Skip to content

D-Day veteran dies one week short of 99th birthday

Edward Sault & Katie Waple
BBC News, South
BBC 98-year-old Norman Bartlett in a shirt, tie and jacket with medals on the outside pocketBBC
Norman Bartlett joined the Royal Navy in 1942 at the age of 16

A 98-year-old D-Day veteran from Hampshire has died.

Norman Bartlett, from Blackwater near Camberley, joined the Royal Navy in 1942 when he was 16 years old.

He served in the Pacific where he witnessed the surrender in Tokyo Bay and the emotional return of prisoners of war.

Last year, Mr Bartlett travelled back to the Normandy landing beaches to mark the anniversary of D-Day.

Black and white photo of Mr Bartlett in his naval uniform and his wife in a wedding dress
Mr Bartlett and his late wife Betty loved music and dancing

Mr Bartlett's son Peter said: "Norman had passed away this week after a few months of illnesses.

"We'll be able to treasure his memory and life."

When asked in May 2024 if he had a message for the next generation, Norman Bartlett said: "I think it should be remembered. When the kids grow up, it should be explained.

"Let them know what those guys went through so they could live in peace."

Mr Bartlett had a passion for music and was still an active member of the Hart Male Voice Choir near Odiham.

They have sung and recorded a tribute video for him, adapting the song You Raise Me Up.

The war veteran died on Monday in Frimley Park Hospital, just one week short of his 99th birthday.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

See also