Here you can learn a little about the team behind 47 Royal Marine Commando Association.
Bob Perry joined the Corps in 1976 as a Junior Marine aged 16. He was commissioned from the rank of Sergeant in 1992 and retired as a Major in 2017. He has been involved with the Association since 2006 supporting our veterans and their families.
In 2008 he produced the 47 RM Commando Cemetery and Memorial Register and is currently researching UK local war memorials that commemorate our fallen and also the Orders, Honours and Gallantry awards made to members of the Commando in WW2.
He has been Chairman of the Association since June 2024.
patrick.oconnell@47rmcommando.org
Paddy O'Connell - Vice Chairman - is the son of Captain Guy O’Connell who led 47 RM Commando Heavy Weapons Troop 1943-46.
Paddy met and travelled with 47 Veterans for many years becoming their Chairman (2011-2019). He supports the Association through fund-raising and is responsible for welfare issues with the membership and also assists with historical and media requests. By
day he works for BBC Radio Four and is an Ambassador for The Royal Marines Charity.
anne-marie.nicholls@47rmcommando.org
Anne-Marie is the daughter of 47 RM Commando veteran Norman 'Nobby' Nicholls and first travelled with the Association the year after he passed in 2013, attending Walcheren with her mum and youngest daughter.
She has been on the annual trips ever since becoming further involved as Secretary since 2019, in order to support veterans and their families. Anne-Marie is a solicitor by profession and after 20 years as a prosecutor now works in a private practice.
(Anne-Marie is pictured with 47 veteran Harry Prescott)
allen.withington@47rmcommando.org
Allen Withington is the nephew of Marine John Withington who was killed in action during the battle of Port-en-Bessin on the 7th June
1944. A Management Accountant by training, his early career was in engineering and service industries before having a mid-life crisis when he became part owner of a London night club and a chain of bars.
His final twelve years of working life was running an airline catering business.
Geof Haywood served for 23 years in the Royal Marines, retiring in 1983 as a Warrant Officer in the Landing Craft specialisation. He has extensive knowledge of the RMA - The Royal Marines Charity having been Chairman of the Poole and District RMA branch for over 13 years.
Geof was awarded the BEM in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 for his outstanding support to our veterans and
their families over many years and for his inspiring work in the local community.
Lisa Roberts is one of fourteen beloved grandchildren of 47 RM Commando veteran CQMS Chuck Harris, a former Chairman of the Association.
She has been visiting Port-en-Bessin for many years and is devoted to ensuring that the memory of her grandfather and all those who served in 47 RM Commando is never forgotten. Lisa has been the Association’s membership co-ordinator since January 2025.
(Lisa is pictured with her grandfather Chuck Harris)
Lou Sartorel retired from the Royal Marines in 1980 after serving ten years in the Signals specialisation.
On leaving the Corps he spent twenty-seven years as a Constable with Thames Valley Police in various roles. Lou has been Windsor RMA branch regional representative and was elected as the Southern Region Chairman and RMA trustee prior to the amalgamation of the RMA and RM Charity.
Following amalgamation, Lou served on the Membership Committee of the RMA-TRMC. He was a trustee of the 47 Charity and Secretary until its dissolution.
Lou is currently the National Standard Bearer (2024/25) of the RMA and also for the 47 RM Commando Association.
georgi.nicholls@47rmcommando.org
Georgi's connection to the Association runs deep - her grandfather was a 47 RM Commando veteran, and after his passing, her parents and grandmother became actively involved in keeping his legacy alive. Her mother now serves as the Secretary, continuing the family’s dedication to preserving the history and stories of 47 RM Commando.
With a background in counselling and psychology, Georgi brings a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for storytelling to her editorial work. Passionate about preserving and presenting historical narratives, she is committed to ensuring the 47 RM Commando Association newsletter 'Despatch' captures the voices and experiences of those it represents. Outside of editing, she enjoys hiking, exploring folklore and history.
When not immersed in research or writing, she’s likely spending time with her cats or planning her next adventure.
Ken Cowdery has been a friend of the 47 RM Commando Association since 2010. Since then he has planned and coordinated the annual D-Day 'In the Footsteps of 47 Commando' commemorative walk from Asnelles to Port-en-Bessin*. He was co-founder of the 47 Charity (now dissolved) and helped coordinate fundraising on behalf of the Association.
Ken is a Chartered Surveyor by profession and has enjoyed a long career in property and business. He blends his work life with several other voluntary roles, both governance and a hands on approach. (*Ken was awarded the RM Historical Society award in
2024 for his dedication in organising the walk).
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