For many years an Annual Advent Service, on behalf of the Commando Association. has been held in the historic little Church of St. Peter at Seaford College, near Petworth, in East Sussex. The link between the Commandos and the College goes lack to the war years when the Commando Group Headquarters were based in the College grounds. Indeed, there is a handsome Commando plaque commemorating this link in the church.

Last year it was suggested that due to falling attendances consideration be given to terminate the annual services. This was agreed but the College suggested that a final special Reunion Service be held in June 2002, followed by a luncheon. As a result, on Saturday 22nd June 2002, some 52 comrades, family, friends and college representatives and including the President, Colonel. B.G.B. Pugh, General Committee members J. Wall (5 Cdo), Harry Hones (6 Cdo), Col. D. Long MC (9 Cdo) and Major Jimmy Dunning (Training Centres), - plus the famous Seaford College Choir - attended the service which was conducted by the College Chaplain.

During the service, Jimmy Dunning paid special tribute to the late Canon Johnson who had initiated the annual services and conducted them every year subsequently. The Chaplain stated that Canon Johnson had prepared this final service and was looking forward to it, but sadly, had died, aged 86, a month before it was held,. Many comrades have fond memories of the Canon who always made them feel so welcome at the Annual Services.

After this years special service, the comrades and friends enjoyed a special luncheon, during which the President, Col. B.G.B. Pugh TD. In a vote of thanks to the College and its staff, emphasised the fact that the Association appreciated the link with the College over the years. And so ended a very successful commemorative Reunion and Service which, happily, was enhanced by glorious summer weather in the perfect and lovely setting of the College and Chapel on the picturesque Sussex Downs.

[Written by Major James Dunning].