Death of Lt Cdr Norman Robert Brookhouse RN

Norman Brookhouse in 2009

21 Apr 2023 - MCDOA member Julian Malec OBE has passed me the sad news that fellow member Norman Brookhouse crossed the bar this morning after suffering a heart attack. I believe he was 87. He had collapsed at home and was rushed to Queen Alexandra hospital in nearby Cosham where the medical team proved unable to save him. Fortunately for his wife Rita, both their daughters were at home at the time and were able to support her at such a difficult and distressing time.

I don't have details of Norman's early career but he qualified as an MCD Officer at HMS VERNON in December 1962. Promoted to Lt Cdr in August 1965, he served in the commando carrier HMS ALBION (1966) and as OIC of the Plymouth Command Clearance Diving Team at HMS DRAKE (1967) before commanding the Ton class minesweeper HMS BEACHAMPTON in the Bahrain-based 9th Minesweeping Squadron (1968). He went on to serve at HMS VERNON (1969/70) and as 1st Lt of the Leander class frigate HMS PHOEBE (1971) before several appointments at HMS LOCHINVAR and the Weapons Trials Team at HMS VERNON. He left the Royal Navy in 1985 and served briefly as the retired officers' rep on the MCDOA Committee between 2011 and 2013.

I am sure all members of our community will join me in extending our sincere condolences to Norman's wife Rita, his two daughters and other family members and close friends.

Postscript: Norman's funeral will take place at The Oaks Crematorium, Havant, at 1430 on Wednesday 10 May 2023. On his orders, the funeral is NO black, NO fuss and NO flowers except family. In lieu of flowers, all donations should go to Sightsavers, a charity close to his heart.