Paul entered the Royal Navy in 1975 at HMS Raleigh. As a Royal Navy Medical Branch rating he served up to Warrant Officer First Class status. In 2005 Paul was commissioned as a Lieutenant. During his 37 year career as a Royal Navy Commando, he served in many areas of operations including Northern Ireland, The Falklands War, Gulf War 1, Cambodia, Kosovo, Gulf War 2 and Afghanistan.
During his time in the Falkland Islands in 1982, Paul received the following recognition from the Royal Navy:
"LMA Youngman was employed as first line medical support to a rifle Company during operations in the Falkland Islands.
Throughout this time he was normally the only source of trained medical assistance available to the Company and was thus required to deal single handed with a large number of minor injuries as well as battle casualties. This he did with calm efficiency and good humour, often in the most appalling weather."
“Paul was awarded a 'Mention in Dispatches for his actions on 11/12 June 1982."
Life on Civvy Street
On leaving the Royal Navy in 2012 he found employment as a civilian in the education sector. In 2014, he was offered, and accepted a part-time position back within the Royal Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. Paul now works as a University Technical College Liaison Officer and STEM Outreach Coordinator helping to develop the STEM agenda for young people.
During the recent Covid 19 lockdown, whilst tidying up his loft, Paul discovered a number of badges and miniature medal ribbons from his career in the Royal Navy. Having previously seen a photograph of a unique bear, made from old Royal Navy uniform on social media, he contacted Sandi Millichip-Massocchi to see if it might be possible for her to create a suitable memento for his granddaughter, which would depict his Service career.
The bear will be treasured and reflects memories of a long Service career.
Paul says:
“I have seen a lot of ways that people reflect on their careers, I already have a couple of items that have been uniquely produced for me, and bears and other memorabilia can be seen on various sites for Service personnel to purchase.
This bear however is unique, in so much as it has been made from parts of my old uniform that would probably have been discarded. It is a fantastic way to depict my career for generations to come.”
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