D-Day Veteran Norman Bartlett Dies at 98

Norman 'Norrie' Bartlett, a Royal Navy veteran who served during World War II, passed away just shy of his 99th birthday.

Norman 'Norrie' Bartlett, a notable D-Day veteran from Frogmore, Hampshire, has passed away at the age of 98, one week before his 99th birthday.

He died on Monday in Frimley Park Hospital.

Bartlett joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16 in 1942 after initially being turned away for being too young a year prior.

His military service included participation in the Normandy landings and later in the Pacific theater, where he witnessed the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay.

Bartlett served on several warships, including HMS Bulldog, HMS Duncan, and HMS Barfleur, before being demobilized on HMS Victory.

Peter Bartlett, his son, expressed pride in his father's achievements but noted that Norman was reticent to discuss his wartime experiences, particularly due to his encounters with prisoners of war in Hokkaido, Japan.

He highlighted that Norman became more open when it came to contributing to charity efforts.

Norman delivered the POW prayer during VJ Day commemorations at the National Arboretum, an honor he cherished.

Outside of his military life, Bartlett was known for his sociable character, participating in activities such as ballroom dancing, the Hart Male Voice Choir, and playing golf at the North Hants Golf Club, where he was active until just six months ago.

He received several medals for his naval service, including the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific medals.

Norman Bartlett was inspired to join the Navy following a fleet review in Portsmouth in 1937, despite being initially rejected at the age of 15. He returned to the recruitment office at 16, claiming he had lost his birth certificate to enlist.

Post-service, he worked on manufacturing nuclear submarine boilers while also actively engaging in fundraising for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans and a local hospice.

Philippa Rawlinson, director of remembrance at the Royal British Legion, expressed condolences over his passing, noting Bartlett was among a dwindling number of Second World War veterans still participating in commemorative events.

She emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy of veterans like Norman during upcoming VE Day and VJ Day commemorations, recognizing their significant contributions to freedom.