George Receives the Arctic Star Medal for Second World War Navy Service on His 104th Birthday

Boultham Park House resident George Pearson was presented with the Arctic Star Medal by members of the Royal Naval Association as part of his 104th birthday celebrations on 21 December. The care home organised a party and a cake for George, who has lived at the care home since 2019.

George received the Arctic Star Medal along with a bottle of traditional navy ‘Pussers’ rum and a Certificate of Appreciation and Life Membership of the Royal Naval Association. The Arctic Star is a military campaign medal given to those who served on the Arctic Convoys during the Second World War.

Receiving the Medal and gifts, George said: “Thank you very much, I didn’t expect this.”

When referring to his grand age of 104, George said: “I’m older than sliced bread.”

George, who was born in 1919, was 20 years old when he was called up to active service in the Second World War. He was in the British Navy between 1940 – 1945 and worked in the Fleet Air Arm maintaining aircrafts. George was stationed at the Lee-on-Solent marine base before travelling to America and Malta. George also served on HMS Illustrious and was present in the Orkney Islands when King George VI visited to meet forces there.

George moved to Fosse House care home in 2017 where he celebrated his 100th birthday before his moved to Boultham Park House in 2020. George is extremely proud of his cards from the late Queen Elizabeth II, to congratulate him on his centenary, and his diamond wedding anniversary in 2000.