Highest civic honour for D-Day veteran

One of Dudley borough’s oldest surviving veterans from World War II is set to be granted freedom of Dudley borough.

Joe Bullock, aged 100, served in the Royal Navy during the D Day landings.

He performed a crucial role in one of the pivotal moments in second World War where the Allies invaded northern France, turning the tide of the conflict.

The leader of Dudley Council raised a formal motion at an extraordinary meeting of the full council tonight (Jul 14), recommending that Mr Bullock be granted the highest civic honour – Freedom of Dudley borough. Members of the council supported the move.

Councillor Pete Lee, Mayor of Dudley, said: “We have a long and special relationship with the armed forces and we go above and beyond to celebrate their work.

“Mr Bullock is one of our oldest armed forces personal, serving in one of the biggest conflicts in history. 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 World War II and 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, who now lives in Stourbridge, 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 Patrick Harley, leader of the council, 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, the leader of Dudley Council and other distinguished guests, at an event later this year.