Harry Francis, 101, dies: South Gloucestershire loses last surviving WW2 SBS veteran
Harry Francis, a 101-year-old World War II veteran from South Gloucestershire, has died. He joined the Royal Navy in 1942 after lying about his age and later became one of the first members of the Special Boat Service (SBS), conducting covert operations in Italy, Lebanon, and Burma. His wife Gwen described the family as heartbroken but grateful for community support. Francis celebrated his 100th birthday last year and maintained secrecy regarding his wartime missions due to the Official Secrets Act.