Veteran celebrates 100th birthday

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Author: Grace Odlum
• Publication title: Kapiti News

Reverend Hector Davis celebrated his 100th birthday with a surprise party at his daughter’s house this month, and among his guests were friends, family, and two representatives from the Embassy of France

The embassy wasn’t just there to celebrate either — they wanted to hear about his life, and he was happy to share his story.

Hector was born in London and served in the army as a royal engineer in the D-Day landings in Normandy during World War II.

His work in the war was later honoured by the French Ambassador in 2016 when he was made a Chevalier (Knight) of the Order of the Legion of Honour and given a Legion d’Honneur for his part in liberating France from the Germans.

After the war he trained as a teacher in London and did his masters at Victoria University and has since worked in teaching, visiting teaching, and counselling positions.

Hector and his family moved to New Zealand in 1962 with his wife and four children, under the recommendation and sponsorship of his wife’s brother-in-law.

“There were six of us and it cost us £10 on a sailing boat.”

Alongside his teaching work, Hector was offered work in a furniture shop once a week, and in exchange he would be allowed to take home any furniture he...