100 reasons to party for war veteran Les at legion celebration
Shifnal war veteran Les Cherrington was the star as members of the town's Royal British Legion gathered to wish him a happy 100th birthday.
Les was presented with a special cake and a book at the social evening in his honour at the town's war memorial club in an early birthday celebration, the big day itself coming a couple of days or so later.
"It was very enjoyable and Les was the star of the evening," said legion member Norman Angell.
"All night he sat chatting and reminiscing, talking about Shifnal past and present. For a man of his years, to have that memory, intelligence, and intellect, makes him a remarkable man and he enjoyed every minute of it.
"When he arrived we all stood up and sang Happy Birthday. He came and shook hands with every person there.
"The cake was not highly ornamental, having a little figure of a soldier on it. Our chairman Jim Pooler, who organised the event, presented him with a book called The Desert War, and Les said he was looking forward to reading it.
"We all signed the book and his birthday card.
"When we asked what was his secret, he said it was living day to day and not doing anything to rush. He said he had never smoked and didn't drink, but added he has a tot of whisky with his tea every morning.
"I think everyone was really overawed and in admiration of what a man he is. He could tell you everyone who lived in a certain road in Shifnal 50 years ago."
Les was the sole survivor among his crew when his tank took a direct hit in North Africa in 1943. He suffered serious injuries and managed to crawl into a slit trench, where he was found the following morning by an Australian soldier.
Les continued to serve his country for a further 40 years in the RAF police.
