Vale - Frank Nowell

**Bushie** · 23rd August 2010, 04:43 PM

A good friend of mine passed away last night, a few days after his 90th birthday.

He had been a volunteer member with the RFS for nearly 30 years working as our storeman in the local district.

Frank had had a very full life starting with the British 1st Airborne, and being dropped as a pathfinder behind enemy lines during "operation Market garden" and ahead of the 'D-day' landings.

I recently asked him (on the 7th June) if he could remember what he was doing 66 years ago, in his usual understated manner, he said "fighting for my life 14 miles behind German lines".

Whilst it was hard to get him to open up about his war service every now and then little bits would come out. Like having teeth drilled and tiny maps rolled and hidden in the cavity, carrying cyanide tablets in case of capture.

After his retirement from an engineering firm he decided he needed something to fill his time, and so during 1981 joined the volunteer bush fire brigade, where he had remained ever since. Nothing was ever to much trouble and he used to like helping the old people, (as he put it) that were younger than him but less able.
He was tireless in raising money for Calvary Hospital at Kogarah, and loved a game of bowls at his club. Still driving until his admission to hospital 2 weeks ago, nothing ever got him down.

Frank your time to join Masie has arrived.

RIP

**digger** · 24th August 2010, 01:06 AM

Now thats what I consider to be a true legend,

Such service with 1st airborne (who if I remember, were expected to hold a bridge point for about 2-3 days max. before being overrun but held for 8-9 days until relieved!!) in itself makes him part of a legend. (I may have that wrong but I think it was the 1st airborne,they had a winged horse as an emblem I think)

But 30 years of service as a volly, in cfs, for the hospital and with "the oldies" long before it could be considered "trendy" or even commonplace- yep a legend!

Obviously I never met the man and I am sure I am the lesser for it. These people set standards to aim for. When you go, what is left of you other than your reputation?.. it is apparent from your post he left a good one behind.

Vale! we should all pause as another warrior, (from both war and fire) finally rests.

**Redback** · 24th August 2010, 06:39 AM

R.I.P Frank Nowell, you have done your bit!!

Baz.

**ezyrama** · 24th August 2010, 04:08 PM

I was talking to my mother-in-law this afternoon, she has worked at Calvary Hospital for the last 25 yrs, knew Frank well and was saddened to here of Franks passing. She said he was a quiet spoken, a true gentleman and a gentle man. He will be sadly missed.

R.I.P Frank

**Bushie** · 25th August 2010, 09:04 PM

I found out today that he had raised over $31000 for Calvary from selling aluminium cans !!!

Martyn

**digger** · 25th August 2010, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by Bushie

I found out today that he had raised over $31000 for Calvary from selling aluminium cans !!!

Martyn

imagine how much he would have raised in SA, ... 10c each! ... (and bottles, plastic bottles, cartons etc etc.) he must have collected an almighty amount.. more reason he is a big loss.. but a good innings!

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