Oldest hero, 110, gets Freedom of Borough

Erewash Borough Council is to salute war hero Donald Rose – who is the UK’s oldest man – by granting the 110-year-old the Freedom of the Borough.

The tribute, which will be voted on when the full council meets on Thursday 15 May, follows VE Day celebrations across the nation to mark 80 years since the defeat of the Nazis.

Ex-Desert Rat Donald was shot in the leg during the Normandy Landings – and as the nation’s oldest World War Two veteran found himself repeatedly starring on TV during VE Day week.

A party for him at Ilkeston’s Canal Vue Care Home in the run-up to the big day was featured on The One Show. The Mayor of Erewash Cllr Kate Fennelly was there – along with TV comic Al Murray.

On VE Day itself – Thursday 8th May – BBC1’s national news filmed him attending an extravaganza at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. It was hosted by Baroness Floella Benjamin and the Royal British Legion – and saw a flypast by a Spitfire and a Hurricane fighter.

The citation for the veteran to get the Freedom of the Borough reads: “This Council wishes to place on record its high appreciation and recognises the debt of gratitude of all citizens of the Borough to Donald Rose and his generation.  

“As the oldest resident of the Borough and the nation’s oldest veteran of the Second World War, the contributions of him and his generation have ensured the continuation of our values and democratic freedoms that we enjoy.

“In commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and in recognition of his service to the country, the Council hereby confers upon Donald Rose the Freedom of the Borough of Erewash.’’

Borough Council leader James Dawson will propose the motion at Long Eaton Town Hall. Cllr Dawson said: “Donald fought for our freedom – so it is only fitting that we honour him this way.”