WWII veteran 'Pop' celebrates his 102nd birthday

EVERYBODY knows that it is the oldest people among us who have the most remarkable stories to tell but there can’t be many people with as special or unique stories as Gordon White, who is more affectionately known to his friends and family as “Pop”.

- ELLIE GOSLEY

The centenarian and Royal Navy veteran has just celebrated his 102nd birthday, marking the occasion with a veteran’s buffet hosted by Taf Ely Veterans, a group he regularly attends.

Sitting in his living room in Rhydyfelin, just outside Pontypridd, there are hints which give away Pop’s magnificent age but he certainly isn’t one of them as he doesn’t look a day over 80. He’s immaculately dressed in a shirt and tie - as he always is, his daughter says. He still gets up at 4am every morning too.

There are dozens of birthday cards hung up on string. Some say a simple “Happy Birthday” while others note the occasion as a “big one”. One with a smiling cartoon crab even says: “Crab, how old?”

There are also a few nods to his naval career - a sailor’s cap, a certificate of honour from Italy recognising his service, and photos of him in uniform as well the landing craft he worked on during World War II.

It was only six months ago that Pop started walking with a stick.

The secret to his good health and great age? It could be his daily breakfast of a snowball cocktail, made with creamy Dutch liqueur and lemonade, and a chocolate teacake, which Pop proudly reveals he has had as long as he can remember. He also enjoys two sugars in his tea.

The more likely answer perhaps is his family’s good genes. His older brother Mervin lived until he was 102 and his sister also reached her centenary.

In a scene many can relate to, Pop's daughter Carole tries to get him to reluctantly wear his hearing aids. His hearing may not be as good as it used to be but once he starts telling stories he doesn’t stop - not even to take a sip of the tea Carole has made for him.

His memory of even the earliest of his 102 years is as sharp as ever.

Pop was born on April 2, 1923, at 35 Danylan Road in Pontypridd. He is one of eight children born to Alfred and Alice White. “They didn’t do bad,” Pop smiles.