A hundred happy and respectful returns for war hero
FROM music to motorcycles – a war hero celebrated his milestone 100th birthday in style with a party hosted by the South Yorkshire Veterans Breakfast Club and attended by fellow veterans and dignitaries.
Veteran Arnold Walton celebrated his centenary with motorcycling Army veterans cheering and escorting the former sergeant as he arrived at the Toby Carvery in Eastwood.
World War II veteran Arnold landed in Normandy on D-Day +4 and went on to spend 21 years in the infantry.
He also served in Arnhem.
Arnold was presented with gifts from the King's representative in the region Deputy Lieutenant South Yorkshire Lt Col Mac McPherson and South Yorkshire Veterans Breakfast Club co-founders Sharon Lee and Mark Granger, as well as guests including veterans from across the North of England.
Speaking about the celebrations, which included 1940s-era music for its special guest, Sharon said: "At first Arnold said he didn't want a fuss – in that typical old school way of a military gentleman – to then him saying he'd maybe have a few people, to finally him coming round to the idea, and the large number of guests who turned up!
"I think he was a little bit over-whelmed at first but it was a really nice surprise as well – there were many touching and tearful moments.
“It was important for us as a club to mark the occasion and we wanted to do something special and respectful for his 100th birthday, to recognise his, and his fellow comrades', service and what he has done for his country.”