George Gaterell

George Gaterell was born on 7th August 1926 in Brighton, where he grew up with his two brothers and a sister.

In October 1944, at the age of 18, George was called up to serve in the Army. He joined a training regiment with the Highland Light Infantry in Glasgow for nine weeks before being posted to the Royal Armoured Corps in Bovington, Dorset. There, George trained on armoured vehicles, learning to drive tanks and armoured cars.

“I really didn’t want to do it, but it had to be done,” George recalls. “I met nice youngsters from all over the country – Welshmen, Scotsmen, Irishmen. I got on best of all with the Scots – very friendly people.”

During his service, George was posted to Egypt and Palestine. He vividly remembers hearing the news when the war was finally over. “We got the train from Poole to Waterloo to celebrate the end of the Japanese War – VJ Day. It was so packed. People were going mad –– which they had a right to.”

After leaving the Army in 1947, George worked as a bus driver for Southdown Buses before moving into furniture removals. He later became an Assistant Mechanic for BT in Portslade and finished his career as a Chauffeur for BT’s Regional Director, driving right across the Southeast, from Portsmouth to Canterbury.

“They built up a good rapport,” says Richard, “Dad would share stories with him, they would drive for miles, so it’s hardly surprising that they got talking, They built a great mutual respect for each other.

At 17, George met Pat, and the couple went on to spend over 80 years together. Sadly, in 2020, Pat passed away after a period of ill health.

George had also suffered a stroke, which affected his sight and hearing. After a short stay in another care home where he become more unhappy, his son Richard arranged for him to move to Care for Veterans.

George says, “It’s better here than any other home – a definite improvement. I like this place, it’s quiet and steady.”

George enjoys spending time in the Wellbeing Hub and taking part in the activities available. He especially appreciates the homecooked meals prepared by the catering team.

Richard explains that the Hub has become an important part of George’s daily life. “Dad’s good at finding people on the same level,” he says. “He’s always chatting to someone – residents or staff – and the team is brilliant with him. He really enjoys being surrounded by people and the hustle and bustle, rather than sitting quietly on his own. Some residents prefer to stay in their rooms, but Dad always goes down to the Hub whenever he can. In fact, he complains if he can’t go on a Sunday! That’s a good sign – it shows how much he enjoys it.”

Richard has also been assessed to support George on car trips, allowing them to spend quality time together and helping George maintain his independence. For George, these trips are particularly meaningful, given his lifelong love of driving and being on the road.

“Because of his career, he’s always had freedom,” Richard says. “He’s always been out and about, whether driving a bus, delivering furniture, or chauffeuring. He loves that feeling of being on the move. When we go out now, he likes watching the seasons change, seeing what the sea’s doing, or talking about the clouds. It gives him a change of scenery and brings back memories.”

Although their outings are shorter now, due to mobility and health considerations, Richard still makes sure they get out together. “I used to take him out for meals, or we’d sit in a pub car park and have a beer,” he recalls. “These days, I’ll take him for a sandwich, and we’ll sit in the car for a while before heading back. But he still loves it – it gets him out, and we have time to chat and reminisce. It keeps him connected with the outside world.”

At Care for Veterans, George continues to thrive in an environment where independence, companionship, and dignity are at the heart of everyday life.

For more information about how Care for Veterans can help you and your family, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!