29 Commando Regiment

02/02/2026

HOW THE ROYAL ARTILLERY CHARITABLE FUND (RACF) SUPPORTS YOU

Thousands of serving and former Gunners receive help from the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund every single year.

Its purpose is to support welfare among all ranks and provide relief and assistance to past, present and future members of the Regiment, their families, and dependants - including those of any deceased member.

More than £1m is granted annually – and you only need to have served for one day in the Royal Artillery to be part of our family for life; “Once a Gunner, always a Gunner”.

The fund’s income comes from investments and from your contributions to the Service Giving Scheme, to which 81.5% of Gunners contribute. In 2025 a total of £686,094 was donated through this scheme – thank you.

The RACF is registered with the Charity Commission and can provide everything from help in dealing with bereavement (including travel overseas where required), mobility assistance, to training for employment, mental health assistance, funeral costs, debt management, cost of living support and so much more.

Find out more via the RA Charities website:

The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund are here to help our serving or veteran Gunners and their dependants when they are struggling to find funding for essential needs. We can help with household goods…

11/06/2025

The Funeral of Mr William McCartney Luscombe will take place on the 24th June 2025 at The Chapel of St Katherine upon the Hoe.

All are welcome. More to follow regarding entry to the Royal Citadel.

Born: 24 07 1943
Died: 01 06 2025

Age 81

Willie will be buried in Newton Abbot, this will only be attended by close family. The remainder of the funeral congregation will be invited by the RSM to the WOs’ and Sgts’ mess for refreshments.

02/06/2025

Mr W***y Luscombe, one of the Regiments most loyal and longest serving members sadly passed away yesterday.

Mr Luscombe served the Regiment for over 63 years, an additional 39 years, loyal and valued service beyond his 24 years as a soldier.

He deployed all over the world with the Regiment, including to N.Ireland during The Troubles in 1977.

He will be greatly missed by all in The Royal Citadel, and his service will continue to inspire future generations of Commando Gunners.

Mr Luscombe thank you for your extraordinary service. 🗡️

27/02/2025

https://instagram.com/p/DGkbdh-oqmH/

15/11/2024

Yesterday, was proud to mark the occasion of HM King Charles III's 76th Birthday with a Royal Gun Salute, from the Battlements of The Royal Citadel, Plymouth.

The Salute was carried out by members of 8 (Alma) Cdo Bty using their L118 Light Guns. 🇬🇧🗡

12/11/2024

Over the weekend and yesterday's Remembrance Day, a contingent from the Regiment came together in Plymouth, to commemorate and remember those who came before us.

Led in prayer by the unit's padre, Capt (Revd) Tom Wilde CF, the unit assembled on Plymouth Hoe with other members of the local armed forces community.

Other members of the Commando Gunner community marked the day around the world, and at the Commando Memorial in Scotland.

The troops gave their thanks to all British personnel who gave their all in service of others, and in particular marked the fallen of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery since its formation in 1962.

🌹

11/10/2024

Congratulations to Cpl Cox of 29 Commando Regiment who yesterday raised £458.93 for the Macmillan Cancer Support Trust coffee morning - she was the sole baker for the event.

A great turnout by all in the Regiment and a generous amount raised for charity - BZ Cpl Cox!

03/09/2024

to members of who have last weekend completed the Regiment's annual Breakwater Swim event, ran by the unit for our community in Plymouth Sound.

The swim covers a distance just under 4km covered in around 90 minutes, from the Breakwater Fort, across the Sound back to the Regiment's Base in the Royal Citadel. The team were supported by in reaching the start point with their small boats.

As the 's only Amphibious Unit, confidence in the water and the ability to swim is a key requirement of any Commando.

18/07/2024

Congratulations to all Pre Commando Training Package students who yesterday completed their 30 Miler, the final Commando Test that signifies the end of their Commando Course, and earns them their Green Lid. 🗡🇬🇧

These 17 individuals have worked through an arduous 19 week journey to earn their way in - now the real work starts, at their respective Commando units...

Of the 17, the majority will now fill spaces in - and 11 wear a Cap Badge. This represents the largest RA Cohort to pass for several years.

At the 30 Miler's end, in RMB Bickleigh, the team were congratulated by the CO and RSM, as well as the Commando Training Team who started them on this journey.

Bravo Zulu all.

25/06/2024

An update on yesterday's notice.

Major Mark “Pat” Paterson RA - 24 June 2024, (Balrothery and formerly of Glasgow), passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife Jenny, surrounded by family under the wonderful care of the staff at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. Beloved father of wee Emma and his big girls Brogan and Tiegan. He will be deeply missed by his parents, siblings, Father-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, many friends, and fellow comrades who are all deeply saddened by his loss.

Mark devoted over 30 years of his life serving as an exemplary soldier and officer in the armed forces, demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment. He was a true inspiration to all who knew him.

"May Mark Rest in Peace."

Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice.

https://www.sfh.ie/donate/

or donations are also welcome for Pats fundraiser for Cancer Fund for Children.

https://tinyurl.com/ysnbpdne

The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Saturday morning, 29th June, at 11am via the following link.

https://churchmedia.tv/camera/church-of-st-peter-st-paul

The Crematorium Service will be streamed live on Saturday afternoon, 29th June, at 1:30pm via the following link.

https://www.dctrust.ie/location/dardistown/dardistown-chapel-webstreaming.html

24/06/2024

It is with great sadness that we must inform you that Major Mark (Pat) Paterson RA has passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side. Pat had a battle with cancer which he met head on, and in true Commando style inspired all those who witnessed the battle he fought.

Serving from Gunner to Battery Captain (BK) in 29 Commando Regiment, Pat was an exemplary Soldier and Officer who always led from the front. He will be deeply missed by 29 Commando, his friends and of course his family. More details will follow regarding the funeral arrangements but at this time we shall mourn the passing of a true gentleman and Commando.

17/05/2024

Over the past few weeks, 8 (Alma) Cdo Bty have been conducting a range of training to prepare themselves for upcoming deployments with their supported formation - Littoral Response Group (South).

LRG S is responsible for all Littoral operations East of Suez, and therefore provided many unique operational and exercise opportunities to our . 8 Bty routinely deploy teams several times a year to unusual environments, usually of a desert or tropical nature - in just last year alone, teams went to Sudan, Cyprus, the UAE, Australia, Oman, Brunei, South Korea, and a range of other locations away from the UK.

Are you interested in service as a ? Search UN13970 on Defence Connect today to find out more and apply.