THOMAS Edward Cole will be peacefully celebrating his 99th birthday from the comfort of his Winchester care home yesterday (May 7).

But his long life has not always been so calm.

A brave war veteran, Mr Cole was called from the Territorial Army to serve in the Hampshire Regiment in July 1939.

He fought with General Montgomery in North Africa, was captured and served as a prisoner of war before escaping.

Mr Cole then continued his war effort, with campaigns in Salerno and Monte Casino.

At the end of the war he assisted with the demobilisation of various units.

He returned home to Winchester in the early summer of 1946 and went back to work at Shentons Solicitors, where he had worked before the war since he was 16-years-old. He retired from Shentons at the age of 66.

When asked how he has seen the world change, Mr Cole said: "The world is more peaceful, when I was young it was when the war would come, not if."

He told the Chronicle that "getting married and having a family" is his fondest memory, and that he will be "honouring our lads that never came home" on VE Day.

Mr Cole is considered a war hero, with his name mentioned in dispatches (an official report by a superior officer detailing a brave act).

Now residing at Brendoncare Meadway Care Home, he has lived in Winchester since he was ten years old.

His family home as a child was near the arches of the Hockley Railway Viaduct and he later lived in St Cross.

A small birthday party will be held for Mr Cole at the home with the 12 residents celebrating with him.

His daughter Alison Thorning said: "My dad is a man of few words, a very gentle man. He's been living on his own since 1991 since my mum died.

"He's a great dad who loves the family and absolutely adores his great grandchildren. It's a shame he won't be able to see them on his birthday but the care home are sorting a lovely party."