Jersey's last living Normandy veteran honoured with portrait

Thursday, 30 May 2024 at 15:28

Normandy veteran Ernie Thorne with with portrait by artist Jason Butler (r) and Bailiff Sir Tim Le Cocq (l)

A portrait of Jersey's last known living Normandy veteran has been unveiled at the Town Hall.

The painting of 100-year-old Ernie Thorne was created by Jersey artist Jason Butler and was unveiled on 30 May by the Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq.

It will be on permanent display from 31 May and islanders have been invited to view the artwork.

This commissioning of this portrait is one of the ways Jersey is marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which takes place on 6 June.

'Ernest Thorne' by Jason Butler

Ernie Thorne was previously honoured with the cross of the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion in 2018 for his services.

Similarly to when he received that award, when being presented this portrait, Ernie insisted he did little to earn the honour but was extremely grateful:

"I'm the last Jersey survivor of the Normandy campaign.

"As a young Jerseyman, I never thought that one day I would have my portrait painted, but today I have been honoured to receive this painting by Jason Butler.

"So to everyone who was involved in making this happen, I thank you."

'Ernest Thorne' by Jason Butler (right)

Jason Butler said it was a privilege to paint Ernie's portrait:

"Just the fact that he's 100 years old and still so vibrant, that was the thing that really came over when I met him so I wanted the painting to be really meaningful.

"So that's why it was an intensive 18 days of work to try and get something that really represents the importance of the commission."