D-Day veteran who slammed state of modern Britain dies aged 101 - 'An extraordinary life of courage, service and resilience'

The death of a D-Day veteran has sparked tributes from every corner of Britain.

Alec Penstone, who died yesterday at the age of 101, was responsible for stopping U-boats on D-Day, serving as a submarine detector aboard HMS Campania.

The Isle of Wight resident went viral last year after a clip showed the World War Two veteran expressing regret about the state of modern Britain.

Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the former Royal Navy serviceman said: “My message is, I can see in my mind’s eye the rows and rows of white stones of all the hundreds of my friends and everybody else that gave their lives for what? The country of today. No, I’m sorry, the sacrifice wasn’t worth the result that it is now."

Mr Penstone continued: "What we fought for, and what we fought for, was our freedom. We find that even now it’s downright worse than when I fought for it."

Following his death, the Royal Naval Association said in a statement: "A proud wartime veteran, Alec lived an extraordinary life of courage, service and resilience, and leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

"Alec was just 15 years old when war broke out. As the blitz devastated London, he volunteered as a part-time air raid precautions messenger, serving throughout 1940 and 1941.

"Reflecting on those difficult days, Alec once said: ‘At 15 years of age, pulling bodies out of bombed buildings, you grow up very quickly.’ As soon as he was old enough, Alec joined the Royal Navy.”

The association reported Mr Penstone as saying: “My mates were all going up, joining up, and I decided that I don’t want to stay there any longer. I went and joined the Royal Navy, as a HO (hydrographic officer), and that was the start of it.”

The statement added: "Alec served aboard HMS Campania, an escort aircraft carrier tasked with sweeping for mines and hunting U-boats.

"Much of his service was spent three decks below on constant action stations, listening for torpedoes, mines and enemy submarines in the unforgiving conditions of the Atlantic and Arctic seas.

"He went on to complete 10 Arctic convoys, returning home forever shaped by the experience and sacrifice of war.

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It added: “As a nation, we owe our today to veterans like Alec. The Royal Naval Association was honoured to count him among our beloved members and shipmates, and we remember him with immense pride, gratitude and affection.

"Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate Alec."

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 posted on Facebook: "Alec was one of the last remaining members of the generation who answered their country’s call during the Second World War.

"Beginning his service in the Royal Navy in 1943, he 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.

"Throughout his life, Alec remained dedicated to remembering those who never returned. As recently as the 80th anniversary of D-Day, he travelled to Normandy to honour his fallen comrades, reminding us all that their sacrifice must never ever be forgotten.

"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.

"The members of the Parachute Regimental Association Isle of Wight branch extend our sincere condolences to Alec’s family, friends, and comrades in the Royal Naval Association and wider armed forces family.”

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