Britain’s oldest World War II veteran, Donald Rose, has died at the age of 110, marking the end of a remarkable life defined by service, sacrifice, and quiet heroism.
The D-Day veteran, believed to have also been the oldest man in the UK, passed away in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, where he had been a respected resident. His death was confirmed by Erewash Borough Council, with council leader James Dawson calling Rose a “war hero” and offering condolences to his family and community.
“Erewash was privileged to count him as a resident,” said Dawson. “Our condolences go out to Donald’s family and all who knew him.”
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Born on Christmas Eve, 1914, in Westcott, Surrey, Rose joined the British Army at age 23. During the Second World War, he served in North Africa, Italy, and France, playing a key role in the liberation of the Belsen concentration camp in Germany.
Reflecting on the end of the war, Rose once said:
“When I heard that the armistice had been signed 80 years ago, I was in Germany at Belsen and, like most active soldiers, I didn’t get to celebrate at that time. We just did what we thought was right and it was a relief when it was over.”
Honours and Remembrance
Despite his incredible contributions, Rose remained humble. When he was presented with the freedom of the borough of Erewash in May 2024, he remarked:
“I didn’t do anything that anyone else would not have done.”
Just weeks before his death, Rose joined 45 other veterans at a Royal British Legion tea party to commemorate 80 years since VE Day. He expressed his gratitude for the chance to remember his fallen comrades:
“It’s meaningful to come here today… to remember the people who didn’t come back.”
In tribute, flags across Erewash were flown at half mast to mark his passing.
A Decorated Legacy
Donald Rose was the recipient of multiple medals, including France’s highest honour, the Legion d’Honneur, for his role in liberating the country. His story stands as a powerful reminder of the bravery and humanity displayed by countless men and women during the Second World War.
