Royal Marines Association

 We are sorry to report the death of James Sherwood CHIX4109, who passed away suddenly on 13th May 2007 at the age of 81.

In 1943 at the age of 17, he joined the Royal Marines at Chatham, having a long and varied career which included Sea Service in HMS Owl, HMS Proserpine and HMS Kent. In 1944, he volunteered for Commando Trainig in Scotland, which lead to the 30 Assault Unit in Northwest Europe, before joining 45 Commando in Hong Kong and the Middle East when he was promoted to Corporal.

In 1948 he moved to Stonehouse and then to Chatham Barracks, as a Sergeant undertaking various security duties for NATO and Foreign Ministers conferences etc. Then followed 2 years with No2 SBS in the Rhine Flotilla.

In 1953 on promotion to Colour Sergeant he rejoined 45 Commando with service on Malta, The Canal zone and Cyprus. In 1955 he returned to SBS Poole as an instructor before leaving the Corps after 13 years service.

In 1955 he joined the Sussex Police as a Village Constable. During his police service he was involved with security planning with the MoD and was very proud of the fact that he organised the Special Operations Group within his area. Jim held many important posts and retired from the police force in 1985 at the rank of Chief Suprintendent.

Joining the RMA Eastbourne in 1988 Jim became Chairman from November 1992, leading a happy and successful Branch until his sudden death. He will be missed by all the Membership. The funeral took place on 22 May 2007 at Eastbourne Crematorium. A Guard of Honour formed of 22 persons with a RM Bugler together with Standards from the RMA, RNA, Submariners and Eastbourne RNOCC. with 4 police officers attending the coffin. The Last Post was sounded at the end - a send off Jim would have been proud of.

Jim leaves a widow, Betty, three daughters and five grandchildren to whom we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences.

Please note, the new RMA Chairman is John Parks, a former regular of our Corps, our Committee meets every Thursday in the RNOCC should anyone wish to contact us.

Yours Aye, Tony Pitts  Branch Secretary    

(This article is courtesy of RNOCC Xmas Log 2007)