Decorated Kenilworth war veteran surprised by community on VE Day

A war veteran living in Kenilworth was surprised by his neighbours on VE Day.

Retired Flight Lieutenant Russell 'Rusty' Waughman, 97, lives in Elmdene Road and has lived in Kenilworth for more than 60 years.

He was a Lancaster Pilot during the Second World War with the 101 Squadron. He flew 30 missions and finished his final operation on the eve of D-Day.

Rusty was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the Air Force Cross (AFC) and the The Legion of Honour medal.

Rusty, known as 'Grumps' to his family, received a special surprise on VE Day.

His family and his neighbours all worked together to make it a special day for him with decorations and a performance by a musician.

Ed Warwick-Fox, Rusty's grandson. said: "On the day of the surprise, his eldest daughter Ali and my husband Will (Rusty's grandson-in-law) went over to the house to set up the bunting and decorations.

"We had coordinated with a friend who lives on his road and she had posted a note to all of the neighbours on the street letting them know who he was and that we'd be out on the street to celebrate him at 3pm.

"A lot of the neighbours had decorated their houses with signs and pictures for him to see and they were all out on their front lawns to celebrate.

"We'd also had a very kind offer from a local musician named Katrin Gilbert who came to play some wartime songs on her violin which was perfect.

"Grumps was really quite overwhelmed with the surprise.

"He has some really lovely neighbours who will always wave through the window or stop for a chat of they see him but on this day they were all out to see him.

"I don't think he was quite expecting to see quite so many people.

"As a family, it was really touching to see so many people of all ages out to see him and make it a special day for him.

"Grumps and the family would like to thank all of his neighbours for making such an effort to celebrate."