Cookley veteran gets 100th birthday surprise

Second World War veteran Fred Rainsford celebrated the special milestone with an honourary visit from Private Derby XXXII, a Swaledale ram, and representatives from his infantry regiment, the Sherwood Foresters.

Lt Col Peter Lockyer, chairman of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), alerted the Mercian Regiment to Fred’s birthday after the charity was contacted to help him get a new recliner chair and electric bed.

Mr Lockyer said: “When we talk to servicemen like Fred who need a bit of help we get their service number and their details and it was quite clear he had a 100th birthday coming up.

“He experienced a hell of a lot during the war and we just thought we should do something special to recognise that he’s turning 100.”

Cpl Philip Thornton, of the Mercian Regiment, added: “It’s an honour to do something like this, especially considering Fred’s background with the Sherwood Foresters. We thought it would be fitting to bring the mascot with us.”

Fred served in the British Army from December 1, 1939 to March 1, 1946, firstly with the Sherwood Foresters, which went on to merge with The Worcestershire Regiment, and then with the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He saw action in Europe, India and Burma and was evacuated from Dunkirk, having walked there all the way from Belgium.

Fred was later awarded the War Medal, the Burma Star, and a Defence Medal.

After marrying the love of his life Mona in 1942, the pair went on to have two children, six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Having worked as a tool setter before the war, Fred went on to work in Dunlop stores on his return.

His daughter June Enderbury told The Shuttle: "Despite being unwell in recent years, he's still got a great sense of humour and determination.

"He's always saying the Germans didn't kill him and the Japanese didn't kill him so nothing will."

Fred will celebrate his 100th birthday with a pub lunch at the Running Horse in Bewdley and a family party.