War hero Don, 109, honoured with Spitfire flyover in town
VETERAN BECOMES ‘CELEBRITY’ AS PEOPLE STOP FOR SELFIES ON A DAY OF CELEBRATION
A SECOND World War hero was the focal point of an awe-inspiring salute over the weekend as a town was graced with a Spitfire flyover.
At 109 years old, Donald Rose, of Ilkeston, is the oldest surviving Second World War veteran in the
UK - and the fourth oldest in the world.
Donald has been hailed as “one of a kind” by staff at the Canal Vue care home where he lives, and his birthday last year saw him receive more than 150 cards – many from strangers – showing just how invaluable he is to the community.
Donald was born in 1914 and served on the frontline with the Seventh Armoured Division after joining the Royal Regiment, aged 25. He saw action in North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany and later trained as a sniper. On Bank Holiday Monday, nearly 80 years after the end of the war, Donald was rewarded for his efforts as the town came together to watch two of the iconic fighter planes fly over Ilkeston, with Donald becoming a “local celebrity” for the day, onlookers have said. Deputy mayor Councillor Kate Fennelly, in attendance alongside thousands of well-wishers, said: “The flyover was a complete success. I’ve never seen so many crammed in one car park.
“When the Spitfire came out the whole area came to a standstill. People were lining the streets and once the cars realised, the traffic came to a standstill as well.
“It was just amazing to see everyone turn out and support Donald.
“He really became a local celebrity for the day and he was greeted by hundreds of people, many stopping to take selfies and exchange stories – it was a real community effort for a man that absolutely deserved it.
“We didn’t think Donald would be out for much longer than half an hour, given his age, but he stayed right to the very end and he was just loving it – I’m sure he slept well last night!”
The two Spitfires flew over Erewash at about 1.45pm on Monday while townsfolk dressed in their best 1940s attire. Vintage activities and entertainments were also lined up for visitors, including VIP guests Winston Churchill and King George VI - who were portrayed by a pair of uncanny doppelgängers.
Kate said that this was just one of Donald’s bucket list items that Canal Vue had been arranging in recent months.
Back in November, following the Armistice Day ceremonies at Ilkeston’s Cenotaph and Long Eaton’s War Memorial, Erewash Mayor Frank Phillips led a delegation to honour Donald, where he was recognised for his heroics.