12-11-2011

Commando 999 is dedicated organisation of former Royal Marines who having left the corps now serve in the emergency services (police, ambulance service, fire service etc). Their mission is to raise funds for the Royal Marines Association (RMA) and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) who look after the entire Corps family from cradle to grave.

Inevitably much is used in support of the many bereaved families and over 150 physically wounded Royal Marines and to raise as much money as possible to provide ongoing support.

On Saturday 12th November, 2011, Commando 999 held its annual speed march through the streets of central London and raised a total of £65,000 for injured Royal Marines! The event took the form of either a half or full marathon distance run, facilitated by the RM PTI’s from Commando Training Centre.

The event started in The Mall and finished at the Royal Marines national Graspan memorial, where they were joined by the RM Band, Corps of Drums to perform a short wreath-laying ceremony.

Those participating included former PTIs Don Pearson and Jim Hunt (Devon & Cornwall Police) as well as many serving PTIs, Including Major Paul Curry AIPTRM and Lt. Col. Steve Crouden, current CO of the London RMR.

It was also an opportunity for the new PT Branch standard to be displayed in public by John Farlie.

The photos taken during the event include a visit to No 10 Downing Street afterwards with the Prime Minister, The Home Secretary, The Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP and The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope GCB OBE ADC.

You may notice the Lympstone PTI's trying to get into the photo to enjoy their moment of fame!

09-10-2011

As previously indicated, we held a successful RMPT Reunion Club 40th Anniversary celebration event at CTCRM on the weekend of 24/25 September, 2011. Although the PT Branch members attending were not large, those attending had a great time and enjoyed themselves by becoming 'Royals' again for a weekend of displays and fun activities. Thank you to the IPTRM Maj. Paul Curry RM and AIPTRM WO1 Beau Beauchamp RM for providing their kind support.The Saturday activities concluded with a band concert, wonderful firework display and dancing, as well as the occasional pint of beer!

On the Sunday morning (25 September, 2011) at 10.00 we formed up for the morning parade & drumhead service, to witness our new RMPT/RMA standard being officially dedicated. Our President, Maj. Gen. Garry Robison CB and former President, Maj. Gen. Andy Keeling CB CBE, kindly turned out on parade together with an intrepid group of former PTI's, some wearing their RMA uniform and green beret for the first time for many years!

The attached photo shows us after the parade, with our new standard. This was made possible by the very kind generosity of former PTI, Mike Harle, for whom we are most grateful.

Those in the photo include (Left to Right) Peter Brown, Capt. Jack McNulty, Derek Jason, Bryn Slaney, Bob Knight, Maj. Gen. Garry Robison CB, Rev Graham Hitchins RN, Dave Barnard, Ray Gunning, John Farlie, Jeff Trail, Maj.Gen. Andy Keeling CB CBE. Lt .Col. Steve Crouden RM, Ray Hill, Maj Paul Curry IPTRM, Steve Johnston, Cliff McGaughey, WO1 Beau Beauchamp AIPTRM, George Malhan.

As well as being made welcome at the various RMA activities throughout the year, we will of course continue to hold our own dedicated PT Branch Reunion every other year at CTCRM, so long as our host branch can accommodate us. In fact, we have already earmarked the next PT Reunion to take place at CTCRM on the weeken ... read more