ROYAL Signals veteran from Southport celebrates centenary as her wartime service is finally formally recognised.
A 2nd World War veteran who served as an auxiliary sergeant alongside the Royal Corps of Signals has celebrated her 100th birthday with a very special present — the wartime medal recognising her service more than 80 years after the end of the war.
Irene Cavanagh, who turned 100 on:- Wednesday, 7 October 2026, served during the 2nd World War and spent her wartime service at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.
Her War Medal 1939–45 arrived just in time for her landmark birthday, following work by her family, supported by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, to clarify her medal entitlement and help progress the application.
Irene said:- "It’s been such a wonderful surprise. I never expected all this fuss for my birthday. I’m very proud of my wartime service and delighted to have my medal. It’s been lovely to have everyone here celebrating with me.”
Irene marked her centenary at Locharwoods of Birkdale care home in Southport, surrounded by family, representatives from SSAFA, serving military personnel, veterans and members of the Royal Signals Association.
Her medal was presented by Captain Royston Smith-Straney, MBE (retired) and SSAFA volunteer with the Merseyside Branch.
Captain Smith-Straney said:- “As a veteran and SSAFA volunteer, it is a real privilege to present Irene with her medal on such a special day. Her service deserves to be recognised, and to do so on her 100th birthday makes it particularly poignant.”
The celebrations also included a surprise appearance by a WWII Jeep, decorated for Irene’s birthday, together with flowers, cards and a certificate recognising her wartime service.
Captain Holly Powell, a serving Army officer and member of the Royal Signals women’s netball team, of which Irene was a member, over 80 years ago, joined the celebration alongside Royal Signals Association standard bearers and representatives from SSAFA.
Clive Montellier, Director of the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre at the MOD said:- “We are delighted to have been able to assess Irene’s case for her and ensure she gets the recognition she is owed for her service during in WW2, alongside all the other brave men and women who served and sacrificed.”
Irene’s granddaughter-in-law Melissa Walmsley said:- “We’re incredibly proud of Irene. To see her reach her 100th birthday and finally receive recognition for her wartime service makes this an especially wonderful day for all the family.”
Ian Hurley, secretary for SSAFA Merseyside Branch said:- “Irene’s 100th birthday is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary milestone and recognise the contribution she made during the Second World War. SSAFA has supported serving personnel, veterans and their families for more than 140 years, and it is a privilege to be part of Irene’s special day and to see her wartime service formally recognised.”
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, search for “SSAFA near me”.