20-Dec-2024

Happy 100th Birthday Mervyn Kersh

On 20 December 2024, Mervyn Kersh becomes a centenarian!

Mervyn has been an Ambassador since 2019, before the Memorial was completed. We were honoured to host him as one of the first Veterans to visit in October 2021.
We extend warm wishes and a big thank you to Mervyn for his support and friendship over the years, and for so generously sharing his moving stories and memories of Normandy so that the sacrifices made are never forgotten.

To mark this very special occasion, we share some of our favourite photos of Mervyn.

Serving in the Ordnance Corps, Mervyn Kersh landed on Gold Beach on the Normandy coast on D-Day +4, after an advance party of 10 men sent for reconnaissance was torpedoed, with only one survivor.

“The landings was the biggest experience, the biggest and most emotional one. Landing on the coast with the intention of destroying the Germans. They were firing at the biggest ships out at sea and the British were firing above our heads at the Germans. French women, children and old men greeted us with flowers, wine and kisses. I did not take the wine in case it was poisoned but I did take the flowers and the kisses. I was 19 at the time. I’m a bit older now.”

Mervyn was stationed near Bergen-Belsen when the camp was liberated by British troops in April 1945.

Mervyn has written a book of poetry about his life experiences, including his memories of the war as well as reflections on everyday life.

On this, his 100th birthday, we share the poem ‘Lynnne’s Birthday’ dedicated to his daughter, about the meaning of birthdays – 

It’s not the years – the date of birth

That people judge your sense of worth.

It’s not how long – what e’ere your age – 

That folk assess you as a sage.

It’s the strength of values which you hold

That lights your being just like gold.

 

 

 

 

October 2021 – Mervyn’s first visit to the Memorial

 

 

 

 

April 2024 – Mervyn is first Veteran to see completed Standing with Giants installation for D-Day 80

June 2024 – Ministry of Defence D-Day 80 campaign on Piccadilly Circus, London