A much-loved great-grandfather celebrated a major milestone this week surrounded by his nearest and dearest. Frank Russell turned 100 on Monday and was spoilt with cake, presents and a card from the King and Queen consort. The centenarian, described by his daughter Jennie as a “very happy man”, and his twin brother Ted were born in Victoria Terrace, Littlehampton.
Frank with his birthday card from the King (Image: Simon Dack) He lives with his wife of 67 years, Jean, at their home in Rustington. Frank, who was one of five children, trained to be a plumber when he left school at the age of 14 and served in the Littlehampton Auxiliary Fire Service at the start of the Second World War as he was too young to join the Armed Forces. He then served in the Home Guard before serving in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers towards the end of the war.
Frank and Ted (Image: Simon Dack) His plumbing skills meant he was demobbed from the service to help repair and rebuild the country following the conflict. When he was working in South Terrace, Littlehampton, Frank fell from the roof and broke all the bones in his hand and pelvis and hit his head. He had to stay in hospital for six months.
It was after this incident that Frank met Jean, now 93, in the town. Frank blowing out the candles on his birthday cake (Image: Simon Dack) A friend of Jean's mother lodged at Frank’s great aunt’s house and Frank first set eyes on Jean as he walked past the house when she came out one da.