News Page

RMPA Discounts

Passing of ex Sgt Henry Swift

It is with extreme sadness that we have to report the passing of Mr Henry Swift who, at the age of 94 years, remained an active and highly respected member of this Branch. Henry died following a short stay in hospital after an accident at home in which he broke his hip. Details of his funeral will be added to this page when known.

May he rest in Peace.

This message was received via e-mail from Roy Hutson, a member of this branch and as it reflects the feelings of all members I have placed it on this page.

On Thursday this week, 29/10/2009, I and other members of the Colchester & East Anglia Branch, Royal Military Police Association, travelled up to Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire together with serving members of 156 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, to participate in the parade for the repatriation of the body of Cpl James Oakland. Royal Military Police, aged 26, who was killed by an improvised explosive device on Thursday 22nd October whilst on a foot patrol in the Gereshk region of Helmand province, Afghanistan. James had been a member of 156 Pro.Coy. RMP up to January 2009.

The day was bright and sunny and we found ourselves amongst numerous other veterans and serving members of HM Forces who had come from far and wide to pay their last respects.

When the time neared for the cortege to arrive, we formed up along the roadside ready to salute our fallen comrade. Opposite us were the Regimental Standard Bearers from various association branches of the forces.

As the minutes ticked by the whole area became silent apart from the tolling of the bell at the local church, and strangely enough, the sound of bird song.

The purring sound of the three Wiltshire Police motorcycles heading the cortege was the signal for us to salute the coffin as it was driven past us, with the standards being dipped in like salute.

Later, we all attended a function and I, together with all my colleagues had the privilege to meet and speak with James's parents Steve and Christine, his brother Daniel, who is in his final term at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and will later join a Royal Military Police company as an officer, and his girlfriend Lauren. I for one certainly knew how they felt at losing a son.

The residents of Wootton Bassett host every repatriation event, which are far too often, as well as the turn out of the various veteran associations, and should be congratulated.

Rest In Peace James.

Roy.