'His passion for remembrance was truly humbling': Normandy landings veteran dies aged 100
A Second World War veteran who was a teenage signaller on HMS Eastway during the Normandy landings and survived a close encounter with a torpedo, has died aged 100.
Speaking at the Union Jack Club in London in 2024, Henry Rice said he was keen for children to learn about D-Day because the "world is dangerous at the moment" and he hoped they could persuade politicians to avoid war.
Clapham-born Mr Rice was just 17 when he served on HMS Eastway, a dock landing ship of the Casa Grande class that transported Canadian men and equipment to Juno Beach on 11 June 1944.
A recipient of Legion d'Honneur, France's highest order of merit, Mr Rice served in the Mediterranean after the Normandy Landings and while Europe celebrated VE Day, the teenager was sent to the Far East – his fight not quite over yet.
In November 2025, Mr Rice met the King and Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester at a reception marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan.
After the event the Royal Navy wrote: "Henry remembers a close encounter, when he and his crewmates saw a torpedo coming toward them, and recalls that they were lucky that the boat sat high in the water, so the torpedo went beneath the hull."
After the war, Mr Tice worked on cruise ships until he married his wife Gwen, who reportedly gave him an ultimatum: "It's me or the sea."
When he decided to forge a career on land, Mr Rice joined Guildford Fire Service, once again serving his country.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News in June this year in Normandy, as he marked the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings, he said: "I appreciate – I really, really appreciate – the kindness and the attitude of everybody.
"I mean, just look at them [the crowds]. They applaud the veterans we've got here at the moment – and I love it."
Mr Rice travelled with charity The Spirit of Normandy Trust on pilgrimage visits to Normandy on many occasions.
In a statement marking the Royal Navy veteran's death, they shone a light on his determination to remember all who made the ultimate sacrifice, saying: "Henry always represented the veterans with dignity, particularly when asked to lay a wreath on behalf of his colleagues or to recite the Exhortation or Kohima Epitaph.
"Henry was a great character, with a cheeky smile that endeared him to everyone he met.
"He will be greatly missed by all and we offer his family our most sincere condolences."
On social media, the British Normandy Memorial wrote of their "dear Henry", adding: "Henry was one of the first veterans to visit the [British Normandy] Memorial after its completion in October 2021 and has visited every year since, thanks to our partners Spirit of Normandy Trust.
"His passion for remembrance was truly humbling.
"We will miss Henry so very, very much.
"His beaming smile, infectious warmth and wonderful zest for life brought such joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him."
In a statement following the news of Mr Rice's death, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity said: "We will remember Henry not only for his service, but for the generosity with which he shared his experiences, the encouragement he gave to younger generations and the kindness he showed to those around him.
"It was an honour to know him.
"Fair winds and following seas, Henry."
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