Since Reg Blake put several adverts in local and national newspapers in the late 1960’s, several of the members of the old 803 Flotilla have been holding reunions.
803 Flotilla reunion at Itchenor. Left to right: Pete Frampton; Ron Dunham; Phil Crampton; Unknown; Ray Hemsley; Reg Blake; Ken Reeves.
In early June we meet at the Harbour-masters office in Itchenor, near Chichester, West Sussex. Itchenor is part of Langstone Harbour, from where we sailed on the 5th June 1944. We have a short service of remembrance, followed by a meal in the local Public House, where we recall the good times as well as the not so good. Tides permitting we are then given a tour of the Harbour in the Harbour-masters pinnace.
In September some of the lads meet up again at the Royal Marines Association AGM. The RM Commando band gives a concert in the evening, followed the next morning by a Parade and Drumhead service. It brings back many memories to be on the Parade Ground again and to hear the merry banter (?) of the Drill Sergeants trying to be PC.
Some of the lads meet up at various other non Flotilla Reunions, Graspan Parade and the Cenotaph parade in November.
803 Flotilla – Reunions
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