THE first person on the Isle of Wight to receive a Covid-19 vaccine — Kenneth Killeen — is celebrating his 100th birthday. 

The war veteran, who served in the RAF during the Second World War, was proud to receive his card from the late Queen, marking the incredible milestone - among the last sent out from the monarch. 

Mr Killeen was the first patient through the door of the Island’s first Covid-19 vaccination clinic back in 2020. 

Living at McCarthy Stone development Somers Brook Court, in Newport, a party was held in his honour yesterday (Monday), organised by care staff. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Kenneth Killeen, 100, reading his letter from the Queen.Kenneth Killeen, 100, reading his letter from the Queen. (Image: Newsquest.)

Mr Killeen, who has two children, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren, played a vital role for the allies during the war.

He was a navigator for the RAF, tasked with bombing German emplacements — from 15,000ft in the air — far above the clouds, and relying on radar to pinpoint targets.

Temperatures in the air could be as low as minus 40 degrees.

"You needed your woolly undies," Ken previously told the County Press, during a D-Day service in Newport.

Isle of Wight County Press: Somers Brook Court residents gathering for Kenneth Killeen's party.Somers Brook Court residents gathering for Kenneth Killeen's party. (Image: Newsquest.)

"Everyone had a job to do, and they did it. If you had one weakness, you were dead.

"We went after everything — rail and road connections, gun emplacements, troop concentrations, panzer divisions.

"I started my tour at the end of April, 1944, and I did my ration of 30 operations in three months."