A MINEHEAD 18-year-old and his family are celebrating after he passed his 32-week training course to become a Royal Marine Commando.

Will Ryan, is the third generation of his family to join the elite fighting force.

His father, Regimental Sergeant Major Paul ‘Buck’ Ryan, is currently based at the 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group in Plymouth.

Paul has received awards from the Queen and at the The Sun’s Millies.

He presented his son with his green beret and the moment was shared with his family and friends at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.

Somerset County Gazette:

Paul has been in the Royal Marines for 27 years, and his father, Bill – Will’s grandfather – served as a commando for 23 years.

Somerset County Gazette:

Will’s mum, Sarah, is manager of Cream Cafe, in Minehead. She said: “Will has grown up with the influence from both his father and grandfather but joining the commandos is something he’s wanted to do since he was 11-years-old.

“It was a really proud day for all of us watching him at the pass out and it’s amazing to see him achieving his true ambition.”

Will, who attended Minehead Middle School and West Somerset College, passed out on Friday, January 17.

He signed up just before Christmas 2012 and is back at Lympstone training with other recruits after a well-deserved week off.

He will start his career at 40 Commando at Norton Manor Camp, just outside Taunton, in a few weeks.

After some time there he will be off to the Middle East with the Response Force Task Group.

Sarah added: “I did have an edge of apprehension at first because he is so young, but this is what he’s always wanted to do.

“Paul has just gone off to Norway for a few weeks but I still have my daughter Maisie who is really proud of her big brother.”

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Wil lpictured here with his granny, Pat Ryan, holding the Globe and Laurel, The Royal Marines Journal magazine. This edition is from 1972 and Will’s granddad, Bill Ryan, is picured on the front while serving in Belfast.

All photos Sarah Ryan.