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At 102 years old, World War II veteran John Eskdale represents a generation whose courage and sacrifice helped shape the modern world.
Wearing his green beret, decorated jacket, and rows of military medals, Eskdale is a powerful reminder of a time when millions of ordinary young people were called upon to face extraordinary circumstances.
His story is not simply about military service. It is also about the passing of time, the importance of remembrance, and the responsibility of younger generations to preserve the experiences of those who lived through the Second World War.
He Was Too Young to Join the Military — So He Found Another Way to Serve
John’s determination to serve began in 1940, when he tried to enlist in the armed forces but was rejected because he was too young.
Instead, he volunteered with the fire service in Bristol, a city suffering devastating German bombing raids.
Two years later, in 1942, he joined the Royal Marines and earned his coveted green beret.
His wartime service would take him from the Mediterranean to Normandy and eventually the Far East.
Royal Navy
The Night His Ship Sank — And Hundreds Never Returned
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One of the most traumatic moments of Eskdale’s life came during the night of October 22–23, 1943.
He was serving aboard HMS Charybdis when German torpedo boats attacked the cruiser near the Channel Islands.
The ship sank, leaving hundreds of sailors and Marines fighting for survival.
John spent approximately five hours in the water on a small Carley life raft before a destroyer rescued him.
According to the Royal Navy, only 107 of the ship’s 533 crew members were rescued.
Royal Navy
More than eight decades later, John still remembers the terrifying experience.
In a 2026 interview, he recalled how a fellow Marine, Clifford Roberts, had been standing behind him when the ship was struck. Roberts was swept overboard, while John survived.
The memory of his lost comrade has never left him.
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His War Was Far From Over
Surviving the sinking might have been enough danger for a lifetime, but John continued serving.
He joined 30 Assault Unit, a specialized military formation associated with intelligence-gathering operations and the wartime work of James Bond creator Ian Fleming.
Eskdale subsequently served in Normandy and the Far East, including operations connected with Hong Kong.
His experiences took him through some of the most significant theaters of the Second World War.
Royal Navy
At 100, He Returned to Inspire Young Marines
In February 2025, John visited the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.
At 100 years old, he attended a passing-out parade for newly trained Royal Marines and presented the Commando Medal to Marine James Barback.
He also shared advice with recruits, emphasizing teamwork, dependability, and the lifelong bonds formed through military service.
One recruit, Sean Brennen, described meeting him as a remarkable honor and said hearing his firsthand wartime experiences was deeply inspiring.
Royal Navy
At 102, He Returned to Honor the Man He Never Forgot
In September 2026, John returned to Guernsey for a memorial service honoring those who died aboard HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne.
There, he laid a wreath at the grave of Clifford Roberts, the fellow Marine whose death he had witnessed more than 80 years earlier.
John explained that the events surrounding Roberts’ death had been closely connected to his own survival.
For a man who had lived more than a century, returning to honor his fallen comrade was a deeply personal moment.
He expressed hope that he would be able to attend the ceremony again the following year.
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A Living Connection to History
John Eskdale’s story is about more than surviving a war.
It is about a young man who volunteered to serve, endured the loss of his shipmates, continued fighting, and spent decades remembering those who never returned home.
At 102, his memories provide an extraordinary firsthand connection to events that most people know only from history books.
And perhaps his greatest contribution today is ensuring that the sacrifices of his generation are not forgotten.
What would you say to John Eskdale if you had the chance to thank him personally for his service?
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