Local Royal Marine Receives Commendation from King Charles
A former Colwyn Bay kitchen assistant Osian Stephens has received the respected King’s Badge at his recent Royal Marines passing out parade. The prestigious award is given to the best all-round member of the King’s Squad, on completion of Commando training.
Osian Stephens, 20, who previously worked as a ClwydAlyn kitchen assistant, has recently completed the rigorous 32-week Commando training regime. Residents of Merton Place Nursing Home, where Osian worked, were thrilled to receive the news that he is already excelling in his new career as a Royal Marine.
Osian’s mother, Ruth Stephens who also works for ClwydAlyn at Merton Place was overjoyed to attend her sons passing out parade and surprised to find that King Charles was awarding her son with the prestigious King’s Badge.
A historic occasion, the King, as ceremonial head and Captain General of the Royal Marines visited the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone in Devon, where 28 recruits from 362 Troop were passing out.
“The badge carries a huge amount of kudos and is given to the recruit who excels at all the disciplines.”
“It was a very big moment for me. A massive moment for the troop as well.”
It is the first time in 85 years that the sovereign has presented the King’s Badge, a symbol of absolute excellence, to the best recruit. This accolade marks the beginning of what is expected to be a long and distinguished military career for Marine Stephens.