A Calder Valley resident who had won the Military Medal in Malaya and Brunei while serving as a Royal Marine has died at the age of 73.
Mr Robert Rawlinson, known as Bob, passed away peacefully on September 11 at Holly Bank Nursing Home, Halifax.
Born to the late Robert and Christina Rawlinson he was raised in Fleetwood and Bob’s school years were spent at St Bernadines college, Buckinghamshire.
On leaving school at 16 he joined the Royal Marines and saw conflict in Malaya and Brunei, where he was awarded the Military Medal for the rescue of hostages at Limbang.
During his time in the Royal Marines he also supported geographical survey teams from Cambridge University. This included exploring areas of the Antarctic, some of which were the first recorded landings.
While posted at Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth, Bob met his late wife, Margaret Finnigan, of Luddenden Foot.
On leaving the Royal Marines in 1967 Bob and Margaret, now married, moved to Windy Harbour Farm, Todmorden, to start a new hill farming venture.
He also served in the Merchant Navy working for BP and prior to retirement in 1992 Bob worked as a house master at Dobroyd Castle School in Todmorden.
Retirement allowed Bob to pursue his interest in Captain James Cook. He spent three months travelling the southern hemisphere tracing Cook’s journeys and discoveries; he was also a member of the Captain Cook society.
The family would like to thank Holly Bank Nursing home, Overgate Hospice, CareMark, and Marie Curie for their support and care during the past nine months.
His funeral will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Mytholmroyd, at 11am on Thursday, September 26, followed by interment at St Mary’s Church, Luddenden.