Great-grandson born 100 years apart from D-Day veteran

D-Day veteran Ken Hobbs celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday, February 12 at the Blind Veterans UK centre in Ovingdean.

Ken was surrounded by his friends and family when he celebrated the big day. His granddaughter Stephanie Baldwin, however, was not with him.

Stephanie, pregnant with a baby boy, was instead feeling contractions over the weekend.

As Ken was opening his birthday card from the King, Stephanie gave birth to Sonny Baldwin at 7.57pm on Sunday, meaning he was born 100 years to the day after his great-grandfather.

The 34-year-old said: “It’s just unbelievable and amazing how it’s all turned out. My grandad is the rock of our family and I’m so proud of him.

“The fact that Sonny was born on his 100th birthday is the most amazing coincidence and something we will remember forever."

Sonny Baldwin (Image: Family handout / PA)

Sonny’s father, 44-year-old Kieran Baldwin, said: “He was due on the 7th, so this wasn’t something that we had ever considered would happen.

“When Steph started to have contractions on Friday we started to think it was a real possibility.

“We’re over the moon and it’s just fantastic that Steph, Sonny and Ken are all healthy and well.”

• Read more: Second World War D-Day veteran and codebreaker celebrate 100th birthday together

Ken joined the Royal Army Service Corps in 1942 as a driver. He said: "It’s absolutely marvellous. Everyone is delighted. We’re one big happy family, we’re all very close.

“They’ll be bringing the baby up to see me, I’m really looking forward to it.”

He added: “I’ve got a huge family and it was just amazing to have all my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren here with me."

Ken Hobbs in 1942 (Image: PA)

Ken lost his left eye following an accident just after the war ended, but this did not stop him driving, and he went on to get a job as a bus driver.

He was also diagnosed with macular degeneration later in life and has received support from Blind Veterans UK since 2012.