Stan Lucas, a 99-year-old war veteran and resident of Druid Stoke Bupa Care Home, has been photographed by portrait photographer Robin Savage.
Robin has spent over a decade capturing portraits of Second World War veterans, a collection which he has titled ‘In Their Glorious Company.’ He is dedicated to ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. On this occasion, it was Stan, a resident at Druid Stoke care home, who spent time in front of his camera.
Celebrating his 100th birthday later this year, Stan has been at the home for more than two years. During the Second World War, he served as a military policeman in Egypt and Palestine. His responsibilities included maintaining order among troops, guiding convoys through busy and often hazardous roads, and guarding vital supply lines.
Stan’s service is a reminder that victory was achieved not just through combat, but also through the dedication of those who upheld order and kept operations moving.
Commenting on being chosen, Stan said: “I am a lucky man to have had my portrait taken. There are dozens out there exactly like me. I’m not a miracle man, but I’ve been looked after and I’ve looked after others. May God bless them all.”
Photographer Robin Savage added: “It has been, and continues to be, the deepest privilege of my life to photograph such extraordinary people. We will never see the likes of our Second World War veterans again, so recording their histories, stories, and dignity in this way is so important to me; but I’m keenly aware that we owe them all a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. It was a huge honour to photograph Stan, my thanks go to him, his family and all at Druid Stoke.”
Keyly Scott, home manager at Druid Stoke, commented: “We are so pleased to have been able to accommodate this special visit. Stan is a truly remarkable gentleman, and the work Robin has done to commemorate heroes of the Second World War is nothing short of extraordinary. It means a great deal to us to see Stan honoured in this way.”