100-year-old D-Day navy veteran is given the Freedom of Dudley
A 100-year-old D-Day veteran has been granted the freedom of the borough of Dudley.
Joe Bullock, from Oldswinford, who served in the Royal Navy, was granted the honour at a special meeting of Dudley Council last night (Monday).
The motion, raised by council leader Councillor Patrick Harley, was unanimously backed by members of the council.
He performed a crucial role in one of the pivotal moments of the second World War where the Allies invaded northern France, turning the tide of the conflict.
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Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pete Lee, said the authority had a long and special relationship with the armed forces.
“Mr Bullock is one of our oldest armed forces personnel, serving in one of the biggest conflicts in history," he said.
"His record and commitment to this community and country speaks for itself.”
Mr Bullock served in the Royal Navy from 1942 to 1946, crossing the Channel in the Normandy landings during the Second World War, before later being posted to Singapore.
He was awarded the Legion d’Honneur in 2015 by the French government and is president of the Stourbridge branch of the Royal Naval Association.
Mr Bullock captured the imaginations of civic dignitaries when he was invited to the recent Armed Forces Day celebrations at Himley Hall.
He was recognised for his service at the huge celebrations after celebrating his 100th birthday in December 2024. He also received a commemorative civic paperweight from the mayor.
Councillor Harley said: “We have a proud tradition of recognising people who go above and beyond in the service of their country. Mr Bullock epitomises this.
“When we met at the recent Armed Forces Day it really struck me what a life he has led and what commitment to the Armed Forces it takes to serve in global conflict.
“I am glad members of the council supported that and I look forward to the formal presentation.”
Mr Bullock will be presented with a commemorative scroll, in the company of the mayor, council leader and other distinguished guests, at an event later this year.
