WW2 Sailor and Special Boat Service Member Dies at 101

Harry Francis, one of the West of England's last surviving veterans from World War Two, has died at the age of 101. Francis, from South Gloucestershire, joined the Royal Navy at 16 in 1942, having misrepresented his age to enlist.

He later joined the Royal Marines and became one of the inaugural members of the Special Boat Service (SBS). During his service, he undertook covert operations in Italy, Lebanon, and Burma, where he sustained injuries. In recognition of his courage, personnel from the Royal Marines Reserve Bristol delivered a personal message from General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, to Francis.

South Gloucestershire Armed Forces Day paid tribute to Francis on social media, stating that his "quiet bravery and his remarkable life will not be forgotten." The organization extended condolences to his wife, Gwen, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Francis celebrated his centenary last year surrounded by loved ones. His daughter, Teresa Betton, previously shared with the BBC that her father maintained his oath of secrecy regarding his wartime missions, saying, "He signed the [Official] Secrets Act and has stuck by it."

Charlie Liston, a former neighbor, recalled Francis assisting her with a school project about the war. She described sitting with him and his wife, Gwen, while he shared a portion of his experiences in Burma, noting that his stories evoked both tears and laughter. Liston remembered Francis as a "very special person, not just as a public figure, but as a mentor, a neighbour, as a friend."