On April 21st 2023, Ernest Horsfall completed his 105th trip around the sun. He’s seen and done more in his lifetime than many people ever will, including serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as a staff sergeant throughout World War II. During his service, he was stationed in North Africa and Italy, where he oversaw a crew of civilian mechanics to maintain tanks. When the war was over, he settled down in Lancashire, England with his wife and son.
Ernest now lives in a nursing home in Preston. His family has all passed away, but never fear! Thousands of people from all over the world helped Ernest celebrate his 105th birthday in a very sweet way. It started when the Blackpool branch of the Royal British Legion asked people to send the veteran a birthday card. They did… and then some!
“We wanted to make sure Ernest’s 105th birthday was a very special occasion, because our World War Two generation should never be forgotten,” said Royal British Legion Secretary Christine Parry.
To honor Ernest’s service and contributions to freedom, caregivers presented him with more than 4,000 cards sent from all across the United Kingdom, and even overseas. He was delighted to read each one, especially the cards he received from the British Prime Minister and King Charles III!
“I am utterly amazed. I want to thank each and every person who took the time to send me a message,” said the centenarian.
When he was 43 years old, Ernest took a flying lesson and fell in love with piloting. He switched careers and became a private pilot for several decades. He only stopped when he turned 93 because insurance companies refused to offer him a policy! Nevertheless, he kept working as an aircraft inspector until he was 101 years old. Quitting just isn’t in this guy’s vocabulary.
To honor his passion for aviation, Ernest paid a visit to a local airplane hanger, where he spent time admiring a Jodel aircraft he rebuilt with his own hands “oh so many years ago.”
It’s going to take a while to read all of those cards! Thank you to everyone who sent this war hero a card to honor his contributions to life as we know it. We look forward to celebrating his 106th next year!
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