Building mural of WW2 hero who died at 110 finished

A mural on the side of a town hall commemorating Donald Rose, who was the UK's oldest surviving World War Two veteran before his death in July aged 110, has been completed.

Rose served as a sniper in the Queen's Royal Regiment and survived a bullet wound to the leg during the D-Day landings.

Erewash Borough Council said the seven metre-tall mural - which was revealed after scaffolding was removed from Ilkeston Town Hall on Saturday - promoted remembrance and celebrated Rose's "extraordinary life and service", while also recognising the contribution of all armed forces personnel.

Councillor Mark Alfrey, lead member for environment, said it was a "beautiful way to honour Donald".

Rose took part in the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp and served in the 7th Armoured Division - known as the Desert Rats - in North Africa. He also took part in the Allied invasion of Italy in 1943.

The veteran spent his final years at Canal Vue Care Home in Ilkeston and was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in June 2025, as well as France's highest honour, the French Legion of Honour, for his wartime service.

After his death, his hearse was escorted by more than 100 motorcycles from Morrisons in Ilkeston to Ilkeston Town's football ground, where a service took place.

The mural has been completed ahead of the 774th Ilkeston Charter Fair, which begins on Wednesday.

Painted by street artist Neil Keating and collaborator John Culshaw, the mural features a black-and-white image of Rose in his youth alongside a colour portrait from his later years, with a battleship, aircraft, poppies, a lone soldier and a sunset.

Erewash Borough Council said the project was funded by a wider £100,000 Erewash Investment Fund to "elevate" the area's environment.

"Lots of people will be able to appreciate the artwork in its location beside the bus stops near Ilkeston's Market Place, especially as visitors from all over come to see the Charter Fair," Alfrey said.

"The street art project has continued to deliver its intended objectives by improving the appearance of the town centre and wider borough, as well as increasing public interest in the area, whilst showcasing creativity and creating community ownership.

"Thank you to Neil and John for their work to create the mural, it's brightened up the town centre and it's sure to be a real point of pride in Ilkeston."

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