D-Day veteran Ken Hay dies aged 101

Ken Hay, a veteran of the Normandy landings and a familiar figure to many schoolchildren as 'Grandad Ken', has died at the age of 101. Hay served with the 4th Dorset infantry regiment and landed in Normandy just days after the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. His death was announced on Sunday by the British Normandy Memorial, for which he was an ambassador.

Capture and imprisonment

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Hay was captured by German forces on July 7-8, 1944, during a night patrol. He was taken to Zabrze in Poland, where he was forced to work in a coal mine as a prisoner of war. As Soviet forces advanced, prisoners were marched approximately 1,000 miles to a new location. During this arduous journey, Hay recalled that he once lay down, believing he could not continue, but was helped by two friends. He was eventually liberated by American troops in May 1945, returning to the UK via Reims.

Reflecting on his capture in 2024, Hay described his initial feelings as 'dread' and 'fear'. He recounted an incident where a patrol went behind enemy lines, leading to a confrontation. Of the 30 soldiers who went out on his patrol, only 16 returned, with five, including Hay, being captured and nine presumed killed, as reported by the BBC London.

Later life and legacy

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Following his return to the UK, Hay was appointed an MBE for his services to the community and received the French Legion d'Honneur, France's highest order of merit. In his later years, Hay dedicated himself to educating schoolchildren about the Second World War, sharing his experiences and answering questions. The British Normandy Memorial described him as an 'extraordinary gentleman whose remarkable life will never be forgotten' and noted his 'unwavering' passion for education, which led to his nickname 'Grandad Ken' among the pupils he inspired.

The organisation extended its condolences to Hay's sons, Chris and Jeremy, and his wider family and friends. Hay's commitment to sharing his story aimed to ensure younger generations understood the realities of war, believing that love and understanding were key to preventing future conflicts.