Rye resident Major David Wilkinson is 103 years old. Guests from as far as Dubai – a granddaughter – and Devon – a former golfing companion – assembled for a celebratory and much-praised lunch at Fletchers House restaurant and tea rooms on Monday February 16 to mark the occasion.
Born in 1912, Wilkinson had a distinguished military career, commencing with Sandhurst in 1931. He served with the Essex Regiment in India before World War II and then in the Middle East and Italy from 1941-45, where he was involved in the grim battle to seize Monte Cassino from the Germans.
His post-war assignments were in Germany until retirement from the Army in 1957. His study in the Friars of the Sack on Church Square displays seven well-earned medals. He is a life member of the Rye Golf Club at Camber and, until very recently, was a regular player
Wilkinson isn’t quite the oldest Rye resident. George Frederick Bayntum, of New Winchelsea Road, will be 104 in October.
Photo: Jean Floyd