#860, Robert Nathaniel WOODARD

Educated at Lancing College and Manadon Royal Naval College.

Great grandson of Nathaniel Woodard, founder of the Woodard Foundation whose flagship school is Lancing. President of The Lancing Club.

Learnt to fly at Shoreham during his education at Lancing. Joined the RN in 1958 as an Aviation Cadet. On completion of flying training, he joined the 1st Commando Carrier HMS Bulwark as a Commando Helicopter Pilot (Sub Lt) in 848 Squadron. He served in North Malaya for the last six months of the emergency Kuwait and East African uprisings. 1961-3 HMS Ark Royal CO Ship's Flight (Lieut). Transferred to fixed wing aircraft in 1963 and flew Buccaneers Mk 1 in 800 Sqd with HMS Eagle, 1963-4 Indonesian Confrontation. Intensive Flying Trial Unit to bring Buccaneers Mk 2 into service 801 Sqd HMS Victorious in the Far East. 1965-6 Air Cover for withdrawal from Aden. 1967 HMS Undaunted for small ship experience. Government policy of axing aircraft carriers reqired return to hellicopters. 1968 Air Warfare Instructor 845 Sqd HMS Bulwark, Eastern Mediterranean. 1969-71 Senior Pilot (Lt. Commander) 846 Commando HQ Sqd. 1971-3 CO Helicopter Flight and Head of Weapons and Operations Dept. Britannia RN College, Dartmouth, Devon. 1974 CO 771 Sqd. Portland Naval Search and Rescue. 1975 CO 848 Sqd HMS Bulwark promoted to Commander. 1978-80 Commander of HMS Amazon (3500 tons). 1980 promoted to Captain.

Robert was usher at the marriage of HRH The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral in 1981.