A 93-YEAR-OLD veteran from Rochford has been awarded a Masters degree in military history after undertaking at two-year course at university.

Major Frank Clark, of Ashingdon Heights, served in the Army for 37 years, including during the Second World War, and has since dedicated his life to learning and writing about the military.

He said: “I have been doing it all my life. I spent 37 years as a soldier and I’ve been writing about it ever since.

“I started as a grenadier and eventually was commissioned into intelligence where I finished up my military service.

“So, when I was offered a university place at Buckingham it seemed the logical thing to do.”

Major Clark, who served in the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards Armoured Division in the Second World War, worked on the Masters degree for two years before submitting a dissertation.

He added: “You had to focus on one specific area in detail and, of course, I chose Operation Market Garden because obviously that is my area of expertise.”

Major Clark, who lives with wife Jean, took part in the ground assault section of the infamous Battle of Arnhem in 1944, which was immortalised in the Hollywood film a Bridge Too Far.

The joint air and land offensive saw thousands of Allied soldiers pour into Holland in an attempt to bring a swift end to the war.

Major Clark said: “Of course, I learnt a lot of new things because at university you go into so much depth and detail.

“It really was fascinating and a good confirmation of all my achievements throughout my life. It also proved I’ve kept my marbles despite my age.”

Major Clark was invited to the graduation ceremony which took place in the heart of Buckingham.

He added: “It was quite impressive because we had a huge procession through the streets of Buckingham and then into a small church where the inauguration took place.

“I took my wife, my daughter and my son-in-law so it was a really nice family occasion.”

As well as obtaining his Masters degree, Major Clark has also been awarded the Legion D’Honneur, one of the highest honours from the French Government in recognition of his role during the Second World War.

The Major, who has met Prince Philip on several occasions as part of his service, still gets asked to write pieces for military magazines and books.

He said: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic year and I’m very proud of everything I have achieved.

“The Masters certificate is framed and displayed on my wall along with all my other paraphernalia.

“I certainly wouldn’t rule out doing another qualification, well as long as I keep my wits about me.

“It’s important to stay sharp at my age so I will continue to learn and write about history.

I’m a professional soldier after all.”