Think today of D-Day hero ill with suspected Covid-19

Connexion writer Sally Ann Voak, who interviewed him for the 75th anniversary of D-Day last year and has become a friend, is asking readers to think of him today. She writes:

Frank has lived through the toughest of times...

A bomb disposal corporal and part of one of the first groups to land on Sword beach on June 6, 1944, he helped make it possible for allied troops to liberate France.

With 263 Field Company, he then spent months fighting his way across northern France, through Belgium and into Germany. After the war ended, he continued his dangerous work, making British beaches safe for families to enjoy.

The cockney charmer, whose Huguenot ancestors settled in London in the 17th century, has friends all over this country and the UK.

A Chelsea pensioner, Frank is much-decorated and a recipient of the Légion d’Honneur for his bravery. Frank’s adventures have been featured in several articles in The Connexion and he has become a great friend of the paper.

Now, our Frank is again facing one of his toughest challenges.

Earlier this week, he was rushed from his home at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London, to the nearby Chelsea and Westminster Hospital with a suspected coronavirus infection. His condition is very serious.

Two weeks ago I spent an afternoon with Frank.

As ever, he was in a chirpy mood – with jokes galore and uplifting conversation with myself and members of the superb staff who look after our war heroes with such devotion.

He was looking forward to a visit by a group of schoolchildren from Caen, scheduled for later this month.

The children know and love Frank from his many visits to Normandy.

Our thoughts are with our Frank, his daughter Julie, son Bryan and grandsons Christopher and Kevin.

Previous articles

Armentières still remembered by D-Day hero

Royal welcome for our Frank

Last chance to honour D-Day veterans