Britain’s oldest Second World War veteran has died aged 110.
Donald Rose, who was born on Christmas Eve 1914, is believed to have been Britain’s oldest man.
Rose served with distinction during the Second World War and was amongst the forces that liberated Belsen concentration camp.
Erewash Borough Council in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, confirmed the veteran’s death on Friday.
Council leader James Dawson described him as a “war hero”, Desert Rat.
Dawson said: “Our condolences go out to Donald’s family and all who knew him.
“Erewash was privileged to count him as a resident.”
Rose enlisted in the army at 23 years of age and saw action across multiple theatres of war, including North Africa, Italy and France.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Donald Rose has died aged 110
PA
His distinguished service earned him numerous medals, including France’s most prestigious decoration, the Legion D’Honneur.
At a Royal British Legion event in May marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the D-Day veteran reflected on that historic moment alongside 45 other veterans.
He said: “When I heard that the armistice had been signed 80 years ago, I was in Germany at Belsen and, like most active soldiers, I didn’t get to celebrate at that time.”
“We just did what we thought was right and it was a relief when it was over.
Donald Rose enlisted in the army at 23 years of age
PA
The council flew its flags at half mast to mark the 110-year-old’s death
GETTY
He added: “I never would have believed I would be remembering this day at 110 years old. It’s meaningful to come here today with the Royal British Legion, to remember the people who didn’t come back.”
In the same month, Erewash mayor presented Rose with the freedom of the borough for his bravery in the Second World War.
According to the council, Rose said he was proud and happy to receive it, but said: “I didn’t do anything that anyone else would not have done.”
The council flew its flags at half mast to mark the 110-year-old’s death.