Lt Cdr George A (‘Frankie’) FRANKLIN Royal Navy

Died from cancer aged 88. Among first to qualify as CDO after RN CD Branch formed in Feb 1952. Helped dress and tend Lionel ‘Buster’ Crabb for his ill-fated dive under the Soviet cruiser Ordzhonikidze during her visit to Portsmouth in Apr 1956. Served as ‘I Diving’ in HMS Vernon and ran Med Fleet CD Team at Malta during late 1950s. A founder member of MCD Officers’ Association (www.mcdoa.org.uk – see ‘Latest News’ page for other members’ tributes and memories).