The Royal British Legion have sent out an appeal for people to send birthday cards to World War two veteran, Ernest Horshall, who turns 105 on April 21.

Ernest served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers(REME) from 1940 to 1946 and after the war, settled in Lancashire, working for Vauxhall Motors.

Blackpool Branch Secretary, Christine Parry, hopes that people can send cards to the veteran, who lives at a care home in Preston and has no surviving family.

She said: “Ernest is part of a dwindling band of brothers, but our World War Two generation should never be forgotten.

“I am hoping that people across Lancashire, and perhaps across the country, will take the time to send a card to show Ernest how much we appreciate everything he did, in order for us to enjoy the freedoms that we do today.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Ernest pictured during his military serviceErnest pictured during his military service (Image: Royal British Legion)

The 105-year-old also served in London during the Blitz of 1940, which he has vivid memories of.

He said: “There would be swarms of Nazi bombers flying overhead all night and I knew many people that were injured or worse.

“On one occasion, our guard room was hit and six of my pals were killed, I was just lucky it wasn’t my duty that night.”

After the Blitz, he joined the Allied campaign in North Africa, then went to Italy to maintain Allied tanks, directing 23 Italian civilian mechanics.

In November, 2019, at the age of 101, Ernest received a send-off from Preston Railway Station on his way to take part in the ‘Festival of Remembrance’ in London.

Ernest was one of only 44 remaining WW2 veterans to take to the stage during the Festival at the Royal Albert Hall.

Lancashire Telegraph: He travelled in style to the Festival of Remembrance in 2019, where he was one of just 44 remaining WW2 veterans presentHe travelled in style to the Festival of Remembrance in 2019, where he was one of just 44 remaining WW2 veterans present (Image: Royal British Legion)

At the age of 43, Ernie took his first flying lesson and was a private pilot until the age of 93 when companies would no longer insure him. He continued to co-pilot though and worked as an aircraft inspector until the age of 101.

Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, he was married for 57 years and had a son and a sister, but now has no surviving relatives, which is why the Legion is encouraging people to send cards to show him how much his service and dedication to the UK and peace in Europe is appreciated.

His best friend, Terry Cook, said: “We are delighted that the RBL has decided to recognise Ernest’s wonderful career and remarkable longevity.

"We are planning a very special surprise party for him next month, he is a very modest man but he will be overwhelmed at this level of recognition.”

Anyone wishing to send a card can write to Ernest Horshall at Brooklands, 6 Black Bull Lane, Preston PR2 3PU.