AMAZING war-time stories were brought to life at a care home as a 97-year-old Royal Navy veteran reminisced with residents.

Residents and staff at Rothsay Grange in Andover held a number of events over the Remembrance Weekend including individual reminiscence sessions.

Rusty, 97, who joined the Royal Navy in 1943 at age 17, shared his story of service. He served as an Able Seaman, anti-aircraft gunner and a Coxwain with the Motor Torpedo boat before he transferred to the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. 

Four years later Rusty joined the Royal Armoured Corps and had tours of Malaya, Hong Kong, Singapore, Aden and Germany.  He was also an army instructor in Malaya and at Sandhurst just to name a few of his postings prior to his retirement in 1975.

Andover Advertiser: Rusty with his medals.Rusty with his medals. (Image: Barchester Healthcare)

When asked about how he came by his nickname of ‘Rusty’, he said: "I was flying a biplane torpedo bomber and on one occasion I overshot the flight deck of the aircraft carrier and went into the sea. 

"When I got back aboard I heard that the ship’s Captain had remarked to my fellow crew members ‘You’d better get him out before he turns rusty!’ and so from then on I had a nickname that stuck!"

General Manager Gemma Hicks said: "Rusty is rightly very proud of his service and has an amazing display of medals including the Legion d’Honneur (Chevalier), France’s highest decoration which he was awarded as a surviving D-Day veteran. 

"We are so fortunate to be able to hear his stories and experiences and to honour his long and distinguished service to this country."