A PORTRAIT of the Island’s last-known veteran of the Normandy landings is to be unveiled in the Town Hall today.
The artwork depicting Ernest Thorne – a driver in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers when he landed on Juno Beach in June 1944 – was painted by local artist Jason Butler and took three weeks to complete earlier this year.
Its unveiling today by the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, marks a week’s countdown to the Island’s commemoration of the D-Day landings.
The portrait, inspired by the artist’s Islanders project that captures aspects of Island life through some of the individuals who make up Jersey, will be on permanent display from tomorrow[Fri]. Mr Butler said it had been an honour to paint Mr Thorne not only because of the role he had played as a Normandy veteran but because it was a privilege to meet someone who at the age of 100 still had a zest and enthusiasm for life.
“I’m proud to have been asked to make the painting and I’m delighted that it will have a permanent home in the Town Hall, which means people will be able to come and see it for themselves,” Mr Butler said.
Meanwhile, the Bailiff’s Chambers have announced two events planned for next Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the involvement of the Island’s veterans in the campaign.
At 12.30pm there will be a memorial service at the Cenotaph led by the Dean, the Very Rev Mike Keirle. It will be attended by the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd, Sir Timothy and Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham. It is hoped that Mr Thorne will also be present. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive no later than 12.15pm.
That evening, at 8.30pm, the Bailiff will lead a commemoration at the Noirmont Point war memorial that will conclude with the lighting of a small beacon, one of a chain that will be lit in towns and cities across the British Isles.
