Stephen joined the branch in 2012 and took over the role of Branch Treasurer in mid-2013. With the support and assistance of the committee he quickly set about introducing new financial administration and governance regimes for the branch.
With the successful implementation of these change initiatives at the end of 2013 the branch’s financial affairs now adhere to the strict financial standards that are followed by financial institutions in the City of London, The Charity Commission, as well as those of the Association.
Stephen has a long association with the Royal Marines as his grandfather and father served as Royals in both world wars.
Stephen’s grandfather, William James Gilkes (CH15525), saw action in the St George’s Day Raid on Zeebrugge in 1918, and was balloted for the Victoria Cross (VC) for his part in the action. He was finally awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM).
Stephen’s father, Bernard Norman Gilkes (CH/X 2475), served with the Corps from 1938 to 1954. During WWII his father served in four different campaigns, and saw action while on board HMS Warspite at the Battle of Salerno when the battleship sustained a direct hit from a 3,000 pound FX 1400 glider bomb, and a near-miss from a second glider bomb that burst under water amidships abreast of the bulge on the starboard side. His father was awarded the coveted green beret in 1944, and saw post-WWII action in 1949 while serving on board the heavy cruiser HMS London during the Yangtze Incident.
Stephen has spent his career in the financial services industry, and has worked for a variety of banks and other financial institutions in more than six different countries. He is a Freeman of the City of London, and actively uses his City connections to raise funds for the Association’s City of London Branch, the Corps family and other elite military services.
