Wales’ oldest man and Second World War veteran Owen Filer has celebrated his 107th birthday with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, more than 80 years after receiving help from the charity while serving overseas.
Owen, who turns 107 on Monday 19 October, was welcomed to Tredegar Veterans Support Hub by family, friends, fellow veterans and SSAFA on Friday 16 October.
Volunteers from SSAFA’s South East Wales Branch presented Owen with a special gift in recognition of his military service and his longstanding connection to the charity.
Throughout the morning, Owen shared stories from his life, recalling memories stretching back to when he was just 14 years old. The room fell silent as those gathered to listen to his accounts of growing up in Wales, his military service and the years that followed.
Owen said,
“Thank you SSAFA, God bless you, all of you.”
Born in 1919, Owen served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers before joining the Corps of Military Police (India), serving in Bombay during the Second World War. He is believed to be the last surviving member of the unit.
While stationed in India, Owen learned that his father was seriously ill. He recalls how SSAFA helped arrange his return home to Wales, but sadly, he was unable to make it back in time to see his father.
The connection came to light last year when Owen met SSAFA volunteers in Cwmbran and shared his memories of the charity’s wartime support.
Michael Wheeler, Chair of SSAFA South East Wales Branch, said:
“It was a real privilege to be part of Owen’s birthday celebrations.
“When Owen told our volunteers about his experience with SSAFA during the war, it brought home just how long the charity has been supporting people in the Armed Forces community.
“It’s lovely to be able to recognise his service and share this special occasion with him. We wish Owen a very happy birthday.”
The celebrations also included a buffet lunch, supported by Tai Calon which helped fund the occasion.
A spokesperson for the organisation said
“Tai Calon is proud to celebrate this incredible milestone and join the community in recognising Owen Filer’s remarkable 107 years of life.
It’s a wonderful opportunity and honour to fund this special day. Honouring his service, listening to him share his story and celebrating a truly special moment with our local community.”
The celebrations continued in Brynmawr, where Owen and his daughter received a Military Police escort and a red-carpet welcome at Market Hall Cinema, Wales’ oldest cinema.
Fellow Royal Military Police veterans wearing their distinctive red berets, were there to greet him, while a chorus of Happy Birthday rang out as he walked towards the cinema.
Owen then settled down to enjoy a screening of the Norman Wisdom comedy, One Good Turn, a film he has personally requested for his birthday.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885.
To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website and click “find your local branch”.
