A Wiltshire man known for aiding the liberation of Norway during World War II has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Ken Foster celebrated his centenary on December 20 surrounded by his family at Keevil Village Hall, near Trowbridge, after turning 100 two days earlier.

The celebration marks a century in the life of the veteran, who bravely offered his services in the navy in the fight against the Nazis before living out a full life devoted to community.

Speaking with this paper in the days leading up to his birthday celebrations, Mr Foster said: “I don’t feel 100. I don’t know how you’re supposed to feel. Physically I feel as though I’m getting old.

“Mentally, though, I’d argue with anyone about politics at the moment. I keep up to date with the news.

“My advice is when you officially retire, don’t retire. Unless of course, a nasty illness grabs you. Keep on doing things. As many things as you can. Keep active. That’s my message: don’t retire, ever.

“I do as much as I can. I argue with the television. Read a lot and mix with other people as much as I can. I see my daughters regularly.

“I used to play a lot of competitive tennis, and was also a football referee, but for the next 100 I’m not going to compete.”

In addition to his west Wiltshire celebrations, Mr Foster was also hailed in Norway, with magazine Adressa running a longform story on the veteran in remembrance of his role in an important historical event.

Mr Erling Moe, deputy mayor of Trondheim, who has hosted Mr Foster before and reached out to this paper said: “Mr. Foster is the last living from the first British war ship arriving in Trondheim at the close of the Second World War. He stayed in the city with his ship for several weeks.

A local man known internationally for having aided in the liberation of Norway has celebrated his 100th birthday. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Suggested reading:

“Trondheim is the third largest city in Norway, and important in the war. Mr Foster has been awarded medal and diploma from the Norwegian government. Trondheim is grateful for his participation in the liberation of our country.

“I had the pleasure of visiting him in his home this August, and express gratitude from the city of Trondheim. He is 100 years old, but with a clear memory and is an impressive person. From Trondheim we will congratulate him with his big birthday.”

Mr Foster enlisted in the navy as a teenager, spurred on by the excitement and adventure he perceived in the war effort.

A North Bradley second world war veteran who liberated Norway and was thanked for a bottle of (Image: Trevor Porter)

As Mr Foster told this paper ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day earlier this year, during the liberation, he and his crew engaged in battle with a U-Boat eventually sinking it, at which point they came upon a surprise find that wound up delighting one of Britain’s most legendary figures.

Mr Foster said: “We sank the U-Boat and a big cylinder floated up. Against regulations, the skipper got it on board.

“Once we got it open, it should have contained a life raft, but instead of that there were bottles of schnapps.

“It was advised by HQ that we send a bottle to Churchill, and he sent us a letter congratulating us on the attack and thanking us for the bottle of brandy.”

Almost immediately after the campaign finished, Mr Foster said: “I was involved in the liberation of end of the war in Norway, and then having liberated Norway, when I was 19, I was drafted straight out from Norway with four days leave and then out to the Pacific to join the effort against the Japanese.”