A British veteran who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day has celebrated his 103rd birthday in Cyprus, supported by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity that has been helping the British military community since 1885.
According to SSAFA, Harold Fenwick grew up in Glasgow and was among the more than 60,000 British troops who stormed the Normandy beaches on 6 June 1944. He vividly recalls the bitter cold of the landing craft and the fear of what lay beyond it. Braced for heavy casualties early in the assault, the company pushed forward — but as they advanced through France, losses mounted. When his company commander disappeared, Harold stepped up, driving his unit forward with one aim: to liberate Europe.
As they moved across France, Harold was hit by a mortar shell and suffered extensive injuries, ending his time on the front line and sending him back to Britain for surgery. It was while driving troops in Edinburgh that he heard Churchill announce victory in Europe. He spent that night celebrating in the streets of the city, a joy he later described as bittersweet, knowing that many of those around him had lost loved ones who would never come home. Among them was Harold’s own brother, who died during the conflict and whose grave remains in France.
Harold went on to build a life alongside his wife Sheila, with whom he had three children — Barbara, Stanley and Alastair. Now a widower, he lives in Cyprus, his children spread across the world. Most of his friends have passed away, and life can be lonely, SSAFA says. Caseworker Robbie visits him regularly, not only to swap military stories but to provide practical support. Over more than ten years of support, SSAFA has helped Harold with new hearing aids, assistance with bills, a live-in carer so he can remain in his own home, and a mobility scooter that allows him to travel up the road on good days to enjoy a drink with a friend.
“I’m very grateful to SSAFA for helping me and letting me know I still matter to them,” Harold said.
His 103rd birthday was marked with a celebration alongside friends and family, supported by SSAFA’s Cyprus Branch, where trained volunteer caseworkers provide ongoing practical support to veterans and their families.
“Harold’s story is a powerful reminder of the experiences and sacrifices made by his generation,” said Stephen Boswell, Regional Manager for Casework and Community Engagement at SSAFA. “Reaching the age of 103 is an extraordinary milestone, and it’s only right that we take the time to recognise and celebrate both his life and service. The support provided by our branches overseas is vital. In places like Cyprus, our volunteers are there to make sure veterans remain connected, supported and recognised as part of the Armed Forces community.”