98-year-old Alec Penstone is to release a book recalling his efforts and stories during World War II next week.
Alec has just come back from the D-Day Celebrations in France. He was one of the last Arctic Convoy survivors to attend.
Only 15 veterans were able to go of whom only 7 could still stand up – Alec was one of those 7. The Arctic Convoys took vital supplies to Russia during the Second World War to aid their battles against Nazi Germany.
Alec was a Royal Naval ASDIC operator charged with listening for and detecting U-boats. He also took part in the D-Day invasion of France on the 6th June 1944. Subsequently, his warship was sent to the Pacific Theatre of War to fight against the Japanese.
Currently living on the Isle of Wight and is believed to be the last survivor of the Pacific War living here. His war and life story are full of unforgettable events which he can recall in amazing detail.
For the last year, together with 5 friends, book co-ordinator James King has met with him to record his memories which form the basis of this Book entitled – My Ten and a Half Arctic Convoys and the Rest of my Life.
It is his life story but the centrepiece is his Arctic Convoy and Second World War experiences, with the book comprising just over 33,000 words with over 20 photographs.
Book co-ordinator James King has said:
“We expect most interest to be shown in his War memories which fall into 5 phases.”
“Phase 1 Alec was 14 when War broke out in September 1939. He lived in Tottenham, North London and joined the Fire Watching and Air Raid Precaution. The Battle of Britain was fought during some of this time in the skies above him.
“Phase 2 was in 1943 when he joined the Royal Navy at 18 as an ASDIC operator and underwent initial training.
“Phase 3 was his Ten and a Half Artic Convoys.
“Phase 4 was the D-Day Invasion.
“Phase 5 was his deployment to the Pacific Theatre of the War.”
The Book is being self-published by Penstone Publishing Company Limited in a 160 page paperback on Thursday 29th June 2023 at a price of £16 plus £4 for packing and postage.
A DVD or Memory Stick of Alec discussing his Second World War experiences. It is approximately two hours long. This will cost £12 plus £3 for packing and postage.
