A THANKSGIVING service for retired army major general Mike Swindells, who drowned in Italy, is to be held in Devizes on November 20.

Mr Swindells, 85, died after getting into trouble in the sea off the island of Elba on Tuesday, October 13.

A private family will take place in Pewsey but everyone will be welcome at a thanksgiving service at St John's Church, Devizes at 2.30pm.

A collection will be made in support of the Army Benevolent Fund, the Soldiers' Charity where Mr Swindells was controller from 1987 until 1998.

Mr Swindells was born in Cheshire and educated at Rugby School. He was called up for National Service in 1948 and commissioned into the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, then stationed in Germany, in 1949. On release he spent a short time in the textile industry but soon rejoined the regiment and saw service in Korea.

He was promoted to the rank of major general in 1980 and retired from active service in 1985. But from 1990 until 1995 was colonel of the 9th/12th Lancers.

He and his wife Prue moved to Wiltshire when he started working for the charity and set up a bed and breakfast business in Wilcot.

They moved to Devizes about eight years ago and he became an active member of the congregation of St John's Church. The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this summer.

A military memorial service organised by his cavalry regiment 9th and 12th Royal Lancers is likely to be held in the new year.