Tuesday 1st April 2008
Francis George Prince, who was always referred to as George, was born at Pound Street, Warminster, on 19 November 1918. He was one of five children and went to the Minster School and later Sambourne School.
He left school when he was 14 and held various jobs until he joined the Wiltshire Regiment Territorial Army in 1936. In August 1939 he was called up for active service, only days before the outbreak of the Second World War. He took part in the D-Day landing in Normandy, and was transferred to the Yorks and Lancs Regiment.
In August 1944 he was badly wounded and ended up in hospital until February 1945. He was discharged from the Army a month later.
He joined the REME Workshops in 1945, working as a labourer until 1949, then became a fitter, and then worked in the gearbox section until his retirement.
George had met Marjorie at the REME and they were married at the Parish Church of St. Denys, The Minster, Warminster, on 22 June 1957. They bought a cottage at West Street, later moving to Alcock Crest, and finally to a bungalow at the Maltings.
George was awarded the Imperial Service Medal in 1979. His leisure time was taken up with gardening, playing darts, and he often played golf at West Wilts Golf Club on Arn Hill, Warminster. He was an active member of the former Joint Social Social Club at Weymouth Street, the United Services Club at Imber Road, and the Warminster Branch of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship. He organised many day trips by coach for members of the Fellowship.
George Prince died at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, on 23 March 2008. He was 89. His funeral was held at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington, on 1 April 2008.
George was survived by his sister, Mrs. L.H. Ingram, and several nephews and neices including Mrs C.H. Black, Ms. N.J. Black, Ms. T.A. Black, Mr. D. Maine, and Mrs. B.A. Turner.