Elderly WWII veteran makes it home to share Christmas with family in Albany

World War II veteran and Mandurah celebrity Hilton Doust, 99, made it to the annual festive family get-together in Albany this year with seconds to spare after a delayed flight from Perth meant Mr Doust and his grandson Karl, who travelled with him, almost didn’t make it home for Christmas. A former milkman, pig farmer, trotting horse trainer and groundsman for the Shire of Wanneroo, Mr Doust showed no signs of slowing down over the weekend, celebrating with family and even squeezing in a quick walk of The Gap before flying back to Perth on Boxing Day. According to Mr Doust’s daughter-in-law Beryle Doust, Mr Doust’s Christmas escapade is typical for a man whose life has been a full one. During World War II, Mr Doust served as a signalman in New Guinea and can proudly recite The Ode on request. The great-great-grandad is looking forward to his 100th birthday next year, which will be held at his local RSL club. In the meantime he will continue going to the gym and the pool at 5.30am every day and will make a start on preparing the next round of Christmas cakes to be gifted to family and friends in 2023.