Fomer fireman and soldier Percy gets special birthday visit
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FORMER soldier and fireman Percy Jenkins was able to see his family on his 101st birthday.
The veteran of the Battle of El Alamein in the Second World War was given a guard of honour at Charlton Kings Care Home in Cheltenham, where he has lived since March 2018.
Born on May 20, 1919, Mr Jenkins lived the majority of his life in Swansea where he enjoyed an illustrious and honourable long career in the fire service.
Before that, he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for six years - as a Welshman in the 53rd Scottish Division. He helped casualties in the famous battle that took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein in 1942.
Mr Jenkins has one son, David, and was lovingly married for an impressive 77 years.
Staff and residents at the care home threw him a birthday bash to remember, with a bottle of bubbly, bunting and balloons, a tasty cake made by the head chef and personal videos from his grandchildren and great grandchildren wishing him a happy birthday.
The home also arranged a safe socially-distanced visit from his family - with staff giving him a guard of honour through the corridor as he walked to see his loved ones.