Prior to joining the Royal Marines, Simon completed a degree in Geography and French at the University of Exeter and spent time undertaking an expedition with Raleigh International, conducting tsunami relief work in Sri Lanka, various volunteering projects and adventures in Central and South America, and traveling extensively in Eastern and Central Africa.
He started Young Officer training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in August 2010, after which he was assigned as a troop commander to 42 Commando RM. On completion, he was appointed as the Flag Lieutenant to the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel. This was a fantastic people-focused post that provided insight to the highest levels of the Royal Navy. Next followed employment as 40 Commando RM’s Training Officer where his highlights include deploying as part of a large amphibious task-group in 2014 and in 2016 delivering Ex BLACK ALLIGATOR, a 6-week two battlegroup level exercise in 29 Palms, USA. He was subsequently appointed as a staff officer in Headquarters 3 Commando Brigade where he was primarily responsible for managing operational deployments and UK resilience tasks across the UK Commando Force.
Having been selected for promotion to Major, he attended Staff College in 2018 before being appointed as a staff officer in Navy Command Headquarters with the responsibility of managing the Royal Navy’s amphibious ships. Whilst undertaking this role, he was also selected to serve as the Equerry to the then Captain General Royal Marines, The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry, an opportunity that provided a range of experiences unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. He was privileged to be selected for sub-unit command and appointed as the Officer Commanding of Y Squadron, the UK Commando Force’s Cyber and Electromagnetic specialists. During his time in command he was selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and is currently employed in the Maritime Operations Centre where he oversees UK Commando Force activity around the world on behalf of the Commander of Maritime Operations.
Simon is married with two sons and spends his spare time as a rugby referee, helping at church, and spending always too limited time with his family.
Simon became a serving Trustee of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity in April 2024.
