Hi friends and readers

Just a timely post to remember a true Royal Marine and loyal oppo, the irrepressible, unreplaceable, Trog Royal, who passed away today ten years ago. Trog was a legendary character who was both a Colour Sergeant in RMR Bristol and a serving Police officer and a full-time self defence instructor for the Met in the good old bad old days of the ’80s and ’90s.

Trog was also involved in the development of Royal Marines Combatives along with his boss and sparring partner on the mat, ex-Brigadier General Mike Harvey MC, (of Korea fame) who was the self defence advisor to the Met Police. Trog joined the Police after regular service in the Royal Marines Commandos, where he saw active service in Cyprus, Aden, Borneo, and various other trouble spots around the globe. He qualified as a PTI and was known as a talented gymnast in the 60’s, (totally unlike the author?). He served with distinction and always held the Corps in his heart.

He was also a legendary character in the MET. He was sometimes loaned to an assortment of Cop shops across London whenever they were having problems with some particularly troublesome family or other, it always got sorted by Trog?  life was somewhat more simple then!

I first met Trog on some joint training with the Met’s firearms teams and we also worked together training unarmed combat at CTCRM, Poole, and in Northern Ireland with the FRU (Force Research Unit) and the HMSU and E Department of the RUC’s Special Branch. (Photo above, Trog’s on the left).

Trog was a shining example to many a young bootneck in his time. He was famous for his enthusiasm, professionalism, his wicked sense of humour, and also his inherent kindness.

A true legend and a pleasure to have served with.

Rest in Peace Trog