SERGEANT Major Frank Stratford fought his way through Normandy to Nijmegen in 1944, convinced he would never see his new wife or England again.

"I was a troop sergeant at the time in the newly-formed 53rd Reconnaissance Regiment and it was our function to head towards the frontline in front of our infantry and tanks," said Frank, now 85, at his home in Hallwood Close, Rainham.

"Some of my pals in other troops were totally wiped out, people in front of us and behind us were being hit and killed and, frankly, I really believed that my turn must come.

"I have to say I was totally surprised and relieved to get through it all and return home after the war. I left the Army then, because it was being suggested that people were wanted for Japan which looked a bit dodgy and I hadn't seen much of my new wife, Olive."

An apprentice printer in London when war broke out, Frank was a Militia Boy, expecting to train like a Territorial when he was called up, but six weeks' training was transformed into six-and-a-half years regular service.

"I was proud to be in the Army and I cannot honestly remember being particularly scared or frightened I said a lot of prayers when I was in front but, to be honest, I was too concerned about doing my job properly."

Frank, who was in Normandy and Holland for the 60th anniversary celebrations, returned to printing, then took a job supervising publicity material for Temple Press. Subsequently he became a warehouse manager with his brother-in-law's firm, Braham Masters in Sittingbourne.