A Royal Navy veteran who witnessed the D-Day landings from a mast top has celebrated his 100th birthday with advice to enjoy life but choose friends wisely. George Spencer, who served across the globe and now lives in Ballymena, County Antrim, warned that there are "nasty people" around but also many "very good ones."
A Bird's Eye View of History
Mr Spencer served on HMS Nelson during the Normandy invasion in June 1944. He recalled being stationed on top of the mast with large binoculars, giving him a panoramic view of the landings. "I watched the landings going on," he said. "I remember the Nelson, the Rodney and an aircraft carrier." The trio also participated in the Sicily landings the previous year, which he noted is less discussed.
Born in Nottinghamshire, Mr Spencer avoided a mining career by joining the TS Mercury training ship at age 12, a decision supported by his headmaster. He described sleeping in hammocks and scrubbing decks, with a distinctive soap smell that identified Mercury boys.
Life After the Navy
After his service, which included a stint with the Australian Navy where one daughter was born, Mr Spencer settled in Northern Ireland with his wife. His daughter Sally Ann Johnston said her father rarely spoke about the war when she was growing up, but recent commemorations prompted more stories. She recalled learning that HMS Nelson had hit a mine, but her father described it nonchalantly: "Oh yes, we sat on a mine."
Mr Spencer's advice for a long life: "Enjoy all sorts of things" and "pick your friends wisely." He credited his daughters for their care, saying, "I'm very fortunate."
