Frank William Farmer was born on 30 June 1920 in Leytonstone to Frank Edmond Farmer and Ada Ellen Farmer. He had one sister, Joan Farmer, who was born in 1922.

Gunner F W Farmer 923596 enlisted with The Royal Artillery in May 1939. Later he volunteered for the airborne forces and passed RAF Ringway parachute jump training on Course 26. This course ran between 31 August and 8 September 1942. The course mainly consisted of recruits destined for the 6^th Parachute Battalion. Gunner Farmer was listed as a member of ‘Parachute Brigade Reinforcements’. Frank went on to join 4^th Parachute Battalion, 2^nd Independent Parachute Brigade as a member of their Signals Platoon.  Records suggest he was wounded 14 October 1944.

Frank joined The RA Reserves 21 June 1945. He was later awarded a TA Long Service medal, and his conduct was recorded as 'exemplary'. On his Release Leave Certificate issued 13 February 1946 in Palestine, he was described as "a first-class N.C.O. in all respects who thoroughly understands his job. Has served the Bn very well within and out of action. Has a very sound knowledge of wireless, telephone exchange work and electricity. Capable of holding a position of trust and of supervising work."

His service records record his occupation before enlistment as ‘printer’. Frank continued with this profession when he left the service.  He worked for a large printing company in New Street, London.  

After leaving the service, Frank lived in East Ham and married Alma Elsie Ottaway in 1948, sadly she died in 1954.   Frank went on to have a long term partner, Anne, who was Austrian and they had a long distance relationship, Frank lived on his own in Stratford, London.  They were together until his death on 26 May 2012, he was aged 91.

Information and imagery kindly donated by Helen Bunkle, processed by Ben Hill and Raphael Tsang.