OBITUARIES ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Subpages on this page to L

STARTED MAY 2011

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Captain Peter George Adam Worcestershire Regiment 20th August1934 – 4th April 2023. Peter Adam was educated at Uppingham and Leeds University where he was a very keen member of the OTC. He reported to the Worcestershire Regiment Depot at Norton for his National Service in September 1956 and was immediately sent to Officer Cadet training to Eaton Hall OCS. He was commissioned into the Worcestershire Regiment on 1st February 1957. Between March 1957 and August 1958 he served with 1 WORC R in Jamaica and the Bahamas. On completion of National Service he returned to UK and joined the family carpet making business in Kidderminster in September 1958. He also joined 7th (Territorial) Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment and continued his TA service until 1969 after 7 WORC R were disbanded in 1966. He was a very fine shot returning to Bisley for many years and being a member of the TA50. He was a support weapons specialist trained on the 3” mortar, 17 Pdr A/T gun and the BAT as well as the Vickers MMG. In later years he exchanged carpets for growing fruit and was a very loyal supporter of Regimental functions in Worcestershire. Peter’s funeral will be on Wednesday April 26th at 2.30pm at Bitterley church. Letters of condolence can be sent to his widow: Mrs Barbara Adam, Millcroft, Bitterley, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3Q

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It is with sadness we inform you that 22909910 Pte Reginald Barry ADCOCK of Newark, Nottinghamshire died on 13 April 2016 aged 80. Barry was called up for National Service in 1953 and served at the Depot, Normanton Barracks until January 1954. He was then transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and served with it in Hong Kong and Korea. He left the Army in 1957. Barry was a long time member of the Newark Branch WFRA and The RBL in Newark. His funeral is to take place on Monday 25 April 2016 at 1415 hours at Christ Church, Boundary Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 4AJ followed by a celebration of his life at the RAFA Club, 23 London Road, Newark NG24 1TN. Standards welcome.

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I report with sadness the death of Major J.M.(Jock) AFFLECK ex 2nd Bn (1933-41)and 7th Bn. Jock died on 20th May 2011 after a short illness at the Ulster Hospital(nr Belfast) He just reached his 95th birthday on 22nd April this year. Jock's army number was originally 5249669 and when commissioned 161369. He served with 2nd Bn in China and India. He had a short spell in the UK with 7th Bn.,before being posted to the KSLI/Herefordshire Regt.His next posting as to the Royal Indian Army Service Corps with service in Burma 43-45.Jock settled in Bangor, N.Ireland after the war and in 1971 at the age of 55 years served for 2 years in the Ulster Defence Regiment.His wishes were that his remains be used for medical research and for this reason a funeral has yet to be arranged.A service of thanksgiving is expected to be arranged for the future. Would you kindly forward this information to the Regimental family.
Regards Billy (WILLIAM BEST). UDR. Message recieved 21st May 2011 .(amended 6th June to age at death 95yrs not 88)

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It is with sadness we inform you that Dr Wendy ALLEN wife of the late Lt Col (Retd) K G Allen DL WFR Assistant Regimental Secretary 1977 - 80 and Regimental Secretary 1980 - 87 died recently. Her funeral is to take place at The Minster Parish Church, Ilminster onMonday 23 December 2013 at 1400 hours.

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It is with sadness that I report the death of 23237237 Cpl JOHN WILLIAM ALTON who passed away on 14 November 2019. John enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters on 22 March 1955 and finished his service on 21 March 1970. Johns Funeral will be on Tuesday 26 November 2019 at 15:00hrs in The Round Chapel, Markeaton Crematorium, Derby. Attendance by Standards and members would be much appreciated.

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Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Amphlett MVO MBE. SWB / RRW 8th August 1934 – 10th January 2023 There will be many in our Regiment who will remember with affection Gordon Amphlett as our Technical Quartermaster in Ballykelly and West Berlin between1972 - 75. He was a supreme professional soldier, one of life’s true military characters, and also particularly successful in using his own skills and experience in turning 1WFR into a very capable rugby regiment.
Born in Blaenau in Wales he was orphaned at 5 and came to the Royal Albert Orphanage in Worcester until he was 16 prior to enlisting in the South Wales Borderers. His talent and character resulted in an astronomical career climb becoming the Regiment’s youngest Sergeant during service in Brecon, Malaya, Minden and Crickhowell. Following a posting to Hong Kong he gained a Mention in Dispatches in Aden. In 1969 as Regimental Sergeant Major he ran the amalgamation parade of the South Wales Borderers and the Welch Regiment to become the Royal Regiment of Wales. He was also responsible for the personal tuition in drill and matters military of their new Colonel in Chief, HRH The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, for which he became a Member of the Victorian Order. Commissioned in 1971 to be MTO of 1RRW he joined 1WFR in West Berlin in 1972 and came with them to Ballykelly. He returned to West Berlin with 1RRW and also served there as a staff officer in the Headquarters. Further service included Northern Ireland and Belize. He was awarded the MBE when Quartermaster at the Prince of Wales’ Division Depot, Crickhowell, prior to becoming the Camp Commandant at the Regular Commissions Board, Westbury as a Lieutenant Colonel. He retired in 1988 and was the Chief Recruiting Officer in the Army Carers Office until 1994. Life after the Army included some farming and running a B&B as well as being a very keen gardener. His funeral service will be at 1300hrs, Friday 3rd February in Brecon Cathedral. Letters of condolence can be sent to his widow: Mrs Maureen Amphlett, at 12 School Gardens, Brecon, LD3 7PG.

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2nd Lt Philip Amphlett We regret to report the death of Philip Amphlett of Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire on 2 September 2021 aged 86. He was called up for National service in 1955 and commissioned in The Worcestershire Regt in June 1956. He served with the 1st Battalion in Iserlohn, BAOR and the West Indies. He was demobilised in December 1957 having extended his service during the Suez Crisis. He then served in the 7th Battalion until 1961. He was a lifelong supporter of the regiment and the museum in Worcester.
On demobilisation he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor, joined a local estate agency and rose to be chief executive. He played for Bromsgrove Rugby Club then successively became Captain, Chairman and President.
He had many other sporting and charitable interests and served on the Diocesan Synod of the Church of England and was a Liveryman of the City of London.

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It is with regret that we notify you that 22488234 WO2 A J ANNIS died on 5 May 2013. Jack joined the Worcestershire Regiment as a regular soldier in the 1950’s and served with the 1st Battalion in Malaya. After leaving the Army he later joined the 7th Bn the Worcestershire Regiment at A Company based at Dudley, Worcestershire. On the re organisation of the Territorial Army in 1967 he joined B Company [Worcestershire] Mercian Volunteers based at Kidderminster as Colour Sgt [CQMS] where he became one of the mainstays of the new company. ‘Jack’ as he was universally known worked hard to make the Company a strong viable entity. He was promoted WO2 and remained the Company Sgt Major until his retirement. Strongly supported by his own family he did a great deal to develop the strong family ethos within the Company, which it still maintains today through the Kidderminster Branch of the Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association. He continued to support the Association functionsuntil his health made it too difficult for him to attend.
His funeral is to take place at the Gornal Crematorium, Dudley on Wednesday 29 May 2013 at 1100 hours. The family would appreciate Standard Bearers and Association members to be inattendance. For those wishing to write in condolence to his widow Mrs Rose Annis, her address is 166 Ashenhurst Road, Russell’s Hall Estate, Dudley DY1 2HX. .....................................

Mr Graeme Anton of Torton, Worcestershire died on 12 July 2016 aged 82. After being called up for national service in 1952 and attending Eaton Hall OCS he was commissioned in The Worcestershire Regiment and joined the 1st Battalion in Malaya. While there he was evacuated after contracting polio and after convalescing at Osborne House he was discharged. A service of thanksgiving will be held at St James' church, Hartlebury DY11 7TD at 1430 hours on Friday 9 September 2016

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We regret to announce the death of Datuk Awang Anak Raweng GC in Sarawak, Malaysia on 18 September 2020 aged 91, one of many Iban trackers employed by the army during the Malaya Emergency. In April 1951 two sections of D Coy 1st Bn The Worcestershire Regiment were in the jungle when the leading section came under heavy automatic fire, killing Pte N Dykes and Cpl B Stanton and wounding Raweng, Ptes G Hughes and W Payne. In the meantime the other section, led by 2Lt OW Morris (RAOC attached), tried to outflank the bandits but he was shot dead. The remaining members of the first section took cover off the track except Hughes who was unable to move. As the bandits renewed their attack on the leading section Raweng, though wounded in the thigh, exposed himself to drag Hughes under cover, took his rifle and engaged the bandits who returned fire and wounded him in the elbow. As they continued to advance Raweng tool a grenade from one of the wounded, withdrew the pin and held it up to keep them at bay until reinforcements arrived. He was later awarded the George Cross. His citation stated “The coolness, fortitude and offensive spirit displayed by Awang Anak Raweng were of the highest order. Despite being twice severely wounded he showed the utmost courage and resolution to continue the fight and protect the wounded soldier”. Had he been enlisted in the army he would have been eligible for the VC.
After the Sarawak Rangers were reformed in 1953 he joined them and rose to the rank of Sgt. He attended several reunions of the VC and GC Association and usually also visited the 1st Battalion on these occasions accompanied by Lt Col St JC Brooke Johnson MBE, a descendant to the Rajah Brooke family of Sarawak.

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It is with sadness we report that 23832410 Cpl Basil APPLEYARD of Shirebrook, Nottinghamshire died on 14 September 2011 aged 74. Baz served with 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters and continued to serve with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment on amalgamation in 1970. He left the Army on 31 August 1977. His funeral is to take place at Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook on Monday 26 September 2011 at 1230 hours followed by internment at Shirebrook Cemetery at 1315 hours and the family would appreciate the attendance of Association members and Standard Bearers. For those wishing to write in condolence his son Ian, can be contacted at 57 SlantLane, Shirebrook, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG20 8QN

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479163 COLONEL STEPHEN ASHWORTH OBE Colonel Stephen Charles Holbrook Ashworth died on 24th October 2022 in Burton Hospital. He had suffered from Motor Neurone Disease for several years. Stephen was born in Andover in January 1945, the son of an Army officer. As a result the family travelled extensively in the early years of his life to Germany, Egypt, Libya and Nigeria. Educated at St Edwards College in Malta he entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Sherwood Foresters in July 1965. He served as a Pl Comd in Colchester when the Battalion was in an air-portable role then moved with them to Munster and Minden when it converted to mechanised infantry. In September 1969 he was posted to JIB Shorncliffe before returning to the amalgamated regiment in Warminster where he was the APC Platoon Commander. He served with 1WFR in their tour in Londonderry before moving with the battalion on their posting to Berlin. He always spoke of escorting Rudolf Hess from Spandau Prison to BMH Berlin. In April 1973 he married Susan Thomas, daughter of Major Basil Thomas, the Unit Families Officer. Having achieved a high grade on his Pl Comd's Course Stephen returned to Warminster as an instructor to the NCO and Sniper Courses. In September 1975 Stephen was posted to HQ 1 (BR) Corps in Bielefeld as GSO3(Ops). On promotion to Major in Oct 1978 Stephen attended the Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham before moving to the Australian Army Staff Course in Queenscliffe in Victoria. He then completed a Long Intelligence and Security Course at Ashford before becoming SO2 G2 with HQ 2 Armoured Division in BAOR. He returned to 1WFR as a Coy Comd in Hemer which included another Op Banner tour in Belfast and, after 2 years, stayed in Germany as SO2 Infantry at HQ 1 (BR) Corps. Here he was heavily involved in the introduction of the Warrior IFV. On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in January 1987 he became SO1 in the Directorate of Army Plans before returning again to HQ 1(BR) Corps as SO1 Training and Exercise Planning. This role latterly included training coordination for the first Gulf War. He was awarded an OBE in 1992. On his promotion to Colonel in 1992 Stephen moved to HQ BAOR in Rheindalen as ACS (Operations) and, additionally, the C-in-C's Liaison Officer to the Group of Soviet Forces Germany during their withdrawal. In October 1994 Stephen became the Deputy Chief Military Observer to HQ UNPROFOR in Zagreb in Croatia. This was a team of some 700 Military Observers from 30 different countries deployed across Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro monitoring the Balkans and reporting to UN HQ in New York. His final military posting from 1995 to 1999 was as the Executive Officer of the Intelligence Division of NATO HQ in Brussels. During this time he was also the Liaison Officer to UN HQ during the Former Yugoslavia crisis. In retirement and as a result of his considerable experience in this area of operations Stephen served with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as an observer for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, a role that took him to Kosovo, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. By now the family were living in Lichfield and Stephen was persuaded to undertake duties as the first Regimental Secretary of the Mercian Regiment, acting as the guiding staff officer in the amalgamation of three regiments into one: a difficult role he undertook with great skill, diligence and credibility. Stephen's wife, Sue, predeceased him in 2021 and in recent years he was in care due to the onset of Motor Neurone Disease. Stephen’s funeral will be held at Lichfield and District Crematorium, Fradley Lane, Fradley, Lichfield, WS13 8GA on Wednesday 16th November at 11:30am. Letters of condolence should be sent to Stephen's son, Charles Ashworth, at the following email address: ashworthcharles@hotmail.com

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It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Mrs Susan Ashworth, wife of Colonel SCH Ashworth OBE, (FORESTERS/WFR), In Lichfield on 4th April 2021. She was the eldest daughter of Major BFS Thomas (STAFFORDS/WFR) Families Officer 1 WORC R/WFR from 1969 to 1974. The couple married at a regimental wedding in Berlin on 21 April 1973.

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It is with regret that we notify you that Major Tony ASTLE who served with 3 WFR(V) as Training Major in 1979/80 died on Saturday 17 March 2012. His funeral is to take place at Blacon Crematorium in Chester on Friday 30 March 2012 at 1500 hours followed by a reception in the Regimental Club at RHQ Chester.

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It is with regret we notify you that Lieutenant Ian ASTLEY of Bishopstone, Herefordshire died on 12 June 2013 aged 78. Ian was commissioned on National Service into the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters in June 1954 and served with it in Derna , Libya . On completing his service he joined the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters as a TA Officer.

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It is with regret that we inform you that Mrs Judith AYRES, daughter of the Late Brig P G M Litton OBE Colonel WFR 1977 – 1983, died on Thursday 8 December 2011. Her funeral is to take place at St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Shinfield, Reading, Berkshire RG2 9BY on Tuesday 20 December 2011 at 14:00 hours

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It is with sadness we inform you that Kenneth William Baddeley of Paignton, Devon died on 25 July 2015 aged 96. He joined the Suffolk Regt in November 1939, served at the Worcestershire Regiment Depot and after basic training became an instructor there and later at HQ Western Command before being commissioned into the Worcestershire Regt in 1944. He joined the 1st Battalion in Normandy in July, was wounded by shell fire on 4 August and evacuated. After recovering he was released in December 1945. The funeral has taken place

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It is with sadness we inform you that Maj John S BAILEY MBE TD of Worcester died on 17 January 2013 aged 86. John was commissioned into the Worcestershire Regiment in 1943. He served in Italy in 1944/45 with 1 KORR and after the war with 7 WORC R in Malvern, Evesham and Worcester until 1967. He was Stewardship Adviser to Worcester Diocese until 1979 and a member of the General Synod, then Diocesan Secretary in Leicester. He was awarded the MBE for his charitable work in 2007.

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The funeral of 4970755 Dmr John Leslie BAGHURST of Chaddesden, Derby who died on 27

September 2011 aged 98 is to take place on Friday 14 October at Queens Hall Methodist Church, 125 London Road, Derby DE1 2QQ at 2:15 pm followed by a private family cremation. Family flowers only but donations if desired for either ‘Age UK’, ‘Barnardos’ or ‘RNLI’ may be given at the Service.

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It is with regret that we inform you that 4975352 Pte John Frederick BALDWIN of Ilkeston died on 2 April 2017 aged 97. Fred enlisted into the Sherwood Foresters in 1937 and later transferred to the Leicestershire Regiment. He went with it to Norway in April 1940 where he was taken POW. His funeral is to take place at Bramcote Crematorium, Coventry Lane, Bramcote NG9 3GJ on Thursday 13 April 2017 at 1445 hours. Standards and Association members welcome.

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It is with sadness we inform you that Lt Col John Wilson Bannister, T.D. (174308) of Bridgnorth, Shropshire died on Friday 11 October 2013 aged 93. Colonel Bannister, known as “Jock”, was born
on 23 April 1920 at Bromsgrove. He was educated at Sebright Public School , Wolverley near Kidderminster. After his schooling he followed his father’s career and started training to become a Solicitor. After only 2 years war broke out and he decided to join the army and enlisted as a Guardsman in the Grenadier Guards and started his army training. He was then selected to go to the Officers Cadet Training Unit at Sandhurst and on 22 February 1941 received an Emergency Commission into the Worcestershire Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was posted to the 11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment as a Platoon Commander. On 1
January 1943 the 11th Battalion was reformed into the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and took over command of the Mortar Platoon. He landed with the 1st Battalion in Normandy in June
1944 and continued to command the Mortar Platoon with the rank of War Substantive Captain.
“Jock” was involved in all the Battalions operations throughout the war. At the end of the war “Jock” was awarded a well deserved C-in-C's Certificate signed by FM Montgomery for his outstanding service and devotion to duty. In May 1945,“Jock” transferred to the 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles and served with them in Palestine as a Company Commander. Hewas based in Ramala and was effectively responsible for the town and took on the role of town Mayor. The following year he returned to the UK to continue his training as a solicitor and 2 years
later he joined his father’s firm of W W Bannister & Son at Stourbridge, but remained in the Army Reserve of Officers in the Territorial Army. During the Suez Crisis he was recalled for service and joined the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment as a Company Commander with the rank of Major. He then spent the next eight years with the T A as a Coy Commander with the 7th Battalion based at Halesowen. In 1961 "Jock" was appointed 2 IC and three years later was promoted to Lieut.-Colonel and given command. The same year he was awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration (TD) and continued to command the 7th Battalion until it was disbanded in 1967. He was the last commanding officer of that Battalion. Later in life “Jock” continued his association with the Worcestershire Regiment by becoming Chairman of the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment N.W. Europe 1944-45 Association and was responsible to organising all the annual re-union dinners and get-togethers until the very last one in May 2011.

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It is with sadness we inform you that 25013219 Pte Mark Gregory BANNISTER of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire died on 5 June 2012 aged 38. Mark enlisted into the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment in 1992 and served with it in Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland before leaving the Army in 1999.

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It is with sadness we inform you that 23626688 Pte Brian Frederick BAYLIS passed away in hospital on Thursday 7th May 2015, after a seven year illness. Brian enlisted into the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment on the 4th June 1959, he went on to serve at Kingston, Jamaica, September 1959. British Honduras, October 1959. Norton Barracks, February 1960. British Honduras, 'Hurricane Hattie', November 1961. Norton Barracks, December 1961. Sandhurst 'Demo Platoon', May 1962. Discharged 12th August 1962. In civilian life Brian Qualified as a Master Bricklayer and also served with the Home Service Force at Kidderminster. Brian joined Bromsgrove Branch, becoming Branch Secretary. After the closure of that Branch Brian became a member of Worcester Branch, but due to failing health he was unable to attend the last year. Funeral will be held at 13:15hrs 22nd May 2015 at Redditch Crematorium and Abbey Cemetery, Bordsley Lane, Redditch, Worcestershire. B97 6RR. Family Has requested Standard Bearers and Bugle. Association Members welcome.
Letters of condolence can be sent to Mrs Janet Baylis. 41 Fox Lane, Bromsgrove, Worc`s. B61 7NJ

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It is with regret we inform you that 4984461 Sgt Willim Thomas BECKETT of Sandiacre, Derbyshire died on 29 March 2013 aged 97. He enlisted into the 14th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in October 1940 and served with it in North Africa, the Middle East and Italy. He leftthe Army in 1946.

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It is with sadness we inform you that 23761722 Pte John Alan BECKWORTH of The Meadows, Nottingham died on 14 November 2013 aged 75. John joined the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters inFebruary 1960 as a National Serviceman and served in Malaya and Northern Ireland until completing his service in 1962. He was a staunch member of both the Sherwood Foresters Malay Veterans Branch and Nottingham City Branch WFRA. His funeral is to take place at Wilford Hill Crematorium (West Chapel), Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7FE on Thursday 28 November 2013 at 1220 hours. The family would appreciate Standards in attendance and invite mourners to join them after the service at The Wilford Green Pub & Kitchen (used to be the Maypole PH), Wilford Lane, Nottingham NG11 7AX.

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It is with sadness we notify you that Captain John Robinson BENNETT of Mickleton, Gloucestershire died on 9 April 2013 aged 94. Billy, as he was known, enlisted into the Sherwood Foresters on 15 July 1939 and served as an OR at the Depot in Derby. On 8 december 1939 he was posted to 168 OCTU at Aldershot and in May 1940 was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 8th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters with which he served in Ireland until 1942 when he moved with it to Wrotham in Kent and it re-roled to become 148Pre-OCTU. He was posted to the 2nd Battalion where he was wounded at Anzio when he was Mortar Platoon Commander. He rejoined the 2nd Battalion in June 1944 as Coy Commander HQ Company. In 1945 he went to India and saw service with both the 12th and 13th Battalions The Sherwood Foresters until being demobbed in 1946.A career followed in Mining in the Steel Rope Industry until he retired in 1980. For those wishing to write in condolence to his daughters, their addresses are held by RHQ Nottingham.

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It is with regret we inform you that Worcester Branch Member Stan Berrow ex RA, Passed away on 16th November 2014. Funeral to be held on Friday 28th November 11:oohrs for 11:30hrs, at Worcester Crematorium, Astwood RD, Worcester WR3 8HA. Bugle and standards will be present

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IT IS WITH SADNESS WE REPORT THAT 23014886 PTE. ALBERT ERNEST BIGGS OF WORCESTER,

PASSED AWAY ON WEDNESDAY 4TH OF JANUARY 2012. ALBERT SERVED IN THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT 24-03-1954 TO 24-03-57. FUNERAL SERVICE AT THE HOLY TRINITY AND ST MATHEWS, RONKSWOOD, WORCESTER. WR5 1NW. ON

WEDNESDAY 18TH JANUARY 2012 AT 11AM. FOLLOWED BY INTERNMENT AT 12:00HRS AT ASTWOOD CEMETERY WORCESTER WR3 8HA.

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It is with sadness we inform you that 22307650 CSgt Albert BIGGS of Trowell, Nottinghamshire died on 14 June 2012 aged 79. Albert joined 3rd Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (V) in October 1971 and served with B and D Coys at Beeston and HQ Coy Newark until he left in 1984. Prior to joining 3 WFR (V) Albert served with the Kings Royal Hussars from 1950 – 55 and for a short period during the Suez Crisis. His funeral is to take place at The Main Chapel, Bramcote Crematorium, Coventry Lane, Bramcote, Nottingham on Monday 25 June 2012 at 1100 hours. The family have requested no flowers but donations may be made to RBL or 3 WFR Branch of the Association through A W Lymn, 113 Cotmanhay Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8NG.

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We have been informed of the death of a former WW2 2nd/5th Bn Forester named BINGHAM whose funeral is to take place at Belper Community Cemetery, Matlock Road, Broadholme, Belper DE56 2JE on Wednesday 4 January 2017 at 1100 hours. Attendance by Association Members and Standards would be appreciated by the family. Further details of the service of this soldier will be published when received

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It is with sadness we notify you that 19037696 CSgt (Drum Major) John J BIRCHER of Derby died on 8 August 2013 aged 84. He served with the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters from 1947 to early 1952 and then re-enlisted six months later into the 2nd Battalion. On the amalgamation of 1st and 2nd Battalions in 1954 he became Drum Major of the 1st Battalion. He left the Army in 1968. His funeral is to take place at Markeaton Crematorium Derby on Tuesday 17 September 2013 at 0900 hours. As he has no known family it would be appreciated if as many Association members/Standard Bearers could attend as possible

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It is with regret we inform you that 22587235 Pte John Bird of Worcester has passed away. John joined the 1st Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment on 6th Sept 1951. He was with 11 Platoon D Coy, serving in Malaya and left the Regiment in September 1953.

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Lieut G Bishop of Poole, formerly of Stourport, died on 15 November 2016 aged 82. He was commissioned as a National Serviceman in The Worcestershire Regiment in 1958 and served with the 1st Battalion in Jamaica and the Bahamas. The funeral has taken place.

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It is with great sadness that we inform you that 419699 Maj (Retd) Kenneth Charles Frederick BOWMER TD of Ashbourne, Derbyshire died on 7 September 2014. Ken was commissioned into the 5th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters Territorial Force on 10 June 1951 and to the TA Reserve of Officers in 1960. He was Chairman of the Derby Branch for well in excess of 30 years and latterly was Branch President. His funeral is to take place on Thursday 18 September 2014 at 1230 hours at Hulland Church followed by committal at 1340 hours at Markeaton Crematorium, Derby.
Anyone wishing to send a card of condolence please send it to: Mr. and Mrs Poxon 10 Viewdales Close, Hulland-Ward, Nr. Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3EB As the Major had no family his friends and neighbours had been like a family to him and his late wife Joyce for many years. Major Bowmer asked Mr and Mrs Poxon prior to going into the care home to take control of his affairs as he was unable to do so. It would be nice if anyone sending a card could write inside something like "To the friends of Kenneth Bowmer" as that his how they knew him

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It is with sadness we inform you that Charles Derek BOWRING of Derby died on 18 July 2015 aged 94. Derek was commissioned into the Sherwood Foresters on 1 October 1944 and served during the latter part of WW2 in the Far East with the 1st Punjab Regiment .He was the son of Major Edward Langley Bowring DSO who was commissioned into The Worcestershire Regiment in 1901 and served with it during the Boer War, he also served with it during WW1 and after the war served with The Sherwood Foresters before retiring in 1925. Funeral Thursday 30 July at 1400 hours at Markeaton Crematorium in the Main Chapel. Family flowers only please, donations if desired made payable to Treetops Hospice or Prostate Cancer UK may be left at the service or sent care of G. Wathall & Son Ltd, 101 Macklin Street, Derby. DE1 1LG. Telephone 01332 345268

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It is with sadness we report that 19041935 Pte Eric Walter BLAGG of Arnold, Nottingham died on 23 December 2011 aged 82. Eric enlisted into the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters on 14 March 1947 and was later posted to the Gloucester Regiment for service in Korea. On his return to UK in April 1952 he was posted back to the Sherwood Foresters and served with the 2nd Battalion in Colchester until his demob in December 1952. Eric then joined Nottinghamshire Police and ended his career with it as an Inspector.

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It is with sadness that we report that Mrs Gillian Blake, wife of Lt Col Jeremy Blake late
WFR/Mercian Volunteers, died on 22 February 2012. Funeral details will be promulgated when
known.

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It is with deep sadness we report that Captain Rupert William Michael BOWERS 2 MERCIAN aged

25 was KIA on Wednesday 21 March 2012. Rupert was commissioned into the 1st Battalion The
Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters in April 2007 and after attending the Platoon commanders’
Battle Course he joined it in Afghanistan on OH6 where his actions resulted in him being ‘Mentioned
in Despatches’. He returned to Afghanistan in 2009 on OH10 with A (Grenadier) Coy and was
wounded in action. During OH15, his third tour, he was embedded with the Afghan National Army
when he was caught up in an explosion from an IED.

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It is with regret we inform you that 22643500 SSgt George Andrew BRAY of Malvern,
Worcestershire died on 24 September 2012 aged 78. George enlisted into the 1st Battalion The
Worcestershire Regiment in February 1952 and served with it in Malaya, West Indies and Tobruk.
He continued to serve with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment on
amalgamation in 1970 moving to the Long Service List in 1974. He left the Regiment in
November 1988.

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It is with regret that we inform you that 24349663 John James BRADSHAW of Mansfield died on 10 August 2014 aged 73. John served with 3 WFR (V) and transferred to the Royal Engineers in 1992 before rejoining 3 WFR HSF. His funeral is to be held on 22 August 2014 at 1100 hours in St Marks Church, Mansfield followed by committal at Mansfield Crematorium at 1145 hours.

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It is with regret we inform you that Sgt Colin (Lofty) BRENTNALL of Derby died on 1 March 2015. Lofty enlisted into the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters in 1947 and served 22 years in the Band until leaving in 1969. His funeral is to take place at Markeaton Crematorium, Derby on 23 March 2015 at 1420 hours. Standards welcome.

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It is with sadness we notify you that 23414151 Pte Roy Percy BRIDGWATER of Alcester,Warwickshire died on4 April 2013 aged 77. Roy joined The Warwickshire Regiment as a National Serviceman on 13 August 1957 and was then posted to 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters for service in Malaya. He left the Army in August 1959
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It is with sadness we inform you that 22092762 Sgt Dennis Arthur BROADLEY of Bulwell,
Nottingham died on 9 December 2012 aged 82. Jim served with 1st Battalion The Sherwood
Foresters as a National Serviceman 1949 – 1950. On completing his service he joined
Nottingham City Police and then joined 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (TA). He re-enlisted
into the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters in 1954 and served until 1969. Jim served in Malaya
with A Coy 1958 – 1960. He also saw service with Support Coy and D Coy. On leaving the
Army in 1969 Jim took up employment with the Post Office until his retirement.

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It is with sadness we inform you that 23967367 WO2 Malcolm “Brock” BROCKLEBANK of
Whittington, Staffordshire died on Monday 9 September 2013 aged 68. Brock enlisted into the 1st
Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment in 1964 and continued to serve after amalgamation with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment until completing his service in
1986. He saw service in Minden, Gibraltar, Libya, N Irelandand Belize. For those wishing to write in
condolence his widow Mrs Valerie Brocklebank can be contacted at 25 Burton Road, Whittington nr
Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 9NN.

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It is with regret that we inform you that 23702698 Bdsm Ron BUBB of Kidderminster died on 3 July 2017 aged 89. Ron served with 7th Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment as a trombonist in the Band after a career with 10th Hussars as Band Sergeant.

For many years he was employed at the Sugar Beet factory in Kidderminster when it was functioning including during the WW2 years when he was in the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) there. When the Branch Bugler had to relinquish his post on health grounds the Branch handed back our Regiment's historic bugle to the Museum and bought for him a Ceremonial Bugle which later Ron took into charge and played at appropriate events, wearing his Bandsman's cape and white gloves which went well with his tall military bearing.

He was an observant and frequent correspondent on matters related to his interests using an old ribbon typewriter. Upon our realising the breadth of his interests we made him the Kidderminster WFRA Branch Research Officer and he duly found out items of local military interest which the Branch acted upon whenever possible. He had a quiet, unassuming, capable, imperturbable manner but was full of amusing anecdotes of remembered people/occasions which he would delightfully and mischievously drop into relevant conversations.

funeral is to take place at the Methodist Church in Churchfields, DY10 2JL, Kidderminster (close to St Mary's Church) on Wednesday 2 August promptly at 2.15pm (please be seated before the start time). Pay and Display car parking is available in the public car park adjacent to St Mary's Church and you may find parking elsewhere nearby. The Standard Bearers of Services and Regimental etc Associations are welcome at the Church but not all at the Burial Service which has to start not later than 3.15pm (see below).

Musicians of the Band of the West Mercia Constabulary will play at the Church and the wake will be held at the same venue. Please supply estimated ration strength of organisations, groups and individuals attending to Ron's niece, Dawn ( 01562 753733 ), by Wed 26 July for sufficiency of catering.

The Funeral Service will be followed by a private Burial Service in Kidderminster Old Cemetery at 3.15pm (gate, junction of Park Lane and Castle Road, near The Castle PH, will be opened for the event) to which only family and close friends are invited. The grave is on upward sloping ground to the Right of the entrance road close to a prominent obelisk about 15 feet high and about 100yards from the gate. There is some parking space near to the Old Chapel (closed) 50 yds further up, also convenient for turning.

The WFRA KD Br Bugler will be required at the Burial Service together with the Standards of WFRA KD Br, MVRA KD Br, TRBL KD Br and the Police Federation (West Mercia). Car sharing is advocated to and from the Cemetery for avoidance of parking problems there.

The Undertaker is B Ince tel. 01299 403105 to whom further enquiries are directed.

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It is with regret that we inform you that 23494261 LCpl Derek R BUFTON of St Johns, Worcester died on 19 April 2016 aged 77. Derek enlisted into The Worcestershire Regiment in November 1956 and when it amalgamated with The Sherwood Foresters to become 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment he remained with it, serving until his discharge in November 1978. His funeral is to take place at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday 10 May 2016 at 1215 hours. Standards welcome. For those wishing to write in condolence, Mrs D R Bufton, 24 Hardwicke Close, St Johns, Worcester WR2 5NX

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It is with regret that we notify you that 4986192 Sgt Walter Ernest BULL of Derby died on 16 May 2017 aged 96. Walter enlisted in 1940 and after recruit training at ITC Lincoln was posted to 14th Battalion Sherwood Foresters in North Africa. He took part in the the Battle for El Alamein before moving with the Battalion to Egypt, then Iraq where it became part of Paiforce seeing service in Lebanon and Iran before moving to Tunisia and then the Anzio Beachhead. After the breakout from the beachhead and the fall of Rome, Walter then moved with the Battalion to the East coast of Italy where it was again involved in heavy fighting on the Gothic Line. After the Battle for San Savino the Battalion was reduced to cadre strength and Walter was posted to 6th Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment and remained with it until demob in January 1947. His funeral is to take place at Markeaton Crematorium on Tuesday 6 June 2017 at 1400 hours. Family flowers only but donations to the Alzheimers Society may be made at the Service. Association Members and Standards would be welcome.

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It is with sadness that we inform you that Joe Bullock, Worcestershire Regiment has passed away on 15th August 2012. Joe was born 3. 3. 1924, he was conscripted into the Worcesters and served in Burma. At the end of hostilities he rejoined civilian life. His funeral service will be at St Barnabas Church Worcester on Friday 31st August, with internment at Astwood Cemetry. Standards welcome.

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It is with regret that we inform you that 24233683 LCpl Colin BUNTING of Allenton, Derby died on 14 March 2015 aged 59. Colin joined 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment in April 1971 and served until December 1985. His funeral is to take place on Thursday 2 April 2015 at Mark Eaton Crematorium at 1420 hours. Standards welcome.

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It is with regret we inform you that 23928826 WO2 Roy BURNAGE of Wythenshaw, Manchester died on 5 September 2014 aged 74. Roy enlisted into The Sherwood Foresters in 1962 and went on to serve with the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters and the Long Service List before leaving the Army in 1995. His funeral is to take place at Southern Cemetery, Barlow Road, Manchester M21 7GL on Monday 15 September 2014 at 1130 hours.

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It is with sadness we inform you that 430251 Maj Robin Francis William BURNETT of Devizes died recently. Robin was commissioned into 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in March 1953 and became MTO 1954 to 1958 before being posted to the Depot, Derby 1958 to 1959. He was then appointed Coy 2IC Royal Warwicks in Aden before moving to BIO Trucial Oman States until 1963. He then became coy 2IC 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in UK and BAOR until 1966 before being appointed G3 Ops/Trg HQ Kenya Army until 1968. Robin then became Training Major with Mercian Volunteers, Wolverhampton before retiring from the Army in 1969.
A Thanksgiving Service in memory of Maj Robin BURNETT of Devizes who died on 16 November 2016 is to be held on Friday 9 December 2016 at 1400 hours at St Mary The Virgin Church, 4 Rookes Lane, Potterne, Devizes SN10 5NF. For those wishing to write in condolence his daughter Camiila may be contacted at Mrs C Ainsworth, Marsh Farm, Pitney, Somerset TA10 9AN

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It is with regret that we inform you that 4977280 Pte William Sidney BURTON of Kirkby in Ashfield died on 17 February 2017 aged 96. Bill enlisted into the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters in 1939 and subsequently went with it to Norway in April 1940 where he was taken PoW. He was given PoW number 4900 and was sent to Poland. His last know camp was Stalag 20B at Marienburg, Germany from where he was put to work on various farms. He was released by the Russian Army in January 1945 and returned home by walking to Lubin, in Poland, then by train to Odessa in the Ukraine and from there to Greenock, Scotland which he reached in April 1945. Bill was discharged from the Army in in July 1946. His funeral is to take place at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, School Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 7BT at 1330 hours on Friday 17 March 2017. Association Standards and Members welcome.

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It is with regret that we inform you that 4986609 Pte Melvyn Edwin ‘Ted’ CARLIN of Grantham, Lincs died on 16 September 2013 aged 89. Ted enlisted into The Sherwood Foresters on 31 December 1941 and after training at the Regimental Depot and Infantry Training Centre at Lincoln was posted to the 70th Battalion Sherwood Foresters remaining with it when it became the 16th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. He was then posted to the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters and embarked with it for service in North Africa. He remained with the 2nd Battalion throughout the North Africa and Italy campaigns until the end of hostilities when he was posted to a Military Mission until demob in 1947. After the war he became a bus/coach driver then went on to become a Local Government Officer. He was a staunch supporter of the Newark Branch WFRA, attending his last meeting only four days prior to his death.
His funeral is to take place at Grantham Crematorium on Wednesday 9 October 2013 at 1530 hours. Standard Bearers welcome.

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It is with regret that we report the death of Mrs Anne Cartwright, widow of Capt C Cartwright and mother of Major JC Cartwright WFR on 25 November 2015. The Funeral of Anne Cartwright will take place at Worcester Crematorium, Tintern Avenue (off Astwood Road), Worcester WR3 8HA at 10:45am on Friday 11 December.
(Family flowers only. Collection and donations to St Richard's Hospice, if desired, please).

After the service, the family would be delighted to see everyone at The Chapter House, Worcester Cathedral for a bite to eat and a chance to catch up with old friends. Entrance is via College Green and The Chapter House is located off the Cathedral Cloisters.
Further information and directions can be found on the Cathedral website – www.worcestercathedral.co.uk. Worcester Cathedral is approximately ten minutes' drive from the crematorium. The full postal address is 8 College Yard, Worcester WR1 2LA.
Parking
There are a total of four car parks within easy walking distance of the Cathedral. They are shown below. Maps and directions can be found via the website www.worcester.gov.uk/parking.
1.    Cathedral Car Park WR1 2LU
2.    Copenhagen Street (Deansway) Car Park WR1 2HB
3.    Kings Street Car Park WR1 2NX
4.    Severn Street Car Park WR1 2NE
We emphasise that the family do not assume that everyone will wish or be able to attend, but would welcome any of Anne's friends to help them celebrate her life..

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It is with sadness we inform you that 357952 Col John Anthony CASTLE of Frankston, Victoria, Australia died on 7 July 2014. He served in the ranks 1 year 198 days before receiving an Emergency Commission as 2nd Lt on 17 November 1945 in The Rifle Brigade. In 1947 he transferred to The Sherwood Foresters. In 1950 he was posted as an Instructor at Eaton Hall OTC until 1952 when he returned to the 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters as Adjutant. In 1954 he posted as SCA HQ 25 Armd Bde MELF until 1955. He was then posted as Adjutant Regimental Depot 1955-1956 and this was followed by SCA HQ 2 (BR) Corps Suez 1956 to 1957. In 1957 he returned to the 1st Battalion as a Coy Comd 1st Bn The Sherwood Foresters until attending Staff College in 1959. He then returned as a Coy Comd 1st Bn 1963 to 1964 (UK), 2i/c 1st Bn 1964-65: MA MEA HQ FARELF 1965 to 1967: Lieut-Col. 30.6.1967: CO 1st Bn BAOR 1967 to 1969: AAG HQ POW Div (UK) 1969 to 1973: Col 1973: Comd BATUS Canada 1973 to 1975: Retired February 1976.
Those wishing to pass commiserations to the family should contact Mrs Philippa Stockton, Appletree House, 10 The Croft, Bishopstone, Salisbury SP5 4DF.

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It is with deep regret that we inform you that Maj Gen (Retd) Peter Boucher CAVENDISH CBE OBE DL died on Monday 24 October 2011 aged 86. General Peter was a long time Trustee of the Vesting Trustees of the Regimental Memorial at Crich (retiring in 2010) and friend of the Regiment. His funeral is to take place at All Saints Church, Alport Lane, Youlgreave, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1WN on Thursday 10 November 2011 at 1 pm. Donations may be made to SSAFA Forces Help through JW & J Mettam Ltd, Milford, Bakewell DE45 1DX Tel: 01629 812114. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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It is with regret we inform you that 19178397 Cpl. Frank Chadwick died on 4th November 2012. Frank served with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment. He enlisted in 1947 and served in Malaya 1950-52. Frank sent in an album of photos on the Album page www.wfraworcester.com of his thoughts and service in Malaya.

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It is with regret we notify you that 19030555 CSgt William H (Bill) Charmer of Ludlow, Shropshire died on 15 November 2013 aged 89. Bill served in the Royal Marines from 1942 to 1946 in Burma and then briefly with the South Staffordshire Regiment before joining 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment. He served with it during the Berlin Airlift and in Malaya before being seconded to the Kenya Regiment in Rhodesia and Kenya followed by two tours in BAOR and then British Honduras (Belize) before leaving the Army in 1968. His funeral is to take place at 1200 hours on Monday 2 December 2013 at St Giles Church, Ludford, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1PJ. . For those wishing to write in condolence his son, Andrew may be contacted at 21 Holwick, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 4HF.

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It is with regret we inform you that 22219422 Cpl Peter Colley of Brierley Hill, Dudley, West Midlands died on 28 June 2012. Peter served with The Worcestershire Regiment Band from 1948 to 1956 before being posted to The South Staffords for his last two years of service.

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It is with regret we inform you that 4987582 Sgt Harry COLLINS of Leicester died on 20 March 2015 aged 91. Harry enlisted into 2nd/5th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in June 1942 before transferring to the Northamptonshire Regiment in November 1942. He subsequently transferred back to the 2nd/5th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in July 1943 joining them at Salerno in September of that year where he served with D Coy at the Crossing of The Volturno before joining the Mortars Pl. He took ill and was hospitalised in Palestine where on release from hospital was posted to the 2nd Battalion The Sherwood Foresters where he remained until being discharged to the Reserve in July 1947. After leaving the Army he was employed as a Sheet Metal Worker until he retired. His funeral took place on 2 April 2015 at Gilrose Cemetery, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QG at 1045 hours. Donations in memory to British Heart Foundation. Letters ofcondolence may be forwarded to his son, Mr M Collins, 13 Gladstone Street, Wigston Magna, Leicester LE18 1AE

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It is with sadness that we inform you that 24134050 CSgt Thomas COLLINS of Toton, Nottingham died on 16 August 2016 aged 64. Tom served with both 1st and 3rd Battalions The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. The funeral is to take place on Friday 26 August 2016 at 1400 hours at Bramcote Crematorium, Coventry Lane, Bramcote NG9 3GJ. Association members and Standards welcome

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It is with regret that we inform you that Pte Barry COOK died on 12 January 2016. Barry served as a National Serviceman with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment from 1958.

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23962666 Cpl Barry Cooper. Passed away after a long illness on 6th December at the Alexandra Hospital Redditch, aged 72 yrs. Barry served with 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment enlisting in 1963 and discharged in 1968. After basic training at Lichfield he served in Minden, Lydd, Gibraltar, Tobruk and Bulford in B Coy as an anti-tank gunner and in a rifle platoon..

Funeral will be held at 14:00hrs on Thursday the 18th December, at Redditch Crematorium, Bordesley Lane, Redditch. B97 6RR. Letters of condolence to Barry`s sister. Mrs Barbara Carr, 11 St Chads Road, Studley. Warks. B80 7JH. Standards and Association members welcome.

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It is with regret that we inform you that 23791656 LCpl Barry COOPER of Mansfield died on Monday 2 January 2017 aged 78. Barry was called up as a National Serviceman in May 1960 and served with 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in Singapore and Northern Ireland. He left the Army in May 1962. He was a staunch member of Mansfield Branch WFRA. His funeral is to take place on 27 January 2017 at 1000 hours at Mansfield Crematorium. Standards welcome.

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It is with regret we inform you that 24117071 LCpl George William CRUMP of Harlow died on 12 June 2015 aged 68. George enlisted into 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment in 1967 and served with it until being discharged in 1990.

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It is with regret that we inform you that Jennifer CURSHAM, wife of Lt Col (Retd) J Cursham TD died on Wednesday 25 January 2017. Her funeral is to take place at St Mary's Church, 3 Bateman Road, East Leake LE12 6LN on Friday 10 February 2017 at 1500 hours. Letters of condolence may be sent to Lt Col (Retd) J C Cursham TD at Home Farm House, 48 Main Street, East Leake, Loughborough LE12 6PG

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It is with sadness we inform you that Mrs Joyce CUSHEN of Worcester, widow of 14184217 WO2 E H Cushen 1 WORC R died on 13 September 2013. The funeral has taken place.