OBITUARY

RIP David Nicholson RM

David George Nicholson was born in Stratford London on 14^th October 1945. He joined the Corps at 17 and served on HMS Albion, at RM Eastney and in 40 Commando where he served on operations in Borneo and the Malay Peninsular. Specialising as a Landing Craftsman David was a very active and fit Royal Marine always looking for the next challenge. He represented the Corps in Boxing and was a member of the Royal Marines Motor Cycle Display team. A great loss to the Corps, David elected to join civilian life in 1972 having achieved the rank of sergeant. 

Settling in Poole, David joined the Dorset Fire service. David made a great success of his new found profession and he quickly rose through the ranks and moved to the London Fire Service as a Divisional Officer where he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct medal. In 1995 whilst on duty David was the victim of a tragic road accident suffering a severe head injury which forced him into early retirement from the Fire Service.

Despite the enormous challenges this brought, David was determined to grasp the positives in life and with the support of his two daughters; Rebecca and Naomi as well as his wife Patricia he settled into family life in Poole. David joined the East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet club. In true Royal Marine fashion David launched into the sport of Croquet and soon became a UK champion and was ranked 64^th in the world! In 2009 David earned the award of Croquet Coach of the Year!

Alongside all of this, David was a very keen member of the Royal Marines Association in Poole and was never more content than when he was in the midst of “Bootnecks” at meetings or out on parade for D-Day, Remembrance or any other reason! In more recent years David became ill with cancer. Once again David didn’t let this hold him back and he continued to attend RMA meetings. David crossed the bar peacefully at home with family on 29 August 2025.

The funeral of the late David Nicholson will take place on Thursday 18^th September 2025 at Poole Crematorium (Gravel Hill) at 12 noon. A reception will be held at the Bricklayers (Parr Street, Ashley Cross) on completion. All are invited.