Centurion Naval veteran Derek Webster
A Royal Navy veteran from Dudley has celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.
Derek Webster joined the Navy aged 19 in 1943 and served aboard the HMS Vindex, a Nairana-class escort carrier that operated in the Atlantic and Arctic in the Second World War.
The ship and her crew provided vital air cover and protection from enemy submarines for Allied convoys in the Arctic and Atlantic campaigns.
.The Arctic convoys were among the most dangerous operations of the war, supplying vital aid to the Soviet Union through freezing and hostile conditions.
“We were just doing our bit”
Reflecting on his days serving King and Country, Derek said: “It was tough going at times, but we all looked after each other. We were just doing our bit.”
To mark his milestone last Friday, staff at Black Country Housing Group, which runs the residence in Dudley where Derek lives, organised a special celebration with decorations, cake and tributes recognising his life and service.
Residents, family members, and representatives from the Royal Navy and Dudley Council gathered to honour the centenarian.
Among the guests was Warrant Officer Robert Govier, the Royal Navy’s Regional Engagement Officer, who presented Derek with the First Sea Lord’s best wishes on behalf of the Naval Service.
“The core values of service life”
“It’s a real honour and privilege to visit Derek today and to share General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord, best wishes on this landmark achievement,” said Warrant Officer Govier.
“Listening to both him and his family, it’s clearly evident that the core values of service life have stood him in good stead. He is clearly loved and held in the highest regard by all around him.”
A true gentleman and an inspiration to everyone around him
The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pete Lee, said: “It’s an honour to be mayor and wear these chains of office. However, it’s an even bigger honour to represent the council and be here, representing the people of Dudley, on this special day.”
Staff at Black Country Housing Group described Derek as “a true gentleman” and “an inspiration to everyone around him.”
Now 100, Derek remains a proud representative of the wartime generation — a living link to the Royal Navy’s enduring legacy of courage, resilience, and service.
