What a week! D-Day hero makes ministers retreat on Normandy cash, then celebrates his 100th birthday

D-DAY braveheart Peter Kent capped a remarkable week by celebrating his 100th birthday with a message from the King and Queen.

- By Giles Sheldrick Chief Reporter

The Navy hero raised a glass at a party held in his honour just days after he forced the Government into a humiliating climbdown.

Ministers had backtracked on a promise to help pay for the veterans' annual pilgrimage to mark the Normandy invasion of June 6, 1944 which began the final defeat of Nazi Germany. Peter called it a "betrayal".

His words prompted an 11th hour assurance of funding, but no apology.

Invasion

Peter of Pimlico, Central London, is one of a handful of veterans making an emotional return to northern France with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.