At 10.30 am on Sunday, a unique, but sad occasion will be witnessed in St. Issell’s Parish Church, Saundersfoot.

The Saundersfoot branch of the Royal Marines Association was formed in the main, by wartime Royal Marines returning to marry local Pembrokeshire young ladies with whom long-term relationships were formed whilst serving and training in the many Royal Marines units and training facilities situated in South and South-West Wales at that time.

Unfortunately, time has taken its toll and those who served their country so valiantly and courageously are no longer with us. There again who else would St. Peter choose to guard the Pearly Gates other than Royal Marines.

On Sunday, the Swansea Bay Branch of the Royal Marines Association, supported by our colleagues of the Royal Navy Association and young members of many Sea Cadet Units from all over South and West Wales have the honour and duty of laying-up the Royal Marines Association, Saundersfoot Branch Standard. This will become a living memorial to our fore-fathers in service for posterity.

“We look forward to meeting and greeting civilian and military dignitaries, former service friends, but above all the families of those who so gallantly served our country,” said a spokesman.