MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Philip Viljoen celebrated his 100th birthday with his family and friends on 25 July.

Philip and his wife, Anna, live at Fonteine Park in Hartenbos. He claims never to have been sick and comes across as a bright, healthy centenarian.

Born in Britstown one week after the birth of Nelson Mandela, Philip served with the Allied forces in the Tobruk Campaign during WWII. Philip, a lieutenant, was taken prisoner and held in an Italian prisoner of war camp for two years.

After the war, Philip took on several responsibilities, much of them in an administrative role in government departments, becoming an expert in customs and excise legislation.

For all his life, Philip has been a fervent reader and devoured many books.

His passion for classic texts can be seen in his ability - and willingness - to demonstrate his remarkable capacity to recite numerous Shakespeare sonnets.

Motorcycles and rugby were eventually replaced by family commitments. He has a large family spread out across many countries.

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