A man who served in the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during World War Two has celebrated his 100th birthday, becoming the sixth centenarian residing at Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford.
George Evans was joined by his daughter Janet for the celebrations at the care home, where he has lived since February 2022.
Broughton House provided George with his favourite cake – the traditional Victoria sandwich – and his room was festooned with banners and balloons.
George was an apprentice electrician at the Irlam Steelworks in Salford before being conscripted into the army in 1944 when he was 18. In the REME, his role was to repair and maintain damaged tanks.
The other centenarians at Broughton House include D-Day veteran Peter Belcher, who will be 102 on December 9. Peter served from 1937 until 1949.
On D-Day in Normandy, Peter’s role was to capture and defend the Caen canal and River Orne road bridges, more specifically Pegasus Bridge, as part of the 2nd Battalion Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 6th Airborne Division.
The capture of these two bridges in Operation Deadstick would ensure that the eastern flank was protected for those landing on Sword Beach in the early hours of D-Day. Peter later spent time in the Parachute Regiment. He was awarded six military medals, including the Legion d’Honneur.
Another World War Two hero living at Broughton House is Monty Black, 100, who grew up in Cheetham Hill in Manchester and was conscripted into the army at 18. He trained as a wireless telegraphy operator and learned Morse Code.
After being transferred to the Royal Navy, which needed wireless telegraphy operators, Monty served in Ceylon, where he received signals from warships in the Far East theatre of war and passed them to senior officers in charge of fleet operations in the region. He was later despatched to serve in India.
Joe Jervis, aged 102, who was raised in south Manchester, enlisted in the RAF in 1944, having trained as an aircraft engineer. Joe served at fighter airfields across the UK, servicing aircraft such as the Spitfire.
Cliff Butterworth, 100, served in the Royal Navy during the war, having enlisted in 1942. He served as a deck hand on Hunt-class destroyer HMS Brocklesby, which participated in the Allied landings on Sicily and along the Italian coast, escorting convoys of troopships.
The sixth centenarian at Broughton House is Dorothy Potts, 100, a former professional dancer whose husband served in the RAF.
Jane Green, director of care at Broughton House, said:
“Our centenarians are amazing individuals and are the embodiment of living well with meaning and purpose, which wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our amazing team who all go the extra mile to ensure our residents are cared for with kindness and pride.
“It’s remarkable to think that between them they have 600-plus years of wisdom, laughter and strength. They keep active and sociable, and are a true inspiration to everyone at Broughton House.”
George said he was delighted to celebrate his birthday and was happy for his friends to offer pearls of wisdom on their longevity.
Peter said his Christian faith has helped to sustain him.
He added:
“I’ve lived through many years of history and like to tell a tale or two, although sometimes I get tired of reliving those stories.
“I’ll be 102 next week through hard work and by staying positive in mind and spirit. My advice to everyone is to keep moving for as long as you can, no matter how long it may take you to get to your destination.”
Dorothy said her biggest pleasure is to see her great-grandchildren.
“That’s the best thing I could ask for,” she said.
Joe said having a solid group of family and friends around you is key to a long and fulfilling life.
“Feeling loved and connected is essential for a sense of worth and wellbeing,” he said.
Monty said he tries to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and good social contacts.
“Focusing on positive things and being kind to others are important in life,” he added.
Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916. The site has been redeveloped into a complex with a 64-bed care home, including two households dedicated to veterans living with dementia, as well as independent living apartments. The care home has an array of modern facilities, a museum, gym, hairdressing and barber’s salon, and a Veterans’ Mess.
