Portrait of Second World War veteran

A 100-year-old Second World War veteran from the Isle of Wight has been painted by a local artist in a portrait which captures his wartime memories.

D-Day veteran Alec served in the Royal Navy. During D-Day Alec was onboard the aircraft carrier HMS Campania which was sweeping mines and detecting U-boats during the invasion. Alec also completed 11 gruelling Arctic Convoy missions during the Second World War.

Alec lost his sight later in life and we have supported him since 2020.

Meeting Alec

Artist Francesca Adami, who also lives on the Isle of Wight, first discovered Alec while sorting through a pile of newspaper clippings after her mother had passed away. Francesca says: 

“I noticed that one person had repeatedly featured. He looked extraordinarily like my mother’s brother, my Uncle John. Like John, the man in the paper had signed up to the Royal Navy at 16 and was even sent off on the same missions - D-Day, the Arctic Convoys and the Far East. Sadly, my uncle had gone long before. But this man was still very much alive! His name was Alec.”

Francesca later found herself sat next to Alec during a local event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It was at this moment that Francesca decided she would paint his portrait to raise money for our charity. She says:

“It seemed extra personal to me as my father was an optician and dedicated his life to helping people see.”

Over the next four months Francesca met with Alec to embark on the project.

“During this time, we talked about Alec’s memories of D-Day and the Arctic Convoys. These memories and many more shaped Alec’s life, changed mine and helped create the painting." 

Supporting our charity

Francesca continued:

“We owe Alec, and those who went with him, so much. It is my privilege to share my painting and if you would like to help me raise money for Blind Veterans UK, a charity which means a great deal to Alec, I would be so grateful.”

A limited edition run of 80 signed prints, to celebrate 80-years since the end of the Second World War, are now available to purchase signed by Francesca and Alec. 80% of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to our charity.

The original portrait will be displayed at the D-Day Story Museum in Portsmouth from January. Exact dates will be promoted via Francesca’s website in the New Year.