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RNA & RBL Attend the Funeral of Jack Boatman DSM, 10 December 2013

Karl Webb , ,

At the end of November, Karl Webb, Hon. Secretary of Huntingdon & District Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) was contacted by Alan Scott, District Chairman of the Royal British Legion (RBL), who informed Karl of the sad ‘Crossing’ of Mr Jack Boatman DSM. Alan said that  he was asked by the Kimbolton Branch Secretary (RBL) to contact the RNA and see if they would be able to attend alongside the RBL (Jack’s family had requested RBL attendance at his funeral). Karl said that the Huntingdon Branch would attend if possible, and on confirming the availability of our Standard Bearer (and Chairman, Bill Small) informed Alan (and Bryan Jones, District Secretary, RBL) that Bill and Karl would attend the Service. Keith Ridley, Chairman of St Neots & District Branch had also confirmed that their Branch Standard would also be paraded at the funeral.

Bryan contacted local RBL and RNA Branches and provided the details of the date and timings of the service, he also gave further information on Jack for those who had not met him, Bryan told us that:

Mr Jack Boatman DSM Huntingdonshire District Vice President [Royal British Legion]…passed away on Monday 18th November at the age of 89. During WW2, Jack served with distinction in the Royal Navy and was awarded the DSM for service in small boats such as MTB’s. Post WW2 Jack devoted much of his life as an active member of the Legion working for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents. Jack was a member of many RBL local, regional and national committees as well as filling most of the posts, including chairman and president of the Huntingdonshire County (as it then was) committee. Jack served many years on the board of directors of Halsey House, the Royal British Legion care home in Cromer, Norfolk and he was instrumental in the development of that home.1

So, on Tuesday 10th December, Standard Bearers and representatives of the RBL and RNA arrived at Bedford Crematorium to pay our respects and to parade their Standards at his funeral service.

Bill Small and Keith Ridley parade the RNA Standards
Bill Small and Keith Ridley parade the RNA Standards

The RNA and RBL veterans gathered in the car park, with Standards from Huntingdonshire branches (including the RBL’s District Standard).

The RBL bring seven Standards from the region
The RBL bring seven Standards from the region

Prior to the arrival of Jack, the Branch Standard Bearers took their positions at the front of the hall, the District Standard would be carried in front of Jack’s coffin as he is brought in, accompanied by his family.

A good turn out for Jack's funeral service
A good turn out for Jack’s funeral service

A private service was held for Jack’s family, the representatives of the RBL and RNA remained throughout, paying their respects and lowering the Standards for the Committal. After the service, the RBL and RNA members made their way to the Church of St Andrew, Kimbolton for the Service of Thanksgiving.

The Church of St Andrew, Kimbolton
The Church of St Andrew, Kimbolton

The church was already filling up with Jack’s friends, the Standard Bearers took their place outside of the church door, they would follow Jack’s family into the church and take up position in the aisle throughout the Service.

Standard Bearers line the route for Jack's family
Standard Bearers line the route for Jack’s family
Awaiting Jack's family for the Service of Thanksgiving
Awaiting Jack’s family for the Service of Thanksgiving

The Service of Thanksgiving, conducted by the Reverend Ron Lancaster MBE, began with a Welcome and a Bidding prayer before the first hymn, Eternal father, strong to save (for those in peril on the sea). This was followed by readings, tributes and prayers in memory of Jack. A fitting way to celebrate his life and achievements.

After the Service of Thanksgiving, all attendees were invited to Mandeville Hall for refreshments and a chance to chat with Jack’s family and friends.

Jack Boatman DSM at the 90th Anniversary of the formation of Kimbolton Branch (9 March 2012)
Jack Boatman DSM at the 90th Anniversary of the formation of Kimbolton Branch (9 March 2012)

Jack is pictured above in his role as Vice President, Kimbolton Branch on 9 March 2012 for the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Branch formation.2

Rest in Peace Jack Boatman DSM. (1924-2013)

Gallery

Click on the first image in this gallery to view a selection of photographs taken during the day (no photographs were taken during the morning or afternoon services)

Bill Small and Keith Ridley, RNA Standard Bearers Standards from regional RBL Branches Standard Bearers prepare for the first service Former Armed Forces personnel are here to pay their respects
A good turn out for Jack's funeral service The RBL take up their positions Bill Small takes his position representing the RN A quick dash to get to Kimbolton
The Church of St Andrew, Kimbolton Standard Bearers arrive at St Andrew's Sorting the line up Taking up position
...done Looking good Time for a few photos before the start of the Service ...all set
View from the Church Archway Church of St Andrew The RBL National Standard is carried to the Archway The View from inside the church
Bill Small heads one line of Standards ...whilst Keith Ridley heads the other Standard Bearers 'Carry Standards' The final photo before Jack's family arrive
  1. Bryan Jones (2013) Letter to Branch Secretaries, RE: Mr Jack Boatman DSM [↩]
  2. Royal British Legion (2012) Four Counties Newsletter, [online] Available from: http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CEMQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.britishlegion.org.uk%2Fmedia%2F51135%2FFourCountiesApril2012.pdf&ei=XACpUoeVGtPX7AakkYCADw&usg=AFQjCNEputo9rlI0pC133huKrRpjvARtDw&bvm=bv.57799294,bs.1,d.ZG4&cad=rja [accessed 12 December 2013]. [↩]