AS a young man, John McOwan would run through the crowds during Beltane Saturdays and make his way up the steep winding tower of Peebles Old Parish Church to ensure the bells didn’t go off during the crowing of the Beltane Queen. 

Last Saturday, however, there was hardly a soul on the street, but an elderly man stood gallant at the bottom of the church steps, several medals adorning his jacket and wearing a REME beret.

Those bells were resounding for the 18-year-old who became a hero as a ‘Desert Rat’ in the Second World War and a participant in the conflict's Normandy landings. They were tolling to celebrate the 100th birthday of army veteran John, and on this occasion he had no intention of stopping their chime.

Early life and war service

Born on February 6, 1921, John lived with his parents and his two brothers and two sisters in the family home on Edinburgh Road, near the entrance to Venlaw Castle.

John, with his brother Kenny, ran the family jewellers shop on the High Street, taking over from their father. 

When the Second World War started in 1939, John was 18 years old and he was immediately called up for service.

He first served on the artillery batteries defending the Forth Rail Bridge, before being transferred to Egypt in the spring of 1940 to use his repair skills working on the tanks, trucks and other equipment belonging to the 7th Armoured Division, a part of the 8th Army.

He served with this division all through the war, being part of events such as El Alamein and the Western Desert Campaign before being part of the Allied landings in Sicily then at Anzio in Italy.

His division was transferred back to Britain, and took part in the D-Day landings, and all the major conflicts until the end of the war.

Great-grandfather

After the war, John returned to Peebles to work full time in the jeweller’s shop and went on to marry Beatrix (Betty) Reid in 1947, also from Peebles.

They had a daughter, Eleanor, and he is now a grandfather of three and a great-grandfather of four.

John was a keen artist and displayed his paintings in various businesses in the town.

For many years, he and his brother Kenny maintained the parish church’s clock, and one of their jobs was making sure it was switched off during the crowning of the Beltane Queen. 

Border Telegraph: John McOwan on the day of his 100th birthday on February 6, 2021. Photo courtesy of Neil MacIntyreJohn McOwan on the day of his 100th birthday on February 6, 2021. Photo courtesy of Neil MacIntyre

Return to Normandy

After retirement, John became an avid dancer for a good number of years and he is still well known around town.

In 2019 John was among the surviving veterans returning to the beaches of Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day courtesy of the British Legion.

At the moving ceremony honouring the veterans and the fallen, John met then-Prime Minister Theresa May, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

But the moment that stands out for John was when West End actress Sheridan Smith, who sang We’ll Meet Again, gave him a kiss!

Turning 100

There was an outpouring of celebration for John’s special birthday from businesses, school and nursery children, politicians, and his many friends in the community. 

Before going to the parish church to hear the bells, John enjoyed some music from local solicitor Sally Swinney, who played the bagpipes via video link. That tune was carried on by Scott Johnstone and Alasdair Gemmell of Peebles Pipe Band, who played outside his home.

John’s carer, Marjory Kennedy, who was instrumental in organising his lockdown birthday, said the whole day was very emotional. 

'Thank you' from Peeblesshire 

Lord-Lieutenant Sir Hew Strachan could not present the Queen’s birthday card due to restrictions, so Marjory donned her best hat and read his personal letter to John at the Old Parish bell-ringing, which was carried out by Fiona Taylor.

Although John’s family couldn’t be with him on his special day, they sent him many gifts; among them a ‘This Is Your Life’ book. 

When I interview someone who has lived as long as John, I feel compelled to ask what they think the secret is to a long and happy life. To this, the war veteran had a few words of advice.

However, I was privy to a special moment and I had a thought. Cloaked in the star patchwork blanket his family gave him, the veteran sang Kiss Me Goodnight, Sergeant Major – a classic Second World War soldiers’ song. 

Our long lives and our happiness are thanks to heroes like John McOwan. Therefore, on behalf of the community of Peeblesshire, happy 100th birthday – and thank you.