WWII veteran who credits a pint of Guinness with saving his life celebrates 100th birthday
By Community Correspondent
A High Wycombe war veteran who believes a last-minute decision to stop for a pint of Guinness saved his life has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Ken Pusey marked the milestone with family, friends and staff at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe, where he has lived since 2022.
The centenarian was also surprised with a birthday card from Their Majesties The King and Queen, a special package from Guinness and a personalised Wycombe Wanderers shirt bearing his name and the number 100. The lifelong Wanderers fan's shirt was signed by the first team.
Ken was just 18 when he narrowly escaped one of the deadliest attacks of the Second World War.
In December 1944, while serving with the Royal Engineers in Antwerp, Belgium, he had planned to spend his day off at the Cinema Rex.
But at the last moment, he chose instead to visit a newly opened club serving draught Guinness.
While Ken was at the club, a German V2 rocket struck the cinema.
More than 1,000 people were inside and 567 were killed, including 296 Allied service personnel.
Looking back on the extraordinary escape, Ken said:
“The chaps had no chance, they were annihilated. We just thanked our blessings, because but for the toss of a coin and a pint of Guinness, we’d have been dead.”
Now 100, Ken said the experience has stayed with him throughout his life.
“I’m now 100 and I can’t help but look back on the moments that shaped my life, and that day in Antwerp which has lived with me forever.”
He said the lucky escape gave him the opportunity to return home, build a family and enjoy many more years of life.
“I have never taken that gift for granted. I know life can change in an instant and that you must appreciate every day.”
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Ken's birthday celebration was organised by staff at Royal Star & Garter, a charity providing care and support for veterans and their families living with disability or dementia.
Among the guests were Ken's sister Doreen, who is also a resident at the Home, High Wycombe Mayor Imran Hussain, former mayor Cllr Majid Hussain and personnel from nearby RAF High Wycombe.
Ken was born in High Wycombe in 1926. He was 13 when war was declared and left school at 14 to work for a company making instruments for the Armed Forces.
He joined the Army in 1944, serving in Belgium and Germany before leaving the forces in 1947.
After the war, Ken worked in several factories. He and his wife Pam had a son and daughter and also fostered many children.
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Reflecting on his birthday, Ken said the team at Royal Star & Garter had made the occasion one he would never forget.
“Reaching 100 is very special, and the staff made it a day I will never forget. Royal Star & Garter really is my home. I love living here and feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such kind, caring and dedicated people every day.”
For Ken, a century of life has included war, family, football, an extraordinary lucky escape – and now a very special birthday celebration.
