Repatriation Report Cfn Found & Pte Bellingham

REPATRIATION REPORT

Thursday 23rd June, 2011

From operations in Afghanistan, the repatriation of:

Craftsman Andrew Found (27), Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Cfn Found, serving with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, died in an IED explosion while on operations near Adinzai’I in the Gereshkh Valley area of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand Province, om 16^th June, 2011.

Private Gareth Leslie William Bellingham (22), 3^rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Staffords)

Pte Bellingham died from small arms fire while on patrol near Khar Nikarin,in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand Province, on 18^th June, 2011.

Service veterans and members of the public turned out in the following “stations of vigil” to pay their respects to the fallen as the cortege made its way on the 47 mile route from the point of arrival at RAF Lyneham to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford. .

Royal Wootton Bassett - Town Centre (1720)

This report from Duncan Wostenholm, RMA

There were over 2,000 people lining the High Street of Wootton Bassett to pay tribute to the two soldiers coming home. Joining the families and friends were Mr James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire, Group Captain John Gladstone MBE DFC ADC RAF, CO of RAF Lyneham, Assistant Chief Constable Mike Veale of the Wiltshire Constabulary, the Chairman of Wiltshire County Council and Corporal Johnson Beharry VC, Princess of Wales Royal Regiment.

Several contingents of uniformed personnel, representing REME, the Mercian Regiment and Scottish Regiments supplemented many veterans in berets, and 58 members of the Royal British Legion Motorcycle Branch. My apologies for any that I have missed.

Royal British Legion Standards included Dursley & Cam, Tamworth, Tewkesbury, Lambourn, Merthyr Tydfil, Chichester and The Witterings.

There were 11 Association Standards for REME, including Bournemouth, Bristol, Coventry, Doncaster, Kettering, Luton & Dunstable, North Devon, Scotland, Shropshire and Swansea. Also there were the Standards of The Mercian Regiment; The Staffordshire Regiment (Wolverhampton, Ensford, Tamworth, Rugely and Lichfield), The Parachute Regiment (Swindon, North Staffordshire and 101^st Airborne); The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Windsor); The RN Association (Swindon and Tewkesbury); The Malaya and Borneo Veterans; Beachley Old Boys Association; The Royal Regiment of Wales (Newport); RAFA Dunstable and the Normandy Veterans, Stoke on Trent.

Gable Cross Police Station - On the A420 just east of the junction with the A419 (1745)

This report from Stan Holland

There were three Association Standards paraded on the main road outside the Police HQ: Royal Marines (Reading), Royal Engineers (Reading) and the RAF Lyneham Old Boys. We have since heard from Tony Davie, the Standard Bearer of RMA Reading, that when ITV attended at Gable Cross, their party included Corporal Johnson Beharry VC, who personally greeted everybody on parade. There are very few people in the world today who have the privilege of shaking the hand of a holder of the Victoria Cross. A rare moment. There were six veterans present, along with two Firefighters,10 police officers and 30 members of the public.

At the Road Bridge - B4000 over the A420 between Shrivenham and High worth (1800)

Report by Derrick Jeans, RAFA

On the bridge of the B4000 over the A420, District Councillor Elaine Ware and nine members of the public stood to pay their respects as the cortege passed very slowly by. They were joined on the other side of the road by three drivers who got out of their cars and stood by their vehicles. Oncoming traffic also drew to a halt.

United Kingdom Defence Academy - at the Watchfield Roundabout on the A420, adjacent to the UKDA.

(1805)

Report by Patrick Hopper, RMA

10 Royal Marines veterans assembled, along with veterans Bert (former Royal Berkshires) and Gerry (former RE, Korean War), with several of the wives to pay their respects to the fallen. The Standards of RMA Poole & District and Guildford Branches were paraded. Other veterans included Air Commodore Marcus Witherow (RAF Regt. Retd), his wife Mary and Major Peter Hasting RM (Retd) and his wife Diana.

Uniformed personnel from the Defence Academy included Lieutenant Colonels Heardman, Chris Platt and Paul Johnson, Majors Steve Bharat, Lisa Gill and Ben Creed, RSM Bryce and Staff Sergeant Wilde, all of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Captain Phil Burrill, Royal Navy, (Academy Chief of Staff), Major Olly Briant and RSM Mark Collacott of The Mercian Regiment, and WO1 Brett Taylor, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. These were joined by about 15 Academy civilian staff, families and members of the public.

The salute to the cortege was ordered by WO1 Mark Hennington, The Mercian Regiment, the Academy RSM.

Many thanks to the two MOD Police officers who directed traffic.

Folly Hill Lay-by - east of Faringdon on the A420, just north of the A417 junction

This report by Joy Blake

Their was a large turnout of people for the repatriation at Folly Hill today, when we paid our respects to the two soldiers returned home. The cortege passed us by at 6.15pm and there were 86 people present, plus five children. These included townspeople from Faringdon and surrounding villages, as well as many veterans with berets and medals, and members of the Royal British Legion.

Also attending were relatives of a local family who were on holiday from New Zealand, who were impressed by the cortege and what we did at Faringdon and district towards the repatriation of fallen soldiers of our Armed Forces.

Also in attendance were the Faringdon Town Mayor and his Escort, Mike and Ingrid Wise; the Chairman of the Vale of the White Horse District Council, Alison Thompson; and members of the community police. I was good to welcome back Bill Collins from Beedon (Newbury), with his standard.

Standards paraded were the Union flag, Royal British Legion Frangdon, Beedon, Highworth, Shrivenham, Wantage, Oxfordshire Womens Branches, RAFA Brize Norton and Carterton and the Royal Naval Veterans from Wantage.

John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford - near Anthony Padua Parish Church, Headley Way.

This report from John Walker, RDG

We here at the Final Turn stood true and firm to honour the two fallen soldiers.

There were 12 Royal British Legion Standards: Bicester, Bicester & Launton, Bloxham, Bodicote, Chalgrove, Hazelmere, Henley, Islip, Kidlington, Kidlington Womens Section, Marston and Wheatley.

The 10 Association Standards included: The Coldstream Guards, Canal Zoners (Oxon), The Guards Division (Newbury), The Parachute Regiment (Oxon), RAF Police, The Royal Navy & Royal Marines (Oxon), Royal Marines (Bicester and Windsor), The Royal Tank Regiment (Oxon), St George Society and The Banners of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and The Royal Dragoon Guards.

We were honoured today by the presence of Corporal Johnson Beharry VC, PWRR, who paraded along with us to honour the two soldiers.

There were 65 veterans with berets and medals, and about 60 others from all three services. At least 200 members of the public joined us at the Final Turn and the ring road into Marston that leads up the hill to us was, as always, well attended. The Thames Valley Police were out in force, doing their normal duties, as well as parading with us, under the command of Special Inspector Philip Quickenden. Mary and John from the church were there, John having half-masted the Union flag earlier in the day. St John’s Ambulance were again in attendance, as were the two RBL Bikers, Martyn and Tony. The vets’ wives once again looked after us with tea/coffee and home made cakes, etc. The Union and Ulster flags were also there. The parade marshal was G. Whelan (former Para) and his 2i/c was J. Lewendon (former RA). The cortege passed us by at 1900hrs.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Footnote: A group, under the command of WO1 (RSM) John Rochester RSDG and now the SQMS of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, came to give us support to the above soldiers, but in particular for Crafstman Found, REME, who was attached to their regiment at the time of his death, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards: Sgt Jim McElland (Pensioner, RHC), Lt Col Mike Oliver, his son Captain Nick Oliver, Captain James Leslie, WO1 (RSM) Paul Savage (Banner Bearer), Staff Sergeants Smith and Hugh Hinde, all these being former members of The Scots Greys, The Caribiniers or The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Report compiled by PH (The Duty Scribe)

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Repatriation of Cfn Andrew Found

There was a really good turn out at Wootton Bassett yesterday. Best part of two hundred REME soldiers in uniform and a large number of REME veterans in berets and ties. I also noted that a number of the RBL 'bikers' were sporting REME badges on their leathers. There seemed to be more standards than I had seen previously, so I took place a little further down at the end of the standards by the Crossed Keys . I was disappointed not to be joined by any AOBA members, but may well have missed them among the many hundreds that were on both sides of the high street.














.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Repatriation of Cfn A Found REME & Pte G Bellingham

Comment

Any changes to timings will be posted on the website up to 10:00 hours 23.06.2011

www.rmarepatnetwork.org

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( Gentlemen, I intend to be in the town on the south side, to the right of where the standard bearers parade. I may be with a motley crew of Gunners and ' Royals'. The rallying point, a REME sidecap.)

The Repatriation of

Private Gareth Bellingham, (3^rd Battalion) The Mercian Regiment

And

Craftsman Andrew Found, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

will take place on –

Thursday, 23rd June, 2011.

Flypast over Wootton Bassett 14:00 hours - Timings provided by RAF Lyneham

RAF Lyneham (Family Service Starts) 15:00 hour - Timings provided by RAF Lyneham

Expected to leave RAF Lyneham 16:30 hours +/- 30 minutes - Estimated time of departure

Expected to leave Wootton Bassett 17:10 hours +/- 30 minutes - Estimated time of departure

- (Approximately 13 miles to GX Police Station)

Gable Cross Police Stn 17:30 hours +/- 30 minutes - Thames Valley Police estimated time to take over responsibility of Cortege

- (Approximately 3..5 miles to bridge carrying B4000)

Bridge over A420 (Carrying B4000) 17:35 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 1..5 miles to Defence Academy)

Defence Academy UK (A420) 17:40 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 4..5 miles to Folly Hill Lay-by)

Folly Hill Lay-by (A420) 17:45 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 45 minutes travelling time to JRH)

St Anthony of Padua Parish Church 18:25 hours +/- 30 minutes (Situated at entrance to JRH)

John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford) 18:30 hours +/- 30 minutes - Thames Valley Police estimated time of arrival at JRH

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Blondie

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Repatriation of Cpl Pike 4th Batt RRS,L/Cpl Gill 42 RM & Rflm Lamb 1st Batt Rifles

REPATRIATION REPORT

Thursday 9^th June, 2011

From operations in Afghanistan, the repatriation of:

Corporal John Michael Pike (26), The Highlanders, 4^th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland

Cpl Pike was fatally wounded by gunfire while on patrol in the Pupalzay area of Lashkar Gah District, Helmand Province, on 3^rd June, 2011.

Lance Corporal Martin Joseph Gill (22), 42 Commando, Royal Marines

LCpl Gill died of gunshot wounds received during an engagement with the enemy while on patrol in the Adensee area of Nahr-e Saraj (South), Helmand Province, on 5^th June, 2011.

Rifleman Martin Jon Lamb (27), 1^st Battalion, The Rifles

Rfn Lamb died in an IED explosion while on patrol in the Haji Kareen area of Nahr-e Saraj (South), Helmand Province, on 5^th June, 2011.

Service veterans and members of the public turned out in the following “stations of vigil” to pay their respects to the fallen as the cortege made its way on the 47 mile route from the point of arrival at RAF Lyneham to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford. .

Royal Wootton Bassett - Town Centre (1715)

This report from Duncan Wostenholm, Royal Marines Association (RMA)

The High Street was so crowded today that it was difficult to move about and see who was there. I did see Councillor Paul Heaphy, the Mayor of Wootton Bassett, as well as last year’s Mayor and Warminster’s ex-Mayor.

There were uniformed contingents from The Royal Marines, The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Rifles. Along with the many veterans were eight RMA veterans in berets, plus 37 motorcycles and 58 members of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch.

33 Standards were paraded: Royal Marines Association (Bath and Bristol), The Canal Zone Association, The Devon & Dorset Regiment, two Dorset Regiment Association branches, 43^rd Wessex Division Association, The Guards Association (Wiltshire), The Parachute Regiment (Swindon and Andover), 101^st Airborne Division, Aden Veterans, The RAF Association (Corsham and Chepstow), two Standards of The Rifles Association, The Royal Observer Corps (12 Group), The Royal Artillery (Newport), The Royal Regiment of Wales (Newport), The Korean War Veterans, The Royal Berkshire Regiment, The Gloucestershire Regiment and The Cwmbran Ex-Servicemens Association

The Royal British Legion Standards included Abertillery, Merthyr Tydfil, Dursley & Cam, Swindon, Potterne, Purton, Great Torrington, Lydney & District.

Gable Cross Police Station - On the A420 just east of the junction with the A419 (1730)

This report from Nick Stevens

Four Association Standards were paraded: Royal Marines (Reading), Royal Engineers (Swindon), Royal Signals (Swindon) and the RAF Lyneham Old Boys. There were about 30 veterans and members of the public by the roadside, to pay their respects to the cortege, along with 12 police officers from the adjacent HQ.

At the Road Bridge - B4000 over the A420 between Shrivenham and High worth (1745)

Report by Derrick Jeans, RAF Association

Where the B4000 crosses over the A420, District Councillor Elaine Ware and 14 members of the public gathered to pay their respects to the cortege as it passed by.

United Kingdom Defence Academy - at the Watchfield Roundabout on the A420, adjacent to the UKDA.

(1750)

Report by Jim Hawkins, RMA

In attendance by the roadside were 10 Royal Marines veterans and the Standards of RMA Poole and Guildford. We were joined by Air Commodore Marcus Witherow RAF Regt. (Retd) and his wife Mary, Major Peter Hasting RM (Retd) and his wife Diana, Captain John Capito RMR (Retd) and two army veterans of the Royal Berkshire Regt. and the Korean War. Also attending were about 20 academy civilian staff, relatives and members of the public.

Uniformed officers from the Defence Academy included Colonel Garth Manger, Majors Nick Copsey, Ed Waldmeyer, Al Carns, Sid Purser, Doug Pennefather, Graham Watson, Andy Titericky, Ros Kearney, Dean Watkins, Will Norcott, Andy Pritchard, Nick George, Innes Catton, and Baz Lewis - all of The Royal Marines; Majors Eoin Carson, William Wells and John Richards of The Rifles; Captain Phil Burrill, Royal Navy, Major Francis Nodder, RLC, Major Claire Heighington, RMP, Wing Commander Steve Hayler and Flight Lieutenant Dave Falkner RAF.

The salute to the cortege was led by Colonel Garth Manger RM and ordered by WO1 Mark Hannington, Mercian Regt., the Academy RSM.

Many thanks to Sgt Eddy McCabe and PC Greening of the MOD Police for their traffic control.

Folly Hill Lay-by - east of Faringdon on the A420, just north of the A417 junction (1755)

This report by Joy Blake

Today we had about 76 people attending the Folly Hill lay-by and included with the regulars were many veterans, Royal British Legion members and new faces and passers-by. The cortege solemnly slowed right down when it passed us at 6.10pm. We were grateful to the Thames Valley Police for the respect shown to us in the slow procession and the stopping of oncoming traffic.

Of the passers-by there were three soldier cyclists, who were supposed to be meeting their Sergeant Major at the lay-by, but they appeared to have lost their way! There were other new faces from the town of Faringdon and surrounding villages.

Many veterans were there, wearing their berets and medals. In attendance also was the Chairman of the Vale of The White Horse District Council, Alison Thompson), Faringdon Town Mayor, Mike Wise, councillors from Faringdon, as well as Wendy Stimpson from the Wantage Neighbourhood Action Group.

Standards paraded were: the Union flag, Royal British Legion - Faringdon, Bampton, Shrivenham, Wantage, RAFA Brize Norton and Carterton and the Royal Navy Veterans from Wantage.

John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford - near Anthony Padua Parish Church, Headley Way. (1855)

This report from John Walker, former RDG

We here at The Final Turn stood true and firm to honour these three soldiers.

There were nine Royal British Legion Standards: Bloxham, Chalgrove, Headlington, Islip, Kidlington, Kidlington Womens Branch, Marston and Wheatley.

Association Standards included: The Coldstream Guards, Canal Zone (Oxon), RAF Police, RAF PTI Association (Windsor), The Royal Marines and Royal Navy (Oxon), The Royal Marines (Bicester), The St George Society and The Banner Of The Royal Dragoon Guards.

There were 55 veterans in berets and medals and 38 others from all three services. The St John’s Ambulance was represented by John Johns and Mary represented the church and who had been out early to half mast the Union flag, as John is on holiday. Thames Valley Police were out in force, doing their normal duties, as well as parading with us, under the command of Chief Inspector C. Agger. The two RBL Bikers were with us again (Tony and Martin)!

Once again there was a huge turnout by the Oxford public. Here at the Final Turn we had over 240 people, with many more coming off the ring road into Marston, leading up the hill to us. Many had huge Union flags and again it was nice to notice the presence of the Ulster flag.

I would like to mention my usual helper Ian (former Ox & Bucks LI) who has not been feeling too well of late. We wish him well. His duties are now being carried out by Mike Townsend, RBL Carterton. Thank you Mike. The parade marshal was G. Whelan (former Para). His 2i/c was J. Lewendon (former RA). The weather was overcast but dry, and 16⁰C. The cortege passed us by at 1855hrs.

Their Courage and Sacrifice Will Not Be Forgotten

As an afternote, on Tuesday 7^th June a group of us, which included four Royal British Legion Standards attended the funeral of our oldest veteran who attended, Leonard Rudman, who died, aged 97, on 19^th May. He lived in Woodstock, about 30 minutes drive away. I say drive, because that is what he did until about four months ago. Born in 1914, he joined the RAF in 1936 and served throughout the last World War until 1964. He was a fine gentleman and was always very smart in his turnout. The church service was held at St Mary Magdelene Church in Woodstock. His Grace the Duke of Malborough was there as Len was a very hardworking member of the local Royal British Legion and had been, all his life since leaving the RAF. The Duke is his Branch President. Len, it was an honour to have stood alongside you, Sir. May you rest in peace.

Report compiled by Patrick Hopper, RMA Poole & District, with many thanks to our contributors.

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Photographs relating to this Repatriation Report can be found on our website at –

www.rmarepatnetwork.org

together with brief details of the latest causalities. Details of the forthcoming repatriations will also be posted when confirmed

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REPATRIATION REPORT

Thursday 2^nd June, 2011

From operations in Afghanistan, the repatriation of:

Lieutenant Oliver Richard Augustin (23), J Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines

Marine Samuel Giles Alexander MC (28), J Company, 42 Commando, Royal Marines

Both these Royal Marines died from an IED explosion while on patrol in the Loy Mandeh Kalay, Nad-e Ali District, Helmand Province, on 27^th May, 2011.

Marine Alexander was awarded the Military Cross in 2009 for his bravery in a previous tour of Afghanistan, when to protect his fallen Section Commander, he deliberately went out alone to engage the enemy, armed only with his 9mm pistol, his machine gun having run out of ammunition. His determined assault forced the enemy to retreat. His brave action undoubtedly saved the lives of his comrades.

Service veterans and members of the public turned out in the following “stations of vigil” to pay their respects to the fallen as the cortege made its way on the 47 mile route from the point of arrival at RAF Lyneham to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford. .

Royal Wootton Bassett - Town Centre

This report from Duncan Wostenholm, RMA

The bodies of Lieutenant Augustin and Marine Alexander MC were flown home to RAF Lyneham today. The High Street in Wootton Bassett was thronged with those wishing to honour these Marines as the cortege passed through.

Along with families and friends were Mme. Rita Schladt, representing the mayor of Blain, Wootton Bassett’s twin town in France and Major Will Norcott RM, currently serving at the Staff College. More than 20 Royal Marines attended in uniform with numerous comrades in plain clothes and at least 15 RMA veterans in berets. Other uniformed presence was provided by four Royal Navy personnel and an RAF officer.

62 motorcycles with 83 members of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch, together with numerous veterans representing all the services wearing berets, also attended.

22 standards were paraded:

Associations - Royal Marines (Bath and Bristol), Korean War Veterans (Swindon, Devon and Cornwall), Parachute Regiment (Swindon), Aden Veterans, Royal Berkshire Regiment (Windsor), RAFA (Corsham), Royal Observer Corps (12 Group), The Rifles, Canal Zone, Royal Regiment of Wales (Newport), The Welsh Guards and Cwmbran Ex Servicemen.

Royal British Legion - Wroughton, Swindon, Devizes, Abertillery, Potterne, Crayford, Dursley & Cam, Bexley Heath and Welling.

Gable Cross Police Station - On the A420 just east of the junction with the A419

This report from Pat Bristow RMA

The standards of the RMA (Swindon, Deal and Reading), the Green Beret Association, Royal Engineers (Swindon), Royal Signals (Swindon) and the RAF Lyneham Old Boys were paraded, along with eight RM veterans and others. 30 Police officers attended, under Inspector Wilkinson and 30 members of the public.

At the Road Bridge - B4000 over the A420 between Shrivenham and Highworth

Report by Derrick Jeans, RAFA

At the bridge where the B4000 goes over the A420, District Councillor Elaine Ware and ten others, along with a Sergeant who stood on the other side of the road, were there to pay their respects as the cortege of the two Marines passed by. Oncoming traffic stopped and some drivers stood by their cars at this time.

United Kingdom Defence Academy - at the Watchfield Roundabout on the A420, adjacent to the UKDA

Report by Jim Hawkins, RMA

There was a very good turnout today, to honour the two Royal Marines. 14 RM Veterans from the Poole, Guildord and Portsmouth branches, and their regular counterparts, Ray (ex-RA) and Bert (ex-Royal Berkshires), plus several wives of the same attended, along with the standards of RMA Poole and Guildford. The RM Veterans included Lt Col Brian Woodham and Chris Fenwick over from the Home Counties and John Capito RMR (Retd). Air Commodore Marcus Witherow RAF Regt (Retd) also attended.

Serving uniformed officers from the Academy included Royal Marines: Colonel and Mrs Manger, Lt Cols Peter Ward and Corrin, Majors Doug Pennefather, Innes Catton, Baz Lewis, Nick Copsey, David Baldwin MBE and Martin, Major Claire Heighington RMP, along with her children Harriet and Freddy, Major Kearney MBE RLC, Captain Phil Burrill RN, Lt Cdrs Michael Wood and Matt Fazewell RN, Lt Kev Browne RN, PO John Williams RN, and 2^nd Officer Ben Phillips RFA. I apologise if I got one or two ranks wrong or any omissions. It was good to see two of the Royal Marines officers in best blues, though they did admit that they had just returned that afternoon from the funeral of an RM officer, Lt Orlando Roberts, who died recently in an aircraft accident.

There were also many civilians (family members, Academy staff and members of the public), including Mr & Mrs Talbot from Worcestershire, Eric Ridley (our favourite poet!) and his wife Karen, Mrs and Miss Wheeler, Mrs Carden from Australia, Mrs Walker, Charlie Robson of the Sherborne Cadet Force, Christina Mackey and quite a lot of members of the public - too many to name!

The salute to the cortege was led by Colonel Manger RM and ordered by WO1 Mark Hennington, Mercian Regt., the Academy RSM.

Many thanks to PCs Watson and Greening, MOD Police for their traffic control. Where were you guys last week? We had only just managed not to get mown down by the traffic! It must have been the sight of a crusty old veteran standing in the middle of the road, pointing three fingers at the imaginary stripes on his arm that slowed them down!

Just as a footnote, we of the Royal Marines Association who have attended the repatriations for the last four years, would like to offer our sincere thanks to the Defence Academy for inviting us to their celebration of the Queen’s Birthday the day before, which included a cocktail party, a Beat Retreat and a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A splendid evening. In spite of the wide variety of uniforms, we all belong to the same family.

Folly Hill Lay-by - east of Faringdon on the A420, just north of the A417 junction

This report by Joy Blake

Once again many of us met at the Folly Hill lay-by to show our respects, this time for the two marines returned to home soil today. The cortege passed us by at 5.50pm and weatherwise it was a completely different day from the previous week.

Almost 70 people atended our repatriation meeting and these included many veterans wearing their berets and medals; members of the Faringdon & District and other local branchs of the Royal British Legion, community police, Wendy Simpson (Wantage Neighbourhood Action Group), and Major Malcolm Sperrin (RAMC), together with many local townspeople.

Standards paraded were: the Union flag, Royal British Legion from Faringdon, B ampton, Highworth, Shrivenham, Wantage, Oxforshire Womens Branch, RAFA Brize Norton & Carterton and the Royal Navy Veterans from Wantage.

Although we were there to show our respects to the fallen soldiers, our thoughts also went to the family of the late Major John McDonnell VRD RMR, who sadly passed away on 27^th May. John had been a regular and staunch supporter of the Folly Hill repatriation meetings, travelling over from Nettlebed each time. It was only last year that owing to illness and treatment, he was unable to drive. He last attended this year on 17^th March and we mourn his passing, for his commitment to support those we mourn, almost week by week.

John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford - near Anthony Padua Parish Church, Headley Way.

This report from John Walker, RDG

We here at the Final Turn stood firm and strong to honour the fallen Royal Marines.

There were nine Royal British Legion standards: Marston, Islip, Headlington, Henley, Wheatley, Chalgrove, Bodicote, Bicester and Bloxham. Association standards included Royal Marines & Royal Navy (Oxon), Royal Marines (Stoke on Trent and Newcastle), Royal Marines (Welwyn Garden City), The Parachute Regiment (Oxon), Coldstream Guards, St George Society, The Royal Tank Regiment (Oxon), Guards Division (Newbury), Canal Zoners (Oxon) and the banner of The Royal Dragoon Guards.

There were 54 veterans in berets and medals and 35 other from all three services. Thames Valley Police were out in force, doing their normal duties and standing alongside us on parade, under the command of Chief Inspector (Specials) Phil Quickendon. Once again also, the Thames Valley Police Chaplain was with us. There were also 200+ members of the public at the Final Turn with us and many more, all the way up from the bottom ring road leading up the hill to where we stood. Huge Union flags were held by three groups and one group was displaying the flag of Ulster.

A special mention here for three former Royal Marines who came all the way down from Stoke on Trent. They were Frank McCullough (Branch Secretary, Stoke on Trent and Newcastle Branch), Barry Aitken and Tom McEleny. This was their first repatriation parade and we commend them for coming so far to be with us. Also with us for the first time was Bill Veazey, former RAF Police and his two daughters, from the London area. Ian, my loyal helper, who assists me by putting these lists together, was unwell on the day so we missed him dearly, along with his wife Diana (our cake lady). We wish him a speedy recovery.

We thank John from the church who once again half-masted the Union flag early in the morning. Both he and Mary were on the parade with us. St John’s Ambulance (John Jones) was also in attendance. Our two stray RBL Bikers from last week were with us again! The parade marshal was G. Whelan (former Para) and J. Lewendon (former RA) was his 2i/c.

The cortege passed us by at 1825hrs.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Report compiled by PH (Duty Scribe)

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Ian (Robbie) Mindham 59C or 60A

Just had this in from Mo Hope .........................


I have to sadly report the passing of one of our ex Apprentice number,whose details could go on the website.
Ian Mindham,known to all as Robbie..due to him coming from Nottinghamshire and the inevitable link with Robin Hood !!

I believe he was either 59C or 60A and was in B Company,and was very well known due to a large red birth mark on the side of his face.  He passed away in Worksop due to cancer,aged 67 on Sunday May the 22nd,and his funeral was on Tuesday 31st of May in Worksop,where he lived in Clarenden Drive.

                                                                           Regards   Mo Hope..

Arborfield Old Boys' Association