World War Two veteran celebrates 105th birthday

Tony Johnson wearing a blue and white shirt under a purple jumper talks at his home to the BBC
Tony Johnson landed on Gold Beach just after the D-Day landings in 1944 [BBC]

A World War Two veteran has celebrated turning 105 and will host his own party at a cricket club later.

Tony Johnson still lives at his own home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, and does crosswords and puzzles every morning.

However he spent his birthday on Sunday morning opening a card from the King and Queen.

Mr Johnson landed at Gold Beach in Normandy, France, just after the D-Day landings in 1944.

His daughter-in-law Sandra Johnson, 60, said: "We're having a party later at the local cricket club with 52 people.

"When we told Tony he did say: 'I'm not sure I know 52 people'. But it will be a lot of fun.

"He has spent the morning opening his card from the King and Queen."

Mr Johnson was awarded the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest honour, in 2020 for his war service.

But the widower told BBC North West Tonight that it was "just another war really".

He started work aged 16 as an office boy in Trafford Park before becoming a director of a building firm in Salford.

Tony Johnson smiles for the camera in his uniform during World War Two
Tony Johnson in his uniform during World War Two [Family handout]

Mr Johnson retired in 1984 but he makes sure he keeps occupied and regularly turns to his daily paper and puzzles.

He told the BBC: "I do it to exercise my brain.

"I read the business pages every morning to see what's going on in the world.

"And I look at the stock market every day as well."

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