Seaview resident Roy Hayward, one of the last surviving veterans from the D-Day landings, has died at the age of 99 years old.
His family say he died peacefully at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport in the early hours of Sunday morning (15th December).
A reserve tank crew, Roy landed in France on the evening of D-Day with the Sherwood Rangers – 3 weeks’ later, both of his legs had to be amputated. He was just 19 years old.
80 years later, Roy played a central role in this summer’s D-Day commemoration – where he was celebrated as a national hero – receiving a standing ovation from the audience in Portsmouth.
His next-of-kin Jane and Stuart Nicholls say of his death:
“It’s a big blow, a big loss in our lives.
“The last thing he probably remembered really well was having a nice Christmas lunch with his friends – doing what he really loved.
Article continues below this advertisement “We were incredibly proud of his involvement in the 80th Anniversary events.
“He’d never been that keen to be in the limelight… but he took on the honour and was incredibly proud and chuffed to get the recognition.”
Roy was born in April 1925 and originally lived with his parents and sister Marjorie in Molesey, Surrey. At the age of 47 he moved to the Isle of Wight and loved his life living in the seaside village of Seaview with his wife Barbara – who died in 2013.
In 2016 he was awarded France’s highest military honour, the Legion d’Honneur, with the award presented by the then Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight and fellow Seaview resident Major General Sir Martin White.
In 2022 he was honoured locally on Remembrance Sunday and officially given the Freedom of the Parish of Nettlestone and Seaview.
Councillor Ian Dore, Isle of Wight Armed Forces Champion says:
“Roy was a veterans’ veteran – by that I mean, humble, dignified, warm, witty, respectful, and appreciative.
“He never considered himself a hero and didn’t see his actions or involvement anything more than his duty.
“He had a lust for life, an incredible sense of humour, coupled with an immense amount of love for his friends and family.
“It was a pleasure and privilege to enjoy his company, he will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.”
His family will announce the details of plans to celebrate his life soon.
TRUE HEROES
Roy and his fellow young comrades responded to the call to defend the freedom of their fellow countrymen and women. Aged just 19 years, he did his duty, and returned home with severe lifetime injury. His bravery in 1944 was the reason I have been able to enjoy a long life in a free and peaceful country.
Our Nation will be forever in debt to that generation and for their sacrifices.