One of Britain’s last surviving D-Day veterans was left ‘surprised and delighted’ after being invited to Buckingham Palace to receive a 100th birthday card from the King.
Jim Miller, who turned 100 on June 1, landed on the Normandy beaches in June 1944 and took part in the Allied military operation to liberate occupied France and western Europe.
He said: ‘I was totally surprised and delighted to be invited to Buckingham Palace!
‘It was a special day and a real honour for me to meet the King and be presented with my 100th birthday card.
‘I am humbled to reach such a great number, especially when I think of those who fell on the Normandy beaches all those years ago.
‘The King was very interested to hear about my military service and personal experience of such a momentous and harrowing time.
‘I am proud that I can still share my memories with the generations that come after me and thankful that young people are interested in what happened.
‘I’m looking forward to attending the Royal British Legion’s commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in June.’
Born in Hackney, now living in South Wales, Mr Miller served in the 11th Hussars during the Second World War.
He was called up at 18 years old and volunteered for the Army after failing a hearing test for the Air Force.
Drafted into the Armoured Corps, Mr Miller became a driver and wireless operator in armoured cars.
He landed on Juno Beach on June 9 at the age of 20, after arriving on the deck of an American ship with armoured cars in the hold.
The King is patron of the Royal British Legion. The King and Queen will attend the RBL’s commemorative event at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
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