Thirteen Second World War veterans, with a combined age of 1,304, have issued a stirring battle cry to England's football team ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The veterans, gathering in Worthing, West Sussex, for their annual seaside outing, urged Thomas Tuchel's squad to seize the moment and win the tournament.
Veterans' Message of Pride and Passion
Leading the charge was Arsenal super-fan Ivan Staines, 99, who said: "They surely won't get a much better chance than this and I have every faith in the boys to make the country proud. It's time for heroes and I am sure they will deliver. The whole country is rooting for them. I certainly am and I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Ivan, from Maldon, Essex, enlisted with the Home Guard in 1942 at age 16 and was later called up to join the King's Own Royal Regiment, serving in Nazi-occupied Europe. He met his wife Doreen at a football match, and they were married for nearly 70 years.
Rallying Cry Echoed by Fellow Veterans
Ivan's call was echoed by his wartime comrades: Robbie Hall, 103; Ruth Barnwell and Don Poole, both 102; Dorothea Barron, Betty Withers, and Don Turrell, all 101; Marie Scott, Henry Rice, Alf Cooley, and Paul Terry, all 100; Gordon Cazaly, 99; and Bill Puckett, 98. The gathering was the largest of surviving British WWII veterans in years, with Ivan joking it represented a starting XI and two substitutes.
Each veteran will be glued to the TV as England face their old rival Argentina—the first World Cup meeting between the two since David Beckham's penalty secured a 1-0 victory in 2002.
Seaside Soiree and Taxi Charity Support
The heroes proudly flew the cross of St George during their annual seaside trip to Worthing, laid on by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans as a thank you for their service. As temperatures neared 30°C (86°F), they arrived in a cavalcade of black cabs, enjoying fish and chip lunch and entertainment at the Pavilion Theatre.
Ruth Barnwell, from Putney, signed up to the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) in 1942 at age 17 after a childhood friend was killed on HMS Hood. She said: "I went straight down to Oxford where there was a recruiting place. I went in, signed up, and said 'well, they've taken Ted so I might as well go and win the war'."
Betty Withers served as a cook with the Wrens and before D-Day in June 1944 served thousands of soldiers their final meal at Hayling Island. She recalled: "We knew something was going to happen... We cooked them a meal and when we woke up the next day the island was deserted. All the men had gone. And we realised then what had happened because it was announced on the radio."
Taxi Charity's Impact on Veterans
The Taxi Charity, run by volunteer London black cab drivers, has supported veterans on commemorative trips since 1948. Ivan, who later served in Palestine, dreams of meeting his Arsenal heroes at the Emirates Stadium upon their triumphant return. He said of the charity: "It has changed my life. If you had asked me two years ago what I would be doing now, I would never have believed I would have had the experiences it has offered me. I am 99, I have lost all my work friends, and it has allowed me to make new friends and create amazing memories. I am forever grateful."
His granddaughter Rosie Digweed, 33, added: "The charity has brought my grandad back to life... His confidence, enjoyment for life, and his heart have grown with new friends who understand exactly what he has been through."
Chairman Colin Mills said: "We are incredibly proud of our drivers who volunteer their time to take veterans on these trips. Their dedication, compassion, and friendship make experiences like this possible."
