A D-Day veteran celebrating his 100th birthday has shared poignant advice, urging people to enjoy life but choose their friends carefully. George Spencer, who served with the Royal Navy, marked his centenary with family in Ballymena, County Antrim.
Mr Spencer warned that 'there are some nasty people around' but added that there are also 'very good ones'. He expressed gratitude for his family, saying: 'I’m very fortunate with my daughters. They look after me well.' His simple philosophy is to 'enjoy all sorts of things'.
During the D-Day landings, Mr Spencer had a 'bird’s eye view' from the mast of HMS Nelson. Using powerful binoculars, he watched the landings unfold, alongside HMS Rodney and an aircraft carrier. He also recalled the Sicily landings the previous year.
Born in Nottinghamshire, Mr Spencer avoided a life in mining by securing a scholarship to the TS Mercury training ship, a naval academy overseen by former cricketer CB Fry. He described the ship as a 'hulk' where he slept in hammocks and scrubbed floors, noting that 'Mercury boys' were known by the strong smell of their soap.
After his naval career, which included a stint with the Australian Navy, Mr Spencer settled in Northern Ireland with his wife and family. His daughter, Sally Ann Johnston, said he spoke 'very little' about the war until recent commemorations encouraged him to share more. She recalled him nonchalantly mentioning that HMS Nelson had 'sat on a mine', adding: 'It blew my mind because he was so nonchalant.'
