Royal Marine Band plays at veteran's 102nd birthday

The Royal Marines Band has performed a surprise birthday treat for a veteran as he celebrated his 102nd birthday.

Jeffrey Broadhurst marked the milestone with friends, family, Royal Marines Association members and residents of his care home in Fareham, Hampshire.

The Royal Marines Band, from HMS Collingwood, played a number of classic tunes at the party.

Mr Broadhurst said: "I really enjoyed today... I wasn't expecting it... I was expecting a quiet little drink in the corner."

The Royal Navy said, at 102 years old, the former non-commissioned officer was one of the nation's oldest marines.

His daughter Kay Dunleavy said: "It's just so special to have the band service perform for Dad.

"Mum and Dad used to go to all the band's concerts together when they lived in Exmouth, and the last one he went to was actually here in Portsmouth with my mother.

"It's very special."

Born in Wolverhampton, Mr Broadhurst was called up to join the Army after joining the Home Guard.

His interest in sport, including swimming, water polo and cricket, led to him transferring to the Royal Marines as a sergeant with 40 Commando.

After World War Two, he worked on farms in Exmoor, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire, before moving to Fareham in 2016 with his now late wife, Dorothy.

They were together for 72 years and he has a son and a daughter, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Band sgt Martyn Chapman said: "It's a nice touch for the band to help celebrate a former Royal Marine's birthday.

"It's continuing their legacy, it's recognising their service they gave and being able to give something back."

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