21-Sep-2026

REMEMBERING KEN HAY

Picture credit: Crown Copyright

A Message from Ken’s Family

“Ken cared passionately about helping young people understand the lessons of war. His family would like that important education mission to continue. Those wishing to honour Ken’s memory may make a donation to support the Normandy Memorial Trust’s education programme, helping ensure that his voice and legacy continue to inspire future generations.”

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A Tribute to Ken Hay

Normandy Veteran passed away on 20 September 2026. An extraordinary gentleman whose remarkable life will never be forgotten.

Ken was a long-standing Memorial Ambassador who gave everything to support the Trust’s work in sharing the message of Remembrance with the next generation. He attended the 82nd commemorations this June and participated in the ceremony, as he did in previous years.

His passion for education was unwavering. The countless schoolchildren whose lives he touched with his stories of courage and resilience nicknamed him ‘Grandad Ken’.

We extend our most sincere condolences to Ken’s sons Chris and Jeremy, all the Hay family and his very many friends.

Ken’s Second World War Story 

Ken (right) and his brother Bill who served in the same platoon.

Ken landed at Courseulles-sur-Mer on D Day +5 and his unit made its way towards Hill 112. On the night of 7/8 July Ken’s unit was on a night patrol when they were cut off and came under attack. 9 of his comrades were killed, 16 escaped (including Ken’s brother Bill) and 5 were captured including Ken. Ken then spent 6 days and nights in a train with the most basic of facilities travelling from Chartres to Aachen and a further 5 days and nights from Aachen to Zabrze in Poland (near Katowice) and put to work in a coal mine.

With the Russians approaching, the prisoners were marched out, having been told that they were marching to a new location. This became known as the long march (approximately 1,000 miles), during which many of the prisoners died. They continued marching until 20 April when they heard the sound of guns and the prisoners refused to march any further. They were liberated by American troops and Ken returned to the UK via Rheims, arriving in the UK on 4th May, just in time for VE Day on 8 May 1945.

In April 2026, Ken was interviewed by Henry Montgomery as part of the podcast series – In Monty’s Footsteps. Episode 7 of the series is entirely dedicated to Ken’s story, in his own words.

LISTEN HERE

Ken’s first visit on D-Day 78, 6th June 2022

Ken found the name of his fallen comrade on one of the columns and shared his first impressions of the Memorial.

 

Officially named Memorial Ambassador, February 2023

Ken takes part in the 79th anniversary ceremony, 6th June 2023

Over the last few years, Ken actively took part in the annual commemorations at the Memorial alongside his fellow Veterans.

 

Credit: Arthur Edwards

A visit to his local school, Rush Green Primary School, ahead of D-Day 80 (May 2024)

Ken’s passion for education was remarkable. School children were captivated by his every word and wrote countless letters to ‘Grandad Ken’ telling him how his stories of the war inspired them to make the world a better place for future generations.

Credit: PA

Ken recited his poem ‘As I Look Back’ to be featured in ‘D-Day 80: Remembering the Normandy Landings’ at the Royal Albert Hall, 6th June 2024

Ken wrote this poem to be read at Bayeux Cemetery and was filmed reciting it for the 80th anniversary event at the Royal Albert Hall. 

The poem read by Ken on screen and his grandchildren on stage at the Royal Albert Hall.

Reading the Exhortation at the 80th anniversary ceremony, 6th June 2024, in the presence of Their Majesties The King and The Queen

Credit – PA

Ken on Sword Beach alongside fellow Veterans ahead of the 81st anniversary, 5th June 2025 

Credit: PA

At the Memorial for ‘In Monty’s Footsteps’, April 2026

Ken was interviewed by Henry Montgomery for the podcast series ‘In Monty’s Footsteps’. The final episode is dedicated entirely to Ken’s story – listen HERE.

 

At the Memorial for D-Day 82, 6th June 2026

Ken was reunited with Churchill’s great-great grandson Alexander.

 

 

Ken participating in the ceremony alongside Henry Montgomery, his son Chris Hay and Alexander Churchill.

 

Ken together with friend and fellow Veteran Henry Rice.