Harold

On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, 102-year-old Glaswegian Harold Fenwick will say a prayer of thanks for having survived the war, a war that killed his beloved brother.

For over 80 years he has asked why he got out of France alive and why his brother will forever occupy a corner of it.

Harold’s fate could have been so different. For on 6 June 1944, D-Day, Harold joined more than 60,000 British troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy. He vividly recalls the bitter cold journey in the landing craft and the fear of what lay beyond it.

Braced for mass casualties early in the assault, they never came. But hopes they’d be spared were premature, for as they advanced, they suffered heavy losses. When the company commander disappeared, Harold stepped into the breach, pushing forward, united by fear and one aim: to liberate Europe.

As they moved across France, Harold was hit with a mortar shell and suffered extensive injuries, which ended his time on the front line and saw him sent back to Britain for surgery.

It was while driving troops in Edinburgh that he heard Churchill utter the words that would change history…

"This is your victory! It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In all our long history we have never seen a greater day than this."

And so, they celebrated, filling the streets of Edinburgh, euphoria sweeping over them, a joy unmatched, although bittersweet for those whose loved ones would never come home.

For Harold, that night marked the start of the rest of his life, which he spent alongside his wife Sheila, with whom he had three children, Barbara, Stanley and Alastair.

Harold is one of the few left from the greatest and bravest generation this country has ever known. Now a widower, he lives in Cyprus, his children spread across the world.

SSAFA knows that it is because of people like Harold that we have the freedoms we do today. People now and those in generations to come will forever be indebted to men like Harold.

SSAFA has had the privilege of supporting Harold for more than ten years, making sure he has everything he needs to live the fullest life possible.

Most of his friends have now passed away, and life for Harold can be lonely. With advancing age, life can become tough.

SSAFA caseworker Robbie visits Harold regularly, not only swapping military tales but also offering practical support.

‘I’m very grateful to SSAFA for helping me and letting me know I still matter to them.’

Robbie secured funds for Harold to have a live-in carer so he can see out his final years in his own home and with the dignity he deserves.

SSAFA also helped with new hearing aids, assistance with bills and, most importantly to Harold, a mobility scooter. Now, on good days, Harold can travel a mile up the road on his scooter to enjoy a drink with his friend. On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, he will raise a glass to all those men who will remain forever boys, his brother amongst them.