A former Royal Navy sailor, who served as a wireless operator during World War II, has celebrated his 100th birthday with a surprise party at Elmcroft care home in Shoreham-by-Sea.
Eric Reed was unable to celebrate the milestone with family because of lockdown measures, but staff were determined to make it a day to remember. The surprise celebrations included cake and ‘bubbly’, followed by entertainment from local violinist, Sarah Milnar, who performed in the garden, keeping in with the current social distancing guidelines.
Born in Cuckfield but later moving to Washington, West Sussex, Eric started his working career as a delivery boy for the local chemist. In 1940, at the age of 20, he volunteered to join the Royal Navy, where he became a Leading Hand.
Among his many naval exploits during WWII, Eric served on anti-submarine vessels, patrolling American and Canadian waters after the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941. The following year, after he and his crewmates were saved from a sinking ship off New York harbour, Eric was given 14 days ‘survivors leave’ in nearby Connecticut, where he was also part of a football team that played against the famous Yale University.
On leaving the Navy, Eric trained as an electrician, later opening his own shop in Worthing. He met his wife, June, at a dance on Worthing Pier and the pair later married in 1980. He moved into Elmcroft care home in October 2019, and soon settled in making many friends.
Monica Donald, home manager, said: “We know this isn’t the milestone birthday that Eric or his family had planned but we wanted to make it as special as we could for him. Eric is very popular at Elmcroft and we all enjoy listening to the stories he has to tell.
“I don’t think anyone in our home is surprised that Eric has reached this incredible milestone, and it’s a testament to his positive and determined outlook on life. Despite his age she continues to keep us on our toes!”
When asked what his secret to a long life was, Eric replied, ‘I have been very well looked after all of my life.’
