It is with deep regret that we must announce the passing of one of our fellow ADCers, Merilyn Hywel-Jones
Merilyn was a regular attendee of the Aden Dinner Club lunches until a few years ago when ill health intervened, and Merilyn will be remembered by many of us fellow ADCers.
For those who would like to attend there will be a Memorial Service at 12 noon on 29th November at All Saints Church, Bishop’s Park, Fulham (near Putney Bridge)
The announcement in the Daily Telegraph states:
“Merilyn Margaret (née Booker). Peacefully at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 10th October 2016 after a long illness. Adored and devoted wife of Ian. Faithful and loving daughter, sister, aunt and dear friend to many. Private family funeral.
Memorial Service at 12 noon on 29th November at All Saints Church, Bishop’s Park, Fulham (near Putney Bridge). Donations, if desired, to All Saints Church c/o Chelsea Funeral Directors, 235 Munster Rd, Fulham SW6 6BT (020-7385-0866).”
Jules Assopardi also made the following comments:
“Merilyn was a lovely person, hard working and dedicated volunteer for the war graves commission. Working tirelessly to identify and catalogue war graves around the world. She seconded me on a couple of occasions to investigate one or two cemeteries – and still have one on my list, that of Asmara, Eritirea which I have not yet been able to visit.
She has a keen interest in Aden, her ancestor was involved in laying the telegraph cable in about 1860 -1870 (landed at telegraph bay or Cable & Wireless bay, near Tarshyne) – apologies if my detail is not accurate.
She wrote about Captain Haines (undoubtedly she wrote a great deal more) which was well researched and published in the Br Yemeni Society. She identified Cpt Haines’ grave in Crater for me situate near the St Joseph School, somewhat bland and inconspicuous now.
She was rightly concerned at the news that Aden cemeteries were being bulldozed to make way for building development. Maalla cemetery was one not bulldozed, thankfully – it was looked after by a colonel of the former APL, Aden Protectorate Levy, though he move on since.
She mentioned to me that in the last year, during the recent troubles the Maalla cemetery was vandalised.
She visited Aden on several occasion in recent years and I think she had a great interest in art.
A wonderful person in many respect, She will be sadly missed.”