Normandy veteran Ken Hay, celebrated educator and MBE, passes away at 101

Ken Hay, a 101-year-old veteran of the 4th Dorset infantry regiment, died after a lifetime of public service. He arrived in Courseulles-sur-Mer days after the D-Day landings, was captured during a night patrol, and endured forced labor in a Polish coal mine before being liberated by American forces. After the war he received an MBE and the Legion d’Honneur for his contributions to the community.

As an ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial, he regularly spoke to schoolchildren, earning the nickname “Grandad Ken.” Earlier this year he attended a D-Day remembrance ceremony at the General Montgomery monument alongside fellow veteran Henry Rice. His family includes sons Chris and Jeremy, and he is remembered for his dedication to educating future generations.