A MAN who served in the Navy during World War II has been honoured by his friends on reaching his 101st birthday.

Tony Broughton received a card from the Queen when he reached 100 years of age, but his close friends and members of the church wanted to acknowledge and celebrate his 101st birthday.  

Salisbury Journal: Tony Broughton on his 101st birthdayTony Broughton on his 101st birthday (Image: Michael Presley)

Michael Presley has known Tony for many years through the church they both go to.

He said: “He is such an unassuming man. He never asks for anything but has always been willing to help others.

“He volunteered for military service and was in charge of MPB boats. These were called the ‘Spitfires of the Ocean’ and were very fast, but they used high octane fuels so if they had been hit, the boats would have exploded.”

"He never talks much about his time in the war or the medals he received."

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Michael went to visit Tony along with a group of friends determined that this milestone would not be overlooked. 

He said: "Tony does not go out as much now so we took him some birthday cake."

Roger Lily, the president of the Catenian Committee - an international body of Catholic laymen association which dates back 140 years was also there to present Tony with a scroll to celebrate his long membership.

Tony had joined the association more than 50 years ago.

Michael said: “It was fantastic and we all enjoyed it."