Major (Retd) Mervyn Colenso-Jones

Last Post: Major (Retd) Mervyn Colenso-Jones (Late RWF & SWB)

It is with sadness we announce Gilmore Mervyn Boyce passed away peacefully on Thursday 26th December 2024, aged 94. Late Major of The Royal Welch Fusiliers and beloved husband of the late Anne.
Commissioned into the Royal Welch Fusiliers on 29th July 1950, Major Colenso-Jones had a distinguished military career, retiring on 15th July 1972. He served in various locations with the 1st Battalion RWF, including Chester, Jamaica, Belize, Berlin, Cyprus, and Bulford, and in Wrexham and Malaya with the 2nd Battalion RWF. Later in his career, he attended the Joint Services Staff College in Latimer, served with HQ United States Continental Army Command in Fort Monroe, Virginia, and finally at the Ministry of Defence, AT3, in Whitehall, London. He also served with the 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers, and held the appointment of Camp Commandant at Maindy Barracks.

Major Colenso-Jones was a recipient of the General Service Medal with clasps for Malaya, Cyprus, and Aden, and was made a Commander of the Order of St John.

Following his retirement from the Army, Major Colenso-Jones continued to serve his community and country. He was Regimental Secretary of The Royal Welch Fusiliers from 1972 to 1981, and Priory Secretary for the Order of St John, Priory for Wales, from 1981 to 1984. He then served as Garrison Adjutant, Cardiff Garrison, from 1984 to 1987, followed by a role as Staff Officer Grade 2 at the Ministry of Defence (Director General Personal Services - PS4) from 1987 to 1990. He was then Principal Staff Officer at The Royal British Legion HQ in London from 1990 to 1992. He was also a Member of TAVRA for Wales from 1973 to 1987 and a Designated Member of the South Glamorgan Health Authority from 1981 to 1985.

On 4th June 1982, he was appointed to the Corps of Gentlemen at Arms to HM The Queen, a position he held until his passing. An accomplished oil painter, his work 'Closing the Gates of Corunna 1809' is displayed in the RWF Museum.

A private funeral service will be held. No memorial service will take place at Mervyn's request. Donations in his memory may be made to the RWF Benevolent Fund c/o R.C. Smallbone, 37 Pound Street, Newbury RG14 6AE.

RHQ The Royal Welsh