Galston war veteran, centenarian Bill Pierce shares secret to long life

A Hills Shire man who served in World War II, married the love of his life and had a successful career can now add a new entry to his long his of achievements - living for more than a century.

War veteran Bill Pierce recently celebrated his 103rd birthday. Picture: Supplied

A Hills Shire man who served in World War II and had a successful career upon returning to Australia has celebrated his 103rd birthday.

Galston man Bill Pierce turned 103-years-old on June 23 and chose to celebrate with his family and friends with lunch at the Galston Club.

Mr Pierce, a former Sydney Grammar student among other schools, began working at the Commonwealth Bank with his father at 17-years-old and joined the Infantry Scottish Battalion based in Willoughby that same year.

When World War II broke out in 1939, the then 18-year-old joined the Australian Airforce and trained in various places with Tiger Moths - single engine planes - and Ansons - twin engine planes.

War veteran Bill Pierce recently celebrated his 103rd birthday. Picture: Supplied

Mr Pierce proved his success as a wireless operator and was promoted to Sergeant before being later assigned to the Permanent English Airforce Bomber Command, 7th Squadron, in England.

The Bomber Command flew raids over Germany in Lancaster Bombers - a heavy bomber plane.

Mr Pierce returned to Australia in 1945 and resumed working at the Commonwealth Bank where he met his wife Elaine.

The couple got married in 1955 and had two daughters Jennie and Sue.

Mr Pierce continued to work as a bank manager until he retired at 60-years-old in 1981.

The now retired war veteran and his wife moved into Galston’s RSL LifeCare Rowland Village in 1992, where all the residents were ex-service personnel and their spouses.

A letter from Mr Pierce’s friend Ann Lomas said he would reminisce about the “wonderful spirit of camaraderie” and the welcome to each new resident.

War veteran Bill Pierce recently celebrated his 103rd birthday. Picture: supplied

“Bill enjoyed playing golf on the 3-hole course (now 9 holes) and playing billiards with his old friend and fellow World War 11 veteran, the late Alan Buxton,” Ms Lomas wrote.

“Bill often mentions a couple who were knowledgeable about birds and did a bird count which in earlier times numbered up to 70 species.

“A long line of Kookaburras greeting the morning and evening from their gumtree limb or rearing young in a nearby nesting hollow was a joy to Bill and others.”

She said Mrs Pierce, a gardener, was one of several people to add to the natural beauty of the village. She died 17 years ago.

Ms Lomas said Mr Pierce’s birthday milestone was “quite an achievement”.

“Bill, your longevity must be credited to your constitution and your spirit and in no small part to the loving care of your two daughters who on the death of their mother 17 years ago, began and have continued bringing home cooked main meals that you simply have to heat and eat,” she wrote.

“Thank you Bill for being such a fine neighbour, friend, resident, veteran and example of strength and perseverance.

“We thank you for your care, courtesy, humour and honesty.

“We salute you, Bill and your 103 years!”