88-Year-Old Veteran's Dream Comes True With Tank Ride

An 88-year-old veteran has had his dream come true by getting back inside a tank 60 years after leaving the Army.

Ron Pendry joined the military when he was just 18 years old.

He completed various tours, including Germany and Scotland, as a tank driver and instructor.

He was joined by his wife and granddaughter for what proved to be a memorable day for all.

"I think he’ll remember that for a long time. I’m very pleased," said Violet Pendry, Mr Pendry's wife.

"It brings back his childhood memories of what he was and what he was able to do compared to now."

Sarah Stevenson, Mr Pendry's granddaughter, said: "I think he’s over the moon, he doesn’t show his excitement but deep down he’ll be bubbling away.

"He’ll be the talk of the care home tomorrow."

Mr Pendry's day out was organised by his care home in Wiltshire. 

Tamara Davis from the care home said Mr Pendry "knew what to do" as soon as he stepped inside the vehicle.

Mr Pendry suffers from Parkinson's disease and recently celebrated his 67th wedding anniversary.

After finishing the tank ride, he was in high spirits and said he "enjoyed it".