Plans in motion to make 'heroic' Gosport veteran's 100th birthday 'extra special'

Ron Cross, from Gosport, will be celebrating his 100th birthday on June 8.

The Alverstoke resident – who featured on the front page of The News’ VE Day edition this month – fought Nazi Germany as part of the 79th Armoured Division, taking part in the D-Day landings and fighting up until VE Day in May 1945.

As a demolitions NCO, he cleared a path for the tanks through to Berlin, blowing up everything in the way.

Now, those who know him are preparing to do something special to make his birthday a proper occasion, despite the lockdown restrictions.

The news comes as the town’s MP Caroline Dinenage called on the community to write cards for the 99-year-old war hero.

In a plea today, Ms Dinenage said she was supporting an appeal by Ron’s granddaughter Amy, who is asking for people to write a birthday card for the veteran.

The culture minister said: ‘Ron is a local hero who not only has fought for our country, but served our community for this entire life.

‘It is such a shame that this fantastic milestone cannot be celebrated with loved ones, but I hope that local residents will join me in wishing Ron the happiest of birthdays and thanking him for his life’s work.’

Ron played a significant role in setting up Gosport Borough Cricket Club in 1966, and is still hugely passionate about the game.

The club has recently received funding from the Gosport Community Lottery to install a bench at the ground in Privett Park.

There, a plaque will also be added in his honour.

Club secretary Barbara Cooke said: ‘We were hoping to hold a small celebration for him, but with lockdown we can’t do that now.

‘We wanted to do something for Ron so we're delighted that this is going ahead.

‘As a club we’ll be organising a lunch for Ron once we are able to do so.’

Alongside helping to set up the cricket club, Ron also coached many of the current players.

He was also a Hampshire umpire for a number of years, and is often seen walking the grounds of Privett Park.

Barbara said: ‘Ron has such an amazing story – you could write five books about his life, easily.

‘He still comes and gives the players what for if they end up getting bowled out; he’s a huge part of the club and everyone loves having him around.’

Ron himself is absolutely delighted by the news.

He said: ‘It’s very nice of the cricket club to put this bench there and I’m very pleased that they were able to do this.

‘The club has been a big part of my life – I’ve spent a lot of time playing there.

‘This is so kind of them.’

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