Young gun celebrates diamond wedding anniversary (From Your Local Guardian)

Young gunner celebrates diamond wedding anniversary

7:40am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

The youngest gunner to enlist in the RAF celebrated his diamond wedding anniversary at the weekend, 70 years after he fought in World War II.

Lionel Gaul, 86, and Joyce Gaul, 85, of Avarn Road, Tooting, have lived in Wandsworth for 58 years.

They have four children, seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren between them, who held a surprise party for the pair on Saturday.

Mr Gaul was just 15 when he enlisted as a gunner for the RAF Volunteer Reserve on July 22, 1942, as a second class aircraft man.

During the 1940's soldiers needed to be at least 18 to sign up, but many young men lied about their age in order to join.

He was dismissed from the service the following year when his true age was discovered.

His certificate of discharge describes Mr Gaul as having "very good" character, but states his dismissal is due to "Having made a mis-statement on enlistment."

Speaking before the party, daughter Wendy Malone said: "They are very family orientated. We have got a surprise party of 50 people coming.

"It will be the last time all members of the family will be together."