BELIEVED to be Warrington’s oldest war veteran, Sid Wilson was given a special reception at the town hall to celebrate his 102nd birthday.
Hosted by the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Karen Mundry, the surprise event was organised by local campaigner Julie Francis, who encouraged local residents to send in birthday cards to Sid, which were waiting for him at the town hall, along with a special cake.
Sid was born during the year of the Battle of the Somme.
He joined the RAF at around the time of his 23rd birthday in 1939, serving in Italy and Egypt, returning to England four and half years later around the time of D-Day in June 1944.
Sid joined RAF 39 Squadron, first working on the arms section of Blenheim Bombers and then Spitfires. His unit worked closely with the 8th army, spending much of his time in the desert working as an instrument maker on spitfires.
Before the war ended he married his WAAF girlfriend Marjorie and had one son, Robin.
He later became a teacher and moved to Warrington following his retirement aged 65, to live nearer his son. He currently lives in Cinnamon Brow.
To mark the occasion Warrington Borough Council unveiled some of their silhouettes outside the town hall to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.
Two years ago fellow veteran Andy Bulman interviewed Sid about his memories of his time during the war.
His memories can be heard below.
Sid Wilson with the Mayor and Julie Francis who helped organise the event
