Farewell, Shipmate Don Rowland

Shipmate Don Rowland’s funeral took place at 3pm on 31st October at New Milton Crematorium. Members of the Hong Kong Flotilla Association attended in strength and proudly formed the Guard of Honour.

Among those present were Peter and Brenda Yeates, Nigel, Angela, and David Gibson, Stephen Watson, Commander Paul De Jonghe, and former Chief Wren Brenda Green, who took charge of the ceremony. Paul De Jonghe, along with Don and Maggie’s family, oversaw the funeral arrangements.

During the service, Don’s son, Bill Rowland, read Crossing the Bar, and Paul De Jonghe delivered a heartfelt 20-minute eulogy recounting the life and times of Shipmate Don Rowland. On the casket rested a Royal Naval Rating Cap bearing the HMS Tamar cap tally, His Majesty’s Royal Waterman’s Uniform Cap, family flowers, and the White Ensign. Royal British Legion poppy wreaths were also laid on behalf of both the Royal Watermen and the Hong Kong Flotilla Association.

The Hong Kong Flotilla Association expressed deep gratitude for the excellent organisation and felt the service was entirely in keeping with the best traditions of the Royal Navy. Don’s casket entered the chapel to the Hong Kong Flotilla’s unofficial theme song — Love is a Many-Splendoured Thing, sung by Don’s favourite artist, Matt Monro, who himself served in Hong Kong.

Following the service, a reception and celebration of Don’s life were held at the Walkford Inn. The long room there displayed memorabilia from Don’s life, including the Hong Kong Flotilla Colour Drape and the Association’s ceremonial regalia icon, created by Shipmate Vince Hart. Photographs and documents from Don and Maggie’s life drew much interest.

The room was adorned with White Ensigns, personal photos, and souvenirs from Don and Maggie’s years together. Paul's eulogy was later shared with the wider Hong Kong Flotilla shipmates. The White Ensign that adorned Don’s coffin, kindly provided by Shipmate CPO Vince Hart, was also displayed at the reception.

The Association was especially grateful to those who made the long journey in dreadful weather — in particular, Nigel, Angela, and David Gibson, who travelled six hours from Felixstowe.

We also thank Paul and Jane De Jonghe for their tireless support, organisation, and recognition of the Hong Kong Flotilla, helping to create a most fitting farewell for Don.

Don’s funeral was an honour to attend, and an honour to contribute to. My deepest thanks to my loyal Hong Kong Flotilla shipmates who stood in the Guard of Honour — most of us

now in late or very late age. Our presence was the heart of the remembrance, and I believe it showed.

We were also blessed with the enduring support and presence of our 96-year-old President, Admiral Conrad. Here is the unforgettable tribute he asked me, Peter Yeates, to read aloud at the reception following the service:

A Tribute from Admiral Conrad

"Bless you all for being here today — brave, dutiful hearts, the lot of you. Don stood his watch on earth steadfastly, cheerfully, and professionally. Once he left the Navy, he became the sort of chap we all turned to for advice. He is now at peace. And while I cannot say for sure if Don left any final requests, I would wager a pound to a penny that his top wish would have been this: “Please look after Maggie.” Not just the occasional phone call asking how she is — she comes from that generation that doesn’t complain, and will always answer, “I’m fine, thank you.” I mean really looking after her. Ask the deeper questions — what’s top of her worry list right now? Renewing the car insurance? A problem with her smartphone? A leak in the roof? The state of the garden? THAT is how to truly look after Maggie."

"And from Robert Louis Stevenson:"

"Under the wide and starry sky Dig the grave and let me lie. Glad did I live and gladly die, And I laid me down with a will. This be the verse you grave for me: “Here he lies where he longed to be; Home is the Sailor, home from the sea, And the Hunter home from the hill.”

(Pause) Home is the Sailor, home from the sea."

— Conrad Farewell, ‘Big Don’.

Reflections and Farewell

A final verse, from a poem by Francis Thompson, featured in the Order of Service alongside a treasured photo of Don and Maggie together. It was originally quoted in A Many-Splendoured Thing by Han Suyin, which inspired the film of the same name:

"The angels keep their ancient places— Turn but a stone and start a wing! 'Tis ye, 'tis your estrangèd faces, That miss the many-splendoured thing."

This funeral marks a significant turning point. The Hong Kong Flotilla Association will now continue simply as a group of friends — staying in touch and hoping to meet again in 2024.

In the meantime, we wish ‘bon voyage’ to our dear shipmates Angela and Nigel Gibson, who are about to set sail on a round-the-world trip — a voyage even longer than the troopship journey that once took us all to Hong Kong.