A much-loved local veteran who has dedicated much of his life to serving both his country and the Barry community has celebrated an incredible milestone as he turned 100 years old.
Francis Joseph Norton - known affectionately to all as Joe - celebrated his centenary birthday on 27 May 2026 with a special gathering at the Civic Offices in Barry, organised in recognition of his remarkable life.
The celebration was attended by a number of guests who came together to honour Joe, including his two daughters and sons-in-law, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff of South Glamorgan, the Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, the Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Chief Executive for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Council’s two Armed Forces Champions as well as representatives from HMS Cambria and The Royal Navy Benevolent Trust and the Council’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer.
Born in 1926, Joe’s life has been marked by resilience and sacrifice.
At just 12 years old, he lost the sight in his right eye. Tragically, at the age of 15, he also lost his father in wartime when the ship he was serving aboard, the Rose Schiaffino, was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Newfoundland in 1941, with the loss of all 41 crew members.
Despite these hardships, Joe joined the Merchant Seaman Fleet at the age of 16 during the height of the Second World War. in 1943.
Joining his first ship, the SS Scandia, at Barry Dock as a Galley Boy, Joe travelled in dangerous wartime convoys across the Atlantic, transporting vital fuel and supplies to support the Allied war effort. During two years at sea, he served aboard several vessels including the SS Baron Graham, SS Christine Marie, SS Baron Elgin, SS Isle of Guernsey and the SS Empire Don.
Joe witnessed the end of the Second World War while docked in Naples Harbour unloading jeeps and ammunition for Allied forces.
Following the war, Joe continued serving as a merchant seaman until 1951 before later joining Dow Corning in Barry, where he worked as a process worker until his retirement in 1988.
Alongside his working life, Joe devoted decades to supporting fellow veterans and the local community. He served as both Chairman and Secretary of the Barry Branch of the Merchant Seaman Association for more than 40 years and remains a proud member of the Royal British Legion.
For many years, Joe could also be found tirelessly supporting the annual Poppy Appeal, often spending up to six hours a day during Poppy Week helping distribute poppies in local supermarkets - a commitment he maintained until the age of 93, stopping only because of the Covid pandemic.
Following the loss of his beloved wife Ivy in 2000, Joe has continued to live independently with support from his two daughters. Even at 100 years old, he still enjoys daily afternoon walks, regularly attends Merchant Seaman Association meetings, enjoys social lunches with fellow mariners and can still be found enjoying evenings out at local bingo clubs.
The surprise birthday gathering at Barry Civic Offices served as an opportunity for the community to thank Joe for his sacrifices, celebrate his extraordinary life and recognise the lasting contribution he has made to veterans and residents across the Vale of Glamorgan.
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