John Jenkins: D-Day Veteran Dies Aged 100

A World War Two veteran who spoke in front of world leaders at the D-Day 75 commemorations has died aged 100.

John Jenkins served as a Platoon Sergeant in the Royal Pioneer Corps, and took part in a secret reconnaissance mission to look at the beaches of Normandy for the Allied forces.

He originally attempted to join the Royal Navy but was turned down because of his eyesight.

Mr Jenkins went on to join the Hampshire Regiment of the Army before moving to the Pioneer Corps.

In June 2019, he received a standing ovation from the Queen and US President Donald Trump when he addressed heads of state during the D-Day 75 commemorations on Southsea Common.

Describing being the centre of attention, Mr Jenkins said: "I've never been a nervous sort of person when faced by people of a higher rank because they are only human beings the same as I am."

For his role in D-Day, Mr Jenkins was awarded the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest honour.

He went on to say, "It's something you never forget.

"I landed on Gold Beach, someone said to me 'What did it feel like?', and I said 'It was terrifying' - it was the only word I could think of at the time."

He was married to Peggy and has one daughter, two granddaughters, five great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

In recent years, Mr Jenkins' volunteer work has been recognised.

He was awarded Portsmouth Volunteer of the Year in 2016 and National Museum and Heritage Volunteer of the Year 2019.

Speaking at his 100th birthday celebrations in November, his granddaughter, Alison Baynes, described her grandfather as a "remarkable man" who is "fiercely independent and a real inspiration".

Cover image: D-Day veteran John Jenkins on 100th birthday (Picture: PA).