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As the island commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day today, Express has shared the story of the last surviving Jerseyman who participated in the Normandy Landings…
Ernest "Ernie" Thorne took centre stage last week as he was honoured with the unveiling of a commemorative portrait marking his involvement in the largest seaborne invasion in history.
The painting of the 100-year-old World War II veteran, who landed on Juno Beach as a driver with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, was created by local artist Jason Butler.
Pictured: Jason Butler’s portrait of Ernest Thorne.
At the unveiling ceremony, Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq paid tribute to Mr Thorne, describing him as "the face of the Normandy veterans" and honouring the sacrifices made by Thorne and fellow islanders to secure freedom from Nazi occupation.
"It is never easy to be the focus of such attention but on this anniversary it is right that we honour you today as a Jersey Normandy veteran," Sir Timothy said.
"You and your brothers in arms made sacrifices which led to a freedom which we continue to enjoy today."
Mr Thorne admitted that the excitement of the occasion was getting a little overpowering, but he thanked the Bailiff and all those involved in the portrait.
Pictured: Normandy veterans Ernie Thorne, Richard Wraight, Harry Finn, Bill Reynolds pictured in 2019. (David Ferguson)
He said: "I'm the last Jersey survivor of the Normandy campaign and on behalf of all our friends who are no longer with us, I thank you for your kind and sincere words.
"As a young Jerseyman, I never thought that I would ever have my portrait painted, but today I been honoured to receive a painting painted by Mr Jason Butler."
Among those present for the ceremony was the artist himself, who said that creating Mr Thorne's image had been a pleasure.
Mr Butler explained: "Two things struck me: the gravitas that comes with painting someone who represents something so important; and then there was the fact that Ernest came bouncing up those studio stairs that some people 30 years younger struggle to get up.
"When I was painting him, it was like analysing a face that's lived for 100 years, I just found it fascinating – it was like a map of a life lived."
Pictured: Ernie Thorne (centre) surrounded by his family members.
Mr Thorne's painting is on temporary display on the ground floor of the Town Hall from today until the D-Day commemorations finish today, when it will move to its permanent home on the landing outside the committee room on the first floor.
Speaking at the time, Mr Thorne said he was grateful to have received the award and admitted it was a proud moment – but insisted he did little to earn it.
Pictured: Ernest Thorne at the unveiling of a portrait of himself painted by Jason Butler. (Jon Guegan)
He said: "I've never had so much attention. It's pretty embarrassing, really. I don't like the limelight – it's not my scene."
After being demobbed in 1945 and returning to Jersey, Mr Thorne subsequently rejoined the British Army as a signalman, serving in Palestine, Libya and Egypt.
Once he was demobbed for a second time, Mr Thorne got a job working for a building firm back in the island as a foreman for nearly 30 years.
In retirement, he took on a role for the Parish of St Helier as a clerk of the works, and also served as a member of the honorary police in St Peter for several years.
Ernie Thorne celebrated reaching the three-figure milestone earlier this year with around 40 relatives and friends, including his wife, Mary.
The celebration took place at the Boundary restaurant near his home in St Saviour.
Asked about the secret to his longevity, the 100-year-old said he believed it had been a case of good luck.
"I've just lived a normal life," he said. "I try and keep active, helping my wife around the house, walking and meeting up with friends, but there's no real secret."
Pictured top: Ernie Thorne. (Jon Guegan)
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