Rochdale veteran to have biography published

Len Oliver (left) and author Andrew Atkinson (right)

A Rochdale World War II veteran who lives in Spain is set to have his life documented in a new book named after his wedding anniversary, ‘March Tenth’.

Len Oliver, 91, a World War II veteran and former RAF mechanic, now of Alicante, is having his biography written by author Andrew Atkinson, who was born in Preston and now also lives in Alicante.

Len, who was born in Rochdale, recalled: "During World War II, I was based in Liverpool, and returned to Rochdale after the war ended. I then joined up to serve in the RAF - as a mechanic - but I hadn't even passed my driving test.”

He added: “I remain a loyal member of the RAF Association Costa Blanca Charity which supports the RAF family.”

Andrew added: “Len wanted his life story published, for the keepsake of his beloved family, and commissioned me to publish his biography as I have been a journalist and author for 40 years.”

Great-great-grandfather Len, who has lived in Spain for 30 years, previously ran a grocery shop on Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, becoming involved in amateur dramatics, and also taught Sunday School.

He married his wife, Kathleen, at St Luke's Church in Deeplish going on to have a son, Gary, and a daughter, Susan. Gary lives in the UK, and Susan resides in Spain.

Len said: "March 10 is my wedding day, the date I married Kathleen, who died in 2015. We were married for 64 years – Kathleen was some wife.”

"Life in Spain has been good. I retired to Spain because of the sun. I miss my family in the UK - but many, many members visit me in Spain. I have 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren, who are six-year-old twins.

"All the family are great people. And I speak to members every day, on the telephone."

Characterful Len has retained his fun-loving sense of humour, and remains the joker in the family, marking his milestone 90th birthday by dressing up as drag persona, Agnes Brown, of sitcom ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’.

Len chuckled: “On my 90th birthday party, celebrated with family and friends, I dressed up as 'Mrs Brown' played by Brendan O'Carroll in the TV series.”

‘March Tenth’ will be published in the UK and Spain later this year.