Veteran celebrates 100th birthday at Weymouth care home

Tony Cash was born on May 16 1923 and went on to serve in the Merchant Navy during the war and then subsequently the Royal Navy.

He now lives at Weymouth Manor care home, where staff threw him a party with around 50 people attending including friends, family and fellow veterans.

Tony was born in Kent and joined the Merchant Navy in 1939 at 16 years old.

He served in the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy until the 1980s.

Tony was in the Royal Navy during WW2, serving in Norway, Italy, France, and the Battle of the Atlantic.

Tony in his royal navy days and Tony now on his 100th birthday (Image: Weymouth Manor)

After the war, he came to Weymouth and served on the cross-channel ferries until his retirement in the 1980s.

When Tony came back to Weymouth after the war, he met his late wife Marion at a dance at the Drill Hall at Bincleaves.

They married in St. Joseph's Church in 1949 and went on to have four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

On May 16, Tony celebrated his 100th birthday.

His daughters, Toni and Chris, with the help of Weymouth Manor, planned a surprise birthday party for Tony, his friends and family.

A surprise party was held for Tony at Weymouth Manor care home (Image: Weymouth Manor)

Tony was presented with an award from Weymouth and Portland on behalf of Mayor Kate Wheller as well as an award from the Weymouth and Portland Merchant Navy Association.

Among the cards and presents from family and friends, Tony also received a card from King Charles.

Tony Cash was presented with an award from the Weymouth and Portland Merchant Navy Association. (Image: Weymouth Manor)

Resident Tony said: "I had no idea I was having a party, I thought I was having some tea and cake with my children.

"One of the staff told me we were going for tea and cake, and the next moment these double doors opened, and there must have been about 50 people there.

"My navy friends, friends from over the years, and my family, it was a day I will never forget.

"I would like to thank my family and friends and everyone at Weymouth Manor".

During the afternoon of celebrations, a special video was played, made of photos of Tony from when he was a young boy through his Navy years until now.

Around 50 people gathered to celebrate the veteran's birthday (Image: Weymouth Manor)

Daughters Chris and Toni said: "Dad had a fantastic surprise 100th birthday party, it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended.

"The video Esther made was excellent, and there were a few tears of joy. We are very grateful for the care, love, and welcome that Dad and all of our family have received."