Tributes paid to 'remarkable' 101-year-old WWII veteran

Tributes have been paid to one of the Isle of Wight's last Second World War veterans, who has died aged 101.

Alec Penstone, who lived in Shanklin, died in the early hours of Thursday.

He began his service in the Royal Navy in 1943 and served through some of the war's most significant moments, including the preparations for D-Day aboard HMS Campania, before continuing his service in the far east until his demobilisation in 1946, said the Isle of Wight branch of the Parachute Regimental Association.

It added that Penstone "remained dedicated to remembering those who never returned" and travelled to Normandy to honour his fallen comrades on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in 2024.

D-Day was the largest military seaborne operation ever attempted, and marked the start of the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe by the allied forces of the UK, the US, Canada and France.

Paying tribute on social media, the Veterans' Foundation said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Alec Penstone, a WW2 Royal Navy veteran.

"From volunteering during the Blitz to serving with the Royal Navy through D-Day and beyond, Alec represented a generation whose sacrifice and commitment must never be forgotten.

"We remember him with deep gratitude and respect, and send our thoughts to his family and friends."

The Isle of Wight branch of the Parachute Regimental Association said: "Alec was one of the last remaining members of the generation who answered their country's call during the Second World War."

It added: "Alec was a proud member of the Isle of Wight's veteran community and remained closely connected to his fellow servicemen and women throughout his remarkable life.

"His courage, honesty, and commitment to the values for which his generation fought earned him the respect of all who knew him."

Restore the Story, a Community Interest Company based in the Isle of Wight, described Penstone as "remarkable".

It added: "Many Islanders will remember Alec not only as a war veteran, but as a familiar and respected face at military commemorations, remembrance services, talks, and community events.

"He generously shared his experiences with younger generations, helping people understand the sacrifices made by those who served during the war."

In 2024 Penstone, who grew up in Surrey, was among a group of Second World War veterans from across the UK who came together to share a "bit of living history" ahead of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Speaking to the BBC in 2025, he described an art installation dedicated to British servicemen who died on D-Day in Fort Nelson as "the most fantastic idea I've ever seen".