Camelon war veteran Walter Sharp celebrates latest milestone

Camelon man Walter today celebrates his latest milestone in a lifetime which has been filled with memorable moments.

Falkirk district’s oldest resident, he is also thought to be one of the oldest people in Scotland.

In May, on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Walter proudly stood at the door of his home to salute and remember brothers-in-arms who never came home.

He joined the army aged 26 following a spell working at Carmuirs Iron Works.

Walter would go on to earn a clutch of medals in recognition of the service he gave to his country over a six-year period, including France’s Legion of Honour – one of the first Scots to receive it – and the African Star.

He also toured several countries such as Belgium, The Netherlands and Italy.

During his career in the military, he would also meet his wife, Doris, who died in 1990, while serving in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in Surrey.

On May 8, 1945, Walter was in The Netherlands and took part in a Victory in Europe Day parade to celebrate the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces.

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