The Royals were at the Royal for the 48th anniversary of the formation of a squadron that formed in the Deal Royal Marine Barracks.

Eleven men from JE 31 Squad joined together for the fifth annual reunion, which this year was held at the Shepherd Neame pub and hotel on Deal seafront.

Member Mike Thatcher, who lives in Deal, said: “One came from Clearwater in America, another came from Hamilton in Canada, and others came from Plymouth, Pool and Bournemouth.

“I think bonds do stay close.”

He added: “We hold a reunion in a different place and this year we decided to hold it in Deal.”

There were originally 32 men who joined the squadron in 1966 at Deal and then moved to Lympstone in Devon. Two or three of the men have since died.

The existing members are appealing for others to get in touch and join their next reunion in October 2015.

• If you were a member of JE31 Squad, contact Mike Thatcher on 07720 747110 or email: mike25086@gmail.com.