World War Two veteran made homeless moves into new bungalow

Former WWII paratrooper Alfred Guenigault was issued a no-fault eviction notice by his landlord in July last year ordering him, his daughter Deb Dean and her husband Bert to leave their Ferndown bungalow. 

Despite the best efforts of his daughter, the 98-year-old had nowhere to go but was put up in a hostel in Verwood. 

But Alfred and the couple have now settled down in their new bungalow in Wareham – with the family grateful to have a roof over their head.

Alfred with daughter Deb and her husband Bert (Image: BNPS)

“It has been an eye-opener for us,” Deb told the Echo. “Being in a hostel was gloomy but we now have a roof over our heads.” 

The family moved into a hostel which was cramped and not suitable for the needs of her father, who is disabled and battling cancer. 

Although small, their new Wareham bungalow has been adapted for Alfred’s needs, including wheelchair access and wide doors. 

Read more: World War Two veteran made homeless after eviction

Deb added: “When in Ferndown, his friends were all there and so was his church which he would go to, so all that has changed and he’s had to find a new church. 

“He’s also had to change day centre, which is now across the road.  But at least we now have a proper roof over our heads. 

Wareham Quay by Robin Boultwood

“It’s a small bungalow, and all we need is a small conservatory which we want from anybody who is taking theirs down because that can be used as a dining room. We’ve already had people offer to put it up.” 

Following a previous Echo article, Alfred made national headlines and several appearances on television.

He has had a wave of support from individuals, charities and the paratrooper regiment based in Bath. 

“He has had visits from the parachute regiment for example and that has given him the social side which is what he needs,” said Deb. 

“Another lot that came to see him was the black cabbies from London who came down in their taxis and took dad out for a ride in one of the new ones and had pie and mash. 

“They hope to take him to the D-Day anniversary in Normandy in June, all being well – the taxi drivers take veterans down there in June.” 

But it was Poole-based charity Helping Homeless Veterans UK (HHVUK) which Deb said led the path to a new home. 

Deb extended her thanks to David Wood, founder of HHVUK, the Bath parachute regiment, the London cabbies and “anybody that gave us help”. 

David Wood, founder of Helping Homeless Veterans UK (Image: Daily Echo)

David Wood said: “Helping Homeless Veterans UK made a promise to Alfred and his family that we would support and assist them all and we stuck to this promise. 

“This case has shown that our country needs to see the biggest social housing build programme since the days of prefab buildings after WWII. 

“Until Westminster gives local authorities the funds to carry this out, we will, unfortunately, keep on having more cases like Alfred’s until this issue is rectified. 

“We will continue our support with Alfred and we are extremely happy to see him in his new home.”