So very sad to hear this news. Frank was a fine man and a fine soldier. He was training platoon sergeant at Winchester in 1974 and my platoon sergeant in 'R' Coy Belfast '74 and Berlin '76-77.

I'll never forget his laser wit, very dry, very laconic, and as someone else has already said he was a natural soldier.

The kind of things he used to say are as clear to me right now as when he first said them. Here's a brief example, in the back of a 4 tonner trundling down a track in the Grunewald forest on exercise in West Berlin: (I can't convey his wonderful Liverpudlian accent, but you'll get the gist):

'I tell you what lads, what I want you to do when the 4 tonner stops in a minute, is to bang the tailgate down as loud as you can and everyone just pile out, leave your rifles on the back of the truck and wander around with your thumbs up your bums, smoking and talking so that the exercise is a complete waste of time!', priceless humour... what a man.

I recall that he bought my John Lennon wig from me, not sure why (!) when we were in Berlin. I always wanted to ask him what he wanted it for. I guess I'll never know.

Anyway, I've never forgotten him in the intervening years. Frank was one of the most colourful and inspirational characters from those 3RGJ days. He was hugely respected by all ranks. 

He will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences to Judith and his family.

RIP Frank. I'm very proud to have known you.

Gerry