Normandy veteran Henry Rice dies aged 100

Henry Rice, a British World War Two veteran, has passed away at the age of 100. Born in Cranleigh, Surrey, Rice served as a signalman aboard HMS Eastway during the Normandy landings. Arriving at Juno Beach five days after D-Day, he narrowly avoided a torpedo attack during the operation. Rice's bravery was recognized when he received the Legion d' Honneur from the French government.

The Spirit of Normandy Trust, a charity for veterans, praised Rice as a "great character" with a "cheeky smile" that won him friends. Rice shared his wartime experiences with great reluctance, often keeping quiet about his service. He emphasized the importance of teaching young people about the Normandy landings, as the world remains dangerous.

Rice's contributions to remembrance events were significant, including the ceremony at Westminster Abbey's Field of Remembrance and the Tower of London's poppy planting for VE Day 80. He met fellow D-Day veteran Ronald Hendrey for the last time before his passing. The Spirit of Normandy Trust expressed their condolences to Rice's family, remembering him as a committed advocate for remembering fallen soldiers.