'Royal Navy family to the core' as dad and three sons all serve in Senior Service

A Cornish family with strong Royal Navy connections has proven its commitment to the Senior Service yet again as the youngest son has completed his Royal Marines training, taking the total number of family members serving to four. 

Proud dad Warrant Officer Class One Jim Spencer, a Royal Navy Phase 1 instructor at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, watched his youngest son Marine Joe Spencer complete the elite Commando Training course on 12 May. 

So tough was Mne Spencer's 18 months at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone that after being asked by his father what had not been broken yet he replied, saying: "My spirit, Dad – it's a state of mind."

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Mne Spencer, 24, battled through injuries, setbacks and illness to complete his intensive training and receive his coveted green beret. 

As well as his proud dad, Joe's elder brother Leading Naval Airman Charlie Spencer, currently working at RAF St Mawgan, witnessed the passing out parade. 

WO1 Spencer's stepson Air Engineer Technician Billy Kelland, based at RNAS Culdrose, was unable to attend as he is deployed on operational commitments.

Now a fully-fledged member of His Majesty's Royal Marines, Mne Spencer has moved on to 47 Commando Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Devonport, where he will be part of the Royal Marine Landing Craft team. 

WO1 Spencer said: "We are a Royal Navy family to the core and it is humbling to see what Joe has battled through to get here today." 

Reflecting on the achievements of all three sons, he said: "I could not be prouder. 

"To see the boys in uniform is awesome and I hope they all have just as many opportunities and adventures as I have had in my 32 years."