Marlow man is first ever British officer made head of Bermudian Army

The first British officer to be appointed in charge of the Bermudian army is a man who grew up in Marlow.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Foster-Brown, who lived in Marlin Court during his teenage years, was made chief commanding officer of the Bermudian Regiment in March.

The official hand-over was held on Saturday, June 8.

The 42-year-old is the first non-Bermudian ever to be selected to fill the position.

The qualified successor for the job was killed in a car crash in September.

Due to their being no other suitable on-island candidate, Michael was recommended by the Ministry of Defence on merit of his experience, leadership and military skills.

Michael's mother Irena, who still lives in Marlow, said: "The fact that he is the only British officer who has or will ever be the Bermudian Commander makes it really incredible."

Part of Michael's role is to ensure a Bermudian will fill the position in three years time.

Michael, who went to school at Bradfield College in Reading, has a military career spanning 20 years which includes postings to Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Iraq and as Commander of the Bastion Training Centre in Afghanistan.

Michael is married to Joanna and has two children aged three and six months who have moved with him to the island.

Michael has fond memories of living in Marlow including his paper-round and swimming in the Thames.

He said: "I used to run up the river to Hurley and I would swim across the river to get to the other side when there wasn't a bridge there.”

Michael's grandmother and Irena's mother, Doris Pomorska, lived in Marlow for 15 years until she died in 2008 and was a popular figure in the town.

Irena's father Stanislaw Pomorski died in Holland during the Second World War.

Irena, who is hoping to visit Bermuda soon, said: "My mother would have been proud that Michael followed in her husband's footsteps."