On a memorable evening steeped in history and camaraderie, the brethren of North Meols Lodge No 5828 in Southport gathered to pay a special tribute to William George Duggan as he marked an extraordinary milestone of 50 years in Freemasonry.
The lodge was opened in due form and the proceedings took an immediate turn towards high ceremony with a knock on the door. The inner guard announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas, stood outside and demanded admission. He was accompanied by Southport Group Chairman Philip Stock and other distinguished guests.
Upon their introduction, David was welcomed by WM Ian Taylor and graciously offered David the gavel of the lodge and on this very special occasion he accepted the offer and occupied the chair of King Solomon.
David then captivated the brethren by reading a detailed account of Bill Duggan’s remarkable life, charting his course from childhood to the present day. Born in November 1933 in Ireland amidst the country’s struggle for independence. Bill’s early life was marked by tragedy, his father, serving in the Royal Navy aboard the newly converted aircraft carrier HMS Courageous, was lost when the ship was torpedoed by U-Boat 29 on September 17, 1939, shortly after war was declared. Bill’s father was one of 519 crew members who perished as the ship sank in just 20 minutes.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Bill joined the Armed Forces in 1948, choosing one of the UK’s elite fighting units: the Royal Marine Commandos. After initial training at Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth (now home to 42 Commando), Bill was posted to Malta, where he met his future wife, Alice, at a local well. Bill affectionately describes Alice as his ‘absolute rock’ and the ‘salt of the earth’. His service took him into active duty in various hotspots across the globe, including Malaya during the ‘Malayan Emergency’. Aden on the Arabian Peninsula and Borneo, where British forces were deployed to ensure democratic processes could take place against anti-British and Communist forces.
A specialist diver, Bill regularly inspected the hulls of Royal Navy vessels, including the Tribal Class Frigates like HMS Gurkha, checking for mines and explosives. Despite a serious injury sustained during a training assault course, breaking both arms and suffering head injuries. Bill later became a chauffeur for senior officers, transporting admirals and generals worldwide. Having completed 22 years, Bill signed on for a few more years due to the difficulty in finding a replacement for his specialised role. His service extended into the 1970s, including trips to Northern Ireland during the troubles and served with all the Commando Units (40, 41, 42, 45 and 30 Assault Unit). On November 16, 1976, Sergeant (Bill) William George Duggan, PO16652H, retired from the Royal Marines, receiving a commendation letter from General Sir Peter Whiteley, Commandant General.
Bill’s Masonic journey began while he and Alice were still visiting Malta. Bill was initiated into Zetland Lodge No 515 in October 1975, passed in December 1975 and raised in April 1977. This historic lodge was founded in 1845, once boasted members such as Gonville Bromhead VC of Rorke’s Drift fame. Due to the departure of UK forces from the island, Zetland Lodge petitioned to return to the UK and now meets in Aldershot. Upon moving to Southport, Bill joined North Meols Lodge No 5828 in February 1980.
Bill was installed into the chair of King Solomon in January 1988. With his commitment to the Craft, he joined Silver Jubilee Lodge of Installed Masters No 8818 in September 1989. Bill then joined the Royal Arch and was exalted in the North Meols Chapter No 5828 in March 1988 and later joined the Silver Jubilee Chapter of Installed First Principals No 8818 in May 1998.
After losing Alice, Bill moved to Dorset, continuing his Masonry by joining Progressive Science Lodge No 5007 in March 2003 and the Chapter of Brotherly Love No 329 in Somerset. In 2018, he returned to the Northwest and happily re-joined North Meols Lodge and North Meols Chapter and both Silver Jubilee bodies. Despite contracting Covid in 2020, Bill continues to play an active and respected role within North Meols Lodge as chaplain.
At the festive board, following the customary toasts, Bill took the floor to express his sincere gratitude for the kind words and presence of everyone who had joined him to celebrate his special anniversary. The fabulous night of laughter, jokes and celebration was concluded with heartfelt words from David Thomas and the lodge director of ceremonies, Steven Baldam, marking a perfect end to the recognition of a truly exemplary Freemason.
William George Duggan’s 50 years in Freemasonry certificate is a testament to a life defined by courage, service to his country and unwavering dedication to the principles of Freemasonry.