An Ammanford war hero has celebrated his 102nd birthday.

On Sunday, September 22, Neville Bowen reached a major milestone in his life and is Ammanford’s oldest military veteran.

On Tuesday (September 24) events turned to Pembrokeshire where Neville was guest of honour at Carew Cheriton wartime museum. 

He and fellow veterans had a guided tour of the Avro Anson aeroplane restored at the site.

A moment of reflection for Neville at the museum's memorial.A moment of reflection for Neville at the museum's memorial. (Image: Stuart Ladd)A thumbs up from Neville. A thumbs up from Neville. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Neville and fellow veteran Tony Bird were joined at the museum's memorial by pupils from Saundersfoot Primary School.Neville and fellow veteran Tony Bird were joined at the museum's memorial by pupils from Saundersfoot Primary School. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Neville and his fellow veterans tour the museum site.Neville and his fellow veterans tour the museum site. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Neville and Tony pictured with the people who made the surprise possible.Neville and Tony pictured with the people who made the surprise possible. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Neville also saw the control tower and many of the WW2 exhibits on display.

He was joined at the visit by his daughter Wanda and Gloria, niece of deceased D-Day veteran Ted Owens, who was a close friend of Neville's.

One poignant moment during the visit was when he met fellow World War Two veteran, 99-year-old Tony Bird from Freshwater East.

Both men joined pupils from Saundersfoot Primary School to lay poppy crosses at the museum’s memorial.

Neville got to see many of the WW2 exhibits. Neville got to see many of the WW2 exhibits. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Neville in the air traffic control room.Neville in the air traffic control room. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The veterans were given a tour of the restoration project of an Avro Anson aeroplane.The veterans were given a tour of the restoration project of an Avro Anson aeroplane. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Neville with his daughter Wanda (right).Neville with his daughter Wanda (right). (Image: Stuart Ladd)
The highlight of the day was when Neville and Tony both had a ride on historic military jeeps from the Pembrokeshire Military Vehicle Club.

The jeeps conveyed both men to the VC (Veterans and Community) gallery in Pembroke Dock where celebrations continued.

On Thursday, September 26, events returned to Neville's hometown, where a party was held for Neville in Has Beanz Coffee Bar.

Neville was joined by fellow veterans, family, friends and representatives from The Royal Navy.

The events to celebrate Neville's birthday were put together by Age Cymru Dyfed Veterans Team, the Military Veterans Club Cymru, VC Gallery, Pembrokeshire Military Vehicle Club, Llanelli Veterans Association along with Llanelli & Ammanford branches of the Royal British Legion.