THE ROYAL Artillery Association's 'Certificate of Merit' has been awarded in recognition of outstanding and meritorious service.

In 2023, the National Executive Committee of the RAA approved only six awards, one of which has now been awarded to Ronald Bailey of the Wrexham District Branch.

Ron has been a member of the Wrexham Branch since 1955 and is their longest serving member. 

The Merit Presentation The Merit Presentation (Image: Anne Knowles-Murphy)

He has served variously as Welfare Office, Vice Chairman, Chairman and latterly as President before standing down from the role earlier this year.

Ron is a well-known and highly regarded figure within the Wrexham veteran community where for many years he has diligently provided gunner representation at fundraising, civic and mayoral events.

Supported by his partner Joyce, Ron has been an industrious fundraiser, boosting branch funds and helping ensure healthy contributions to the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund.

The current Branch Chairman describes Ron as being: "A guiding light within the branch and an active, eight-eight-year-old who continually encourages the younger brigade.

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"He's a true gunner who wears his badge with pride and represents the Royal Artillery Association at every opportunity."

The award was presented by The Master Gunner St James’s Park, Lieutenant General, Sir Andrew Gregory KBE, CB, DL., during a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Family members, fellow Wrexham Gunner members, serving and veteran gunners from around the UK offered a congratulatory round of applause in appreciation of Ron’s long-standing, active involvement and commitment to the Association.