**Celebrating 102 Remarkable Years: Navy Veteran Reveals Unusual Secret to Longevity**
Gordon ‘Pop’ White, a Royal Navy veteran with a life full of extraordinary stories, has recently marked an impressive milestone—his 102nd birthday. Pop, as he is affectionately known among friends and family, has long called Rhydyfelin, just outside Pontypridd, his home. Those who meet him are struck by both his energy and his sharp mind—and by his rather unexpected daily breakfast: a snowball cocktail and a chocolate teacake.
Pop’s birthday was heralded with a veteran’s buffet organised by the Taf Ely Veterans group, an event brimming with camaraderie and memories. His living room was adorned with strings of birthday cards, mementoes of his service, and reminders of the remarkable journey he has travelled throughout his life.
Still rising promptly at 4am each day, Pop’s regimented start is matched by his immaculate appearance—always in a shirt and tie, a habit his daughter Carol proudly mentions. “He’s never looked his age,” she says, noting that it’s only recently Pop has needed a walking stick. When asked about his secret to a long life, Pop simply credits his morning cocktail and teacake ritual, a tradition he claims stretches back as far as he can remember. Of course, some would suggest good genetics play a role too, as several of Pop’s siblings also reached 100 years or more.
Born on 2nd April 1923 in Pontypridd, Pop grew up in a bustling household as one of eight children. His father, Alfred, came from England to work in the local mines, while his mother, Alice, was well known in the community for her role in laying out those who had passed away. Pop recalls a childhood home filled with laughter, neighbours, and shared bedrooms—“there must have been about 13 of us in that house,” he reminisces with a smile.
Pop’s early years included working various jobs at Ponty market, selling apples, ice cream, and newspapers. By age 14, he joined the local pits but later moved to the Treforest power station after a hospital stint for appendicitis and struggles with mental health. The outbreak of the Second World War saw Pop join the Home Guard before enlisting in the Royal Navy at 18, following in the footsteps of many young men of his era.
His wartime service was eventful and often perilous. After rigorous training at HMS Raleigh, Pop found himself on the frontlines, including duty in the Suez Canal and the invasion of Italy. He guarded Italian prisoners of war, worked aboard landing craft shipping troops and supplies, and was thrust into danger more than once.
One harrowing memory stands out. During the 1944 Battle of Anzio, Pop’s landing craft was bombed, resulting in the deaths of 18 of his crewmates. Only Pop and one other survived, thanks to a fateful decision about which side of the bunk to sleep on. He suffered a broken leg and wrist, spending months hospitalised in Naples, where he missed his 21st birthday and discovered the heartbreak of a lost love back home.
After the war, Pop returned to South Wales, working in the pits and later at Forgemasters until his retirement. He married Mildred, known as Millie, in Pontypridd and later welcomed four children, although tragedy struck when one passed away in infancy. Today, Pop is surrounded by the love of two children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who visit often—his living room always ready with toys for their amusement.
Despite the frailties that time inevitably brings, this centenarian has rarely been slowed. Until recently, he kept up with weekend socials, late-night bus rides, and outings to the bank. Today, he continues to share stories at the Taf Ely Veterans Group, relishes gardening, wine-making, skittling, and his favourite films and music.
At his birthday gathering, fellow veterans, friends, and family joined in storytelling and wartime songs, recognising not just Pop’s military accomplishments, but the contributions he has made to his community. When asked what he credits for his long life, Pop offers a shrug and a glint in his eye as he describes his breakfast: “It’s always been a snowball and a teacake.” Perhaps, though, his true secret lies in his unwavering spirit, resilient humour, and skill for finding joy in every day—a lesson for us all.