Former paratroopers dropped in at Broughton House Veteran Care Village to help D-Day veteran Peter Belcher celebrate his 101st birthday.
He was the second of our residents to turn 101 this year, following the birthday of Joe Jervis in June.
Peter served in the Army during his time in the forces between 1937 and 1949, first in an airborne division and later with the Parachute Regiment.
On D-Day his company’s objective was to capture and defend bridges over the River Orne and Caen Canal in Normandy – the latter was later known as Pegasus Bridge – to help protect the eastern flank for those landing on Sword Beach.
The capture of Pegasus Bridge was dramatised in the epic US war film The Longest Day.
After that battle, Peter was deployed to the Belgian town of Bastogne to help with the Battle of the Bulge.
He served in 17 countries in total and was awarded six military medals, including the illustrious Legion d’Honneur.
Members of the Parachute Regimental Association joined in the celebrations at Broughton House for his special birthday.
Peter was applauded into the veterans’ mess by family, friends, residents and staff. The guests were entertained by singer Sarah Dennis, who is known as the Veterans’ Sweetheart.
Peter, who has lived at Broughton House since April 2023, also received cards and greetings from pupils at nearby King David School.
Joe, who moved into Broughton House in April, served in the RAF as an aircraft engineer during World War Two at fighter airfields all over the UK. His role was to ensure the airframes and systems in aircraft, including the Spitfire, were ready for combat, and to repair any damage when they returned from operations.
Jane Green, our director of care, said: “Peter was the second of our residents to celebrate their 101st birthday this year and we’re honoured that he and Joe have reached this fantastic age.
“Peter chooses to live at Broughton House because he is fully supported to live a meaningful and engaged life. He is determined to use the facilities here to the full, including our specialist gym and our programme of events.

Remembrance Day 2024 at Broughton House, Veteran Care Village in Salford Gtr Manchester
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