Royal Marine of the Year 2024

by Cpl R Brennan, Y Coy

‘Sir, is this Gen? It sounds like a bite.’ After some reassurance that it was not, I sat down to think; how had this happened? It’s been a busy year for everyone in Y Coy, day one of joining I was told to ‘strap in, the tempo is relentless’ an accurate description.

A couple of weeks and some emails later I found myself at White Waltham Airfield, ‘You must be Bren, I’m Keith, let’s have a wet’. I’m sat with Hon Capt Keith Knowles OBE RNR, the Corps RSM, 45 Cdo RM RSM and the Old Man (former Irish Guards RSM). Looking at a Spitfire, eating bacon rolls and drinking coffee, I’m aware that today is going to be a bit different.

The plan was to fly to Yeovil for some brunch, but the weather isn’t playing ball. We chat about flying and I get asked about myself, career and aspirations. The audience is far from the norm. Part of the award is a preferential draft; I intend to stay at 45 Cdo and continue the work I am currently undertaking. I have passed the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) for Senior Corps Commission and have been selected for Sergeant. Lots of variables to think on, and I gratefully receive sound advice throughout the day.

Hon Capt Keith Knowles OBE RNR with Davide Cerrato, presents the RMOTY award to Cpl Brennan

On Keith’s driveway is a green Aston Martin DB9. I immediately get out and start inspecting it, ‘Have a look in the garage’ offers Keith. Inside is a Porsche 911. We get changed into Lovats and I’m asked, ‘Which do you want to drive?’ I pause and then answer, ‘Both please!’ Memorable to be wearing Lovats and driving Dad in a DB9 to a luxury watch factory I’m grinning the entire way.

‘The Wing’ at Bremont Watches is a stunning building, full of toys. Motorbikes, cars, ejector seats and memorabilia adorned the walls. We are met by the hospitality team and the CEO Davide Cerrato, impeccably dressed and exceptionally friendly. He is passionate about the brand and the work they do with the military community. We tour the facility; the components of the watches are entirely British, as are the horologists (watchmakers). Glass walls show staff busy in lab coats studying watches under microscopes.

The Bar showcases some of the sponsored representatives, such as Jason Fox, Aldo Kane, Tom Hardy and Jimmy Chin. As the citation is read out it’s the first time I have heard it. It’s surreal to say the least.

As I listen it’s apparent that, yes, I was there for that exercise, or that event, and I did do that tasking however… I didn’t feel like I had excelled or deserved this praise, the Bootnecks I relied upon for advice, support and knowledge over the past year deserve credit. I am humbled to be here and it’s not comfortable to be praised like this. All I did was the job that needed doing. If I saw something that could help the team, I tried my best to do it. If I could set an example along the way, then all the better. ‘Get a grip of your career lads’ we have all heard it said, but I think getting a grip on a situation or taking chances to do so is equally important. Do everything you can for the team at every opportunity.