A Market Drayton man’s proud parents have shared their delight at his military success with the Advertiser this week.
Former Grove School student Ian Allsopp passed out as a Royal Marine commando at a “spectacular” ceremony in Devon last month.
It was attended by his parents, Nick and Barbara Allsopp, along with friends and Ian’s 24-year-old brother Jamie.
Ian, 22, who also attended Market Drayton Infant and Junior Schools, was presented with his Green Beret after 13 months on a commando course and will join a Royal Marine unit in Plymouth shortly.
Barbara, who has lived in Market Drayton for 27 years, said: “We’re all incredibly proud of what Ian has achieved because it’s a major feat and hopefully he’ll get to see many different countries throughout his career.
“The passing out ceremony was spectacular and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with us forever.
“Jamie was full of admiration and pride for his brother and a few of Ian’s friends came down to the parade as well, but we kept it from him.
“Ian was surprised and impressed when they met up afterwards but all the boys in the armed forces need enormous support and Ian has had the full backing of his family and friends throughout.”
Barbara said her son was unsure what career to follow when he left the Grove but was attracted to the armed forces while studying at a Shrewsbury college.
“Ian spent a day with the Royal Navy in Birmingham and that was what sowed the seeds of a career in the Royal Marines,” she said.
Ian began the 32-week commando course in May 2008 and completed it despite suffering an injury which kept him out for four months.
“He’d been working on his fitness for a long time and Ian’s always had the right attitude and mindset to achieve his goals.”
By Winston Brown