Family and comrades have paid tribute to Tony La Frenais, a former member of the Special Air Service who served in the Falklands War and died peacefully at home in Wellington, near Hereford, aged 81.
Service and recognition
A statement from the Dublin Central Branch of the Royal British Legion outlined Mr La Frenais’s military background, saying he began his career in the Parachute Regiment before joining G Squadron, 22 SAS. G Squadron is one of the regiment’s operational sabre squadrons and has been based at Stirling Lines in Credenhill.
The tribute noted Mr La Frenais was recognised during his service for exemplary conduct and bravery and that he "earned the respect of those who served alongside him."
"Tony dedicated his life to serving his country," the tribute said, adding: "He earned the respect of those who served alongside him."
Family and funeral arrangements
A death notice in the Hereford Times described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather:
"Loving Husband of Bridget and a loving Father of Chris, Anne and Phil, also a cherished Grandad. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends."
Funeral arrangements have been confirmed as follows:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | Hereford Crematorium |
| Date & time | Tuesday, 28 July at 11.15am |
| Flowers | Family flowers only |
| Donations | Macmillan Renton Unit, Hereford County Hospital |
Local connections
Although Mr La Frenais’s home and funeral are in Herefordshire, his service with G Squadron, 22 SAS places him among the many service personnel who have worked at Stirling Lines, the long‑standing special forces base at Credenhill. G Squadron, formed in the 1960s from the Guards Parachute Company, has been involved in major operations from the Falklands to Afghanistan.
- Age at death: 81
- Military units: Parachute Regiment; G Squadron, 22 SAS
- Funeral: Hereford Crematorium, 28 July, 11.15am
Local veterans’ groups and the Royal British Legion continue to play a role in commemorating former service personnel. The family have suggested donations to the Macmillan unit at Hereford County Hospital in lieu of flowers — a gesture that underlines the couple of years Mr La Frenais spent in care for cancer, according to the notice.
Tributes for former servicemen and women often prompt reflections on the role played by bases such as Stirling Lines in the wider community: as employers, neighbours and the hub of activities for many former personnel who settle in the region after leaving the armed forces.
Those wishing to attend the crematorium service or to send donations should use the details supplied in the Hereford Times death notice and contact the funeral directors for any further practical arrangements.
