“It’s wonderful to have someone like George come along to tell us his stories, share his experiences and inspire us through what his generation were up to, and how music is always the overriding passion with all Royal Marines Musicians,” he said.
“I never expected all this – I thought I’d get a letter back thanking me for my gift to the Royal Marines School of Music,” said Mr Latham.
He joined the Royal Marines Band Service aged 14 in 1952, learning to play the euphonium and cello at the School of Music, then based in Deal.
HMS Raleigh is the home of the Royal Marines Band Plymouth and was also Mr Latham’s last posting before he retired in 1986.
“We moved 12 times during my service with the Royal Marines Band, and the statue has come with us,” he said.
