Tributes Paid To D-Day Veteran Harry Fenn

Wednesday, 29 June 2022 11:21

One of Jersey's last surviving D Day veterans has died.

Harry Fenn has passed away at the age of 97.

He was just 19 when he landed on the Normandy beaches on 6 June 1944.

Harry was presented France's Legion D'Honneur - the country's highest military award - for his service.

He spoke to us on the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019 at a special service at the Cenotaph:

"You don't realise, until you do something like this, how many people do appreciate what we did."

Following the ceremony, Harry was presented with the Bailiff's Bronze medal at a Vin D'Honneur at the Town Hall.

Months later, in March 2020, Harry - then aged 95 - was to gain national publicity when a video of him telling people to 'do their duty' and 'sit on the couch' to save lives as the Covid-pandemic hit was widely-shared across the internet and picked up by major TV networks and newspapers.

Listen to D-Day veteran Harry Fenn (95), who spoke to Liberation 75 about how important social distancing is. Social distancing is one of the most effective way to help reduce the rate of coronavirus and the demand on our health services. You have the power to protect our island. For accurate information and advice, visit: gov.je/coronavirus. #coronavirusJSY
Posted by Government of Jersey on Thursday, March 26, 2020

Islanders have paid tribute, describing Harry has a true hero and a 'very special man'.

Channel 103 extends its deepest sympathies to his family and friends.