Latest news with #IWCP
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Island D-Day and Arctic Convoys veteran awarded new medal
An Isle of Wight D-Day veteran has been awarded a new medal, commemorating his service on the Arctic convoys in the Second World War. Alec Penstone, 99, who lives in Shanklin, received a letter from the Russian embassy this month to ask if he would like to receive the medal, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of 'the patriotic war' on May 9. Read more: Isle of Wight D Day veteran 99 relives Normandy invasion Island D-Day veteran Alec Penstone featuring in new Portsmouth exhibition Alec said: "I said 'why not?', I've got all the others. "I'm so lucky really, I have such lovely friends." Alec served on the Arctic convoys during the Second World War (Image: IWCP) Alec's grandson replied to the embassy, and he will receive the medal to add to his Royal Navy tunic. May 9, 1945 marks Victory in Europe Day, when Germany surrendered its military forces to the Allies. Alec is the last remaining D-Day veteran on the Isle of Wight, serving in the Arctic convoys and the Far East, including the liberation of Hong Kong in August 1945. He served on submarines and the HMS Campania, which was instrumental in the D-Day landings and the Arctic convoys. Serving as a submarine detector, Alec swept the English channel for U-boats attacking the invasion. Alec is a decorated veteran, awarded his first medal at 15 years old as an air raid precautions messenger. More recently, he has been awarded a special medal as a poppy seller for 84 years. He married his wife, Gladys, in 1944 and was sent immediately out to the Far East, returning 14 months later. Alec and Gladys with former prime minister Boris Johnson, and actor Jeff Goldblum (Image: IWCP) The couple remained married for 77 years, with a child, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Gladys died in 2022, aged 95. Memorabilia on Alec's wall, including a bell from HMS Campania (Image: IWCP) Later in life, he became an electrician and spent his spare time creating dolls' houses, raising thousands of pounds for charity. Alec spends his time "just living", and goes dancing every other Wednesday. "All the ladies pull me up for a waltz!" he said. Alec is due to celebrate his 100th birthday in April, on St George's Day.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
Police investigate Brading attack after woman taken to hospital
A woman was hospitalised following an alleged attack at a block of flats on the Isle of Wight yesterday (Friday, February 21). Hampshire and IW Constabulary were alerted to reports of an assault at an address on Lower Furlongs in Brading. The incident was reported to police at around 1.40pm, and officers remained at the scene investigating into the evening. Police remained at the address making enquiries (Image: IWCP) Recommended reading: Pair accused of horrendous Christmas Eve bus station attack Island contestant wins thousands on ITV hit show The Chase A 46-year-old woman was taken hospital to be treated for multiple injuries, including to her leg, which are not considered to be life-threatening or life-changing. Officers have arrested a 33-year-old man, of no fixed abode, on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). A police spokesperson said that, following lines of enquiry, he has been released with no further action.
