Items from The News of Portsmouth and Navy News are reproduced by kind permission of David Brown and Sarah Fletcher respectively.  Click on the thumbnails to enlarge them.

29 Mar 08 - Death of Bernard 'Donkey' Bray

 

For the past few weeks, CD Alan 'Donkey' Bray has kept members of the RN CD website apprised of the decline of his father, ex-CPO(CD1) Bernard 'Donkey' Bray BEM* (HMS Vernon, HMS Dingley, FEFCDT, FOST Divers, FCDT early 1970s, MSV Stadive (Subsea Offshore), etc), who had been suffering from a degenerative brain illness at Gosport War Memorial Hospital since October last year.  Today he announced the following:

 

"Fellow CD branch members,

 

It is with the heaviest of hearts and great sadness that I have to report that Donkey (Bernard Edward) Bray BEM* passed away peacefully this morning at 06:05 as the sun was rising on a new day.  Donkey was surrounded by his wife and children at the time of his passing and the nursing staff made him as comfortable as possible during these final days.  Donkey was proud of our branch and I am very proud of him.  God bless you Dad, rest in peace.

 

I would once again like to thank you all on behalf of my mother for the messages posted over the last few days, all of which were passed on to Donkey direct.

 

Alan (Donkey Bray Jnr)"

 

I know all members will join me in extending our sincere condolences to young Donkey and his family on their sad loss.

 

28 Mar 08 - New Personal Update

 

Jason White

 

The Members Only area contains an update and photos from MCDOA member Jason White who is currently serving somewhere hot and sandy with CPO(D) Willie Sharp and D1 'Screech' Whiting.