102-year-old to join Wisbech’s Royal British Legion on VE-Day, making him oldest ever member

A man who was captured during the Second World War will become the oldest member of a charity when he joins on a historic day.

Stanley Eastgate, who is 102 years old, will be joining Wisbech’s Royal British Legion (RBL) on Thursday to mark VE Day – making him the oldest member.

Toby North, chairman of the RBL, said Stanley will be signed up to the organisation during the VE Day celebrations in Wisbech Park on Thursday.

He has always wanted to join, but he has put it off. He has now decided he has “not got much time left”, so Toby and other members will “welcome him with open arms.”

Toby said: “We are very pleased to have him. We are very pleased that his family got in touch with us and asked if he could join, and of course, in the RBL, there is no age bar for when you can join.

Stanley did his national service from 1942 to 1947, and during that time he was captured and suffered being a prisoner of war. Toby said: “He tried a couple of times to escape but was caught.

“He is thought to be the oldest ever joining member.”

Celebrations to mark VE-Day will be open to the public at 6pm with the beacon being lit at 9.30pm – but there will be a commemorative service prior.

There will also be various military stalls and cadets on parade during the afternoon into the evening.