WWII Veteran, 102, Laments 'Dangerous World' of Endless Conflicts

As of November 15, 2025, two World War II veterans, both centenarians, have spoken out about their profound disillusionment with the state of the world and the ongoing conflicts that continue to claim young lives.

Queenie Hall, a 102-year-old who served in Bomber Command during WWII, has described the war as a "total waste of flipping time." She laments the ongoing battles in Ukraine and Gaza, saying, "We've got two big conflicts going on - it's getting to be a very dangerous world." Hall, who recently visited the grave of her fiancé who died in 1944, is troubled by the fact that "young men are sacrificed, putting their lives on the line, but for what?"

Similarly, 100-year-old D-Day veteran Alec Penstone has expressed his anguish over the state of the UK, saying the country has gone "to wrack and ruin." Penstone, who served in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, believes the sacrifices of his generation were not "worth it," as he sees the country's culture and values deteriorating. He is critical of modern political leaders, saying, "There is no comparison whatsoever to the [former] leaders."

Both veterans, who are associated with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, are deeply distressed by the ongoing conflicts and the lack of progress in preventing such tragedies. As they reflect on their wartime experiences, they hope that current and future leaders will learn from the past and work towards a more peaceful world.