Now 103, Harold served as an Army officer during the Second World War. Commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1943, he landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day and was later seriously wounded by a mortar bomb. Following a long recovery, Harold continued to serve in the Army before returning to civilian life. Now in later life, the Army Benevolent Fund has supported Harold over several years with grants totalling over £11,000 to ensure he remains comfortable and independent.
Harold grew up in Giffnock, just outside Glasgow. He trained as a quantity surveyor, a reserved occupation during the war, meaning he was not required to serve. His brother was killed at the age of 20 while serving in the RAF. However, despite suffering this loss, Harold chose to enlist.
“I didn’t want to be classed as one of those who stayed behind”, he says.
Joining the Army, Harold initially served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders before transferring to The Cameronians. Recommended for officer training, he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in June 1943 and later became a Captain.
Harold credits his early leadership skills to his time in the Scouts, where he developed experience in drill, first aid and leadership. “I was always stepping in where someone needed to take charge”, he recalls.
In June 1944, Harold landed in Normandy as part of the Allied invasion of France. Crossing the Channel in rough seas, he remembers the uncertainty faced by those onboard. “We were ready for the worst, but we didn’t really know what we were letting ourselves in for.”
Landing in the second wave meant his unit avoided the heaviest initial fire, but danger remained constant as they advanced. “You never knew where the mortar bombs were coming from – they were like flashes from the sky.”
After several days fighting inland, Harold was severely wounded by a mortar bomb and evacuated by stretcher bearers. He was flown back to the UK and underwent multiple operations to remove shrapnel from his back.
“I had a lucky war”, he says.
Harold spent several months recovering from his wounds before returning to military duties in a reduced capacity, supporting the management of prisoners of war and assisting other soldiers.
After the war, Harold went to marry and have three children, and he enjoyed a long career as a surveyor.
He and his wife eventually retired to Cyprus but eight years ago he was widowed.
In later life, Harold has remained resilient and determined to live independently, but age has brought increasing challenges. A profound loss of hearing had begun to affect his wellbeing, increasing his vulnerability and putting him at risk of isolation.
Most recently, the Army Benevolent Fund awarded a grant to purchase new hearing aids, helping Harold to stay connected, communicate more confidently and feel safer in his own home. This support forms part of grants totalling more than £11,000 we have provided Harold over several years, contributing towards care at home and wellbeing costs to ensure Harold remains comfortable, supported and independent.
He is an active local veteran and Sarah Geddes, the ABF’s representative in Cyprus, was one of a number of guests who joined Harold in his celebrating his 103rd birthday with a surprise party earlier this year.