D-Day veteran celebrates 100th birthday at regimental museum

A D-Day veteran has celebrated his 100th birthday at the museum of his old regiment in Aberdeen after receiving his coveted message from the King.

Jim Glennie turned 100 on Tuesday and a number of his family and friends gathered at The Gordon Highlanders Museum where he volunteers.

Mr Glennie met the King earlier this year when he toured the Aberdeen museum, with Charles praising him as a “great example to us all”.

As an 18-year-old private, he was part of the invasion force which landed at Sword Beach on D-Day.

He was later wounded in action and taken prisoner, spending the remainder of the war in Stalag IV-B.

He and other soldiers made their own way back to Allied lines when their German guards deserted them as the Russians approached from the east.

When Mr Glennie returned to Turriff in Aberdeenshire after the war, he became a welder.

France has awarded him the Legion d’Honneur and earlier this year he was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s Honours list.

Friends and family gathered at the museum on Tuesday to celebrate, singing “happy birthday” to the veteran.

He was formally presented with his British Empire Medal by Aberdeen’s Lord-Lieutenant, who is also the city’s Lord Provost, David Cameron.

The former soldier had earlier received his message from the King.

John McLeish, chief executive of the The Gordon Highlanders Museum, said Mr Glennie was in good spirits.

He told the PA news agency: “Jim Glennie has volunteered at The Gordon Highlanders Museum for over 30 years.

“His military service is well documented but less well-known is the commitment and enthusiasm he brings to his volunteer role every Tuesday, week in week out.

“He is an important member of our team and, at the age of 100, his personality and generosity of spirit add to the wonderful camaraderie exhibited by team members.

“Watching Jim engaging with museum visitors is a sight to behold. He makes a regular museum visit very special indeed and, ultimately, he makes people smile!

“There were lots of smiles at the Museum today as we celebrated Jim’s 100th birthday.”

Charles toured the regimental museum in January, and upon seeing the King, Mr Glennie greeted him cheerfully and said “long time no see!”

The King told him about a portrait of Mr Glennie he had been shown at the museum, saying “it looked terrific” and promising to send him a message when he turns 100 in August.

The King said: “You’re a great example to us all, if I may say so, you really are.”