Lance Corporal Frank Turian

Frank Turian was born on the 7 April 1912. Prior to enlistment he was a carpenter and joiner on Guernsey. Following the evacuation of Guernsey, Turian enlisted at Weymouth on the 25 June 1940 into the Somerset Light Infantry. He was based at Burnham on Sea in Somerset.

He was able to see his wife and family, who had gone to stay in Preston following the evacuation of Guernsey, while on leave in October 1940. In December 1942, he attended RAF Ringway, successfully completing his jump training to become a member of the newly formed 7th (LI) Parachute Battalion ( which had previously been 10th Bn Somerset Light Infantry) where he became a Pioneer Corporal.

Turian landed in Normandy as part of the seaborne tail. Shortly after arrival he was wounded and returned to Bulford. On the 5 April 1945 he was given a certificate, signed by Montgomery for his outstanding service in North West Europe.

Following his discharge in December 1945, he was repatriated to Guernsey.