Rustington war veteran raises hundreds for Royal British Legion to celebrate his 100th birthday

Lewis Earl, also known as Lew, wanted to support the charity to celebrate his centenary year.

He will be 100 on Wednesday, May 20, and though celebrations will be small, due to the coronavirus restrictions, family will be doing their best to share his special day with him.

Daughter Wendy Jarratt said: “Like so many people at this time, Lewis and his family have had to cancel celebration of this significant birthday as Lewis will spend it in isolation, although it will hopefully pass not totally unobserved.”

His hobbies include bowling and Lewis has been a member of Norfolk Bowling Club in Littlehampton for many years, currently being the eldest one there.

Lewis was born in Bermondsey in 1920, the second of four children and was always full of energy.

Wendy said: “He remembers as a toddler hurtling along in a homemade go-kart being propelled by older brother Bill, and a little later watching Bill build a cat’s whisker radio.

“Thanks to modern technology, he can now, at least, enjoy watching his great-grandchildren hurtle around on their scooters, even if they cannot visit him.

“A physical boy, he boxed and joined the local cycling club, their summer rides being from London to the coast at Brighton or Hastings.”

Lewis joined the TA and was on manoeuvres at Kempton Park when the Second World War started. He served in the 91st Field Regiment as part of the 5th Division was in the final defence of Dunkirk, being among the last to leave.

Wendy said: “He gained his Sergeant stripes, survived bouts of malaria and dysentery, as well as major battles, and his regiment was still fighting in the morning when the cease fire came to end the war.”

In January 1946, Lewis married childhood sweetheart Doris Hughes and it was through her that he came to live in the Littlehampton area.

Wendy explained: “Her younger brother John had been evacuated to Wick and had become very attached to the area, moving down with his young family.

“John was then followed by their parents and, subsequently, all of Doris’ three brothers and two sisters moved to the area.

“In 1960, Lew moved to Rustington with Doris and his two children to start his own business, supplying heating paraffin door to door. The Esso Blue man was well known in those days, before central heating.”

Sadly, Doris died in 2012 but Lewis still lives at home and manages with the help of his family, especially granddaughter Naomi, who lives nearby, and his carer.

He now has five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, two also called Lewis, with son and daughter both on hand.

Wendy said: “His family call by when they can to supply food, support and chat. It’s at a distance and not ideal but he looks forward to the day his family can finally get together to help him celebrate his 100th birthday.”

Lewis is very grateful to all those who have donated to his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lewisearl100, which has so far raised £500 for the Royal British Legion.

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