02-03-2025
Island D-Day and Arctic Convoys veteran awarded new medal
An Isle of Wight D-Day veteran has been awarded a new medal, commemorating his service on the Arctic convoys in the Second World War.
Alec Penstone, 99, who lives in Shanklin, received a letter from the Russian embassy this month to ask if he would like to receive the medal, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of 'the patriotic war' on May 9.
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Alec said: "I said 'why not?', I've got all the others.
"I'm so lucky really, I have such lovely friends."
Alec served on the Arctic convoys during the Second World War (Image: IWCP)
Alec's grandson replied to the embassy, and he will receive the medal to add to his Royal Navy tunic.
May 9, 1945 marks Victory in Europe Day, when Germany surrendered its military forces to the Allies.
Alec is the last remaining D-Day veteran on the Isle of Wight, serving in the Arctic convoys and the Far East, including the liberation of Hong Kong in August 1945.
He served on submarines and the HMS Campania, which was instrumental in the D-Day landings and the Arctic convoys.
Serving as a submarine detector, Alec swept the English channel for U-boats attacking the invasion.
Alec is a decorated veteran, awarded his first medal at 15 years old as an air raid precautions messenger.
More recently, he has been awarded a special medal as a poppy seller for 84 years.
He married his wife, Gladys, in 1944 and was sent immediately out to the Far East, returning 14 months later.
Alec and Gladys with former prime minister Boris Johnson, and actor Jeff Goldblum (Image: IWCP)
The couple remained married for 77 years, with a child, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Gladys died in 2022, aged 95.
Memorabilia on Alec's wall, including a bell from HMS Campania (Image: IWCP)
Later in life, he became an electrician and spent his spare time creating dolls' houses, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Alec spends his time "just living", and goes dancing every other Wednesday.
"All the ladies pull me up for a waltz!" he said.
Alec is due to celebrate his 100th birthday in April, on St George's Day.
