Bob was a "hostilities only" musician. In 1941 he saw that conscription was coming and volunteered for and was accepted into the Band Service and joined whilst the Royal Naval School of Music was based in Malvern. He was already an accomplished trombone and euphonium player having been in brass bands in the Nottingham area where he lived. Bob went on to serve in the bands of HMS 'Shropshire', 'Royal Sovereign' and 'Sussex' as well as several shore establishments. On the 'Shropshire' he went on Russian convoys. On the 'Sussex' he was in the Far East Fleet when a Kamikaze plane, which fortunately for all on board failed to explode, hit the ship. The 'Sussex' was the first warship into Singapore after the Japanese surrender. The ship had no official photographer and, because of his interest in photography, Bob was sent ashore with the first boat and took photographs of the prisoners released from Changi Prison. The rest of the band were sent ashore to assist those released.

Bob was 'de-mobbed' in April 1946 and went back to live in the Nottingham area. He returned to employment in the retail trade and as a commercial traveller.

Bob went on to play euphonium and trombone with the Nottinghamshire Police Band until he was in his 80's. He was also the band librarian for many years.

After the Deal bombing and the formation of the 'All Stars Band' Bob regularly played at the Margate concerts until his health deteriorated. At one of the concerts he was introduced to the audience as the oldest playing member. He was very proud of his service with the Royal Marines Bands and made some very good friends with whom he kept in touch for many years.

Bob leaves his wife Edith, a son and daughter and three grand daughters. His grand daughters are carrying on the musical tradition and two of them played flute and guitar and sang at his funeral.

David Webster