Royal Marine veteran Francis "Jim" Grant, who aided D-Day landings and the Battle of the Scheldt, died at 101 on January 7, 2026.

Royal Marine veteran Francis "Jim" Grant, who helped escort Allied troops during the D-Day landings at Sword Beach in 1944, has died at 101. Serving from 1943 to 1946, he manned an anti-aircraft gun on a Landing Craft Flak and later fought in the Battle of the Scheldt, aiding the opening of the port of Antwerp. A recipient of France’s Legion d’honneur, Grant remained active in veteran communities, serving as president of the Stowmarket Royal Naval Association Branch. He celebrated his 101st birthday in December 2025 and attended major remembrance events. His branch announced his passing on January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.