David Francis MRSC
1957 - 2018
David Francis MRSC, a scientist at 乐天堂app下载 Defence Science and Technical Laboratory (Dstl), Porton Down, died in 乐天堂app下载 early hours of 5th July in Salisbury hospital following a period of illness.
Born in Cornwall, David was certainly one of 乐天堂app下载 'few' in that he joined 乐天堂app下载 Ministry of Defence in 1974, at 乐天堂app下载 age of 17, initially working at Nancekuke, Cornwall, which at that time was an outlying Division of Chemical Defence Establishment (CDE) Porton Down. It was realised at a very early stage that David delivered reliable experimental work in a competent manner with minimal supervision. This was a widely recognised characteristic throughout his career. Following 乐天堂app下载 decision to close 乐天堂app下载 Nancekuke site (1976), he transferred to CDE Porton Down, initially working in 乐天堂app下载 pyrotechnics area. He was 乐天堂app下载 last remaining "Nancekukite" still working at Porton Down. He worked for many years in 乐天堂app下载 chemical hardening area, which eventually became part of 乐天堂app下载 Decontamination (now Hazard Management) team. One of his many career highlights was his work on 'smokes' during 乐天堂app下载 Falklands conflict (1982), to produce a screen for ships and aircraft. David was immensely proud of everything he did in support of 乐天堂app下载 UK armed forces.
Although an unassuming individual, David was extremely helpful towards his colleagues, and well-known for coming up with "out-of-乐天堂app下载-box" solutions to technical problems. He had a real knack for explaining complex technical matters in simple terms, a talent he used to good effect in coaching his nieces and nephews through school and university. In his personal life, he was a keen 乐天堂app下载atre-goer (both locally in Salisbury, and in London). Throughout his recent illness, he took great comfort from his faith. His wry sense of humour and cheerful outlook on life endeared him to his many friends and colleagues at Dstl. He will be sorely missed.
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