Burma Star veteran Captain Walter Godsal set to turn 100

Captain Walter Godsal RN, a distinguished veteran of the Second World War, will turn 100 years old on December 3. He served in the Royal Navy for 37 years and is one of the few remaining members of the Burma Star Association, which supports veterans from the Burma campaign during the war. His naval career includes notable participation in the Battle of the Malacca Strait in 1945, shortly before the war in the Pacific ended. To celebrate this significant milestone, special presentations are planned at Dunkirk Memorial House in Somerset. On his birthday, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Ted Allen, will present him with a centenary birthday card on behalf of the King and Queen, along with a letter of congratulations from the First Sea Lord, Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff. With a history of community involvement, Captain Godsal and his late wife Pamela relocated to Winsford, Somerset in 1970. Throughout the years, he has contributed to various local organizations, serving as treasurer and churchwarden at St Mary Magdalene Church and taking an active role in the Royal British Legion and the Burma Star Association. Despite the physical challenges he has faced, including the replacement of two hips and falls that required him to move to a care home, his character has remained humble and devoted. His nephew, Brigadier David Godsal, described Captain Godsal as a modest individual who has always believed in simply doing what was necessary during times of hardship. This sentiment mirrors the outlook of many in his generation, who are often recognized for their sacrifices made during the war that allowed subsequent generations to enjoy freedoms today. To thank his local community for their kindness, Captain Godsal is hosting a coffee morning the day following his birthday. His 100th birthday will serve as a moment to celebrate not only his achievements but also the shared history and sacrifices made by his contemporaries during the war. As he approaches this centenary milestone, the life and contributions of Captain Walter Godsal underscore the importance of remembering the efforts of those who have served and the impact they have had on society. His birthday celebrations are not only a recognition of his remarkable personal journey but also a reminder of the collective history and legacy of World War II veterans, whose lives and actions continue to resonate today.