Veteran Signs WWII Rifle at Care Home in Bognor Regis

Residents and staff at Bradshaw Lodge care home in Bognor recently welcomed Jay Hawkins from Cambridgeshire to meet resident Harry Wilkes, aged 101, one of Britain’s remaining Second World War veterans.

Jay has been on a journey across the UK to meet surviving veterans of the Second World War.

His mission is to ensure their stories are never forgotten by collecting signatures on a deactivated 1939 rifle, which will eventually be displayed in a museum alongside photographs gathered during his travels.

Harry was the 160th veteran to add his signature to the rifle.

At the age of 19 in 1943, Harry volunteered for service in The Navy on the HMS BRECON until the end of the war. Harry first shipped out to Malta, where he was one of the first new radar operators.

Harry said, “It was good to talk with Jay about my time in The Navy, and to meet Jay himself.”

Teresa May, the General Manager at Bradshaw Lodge, added, “Welcoming Jay to our home was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Harry and the extraordinary experiences he’s had. The visit created a real buzz throughout Bradshaw Lodge.

“Seeing residents’ histories documented in such a personal way reminds us of the importance of preserving these first-hand accounts for future generations. We are delighted to have supported the project and to have shared in such a special moment of recognition for Harry.”