GALLERY: Veteran's centenary celebrations finished with royal touch

Friday 23 June 2023

Royal congratulations were passed on to Jersey’s best-known war veteran as he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends this week.

Billy Reynolds, one of just two surviving islanders to have taken part in the 1944 Normandy Landings, received a card from King Charles III, delivered by the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd.

Two days after his birthday, Mr Reynolds will play a leading role as Jersey celebrates Armed Forces Day on Saturday, taking the salute in the Royal Square as part of the annual event to commemorate those who have served in the British armed forces.

Mr Reynolds was born in London in 1923 and moved to Jersey with his family at the age of three. Having been evacuated back to England in 1940, he joined up and served in the Company of Guards Armoured Division.

After D-Day on 6 June 1944, Mr Reynolds was among those who landed on the French coast in the days that followed, subsequently taking part in the Allied advance across northern France that was recognised as one of the pivotal phases of World War II.

After being demobbed in 1946, Mr Reynolds returned to the island and worked in food wholesaling, as well as being recognised as one of the island's leading racing drivers. He was married to Doreen from 1950 until her death in 2019, and the couple had a son and two daughters, as well as six grandchildren.

Armed Forces Day will be marked in the Royal Square this Saturday between 10:30 and 16:30.

There will be a drill competition for cadets in the morning, with the Band of The Island of Jersey playing from 14:00 and taking the salute from Mr Reynolds at 14:30. Food stalls and face painting for children will also be available.

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