It is with a heavy heart that our family wish to advise the Band Service that our lovely Dad, Staff Bandmaster John William Masters LRAM crossed the bar on 14th November 2025 at the grand age of 94.

John served 27 years with the Royal Marine Band Service having enlisted as a 14 year old being allocated a Violin and Saxophone, leaving on 25th March 1973 to enjoy his family after dedicating his service to his Band family with the rank of Staff Bandmaster [Warrant Officer 11]

John was one of a small band of musicians involved with the conflict in Korea. During his very happy time with the Royal Marines, John served on HMS King George V; Victorious; Kenya; Vanguard; Eagle; Tyne and Ganges plus the very special honour of 10 years [1962-1972] aboard HM Royal Yacht Britannia. On land he served at HMS Gamecock and the Royal Schools of Music in both Deal [where he met and married his devoted wife, Brenda] and Portsmouth.

John lost Brenda after over 70 very happy years of marriage in April of this year and leaves behind his daughters Lynda; Val and Son in Law Dave and Kim and her family.

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The funeral for the late Staff Bandmaster John William Masters LRAM (who crossed the bar on 14th November 2025 at the grand age of 94) will be held at Portchester Crematorium, South Chapel, at 1pm on Friday 19th December 2025.

John served 27 years with the Royal Marine Band Service having enlisted on 20th August 1945, leaving on 25th March 1973.

Anyone who knew John is welcome to attend and the funeral will be live-streamed for those unable to attend. Live stream can be found on:

https://watch.obitus.com

Username: yire6313
Password: 691719

Thank you all for your previous kind words and condolences.