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WW2 veterans unite for double 101st birthday celebration
16 June 2025
There was a double celebration in the wardroom of HMS Excellent in Portsmouth as two WW2 veterans marked their 101st birthdays
Len Chivers and Robin Boodle are very much among the last of their generation – having witnessed in Len’s case the invasion of Crete – while that very same week Robin watched the death throes of Hitler’s flagship as the Bismarck was sunk in the Atlantic, avenging the loss of the Mighty Hood.
Len doesn’t turn 101 until early July, but Robin’s milestone birthday served as the excuse for cakes, candles and naval dits (not that there really needs to be an excuse for any of them…).
They were joined by fellow WW2 veterans Ken Arkell (98), who served in HMS Boxer during the war, and Dorothy Walsh (also 98), a Wren who worked at Bletchley Park breaking the Enigma code under the direction of Alan Turing.
The get together/party was organised for the veterans by the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and appreciated not just by the members of their greatest generation, but their families as well.
“Taking dad to these events opens him up and reminds me of dad 20 years ago; laughing and enjoying being centre of attention,” said Robin’s daughter Gay Kilshaw.
Len’s son Peter added: “Today’s event run by RNRMC was really special for my dad - and for me - to experience this, they have recognised his 101st birthday, made a huge fuss, wonderful cake, and it has been a really nice day out.”
It swells my heart and makes me feel so proud to still have our dad alive and able to share these moments that are just incredibly special. I am grateful to all of you for the time and attention and love that you show dad and me!
Len who’s from Portsmouth, joined the Royal Navy at just 15 years old and went on to serve for an incredible 35 years.
His wartime service included the evacuation of Allied troops from Crete and surviving a devastating bombing of HMS Kipling in 1942, where he sustained severe burns and a fractured spine.
He subsequently underwent pioneering treatment at Rooksdown House in Basingstoke before returning to active duty. He retired as an officer in 1974 and remains a symbol of dedication to duty.
Robin Boodle joined the Navy at 16 and stayed for 22 years. A veteran of the Atlantic, he’s one of the last men alive to witness the sinking of the Bismarck.
He now resides in Jellicoe House in Portsmouth, a care home for sailors which was funded by the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, which arranged today’s celebration.
“These veterans represent the very best of our nation’s history,” said RNRMC’s Alice Farrow.
“It is an honour to host them at HMS Excellent and to celebrate not only their birthdays, but also the enduring impact they’ve had on generations of sailors and Royal Marines.”