By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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The news broke recently that Britain’s oldest World War II veteran, Donald Rose, has passed away at the remarkable age of 110. It’s hard to even fathom a life that long, especially one that included the harrowing experiences of a world war. The loss of such a figure is a poignant reminder of the dwindling number of individuals who bravely served during that pivotal period in history.
Donald Rose’s contributions to the war effort were significant. He was a participant in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, a day that marked a turning point in the war. Beyond that, he was part of the division that liberated the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany, a place of unimaginable suffering. To have witnessed and endured such events, and then to live for over a century, is truly extraordinary.
The leader of the Erewash Borough Council, James Dawson, rightfully called Donald Rose a “war hero.” He was a resident of Erewash, and it’s clear that the community held him in high regard. To have such a person among them must have been a privilege.
It’s remarkable that, even at his advanced age, Donald Rose was still engaging in events. Just a few months ago, he was a guest of honor at a tea party celebration hosted by the Royal British Legion to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. This dedication to remembering and honoring the sacrifices of the war is truly commendable.
The sheer longevity of Donald Rose’s life is astonishing. 110 years is a testament to resilience and, one hopes, a fulfilling life. Imagine the history he witnessed, the changes he saw, and the stories he could tell. It’s a tragedy that we are losing these individuals, especially given the current state of the world. He knew what the enemy was, and he fought for freedom.
The cost of WWII is still being paid in veteran’s benefits, and the same will continue for wars fought in Afghanistan and others. It’s disheartening to think that fewer and fewer people are around to share their firsthand accounts of the atrocities of war. The stories that our grandparents and great-grandparents told should never be forgotten.
It’s estimated that the number of surviving WWII veterans in the UK is around 8,000. In the Commonwealth and the US, it’s likely around 100,000. Considering that a combined 35 million people served in the war, the dwindling numbers underscore the urgency of preserving their memories.
The reality is that the ranks of these heroes are thinning rapidly. In five years, the number will likely be around 50,000, and in ten years, it could be fewer than 5,000. We are quickly approaching the point where the only survivors will be those who were children during the war.
Personal stories often provide the most powerful reflections. One family shared how the last of their grandfather’s unit passed away two years ago at 101 years old. The grandfather himself, along with four of his five brothers, served in the war, and all five returned home. Another shared a memory of an uncle who was a mess after returning from the war, having served in Africa, Yugoslavia, Italy, Greece, and Syria.
These personal connections highlight the profound impact of WWII. Every veteran has a story, and each story represents sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. It’s important to remember that these brave individuals fought for our freedom.
The war ended 80 years ago. The veterans who survived are mostly in their mid-90s or older. Many of these heroes even lied to be able to enlist younger than they should have been. We must honor their service and commitment to protecting us, and we should all do our best to fight for these same values in the world.
These veterans’ families played critical supporting roles, too. Women, for example, served in vital ways – in engineering, bookkeeping, and even in the RAF as mechanics. They helped maintain and operate the equipment. These veterans and their families will always be remembered.
The incredible lives and contributions of these veterans demonstrate that the number is dropping fast. Donald Rose lived to be 110, and he, as all those that served, deserve our utmost respect and remembrance.