In a week when the nation paused to remember those who gave their lives for their country, a Wyesham native returned to his roots for a deeply moving Remembrance Sunday service at St James’ Square.

Lt-Col Marc Wilding, known by his wider family as Uncle Spark, grew up on Newland Way and attended Wyesham and Monmouth Comprehensive schools and travelled back to his hometown to lay a wreath at the town cenotaph. Navigating a serious health battle with a brain tumour and demanding chemotherapy sessions, he was determined to travel from MOD Lyneham, where he is currently stationed, to honour his family’s military legacy.

Assisted by Netty Ingram, Lt-Col Wilding laid the wreath in memory of his father and grandfather. With his health remaining a significant challenge, this emotional return could well be one of his final public services in his hometown, making the occasion profoundly poignant for both his family and the wider Monmouth community.

Marc’s distinguished military career began at just 17 years old when he joined the British Army as an apprentice at Princess Marina College. Choosing the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), he qualified as an electronics engineer and rose rapidly through the ranks. His technical expertise and leadership earned him the role of Artificer Sergeant Major—the highest non-commissioned rank in the REME. Committed to his professional development, he also earned a BSc from Swansea University. Over his decades of service, Marc deployed to Northern Ireland during the latter years of the Troubles and completed two operational tours of duty in Afghanistan.

His exceptional capabilities eventually led to a commission as an officer, ultimately rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At MOD Lyneham, he served as the Officer Commanding of Normandy Company within the 8 Training Battalion REME, managing approximately 400 personnel under his direct charge.

In 2022, Marc was selected for a prestigious state role, commanding a REME deployment for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession. Stationed on Horse Guards Parade as a street liner, he stood in file as the late Monarch passed just feet away from him.

Alongside his military achievements, Marc excelled as a competitive sportsman. A passionate rugby and cricket player, he captained the Monmouth RFC youth team and played for Pontypool Youth. He went on to represent Hampshire in the County Championships at Twickenham, captained Andover RFC, and toured Cyprus with the Army XV. In 2009, he became a ‘world champion’, winning the rugby final with the ARU Masters (Veterans) XV at the World Masters Games in Australia.

Marc’s military journey followed directly in the footsteps of his father, Mike Wilding, a former Royal Engineers Sergeant who passed away in 1986 when Marc was only 12, and his grandfather, Sergeant John "Jack" Wilding of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. Jack served in World War II and died of tuberculosis contracted during the Dunkirk evacuation.

Reflecting on the emotional service, Marc’s brother, David "Bomber" Wilding, shared the family's immense pride.

“Seeing Marc stand alongside Monmouth’s servicemen, defying his illness to honour our family's generational sacrifices, was a moment that deeply moved me and our wider family.”