Old Comrades
We record with deep regret the death of the following serving Royal Marine:
Mne J D G Houghton 30436104 1.11.25
MARINE T BONEHAM
Few lives span as much history as that of Tom Boneham, who passed away peacefully at his home in Tillsonburg, Ontario, on 19 September 2025, at the age of 102. His story is one of courage, quiet resilience and the kind of humility that defined a generation.
Born on 21 March 1923 in Warwickshire, England, Tom grew up on a farm in the village of Shotteswell. When war broke out in 1939, he was just 16 but quickly joined the Home Guard, watching the skies for the Luftwaffe and preparing for the defence of Britain.
At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Royal Marines following in the footsteps of his father who had served during the First World War.
He was assigned to the 5th Battalion after completing training but soon volunteered for ‘hazardous service’, joining the newly-formed 30 Commando Assault Unit, a secretive unit made famous by Lt Cdr Ian Fleming RNVR, in January 1943.