SHANKLIN hosted the 25th anniversary annual reunion of the 40 Royal Marine Commando (1942-46) Association last weekend with a special service of remembrance held in Shanklin Chine on Sunday March 28.
The guest of honour was Major General GK (Gordon) Messenger DSO* OBE, accompanied by his wife Sarah. The President of the Association, Major General Robert Houghton CB OBE MC DL (aged 98) also attended with this son Adam, daughter Lucy and daughter in law Rosemary and the Vice President, Major “Jeff” Beadle MBE MC RM with his wife Gay, daughter Annette and son-in-law Stanley.
The Shanklin Reunion
Representing the Island at the reunion were HM Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White CB CBE; the High Sheriff, Mrs Gay Edwards; Chairman of the IW Council, Councillor Arthur Taylor and all the mayors or their representatives of Brading, Lake, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor – veterans were all billeted in these towns during WW2.
Mr. Alan Morgan, 91, designer of all the Chine’s exhibitions was also at the reunion – his own exhibition ‘To War With A Paintbox’ is currently on display in the visitor centre.
The Corps of Drums from HM Royal Marine bands, Portsmouth were at the remembrance service this year, and five buglers heralded the ceremony with the last post.
Also present were a detachment of Royal Marine Cadets I/C Sergeant Alan Williams and the Sandown and Shanklin Military Band, who were making their 21st appearance at the service.
The Lord Lieutenant read a lesson and Major General Robert Houghton gave an exhortation of the ‘For the Fallen’ poem by Laurence Binyon.
It was in the Chine that members of the Association trained for the Dieppe Raid in August 1942. Mr. Hayles, who was manager of the Chine from 1974 until 1989 erected a cairn to commemorate the commandos, after a chance meeting with Mr. Mold, one of the ex commandos in the Chine in 1984. It was after this date that they began holding annual reunions in Shanklin.
The memorial was moved to the visitor’s centre entrance after the original was damaged in the hurricane of 1987 and was refurbished by veteran Jock Farmer before his death three years ago. His son Gary then enlarged it to include all of the members of the 40 Royal Marine Commandos who died during WW2.
Mrs Hayles was at the service and was pleased with the turnout. Her husband’s ashes are now planted in the Chine he loved so well. “There were a lot more people this year, although not as many veterans, obviously,” said Mrs Hayles. “It was a lovely day and very interesting.”
Owner of the Chine, Mrs Anne Springman, who attended with her husband Michael, was very pleased with the day. “It was marvellous,” said Mrs Springman. “It’s so moving and all you can hear are the birds and the sea. It’s special, so poignant and this year it was even more special.”
