D-day veteran celebrates 103rd birthday in Cyprus

A British man who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-day in 1944 celebrated his 103rd birthday in Cyprus.

Harold Fenwick was 21-years-old when he landed in France as part of the Allied advance which would eventually bring about the end of the Second World War in Europe, and was seriously injured by a mortar shell while advancing through France.

British veterans’ charity the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association (Ssafa) said on Tuesday that Fenwick’s “life story reflects both the realities of war and its lasting impact, including the loss of his brother during the conflict”.

“More than 80 years on, his experiences remain a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by his generation,” it added.

Meanwhile, Ssafa’s regional manager for community engagement Stephen Boswell said that “Harold’s story is a powerful reminder of the experiences and sacrifices made by his generation”.

“Reaching the age of 103 is an extraordinary milestone, and it is only right that we take the time to recognise and celebrate both his life and service,” he said.

D-day, the name given to the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, was the largest seaborne invasion in history, and saw thousands of men from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and other countries storm beaches in northwestern France, establishing a launchpad for the liberation of western Europe from Nazi control.

More than 150,000 soldiers and almost 200,000 naval personnel took part in the operation, with 4,414 allied men confirmed as having been killed on the day.