Taxi Charity volunteers honour WWII veteran John King at 101st birthday

On 11 November 2025, volunteers from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans attended a poignant service of remembrance at a care home in Dagenham. The occasion was made even more special as it coincided with the celebration of the 101st birthday of resident John King, a WWII veteran.

John King joined the Royal Navy in April 1943 and was drafted to HMS Janus, part of the Fourteenth Destroyer Flotilla. He served during the bombardments of both coasts of Italy and took part in the landings at Anzio, where HMS Janus was tragically sunk. Of the crew, 160 shipmates were killed and only 52 survived. John was among those who endured, later drafted to HMS Phoenicia in Malta, before returning to the UK in 1946.

Before moving to the care home, John was a familiar face on Taxi Charity trips across the UK and Europe, where he shared his experiences and built lasting friendships with fellow veterans and volunteers.

Colin Mills, chairman of the Taxi Charity, said: “I was delighted to join John on his 101st birthday and see him looking so well. We have missed his wonderful smile on trips this year and we were very happy to spend time with him. May we also extend a huge thank you to Jo, the care home's Activities Manager, who invited us to attend this special event to mark Remembrance Sunday and John’s birthday.”

Taxi Charity ambassador and first aider, Steve Rouse, said:

“It was an honour to be invited to join the birthday celebrations for dear John King. Thank you to his family and friends for making us feel so welcome. Well done to the staff at the care home for making his day so special - you clearly love him as much as we all do.

My wife Theresa and I first met John on a Netherlands trip in 2017, and we took to him immediately. We loved listening to his stories and were deeply moved by his wonderful photo collection. Since his recent decline in health, I have visited him both in hospital and at the excellent nursing home where he is now receiving such attentive care.

I recently took him a couple of tubs of jellied eels from the pie and mash shop, which he thoroughly enjoyed! We feel very grateful and privileged to have played even a small part in the long and remarkable lives of our veterans.”

The remembrance service and birthday celebration brought together residents, staff and Taxi Charity volunteers to honour John’s remarkable life and service. John laid a wreath to remember not only his comrades lost on HMS Janus but to remember all those who didn’t return. His resilience and dedication continue to inspire all who meet him, and the charity was proud to stand alongside him on such a meaningful day.