DONALD (DON) BICKERTON RM

It is with great sadness we note the passing of RMA Poole Branch member Mr Donald Bickerton on 10 June 2026.

Donald Bickerton was born in Devonport Plymouth. At a young age the family moved to Torpoint where Don grew up. Leaving school Don spent his early years helping his father in his jewellers shop. However, secretly yearning for adventure, at 17 and a half Don received his travel warrant for joining the Corps, which came as a complete surprise to his parents!

Don's early service was in Deal, RMB Plymouth, 45 Cdo and RMB Eastney during which time he qualified as a signaller. In 1957 Don joined the Joint Services Amphibious Warfare Centre (JSAWC) at Poole. Promoted to Corporal and re-qualifying as an LC2, in 1958 Don joined HMS Resolution where he was part of “Operation Grapple.” Don's role was as coxswain of a large floating pontoon responsible for transporting stores from ship to shore. Notably, on at least one occasion Don transported a Hydrogen bomb to shore for the Christmas Island British nuclear testing programme. One account referred to the; "Amiable, unflappable Cpl Bickerton."

In 1959 Don returned to JSAWC Poole with subsequent appointments to the navigation training ship Messina and HMS Striker. A tour onboard HMS Fearless saw Don complete 16 years as an LC before leaving the Corps after 23 years service. Don was awarded the Naval General Service medal for Aden and his LS&GC.

On leaving the Corps Don took up a civilian role at RM Poole in the Naval Stores where he served for 25 years before retiring. Don received a Commandant General Royal Marines Commendation in July 1998 recognising his distinguished service to the Royal Marines over almost 50 years serving as a Royal Marine and civilian employee.

Don was a family man and father to three girls who all married into the military giving Don and Christine six grand children and seven great grand children. Don will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who had the good fortune to meet him.

There will be a funeral at St Mary's Church in Wimborne Road Poole BH15 2EG at 12 noon on Friday 10 July 2026. For further information please contact RMA Poole Branch or the family.