An unusual celebration was held at Framlingham College on Saturday as a 99-year-old man who worked in the kitchens as a 14-year-old in 1940 was honoured by the college.

Doug Cracknell, of Cransford, worked as a kitchen porter after leaving school, only departing after the town was bombed by a rogue Luftwaffe aircraft in late 1940.

“It was a Sunday afternoon and we ran for the shelter with knives and forks flying everywhere. I think he got lost,” said Mr Cracknell.

The college evacuated to Repton, in Derbyshire, and he was left out of a job so went to work at the nearest USAF base – which was then still under construction.

Called-up in 1944, aged 18, he entered France across the embattled Normandy beaches as an infantry soldier two weeks after D-Day and ended the Second World War in Hamburg.

After de-mob in 1948 still in Germany, he returned to Suffolk, married a local girl and raised a daughter, Jenny. He worked as a lorry driver and transport manager until he retired in his 70s and now has adult great-grand children.

Anticipating his upcoming centenary, he was presented with a tie honouring him as an Old Framlinghamian – normally only available for those who attended the school as a student - by Peter Howard-Dobson, past-president of the OFs.

Doug Cracknell points to a picture of the College dining room in which he worked aged 14 – in 1940.Doug Cracknell points to a picture of the College dining room in which he worked aged 14 – in 1940. (Image: Steve McDowell/Kate Jackson)

It was the first time he had set foot on the grounds since 1941. Remembering his time working at the school vividly, Mr Cracknell said: “Different times then. It’s changed a bit I must say but we had a lot of fun and it’s brought back so many good memories. What a wonderful day and thanks very much to the College.”

He added: “It’s a shame there’s no-one left alive I can chat to about it! Hopefully I can celebrate my 100th birthday in the dining room I used to work for.”

Mr Howard-Dobson said: “What a pleasure to meet Doug and a truly extraordinary man. We hope to see more of him and hear his stories.”

Doug is presented with his OF tie by Peter Howard-Dobson (l) in the Framlingham College dining room in 2024.Doug is presented with his OF tie by Peter Howard-Dobson (l) in the Framlingham College dining room in 2024. (Image: Steve McDowell/Kate Jackson)

Martin Myers-Allen, director of outdoor education & development projects manager of Framlingham College, said: “I’ve been a teacher, housemaster and head teacher here for more than 30 years and never experienced a man quite like Douglas. An inspiration to us all.”