History tells of this local man born in Upton upon Severn that went to the local Grammar in Upton upon Severn and then went on to help save the lives of so many Soldiers in WW2.

Tennant’s task was to organise the men and get them onto the ships waiting to take them. Tennant stayed right up until the last ships left on 2 June, patrolling the beaches of Dunkirk with a megaphone searching for British troops.

“Dunkirk Joe”

Tennant was promoted to vice-admiral on 27 July 1945, and upgraded to Knight Commander in December 1945 for his war service. Later in 1950, he was named Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, serving until his death at the Worcester Royal Infirmary in 1963.

You can find a full exhibition of Admiral William Tennant and his career on the first Floor of the Museum at Upton upon Severn.