Bill Stone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Stone
|
|
|---|---|
Bill Stone photographed in Watlington, Oxfordshire, November 2006.
|
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 23 September 1918 – 18 September 1945 |
| Rank | Stoker Chief Petty Officer |
| Unit | Included: HMS Tiger HMS Hood HMS Salamander HMS Newfoundland See full list below for all ships |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Mentioned in Despatches See full list below for details of campaign and commemorative medals awarded |
| Other work | Barber |
William Frederick "Bill" Stone (born 23 September 1900 - 10 January 2009) was a British veteran who served in the Royal Navy. He was one of the last people alive who had fought in World War I. Bill Stone lived a very long life, passing away at 108 years old.
He was a sailor during two of the biggest wars in history. These were the First World War and the Second World War. Bill Stone spent many years serving his country at sea.
Contents
A Life at Sea: Bill Stone's Story
Bill Stone was born in England in 1900. He grew up during a time of big changes in the world. When he was old enough, he decided to join the Royal Navy. This was the navy of the United Kingdom.
Bill Stone joined the Royal Navy on his 18th birthday in 1918. This was near the end of the First World War. He became a stoker, which was a very important job on a ship. Stokers worked in the engine room. They kept the ship's engines running by shoveling coal into huge furnaces. It was hot, dirty, and hard work.
Serving in the First World War
Even though he joined late in the war, Bill Stone was part of the Royal Navy during this major conflict. The First World War involved many countries. It was fought from 1914 to 1918. Bill Stone helped keep the ships moving. This was vital for the navy's operations.
World War II Adventures
After the First World War, Bill Stone continued his service. He was still in the Royal Navy when the Second World War began. This war lasted from 1939 to 1945. It was even bigger than the first one.
Important Missions and Ships
During the Second World War, Bill Stone served on several famous ships. One of them was HMS Hood. This was a very large and powerful warship. He also served on HMS Newfoundland.
He took part in some very dangerous missions. One of these was the Arctic convoys. These were groups of ships that carried supplies to the Soviet Union. They sailed through freezing, dangerous waters. Enemy submarines and planes often attacked them.
Bill Stone also participated in the Allied invasion of Sicily. This was a huge military operation. It was part of the plan to free Europe from enemy control. Sailors like Bill Stone played a key role.
Life After the Wars
Bill Stone left the Royal Navy in 1945. This was the same year the Second World War ended. He had served his country for 27 years. After his long navy career, he became a barber. A barber cuts hair. He lived a long and full life. Bill Stone passed away in 2009. He was remembered as a brave veteran.
