Major Francis Boyle QGM

Frank Boyle served in the Territorial Army (TA) with 15 PARA (SV) and 4 PARA (V).

In 1974, he took part in Exercise Bold Guard, a large-scale NATO exercise involving UK, German and Danish Forces. A parachute mis-drop south of the Kiel Canal resulted in much heavy-drop equipment and soldiers parachuting into the canal, which was still open when the drop occurred. Six parachutists were killed including one soldier from A Company 4 PARA (V) in Liverpool, four soldiers from 15 PARA (V) and an officer cadet from Heriot Watt University Officer Training Corps (OTC).

Pte Boyle was one of those who dropped into the Canal. He received a Queen’s Gallantry Medal for saving the lives of two paratroopers, Pte Heaton of HQ Company 4 PARA (V) and Pte Spence of 15 PARA (SV), who he rescued from drowning in the Canal. 

In May 1998, Frank Boyle was granted a commission in the TA and appointed as a Lieutenant with 4 PARA (V), having served for several years as a Warrant Officer (Class 2). The following year he was promoted to Captain (Quartermaster).

He deployed to Iraq in 2005 for Operation Telic with 4 PARA's Cassino Company and the following year was promoted to Major (Quartermaster).

Frank Boyle retired from the TA in 2009, with over 35 years accumulated service.