Warmest Congratulations to Frederick Donald Hall who celebrates his 101st birthday. 

Don is the eldest of four boys to James Thomas Hall and Beatrice Ellen Head, he grew up in Nutfield, Surrey.  Don’s father, also served in the Royal Artillery and was posted to India before the First World War, and fought at the Battle of Gallipoli and the Battle of the Somme.   Don joined the Royal Artillery on 13th April 1939, following in his father’s footsteps.  

Don’s training took place in Larkhill with 1st Survey Regiment, he was then posted overseas to France.  In April 1940 Don has a week’s leave before he was sent back to the border between France and Belgium.     On the 26th May, Don’s unit had to retreat to Dunkirk, and with no food and the constant air attacks from Stukas, he was rescued on the 14th June and returned to Dover.   Four years later on D Day, 6th June 1944 at approximately 3:30 pm on the second wave, Don landed on Juno Beach alongside 3rd Canadian Division.   On the 8th June, the jeep Don was travelling in was hit by a hand grenade, he suffered shrapnel injuries and as he tried to get out of the vehicle he was shot in leg.  His driver managed to get him to a Field Hospital and the next day he was transferred onto a landing craft to return to Dover.   

Don attended the Juno Beach Reunion in 2016 and in 2017 he took part in a TV documentary titled: Dunkirk: The New Evidence.  

Aged 99, Don decided to move into a residential care home to be safe and secure and enjoy the company of other people.   He has a great sense of humour and is so looking forward to his 101st Birthday.     

From all members of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, we hope you have a fantastic day and a very Happy 101st Birthday.