It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Sheila, last night, from her daughter Hazel. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this sad time. Hazel advised me that the funeral will take place in the Dignity Funeral Parlour at 10.00am 11th November (there may only be room for the family there). From there the funeral will proceed to Troon Cemetery Dundonald Road Troon arriving at 10.45 am should any of you manage to come and pay your respects.
We were lucky in Troon where No 4 Commandos were billeted and so many stayed on after the war. Commando Association parties where the Commando family came together. These men gave us an ethos of service which we learned of along with our mothers who did a lot of work for the Commando Association.
Sheila and I grew up as Commando Bairns but Sheila beat me in 1952 at the unveiling of the Commando Memorial as you can see in the photo I have attached the wee lassie peeking round behind on the left that is her. Sheila Mum Peggy and my Mum Margaret both meeting the Queen Mum as No 4 Commando widows are in that photo they were great friends.
Her Dad Pte P.A. Wells, No 4 Commando date of death 28/04/45 is buried in a war grave in Belgium.
It seemed only natural that considering the number of times from our young years that we had been up at Spean Bridge for Armistice that we joined the Commando Veterans Association as associate members attending the AGM most years now the Commando Association. I am really happy that some of Sheila's family are now associate members.
As I write this tonight can I say to the family always be proud of Sheila as we are she has touched so many of us down through the years and we in that large Commando Family that we have are with you and alongside you tonight and in the days to come.
God's richest blessing and may he comfort you in the days to come.