World War Two Commando veteran celebrates turning 100

A former commando who is one of Scotland's last surviving veterans of World War Two has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Alexander Calder - known as Sandy - was born in Aberdeen in 1926.

He took part in the Burma (now Myanmar) campaign against the Japanese forces.

The veteran Royal Marine Commando, who now lives at Inchmarlo Retirement Village in Aberdeenshire, told BBC Scotland News that secret to reaching 100 was loving life and a sense of humour.

Sandy attended Aberdeen Grammar School, where he joined the army cadets.

"When I turned 17, the headmaster told me to go and do something useful," he recalled.

"So I left school and enlisted in the Royal Marine Commandos. Given the ongoing war, it felt like the right decision."

He said the first six months consisted of "arduous and intensive" training, focused on fitness, weapons training, and skills such as climbing and demolitions, as well as amphibious assault tactics.

He described it all as "really tough", adding: "I have vivid memories of running with full kit amidst torrential rain. I must have been off my head."

His unit was dispatched to Ceylon in November 1943. Following acclimatisation, they were ready to participate in the Burma campaign.

"Let no-one tell you that the commandos were fearless," he said.

"We were all scared, but there was no time to dwell on it. Our priority was ensuring that both we and our equipment were prepared.

"When the moment of action arrived, my fear dissipated, replaced by a sense of invincibility. Moreover, I was emboldened by the knowledge that we were in the right and by the belief that victory was inevitable.

"Cowardice was not an option, our training instilled in us the resolve to act as commandos. Maintaining a sense of humour was crucial, without it you weren't going to make it."

The veteran added: "My war ended with the liberation of Hong Kong from where we were demobbed, and I sailed back home."

He said his father had been a cattle dealer, and he always had an interest in agriculture and animal welfare, so set about working on various farms in Aberdeenshire and attended Aberdeen's College of Agriculture.

In 1952, he was accepted into Aberdeen's Rowett Research Institute, working in the field of breeding and applied nutrition in the development of livestock.

He met fellow Rowett science officer Gillian Sharp, and they married in 1957.

"Retiring in 1990, Gillian and I relocated to Inchmarlo in 2008. Sadly, Gillian passed away in 2011."

He added: "I enjoy travelling and have had many holidays abroad."

On Wednesday afternoon, a piper played happy birthday, and the King and Queen sent a 100th birthday card.

As he was presented with the unopened envelope from Buckingham Palace, he said: "It says Royal Mail - so I suspect it's a bill."

He said the gathering of family members for his big day was "absolutely fantastic", adding: "I am overcome with joy".

Of his long life, he said: "You have got to have a sense of humour.

"I obviously love life and that's all there is to it. I have not changed."

Retirement home deputy manager Diane Martin said the veteran was an "absolute pleasure" to be around.

"He is a proud man and makes us all want to be better people," she said.

"Getting to 100 years old is amazing, especially with the life he has had."

Grandson Cameron Calder, 44, who travelled over from Australia with his family, said: "We're very proud - he's an inspiration for all of us."