Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
At 102 the former non-commissioned officer is one of the nation’s oldest marines – and one of the last survivors of a small, elite force which helped forge the Corps’ present-day reputation as elite commando warriors.
He was treated to some classic tunes courtesy of the Royal Marines Band from just down the road at HMS Collingwood, whose musicians joined Jeff’s friends, family, the Royal Marines Association and residents of Parker Meadows care home.
“I really enjoyed today, it was very unexpected. I was just expecting a little group of us in the corner having a nice quiet drink and a chat!”
When asked how he felt about celebrating his 102nd birthday, he said with a laugh: “Not much different than my 101st except it was a bigger do!”
His daughter Kay Dunleavy added: “It’s just so special to have the Band Service perform for Dad today. Mum and Dad used to go to all the Band’s concerts together when they lived in Exmouth and the last one he went to was actually here in Portsmouth with my mother. It’s very special.”
Band Sergeant Martyn Chapman said his musicians were only to happy to perform for one of the marines’ family on a milestone birthday.
“It’s a nice touch for the Band to help celebrate a former Royal Marine’s birthday. It’s continuing their legacy, it’s recognising their service they gave and being able to give something back.”
“It’s also been great to have the Royal Marines Association here today, seeing the whole family of Royal Marines come together. They were all singing along and particularly seemed to enjoy the sea shanty which was great to hear.”
I really enjoyed today, it was very unexpected. I was just expecting a little group of us in the corner having a nice quiet drink and a chat!
Jeffrey ‘Jeff’ Broadhurst
Originally from Wolverhampton, Jeff Broadhurst was forced to cut short his education aged 14 and help support his family by earning a wage, settling on an apprenticeship as a butcher.
The war interrupted that training and after first joining the Home Guard (‘Dad’s Army’), when he came of age Jeff was called up and joined the Army.
A keen sportsman – especially swimming – he’d represented his home town at water polo and cricket before the war and that athleticism and his sense of adventure led to special duties… which eventually led to transferring to the Royal Marines as a sergeant with 40 Commando – a unit which exists to this day.
The trailblazing wartime unit was heavily engaged in the Mediterranean theatre; the marines saw action in Italy – including the famous landings at Anzio – Albania and Greece.
40 Commando’s war ended on the Greek island of Corfu, where Jeff earned his ‘wings’, qualifying as a parachutist thanks to working with the RAF.
After the war he followed a yearning to be ‘on the land’. He worked on a small sheep farm on Exmoor, managed a dairy farm in Wiltshire, ran a dairy/pig farm in Somerset and finally piggeries in Hampshire and Somerset.
Before moving to Fareham in 2016 with his now late-wife Dorothy – the couple enjoyed 72 years together and second to meeting/marrying her, the former marine says he cannot decide if his most memorable experience was freefall parachute jumping or horse riding – Jeff worked as a gardener and maintenance man for a care home in Exmouth.
Though he has largely lost his sight – he is a registered blind veteran – he enjoys the love of a large family – a son and daughter, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren – and is supported by a strong Christian faith.
Never a smoker nor big drinker, he did allow himself the treat of a sherry over Christmas.
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.