Britain's oldest WW2 veteran dies just days after 109th birthday

Britain's oldest WW2 veteran dies just days after 109th birthdayFrank Chester died on Sunday, April 19 at his nursing home just nine days after celebrating his birthday and was believed to be one of the oldest living men in his county before his deathNewsTannur Anders UK & World News Reporter01:50, 22 Apr 2026Updated 02:04, 22 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesFrank Chester died on Sunday, April 19(Image: Jam Press/Sanctuary Foundation)Britain's oldest World War Two veteran, and one of the country's oldest men, has passed away at 109-years-old.‌Frank Chester died on Sunday, April 19 at his nursing home in Malvern, Worcestershire, just nine days after celebrating his birthday. He was believed to be one of the oldest living men in his county before his death.‌Born in April 1917 in Ludlow, Shropshire, Mr Chester worked for HM Customs and Excise before being called up to serve his country.‌He served aboard a corvette escorting Arctic convoys to and from Russia during the war. This was considered a highly dangerous mission of the conflict.The brave war hero suffered from sea sickness throughout his naval service.View 2 ImagesFrank Chester‌Mr Chester initially hoped to be deployed to “a cruiser in a warmer climate”, but was eventually posted on what he called a “rusty, old ship that needed painting in Liverpool," the Sun reported.He was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross for “continuous bravery”.Mr Chester settled in Walsall after the war where he spent most of his life. He met Elizabeth Proud in 1949 and the two later married and shared more than 50 years together.Article continues belowHe returned to HMRC and remained in the role until his retirement in 1987.The great-grandad continued to serve others, working at his local food bank in Malvern and living independently at the age of 100.Mr Chester's hack to living a long life: putting on his trousers while seated as it ensured he would not fall over.