Archives for January 2019

Harry Prescott D Day Veteran 47 CDO RM – Send Off

Our branch was represented by Charles Timms, standard bearer, Don Mott, David Mott, Graeme Golightly and Revd John Wasley whom conducted this service.
WW2 Veteran Harry Prescott, 47 Royal Marine Commando passed away on 27th December 2018. His funeral will take place at 1400hrs on Monday 21st Jan 2019 at the North Wiltshire Crematorium, just off the M4 Junction 16 on the Royal Wooton Bassett Road A3102 SN4 8QP
Harry worked in a shipyard but volunteered for the Royal Marines and duly completed the commando course at Achnacarry.
On D Day Harry’s LCA was sunk and he ended up swimming until a returning craft picked him up. He rejoined 47 Cdo at Port-en-Bessin and took part in all the actions in France and into Belgium. On 1st November 1944 he landed on Walcheren, where in ferocious close contact fighting they captured a large bunker complex. He then took part in the freezing cold battles along the Maas in January 1945 and into Germany. With the Association Harry has spoken about his part in the war, saying that “he was just a lucky man”
He always enjoyed a wee dram and a dance with the ladies. Harry will be sadly missed at the 75th commemorations, not only by us but by the many local people who still look on Harry and the veterans as their liberators.
RM/RMA and Standards will be most welcome at the funeral to give this veteran a fitting send off
I will be conducting the service
Revd John Wasley
“RIP Royal”
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Our Presidents Christmas Message 2018

RMA CITY OF LONDON BRANCH CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2018

From

Lieutenant General Sir Rob Fulton RM KBE

non nobis solum nati sumus ortusque nostri partem patria vindicat, partem amici

This year’s quotation comes from Cicero since I have been reading the fictional English trilogy of his life and his career from lawyer to statesman by Robert Harris.  It records a theme very familiar to all of us:

“Not for us alone are we born; our country, our friends, have a share in us”

Firstly it records that all of us have a duty to something larger than ourselves.  From our earliest days in the Corps, we understand and acknowledge that we have a duty to our Sovereign, our Country, our Service, our Corps. In the outside world, this may have faded in favour of ‘Look after Number One’, but to us it is a lifelong commitment.  Let’s not neglect that duty.

Secondly, it reminds us, as if we needed reminding, not only that we should look out for and look after each other, but also that each one of us derives immense strength from doing so.  Fire teams comprise team mates, need teamwork, learn team spirit – and so does every group in the Corps including this Branch, of which we are fortunate to be Members.  Let’s not take it for granted.

This year, amongst the usual host of large and small events undertaken by our Branch, we joined the ceremonies to mark the 100thAnniversary of the Raid on Zeebrugge.   They were a moving and fitting tribute to the men who took part in the Raid and were praised by all.  The Branch should be proud of that, not least because, thanks in large part to our Members and our indefatigable Chairman, those responsible for the superb organisation have had at least 35 years in which to practise.  Planning for the 101stis already well under way.  Let’s not forget to remember.

As another year comes to an end, I would like to send heartfelt thanks to our Chairman and our Committee for all your work on our behalf and to every Branch Member for all the support that you have shared with all of us.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a successful 2019.

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