Jul 16 - Chelsea Pensioner Is Ex-Gib Regiment RSM
Albert Willis, a 79 year old Chelsea Pensioner and ex RSM of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, recently paid a visit to Gibraltar and attended the Queen’s Birthday Parade.
Albert served with the Regiment between 1970 and 1973, his Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Colonel John Porral and he has fond memories of his time in service:
“I had a very enjoyable time in Gibraltar, the Gibraltarian people and the soldiers especially were very hospitable, they still are. The highlight of my tour with the Regiment was being RSM for the last national service intake, with them and quite a number of reservists we formed two companies for the presentation of the Colours in September 1971” said Albert.
He was delighted to be invited to the Queen’s Birthday Parade and said: “It was a wonderful parade, the standard of the Regiment is extremely high, both in their bearing, their drill and their general turnout, very high indeed. It’s nice to know that the traditions that were started many years ago are still being kept and maintained in Gibraltar.”
Albert left Gibraltar in 1973 with only two years left to serve in the Military, he went on to command a Cadet Training Team in South East London before retiring.
He moved to the Royal Hospital Chelsea Group four years ago, a move which has brought a sense of belonging back into his life: “Being with the other ex-service personnel does throw you back, there is a real sense of camaraderie, which is one of the reason most of us go, most of us have been married and have lost our wives and haven’t really known what to do with ourselves, we enjoy the social life and activities that we get to do together.”
Albert thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Gibraltar and said: “The highlight for me was definitely the Parade and the general hospitality; coming to the RGRA Social club, catching up with colleagues who have done really well for themselves has been fantastic. I would especially like to thank Lieutenant Colonel Lopez for inviting us, providing the hospitality and arranging our accommodation at the mess, but thanks also to the RSM who ensured that we had such a good stay here.”
Centre Picture: Chelsea Pensioner Albert Willis with Lt Col Rupert Lucas, Captain of Invalids Number One Company, Royal Hospital Chelsea Group.
