Frank Philip Mordecai (17 Jan 1924 - 30 Apr 2020)

In loving memory of Frank Philip Mordecai who sadly passed away on 30th April 2020 aged 96 years.

Frank will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

A Celebration of the life of Frank Philip Mordecai
Bramcote Reflection Chapel
Friday 15th of May 2020 at 11.15 am

Frank Philip Mordecai was born on the 17th of January 1924 in the town of Gosselies in Belgium. His father Stanley, known as Stan, was a British soldier who had stayed on after fighting in the First World War. He fell in love with, and married a local girl, Pauline. I believe the couple owned horses, but to get them from the field where they lived, to the street, they had to be led through the house.

In the late 1920’s the family moved to England and settled in Tottenham, North London. As a young man I believe that Frank was an active member of a local rowing club. Perhaps his affinity with water influenced his choice of service when he was called up.

In 1941, at the age of 17, Frank joined the Royal Navy. He served on HMS Glenearn as a ‘wireman’ or electrician. The ship was used for transporting infantry and Landing Assault Craft. It had a varied and distinguished war service. During the D-Day landings in Normandy the ship carried 1500 troops to Sword beach, the most easterly of the landing beaches.

After D-Day itself the ship continued carrying supplies to the troops for a further six weeks. After a brief, respite the ship and crew were redeployed to the pacific via New York and the Panama Canal. For what turned out to be largely political reasons, the Americans decided that the ship was not suitable to assist with landing troops in New Guinea and was instead deployed moving troops and supplies. Frank recalled this in an interview given six years ago to former crew mate George Downing. I will let Frank take over the story:

“After extensive training and the D-Day landings HMS Glenearn [was] sent to help in the South Pacific Campaign. Despite our background and experience, the 7th US fleet considered us unsatisfactory for assault landings and relegated us to troop carrying… We felt it was such a waste of time and effort for trained and battle hardened crews to have no purpose in the Pacific theatre, although we were pleased to be going home”.

Frank and his fellow crewmen sailed home on the HMS Empire Battleaxe. In a strange twist of fate, soon after Frank sailed home, the petrol tank opposite his mess deck on the Glenearn exploded and would undoubtedly have caused large loss of life had the ship been fully crewed and operational.

While on shore leave in 1943 Frank was at a dancehall back home in Tottenham, called the Tottenham Royal. Also there that night was a certain Joan Frost. Fate clearly brought them together, because Frank had arranged to meet a mate there who, at the last minute let him down. Frank set eyes on young Joan, asked her to dance and the rest, as they say, is history. Romance blossomed, the pair fell in love, and on the 17th of July 1948 they were married at Holy Trinity Church in Edmonton, just a few miles from Tottenham.

Joan was the love of Frank’s life. In later life they became avid golfers together, joining the Poult Wood Park Golf Club. The couple travelled extensively in the United States and undertook two road trips, one from East to West coast and, on another occasion from West to East. Each trip took about a month and I’m told they made some good friends along the way.

Joan and Frank were unable to have children of their own, but loved the company of their family and became particularly close to Peter, Franks nephew, treating him like their own son. Frank was an enthusiastic fisherman and enjoyed course, fly and sea fishing and Peter would often accompany him on trips.

After the war Frank went on to have a successful career in electrical and mechanical engineering. In his spare time, as well as golf he loved photography and outdoor bowls.

Above all, as Peter said, he was “a gregarious man who loved the company of others”. He had a deep love for his family and a great sense of humour. Peter said that he would “Willingly take the mickey out of himself”.

“He enjoyed a pint of bitter, and a glass of red wine, preferably served up with a generous portion of cheese.

In later life Frank worked for the Royal British Legion as a caseworker, assessing claims for financial help from veterans. It wasn’t easy, and he had to make some hard decisions.

On 22nd July2009 Frank was very proud to be invited to Buckingham Palace to attend a garden party to honour the ‘Not Forgotten’ Association, where he met and chatted with His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.

As a mark of his devotion to his beloved Joan, when it became necessary for her to be cared for in hospital, Frank would drive to see her every day. A journey of 40 minutes each way. Joan passed away at home in 2019, and as Peter put it “Thus ending a 76 year romance”

Frank had always lived in Kent, but even with a recently fitted stair lift his ability to get around the house was increasingly inhibited by his diabetes.

He was clearly finding life difficult, with his health issues and the fact that he never got over losing his beloved Joan. He telephoned Peter to tell him he was “sick of Kent and sick of this house”. Peter and his wife Pam had always been there for Frank and had seen him through many significant events in his life. It was therefore decided that Frank should move up to Nottingham to be near them.

Peter and Pam found him a flat at Carpenter Court, a complex for the over 60’s that was conveniently close to them and on the 20th of February this year Frank moved in. Sadly his health continued to deteriorate and after a fall it was necessary for Frank to have a six week stay in the Queens Medical Centre. From there he moved into the care of Wren Hall Nursing Home in Selston. Peter said he was happy there and well cared for. Peter and Pam were able to visit him there, socially distanced on the patio, but they could tell he was deteriorating.

It was in the peace and comfort of Wren Hall that Frank passed away on the 30th of April aged 96. Now reunited with his beloved Joan, may they rest in peace.

To enable you to spend a few moments bringing to mind other special memories of Frank we will listen to a piece specially chosen by Peter, the piece was a particular favorite of Frank and Joan:

Frank Philip Mordecai, thank you for all that you have been, a loving husband, uncle and friend. We are grateful for times shared with you and for your selfless service to your country.

We are sad to say farewell, but are comforted by the knowledge that you are now at peace. With respect, appreciation and above all with our love we commit your body to its end with nature.

Even though Frank has clearly had a long and eventful life, that cannot take away the pain of losing him, particularly under the shadow of the current situation.

You are right to mourn his death, but be thankful for his life and rejoice in the memories he has left behind. Remember him, speak of him often and do so with a smile.