Royal Marines musicians perform for bed-ridden veteran

Fred Carrington, who celebrated his birthday on Monday, joined the Royal Marines in 1941 and served in Africa, the Adriatic and Italy as part of 43 Royal Marines Commando.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth were visiting his home town of Wellingborough on Saturday for a concert but Fred is unable to leave his house – so the band came to him.

Sergeant Bugler Chris Mace, was joined by Buglers Tom Cartwright, Ben Paine, Alex Elliot and Adam Peers performed for Fred after his son Mike asked them to visit him.

Sgt Bugler Mace said: ‘It’s really nice to make Fred happy and there’s a lot of respect for his generation in the Royal Marines.

‘He’s a Second World War veteran so it was great to come along and play for him.’

‘Hopefully he’ll remember it and feel a bit better about the fact he can’t go down the road and watch us for real.’

Son Mike said Fred had been bed-ridden for five years and desperately wanted to see the band perform.

He said: ‘The Marines very much live on the motto of: “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” and that’s why they’ve turned up, it’s a lifelong thing.

‘I’ve got to say thanks to all of those who came and made my dad very happy.’