Wigan war hero Harry celebrates 100th birthday

Harry Melling, the Second World War’s oldest surviving British submariner, is celebrating his 100th birthday, and in doing so adds to his remarkable list of lifetime achievements.

Due to the lockdown measures, he will unfortunately be unable to party with his loved ones, but will be surrounded by close friends and care workers at Alexandra Grange Care Home in Pemberton.

Last week the Wigan Observer appealed for readers to send Harry birthday cards. And staff at the care home were delighted to reveal that residents had responded in large numbers, sending him plenty of messages and gifts.

Harry’s great-nephew Matthew Melling, known to most as The Wigan Runner, said the war veteran would be taking the day in his stride, despite the unusual circumstances under which he finds himself becoming a centenarian.

He said: “Nothing fazes him. To him it will just be another day, but we’ll make sure he will have a proper party after all this.

“He won’t be concerned about it, he just wants everyone to be okay.

“But he’s on top form at the moment, laughing and joking. Hopefully, soon we’ll be able to see each other more than just through a window.”

Harry’s service between 1939 and 1945 was remarkable, with him and the other crew members of HMS Osiris serving in the Mediterranean where they played a role in the Allied invasion of Sicily and even travelling as far as Kenya.