Family gathers as proud war hero hits the century

Surrounded by Second World War comrades, Alex Reid welcomed party goers to his care home in East Linton last Friday. Born in Munguswells, North Berwick, Mr Reid's life has taken him from young farm hand in East Lothian to the trenches of Europe and back again.

His telegram from the Queen was presented and read aloud by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Hillary Cochran.

Mr Reid left school at 14 and was married to Margaret in 1932, the year their first son Andrew was born. He joined the Territorial Army just before the war and was immediately called up to fight in Europe. His wife remained in East Lothian for her whole life and passed away in 1996.

During the war, he was part of a distinguished company of Royal Scots who, just days ahead of the D-Day landings, fought their way from Normandy in France to Ostende, Belgium. Once there, Mr Reid made friends with a Belgian family who had helped him evade the Nazis in the town. He made regular trips there from the end of the war until the couple he was visiting died during the mid-60s.

After the war he joined Laings building firm in East Linton and retired in 1977. Mr Reid spoke fondly of his 100 birthday, saying: "It feels no different to be 100, although it is a great achievement and a proud moment. I don't feel much different to being sent a telegram by the Queen, but having my friends and family here for this party is wonderful."

He has one sibling, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who speak lovingly of him.

Lesley Reid, his granddaughter, said: "Even though he's now 100 years old he's still very sharp and completes sudoku puzzles and crosswords easily. I couldn't wish for a better grandfather with such a fantastic sense of humour."

Despite being partially blind and deaf, Mr Reid still enjoys an active social life in his care home, where he is the organiser and champion of the home's carpet bowls and domino championships.

He paid tribute to his neighbours Bill and Janet Harkness, his carers at the Lynton Centre, and his family in Southampton, where he flies at Christmas.

The ex-warrant officer, who was awarded five medals during his military service, has a very simple explanation for his longevity.

"I play bingo twice a week, dominos twice a week and I bowl at the care centre three times a week," he said. "I also have porridge for breakfast and a dram of whisky before bed."