Royal 100th birthday wishes are Icing on the cake at surprise party for D-Day hero

HERO soldier Mervyn Kersh toasted his 100th birthday at a glittering surprise party held by royal appointment yesterday.

- Giles Sheldrick

The decorated D-Day veteran went ashore on Gold Beach in June 1944, was part of the bloody fight to recapture occupied France, and later helped liberate Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

Stunned Mervyn was honoured with a special gold-embossed card from the King and Queen at his birthday bash at the prestigious Union Jack Club in London.

The hand-signed greeting read: "We are so pleased to know you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday. This brings our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on such a special occasion." As a proud Jew, the Second World War was a deeply personal fight, but his war was nearly over before it started.

Before he was due to depart for Normandy, Private Kersh, serving with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, was ordered to see his commanding officer.

Liberated