AN Islander who was presented with France’s highest order of merit in recognition of his contribution during the Second World War has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Ernie Thorne was joined by around 40 relatives and friends, including his wife, Mary, for a party at the Boundary restaurant near his home in St Saviour on Sunday, and reached the three-figure milestone yesterday.
Following the recent death of Billy Reynolds, Mr Thorne is now the last-surviving Islander to have been involved in the Normandy Landings in 1944.
As a driver in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, he landed on Juno Beach in June of that year, a few days after D-Day had signalled the start of this pivotal stage of the war.
In 2018, Mr Thorne was among a small group from Jersey to receive the cross of the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, during a ceremony at St Helier Town Hall.
Speaking at the time, Mr Thorne said he was grateful to have received the award and admitted it was a proud moment – but insisted he did little to earn it.
He said: “I’ve never had so much attention. It’s pretty embarrassing, really. I don’t like the limelight – it’s not my scene.”
After being demobbed in 1945 and returning to Jersey, Mr Thorne subsequently rejoined the British Army as a signalman, serving in Palestine, Libya and Egypt.
Once he was demobbed for a second time, Mr Thorne got a job working for a building firm back in the Island as a foreman for nearly 30 years. In retirement, he took on a role for the parish of St Helier as a clerk of the works and also served as a member of the honorary police in St Peter for several years.
Asked about the secret to his longevity, Mr Thorne said he believed it had been a case of good luck.
“I’ve just lived a normal life,” he said. “I try and keep active, helping my wife around the house, walking and meeting up with friends, but there’s no real secret.”
