A SOLDIER who survived the Second World War after twice being wounded in action celebrated his 101st birthday.

Great-great grandfather Stephen O’Hagan Lynn celebrated a pleasant birthday this month at his home in Earls Colne.

Born in Scotland in 1919, he served in the Argyles throughout the war.

He served as a lance corporal with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

He escaped as the German army advanced on the British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk in 1940 and took part in the Normandy Landings four years later.

He moved to Earls Colne just after the war where he worked at Hunts Yard, living close to the Grade II listed building even now.

He also was a teacher for many years living in London, Halstead and Sudbury.

Four years ago, Stephen was awarded the Legion of Honour – France’s highest award – for his part in the country’s liberation and is considered one of the last living veterans of the second world war.

He is supported by his children Peter, Tony and Joyce who visit daily, and is in regular contact with his eldest son Michael in Devon and daughter Christine in America.

Tony, 72, said: “He’s a bit philosophical about his age. He’s been thinking about the vaccine and he’s ready to have it and he’s just waiting to be told when he’s going to get it.

“He’s still got a good outlook on life but I think this year’s been difficult for everybody.

“For someone who’s been all through the second world war, he remembers that devastation.

“But with this year, he knows what it’s about but he just can’t grasp it.

“He’s a strong, church-going man and he couldn’t grasp how churches were going to be closed.

“He says ‘All through the war, churches were never shut’. He just misses going out, even just going out for a pint of Guinness.

“He’s going blind but he still has a sharp mind and knows everything that’s going on around him.”

Stephen was also set to lead the parade on the VE Day celebrations in Halstead before plans were cancelled due to Covid.

Despite this, he’s keeping in high spirits and is described as ‘thoroughly independent’.

Peter, 66, added: “He’s still all there intellectually. It’s funny, I gave him a picture as a present on his birthday and I said to him ‘When I get a nail and a hammer, I’ll stick in on the wall for you.’

“He then proceeds to sing this song called ‘I Don’t Work For a Living’. He’ll come out with all sorts of stuff.

“He had quite a pleasant birthday despite the fact we weren’t able to go to the pub.”