| Archive for The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Bringing the serving and ex serving communities together |
| littlewhitts |
Hello & Ark Royal Last Farewellhi,Just joined the site, I'm Keith Whittall's son. Thanks for all of your condolences in the Obit section, Dad was really proud of his RM days, and many thanks to all who were able to attend his service. The CTCRM bugler did him proud. Got quite a few photos dating back to '56 when he joined up at Deal, and thought that some of you might enjoy seeing them, so I've started putting them online at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlewhitts Have initially put up some pictures of the Ark Royal 1978 Last Farewell tour, would be interested to hear any stories. One of my best memories as a service kid was being on the hangar deck on the Ark Royal 1978 with all the other families, & the lift suddenly lowering the band playing ‘Thunderbirds’ - absolutely brilliant! Anyway good health and luck to you all. 
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| townsergeant |
Hi LittleWhitts!
I've had a good look through the photos and it has conjured up many good memories. Trying to recognise the guys in the photos has rattled the grey matter and I think I've got most of them! I'm not in any of the photos, as I didn't serve with your Dad but seeing who's in the pics, your Dad served with many great characters! Thank you for taking the time to share the photos with us. I'm sure many others will agree. Cheers! 
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| bootybandy |
Hi Littlewhitts. I served with your dad on HMS Ark Royal in 1977-1978 and was replaced by the chap on the left side of the Photograph - Pete Thomas - Alto Sax. The short time I spent on board when your dad took over the band was only brief but a time that I enjoyed. Was very sorry to hear the sad news. I can name almost all the people in the picture save for about four people where the grey cells are struggling. I will do that in another post. | ||||
| bootybandy |
Sitting L-R - Mick Saywell, Tim Smye Rumsby, ??, Your Dad, Roger Waterfield, Colin Bacon, Pete Bradfield.
Standing L-R - Pete Thomas, George Tate, Dick Stapleton, Bob Graham, Colin Brown, Neil Hamilton, Mick Scurfield, ??, Jay O'Neil, Pete Usher,Ian Ashton, Dick Usher, Martin Sharp and Phil Gilbert. Hope this helps you. |
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| Nick B |
Hi LittleWhitts and a warm welcome! Thanks for putting the photos on 
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| townsergeant |
Had a look at the High Res version of the photo and it's not George Tate with the 'pot' it's Mac McDermott! (for whatever reason) 
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| bootybandy |
I didn't think it looked like him, but it should have been him at that time. I was also looking for Mac, and couldn't find him also |||| | ||||
| eric the red |
George was on some sort of extended leave that day. And why am I always '??'.....?  (I'm NOT Fred Philpott, he's the OTHER '??'...!)
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| medrummer |
Thanks for the pictures. It has been said by many but I will say it again. your dad was one of the nicest guys i ever served with. His pet name for me was Billy Smart [after the circus] because of all the boxes i had to carry the drums around in. A nice guy and a real gent.
thanks again for thoses memories. 'Billy Smart' |