Devon centurion Frank set to join millions in Remembrance Sunday commemorations

A Second World War veteran from Yelverton who turned 100 this year will pay his own special respects to our fallen heroes as part of Remembrance Sunday.

Frank Greep will watch the events on TV as the nation remembers the service and sacrifice of all of those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

Frank celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family on 4 April as he continues to lead an independent life at a sheltered housing scheme run by LiveWest in the town.

Now he is looking forward to recognising all of those who performed acts of heroism and fought hard to achieve peace for our nation.

Frank, who was sent two certificates from King George VI during the Second World War for bravery, said: “Remembrance Sunday is something very important and a day that we should recognise.

“I will certainly be watching on the TV and listening to the radio to remember all of those who fought for our freedom.

“It is sad to hear about wars still going in our world and we should come together and work towards peace.

“It is always very emotional watching and listening to Remembrance Sunday, but it is still important to remember those who showed courage in the line of duty.

“We have had a lot of brave people fighting for our freedoms and we should definitely recognise and celebrate them on Sunday.”

Frank left school at the age of 14 and spent four years training as a motor mechanic before joining the Royal Navy at the age of 19.

He served in the Second World War as an engine controller for the minesweeping operation,  putting his life at risk by identifying explosive devices.

Five years ago, Frank was presented with the medal of a knight of the Legion d’Honneur — France’s highest roll of honour, for his part in the liberation of the country towards the end of the Second World War.

The award is part of a review of history which belatedly recognises the courage of all those British working men who left their homes and won the war by staying calm and reliable in the crucial battle for control of the English Channel in 1944.

After serving for six years in the Royal Navy, Frank returned to Devon as a mechanic before finishing his career at Devonport Dockyard where he was a machinist.

Frank retired at the age of 64 and celebrated 66 years of marriage to his wife, Margaret, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 87.

Frank, one of four brothers, has two children – Tony, 75 and Carol, 71 as well as five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Frank also has the honour of being mentioned twice in despatches in the London Gazette for courage in the line of duty

He said: “I had a happy upbringing in Horrabridge and couldn’t wait to leave school to do my apprenticeship in mechanics.

“The war started, and I joined the Royal Navy but it meant I didn’t see my wife for four years. 

“My job was to sweep for mines. It was dangerous work, but everyone had to muck in during the war.

“I saw things in the war that I never want to see again, and it is upsetting to see what is going on in Ukraine at the moment.

“One of the best pieces of advice ever given to me in my life was from one of the Captains, who was fighting in the war.

“He said to us ‘stand your ground and watch each other’s backs, as you never know when you will need to rely on someone’. It has stuck with me ever since. 

“As human beings, we rely on each other for support and help and you won’t get very far without getting on with other people.

“I was relieved to leave the Navy as it meant I could be with my wife again and we had a very happy life together.

“I loved being a mechanic and enjoyed my work at the Dockyard, but my eyes started to let me down in the end and I had to retire.”

A passionate gardener in the past, which saw him win a number of trophies, and a loyal father to his two children, Frank has always vowed not to go into a care home because he loves living independently.

Frank added: “I could have packed in living on my own years ago and be looked after.

“There was no way I was going to do that, I am better off by myself. I have got no one to fall out with then.

“I have got great support around me from my family and Wendy from LiveWest is a lovely girl who helps me and makes me laugh.

Frank’s daughter, Carol, said: “Frank has never missed a Remembrance Sunday in person other than the last two years as he finds it difficult to walk and is not keen in being taken in a wheelchair.

“He is a wonderful dad, grandad and great grandad but also knows his mind and very determined to do things his way.”

Wendy McLean, a Scheme Manager at the sheltered housing complex Frank lives at, said: “Frank is a remarkable gentleman.

“He has such a positive outlook on life and is an example to us all.

“Remembrance Sunday is a day that means so much to so many people and we stand with Frank in remembering all those people who have sadly passed away during conflict.”