I
was sad to hear the news regarding John. I know he had been poorly for
some time but as he kept himself so cheerful, the news certainly came
as a great shock.
Like me, John and some 24 others made their various ways to Scarborough
on the 20th August 1945 to join the Royal Naval School of Music and
formed Squad 95.
The Clifton Hotel Scarborough, at that time, had been taken over as
the Headquarters of the Royal Naval Band Service and had a plaque to
that effect in the Hotel foyer. (I have been told by someone holidaying
there recently that it is still on show).
There, we started our initial training and were told which instrument
and Regimental Number we had been allotted - John became a Solo Clarinetist
Band Boy, RMBX2290. Then later, the Headquarters of the R.N.S of M,
transferred to the Isle of Man which is where we continued our training.
I haven't been in a ship's band with John but obviously met many many
times in bands on all kinds of engagements and in various places.
R.I.P John
All our thoughts go out to Chris and family
