Portrait Of Isle Of Wight D-Day Veteran To Go On Display In Portsmouth

A portrait of Isle of Wight Second World War veteran Alec Penstone is set to go on public display at The D-Day Story museum in Portsmouth.

Alec, who passed away in May aged 101, served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. On D-Day, he was aboard HMS Campania, helping with mine-sweeping operations and detecting enemy U-boats.

During his wartime service, he also took part in 11 Arctic Convoys.

The portrait was painted by Isle of Wight artist Francesca Adami, who spent five months meeting with Alec after the pair met at a VE Day event.

During that time, Alec shared memories of D-Day, the Arctic Convoys and his remarkable life experiences.

Francesca said:

"Dear Alec, he was one of our last true heroes, a gentleman till the end and an absolute legend.

"I hope everyone who sees his portrait can glimpse a little of what he and his brave friends went through in the war, day after day, for six years of their young lives, so that we could be free."

She added that it had been Alec's wish for the painting to be displayed at The D-Day Story.

The portrait will be on public display from Saturday June 27 until Sunday July 5.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said Alec's story was an important part of the nation's shared history and that the portrait would help future generations understand the courage and sacrifice of those who served during the war.

The D-Day Story is open daily from 10am until 5.30pm.