The Royal Bahamas Defence Force bugler and drummer performed the last post and reveille at the funeral service for Comrade George Collymore, a member of the British Legion–Bahamas Branch (BLBB) who died on September 24th at the age of 90.
Comrade Collymore was eulogized on Saturday past (October 5th) at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Balliou Hill Road, Grants Town. He initially enlisted with the British Legion-Bahamas Branch (BLBB) in 1944, where he served until 1945. He later enlisted with the US Marine Corp, and completed a tour of duty during the Korean War.
As a member of the Royal Air Force, Comrade Collymore served as an Aircraftman mechanic 2. He was given the responsibility for the maintenance of war airplanes at the Oakes Field Base.
A total of 14 World War veterans who have served with the BLBB have passed on since 2017, which includes 3 BLBB members this year. Currently, there are 7 remaining veterans registered with the BLBB.
Since 2012, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has assisted the BLBB with the coordination and administration of all BLBB programmes and activities through the administrative assistance of Defence Force Reservist Adina Munroe-Charlow, who was appointed Chairman of the BLBB on July 1, 2019.
The BLBBs formal relations with the Defence Force also made it possible for registered WW II veterans to receive monthly pensions from the British Government.
In addition to performing ceremonial duties at military funerals for BLBB members, the Defence Force participates in the BLBBs Annual Church Service at St. Agnes Church, their Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery on Infant View Road, the Annual Christmas Luncheon, the Annual Poppy Sales event, the wreath laying ceremony at the veterans cemetery and at the cenotaph, Rawson Square.
In 2017, the Defence Force adopted the Veterans Cemetery on Infant View Road where a number of World War I and II veterans are interned.
In 2018, the Defence Force hosted the BLBBs 100th Anniversary Ceremony for the ending of World War I.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to guarding our heritage.
