A 100-year-old Isle of Wight war veteran will spend his 101st birthday in hospital this week – prompting a heartfelt call for cards to help lift his spirits.
Alec Penstone is currently being cared for at St Mary’s Hospital and will be unable to return home in time for his birthday later this week (Wednesday 23rd April).
Well-wishers are now being encouraged to send cards to brighten his day.
Cards can be sent to:
FAO Alec Penstone
C/O 20 West Hill Road
Ryde
Isle of Wight
PO33 1LG
Alec was just 15 when World War II broke out and quickly volunteered as a part-time Air Raid Precautions messenger during the Blitz.
He has said:
“At 15 years of age, pulling bodies out of bombed buildings you grow up very quickly.”
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As soon as he was old enough, Alec joined the Royal Navy as a Hydrographic Officer, serving on board HMS Campania – an escort aircraft carrier tasked with mine sweeping and hunting U-boats.
Stationed 3 decks below, he spent long periods on constant watch, listening for torpedoes, mines and enemy submarines. During his service, Alec completed 10 Arctic Convoys – gruelling missions widely regarded as among the most dangerous of the war.
The Royal Naval Association has paid tribute to Alec, describing him as a much-valued member.
Capt Bill Oliphant, RNA CEO, has said:
“We are so sad to hear of Alec’s illness. I had the great pleasure of celebrating his 100th birthday with him last year and noted his charisma and charm.
“In fact, the D Day Darlings attended his party too and Alec insisted on dancing with them to the exclusion of everyone else. He is a legend and we honour him deeply.”
The Royal Naval Association says it hopes members of the public will join in sending messages of support to help make Alec’s 101st birthday a special one despite his illness.
Thank you Alec for all you did through the war year. You helped keep Great Britain great for a while. I’m sure it’s very hard for you to see what you and your comrades fought for to be ruined by useless governments
Once again thank you SIR
If it wasn’t for you many of us wouldn’t be in this world
P.S I would love to send you a card but again our country have sold our once Great royal mail to another country so they now only deliver once a fortnight
What a great man and a very brave one. I cannot thank you enough for what you and you comrades did for us and this once great country. Happy birthday SIR and bless you.