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British WW2 veteran celebrates 107th birthday in style
RAF veteran Harold Hodgson celebrated his 107th birthday at a Darlington care home, where family, friends and local representatives joined in a party featuring live music, dancing and a Remembrance sing-along. The celebration honoured his five years of Second World War service and drew an exceptional response to the home’s appeal for birthday cards.
Born in Darlington in 1919, Hodgson served as RAF ground staff in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as Norfolk. More than 300 cards arrived from across the UK, exceeding the target of 107; the Royal British Legion presented him with a medal, and Hodgson called the occasion “the best day of his life”.
In short
- Harold Hodgson celebrated his 107th birthday in Darlington.
- More than 300 cards arrived from across the UK.
- The RAF veteran said it was the best day of his life.
Explained simply
The Royal Air Force (RAF) was Britain’s air force during the Second World War, which lasted from 1939 to 1945. Its ground staff supported aircraft and aircrew, including by maintaining equipment and running airfields.
Harold Hodgson was born in Darlington and served for five years as RAF ground staff in Britain and several countries in western Europe. The Royal British Legion is a charity that supports serving and former members of the armed forces and commemorates their service. His birthday celebration brought together people from his family and local community to recognise his wartime service and long life.