St Helens veteran celebrates 102nd birthday ahead of D Day anniversary

In 2022, the Star reported how Gerald Anders, a former soldier in the Second World War, tied his 100th birthday celebrations with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Gerald, who was born in St Helens in 1922, arrived at St Helens Town Hall in style as veterans shared stories, dances, and refreshments with the Mayor of St Helens and other special guests.

As the veteran reached his 102nd birthday on Saturday, June 1, a celebratory event was organised in his honour at Haydock Conservative Club, along with a hotpot supper and around 100 dancers.

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Gerald at his 102nd birthday party (Image: Contributed)
Following these celebrations, another dance event has been organised at St Helens Town Hall on Wednesday, June 5, to tie in with the D-Day commemorations the following day.

Thursday, June 6 marks the 80th anniversary since Allied troops landed on the coast of Normandy, which was the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare and resulted in thousands of fatalities and casualties on each side.

Gerarld marked his 100th birthday with a huge event at St Helens Town Hall (Image: Bernard Platt)
Speaking about Gerald, who is loved by all his family and friends, Paul Smith said: "Gerald is a personality. Always smiling and with a wicked sense of humour, he always has an answer.

"He has been dancing for over 78 years and, even though he now has some mobility issues, still dances 2 or 3 times a week and is well known at many of the local dance venues.

"He’ll tell you that he was asked to dance with Marlene Dietrich whilst serving in Berlin, but only he knows if that’s true. He also served in Africa, Italy, and Europe.

"He always dresses smartly - always with a tie and with military medals on special occasions."

Gerald served in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War (Image: Gerald Anders)