Death of Cdr John William Arrow RN

4 Jul 2024 - MCDOA past-Chairman John Arrow crossed the bar on the afternoon of Tuesday 25 June, apparently after suffering a heart attack. I would have published this information much sooner but I was waiting for a family announcement which has since been made by John’s son Ruaridh.

Born in 1953, John joined the Royal Navy in September 1971. After serving in HMS ARK ROYAL, HMS ARROW and HMS ALERT, he qualified as an MCD officer at HMS VERNON in 1978.

John then served in the TON class minehunters HMS GAVINTON (1979) and HMS IVESTON (1980) before undertaking the Staff Course at RNC GREENWICH followed by the PWO Course at HMS DRYAD. He served as a PWO in HMS ACTIVE (1983-84) then, after being promoted to Lt Cdr in April 1984, he was SOO (Squadron Operations Officer) to Portsmouth-based MCM2 (Commander Second Mine Countermeasures Squadron). He was then appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Hunt class MHSC (Mine Hunter Sweeper Coastal) HMS CHIDDINGFOLD.

Among his later jobs, John was the Executive Officer of the Type 22 frigate HMS COVENTRY (1991-92) and, after promotion to Commander in December 1992, he was the first Commanding Officer of the Type 23 frigate HMS MONTROSE (1993-95). He was the MCDOA’s Chairman as the Superintendent of Diving 1995-98) before undertaking jobs with Flag Officer Surface Flotilla and HQ Royal Marines.

After leaving the Royal Navy in 2001, John became a Psychological Counsellor in the Southampton area. He also indulged in his keen hobby as a photographer. During much of his naval career and later life, John suffered from extremely painful sciatica and back trouble. He once informed me that his spine was gradually crumbling.

John leaves his wife Pauline, two daughters, two sons and a stepson and was very proud of them all. I am sure all members of our community will join me in extending them our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy.