99 year old Lincoln veteran realises dream at Cenotaph in London

Donald served in the Mediterranean and Adriatic carrying our highly dangerous attacks on larger vessels. He was 19 years old when his Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) was sunk. The MTB had 30 crew and sank in March 1945 when it hit a mine in enemy waters in the Adriatic. The boat was split in two and half the crew were killed. Most of them were the same age as Bill, who had to swim through fires on the water surface to get away.

Donald said: “I am so happy to be here today. I have my son, who was Royal Marines, my daughter-in-law, who was WRENS, and my granddaughter with me. It has been a great day.”

The Royal Naval Association brings together everyone with a Naval story. Its aim is to foster comradeship and commemoration, particularly at this time of year when Remembrance focusses attention on those who have served their country and was delighted to help these WWII veterans realise their dream of marching in London on Remembrance Sunday.

RNA CEO, Bill Oliphant said: “We are so very proud to enable these WWII veterans to march with us this year. If any former member of Our Naval Forces wishes to attend the Cenotaph with us next year, please do get in touch and we will be delighted to assist.

“We would particularly like to thank Poppy Cabs, who assisted with transport, and the RBL, who organise the March and have been particularly accommodating to our older veterans.”

Donald has been granted lifetime membership of the Royal Naval Association and intends to return to the Cenotaph next year, with the help of the RNA , who has a veteran co-ordinator to enable WWII veterans to attend this event with ease.

If you are from a Naval background and would like to join the Royal Naval Association go to: royal-naval-association.co.uk/join-us

You can contact the VIP veteran co-ordinator on [email protected]