14 Facts About Frank Gillard

Francis George Gillard was a BBC executive, reporter and radio innovator.

Frank Gillard was born in Tiverton in Devon and attended Wellington School, Somerset.

Frank Gillard gained a bachelor's degree from St Luke's College, Exeter.

Frank Gillard became a war correspondent attached to Southern Command and witnessed the Dieppe Raid.

Frank Gillard then reported on the Sicilian and Italian campaigns before returning to the UK ready for the D-day landings.

Frank Gillard made memorable reports, often under fire, throughout this period, including eyewitness accounts of the Battle for Caen.

When Howard Marshall, the Director of the War Reporting Unit, was recalled Frank Gillard took his place.

Frank Gillard followed the campaign to the end reporting on the meeting of US and Soviet troops in 1945.

From 1945 to 1963 Frank Gillard worked in the BBC's western region, becoming its director in 1955.

Frank Gillard saw the need to fill the gap left by the demise of pirate radio for 'pop' music.

Frank Gillard discontinued Children's Hour and shut the BBC's Features Department.

Frank Gillard remained active throughout his retirement helping both Australian and American public service broadcasters.

Frank Gillard was one of several people whose input led to the creation of Masterpiece Theatre.

Frank Gillard initiated a living history project to capture a record of the earliest days of the BBC.