On this day 14 February 1969
Published: 14 Feb 2014
On this day 14 February 1969 Captain M.J. Reece RM appointed Commanding Officer 848 Squadron at RNAS Sembawang, Singapore (pictured). The first RM officer to command a naval helicopter squadron, and the first in FAA command since 1946.
Michael Reece qualified as a pilot in 1963 and flew Whirlwinds and Wessex with 845 and 848 Squadrons, and instructed on 707 Squadron before returning to Corps duty in October 1970. He commanded 41 Commando 1980-81, was awarded OBE 1981. His last appointment, as Colonel, was CO CTCRM Lympstone 1984-86. He retired in February 1987.