A Navy Veteran Has Celebrated Her 103rd Birthday

Janet Patterson enjoyed a birthday lunch with her family at Royal Star & Garter in Solihull, where she now lives, on Saturday 21 February.

She was treated to a special lunch with her children Gill and David, granddaughter and other family on her birthday. They also brought birthday cakes for other residents and staff to enjoy.

The centenarian made headlines around the country when she received her War Medal 1939-45 in recognition of her service in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) during WWII. Her son and daughter had applied for it on her behalf, 80 years after the war ended, and 80 years after she left the Armed Forces. Her story was covered in national press and she received letters from as far afield as USA, thanking her for her service.

Janet has been a resident at Royal Star & Garter since 2023. Daughter Gill said:
“We had a lovely time sharing Mum’s birthday with her at Royal Star & Garter. The staff make such a fuss over Mum and all the residents there, it’s a lovely Home.”