Poppies to adorn canal for UK’s oldest WW2 veteran

The oldest World War Two veteran in the UK will be honoured on his 110th birthday by adorning the side of a canal with poppies.

Donald Rose, aged 109, currently lives in Ilkeston and served in the war with the 7th Armoured Division.

An appeal has been made on social media for handmade poppies to be donated to the Canal Vue Care Home.

The home's Activities Coordinator, Naomi Allsop, said it was a "remarkable" occasion which deserved something special.

Previous tributes to Mr Rose include a spitfire flypast, a '1940s' take-over event, and a public birthday card collection.

The donations of poppies received this year will be attached to the care home's railing which overlooks the Erewash canal.

Ms Allsop commented that "everyone in Ilkeston" walks up and down the canal, and other veterans would get to see that their sacrifices are remembered by the community.

Donald Rose holds many awards, including France’s highest award – the Legion D'Honneu

"It means a lot because he [Donald] will understand that we've not forgotten when he was out fighting. What veterans have done for us is truly incredible."

The community's response has been praised by the care home, with the organisers receiving messages from schools, scout groups, and members of the public – all offering donations.

"Throughout the weeks and month leading up to remembrance day, it's going to be very busy, and we just appreciate everyone that's taken the time to donate and create a poppy," Ms Allsop said.

Anyone who wishes to make a poppy donation can drop them off at the Canal Vue Care Home, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston DE7 8JF.

Mr Rose will turn 110 years old on the 24th of December 2024.