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101-Year-Old UK Veteran Honored After Special Boat Service Death

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 6:09 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Harry Francis, a 101-year-old UK veteran, died after a lifetime of wartime service.
He joined the Royal Navy in 1942 at age 16 by lying about his age.
Francis later entered the Royal Marines and became an early Special Boat Service member.
He carried out covert missions in Italy, Lebanon and Burma, where he was wounded.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins sent a personal message honoring his courage.

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Story summary

Harry Francis, a 101-year-old UK veteran, died after a lifetime of wartime service.
He joined the Royal Navy in 1942 at age 16 by lying about his age.
Francis later entered the Royal Marines and became an early Special Boat Service member.
He carried out covert missions in Italy, Lebanon and Burma, where he was wounded.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins sent a personal message honoring his courage.