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WW2 sailor and SBS member dies aged 101

Jasmine Ketibuah-FoleyWest of England
Gwen Francis Gwen Francis (L) and her late husband Harry Francis (R). Harry is wearing his army uniform with medals. They are both sat down and smiling at the cameraGwen Francis
Harry Francis' wife, Gwen Francis (L) said his family is "heartbroken"

One of the West of England's last surviving veterans from World War Two has passed away aged 101.

Harry Francis, from South Gloucestershire, joined the Royal Navy in 1942 at 16, having lied about his age to serve.

He went on to join the Royal Marines and became one of the first men to join the Special Boat Service (SBS), carrying out covert operations in Italy, Lebanon and Burma (now known as Myanmar), where he was wounded.

His wife Gwen Francis said his family was "heartbroken" and "grateful for all the kindness people have shown" them.

"Harry was the love of my life, and the heart of our family," Francis said.

"He loved local events like Armed Forces Day and he loved being part of this community. He was never happier than when he was right in the middle of it, with a story to tell.

"We're all heartbroken, and I'll miss him more than I can say, but we're so grateful for all the kindness people have shown us."

Teresa Betton Henry Francis, a 100-year-old World War Two veteran, is seated at a table in front of a large Union Flag. He is surrounded by uniformed military personnel. One stands beside him, reading aloud a letter from Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord, as others look on.Teresa Betton
Friends described Henry Francis as a "remarkable" person who "gave everything" for our freedom

South Gloucestershire Armed Forces Day put out a tribute on social media where organisers said: "His quiet bravery and his remarkable life will not be forgotten."

"Harry belonged to a generation that gave everything so that we could live in freedom. His quiet bravery, and his remarkable life, will not be forgotten," they said.

"Our thoughts are with his wife Gwen, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all who knew and loved H."

The organisation went on to say how Francis celebrated his centenary last year surrounded by family and friends.

A close-up portrait photo of Henry Francis as a young sailor in uniform. The head shot shows him wearing a white sailor's hat slight back on his head.
Relatives said Francis' covert missions during WW2 remain largely untold due to his oath of secrecy

He was also visited by the Royal Marines Reserve Bristol, whose personnel delivered a personal message from the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, recognising him for his extraordinary courage.

His daughter Teresa Betton previously told the BBC: "What he gave for this country, all the friends that he lost... I'm so proud of him.

"He tells the stories, but not all of them. He signed the [Official] Secrets Act and has stuck by it."

A close-up image showing six military medals laid out in a row, each attached to brightly coloured ribbons. Beneath them is a dark military cap bearing a gold coloured insignia
A selection of Mr Francis' wartime medals alongside his military cap

In a tribute on Facebook, Charlie Liston said, when she was younger, they were neighbours and remembered how Francis had helped her with a school project about the war.

"Sat in his dining room with a cup of tea Gwen had made, Harry told me just a small portion of his many many experiences whilst fighting in Burma," Liston said.

"These stories made me very moved, both with tears and laughter.

"Harry was a very special person, not just as a public figure, but as a mentor, a neighbour, as a friend. He will be missed dearly."

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