Britain’s oldest Second World War veteran, Donald Rose, dies aged 110

Britain’s oldest Second World War veteran, Donald Rose, has died aged 110, believed to be the oldest man in the UK.

The D-Day veteran, who was born on Christmas Eve 1914, passed away this week, Erewash Borough Council confirmed.

Ilkeston Council Leader James Dawson has paid tribute to Mr Rose as a war hero and sent condolences to his family.

‘Erewash was privileged to count him as a resident,’ he said.

In May, Mr Rose joined 45 other veterans as guests of honour at a tea party celebration hosted by the Royal British Legion (RBL) at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, to mark 80 years since VE Day.

Mr Rose, who was attached to the division which liberated Belsen concentration camp, said at the event that he did not celebrate the momentous day 80 years ago.

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.’

In the same month, the Erewash mayor presented Mr Rose with the freedom of the borough for his bravery in the Second World War.

According to the council, Mr Rose said he was proud and happy to receive it, but said: ‘I didn’t do anything that anyone else would not have done.’

The council is flying its flags at half mast to mark Mr Rose’s death.

Originally from Westcott, Surrey, he joined the army aged 23 and served in North Africa, Italy and France, according to the RBL.

He received a number of medals and was awarded France’s highest honour: the Legion d’Honneur.

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