A war veteran who served in five different countries has celebrated his 104th birthday.

Charles Ward had a “wonderful party” for his birthday surrounded by family at his care home Mais House in Bexhill.

Charles, who served in the London Irish Rifles, was visited by current members of the regiment.

He was first called up aged 20 in 1939 and went on to serve in France, Germany, Italy, India and North Africa before being demobbed in 1946.

His daughter Diana Groat said: “It’s wonderful to be celebrating dad’s 104th birthday – such an incredible age.

“The Royal British Legion have thrown him a wonderful party and he’s thoroughly enjoyed it.

“We haven’t been able to celebrate properly for the last two years due to Covid restrictions, so the family have especially enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate with him today.”

The Argus: Charles Ward aged 27 in 1945Charles Ward aged 27 in 1945 (Image: Royal British Legion)

Charles was born in South Kirkby, Yorkshire, on December 16 before moving down to Kent aged 15 in 1934.

Charles has lived at Mais House for five years, and to celebrate him reaching the age of 104, the home held a day of celebrations.

He was treated to music from the London Irish Rifles Band, a visit by standard bearers, and speeches from his family and care home staff.

While serving in Algeria in 1943, Charles’ battalion was attacked, resulting in over 250 deaths in a single day.

Charles then led his section for the battle of Hill 286 in Tunisia.

He was lucky to survive but sustained injuries to his knee, causing him to be medically downgraded.

The Argus: Charles aged 104 at his care home with his medalsCharles aged 104 at his care home with his medals (Image: Royal British Legion)

Charles was then posted the Special Operations Executive (SOE) where he met his future wife. Margaret Pratt was a 19-year-old First Aid Nursing Yeomanry who had also been posted to SOE as a wireless operator. Their friendship would blossom over the next two years, and after the war they married.

In 2017, Margaret died and Charles went to Mais House, where he especially enjoys watching sport, listening to the radio, and gardening.

Claire Bradley, who works at Mais House, said: “It was a pleasure to throw Charles the birthday party he deserved with live music, visits from his family, and a touching video montage compiled by his family, friends, and care home staff.”