Harry Francis, WWII veteran and early SBS member, dies aged 101

One of the West of England's last surviving veterans from World War Two has passed away aged 101.

Harry Francis, from South Gloucestershire, joined the Royal Navy in 1942 at 16, having lied about his age to serve.

He went on to join the Royal Marines and became one of the first men to join the Special Boat Service (SBS), carrying out covert operations in Italy, Lebanon and Burma, where he was wounded.

South Gloucestershire Armed Forces Day put out a tribute on social media where organisers said: "His quiet bravery and his remarkable life will not be forgotten."

"Harry belonged to a generation that gave everything so that we could live in freedom. His quiet bravery, and his remarkable life, will not be forgotten," they said.

"Our thoughts are with his wife Gwen, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all who knew and loved H."

The organisation went on to say how Francis celebrated his centenary last year surrounded by family and friends.