Tributes have been paid to D-Day veteran Alec Penstone, who has died at the age of 101. Mr Penstone, who lived on the Isle of Wight, served as a submarine detector on HMS Campania, helping to stop U-boats during the Normandy landings. He died on Thursday.
The Royal Naval Association (RNA) described him as a proud wartime veteran who lived an extraordinary life of courage, service and resilience. He volunteered as an air raid precautions messenger during the Blitz at just 15, later joining the Royal Navy in 1943. He served on HMS Campania, an escort aircraft carrier tasked with sweeping for mines and hunting U-boats, completing ten Arctic convoys.
Captain Bill Oliphant, chief executive of the RNA, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of Alec's passing. Alec represented the very best of his generation: courageous, resilient and full of life. He was a true legend, and the Royal Naval Association will honour and remember him always.'
The Isle of Wight branch of the Parachute Regimental Association also paid tribute, noting that Alec was one of the last remaining members of the generation who answered their country's call during the Second World War. As recently as the 80th anniversary of D-Day, he travelled to Normandy to honour his fallen comrades.
Speaking in 2024, Mr Penstone said: 'When I realised how many wonderful shipmates of mine died, and I just wonder why I'm still spared. But nevertheless it was something that's got to be down in history and must never ever be forgotten.'
