Donald Howkins, who resides at an Enfield care home, is one of the last surviving British veterans of the D-Day landings in June 1944

Donald Howkins with his birthday card from the King

Enfield war hero Donald Howkins has celebrated his 105th birthday – receiving almost 350 handmade cards.

Children from schools across the borough helped the D-Day veteran celebrate the special occasion at Elsyng House Care Home in Forty Hill, where he has lived for the past three years.

Along with hundreds of thousands of Allied troops, Donald – then aged 23 – landed on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 to help liberate France from Nazi occupation. The event is seen as the most pivotal moment of the Second World War, with the Nazis eventually being defeated a year later.

Two years ago Donald spoke to the Dispatch about his memories of the war, when he was part of the 90^th Middlesex Regiment of the Royal Artillery. He later became a viral TikTok star thanks to a video posted by Elsyng House on VE Day last year.

Donald celebrated his 105^th birthday on Sunday (25th) with a special afternoon tea organised by the caring team at Elsyng House. He enjoyed a tot of his favourite whiskey, which he credits his long life to, and was thrilled to celebrate his milestone with his son, Alan, who’d made the trip from his home in the United States.

Elsyng House invited children from four local schools to make cards for Donald, which they hand-delivered on the day. Children and staff from Worcester’s Primary School, St George’s Primary School and Forty Hill Primary School popped in to wish him well, while youngsters from Oasis Academy in Enfield sang for him, and presented him with their cards.

The D-Day veteran also received a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

“Thank you to everyone who has made me feel special,” the birthday boy said. “I have enjoyed every moment, and I am very grateful for all the love.”

Elsyng House’s lifestyles team leader, Alina Achitei, said it was a joyful afternoon. “Donald has become a bit of a local celebrity and so many people wanted to wish him well.

“The thoughtful, hand-drawn cards from the children were very special and something he can look back on. He gave so much in his service career and it’s wonderful to see the community showing him so much affection in return.”

Donald’s son Alan and his wife, his daughter Susan, his grandson Gary and granddaughter Katie were at Elsyng House for the birthday celebrations, where the team had organised entertainment from singer Siobhan Walsh and a bespoke cake that was adorned with icing medals.

In a speech to the guests, Alan thanked staff and residents at the home for being “good carers” and “good friends”. Speaking about his long journey from America, Alan said: “It’s all worthwhile for him, every day. What I never knew about my dad was his wartime exploits, he never [previously] talked about it. He’s a proud wartime veteran – so dad – thank you.”

Celebrations went on late into the afternoon, but it was soon time for an early night. Alina added: “Life is tiring when you’re 105, especially when you have 300+ cards to read, but we’re very glad he’s had the opportunity to feel the affection his community holds for him.”

Some of the handmade birthday cards given to Donald

Upon returning to England after the war, Donald resumed his career as a butcher, bringing up three children with his wife, Dorothy, in Winchmore Hill. His business Buckingham & Partners had shops in Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green and Edmonton prior to its closure in 1992, when Donald decided to retire. Dorothy sadly died in 2004.

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