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42. Commando Association.
www.42association.org.uk
Newsletter 2019
Members
42 Commando Royal Marines Association reunion 2019, at the Savoy hotel Blackpool, despite our numbers
being down again this year, a good weekend was had by all that attended. The hotel was on the sea front so
members could get the tram from outside the hotel to enjoy the sights of Blackpool, which everyone seemed
to like. The weather was good to us for 2 of the days, Saturday was a bit wet and windy, but that’s Blackpool
for you.
On the Friday night members attended the guards club in conjunction with Blackpool RMA, the night proved
to be a great success.
On Saturday night members enjoyed the gala dinner with Knoxville playing for everyone to enjoy.
The Sunday buffet with a sixties tribute band also went down well.
The reunion was attended by 2 serving Marines, Cpl Pollard and Mne Partington, both had a great time and
very much appreciated being asked to attend.
The 42 Commando PRI shop was also in attendance, and run by PO Andrew(Tiny) Collins, who has a wide
range of goodies for sale, Tiny informed us that the PRI shop made a profit of £1100 for the 42 Commando
PRI fund, the money will go directly to support all ranks of 42 Commando, it will help pay for sports tours,
adventure training, as well as base facilities, to help improve morale and welfare, so thank you for supporting
the PRI shop, if anyone wants anything please contact Tiny, he will be happy to help you. We hope that Tiny
or his replacement will be a permanent feature of our reunions.
We raised £775.50 from the raffles on Saturday and Sunday and the collection on Saturday night, I would
like to thank all who donated raffle prizes and purchased raffle tickets.
Please don’t forget your annual £5.00 subscriptions, plus any donations you wish to make, every penny
helps, please make cheques out to 42 Commando Association and send them to our secretary Frank
Needham.
Monies can be paid direct to the bank using HSBC bank sort code 40-34-27 account number 11635662, the
reason we need the subs forms back is to check we have up to date contact details.
This year is the last lime we will be posting out newsletters and booking forms, the cost of 700 stamps is far
too expensive for us to continue, as from next year the newsletter will be published on the 42 Commando
Association website and sent via email to all who use it, anyone who does not have access to a computer(
don’t forget your kids and grandkids are a whizz at computers), if you send a large stamped addressed
envelope to the secretary he will print it all for you and post it back.
Next years reunion will be held at the Future Inn in Plymouth, the dates will be 26th, 27th and 28th June 2020,
this is armed forces weekend, so there will be lots to do in the Hoe, It was to be held at the Crown Plaza in
Plymouth, but they doubled booked and the other party signed contracts before we could confirm, the
function room at the Future Inn will only hold 160 for the gale dinner on Saturday night, so please book early
as it will be first come first served. For those that have them, don’t forget your bus pass
On Friday the 26th June 2020 we will kick off the reunion with a Hog roast at the Sgts mess in Bickleigh, we
will be departing the hotel at 18.00 to ensure everyone will be in Bickleigh by 19.00, the cost will be £15.00
per person, please send the Hog roast form to Frank Needham the secretary, cheques made payable to 42
Commando Association, again please book early as we need to give the numbers to Bickleigh for the
1
catering.
One of our members sent us a story about National Service marines in Northern Ireland, I have included it
within this newsletter as I think it may be of some interest to some of you, if anyone has any stories they
think our members would enjoy reading please send them to the secretary and we will try to include them in
the next newsletter, it would be a shame for these stories to be lost
Chairman
42 Commando Association
This tale is not about ‘Hogan’s Heroes’
This tale is not about ‘Hogan’s Heroes’ but a small band of Royal Marines mainly National Servicemen (NS)
who in December 1956 ended up in Northern Ireland during a period that has now been forgotten.
To start the story at the beginning in February 1956 I received an official brown envelope at my home in
Southampton telling me that I had to report to the local Labour Exchange Office and register for two years
military service, this I duly did and on entering building my name and details were crossed off a master list,
and on to the medical examination the door to which said ‘knock and wait’ and after a short pause a voice
said come it. That was the eyesight and hearing test successfully completed.
Passed the initial medical, if you could call it that and then moved on into the main part of the building where
each of the three services had a pitch, you selected one and made your bid as to where you wanted to go, the
result usually, was the opposite of what you selected.
Me, I went to the Royal Navy stand which was manned both by Navy and Marine personnel and on being
asked I said I wanted to join the ‘Royal Marines’, this produced very negative looks and comments partly I
suspect because I resembled a stick insect. The staff politely informed me that the Royal Navy and Royal
Marines, as a whole, were only allowed to accept 30 national servicemen for the period January to March and
that quota had long been filled. After much begging, pleading dropping of hints that my family were deeply
embedded in the both Royal and Merchant Navies they made, after referring to a higher authority, an
exception saying that as a consequence the following intake would be reduced by one place.
Then followed a much harder medical and a short written exam, both passed and so I was accepted.
A few weeks later my orders arrived, with a railway warrant to the Infantry Training Centre, Royal Marines
(ITCRM) at Lympstone together with a postal order giving me my first day’s pay of 4 shillings (or 20 pence
if quoted in decimalisation), yes that is right we were going to be paid £1 8s 0d (or £1.40) per week. The
high life beckoned us.
I arrived at ITCRM on 23rd July and joined my fellow national servicemen in Squad NS 901 where our
officer was Lt. R C Sidwell RM and our chief mentor was Corporal G Stephen RM a veteran of 41
Independent Commando RM and on 22nd November, after four months basic training we passed out for
further training. Our Squad was split up some went sea service and me with others were selected to go to
Bickleigh for Commando Training, can’t remember how the numbers split up but 39 of us finished this basic
ITCRM session. There were several who had picked up injuries, not sure what happened to them, but if we
failed to reach the required standard we were told we would be transferred to the Army as we had to do our
allotted two years. This fate we heard from another squad had befallen one of their members.
As Bickleigh, was also the home of 42 Commando it had been mothballed as the Brigade had been deployed
for the invasion of Suez and were now on extended leave; we were billeted in Stone House Barracks and
transported to Bickleigh on a daily basis for the further training which concluded just before Christmas 1956.
As we were, as you would expect ‘rear party’ on 27th we were mustered and told that as we had all
volunteered to go to Ulster, that’s the first we knew of being asked, we were to pack our kit, draw weapons
and be prepared to travel by public transport (train, ferry) to HMS Sea Eagle in Londonderry. So Royal was
2seen lugging his kit and weapons through London on the Underground and nobody batted an eyelid, after all
it had been a common sight a few years earlier during and after WW2.
So after the famous 30 miler no special ceremony for us just let loose out into the big wide world, we NS
men had no idea of where we were going, how or what for, it was all a big mystery.
The detachment was made up of one lieutenant, one sergeant and two corporals and about 10 or 12 marines
of which the majority were national service. Royal Navy lorry met the ferry in Belfast and gave us a lift to
HMS Sea Eagle (a stone frigate) in Londonderry. Sea Eagle was the senior training establishment for NATO
Anti-Submarine Warfare and HQ Atlantic should war breakout with Russia.
We provided internal security to this base, and patrolled mainly during night time the shore line that was
vulnerable to incursion from Eire across Lough Foyle and from sea around Magilligan Point to Portrush. We
also patrolled the Sperrin Mountains to interrupt any training plans the IRA had for that wild open landscape.
RAF Coastal Command had some air/sea rescue launches stationed by Craigavon Bridge, in Londonderry,
and those boats would take us around different parts of the coast and drop us ashore so we could commence a
patrol or set up an OP. As the boats were fitted with twin Rolls Royce Merlin engines not only were they
exceptionally fast but also extremely noisy, creeping up silently was never an option. So they would drop us
2/3 miles from our intended start point and we would ‘cuff’ the extra distance.
And we worked with, and alongside the famous ‘B’ Specials. They were brilliant if they had been left
untouched, instead of being disbanded as a political gesture, the subsequent troubles would have been
drastically muted and possibly many lives saved. But hey ho! Politicians always know best.
Subsequently our Green Berets turned up, shortly followed by ‘A’ and ‘B’ Troops from 42 Commando who
each stayed for about 3 months, the first troop arrived on 1st March 1957 and the second one left 10th
August, 1957. I left on 23rd June 1958 to return the RMB Plymouth for demob on 22nd July, 1958.
The IRA was never happy with ‘Royal’ being in the area and no matter how they were tormented they would
never come out and play.
Some interesting titbits of happenings during this period, something like make it up as you go along or a
Bootneck version of a Gilbert and Sullivan Opera.
We had no transport, so the Navy supplied us with a blue coloured Land Rover which the CS (continuous
service) ranks were not happy with, which they replaced with two camouflaged ones that the NCOs prised
out of the Army and a Dingo Armoured Scout Car that they nicked, but when the Army discovered it missing
several months later it had to be returned, we certainly had fun with that vehicle.
We had no qualified Corps drivers, so we each were told to drive a three ton lorry, that had been mysteriously
acquired, around some country lanes, do a three point turn without hitting anything and the police would give
us a driving licence.
Me I failed, ask no questions and you won’t be told any lies.
There was a CS Marine who was an assault engineer and he had a little sideline helping farmers remove tree
stumps with Plastic Explosives and he shared the profits with any NS man helping him, but not on a 50/50
basis.
During my tour my father became dangerously ill and was on the critical list and a signal was received for
me to get home ASAP. Our sergeant contacted RAF Ballykelly, the home of RAF Coastal Command, a few
miles up the road from Londonderry and they had an Avro Shackleton flying to Lee-on-Solent early the
following morning. It was arranged that I would be in a Land Rover outside the perimeter fence at the end of
the runway at the appointed take off time. When in place the Shackleton turned so that fuselage door could
not be seen from the Control Tower, the door was opened and a ladder was extended to the ground. In the
meantime I had been bodily thrown over the fence, my kit followed and I sprinted to the plane climbed in,
3ladder lifted, door closed and we were off and I was at the hospital in Southampton seeing my Dad by mid-
afternoon who was so pleased that the caring UK Military had used all its resources to get me to his bed side
and my Mum who was there couldn’t stop crying. Dad subsequently made an 80% recovery.
As we NS men were only on £0.20 per day for the first 18 months of our service we needed something to
boost our income, and the answer became blindingly obvious ‘Salmon’. We went poaching. The ‘B’
Specials told us the best part of the river and kept an eye on us and then we sold the goods to local hotels etc.
We lived very well considering. Then at 18 months service we got promoted to Marine 1st Class and our pay
went up to £0.50 per day, a whole £3.50 per week. Before this promotion I was one of the ‘lowest of the low’
– Marine 2nd Class.
Lastly, three months before being drafted back to the UK met a girl and it was love at first sight and her
parents became the World’s best in-laws and in March 1959 we got married and have now been together for
60 years. If the Corps hadn’t volunteered me for that draft our marriage would never have happened. Our
first born – Peter – joined the Corps and retired in 2003 as a WO2 with 42Cdo
Thank you ‘Royal’
Yours,
Derek ‘Blondie’ Boorn
RM132526 1956-1958.
PS In those days CS recruits spent the first three months at Deal learning the basics of personal admin;
foot drill; history of the Corps and other odds and sods. Then they went ITCRM for three months infantry
training and from there to navy gunnery/sea service training, or if suitable, to Bickleigh for six weeks
Commando Training. So we NS men had to cram a lot into a short space of time. Can only say if stuck,
always got sound advice, some unprintable and/or help from the CS men and never encountered any bullying
or abuse except when I became eligible to draw my daily tot of rum, when given sippers from everybody
else’s tot I was ‘away with the fairies’ for a couple of days.
Also, should mention that ‘B’ Specials were police reservists much like special constables in England but
definitely much more on the front foot.
442. Commando Association.
42 Commando Association AGM Sunday 09th June 2019. Meeting opened at 10.00 am
Apologies
Mr D Jones, Mr D. Lee and Mr S Corney
Unanimously approved, apologies accepted.
The minutes of 2018 AGM approved as correct and entered into the association records
motion to approve minutes from 2018. Minutes accepted
No matters arising from 2018 minutes
Reports
No treasurers report given as our stand in treasurer PO A Collins stood down. Passed by members
Secretary’s report was given by Mr F Needham. Passed by members
No Welfare/Charities report as Mr SA Corney was not present. Passed by members
Chairman’s report was given by Mr D Sparrow. Passed by Members
Business
All members of the committee present were asked if they would continue with committee duties for
another year. All agreed.
The committee remains as, Chairman, D Sparrow, Secretary, F Needham,
Welfare and Charites S Corney, Committee members, D Jones, K Thwaites.
Venue for 2020 reunion, Will be the Future Inn Plymouth, on the site of the old Seaton barracks, it
was to be the Crowne Plaza, but they signed contracts for the function room before we could confirm
proposed by Mr W Miller, Seconded by Mr P Farley. All prices are set out below
It was agreed by members that all thought the introduction of the £5.00 annual subscription was not
only a long time coming, but should continue
A raffle was held on both Saturday and Sunday and despite the numbers attending we still managed to
raise £775.50
All members agreed that the 42 Commando PRI shop attending the reunion weekend was a great
success, and he would be invited again next year.
All members present were asked if anyone would take over the position of treasurer, as no one
wanted to take over this position, Mr F Needham the secretary said he would cover the position until
we could get a volunteer, before any cheques are signed permission must be sought from the
chairman Mr D Sparrow
This year we have lost 2 members of our committee, both Mr Ken Corden and Mr JJ Robinson will
be sadly missed, we must also remember Mr Frank Troake again sadly missed
It was aging brought up by the chairman that the cost of sending out newsletters was getting very
expensive, it was proposed by Mr K Thwaites seconded by P Farley, that this be the last year that we
post them out, because we have been sending them to the wrong addresses, sending when people have
email addresses, old addresses when people have moved and not informed us, from next year the
5newsletter will be published on the 42 Commando Association website, and emailed to everyone with
email, if anyone does not have access to a computer they can send a large stamped addressed
envelope to the secretary and a newsletter will be posted to them, don’t forget if you can’t print it
there may be someone in your family that can print it for you.
The chairman Mr D Sparrow brought up to members present that if they have a problem with
anything the committee is doing, please bring it up with him or the secretary Mr F Needham
AGM closed at 11.05am
2 Commando Association 22nd Annual Reunion 2020
Plymouth 26th, 27th and 29th June
Future Inn
Prices at The Future Inn Hotel Plymouth From Friday 26th to Sunday 29thTH June 2020
No deposit is required, all accounts to be settled on arrival at the hotel
Single Room
2 Nights Stay, Saturday and Sunday £225.00 per room (Inclusive of Breakfast, Gala Dinner & Gala Buffet)
Extra nights £82.00 B&B
Double Room
2 Nights stay, Saturday and Sunday £306.00 per room (Inclusive of Breakfast, Gala Dinner & Gala Buffet)
Extra nights £92 per room B&B
Saturday night dinner only £35.00
Sunday night buffet only £26.00
Please ensure you return your booking forms to the secretary, if you don’t and just turn up there will be no place booked
for you
42 Commando Association Committee 2018/19.
Chairman Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Denis Sparrow. Mr. Frank Needham.
11. Concord. Field Road. 93. Windsor Street.
Stroud. Milton Keynes. MK12 5AN.
Gloucester. GL5 2HZ. Tel:01908-221523.
Tel:01453-763552. Email: frank895@btinternet.com
Email: djsparrow@live.co.uk
Charities/Welfare/Liaison Committee Members
Mr.Steve Corney. Mr. Ken Thwaites.
60. The Knowlings. 69. Captain French Lane.
Whitchurch. Kendal.
Hampshire. RG28 7JR. Cumbria. LA9 4HP.
Tel:01256-893595. Tel:01539-726595.
Email:kenthwaites999@hotmail.com
Mr. .Denis Jones.
9. Russet Close.
Oakwood.
Derby. DE21 2LA.
Tel:01332-281829.
Email:jonah683@virgimedia.com
642. Commando Association Secretary’s Accounts
From
June 2018 To June 15th, 2019
June 2018
No Expenses
July 2018
No Expenses
August 15th 2018
700 Second class stamps £406.00
50 Second class stamps £29.00
September 2018
No Expenses
October 2018
No Expenses
November 2018
No Expenses
December 2018
No Expenses
January 2019
No Expenses
February 2019
No Expenses
March 2019
No Expenses
April 2019
No Expenses
May 2019
No Expenses
June 2019
No Expenses
Total claimed £435.00
This is a true statement of accounts
Dated 1st June 2019
Yours sincerely
Frank Needham
Sec, 42 Commando Association
742.Royal Marines Association Statement and Accounts 2018/2019
By
Treasures:- Mr F Needham
Statement of Accounts for Current Account Number 11635662
Statement Date Start Figure Paid in Paid out What Closing
Figure
June-July 2018 £3129.36 £740.00 Raffle £3629.36
£240.00 Entertainment
July-Aug 2018 £3629.36 £117.00 Entertainment £3512.36
Aug-Sept 2018 £3512.36 £620.00 Subs
£475.00 Donations
£435.00 Stamps £4172.36
Sept-Oct 2018 £4172.36 £135.00 Subs
£135.00 Donations £4442.36
Oct-Nov 2018 £4442.36 £120.00 Subs £4562.36
Nov-Dec 2018 £4562.36 £85.00 Subs
£435.00 Figurine’s for old Committee £4212.36
Dec-Jan2019 £4212.36 £225.00 Subs £4437.36
Jan-Feb 2019 £4437.36 £85.00 Subs
£100 To hotel for Mr Weston £4422.36
Feb-Mar 2019 £4422.36 £55.00 Subs £4477.36
Mar-Apr 2019 £4477.36 £85.00 Subs £4562.36
Total Total
£2860 £1227
Final Balance Current Account
Opening Balance £3129.36
Closing Balance £4562.36
Statement of Accounts for Savings Account Number 12024411
Statement Date Start Figure Paid In Paid out What Closing Figure
Aug-Sept 2018 £5473.36 £1.30 Interest £5474.66
Sept-Oct 2018 £5474.66 £5474.66
Oct-Nov 2018 £5474.66 £5474.66
Nov-Dec 2018 £5474.66 £2.73 Interest £5477.39
Dec-Jan 2019 £5477.39 £5477.39
Jan-Feb 2019 £5477.39 £5477.39
Feb-Mar 2019 £5477.39 £2.80 Interest £5480.09
Total
£6.83
Final Balance Savings Account
Opening Balance £5473.36
Closing Balance £5480.09
42 Commando Association Total in Bank is £10,042.45
Produced by Frank Needham
Audited by P Farley
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