'CROSSING THE BAR'

The sad passing of HMS Campbeltown's last surviving crew-member

I received the very sad news this weekend that Frank Edgar Pritchard had passed away, in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, on January 29th.

Frank, at the time of the raid had been a Leading Stoker, and a mere 22 years old. He survived the assault on the ship, and returned to the UK on board Motor Gunboat 314.

Frank was a primary source for me when writing my first book on the raid. It is fair to say that without his contribution to the text the story of those who struggled, first to keep the old ship's engines running, and then to assist in her scuttling, might have been lost to history. I last met him in Falmouth at the time of the rededication of the Chariot memorial. He is shown below, with his wife Irene, outside the Falmouth Town Hall. (Image copyright Scott VanOsdol)

Details of the funeral are given below. All are welcome.

St James Church, St James Road, Torpoint Cornwall. PL11 2BH  at 14:00Hrs

Then to Glynn Valley Crematorium, Turfdown Road, Bodmin. PL30 4AU at 15:30hrs

Comrades & United Services Club Torpoint Cornwall,  PL11 2LH for
refreshments, all Welcome 17:00 hrs.