A 106-year-old war veteran, known to all as Chas, celebrated his impressive birthday on June 10, surrounded by five generations of his family.

Born in Woolwich, London in 1918, Albert Ernest Rupert Clegg, hailed from a large family during an era marked by significant poverty.

Despite being a talented student, the cost of education proved a challenge for his family, resulting in Chas leaving at the age of 14.

However, this did not stall his ambitions; at 17, he joined the Royal Marines.

Chas' service began with his appointment as a telegraphist on board the cruiser HMS London.

His service included peacekeeping duties in the Mediterranean during the Spanish Civil War and surviving German shelling from the occupied French coast during the Second World War.

During this tumultuous period, he married his wife Joan, unable to see her again for three years due to overseas military duties.

His remarkable military journey is marked by dramatic tales of survival, including being blown off his bike by a German dive bomber during the invasion of Crete in 1941.

This incident resulted in a septic knee, leading to his admission to a hospital in Egypt.

Still, he managed to execute his duties as a communication specialist across multiple bases in Egypt.

His health challenges continued with bouts of dengue and malaria contracted while serving in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka.

After his recovery, he returned home in 1944 and spent the remainder of the war at Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth, rising to the rank of Sergeant.

Post-war, Chas worked as an accounts clerk before joining the Central Electricity Board in 1951, where he ascended from the position of clerical assistant to a divisional cashier before his retirement in 1968.

Throughout his working years, one thing remained constant — the unwavering support he had for Joan through their 79 years of marriage.

Despite encountering tragedies, they enjoyed extensive travels and relished the company of their family.

Even in his later years, Chas remained independent, driving until the age of 101.

Following Joan's passing, he moved to Abbeyfield Care Home in Winnersh, where he continues to surprise even paramedics with his resilience.

His birthday at the care home was celebrated with great pomp.

The staff said: "He seemed to enjoy his special day.

"We raised a toast to Chas and he opened cards and presents; our chefs put on a great spread and made the birthday cake too."

This centenarian, who also survived Covid and pneumonia at the age of 104, proves he is truly part of the 'survival generation'.

Chas's son, Paul Clegg said: