Former officer celebrates 103rd birthday

19 August 2021

A former West Midlands Police officer who served the Force for 20 years has celebrated his 103rd birthday.

Douglas Stewart reached the grand age of 103 on 28 July, 75 years after he joined Birmingham City Police.

The father-of-two, known as ‘Doug’ by most, has since reflected on his time as an officer and revealed his secret to reaching more than a century in age.

“Getting to 103 is probably down to me keeping fit and active although, I still like a malt whisky in the evening too,” says Doug, who embarked on a career in the police after serving in the Armed Forces during World War II.

During his time in the Royal Engineers, Doug was captured in Egypt, as a Prisoner of War and while held in Poland, he helped dig a tunnel to let others escape. He was kept as a prisoner for three years before he was repatriated from eastern Europe.

His career portfolio as a police officer includes positions in road safety and dog handling. Having also spent time in the CID, Doug ended his time in the Force as the division road safety officer.

“Policing then and now is like comparing chalk and cheese,” says Doug, who went on to work in insurance.

Up until about four years ago, dance lover Doug was still showing off his moves in the ballroom and even continued to drive up until 2019, when he decided to give up his driving licence voluntarily having reached 100.

The inspirational 103-year-old remains independent, living in a house in the West Midlands area that he shares with his 93-year-old partner.