John Jenkins: Respects Paid To D-Day Hero In Portsmouth

More than 100 members of the public turned out in Portsmouth to show their respects to a 100-year-old D-Day veteran who died in December.

John Jenkins, who served as a Platoon Sergeant during the Second World War, was awarded the Legion d'Honneur for his role on D-Day.

The veteran celebrated his centenary in November and died from a short illness just weeks later.

Mr Jenkins rose to national fame when he was given a standing ovation by the Queen and US President Donald Trump, during the 75th anniversary D-Day commemorations on Southsea Common in June 2018.

However, locally, he was already well-known as a volunteer at the D-Day Story Museum and as a boardroom steward at his beloved Portsmouth Football Club. 

People gathered outside the museum and Fratton Park to watch his funeral procession. 

Dr Jane Mee, Portsmouth City Council's museum and visitor services manager, said: "John was a huge and valuable asset to the D-Day Story Museum.

"If you look at the TripAdvisor reviews, John is mentioned often as a highlight of people's visit.

"He will be missed."

Andrew Whitmarsh, D-Day Story curator, said: "Over the years, thousands of visitors have learned first hand from John what it was like to be at Normandy.

"He was good at putting people at their ease and chatting to them.

"He wasn't telling glorious war stories but talking about his experiences with a sense of humour and a wise perspective on the world."

Mr Jenkins summed up D-Day in one word: "Terrifying."

Staff at the museum's cafe reserved his regular table with a plate of his favourite biscuits for a final time, as a gesture of respect. 

Meanwhile, Portsmouth FC tweeted that he will "always" be a part of the club.

Mr Jenkins first tried to join the Royal Navy but was turned down because of his eyesight.

He went on to join the Army and serve in the Hampshire Regiment, before moving to the Pioneer Corps during World War Two. 

After the war, Mr Jenkins worked as a trolley bus driver and then as a crane operator at Portsmouth Naval Base. 

At 95, he became the oldest person to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower and in 2012, even carried the  Olympic Torch. 

Mr Jenkins and his late wife Peggy had one daughter, two granddaughters, five great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

Cover Image: More than 100 people watched the funeral procession (Picture: PA).