Normandy Veteran Henry Rice Dies Aged 100

A Life of Service During the Second World War

Henry Rice, from Cranleigh in Surrey, served aboard HMS Eastway during the Second World War as a Royal Navy signalman.

He arrived off Juno Beach in Normandy five days after D-Day, the Allied invasion of German-occupied France that began on 6 June 1944.

The operation involved British, American, Canadian and French forces attacking German positions along the coast of northern France. It became the largest amphibious military operation in history and marked a decisive stage in the campaign to liberate north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.

Rice helped deliver vehicles, personnel and equipment to reinforce the Allied effort as the campaign developed.

His wartime service also took him far beyond Normandy. According to the Royal Navy, he later spent 12 weeks based on land in Malta before travelling through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea. He subsequently served in the Gulf, Sri Lanka, Burma and Singapore.

Among his most frightening experiences was a close encounter with a torpedo fired towards the vessel he was aboard. The torpedo passed beneath the hull, allowing him to survive the incident.

A Veteran Who Never Forgot His Comrades

After the war, Rice remained committed to remembering those who had served and those who never returned home.

He attended numerous remembrance events across the United Kingdom, including the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey and the annual Cenotaph Parade in London.

His contribution to remembrance was recognised by France, which awarded him the Legion of Honour for his service during the liberation of the country.

Rice also attended commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, reflecting the continuing importance of remembering the sacrifices made by Allied forces.

During events marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025, he handed Queen Camilla the final ceramic poppy to be placed at the Tower of London, according to the Spirit of Normandy Trust.

The charity, which supports veterans, described Rice as a much-loved character whose personality and cheeky smile endeared him to those he met.

Encouraging Younger Generations to Remember

Rice believed it was important for younger generations to understand the significance of the Normandy landings and the sacrifices made during the Second World War.

He had called for schools to teach children more about D-Day, warning that the world remained dangerous and that the lessons of history should not be forgotten.

For Rice, remembrance was not simply about looking back. It was about ensuring that the experiences of those who lived through the conflict continued to inform future generations.

He previously spoke warmly about returning to Normandy for a remembrance service, describing the experience as meaning “everything” to him.

Reflecting on his life, he said: “I've had a super lifetime.”

He also spoke honestly about the emotional impact of remembering comrades who had died. He explained that he sometimes found it easier to brush away a tear rather than think too deeply about those losses, although the memories returned when he was alone.

A Quiet Approach to His Wartime Experiences

Despite his remarkable service, Rice suggested that veterans often discussed their experiences privately rather than sharing detailed accounts with the wider public.

Speaking about conversations with friends and family, he joked that he would simply say: “Yeah, I was a matelot mate.”

His modest approach did not diminish his commitment to remembrance. Instead, he continued to attend commemorations and meet fellow veterans, helping to preserve personal memories of a defining period in modern history.

Earlier this year, Rice met fellow D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey, from Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, for the first time. The meeting gave the two men an opportunity to share memories of the Normandy invasion.

In March 2026, Rice’s family also organised a special celebration to mark his 100th birthday.

His death comes just two weeks after fellow Normandy veteran Kenneth Hay, who survived capture following D-Day and spent years educating children about the Second World War, died aged 101.

The Daily Round-Up Says

Henry Rice’s life serves as a reminder that behind the major events recorded in history are individuals whose courage, service and personal sacrifices helped shape the world we live in today.

His role as a Royal Navy signalman during the Normandy campaign placed him among those who supported one of the most significant military operations of the Second World War. Surviving a close encounter with a torpedo was just one part of a lifetime marked by service and resilience.

Yet Rice’s legacy extends beyond his wartime experiences. Through his attendance at remembrance ceremonies, his meetings with fellow veterans and his calls for schools to teach children about D-Day, he helped ensure that the sacrifices of his generation would not be forgotten.

As the number of surviving Second World War veterans continues to diminish, preserving their stories becomes increasingly important. Their firsthand experiences offer a connection to history that cannot be replaced.

Henry Rice will be remembered not only for the war he lived through, but also for the dedication with which he honoured those who did not return.