Imagine a 101-year-old hero from the D-Day landings, just honored for his bravery in World War II, sounding the alarm that the UK is dangerously close to reliving the catastrophic blunders that led to that global conflict. It's a chilling reminder that resonates deeply, sparking urgent questions about our nation's future. But here's where it gets controversial: this veteran's warnings aren't just nostalgia—they're a sharp critique of today's priorities that might make you rethink everything you thought about defense and society. Stick around as we dive into his story, and you might find yourself questioning your own views on where Britain should focus its energies.
Mervyn Kersh, a resident of Cockfosters in north London, has been celebrated with the British Empire Medal for his impactful school presentations on Holocaust remembrance and his dedicated wartime contributions. At 101 years young, he described this recognition as 'a wonderful thing,' drawing a parallel to receiving France's prestigious Legion d'Honneur—the country's top military decoration. Yet, he emphasized that being acknowledged by his homeland carried even deeper significance, highlighting the value of national appreciation for those who served.
Reflecting on his World War II role, Mr. Kersh affirmed that his efforts 'were worth it,' but he couldn't hide his dismay at the current state of affairs. 'It's disappointing what's turned out now,' he shared, echoing sentiments that many might relate to when looking at societal shifts. Particularly troubling for him is the persistence of antisemitism, which he encounters in everyday life—'What's disappointing is the antisemitism that I see everywhere, hear everywhere, or read,' he lamented. For beginners learning about this, antisemitism refers to prejudice and discrimination against Jewish people, and Mr. Kersh's talks aim to educate younger generations about its horrors to prevent history from repeating itself. Unfortunately, he feels these efforts don't always hit the mark, underscoring a growing concern amid rising tensions.
Diving into his wartime experiences, Mr. Kersh landed in Normandy at just 19, arriving mere days after the historic D-Day invasion in June 1944. (For those new to this, D-Day was the Allied assault on Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, a pivotal turning point that opened the Western Front.) Serving as a technical clerk in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, he played a crucial part in coordinating vehicle logistics. Later, he was stationed near Bergen-Belsen, witnessing its liberation by British forces in April 1945—an event that exposed the brutal realities of the Holocaust and cemented his commitment to remembrance.
In his educational sessions with students, Mr. Kersh explains the roots of the conflict, stressing, 'There'd be no need for a war now, we've got the wrong attitude.' He firmly believes parallels exist between today's world and the pre-World War II era, pointing to Russia as a looming threat to Western stability. 'The top budget should be defence, there's nothing there for anything else. That's all there is.' He prioritizes defense above all, arguing, 'Defence must come first, second, third, fourth and fifth, because only if you're strong, you won't be attacked.' And this is the part most people miss: his direct comparison of modern Western leaders to Neville Chamberlain, the pre-war British prime minister whose policy of appeasing Adolf Hitler through concessions (as detailed in educational resources like BBC Bitesize) ultimately failed to prevent disaster. Mr. Kersh urges, 'They think they've just got to hope and make speeches.' Instead, he calls for a more assertive approach—'We've got to either have another leader who's more aggressive - I don't mean start a war, but aggressive - [or] we've got to defend. That's the first concern.'
This stance on defense spending is sure to stir debate. Is it wise to prioritize military budgets over social programs, or does it reflect a hard-earned lesson from history? Critics might argue for balanced investments, but Mr. Kersh's perspective, shaped by witnessing the cost of weakness, invites us to consider: What if underfunding defense invites aggression, just as it did in the 1930s? It's a provocative angle that challenges the status quo.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has rolled out a 'gap year' initiative, offering young people a sneak peek into life in the Army, Royal Navy, or RAF. This aligns with recent statements from the prime minister, who declared the UK is gearing up for 'war-fighting readiness' in response to evolving threats, ushering in 'a new era' of defense preparedness. These moves suggest a shift toward bolstering national security, but they also raise questions about how this impacts education, healthcare, and other essential services.
The British Empire Medal, part of the UK's honors system, rewards outstanding civilian or military contributions, serving as a testament to individuals who've made a difference.
Shifting gears to other notable New Year Honours, Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) was bestowed upon Amanda Pritchard, former NHS leader, who expressed profound honor at the accolade for her NHS service. She noted it shines a light on the 'extraordinary achievements of so many people across the NHS past and present.'
Among the Members of the British Empire (MBE) recipients are Megan Jones and Sadia Kabeya, stars of England's women's rugby team and 2025 Rugby World Cup champions, recognized for their dedication to rugby union; Cynthia Erivo, celebrated actress gracing West End and Broadway stages; Bobby Seagull, famed University Challenge contestant, honored for boosting public libraries; and Sandra Igwe, a 36-year-old from Sidcup in south-east London, who leads the Motherhood group supporting black and ethnic minority mothers. She bubbled with joy: 'I feel so ecstatic, I feel happy, I feel joyous. It feels unbelievable but I'm so pleased and so glad to receive this honour.'
Honorary awards for London-based foreign nationals include:
Honorary CBE:
Prof Bart De Strooper, a University College London professor, for advancing dementia research.
Dr Sunshik Min, CEO of creative agency YBM, for fostering UK-South Korea ties and higher education.
Christine Schwarzman, founder of No Guarantees Productions, for enriching UK arts.
Honorary OBE:
- Mark Peter Beddy, ex-chair of English Touring Opera, for contributions to arts and culture.
Honorary MBE:
Miriam Patricia Brown, honorary secretary and vice-president of London Irish Amateur Rugby Football Club, for grassroots sports support.
Geraldine Roseberry, for aiding foster care in the London Borough of Redbridge.
Dr Elizabeth Tissingh, an orthopaedic surgeon and King's College London head, for global health efforts.
Dr Caroline Dowsett, a nurse consultant at East London NHS Foundation Trust, for NHS services.
Marie Reilly, a shared lives coordinator in the London Borough of Islington, for supporting families.
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What do you think—should the UK ramp up defense spending as Mr. Kersh suggests, even if it means cutting back elsewhere? Or is this an outdated view in today's interconnected world? Do you agree with his WWII comparisons, or see them as alarmist? Share your thoughts in the comments; we'd love to hear differing opinions and spark a meaningful conversation!
