Bear Grylls helps mark new Wantage road in tribute to Royal Marine

Rae Crescent was named after Captain Stuart Rae who posthumously received the Elizabeth Cross for valiantly losing his life while serving in the Sultan’s Armed Forces in Oman in 1971.

Captain Rae’s sister Liz Keevill was guest of honour at the naming ceremony on April 28 and was joined by Wantage mayor Jim Sibbald, Royal Marine dignitaries, and residents of the estate.

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Mr Sibbald worked with developers St. Modwen to ensure the occasion served as a fitting tribute to honour Captain Rae’s memory, which holds special significance to not only the Rae family but also the local community.

In his younger days, Captain Rae was part of the third King Alfred Scouts in Wantage who now have a ‘Stuart Rae Challenge’ in his honour.

His legacy is known further afield from Wantage with Bear Grylls writing a letter read out at the event to acknowledge the positive impact that Rae’s life had on the scouting community.

A sunset ceremony was played by the Wantage Silver Band, before the lowering of the White Ensign in line with traditional Marine custom.

Also in attendance was Brigadier Blease, deputy lieutenant for Wantage, Commodore Bellfield, naval regional commander eastern England, Colonel Turner, representative of commandant-general royal marines, and former Wantage Mayor Steve Trinder.

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Major Jim Sibbald, mayor of Wantage Town Council said: “On a fine Friday evening, it was appropriate to honour the memory of Captain Stuart Rae Royal Marines and to highlight the legacy that he has left to Wantage and the King Alfred District Scouts in particular.

“In addition to all the dignitaries who attended, I would like to thank the mayors’ (Abingdon and Wantage) Cadets for their turnout and participation, Concert Brass of Wantage Silver Band for their excellent performance, St. Modwen for hosting and providing the refreshments and, of course, the residents of Rae Crescent for joining us and learning about the history and importance behind their street.”

Dinny Shaw, strategic land head of planning at St. Modwen, said: “St. Modwen is dedicated to bringing communities together and I am pleased that we were able commemorate the life of a hero of significant local importance through our work at Kingsgrove.

“Thank you to our partners Wantage Town Council and the Royal Marines, and of course everyone else who helped to make the event a great success.”