RAF veteran Jack Waterfield celebrates 105th birthday at Timken Grange

Jack Waterfield, a resident at Timken Grange care home in Northampton, celebrated his 105th birthday surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents after a week of special celebrations. 

The RAF veteran began the week with outings alongside family and friends, before a surprise celebration at Duston Coffee Call, a local veterans' coffee morning that brought together the wider community, including children and cadets from a nearby school, to honour Jack and celebrate his remarkable life and service. During the event, Jack was also presented with a thoughtful surprise gift - a lifetime membership from the Royal Air Force Association.

The birthday celebrations came at the end of an already significant few weeks for Jack, who had joined fellow residents in marking the 81st anniversary of VE Day at the home.

As a Royal Air Force veteran who served during the Second World War, Jack's life story spans some of the defining moments of the twentieth century. His service began in 1941, enduring a harsh Scottish winter before postings took him to North Africa, Malta, Gibraltar and Mount Vesuvius in Italy. These experiences later inspired a book he authored about his time in the forces.

Reflecting on the landmark birthday, Jack said:

Every year I look back on everything life has given me, and there is no shortage of stories. The places I saw, the people I served alongside, the things we went through together, you carry all of that with you. To be here now, surrounded by people who want to celebrate with me, means more than I can easily say.

Louise Mulvany, Home Manager at Timken Grange, said:

Jack brings something irreplaceable to our community here and has become quite the local celebrity. His life has taken him around the world and through some of the most significant moments of the twentieth century. It’s been a privilege for all of us at Timken Grange to celebrate this milestone with him, and moments like these remind us of how special it is to be part of a community where stories like Jack’s continue to be honoured and shared.

For more information about Timken Grange care home, please click here.