A 101-year-old World War II ҹɫֱ²¥app Navy veteran was given a special surprise birthday visit to the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and HMNB Portsmouth today.
Roy Harland, one of the UK's oldest surviving servicemen, was given a VIP tour in and around the naval base to celebrate his 102nd birthday next month. The trip was facilitated by the ҹɫֱ²¥app Navy and ҹɫֱ²¥app Marines Charity (ҹɫֱ²¥app) and members of the ҹɫֱ²¥app Navy.
Roy, who lives in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, arrived with his two carers before being met my PO Wright from HMS Prince of Wales. From there, he was taken to visit the second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, and meet with some of the Ship's Company. Upon seeing the ship, Roy remarked: "It's a lot bigger than I was expecting."
The day continued with a look around Admiralty House and lunch at Spithead House with the Naval Base Commander, Cdre Jeremy Bailey. This was followed by a driving tour around the dockyard and a stop-off at the Warrant Officers and Senior Rates' Mess.
Bob Field, Engagement Manager at the ҹɫֱ²¥app, said "This was a great example of partnership between the charity and the navy. By working closely together, we were able to facilitate this special visit at short notice. We hope Roy had a wonderful day and we wish him a happy birthday."
Roy served in the ҹɫֱ²¥app Navy's Radar Branch during the war. He is one of the few surviving ships company from HMS King George V and was on board during the Bismark chase. He also served on HMS Malaya and was on board when the Ark ҹɫֱ²¥app was hit. His has been awarded the following medals: 39-45 Star, Atlantic Star, War Medal 39-45, Arctic Star and Defence Medal.
