SECOND World War veteran Harry Francis has celebrated his 100th birthday and is now preparing to mark the 80th anniversary this month of VJ Day.
Harry, who lives in Soundwell, was joined by about 40 relatives and friends at his centenary event at Pucklechurch Village Sports & Social Club, the day before his birthday on July 21.
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Kedward, the commanding officer of the Royal Marines Reserve Bristol, and Warrant Officer Class 2 Jonny Morrish delivered a surprise message from the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, congratulating him on the milestone.
Harry served in the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines. After being injured in Burma, he was back in the UK when the war ended on August 15, 1945.
Sir Gwyn said: “Having the qualities needed to serve in Special Forces is a remarkable achievement, but the many covert operations and missions you then conducted behind enemy lines during WWII were truly courageous.
“I hope you can recognise the huge impact you had on the course of the war and the numerous conflicts. You remain an inspiration to us all.”
Harry was moved to tears by the message, and talked with the Royal Marines afterwards.
Born in Wiltshire, Royal Navy in 1942, aged 16, after lying about his age, before transferring to the Royal Marines and joining the SBS, fighting behind enemy lines in Italy, Lebanon and Burma.
After the war he returned to Wiltshire and worked as a labourer then a painter and decorator, bringing up nine children in his first family, with 29 grandchildren and “many more” great-grandchildren.
Teresa said Harry, known as H, has also been a father to his second family with wife Gwen, who he met in 1985 and has seven children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Harry has lived in Bristol for the past 40 years.
Teresa says his secret to a long life is “to be a good boy, have lots of patience, which usually means giving in a lot, and having the odd tot of rum”.