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Frank Chester, a distinguished World War Two veteran who was honored with the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his courage during the conflict, has passed away at the age of 109. Born in April 1917 in Ludlow, Shropshire, Chester died recently at a nursing home in Malvern, Worcestershire, shortly after celebrating his birthday. His remarkable longevity and wartime service led the Royal British Legion to suggest he might have been the oldest surviving World War Two veteran.
Chester’s family believed he was the oldest man in Worcestershire and ranked as the third oldest man in the United Kingdom. Before his military service, he worked for HM Customs and Excise. During the war, he served in the Royal Navy where he showed relentless bravery, particularly as a First Lieutenant on a corvette escorting the perilous Arctic convoys to Russia. His daughter, Ruth Pole, remarked on his modesty and calm demeanor, recalling, “I never heard him lose his temper once, which is truly remarkable.” She also described his DSC citation as recognizing “continuous bravery in the face of ongoing danger, when he could easily have just cracked. But he just ploughed on and on and on and on.”
Despite suffering from seasickness early on, Chester persevered with “typical stoicism” during his naval duties. After the war, he settled in Walsall, where he built a life with his wife, Elizabeth Proud, whom he considered the greatest blessing in his life. Chester’s daughter highlighted how he only spoke more about his wartime experiences after retirement, forging bonds with fellow Navy veterans. His strong Christian faith was another defining aspect of his character, providing him with deep personal strength throughout his long life.
Chester’s early years included attending Ludlow Grammar School, growing up as the second eldest of five siblings. A family friend recalled a touching image from his childhood, when as a baby in a pram alongside his older brother, he waved a flag to celebrate the end of World War One. Chester retired from HM Customs and Excise in 1987 after a lengthy career. His daughter reflected fondly on her father’s influence, saying, “I feel very thankful and privileged that I had such a very lovely dad, who’s given me [a] huge amount of confidence and security. Yes, I do feel very proud of him.
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