Britain’s oldest surviving World War II veteran, Donald Kitchener Rose, has passed away at the age of 110, marking the end of an era and a life that spanned the most tumultuous events of the 20th century.
Born on Christmas Eve 1914 in Surrey, Rose’s lifetime witnessed two world wars and countless societal changes, yet he remained remarkably down-to-earth about his place in history.
This tribute looks back on the extraordinary journey of a front-line soldier, family man, and beloved figure in the veteran community whose courage and longevity continue to inspire.
Early Life and Enlistment
Donald Rose was born in the village of Westcott, Surrey, during the First World War. His middle name “Kitchener” was likely given in honour of the famed British military leader, foreshadowing the martial path his life would take.
In 1939, on the eve of war, 24-year-old Donald enlisted in the British Army. He joined the Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey) and trained in Guildford before deploying overseas.
Like so many of his generation, he answered the call without fuss, determined to do his bit.
War Service - Desert Rats, D-Day and Belsen
Rose served throughout the entire Second World War, across North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. He joined the 7th Armoured Division – the legendary Desert Rats – and was trained as a sniper.
In the North African campaign, he endured desert conditions to help defeat Rommel’s Afrika Korps. He later landed in Normandy during the D-Day invasion, fighting through France and into Germany.
He was shot in the leg during heavy fighting in Normandy but returned to the front. His war ended in Germany, where he witnessed the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp – an experience that stayed with him for life.
Donald received multiple campaign medals and, decades later, France’s highest honour – the Légion d’honneur – for his part in liberating Europe.
A Quiet Life Well Lived
Demobbed in 1946, Donald returned to Britain and married Jeannette “Janet” Rudin. They had a son, David, in 1949 and settled into working-class life.
Donald worked hard; for the gas board, as a lorry driver, a refuse collector – never shy of graft. He retired in his 70s, still strong and independent.
In 2001, Jeannette passed away after 54 years of marriage. Donald moved to Ilkeston, Derbyshire, to be closer to his family and quietly became a beloved figure in the local community.
Living History
Even in his later years, Donald remained sharp and full of mischief. At 106, he “flew” a plane in a simulator. He rode on fire engines, reunited with old motorbikes, and charmed care home staff and journalists alike.
On his 110th birthday in December 2024, he received a card from King Charles and a video serenade from Alfie Boe. He was celebrated nationally, appearing on TV and in the papers.
When asked the secret to his long life, he joked: “Brackish water, dog biscuits, Maltesers – and the occasional tot of rum.”
Honoured and Remembered
In May 2025, Donald attended the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the National Memorial Arboretum. Soon after, he was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Erewash, the council’s highest honour.
He accepted it with typical modesty, surrounded by friends, veterans, and family – a 110-year-old Desert Rat honoured by a 25-year-old mayor. A beautiful symbol of how generations connect.
The Final Goodbye
On 11 July 2025, Donald Rose passed away peacefully in his care home. With his death, Britain lost not just its oldest veteran, but a living link to the wartime generation.
Tributes came from across the country. Flags were lowered, the Royal British Legion thanked him, and his son simply said, “He’s my hero.”
Donald Rose stood for everything good in that generation – duty, humility, humour and service. A man who never sought recognition but quietly earned it from all who met him.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him.
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