War veteran celebrates 102nd birthday in Wickham St Paul pub

Stephen Lynn marked his 102nd birthday with his family at the Victory Inn, in Wickham St Paul.

Born in 1919 in Scotland, Mr Lynn is a veteran of the Second World War.

He served in the 51st Highland Division throughout the war and is one of the last surviving members.

An image of Stephen during the war

Wounded in 1940 while part of the Scottish force remaining in France after Dunkirk, he considers himself lucky as most of the 51st Highland Division were either killed or captured.

He spent several years in the Orkneys guarding the Royal Navy at Scapa Flow as the division was reformed.

In the battle for Caen in Normandy in June 1944, Mr Lynn was hit by a bullet but survived.

After the war he married Edith Starling, who he met while she was in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.

Living with Edith in Countess Cross, near Colne Engaine, he worked at agricultural machinery firm Hunt and Co until the big freeze of 1947 forced his return to work in Scotland.

While working at Denny Power Station he became a teacher due to his musical talents studying at the School of Music in Glasgow and then for many years lived in London, Halstead and Sudbury.

He now lives in Earls Colne, visited regularly by doctors and nurses and members of the St Francis of Assisi Church in Halstead, who help him attend morning mass every Sunday and at Christmas.

He also enjoys the practical support of the Blind Veterans’ Association.

His son Peter Lynn said: “He still sings and can be immensely entertaining.

“His hard life growing up in the 1930s and time in the army during World War Two instilled in him the classic stoical attitude of that generation and he remains cheerful and resilient, looking forward to a better year.”