Ken Hay, a British veteran who fought in the Normandy landings during World War II, has passed away at the age of 101. He was a member of the fourth battalion of the Dorset Regiment and died on Sunday, September 20, according to the British Normandy Memorial, an organization he served as an ambassador. The group shared the news of his passing on its social media platforms, honoring his life and service. Hay joined the Allied forces in 1944 and landed at Courseulles-sur-Mer, a coastal town in northern France, just days after the broader D-Day invasion on June 6. A few weeks later, on July 8, 1944, he was captured by German forces. As a prisoner of war, he was forced to work in a coal mine in occupied Poland before being subjected to a brutal winter march as Soviet troops advanced into the region. Exhausted and injured, Hay could no longer walk until two fellow prisoners found him and helped him escape. His survival was due in part to the solidarity and compassion of his fellow captives. After the war, Hay became a passionate advocate for remembrance and education. He frequently shared his experiences with younger generations, emphasizing the importance of learning from history. According to the British Normandy Memorial, he was known affectionately as "Grandpa Ken" by many schoolchildren who heard his stories of courage and resilience. The organization described him as "an extraordinary gentleman whose remarkable life will never be forgotten." Similarly, the Spirit of Normandy Foundation praised him as "much loved and greatly respected" for his warmth, friendship, and enduring presence. Last June, Hay attended the annual D-Day commemorations in Normandy, a tradition for many veterans. However, he had recently fallen in his room and required hospitalization in Caen for surgery. Despite his age and health challenges, Hay remained active in honoring the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers and ensuring their stories were not forgotten. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the enduring memory of his service.