"STYX"
RODNEY “STYX” WESTECOTT RM
3rd February 1935 to 22nd September 2026
It is with great sadness we note the passing of Rodney “Styx” Westecott Royal Marines. He was the senior member of The Royal Marines Association Poole and District Branch and will be missed by all its members.
Born in Bristol, as the story goes, “almost” on the Clifton Suspension Bridge but for the quick wits of the ambulance crew. Early childhood saw him and younger brother Robert moving between the Cotswolds and Southampton as their father’s work was involved with the development the Spitfire aircraft.
He joined the Corps 23 April 1950 at the tender age of 15 and spent his early years as an RM drummer. At his green beret pass out Styx was awarded the King’s Badge, the highest accolade for a Royal Marine recruit. He was initially posted to HMS Ark Royal followed by postings to 41 Cdo RM, JASSWAC & ATURM in Poole and HMS Fearless. Returning to RM Poole he began his specialisation as a Landing Craftsman qualifying as an LC3. His first post as an LC was to HMS Striker/Anzio. Styx found his niche in the LC Branch and quickly rose through the ranks and specialist qualifications to become a SNCO LC1. His service saw him travel the globe including to “hot-spots” like Mombasa in Kenya, Aden and the Middle East, Brunei and South East Asia as well as locations nearer to home; Malta and Cyprus in the Mediterranean. He was awarded a medal by the Sultan of Brunei for his services. He left the Royal Marines from RM Poole on 3rd August 1975 as a Colour Sergeant LC 1.
On 30 March 1959 Styx married Josephine. They enjoyed a loving and full life together and were very happy on the birth of their daughter Emma and later, lovely granddaughter Lyra. Continuing in the “Globe-trotting” theme, on leaving the Corps, he took up employment in the Middle East.
He was a very keen supporter of RMA Poole & District Branch and was involved in its formative years. He was always to the fore in organising events for the membership; branch BBQ’s, Curry nights, the Graspan Parades and Mountbatten Festival of music in London, the annual CTCRM reunion and Veterans breakfasts in Wareham. Most notably he instigated the creation of the Branch Book of Remembrance and he was involved in the building of the Emmett’s Hill memorial at Chapman’s Pool where he also loved to do the gardening.
Rodney “Styx” Westecott was a Royal Marine of the highest calibre with a great character, total loyalty and dedication. He was a loving family man and a reliable and supportive RMA member. He was a driving force and led from the front. Styx was loved and respected by all he met and will be very sadly missed by his family, friends and RMA members.
The funeral for Styx will take place at 10.30 Monday 12th October 2026 at Harbour View Crematorium, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster. Poole. BH16 6AN. Refreshments will be served on completion. https://www.tapperfuneralservice.co.uk/tapper/funeral-search/09513ec390bcaeff8c8b5f5df13d1c2a6147c0f3
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