Sultan celebrate long service of experienced trio
HMS SULTAN have used a prestigious ceremony to recognise a trio of experienced sailors from the training establishment; who have provided a combined total of 135 years in service that has seen them serve over multiple generations and conflicts.
Warrant Officer 1s Mark Branson, Les ‘Robbie’ Robertson, and Lieutenant Commander Jon Taylor were all presented with the ‘Long Service & Good Conduct Third Clasp 3rd Bars. This is given in recognition of 45 years of distinguished service by the Guest of Honour at the Establishment’s Ceremonial Divisions, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Ben Key, KCB, CBE, ADC.
All three of the recipients joined the Royal Navy within the year between November 1978 and November 1979; which is a period remembered for ‘The Winter of Discontent’ and the election of the UK’s first female prime minister. Grease was further released in this timeframe alongside Roger Moore’s James Bond in Moonraker; whilst Boney M, ABBA and The Village People were favourites within the singles charts.
They have each enjoyed successive careers that saw them receive the Silver, Gold and Platinum Jubilee medals; as well as the Coronation medal from May 2023. The trio have further served in locations across the world working for the Royal Navy in conflicts and other activities; which have brought a sense of peace and improvements in certain areas.
Sultan IT Security Officer, WO1 Mark Branson joined the RN in November 1978, is also a recipient of medals for operational medals, including for service in Falklands, Gulf Armilla Patrol, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Originally from Derby, Mark has served on Royal Navy ships all around the globe including HMS Bristol, Kent, Cardiff, Gloucester, Ark Royal, Glasgow, and York, in locations including Iceland, Norway, USA, West Indies, the Gulf, and the Mediterranean
Mark said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time within the Royal Navy. I think my proudest moments have been serving on operations, including the Falklands, completing the tasks that we were sent out to do. I’ve also really enjoyed playing lots of sports, including football at a high level and the encouragement of RN Physical Trainers, who have encouraged me, even at the latter stages of my career to keep trying new things.”
Marine Engineering Training Groups’, Allied Trades, Craft Group WO1, Robbie Robertson joined the RN in November 1979 and is also a recipient of meritorious service medal / operational medals; including for service in Kosovo.
Originally from Glasgow, Marine Engineer, Les has served on Royal Navy ships and worked on submarines all around the globe with his first the County Class Missile Destroyer, HMS Antrim and his last the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, in locations including Iceland, Norway, USA, West Indies, the Gulf, and the Mediterranean.
Les said: “I joined the Navy direct from School, I only went to the Recruitment Centre because my best friend did not want to go on his own. At the time, I had no inclination or intention of joining. He lasted 1 year and left and now lives with his family in the mountains in Tuscany. Here I am 45 years counting and still serving. I have had the pleasure to work with some amazing individuals travelled all over the world and have some great memories and friends for life. I think I got the best deal.”
Sultan Executive Staff Officer, Lt Cdr Jon Taylor joined the RN in March 1979 and has the honour of wearing his submariners’ dolphins. Originally from Fareham, he has served on multiple submarines on operations worldwide and enjoying several shore-based roles in Hong Kong, USA Norway and in Gibraltar where he was the Queens Harbour Master.
Jon said: “I’m honoured to have been employed in a world call navy for so my years. I’ve had a fantastic career that’s been professionally rewarding at the forefront of operations. I’ve lots of great memories of serving, especially on Diesel Electric submarines. I’m proud to have served with so many highly competent submarine professionals, some of whom are now my best friends.”
PICTURED BY LPHOT BAZ SWAINSBURY: WO1 Robertson, Admiral Key, Lt Cdr Taylor and WO1 Branson have provided over 135 years of combined service to the Royal Navy.
