D-Day Navy veteran receives more than 16,000 cards to celebrate his 100th birthday

Navy veteran Dougie Shelley has celebrated his 100th birthday with a traditional tot of rum, surrounded by a sea of cards at a special tea party in Southend-on-Sea.

His local branch of the Royal Naval Association had appealed to the public to send cards to mark the occasion and was amazed when he received more than 16,000 from all over the world, including one from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

"Thanks to every sender for their kindness, it makes me feel very special," said Mr Shelley, a D-Day and Arctic Convoy veteran, who served as a seaman gunner on HMS Meon during the Second World War.

• A day to remember: King and veterans gather to commemorate 80th anniversary of VJ Day
• Last known British Dunkirk veteran, who played a vital role during Op Dynamo, dies at 105
• VE Day 80: 102-year-old veteran shares memories of bittersweet celebration

Global birthday greetings

Mr Shelley, who signed up with the Royal Navy when he was just 17 and served on the destroyer HMS Milne on D-Day, admitted earlier this year that there were few veterans like him left alive.

His birthday cards arrived from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with messages from schools, care homes, cub groups and sea cadets.

He received a guard of honour at the party, with well-wishers turning up in person to celebrate his centenary.

"I came to pay my respects to Doug because he reminds me of my grandfather and great-grandfather who were in the Navy," said Owen Meschter, originally from the US.

"He is an inspiration."  

Mr Shelley is a former chairman of his local Royal Naval Association.

During WW2, his role as a gunner helped keep the skies clear of enemy aircraft and protect troops as they landed in Normandy on D-Day.