Normandy Veteran Henry Rice Dies at 100
World War Two signalman who served off Juno Beach after D-Day remembered for his advocacy for historical education.
Henry Rice, a World War Two veteran who served as a signalman aboard HMS Eastway during the Normandy landings, has died at the age of 100. Rice, originally from Cranleigh in Surrey, arrived at Juno Beach five days after D-Day, delivering vehicles, men, and equipment to reinforce Allied efforts.
His service was part of Operation Overlord, the largest military naval, air, and land operation ever attempted, which marked the beginning of the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied northwest Europe. Rice recalled a close encounter where a torpedo was fired at his boat, passing harmlessly beneath its hull.
Following his naval service, Rice traveled extensively, including postings to Malta, the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, the Gulf, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Singapore.
In his later years, Rice became an advocate for greater education about the Normandy landings. He expressed concern that current global instability necessitated that schools teach children more about such historical events. "The world is dangerous at the moment," he stated.
A spokesperson for the Spirit of Normandy Trust, a charity supporting veterans, described Rice as "a great character, with a cheeky smile that endeared him to everyone he met." The organization noted his commitment to remembering fallen soldiers and his participation in numerous remembrance events, including the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey and the Cenotaph Parade.
Rice's commitment to remembrance was further highlighted earlier this year when he met fellow D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey to share memories of the invasion. In March, his family celebrated his 100th birthday. He had also previously presented Queen Camilla with the last ceramic poppy at the Tower of London to mark VE Day 80.
Rice's passing comes shortly after the death of Normandy veteran Kenneth Hay, who died at 101. Hay, who survived being captured weeks after D-Day, had also dedicated himself to educating children about World War Two.
"He will be greatly missed by all and we offer his family our most sincere condolences," the Spirit of Normandy Trust spokesperson added.