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Metro
08-05-2025
- General
- Metro
Keir Starmer: My grandad's post-war silence reminds me of our VE Day sacrifice
Even the late Queen Elizabeth II could not contain her VE Day excitement. Then a young princess, she slipped into the massed crowds unnoticed, swept up by a 'tide of happiness and relief'. It was a moment of national togetherness unparalleled in the story of these islands. The greatest victory in the history of this great nation. Today, 80 years later, we have another chance to mark this momentous occasion. An opportunity to pay our respects once again to the lion-hearted generation that defeated Nazi evil. And to give thanks to those who carry the torch of their service in our armed forces today. But this year, VE day is also important for another reason. Because as time marches on, we must all now take responsibility for keeping this legacy alive. I see this in my own family. When I was growing up, people who had lived through the war were present in every community. But now, as my children learn about it at school, there are fewer members of that great generation on hand to share firsthand what they and the country experienced. That's why this year's VE day is more than a celebration, it is a moment of national renewal. We must come together as one country to honour those fought for our freedom. But we must also share their experience as the defining moment in our national story. Renew the bonds of our history so that future generations inherit them. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Take the story of Stanley Fisher and Mervyn Kersch, two Jewish veterans of the Normandy landings. I spoke to Mervyn earlier this year, and theirs is a harrowing and courageous story. Because Stanley and Mervyn went on to see the horrors inflicted on Jews like them at the Bergen Belsen concentration camp, when it was liberated by British forces. It is a powerful reminder that our victory was not just a victory for Britain. It was also a defeat of the assembled forces of tyranny, hatred and evil. Nonetheless, for years after, Stanley and Mervyn were too haunted by the suffering to talk about what they saw. It was the same for Colin Deverall, 101, who I met at Buckingham Palace on Monday. For decades, Colin never told his family about his involvement in D-day. It was only six years ago, when he told his daughter he wanted to go back to France to 'see his mates' that they realised what he meant. He wanted to say a proper goodbye to his comrades who never made it back to Britain. This is the thing about our greatest generation. Not only did they sacrifice so much, they often bore their burden in silence. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video I think of my own grandfather, who fought during the Second World War. We never did find out exactly what he saw. He simply didn't want to talk about it. But this VE Day and every VE Day, we must talk about them. Because without their bravery, the freedom and joy of today's celebrations may never have come to pass. So, let's hang up the bunting, as we did 80 years ago. Let's light beacons that illuminate every corner of these islands, as we did 80 years ago. Let's come onto our streets, raise our glasses and give thanks to the dedication of our armed forces, as we did 80 years ago. More Trending But then, when the nation falls silent at noon, let's also make a solemn vow, together. That we will all now do our bit to honour the heroes of 1945. And promise to take their stories with us into the future. Because, as those joyous crowds 80 years ago probably knew, their victory will always be our finest hour. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: VE Day: Party leaders write for Metro on momentous anniversary MORE: Kemi Badenoch: Britain risks losing the spirit of Churchill and VE Day MORE: This journalist broke the news of Germany's WW2 surrender – then got fired
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
WW2 veteran's plea ahead of VE Day after seeing concentration camp horror firsthand
As a young British Jewish soldier Mervyn Kersh was 'on a mission' when he joined up in World War II but nothing could prepare him for the horrors he saw and wants the world to remember Heroic veteran Mervyn Kersh fears his 'memories are fading' as the 80th anniversary of VE Day approaches and he is urging the British public to remember those who died in World War II. 'It is important to remember, to make sure we don't forget, if we don't remember they will do the same again,' the veteran warns But the 100 year old told The Mirror t here are some things he will never forget, such as meeting the survivors at Belsen concentration camp in Germany after it was liberated. Nothing could prepare Mervyn for the unbearable horrors he saw as a young British Jewish soldier in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. He went to Belsen first for a week, talking to the people who were able to walk and come out of camp. He was not allowed in because of Typhoid. 'They were all in their striped uniform, they were all very emaciated, their arms just bones,' he described. "A lot of the inmates released were very ill, most of them couldn't move. You couldn't tell their age because of their looks. In two weeks, many thousands died after the liberation. ' The camp was liberated on April 15, 1945, where 60,000 starving people were found after 100,000 had died there. A week later, desperate former Belsen captives who were able flooded Hanover railway station, desperately seeking news on loved ones. 'Those who could, walked to Hanover station, it was the railway hub of Germany and they were hoping to meet someone who knew something about their own families. They didn't talk about what happened to them, they only spoke about the future. I'd ask 'what was it like' and they'd say; 'No! Tomorrow.' Mervyn recalls. 'A lot of them had been marched to Bergen-Belsen from other camps and anyone who'd dropped out was shot. So they just had to carry on. So they were used to walking. They were all in their striped uniforms. They were made to see it as a uniform of shame. When I saw them their despair had turned to hope. The war had ended, they knew it.' Mervyn was desperate to help the survivors so used his chocolate rations. 'The British Army issued us with a bar of chocolate and 50 cigarettes a week,' he said, explaining how he swapped his cigarettes for more chocolate because he didn't smoke. When I took them out of my pockets and showed them, their faces lit up as I gave it to them. Their faces lit up so much I thought 'I must get more'. 'So every day I went round the camp, round the barracks, collecting to take them more. I had about 30 or 40 with me when I went afterwards. They came up and took the chocolate, saying 'thank you', and they went off. Their faces lit up. They hadn't seen chocolate for years. And if they're like me, they love chocolate.," he said, as he points to chocolate on display around his kitchen. As he sits stroking one of his two beloved cats, at his lovely home in north London, Mervyn said: 'Years later I was told chocolate is the worst thing you can give to someone who is starving, it could kill them. I wondered what happened to them and I still do.' Soon after these horrifying scenes, Mervyn was on a train heading away from the misery. The train was 'sealed' because of the ongoing threat in Germany. The Germans had armed youngsters and told them to shoot at any allied soldiers they saw after they were overrun, so the trains were boarded up. The lights were dimmed for the same reason.' As a result Mervyn explained: 'I had nothing to do so I just slept. I slept for 36 hours to get to Bruges. ' When he emerged from the gloomy train, Mervyn could hear music and saw people dancing in the streets. He was told: 'The war's over. Germany's surrendered'. 'I'd slept through the whole of VE Day,' he said. 'I must have been the last in Europe to hear the war was over. I was a bit disappointed not to be present when it did actually end. ' But Mervyn immediately joined in the giant party: 'I danced around even though I can't dance. So I joined them for about an hour or so, and then I think I carried on to get a boat back to the UK.' Once back in the UK he headed straight home to Brixton Hill, South London and knocked on his mum's door. He recalled: 'I'd been in Egypt for six months and of course it was very hot and I was stripped to the waist most of the time and I also lost a lot of weight. I was seven stone when I came home. So I knocked on her door unexpectedly, my mother thought I was coming the next day. She came to the door and said, 'Can I help you?' As if I was a stranger. I said 'It's Mervyn'. I'm your son.' I was surprised she didn't recognize me.' Other relatives were at his family home still celebrating the end of the war, so once again Mervyn joined the party. For decades now Mervyn has devoted his life to sharing his memories of World War II. Some of them refuse to fade for the D-Day veteran, such as meeting fellow Jews who had lived in terror in Nazi occupied France. There was a Jewish service and those in hiding appeared clearly 'emotional'. Meryvn explained: ' One of them had been in an attic, the other one said he'd been in a wardrobe. He didn't come out of a wardrobe in four years". Then he said he vividly recalls when he crossed into Germany turning from 'liberators' to "conquerors" with the British troops . 'I saw the German officers were very very scruffy and dirty, half dressed. A lot of them didn't have their hats on with jackets open, very slovenly at that stage I suppose they were trying to hide. I took pride in telling them I was Jewish. 'Ich Bin Jude' and watched their faces. They were amazed. There were thousands of them going back behind the lines. I don't think they'd ever met a Jew, just knew what they'd been told." He points out: 'This is why it's important to find out for yourself. To ask questions and not believe everything you're told." Mervyn, who was awarded the Legion d'Honneur by the French, said because he was Jewish he joined the army on a 'crusade' and that continues as he devotes his time to sharing his story around the world. 'There used to be millions of British troops left but now they think there's 200. I intend to be the last man standing.'
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Go on a journey of flavours with these French-style travel cakes, artisanal jams and butters by Preserve 2005
JOHOR BARU, Apr 12 – Have you tried travel cakes before? Travel cakes, or as they are known in French, Gâteaux de Voyage, originated in the 17th century, when there was a need for food to be eaten during long periods of horse carriage travel and that could last many days without refrigeration. These exemplary renditions by Johor-based Preserve 2005 resemble long, rectangular pound cakes. Sliced thickly, they reveal the treasures within. Preserve 2005 founder Mervyn Pee aims to capture and share memories through food. The Chocolate Travel Cake seduces with the satisfying crunch of walnuts whilst the Multigrain version promises a wholesome medley of nourishing grains. Or try the zesty Lemon Travel Cake, which, according to Preserve 2005 founder Mervyn Pee, provides 'a refreshing citrus symphony in every delicate slice.' Mervyn is no stranger to gourmet food, having spent over a decade in the culinary industry starting with his five years in Paris followed by his subsequent travels through Europe and Canada. He recalls, 'After graduating in Paris, I immersed myself in the city's rich food culture. Those were transformative years of refining my craft and exploring the intricacies of French cuisine and the broader European food scene.' Lemon Travel Cake. This deep appreciation for the flavours and techniques can be seen in the products: simple yet impeccably executed. Mervyn says, 'The year 2005 marks a significant milestone in my journey. So the idea for Preserve 2005 was born from my desire to capture and share these memories through food. It is about the feeling a flavour could bring back — a place, a person, a time.' Today those feelings and flavours are led by Preserve 2005's trademark travel cakes. The most popular by far, according to Mervyn, is the Lemon Travel Cake which has a refreshing blend of lemon zest, lemon juice and candied confit inspired by the lemon-based desserts he encountered across Europe. He says, 'This cake blends the tartness of citrus with a light, airy texture. It's a product that evokes the freshness and brightness of Mediterranean summers.' The 'preserve' part of the brand's name comes from the artisanal jams and butters. The present range includes Apple & Cinnamon Jam, Pineapple & Vanilla Jam, Garlic & Parsley Butter, Orange & Thyme Butter and Truffle Butter. Preserve 2005 also produces a variety of artisanal jams and butters. A clear customer favourite is the Pineapple and Vanilla Jam, which reflects Mervyn's love for combining tropical flavours with a hint of elegance. He says, 'During my travels through Europe, I was captivated by the natural sweetness of pineapples. By pairing it with the warmth and richness of vanilla, this jam offers a delightful balance of sweetness and depth, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese.' But it didn't all start with cakes and jams. Prior to creating Preserve 2005, Mervyn had launched and continues to run a private dining business in Century Garden, Johor Baru. Eight years and still going strong, a lifetime in this vicarious segment of the F&B industry. He says, 'It served as the foundation for everything that followed. The personal, intimate nature of private dining allowed me to build strong, meaningful relationships with my guests, creating experiences that went far beyond just a meal.' Ingredients prep (left) to make the popular Pineapple and Vanilla Jam (right). Given the positive feedback from his guests, Mervyn decided the next step would be to create products that they could purchase and enjoy at home. This eventually led to Preserve 2005, which Mervyn describes as 'a way to share the essence of those experiences through artisanal products.' In 2022, Dyi Shin, an architectural designer and business strategist, joined the business. Mervyn says, 'Dyi Shin brought a more strategic approach and fresh perspectives to the brand's growth and long-term vision.' Dyi Shin, an architectural designer and business strategist, joined in 2022 to help the brand to reach a broader audience. The aim was to enable the brand to reach a broader audience by 'translating the personalised, high-quality experience of private dining into products that could be made at scale' without sacrificing quality. 'It really helped,' Mervyn says, 'having now established a system as well as processes that allowed the brand to grow while preserving its artisanal roots.' Continuously experimenting to expand their range of products. Moving forward, the duo has their own clearly divided roles in the business. Mervyn is focused on innovation, continuously experimenting with new products, whilst Dyi Shin is working on new partnerships, collaborations and a strengthened marketing presence, both online and offline. Together, Mervyn says they hope to build Preserve 2005 as a brand that 'celebrates memories, moments and connections — all encapsulated in every bite.' Learn more about Preserve 2005 and order their products at
