Brief
Royal Navy veteran Henry Rice dies at 100
The former signaller was honoured with France's Legion d’Honneur and remained active in remembrance events.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Royal Navy veteran Henry Rice, who served as a signaller during the 1944 Normandy landings, died at age 100 in Cranleigh, Surrey, the Independent reported on 13 October 2026.
What happened
Rice served aboard HMS Eastway off Juno Beach, transporting personnel and equipment. He later saw action in the Mediterranean and the Far East, earning France’s Legion d’Honneur for his D‑Day service.
What the reports add
The Independent noted that earlier this year Rice returned to France for D‑Day commemorations, speaking to schoolchildren about the war’s lessons. After the war he worked on cruise ships, served in the local fire service and took part in major UK remembrance events, including handing the Queen the final ceramic poppy at the Tower of London.
What was said
The Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Veterans’ Foundation praised Rice for dedicating his later life to ensuring Allied sacrifices were never forgotten, according to the Independent.
Key facts
- Henry Rice died at age 100 in Cranleigh, Surrey. (independent.co.uk)
- He served as a signaller on HMS Eastway during the Normandy landings. (independent.co.uk)
- Rice was awarded France's Legion d’Honneur for his D‑Day service. (independent.co.uk)
- He later worked on cruise ships, in the local fire service and participated in UK remembrance events. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Tributes following death of Normandy veteran Henry Rice”
