Isle of Wight Freemasons have paid a special visit to 100-year-old World War Two veteran Alec Penstone at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport.
Members of Vectis Services Lodge, a military and services lodge, spent a couple of hours with Alec over a cup of coffee, listening as he shared memories from his remarkable wartime service in the Royal Navy.
The Freemasons described it as both a privilege and an honour to spend time in his company, with all those present captivated by his stories from the Second World War.
Alec joined the Royal Navy and completed his training in December 1943.
After a spell serving in submarines, he was drafted to HMS Campania, an escort aircraft carrier which played a key role during the war.
While aboard HMS Campania, Alec took part in the Arctic Convoys to Russia — some of the most dangerous naval operations of the conflict.
The vessel also played an important role in the D-Day landings, carrying out mine-sweeping duties and searching for U-boats off the coast of Normandy.
After spending a week in the Normandy area, Alec and HMS Campania returned to Arctic Convoy duties, going on to complete a total of 10 crossings.
Members of Vectis Services Lodge said Alec was “a truly inspirational gentleman.”
