Royal Naval Association - Romford & Hornchurch Branch

30/06/2026

Today, Robin Boodle celebrates his 102nd birthday.

Robin joined the Royal Navy in 1939 at just 14 years old and went on to serve for more than 20 years. During the Second World War, he served aboard HMS Suffolk, took part in Arctic Convoys and witnessed the pursuit of the Bismarck.

Today, Robin lives at Admiral Jellicoe House alongside fellow veterans, where he remains a valued member of the naval family.

We wanted to mark this remarkable milestone by presenting Robin with a complete Arctic Convoy veterans' beret.

There's just one problem. We have the beret, but we can't source the badge.

So we're turning to our incredible community for help. Do you know where we might be able to source an Arctic Convoy veterans' beret badge? Perhaps you're a collector, belong to a veterans' organisation, or know someone who may be able to help.

If you can help, please leave a comment below or send us a direct message.

Let's see if the naval family can help complete Robin's birthday gift.

Happy 102nd Birthday, Robin.

30/06/2026

Shipmates marched and represented Romford and Hornchurch RNA proudly with our Standard on Saturday 27 June 2026 Armed Forces Day. A swift pace was set by our RBL Band ending at the Town Hall with the usual marquee for shade! A hot one but brilliant! Well done all the serving armed forces, veterans, cadets and the band who marched and survived the blistering temperatures.

28/06/2026

14/06/2026

28/04/2026

22/04/2026

“I hope to break the stereotype of military personnel being hard and emotionless people.”

Leading Hand Zane Utley met Robbie while serving with the Royal Navy Submarine Service. The two quickly became close friends - but tragically, Zane didn’t know their time together would be so short.

Zane has spent almost a decade in the Submarine Service, including serving as a Chef aboard Vanguard Class Nuclear Submarines. After multiple deployments he was promoted to Leading Catering Services Submarines. Zane felt honoured to be Robbie’s mentor, and told us that “we were already close friends and spent more time together than with our own families”.

While on post-deployment leave, Robbie tragically took his own life.

This was a shock to all who knew him. The Royal British Legion were able to step in and support his family, and now Zane feels a duty to do something remarkable in Robbie’s memory. “I never want another family to ever go through the pain we all felt”, he told us.

This weekend, determined to make Robbie proud, Zane will run the TCS London Marathon - not only in his friend’s memory, but also in pursuit of a World Record.

He’s aiming for the fastest marathon time by a serving member of the Armed Forces wearing full military combat uniform and boots - a record currently set at 04:47:17. Alarmed by the high rates of su***de in the Armed Forces community, Zane is raising awareness and funds to support those who have served.

When we asked Zane if there is anything he would like to say to anyone thinking about making a donation, this is what he told us: “After reading my story, I’d ask them to put themselves or a loved one in this position, and think about just how vital they would find the support that RBL can offer.

“We can all do our bit now. However big or small, the donation could help us to prevent anything like this from happening again.”

Please join us in cheering him on ⬇️

21/04/2026

16/04/2026

Congratulations to Harry Bass our former Chairman Romford and Hornchurch who was feted at the D Day Darlings show at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch today with other veterans, Len Oldham and Joe Mines. Thank you to John Watson who arranged this event and Chris Smith who helped support Harry with Helen Harris, RNA Romford & Hornchurch. Harry’s war service was recognised and applauded. Thank you Harry.

09/04/2026

Sometimes, a simple chat with the stranger sitting next to you can lead to something truly special.

That’s exactly what happened at the London Stadium, where Graham Long struck up a conversation with Bill, a veteran and David, a collector, Pucket—both who have enjoyed trips with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. What started as small talk has grown into a genuine friendship.

Graham, who works full-time and coaches at Corringham Athletic FC, recently completed an incredible 50-mile fundraising run for the charity. His efforts raised £250, which has gone towards reusable European driving kits—now essential for our drivers travelling abroad.

With our upcoming trip to Ypres, this support couldn’t have come at a better time.

Thank you, Graham, for your dedication and generosity—it truly makes a difference.

Great choice with your charity which more than can be said about your football team
Only joking 😉😁



taxicharity.org

03/04/2026

From Russia with love: British Embassy in Moscow thanks Arctic Convoy veteran Ernie for his WW2 service on his 101st birthday.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2026/april/03/20260403-ernie-101