Frank Chester was born on April 10, 1917, in Ludlow, Shropshire, where he attended Ludlow Grammar School. He was the second eldest of five siblings, and as a toddler, he sat in a pram with his older brother and waved a celebratory flag at the end of World War One.
During World War II, Chester served as a First Lieutenant aboard HMS Honeysuckle, where he was honored for his heroism on the Arctic Convoys. His ship was attacked by German planes while escorting two submarines off the Norwegian coast. He had imagined spending his days on a cruiser in a warmer climate but ended up on a rusty, old ship that needed painting in Liverpool. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, with his daughter Ruth Pole noting to Daily Express - Main that the citation highlighted continuous bravery in the face of ongoing danger.
I never heard him lose his temper once, which is truly remarkable.
Before being called up to serve, Chester worked in HM Customs and Excise. After VE Day, he moved to Walsall, West Midlands, where he met his wife-to-be Elizabeth (Lily) Proud. According to Daily Express - Main, Frank Chester described their swift commitment as deciding six weeks later to spend the rest of their lives together, with Lily being the best thing that happened to him. Their partnership lasted more than half a century. Chester retired from HMRC in 1987.
In his later years, Chester remained active in his community. On his 100th birthday, he worked a three-hour shift at his local food bank in Malvern, though the specific role he performed there is not detailed. He also received a card from the Queen on that milestone birthday.
The DSC citation basically said it was 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.
Family members remembered Chester for his kind heart and modesty. According to Daily Express - Main, his daughter described him as someone who never lost his temper, calling it truly remarkable. Ruth Pole also emphasized his humble nature, stating he was very modest. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, and information about his siblings' names and current status is unavailable.
Chester was recognized as the third oldest man in the UK before his death and was hailed by the Royal British Legion as one of the oldest surviving World War II veterans. His life spanned from the aftermath of World War One through the Second World War and into the 21st century, marked by service, dedication, and a lasting legacy in his community.
When we saw the German aircraft, we knew it was coming for us. I knew they were going to bomb us. I could hear a knocking sound but quickly realised it was my knees knocking together.
Six weeks later we decided we were going to spend the rest of our lives together – Lily was the best thing that happened to me.