like you.' Norman Brown, 101, said he performed a magic trick to the Queen while talking to her. The trick involved tying string on Camilla's finger before whipping it off. She laughed as the trick was performed. Mr Brown said: 'I was dared to show the magic trick to the Queen, so I did it. 'She loved it, so I'm glad, I'm chuffed to be here, very proud.' Charles speaks to Joy Trew during the military procession (Ben Birchall/PA) Joy Trew, who signed up to join the war effort aged 17 and served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, said Charles tucked her blanket into her wheelchair during Monday's military parade in London to prevent her from getting chilly. 'He bent down and tucked me in,' she said. Of the procession, Ms Trew, who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: 'I said to him (the King) a lot of the women look formidable and he said 'yes'.' The 98-year-old said she discussed parenting with Charles and told him she had tried to be a strict mother to her children. Robert Piper, 99, from Southwater in West Sussex, said of the King: 'He is a very interesting person and he seems very understanding. 'We spoke for a while about my service and the memories I have of the war.' Mr Piper said he has 'lots of memories' of the war, which come back to him at night. He added: 'The men I served with gave it their all for this country, it's right they're still remembered and I hope the young generations keep remembering them. 'Today has been superb but very overwhelming.' Camilla with Henry Ducker (Yui Mok/PA) Henry Ducker, 104, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, said Camilla spoke with him about her father. He said: 'It was an honour to talk with her, she was quite funny, very humorous. 'We had quite a laugh, she is a lovely woman.' Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa. Veterans enjoyed sandwiches, scotch eggs and scones at the tea party. Also on the menu were potted shrimps with brown bread and butter, egg and bacon quiche, vegetable pasties and sausage rolls, along with lemon and carrot cake, chocolate cake, treacle tarts and strawberries and cream. They dined on large tables in the Marble Hall which was decorated in bunting made from fabrics recycled from the royal estate. The veterans had a prime spot on the Buckingham Palace garden steps as a flypast went over. Many looked up and smiled and applauded, while Army veteran Joe Mines, 100, waved as the planes went over. Among them was Ruth Barnwell, 100, who joined the Women's Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941. Regarding the commemoration, she told PA: 'It was great. Really great. Today has been wonderful.' Politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch were also there. They were joined by actor Timothy Spall and were serenaded by a brass band as they waited for the aircraft. RBL director general Mark Atkinson said the charity was 'proud' to take a place 'at the heart of these national celebrations and commemorations as this really will be one of our last opportunities as a nation to pay tribute to those veterans still with us today'. British and Commonwealth armed forces veterans from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, plus Wrens, SOE members, D-Day veterans and Desert Rats were among those attending the tea party.
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
The King in training: Prince George, 11, is shown the ropes by Kate and William as he meets WWII veterans at VE Day tea party
Prince George proved adept at his growing royal role today as he enjoyed warm moments with Second World War veterans alongside his parents at today's celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The future monarch, 11, joined William and his mother the Princess of Wales, along with the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family, to meet the veterans at a tea party at Buckingham Palace. The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, near Portsmouth, that George is 'interested' in learning about those who served in the war, the veteran's granddaughter said. He added that it was 'very important' for George and the 'next generation' to ear the stories from those who fought in the war. Photos showed George beaming as he shook hands with one esteemed veteran. It came after some of the heroes sat with the royals to watch a military procession outside Buckingham Palace to kick off a week of celebrations marking the historic anniversary. Veteran Joy Trew, 98, revealed His Majesty 'tucked me in' to protect her from the cold as they sat next to each other while watching the procession. The Royal British Legion worked with veterans' families and the Government to ensure as many as possible could be at the events. A 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served with the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings, and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE), known as Churchill's Secret Army, were among the guests at the tea party. Mr Littlefield's granddaughter said: 'The prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans. 'George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service.' She said Mr Littlefield was very happy that George had taken an interest in the past. Royal Engineers veteran Mr Littlefield said: 'I'm very proud.' The King told one veteran: 'It's so special to get you here on this sort of occasion. It's the least we could do for you.' William old Douglas Hyde, who joined the Merchant Navy aged 18 in 1944, that his son was 'very keen' to ask the former serviceman some questions. Meanwhile, Kate asked for a copy of a book written by a Second World War evacuee, the author said. The Princess of Wales speaks to Second World War veterans at a tea party at Buckingham Palace today Margaret Wood was evacuated from Chingford in east London at the start of the war to the Midlands, where she remained until May 23 1945. She said the princess had asked for the book during their conversation at the Palace tea party. Ms Wood said: 'I have written a book about my time as an evacuee and it was published. She asked for a copy. 'My mother also wrote about it and it was her reaction to sending her children away.' Ms Wood said of Kate: 'She is just an ordinary lady, just a mum.' As she chatted with veterans, Kate joked of her son: 'He's going to have to practise his shooting like you.' Norman Trickett, 101, said he performed a magic trick to the Queen while talking to her. The trick involved tying string on Camilla's finger before whipping it off. She laughed as the trick was performed. Mr Trickett said: 'I was dared to show the magic trick to the Queen, so I did it. 'She loved it, so I'm glad, I'm chuffed to be here, very proud.' Speaking of her moment with the King, Ms Trew who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: 'He bent down and tucked me in. Of the procession, Ms Trew, who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: 'I said to him (the King) a lot of the women look formidable and he said "yes".' The 98-year-old said she discussed parenting with Charles and told him she had tried to be a strict mother to her children. Robert Piper, 99, from Southwater in West Sussex, said of the King: 'He is a very interesting person and he seems very understanding. 'We spoke for a while about my service and the memories I have of the war.' Mr Piper said he has 'lots of memories' of the war, which come back to him at night. He added: 'The men I served with gave it their all for this country, it's right they're still remembered and I hope the young generations keep remembering them. 'Today has been superb but very overwhelming.' Henry Ducker, 104, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, said Camilla spoke with him about her father. He said: 'It was an honour to talk with her, she was quite funny, very humorous. 'We had quite a laugh, she is a lovely woman.' Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa. Veterans enjoyed sandwiches, scotch eggs and scones at the tea party. Also on the menu were potted shrimps with brown bread and butter, egg and bacon quiche, vegetable pasties and sausage rolls, along with lemon and carrot cake, chocolate cake, treacle tarts and strawberries and cream. Joy Trew, 98, from Bristol, remembers being fascinated with aviation ever since saw German aeroplanes drop bombs over her school playground. She joined the Women's Junior Air Corps aged 17 They dined on large tables in the Marble Hall which was decorated in bunting made from fabrics recycled from the royal estate. The veterans had a prime spot on the Buckingham Palace garden steps as a flypast went over. Many looked up and smiled and applauded, while Army veteran Joe Mines, 100, waved as the planes went over. Among them was Ruth Barnwell, 100, who joined the Women's Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941. Regarding the commemoration, she told PA: 'It was great. Really great. Today has been wonderful.' Politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch were also there. They were joined by actor Timothy Spall and were serenaded by a brass band as they waited for the aircraft. RBL director general Mark Atkinson said the charity was 'proud' to take a place 'at the heart of these national celebrations and commemorations as this really will be one of our last opportunities as a nation to pay tribute to those veterans still with us today'. British and Commonwealth armed forces veterans from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, plus Wrens, SOE members, D-Day veterans and Desert Rats were among those attending the tea party.
