D-Day veteran Ron celebrates 103rd birthday at Care for Veterans

A WWII veteran who helped liberate Europe following the D-Day landings has celebrated his 103rd birthday in Worthing.

Ron Parker was joined with family, other residents, and staff from Care for Veterans – a Royal Star & Garter Home, when he marked his birthday on 24th February.

The Home provides long-term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end-of-life care to veterans and their families living with disabilities, including acquired brain injury and degenerative neurological conditions. It is now part of the Royal Star & Garter group following a merger with the charity.

Ron was born on 24^th February 1923 and was just 18 when he was conscripted into the Army in 1942, joining the Royal Engineers. Trained in clearing mines, repairing equipment and building vital infrastructure, he was part of the follow-up forces sent to France after the D-Day landings in June 1944. Ron came ashore at Sword Beach, weighed down with equipment and ammunition, before digging in to create defensive positions and machine gun posts.

Recalling his time in Normandy, Ron has spoken of the difficulty of sleeping as artillery fire shook the ground through the night and the constant focus on survival. Despite the danger, he remained quietly determined, playing his part in the Allied advance across Europe.

After the war, Ron returned home to Worthing, married his wife Joyce and went on to enjoy a long career at Barclays Bank. He has a daughter, three grandchildren and a lifetime of memories shaped by service, hard work and family life.

Following Joyce’s death in 2021 and a period of ill health, Ron came to Care for Veterans for respite care before becoming a permanent resident. At the Home he is known for his gentle humour, love of a morning coffee in the garden and close friendship with his fellow veterans.

Vicky Strange, Home Manager at Care for Veterans, said:

“Ron is an extraordinary gentleman, and it is a real privilege to care for him. His life story is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of his generation, and we are honoured that he is part of our Care for Veterans family. It was a joy to celebrate this incredible milestone with him.

Care for Veterans is welcoming new residents. For more information on this or to work at the Home, visit: www.careforveterans.org.uk