Tributes paid as oldest man dies at age 110

Erewash Borough Council leader James Dawson has led tributes to Britain’s oldest man Donald Rose following the announcement of the Ilkeston war hero’s death at the age of 110 on Friday 11th July 2025.

Cllr Dawson said as the borough prepared to fly its flags at half-mast to mark the old soldier’s passing: “Our condolences go out to Donald’s family and all who knew him. Erewash was privileged to count him as a resident.”

Ex-Desert Rat Donald was the nation’s oldest Forces veteran – after surviving a bullet to the leg during the World War Two Normandy landings.

In May the town hall sent a delegation to the Canal Vue Care Home in Ilkeston to award him its highest honour – the Freedom of the Borough.

Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson presented him with a framed scroll. It was this accolade that meant the council could lower flags bearing the borough’s crest.

Cllr Dawson said following the ceremony which was attended by the veteran’s son David: “Donald fought for the freedom we all enjoy – so it is only fitting we award him the freedom of the borough.”

Grinning Donald told of his pride at becoming a freeman of the borough. He said as council top brass and local Royal British Legion officials looked on: “I feel so happy. It is great to see so many people here.” But he insisted modestly when reminded how he helped to preserve our freedom by battling the Nazis: “I didn’t do anything that anyone else would not have done.”

Donald would have been 111 on Christmas Eve. He put his longevity down to the salty water he had to drink while serving as a Desert Rat. He reckoned that combined with dog biscuits he resorted to eating it “pickled” his insides. 

He also joked that Maltesers and the odd tot of rum may also have played a part.

In his speech at the ceremony Cllr Dawson said: “It is thanks to people like Donald and his generation that all of us here, regardless of politics, are stood where we are -- and why we can debate the issues of the day, without fear, in a free forum.

“As we mark the 80th Anniversary this year of Victory In Europe, and Victory Over Japan this year, it is as important now as it was then to recognise the efforts of Donald and his generation.”

He spoke of how the wartime generation was sadly seeing its numbers dwindling. Cllr Dawson continued: “In a world that seems a little darker and uncertain, with conflict on the continent of Europe again, it is incumbent on all of us to carry on their message for future generations.”