Many members and their partners, from the Exeter Branch, attended the various events during the RMA annual reunion at CTCRM. It was an excellent turnout to what was a great weekend. After a morning of presentations it was announced that the South West region, once again, received the Drysdale Award for the highest region in fund raising. The afternoon was filled with a myriad of events and stands; at the same time the annual Standard Bearer’s competition was competed for by a number of branches, congratulations to the winner; Marty Power. The day finished dancing to the Royal Marine Dance Band who earlier had been part of a magnificent band concert. On Sunday the highlight was marching on parade followed by a reunion in the drill shed. Many old acquaintances were renewed and cemented with promises to meet again next year.

Oonagh and Bernie Reffell, the organisers of this year’s Dartmoor Yomp, 26th to 28th September, were overwhelmed by the response they received. Expecting some 70 yompers and a few hangers on over 200 turned up on Fri evening to register (this very quickly turned into a mini reunion), 220 yomped on Saturday and some 300 attended the post yomp social. A strong, joint team from Exeter and Exmouth RMAs comprising of Keith Anderson (PO22688A), Ben Chetwyn (RM 19563), George Martin (PO23475R) and Jimmy Shanks formed the core of 12 Troop. They were joined by Pat and Jim Paul (Geo-Cachers of some note), Jim and Nan Dixon (Former (S)), Gerry Clarke (MA to L Coy at LIMBANG) and Simon and Judy Hadley. In true corps tradition the Troop very quickly jelled and formed a strong bond; en route we collected strays from other Troops but always maintained our own cohesion. The yomp had strong support from many local organisations including the West Country Ambulance Service. This vehicle not only provided medical cover but doubled as transport. The ride from Princetown to Bickleigh barracks has never been so uncomfortable. Make sure you are either on the bed or in the jump seat if ever you have to ride in the back of an ambulance. Dartmoor was very benign this year, bright sunshine and views as far as the eye could see. Heat was a problem but the many RVs, manned by “baby marines and marinettes” and volunteers provided unbelievable G4 support, Tea. Coffee, water, Rum, Whisky and Mars bars to keep everyone supplied, stable and moving. The Troop even learned something of the history of the ground we were moving over courtesy of the Geo-cachers, Pat and Jim. Their prints out told us of the 700 year old industry at Ditsworthy Warren Farm and the Royal hunting boundaries that were marked out as far back as 1240 ad. This event will grow in stature as the years pass to be in at the beginning is a privilege.

On Saturday 4th October the Branch held a Dinner & Dance at the Exeter Golf and Country Club, Lt Col Nick Bruce-Jones RM was our guest of honour. Anne Rosedale decorated 10 tables with flowers, without charge, for which we are very grateful to her, 58 members sat down to a high quality, four course meal. At the conclusion, when coffee was served, Jumper managed to get a pot of Tea, Chairman's prerogative I presume, After the meal Col Bruce-Jones spoke of the way ahead for the Royal Marines at CTCRM, how successful the mentoring programme is, the Shoe Box appeal, and the close ties the RMA have with the regular Corps. After the speeches the dancing began to the group, Just 4 the Record, which everybody enjoyed. Pete Thompson, most of all because of the stature of the Lady Singer singing a Dolly Parton number. In between the two dance sessions, there was a member’s draw provided by Mike and Elaine Phillips and well done to them for organizing the whole event, last orders was called at 2330 when everybody safely meandered their way home.

On Sunday 19th October the crew of HMS EXETER exercised their right to march through the city with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed. HMS EXETER, the last of 5 ships to be so named, is paying off next year and she intended to go out in style. The Branch and the White Ensign Club members lined the route to show their appreciation of a job well done. After the parade the crew attended the Trafalgar Day service held in EXETER Cathedral. After that they repaired to the White Ensign Club to enjoy lavish entertainment; the bond between city and crew has never been so strong. This was somewhat aided by our Branch Chairman who was on a mission to make sure the crew remembered their visit. Having turned to at first light Jumper had to make his way home by public transport! No mean feat in his condition, mind you he has his free pass!

It was with regret that we learnt of the death of John Kilby on 15th September. John was the Branch Standard Bearer for over 20 years, he was a well respected member of the Branch, and always willing to parade the Branch Standard at various events; local and National as well as International. Some of the major events he attended (many more than once) including dedication of the new Branch Standard; Warriors Day in London, Canada; The Royal Tournament – including the 50th anniversary parade; The Graspan Parade – including the dedication of the Memorial; presented with Life Membership by the President, Sir Michael Wilkins in Government House, Guernsey; and the Spean Bridge Parade. Whenever required, he was always willing to parade the Standard at funerals; it did not matter whether the deceased was a Royal Marine or a Branch Member or not, if he was invited, he would honour that request and turn to. This fact was commented on by both the Rev. Weston who officiated and Bugler Ginn, neither of them knew the name of John Kilby, until they recognised his photograph on the Order of Service. The mark of respect held by so many for John was clearly shown at his funeral when four standards were on parade and a large muster from RMA and White Ensign Club members from across the west country attended.

At the time of going to press, we have just learnt that Tom Buckingham (PLY/X 3231) passed away on Sunday 26th October. As previously reported, Tom was our Branch scribe to the Globe & laurel for many years and a staunch member of the Branch. He joined the Corps in 1939 with HO212 squad and saw service until his going to pension in 1962, with the rank of QMS

November sees many members on parade at Exeter City’s Remembrance parade on Sunday the 9th. Uniquely an international gathering of senior military officers from Great Britain and Germany, The vice Lord Lieutenant of Devon and senior local politicians supported by the band from CTCRM and branch members will parade at Higher Cemetery, Exeter at the appointed time on the appointed day to honour those who paid the ultimate price. Higher Cemetery has over 200 war graves and this gathering takes place every year. This year children from Ladysmith Junior School will lay poppies on all the graves. A fitting tribute and remembrance which is gathering more and more support year on year.

Christmas is just round the corner, so soon, and the branch have a full diary of dinners and dances to look forward to. If you are in the area call in and see us; every 2nd Thursday in the month at the White Ensign Club, South Street.

The membership of the Branch continues to expand; we welcome Lt Col Peter Ward (YO31) and Former First Drill Andy Holloway (PO24607J) to our ranks.

See you on Parade

The combined team from RMAs Exeter and Exmouth on the long trek up Goodameavy Hill.
L-R George Martin, Keith Anderson, Ben Chetwyn and (foreground) Jimmy Shanks.