The Fleet Air Arm Association
FAAA Obituaries 2025 "Lest We Forget "
Roy Thomas Colbeck CA SE1(A/C) LF927463
3rd August 1936 - "Cross the Bar" 26th October 2025
Roy served from 1953 - 1976 at the following Shore establishments, Ships or Squadrons
1953/54 - Daedalus, Gamecock, Illustrious
1954/55 - Siskin, Goldcrest
1955 - Ark Royal
1956 - Daedalus 705, Seahawk
1957 - Eagle
1957/58 - Daedalus 701
1958 - Victorious
1958/59 - Heron
1959 - Falcon
1960/61 Heron
1961/62 - Seahawk
1962/64 - Ariel
1962/63 - Protector
1964 - Ariel
1965 - Fulmar
1968 - Bulwark
1971/73 - Fulmar, Daedalus
1973/74 - Royal Arthur
1974/76 - Daedalus
Raymond (Ray) Reeves NAM 1 (E) LFX812732
23rd October 1927 - "Crossed the Bar" 11th October 2025
Ray enlisted in 1946. Initial training was undertaken at HMS Royal Arthur at Corsham followed by Merlin engine course at Warrington. Once qualified he was posted to St Merry and Culdrose with 790 NAS who were operating Mosquito aircraft. Whilst at Culdrose he played the euphonium in the station band. Ray was discharged in 1949 and went onto work Bristol Aircraft Corporation in the design department working on both the Brittania and Concorde on the latter of which he designed the jigsaw for the engine bay doors
Michael (Mick) Warnes POAEA(M)
26 January 1945 - 28th September 2025
Served January 1962 to May 1985
HMS Eagle, Hermes and Bulwark,
800, 845 and 846 Squadrons
1969 Field Gun crew
Nigel Edward Malcolm WO(Air Electrical Mechanic) BEM
1954 - 2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Shipmate, ex-Warrant Officer (Air Electrical Mechanic) Nigel Edward Malcolm BEM crossed the bar on the 5th September 2025.
Nige was born in 1954 and joined the Royal Navy in 1971. Over more than 30 years of distinguished service he worked on Wasp, Wessex, and Sea King helicopters, serving with pride across the Fleet Air Arm, Small Ships Flights and as a Junglie before retiring as a Warrant Officer in 2004. He later continued his service with the Ministry of Defence, supporting both the Sea King and Merlin teams.
Nige was an exceptional athlete. He excelled at squash, long-distance running, and ran Field Gun, and carried his passion for sport into rugby, where he played, coached, and refereed at regional level.
He is survived by his beloved wife Julie, herself a veteran, together with their sons Andrew and Chris and their families.
Nige will be remembered not only as the perfect Warrant Officer, professional, reliable, with an unflinching moral compass, but also as a true shipmate, friend, and loyal Fleet Air Arm Association member. He will be greatly missed.
Fair winds and following seas, Nige.
Rest easy, shipmate.