Lymington Royal Navy veteran Boyd Salmon flies high for his 100th birthday

A SECOND World War veteran badly injured clearing enemy mines from a beach nearly 80 years ago has hit the heights to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Former Royal Navy officer Boyd Salmon travelled from his Lymington care home to Bournemouth Airport for a helicopter flight over Southampton Water, the Solent and the New Forest coastline.

It was one of several treats arranged by his family over a four-day ‘birthday season’ which involved help from team members at Colten Care’s Court Lodge.

Two visiting naval officers presented Boyd with life membership of the Royal Naval Association, and at Lymington Royal British Legion he was invited to join an official D-Day 80th anniversary parade in June.

Back at the home, the birthday party featured afternoon tea with fizz and a nautically themed cake specially baked by Court Lodge chef Hannah Judd to highlight Boyd’s love of sailing.

Boyd was 17 when he joined the navy, serving on the Atlantic convoys and at the base on Gibraltar. Arriving in Normandy aged 20 just after the initial D-Day landings in 1944, he helped clear enemy mines, duties he continued in the Netherlands.

In 1945, he was on a Dutch beach when a mine exploded just feet away causing severe abdominal injuries, leaving a large scar and embedded shrapnel. After hospital treatment he convalesced with fellow officers at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

Leaving the navy in 1946, Boyd studied engineering and became a chartered engineer, his profession until retirement.

He and his late wife Jacqueline had two daughters, with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Boyd’s helicopter ride with Bliss Aviation was arranged as a surprise by his daughter Anita, who travelled from her home in the US for the celebrations.

Boyd, who moved to Court Lodge from his nearby home four years ago, said after the flight: “It was a dream come true and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

And he thanked the care staff, adding: “Being 100 really is not bad at all. It was a fabulous birthday. The cake was absolutely amazing and I’ve taken off the decorations to keep.”

Court Lodge companionship team leader Julia Puia said: “He had a magnificent birthday and was truly touched by all the love around him. We all wish Boyd a happy birthday and a splendid year ahead.”