The UK’s oldest war hero was honoured on Remembrance Sunday in Derbyshire.
Ex-Desert Rat Donald Rose was a VIP guest when ex-Service personnel took to the pitch at Ilkeston Town FC in the Remembrance Cup. Sunday’s 4 pm football match raised money for Forces Veterans Afloat, the Mayor’s Charity, which gives canal boats for homeless ex-service personnel to live in.
Entry to the game was free. Erewash Mayor Cllr Kate Fennelly attended a wreath-laying ceremony in Long Eaton before the game. Parades were held in Long Eaton, starting at the town’s War Memorial on West Gate.
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Speaking before Remembrance Day, Mayor Cllr Fennelly said: “The poignant Remembrance events as Erewash pays tribute to those who fought so courageously for the freedom we cherish are always well-attended. Like Donald, who was left grieving for comrades, we must never forget how so many made the ultimate sacrifice.”
After the football match, which took place at the New Manor Ground on Sunday, November 10, Donald received a visit from the Royal British Legion on Armistice Day (Monday, November 11).
They were joined by Erewash’s mayor as the nation fell silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Where is the UK’s Oldest War Hero?
Donald, the oldest war hero, who survived the D-Day landings, lives at the nearby Canal Vue care home. The care home, where Donald lives, is running a string of events in the run-up to his 110th birthday on Christmas Eve.
Who is Donald Rose?
Donald Rose is one of the UK’s oldest surviving WWII veterans, celebrated for his remarkable service with the 7th Armoured Division, famously known as the Desert Rats.
Born in 1914, and now known as the oldest war hero, he joined the Queen’s Royal Regiment at age 25 and went on to serve on various frontlines across Europe and North Africa. His training as a sniper and his involvement in major military campaigns reflect the intensity and bravery of his service.
Donald’s war experiences were not just defined by combat; he also survived the D-Day landings, one of the most challenging and pivotal battles of WWII.
Now 108 years old, he resides in a care home in Erewash, where he is a highly respected figure. Despite his age and achievements, Donald speaks sparingly about his wartime memories, finding it difficult to revisit the events and losses he experienced.
His community and local organizations, including his care home, continue to honour his legacy, organizing tributes and gatherings around events like Remembrance Day.
What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day, observed annually on November 11, honours members of the armed forces who lost their lives in wars and conflicts. It marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, which concluded on this date in 1918 at 11:00am—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The day is widely commemorated in the UK, Commonwealth nations, and beyond, with services, two minutes of silence, and the laying of poppy wreaths. The red poppy symbolizes remembrance, inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields.
Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, features national events like the Cenotaph service in London. The Royal Family, veterans, and political leaders often attend. It is a moment to reflect on sacrifice, ensuring those who served are never forgotten.
Who were the Desert Rats?
The 7th Armoured Division, famously nicknamed the “Desert Rats,” was a British military unit celebrated for its role during World War II. Initially formed in Egypt in 1938, this division played a crucial role in the North African Campaign, notably during the battles against the German Afrika Korps led by General Erwin Rommel, also known as the “Desert Fox.”
The division earned its moniker from its operations in the Western Desert, where its soldiers adapted to the harsh conditions of North Africa. They gained fame for their involvement in the pivotal Battle of El Alamein (1942), which turned the tide in favor of the Allies. Equipped with various tanks, including the Crusader and later the Sherman, the Desert Rats showcased resilience despite logistical challenges and inferior equipment early in the war.
After success in North Africa, the division participated in campaigns across Europe, including the invasion of Italy and the Normandy landings. It became a symbol of British military prowess and adaptability in extreme conditions.
What is the Remembrance Cup?
Ilkeston FC has been involved in supporting veterans and the community through events like the Remembrance Cup, which is a key part of the club’s tradition of honouring those who have served in the military. The club participates in the Remembrance Cup to raise awareness and support for veterans, particularly through their collaboration with local groups and charities. The event, which also includes donations and charity efforts, provides an opportunity for people to come together and pay tribute to those who have given their lives or service.
Donald Rose, a notable figure from the club, frequently attends the Remembrance Cup, reflecting the importance of the event both to the team and the broader community. His participation highlights the club’s commitment not just to football but also to social causes, especially those linked to military history and remembrance. This annual event serves as a platform for both raising funds for veterans’ charities and creating a space for reflection and respect.
The Remembrance Cup is typically marked by various football teams coming together, with Ilkeston FC using its platform to ensure that the event draws attention to the sacrifices made by the armed forces. This is part of a wider effort to engage the community in meaningful causes while also promoting local sportsmanship and teamwork.
This initiative aligns with broader community efforts in the UK, where local councils and clubs often support similar causes. For instance, the Erewash Borough Council frequently supports such events, promoting remembrance and community spirit during this significant time of year.
Who are the Forces Veterans Afloat and how do they help war heroes?
Forces Veterans Afloat is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting homeless veterans by providing them with the opportunity to live on narrow boats. The initiative began in 2021 when Andy Flint, inspired by the need to repurpose abandoned boats, suggested using them to help ex-service personnel in dire circumstances. The project gained swift support from the boating community, volunteers, and businesses, who have collectively worked on restoring donated boats.
The charity’s core mission is to provide a sustainable living solution for homeless veterans or those at risk of homelessness, enabling them to live on boats while receiving ongoing care and support from recognized service charities. The organization doesn’t just offer housing but also aims to promote mental health and well-being by offering these veterans a peaceful and self-sufficient living environment, helping to reintegrate them into society. Each boat restoration project is powered by the volunteer efforts of boat owners and businesses, and the charity has seen rapid growth, with several boats being donated and restored since its inception.
One of their major projects includes transforming the narrowboat Spencer’s Revenge into a floating community hub, which will provide therapy and support for veterans, particularly those struggling with PTSD.
