Donald Howkins, a D-Day veteran from Buckingham, has died at the age of 105. Howkins enlisted in the Territorial Army at 17, before the outbreak of World War II, stating he wanted "something to do."
Following his involvement in the D-Day landings, his unit advanced from Normandy through Belgium and the Netherlands, engaging German soldiers. During this period, Howkins sustained a shrapnel wound to his leg and was recuperating in the hospital when he received news of his son's birth, a moment met with applause from fellow soldiers.
After the war concluded, Howkins was stationed at a prisoner of war camp. He recalled that he and his comrades celebrated the end of their service with tea and "a little bit of Ouzo."
Reflecting on his experiences, Howkins stated, "At times it does come back to you, I can tell you. The bad times, but also the good times."