This Friday, 12th December, sees the release of a very special Christmas music single - As My Guns Fall Silent. This beautiful, haunting song was written by the incredible World War Two D-Day veteran Donald Rose - pictured above.
Donald, at an astonishing 110 years old, was the oldest man (and oldest veteran) in the UK until his death in July 2025 - and he loved music with a passion. He wrote the song following his wartime experiences fighting with the 2/7th Queens Royal Regiment. He would often sing it to his carers at Canal Vue Care Home in Derby.
Since Donald passed away, his carer Naomi Allsop has worked tirelessly with professional producer Matt Henshaw to bring Donald's song to life and share it with the world - with all proceeds going to veterans' charities The Not Forgotten and the Royal British Legion.
Naomi (pictured below with Donald) picks up the story:
"Donald served from the start to the very end of World War Two, surviving the unimaginable. Despite all he endured, Donald humbly said, “I did what I had to do,” and he rarely spoke about the war, though it haunted his nights.
After the war ended, Donald wrote a heartfelt song that he sang with pride. Everyone at Canal Vue heard it regularly, and we loved it."
"Music was Donald’s one true love — it was everything to him. He loved singing, listening to brass bands, and more, right up until he passed away this year at 110 years old."
"Donald and I had many adventures together, ticking off everything on his bucket list in his final few years. The last wish I had for him was to turn his song into a single for people to listen to and appreciate. I played his song to many people, then late last year I finally found someone interested. A talented local producer named Matt Henshaw took it upon himself to turn Donald’s song into a single. Matt transformed Donald’s raw singing into something extraordinary - which we are so, so proud to now share with the world."
"This song is dedicated to all veterans and those currently serving — a heartfelt tribute to their bravery and sacrifice."
Donald fought with the 2/7th Queens Royal Regiment (West Surrey), famously known as "The Black Cats," part of the 169 Brigade of the 7th Armoured Division.
His courage was recognised with medals including the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Africa Star with 8th Army Bar, the Italy Star, the War Medal 1939-45, and the prestigious Legion D'Honneur.
Donald was a familiar face to The Not Forgotten; he attended our Royal reception at St James' Palace in December 2024, our entertainers performed at his care home on many occasions, and we helped bring various moments of joy to his final years - from filming with The BBC One Show and Al Murray for VE Day 80, to having a luxury wet shave from Truefitt & Hill, the oldest barbers in the UK.
We are thrilled therefore that all proceeds from streaming and downloads of the song will go to The Not Forgotten and the Royal British Legion.
Donald's song When My Guns Fall Silent is released on Friday 12th December 2025 and will be available to stream or download on all music streaming services.
