Drum Major SJ Boorah Royal Marines

Drum Major Simon 'Bobby' Boorah joined the Royal Marines Band Service in September 1986 at the age of 17. On completion of 18 months training as a Royal Marines Bugler he joined Commander in Chief Fleet Band at RAF Northolt.

Whilst serving there he travelled extensively around the world.  In 1988 he embarked on HMS Ark Royal for a 6 month deployment to the Far East and Australia.  In 1990 he was one of forty members of the Band deployed to the Gulf on board RFA Argus.

Bobby was drafted to HMS Invincible for a six-month deployment to the Adriatic in 1993.  His duties on board included instructing the Volunteer Band's Corps of Drums and administering the ship's company’s mail.
On his return to the UK he was drafted to RM Band Portsmouth. Whilst serving here he successfully completed the Junior and Senior Command courses and also passed the Drum Major's course with a distinguished pass. He was then appointed the assistant Drum Major for the Band.

In May 2000 Bobby was promoted to Sergeant Bugler and served for twelve months in RM Band Scotland, before returning to Portsmouth for a brief spell.

November 2001 saw Bobby join the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth as the Drum Major Training, where he was responsible for training all Musicians and Buglers in Band drill after their successful completion of initial Phase 1 Training.

December 2004 saw another move for Bobby when he was drafted to RM Band Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, at Lympstone. During this time he visited Paris and later on Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which was attended by Her Majesty The Queen. 

Bobby was promoted to Colour Sergeant Bugler in March 2007 and in August the same year took up his current appointment as Drum Major of the Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth. Bobby was selected for promotion to Warrant Officer 2 in March 2011. 

Throughout his career Bobby has visited many different countries.  One of the many highlights of his career was deploying to Hong Kong prior to the hand over ceremony in 1997. He has been awarded the Gulf Medal, NATO Medal, Queens Golden Jubilee Medal and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Bobby resides in Portsmouth with his wife Amanda and their son James. 

Last updated 11 July 2011