At 104 years old, Les Winslade QSM still rocks a good suit, enjoys a tipple at the local RSA and has a quick repartee when needed.
Les Winslade QSM, seated, with his Cambridge RSA mates, Brigadier Jon Broadley, left, son-in-law Wolfe Hucke, and RSA president Tony Hill. Photo: Viv Posselt
The Cambridge Resthaven resident was celebrated at a birthday party held in his honour last Saturday.
Guests included several current and ex-servicemen, among them Cambridge RSA president and vice president, Tony Hill and Jon Broadley MBE respectively, naval man Paul Murphy and Les’s son-in-law and ex-serviceman, Wolfe Hucke. Wolfe is married to Les’s daughter Alison Hucke, and both also live at Cambridge Resthaven.
A surprise drop-in visit – albeit by video link – came from New Zealand rugby great, Buck Shelford. He quipped, “Man, that is pretty good going,” and wished Les well for his birthday.
Cambridge RSA president Tony Hill introducing the recorded message from Buck Shelford. Photo: Viv Posselt
Les, who is said to be the oldest WW11 veteran in Cambridge, has packed a lot into his 104 years.
He is still a regular at the RSA, and when daughter Alison took him to the doctor recently for a chest infection, he showed a ready wit. “He was asked what pills he was taking,” she explained, “and when he said none, this doctor – who was a locum – was shocked. She asked why he wasn’t on any medication at his age, and he said … “Well, that’s why I’m 104!”
Les was born in Birkenhead, England, on September 28, 1920, and the family came to New Zealand in 1926. His life is documented in files showing many decades of service to others, a tendency that started at 12 when he made and sold soap to boost funds for his local Scout group.
Les Winslade QSM raising a glass to his 104 years. Photo: Viv Posselt
Les’s World War II service was first as a wireless operator and then with the RNZAF, where he served with the 6th Catalina Squadron in the Solomon Islands. After returning to post-war civilian life, he joined the National Mutual where he remained for most of his working life before retiring in 1980 as Otago manager of Mutual Life based in Dunedin.
Les’s inclination towards service continued throughout. He joined the Jaycees in 1954, rising through the ranks, was a foundation member of the Dunedin Budget Advisory Service.
Les Winslade QSM opening his birthday cards with daughter Alison Hucke. Photo: Viv Posselt
He spent years giving back through Lions clubs, and after moving with his late wife Barbara to Tāupo in 1983, successfully raised over $80,000 for the club through events he ran. He also helped raise more than $2 million for medical improvements in the wider district, was behind the introduction of geothermal heating for Tāupo Hospital, and initiated a Lions traffic survey that resulted in the arterial bypass.
He was larger than life in sport as well, serving for years with the Otago University Rugby Club, travelling overseas on two occasions as part of the NZ Universities Rugby Football body.
Les has been widely recognised for his service. He holds seven life memberships to various organisations, including the Lloyd Morgan Charitable Trust. He received the Paul Harris Award through Rotary International and is a Melvin Jones Fellow recipient through Lions International – to hold both is rare. He was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in June 2009 for community service.
Cambridge’s oldest WW11 veteran Les Winslade QSM, blowing out the candles on his birthday cake. Photo: Viv Posselt
