Dream Come True: 99-Year-Old Veteran Returns To The Water For A Day

A 99-year-old veteran's dreams came true when he made a 'silver wish' to get out on the water in Portsmouth, where his military career began.

This is all part of Quantum care home's scheme to grant wishes to some of their residents, to coincide with their 25th anniversary. 

Former Royal Marine and resident Ernie Searling had his silver wish granted and took to the Solent for a tour of Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard.

The boat tour sails past all the naval ships docked there and one that certainly stands out is HMS Queen Elizabeth.

However, this didn't impress Ernie, who believes the aircraft carrier is simply 'too big', but he was impressed by the cleanliness of the water.

As part of his day out, Ernie was also presented with a new blue beret, his original beret marked his service under King Goerge the sixth and the new one under the current monarch.

The only difference being the crown on the emblem. On receiving the beret Ernie said:

"They are both good monarchs to serve under and a darn good country to fight for."

Ernie signed up to the military the day the Second World War was declared. 

He went to his local police station and told them how he would like to be a medic. However, due to not having a nursing certificate, he was unable to sign up for the role.

The Policeman then suggested he could join the Royal Marines.

Ernie at first thought he was too small to be a Marine, but the policeman corrected him and said that he was, in fact, an 'A1 candidate'.

He said he does not regret joining the Marines for one second.

Ernie was also joined for the whole day by lifelong friend Keith.

They met when Keith was first ordained and it was Ernie's wife, who after feeling sorry for a very young looking Keith, invited him round for dinner.

They have been friends ever since, so a special day was made even more special by having Keith by his side.