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Tom Wilkinson | Tom Wilkinson MBE BEM Tom Wilkinson MBE BEM was appointed to the Naval Air Station at Yeovilton HMS Heron as Master at Arms on 12th September 1968 and this was the commencement of the most happy period of his service career. He spent two years at Heron, which were to stand him in good stead in later appointments with the Fleet Air Arm. He was asked on completion of his appointment if he would take Eagle. It was to be her last commission before being broken up and he jumped at the chance, staying on board for 18 months until returning from the Far East to pay off. He owed this appointment to FONAC. Tom went back to Heron for a year and was then appointed to the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth supposedly for six months but stayed 20, the first Fleet Master at Arms to do so. He was then asked to take Ark Royal and this without reservation was the happiest appointment of his service life. He spent two and a half years in that wonderful ship. He was appointed an MBE together with his BEM. He was presented to HM The Queen on two occasions, on one of which he carried the Admiralty Verge before Her Majesty when she attended the Jubilee Dinner in 1977. He had the honour and privilege of serving in the two largest carriers with the finest and most professional officers and men in the Service. |
