Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM)

“F126” by John McDermott Artist on permanent exhibition at CTCRM

I was deeply honoured to be invited as a VIP guest of Colonel Innes Catton, Commandant of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), to attend their Passing Out Parade on 13th December 2024. The day began with a fascinating and educational presentation about the Commandos' mission, vision, and future initiatives. This was followed by the prestigious issuing of the Green Beret to the newly qualified Commandos and witnessing their impressive Passing Out Parade, culminating in lunch with the Colonel and other guests.

I had the honour of gifting my late husband John's painting, "F126," to the Commando Training Centre. This artwork depicts a section of the pennant number on HMS Plymouth, a warship that played a pivotal role in the Falklands War including transporting Commandos. During battle, HMS Plymouth sustained significant damage, including four direct hits from 1000lb bombs, one of which went down the ship's funnel and set it ablaze. Whilst the relentless air attack continued, the ship was engulfed in flames and listing in the water, the crew continued to fight using handguns to fire at the aircraft bombers because that’s all they had left as their last means of defence. Miraculously, the bombs did not detonate, and because of their incredible bravery, everyone on board survived that harrowing day. John often recounted how they all believed they were facing their final moments. Their actions, along with all who serve, stand as a testament to the character, determination, resourcefulness, bravery, training, and immense sacrifices of our military personnel.

John, who served 28 years in the Royal Navy, was involved in all major conflicts during that time and was eventually diagnosed in 2009 with combat-related PTSD.  Experiences such as the Falklands Wars and all the other conflicts which saw him at the young age of 17, recovering dead bodies from the sea, and later, dealing with mass open grave disposals created by the local terrorists, left a deep mark and took a toll on him.  John also served as a United Nations representative, where he faced gun-wielding militia unarmed, relying on his Royal Navy training and personal fortitude to make a difference.

Together, John and I founded and managed two Community Interest Companies: Aftermath PTSD, which raised awareness about the hidden costs of war, and Art for Heroes, which offered art workshops as respite for sufferers. We reached over 250k people nationwide and raised more than £10k for the Royal British Legion through the sale of John’s artworks.

John’s painting "F126" now proudly hangs in the Commando Centre's Officer's Mess. I feel deeply honoured to have been a small part of John's achievements and to be included by Colonel Catton in such a moving and memorable day of heartfelt remembrance and pride.

40th Anniversary of the Falkland Islands Liberation

It’s now three years since John passed away and words still fail me in describing the devastating loss of my wonderful Husband. John had such a warm and generous heart, with a deep insight and understanding of others situations and struggles.  His lovely softly spoken Scottish accent was wonderful to listen to and it soothed the soul of everyone who heard him speak. 

John gave so much to those around him and did an enormous amount for the Veteran Community in the UK and Norway.  He founded two Community Interest Companies, Aftermath PTSD, which raised awareness of combat related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, from which he also suffered and Art for Heroes, which used art to help provide respite to sufferers. 

A lot has happened since John passed, and this year, the Falkland Islands Government commemorated their 40th anniversary of their Liberation on 14th June 2022 with a year long celebration.  Which included the Falkland Islands Museum hosting an exhibition of John’s artworks and personal effects such as his uniform, easel and studio shoes.  He served in the Falklands War, on HMS Plymouth which had sustained four direct hits from 1000lbs bombs that miraculously didn’t explode. Whilst the ship was on fire and dead in the water, bombers were still firing and all they had were firearms to defend themselves.

It’s a very moving and poignant tribute that John’s art will continue to raise awareness of the hidden costs of war and that he will be forever remembered for all he gave and achieved.

John’s Easel and studio shoes with paintings, Grytvyken 1982 and The Sun Reader

John’s uniform, with paintings Hot Matter and Eden 2 South Atlantic

Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust

My late husband and artist John McDermott would have been chuffed to bits with his art being exhibited by the Falkland Islands Museum and National trust, as the Islands have always held a special place in his heart as did the raising of PTSD awareness, which he suffered.

The Museum aims to highlight the nightmarish personal cost of the PTSD impact in defending our country, as Veterans literally lose their peace of mind to do this for us all. As a 'Painter in Uniform' John's art gives an insight to the darkness that can be experienced, an expression of the unrepeatable horror that haunts and isolates. I am very proud of him and honoured to have been by his side supporting him.

I hope you'll support the Falkland Islands Museum and National trust in their fundraising and aims to raise awareness of how PTSD and it's impact on the individual, families and society as a whole.

With special thanks to Andrea Barlow Director of the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust and if you wish to know more about their plans to build the Lookout Gallery and exhibition hall, please click on the following link: https://falklands-museum.com/fundraising

There are various ways you can make a donation.

1. By cheque made out to the ‘Falkland Islands Museum & National Trust’ and mailed to the Historic Dockyard Museum, Stanley, Falkland Islands, FIQQ 1ZZ.

2. By donating to https://www.givengain.com/c/fimnt/about

3. Or to our Gibraltar account: AC Name: Falkland Islands Museum & National Trust, AC No: 20001105 Sort code: 608314

4. To our local SCB account: A/C Name: Falkland Islands Museum & National Trust, AC No: 002001260000

Thank you for your support.

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Remembrance Day 2020, John's story and the Royal British Legion

Rememberance Day has come to mean much more than it once did; a time to remember and commemorate all those who gave their lives, their todays, for our tomorrows. A time for Poppy Appeal and for us to give to the Royal British Legion so that they can support those who have survived their service, yet suffer the consequences, most of which are unseen and why I’m sharing some of John’s story with you.

John served 28 years in The Royal Navy, taking part in all the major conflicts during that time. He told me many of the stories, two of which really stood out for me. Such as when he was in the Falklands War, on HMS Plymouth which suffered four direct hits from 1000lbs bombs, that wedged in her hull yet didn’t explode. For the next 24 hours the crew lived minute by minute in terror from death by explosion whilst under air attack and on fire, until they were able to disarm and recover the ship.

John also spent time as a UN Observer and had to dispose of decomposing open mass graves where villages were simply wiped out. Being unarmed, he only had his personality to exert as authority over the local machine gun wielding militia.

Exmouth, Strand, 2020

John McDermott Medals

All of this took a huge toll on John who had started to silently suffer with combat related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at a time when it was still regarded as inappropriate in the Military. It caused him to relive traumatic events, known as flashbacks, as if they were happening right there and then; to be hypervigilant always on alert for danger; with panic attacks that felt as if he were having heart attacks; along with sleeplessness, anxiety, depression. John goes into more detail in the above video called War Trauma - II A Natural reaction.

Evening Standard 2003 John McDermott Security Chief Old Bailey

On leaving the Royal Navy in 2000, John took up a job as Head of Security at the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Courts in London. A high stressed job, particularly so after the 2001, 2005 and 2007 London bombings and where the terrorist cases were held, along with others such as Baby ‘P’. John was on duty 24/7 even when he wasn’t there. He became a leading light in the Security Industry setting the standards and paving the path for future developments.

By 2008 he found himself suffering from PTSD so much that he was unable to cope any longer and when he was subjected to an extreme and distressing situation, regarding divorce, it caused a massive PTSD attack where John fled, driving aimlessly for hours, distraught, not knowing who to turn to, or what to do and when he asked for help, I gave him refuge. He arrived with literally nothing, no change of clothes, no tooth brush or shaver, nor money; just what he stood in.

Even though we’d shared our traumatic histories with each other, and John explained his dreadful and devastating circumstances, I didn’t know what to expect as our contact had been purely online via the Saatchi art site where we were part of a group of artists planning a residency. When I saw him for the first time standing under a lamp post in the rain, I saw a survivor, someone who cared and loved, who’d given his all, but never received it in return. I’d never met him before and have no rational way of explaining that it was love at first sight for us both; incredible; unexpected; irrational - as we stood in the rain looking at each other, I knew from that moment I would stand by him no matter what, and I did, as he did with me. We hugged as though we’d known each other all our lives.

The situation he fled from was truly appalling and the following day he contacted the Royal British Legion Crisis help line (0808 802 8080) who came to the rescue with support, guidance and help. I witnessed first hand just how much they do for our service people, the dedication and care they gave was humbling. For the first time, in a very long time, John didn’t feel alone in an impossible situation. It choked him with emotion that they were there for him and helped him through what were extremely tough times. John believed his situation and circumstances were extraordinarily horrible, and those who worked for the Royal British Legion, were both experienced and very reassuring that those who served, were vulnerable to the same situations and lack of support that John experienced.

Express & Echo Rememberance Day 2009

John was so grateful for all the help he’d received from the Royal British Legion that two CIC’s (community interest companies) were created; Aftermath PTSD to raise funds for them and others as well as awareness and Art for Heroes to provide art workshops as respite for fellow sufferers. There are videos of John speaking about it on this link https://johnmcdermottartist.co.uk/video and he set about raising funds in 2009 appearing in The Express & Echo front page, and I provided all the background admin support he needed. I was so proud of him and all that he’d achieved, as despite what had happened and the appalling circumstances, he not only survived but thrived, following his dream of being an artist all day, every day, surrounded by love, care, nurturing, along with being able to give and help others. John raised thousands for the RBL, and helped many find respite with the use of Art. We had to set up a quiet room whenever he had an exhibition because people were so moved by the Art and often cried. We also spent a lot of our own money helping homeless veterans and putting them up in B&B’s during harsh weather and found ourselves being called out by the Ambulance Services for those who were feeling suicidal, even though we weren’t trained.

I’d like to take a moment to thank with all my heart all those who stood by me, my neighbours, friends, and those who I’d just met, yet were there for me, when John passed away in 2019. I was still too choked, shocked and traumatised by both his death and the events that followed it, to be able to pay my respects on Remembrance Day and found myself feeling very distressed that this year covid was stopping it again. This year I considered giving my respects alone until I connected with Exmouth Sand Artist Paul Burton. As most of the Remembrance events seemed cancelled, we’d planned to do something for everyone, but as things transpired and a 2nd lockdown was imminent, Paul simply did an iconic sand Poppy on Exmouth Beach in honour.

Sand art requires perfect conditions for it to be able to be done. The tide has to be low and at the right time, and the weather not windy, with no risk of rain on a level of sand that has the right amount of salt crystals to hold the shape of the design along with a spot where it can be seen above in it’s full glory.

Orcombe point in Exmouth became the location with the Geo Needle on the top of the cliffs providing the view. With all the recent storms it was going to be hit and miss and the most ideal day seemed 4th November 2020, the day before lockdown.

The fates were with us, it was a gorgeous day, wall to wall sunshine, with little wind and the sand just perfect. I had the honour and pleasure of watching and photographing Paul create the sand Poppy and witness the effect it had on everyone who happened to be there to see it. It was so uplifting in these dark times, I was in awe, everyone was in awe. People climbed the cliff to see the Poppy and take photos and everyone was smiling, including me and we were all thankful to have a chance to commemorate and be part of something marvellous and I cannot thank Paul enough for giving us the chance to honour and remember, especially me. I hope you’ll give Paul’s Facebook Page a like for being such a star and for what he did for us all that day and this is the link https://www.facebook.com/Paul-Burtons-Sand-Art-316912255129207/.

On 8th November 2020, Remembrance Sunday, around half a dozen cruise ships sounded their horns in the bay on the eleventh hour. A civil service took place at the Exmouth War Memorial, were Poppy wreaths were laid in honour of those who sacrificed and gave their lives. A lone Bagpiper, Duncan Nelmes also played the pipes which was part of John’s Scottish heritage, and he always loved to listened to them. For me, this year’s Remembrance was a most poignant, moving and uplifting tribute. A time when I could honour my Husband John McDermott, for all his sacrifices, his service to his Country, remembering our times together and all we did as well as honour all those who fought for the freedoms we can all now enjoy.

Times are extremely tough for many of us, yet as we’ve seen, it’s when we pull together, when we care for each other, that the best of of us all comes out. I hope that if you’re able, you’ll donate to the Royal British Legion on this link https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate for all the crucial and marvellous work they do in supporting our Military people.

In 2022 the Falkland Islands Museum will have their 2022 Commemoration when some of John’s major artworks will be exhibited and more information can be found on this link https://falklands-museum.com/fundraising

I’d like to give heartfelt and special thanks to Andrea Barlow, Director of the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust and Steve Lewis, of Devon and Cornwall Royal British Legion.

Thank you, stay safe and well.

Anna xx

https://annamcdermott.art/

UPDATE: ITV News article ‘Remember the Fallen’ has mentioned this blog and can be viewed on this link:

https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2020-11-11/remembering-the-fallen-on-armistice-day-across-the-west-country?fbclid=IwAR33sGhzajmEvz4NrS_aMO2n0IbyU6QazGzHyrNgQm_p6ONLU6Riy2ohrgc

Two Artists one wedding

About to say ‘I do’

Lots of kisses

Wonderful food and venue thank you Onur and Karine! xx

Our first toast

Our first dance

Apart from 3 weeks, we were together 24/7 for almost 12 years and loved it. We were like teenagers and laughed, joked, played and had so much fun together, running round the garden naked in the rain. We lived, breathed art, studios side by side, able to share our inner most feelings and thoughts, things that we felt no one else would understand. Even when we fell out, which wasn’t often, we’d pine for each other as we sat in the same room and sulked in our respective corners; John doing a wonderful mimic of me which always made me laugh.

It was when we visited Avesbury’s ancient ring of stones, and I sat on one that looked like a throne, that John romantically proposed on one knee and eight weeks later we married on 28th September 2013.

We’d both had a very rough ride in previous relationships, and made several promises to each other before the main event of our wedding day. One of which was to do all the loving things for each other that no one else had ever done for us before.

More kisses

We were broke at the time, on ‘the bones of our arses’ as John described it and not able to afford it, or buy new clothes. My legs trembling so much when I said ‘I do’, and the look of happiness and love in John’s eyes made me feel the luckiest woman alive to be with such a wonderful, gorgeous man who was my husband! When we got home we drew wedding rings on our fingers with biros and covered each other with hearts and kisses. The biro marks took a long time to wear off.

It was our amazing friends who rallied around and gave us the most wonderful wedding possible, making it so special for us. Karine and Onur Egitim who gave us a fantastic wedding reception and food at Marcello’s Restaurant, we couldn’t have wished for better. Mike Alsford, who did our awesome wedding photographs and everyone who came, who sent us love and gifts, making it such a magical, memorable and loving event for us.

I have never been loved by anyone as I was by John who opened my heart in a way I never thought possible; his gift of love to me was so special and I loved him with a passion. John’s probably telling God off in Scottish, saying they’re a lavvy heid for having taken him so early from me and not being around to see his art being exhibited for the Falkland Islands Museum 2022 commemoration.

Thank you with all my heart, to all my friends, to everyone who was part of lives and love and put up with us being joined at the hip. <3

Photography copyright of Mike Alsford.
Marcello Restaurant

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