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BdCSgt John Thomas Milliken RMBX 2633 (Trombone)
28 August 1932 – 25 August 2005

With sadness I regret to inform you of the death of Taff Milliken on Thursday 25 August 2005. Taff, or Millie as he was known as a boy and on into manhood, joined the RNSM at Burford on 19 January 1949 and with his caring nature and wonderful sense of humour, it was soon evident he was going to make many lasting friendships. It was my privilege to be numbered amongst them.

Taff was the eldest by several months in our squad and he therefore moved on to ‘M’ Company in August 1950, after the School moved from Burford to Deal. It was a time when bands were still afloat, so it was not long before Taff was away to sea for 2 1/2 years on HMS Glory where he earned the Korean and United Nations Medal. Then, as with most of us, there followed the usual ship to shore and back to ship again. Two spells at HMS Gamecock (the Butlins in the Midlands) was followed by HMS Eagle, Adamant and Tiger with either RMSM or a Naval shore establishment in between each ship. His last seven years were spent as welfare representative in Deal from which time there must be many who remember Taff’s caring approach to their problems with lasting gratitude.
Civilian life followed a similar pattern to his last years in the Band Service working for Social Services, then moving on to caring for the deaf. By then he had lost his nickname from service days and was known as John except by his former service colleagues, who will always remember him as Taff or Millie. His contact with old comrades was maintained as he was a member of the All Stars Concert Band. His ready wit will be sadly missed in the trombone section in future.

The service for John was in St Radigunds Church, Capel-le-Ferne, followed by a short service at Hawkinge Crematorium on Monday 5 September 2005. A measure of his life was the size of the congregation, consisting of ex-members of the Band Service and his friends and colleagues from civilian days.

Janet’s arrangements for John’s last journey was both moving and nostalgic with recordings by RM Bands played before the Service, a Standard Bearer, a very nervous eulogy read by myself (Bob Rawson) and a reading of John’s favourite poem ‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield read by my daughter, Janet. The Reverend D Hatfield who, before taking up the Ministry, worked with John in Social Services, gave a wonderful tribute. At the crematorium, John’s favourite recording Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen was played, followed by the Last Post and Reveille.

Our thoughts at this time are with Janet who will be sustained, we are sure, with the many happy memories John and she shared over the past 19 years.
Obit by: R A Rawson\0\0
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