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Royal Marine D-Day Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

Marine Francis ‘Jim’ Grant
18 December 2024
A Royal Marine veteran who fought during the Second World War has been surprised for his 100th birthday by the Royal Navy and a representative of the King.

Marine Francis ‘Jim’ Grant, born 20 December 1924, joined the Royal Marines in 1943, aged just 18.

Jim, from Stowmarket, served in the Royal Marines until 1946, seeing him patrol beaches and escort allies on D-Day in 1944 and also take part in the Battle of Walcheren later that year.

On D-Day itself, Jim manned one of two anti-aircraft guns fitted to his Landing Craft Flak, providing both anti-aircraft fire for allied shipping and direct fire for troops on Sword Beach, before moving onto Gold and Juno beaches.

To recognise his milestone birthday, the local community group that Jim attends every week at United Reformed Church in Stowmarket, organised a surprise party for him.

Alongside Jim’s family and friends, representatives from the Royal Navy and the Deputy Lieutenant for Suffolk, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Anthony Fairbanks Weston, came to mark the occasion.

I was honoured that representatives from the Royal Navy and others were there with cards, gifts and well wishes. I was hoping that somebody would remember my birthday!

Marine Francis ‘Jim’ Grant

Commodore Rob Bellfield CBE ADC DL, Naval Regional Commander for London and Eastern England, presented Jim with a congratulatory letter from the First Sea Lord and a card from the Commandant General Royal Marines along with a copy of his service records.

Jim was also presented with two large Royal Mail sacks full of cards from well-wishers around the world.

He said: “I was overwhelmed by all the attention but enjoyed it all the same. 

Commodore Bellfield said: “It was an honour to meet Jim on this auspicious occasion and thank him for his outstanding service with the Royal Marines on D-Day and beyond.”

Jim will celebrate his 100th birthday on 20th December this year.

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