OBITUARIES FROM 5TH JULY 2019

31st December 2021

It is with great sadness that we report the death at the age of 89 on Christmas Day of Joy Wilkinson, the lovely and loving wife of Brigadier Edward Wilkinson.  Joy was a keen supporter of all Brigadier Edward's military activities in the 8th and 5/8th Sherwood Foresters, the Mercian Volunteers and 3WFR, as well as her own charitable work and crucial support to him in his year as Derbyshire High Sheriff.  She will be sorely missed by him and their son Tim and daughter Sarah. Letters of condolence should be addressed to Brigadier Edward Wilkinson CBE TD DL at  'Thornbury' , Greaves Lane, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell. Derbyshire. DE45 1QH

17th December 2021

Captain Hugh Steadman died on 15 October in Blenheim, New Zealand, aged 79, after a long battle with cancer. Hugh was commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he won the prize for Russian Studies, into the Sherwood Foresters in December 1960. He joined the 1st Battalion in Holywood, Belfast, Northern Ireland in January 1961 as a Pl Comd. In mid 1963 he moved with the battalion to Colchester where it became part of 19 (Air Portable) Brigade. As a result of this move he was one of the officers who participated in the Battalion's emergency deployment to Cyprus on Boxing Day 1963. After initial operational moves within the island he was deployed with his platoon (1 Platoon, A Company) onto the Green Line separating Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities in Nicosia. This was during the period pre-UN takeover and was a testing and difficult time for the battalion. In April 1964 he was posted to the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion in Oswestry for two years as an Outward Bound Instructor before returning to the 1st Battalion in 1965 as a Company 2i/c in the battalion's role as mechanised infantry within 6 Mechanised Brigade. In 1967 Hugh transferred to the Trucial Oman Scouts as the Defence Intelligence Officer in Sumail near Nizwa, a strategic post at that time. He was a natural linguist and well suited to the role. This was followed by a tour as a Company 2i/c in Berlin with 1st Bn The Staffordshire Regiment where he met and married Christine. Motivated by his beliefs after his tour in the Middle East he resigned his commission but joined the Wessex Regiment (TA) in Southampton and took a BSc in Politics and International Relations at Southampton University followed by a two year course for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. He and his wife then established a school of language in York that was primarily aimed at teaching language skills to international diplomats and aid workers. In 1985 they emigrated to New Zealand where Hugh established a fruit distillery in Marlborough on South Island until the invasion of Iraq occurred when, by his own admission, he became politicised and began a blog heightening awareness of events and of ideas being advanced for the improvement of the global community's  contribution to a better future. Hugh was a very thoughtful and erudite friend who will be sadly missed by those who knew him. For a view of his thoughts and ideas we recommend that you view his website www.khakispecs.com Letters of condolence may be sent to his wife Christine and his children, Daniel, Richard and Stephanie at 475 Brookby Road, Blenheim 7272, New Zealand or by email to chris@ntrance.co.nz

3rd December 2021

Lieutenant Colonel A M Gabb OBE We regret to report the death on 26 November 2021 of Lieutenant Colonel A M Gabb OBE of Worcester aged 96.
In October 1944 he was commissioned into The Worcestershire Regiment. Shortly after the war he joined the 1st battalion in BAOR, then Trieste, Pola and Berlin during the Airlift before commanding the Training Company at the Depot at Norton Barracks. He returned to the battalion in Iserlohn and went with it to Jamaica before being posted as an instructor at Sandhurst. He was a company commander in 1 Worc R in Minden and  was then appointed Chief Instructor at Mons Officer Cadet School. He was a widely respected CO of 1 Worc R in Gibraltar and Bulford 1966-69 followed by two years as SO1 APRE. When in 1972 the Adjutant General expressed concern about ill-discipline at MCTC and demanded the appointment as Commandant of a good regimental officer he was selected for the post. On arrival he said he intended to visit the inmates’ dinner but the RSM advised him not to in case there was a riot. In typically direct fashion he ordered the RSM to accompany him and warned him that if there was any trouble he would be the first to be sacked. There was no ill-discipline during his tour and he was awarded the OBE (though there was a riot under his successor). He managed Devon and Cornwall Training Areas until retirement in 1978 and was then Commandant of Okehampton Camp as a RO until 1987. He then served at RHQ, the last two years until retiring in 1990 as Regimental Secretary. His strong sense of duty never left him; three years ago when he was frail he insisted on travelling 100 miles to a brother officer’s funeral “because he was one of my subalterns." His father joined the regiment before WW1 and commanded the 1st Battalion 1935-39.

OBITUARY Sgt Michael John (Bomber) Brown We regret to report the death of 23603595 Sgt Michael John (Bomber) Brown on 25 November aged 82.  Michael was born in Leicester on 12 June 1939 and emlisted in the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters on 26 February 1959.  He served Malaya, Singapore and Cyprus and holds GSM clasp Malaya, UN Cyprus medal. He served in the MMG and Recce Platoons of 1/Foresters. Michael attended the Machine Gun Course at Netheravon 30 October 1961 "C" Passed Dr Cadre at Palace Barracks. He is shown in Forester Vol VI No 3 October 1966 as being part of  the 1st Bn Party of Ten who went to Albert in France for the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, his grandfather Private Ernest Leader took part in the Battle.  He played cricket, rugby and boxed for the Bn.Funeral details to follow.

OBITUARY Private Richard Gleed-Owen of 5 (Mansfield) Platoon, F (Notts Home Service Force) Company 3WFR passed away peacefully on 18 Nov 20 surrounded by members of his family. Richard, who used the name “Owen”, was a man who cheered up everybody who met him. A Naval veteran joining the HSF, he readily admitted to finding army culture strange, but tackled everything with maximum effort and earned tremendous respect from his comrades.His previous Royal Navy service was as a Cartographic Rating, serving on small ships in the “Ton Class”. There was little call for cartography in the HSF so Richard resigned himself to learning quickly from his colleagues, who vigorously protected him from anybody trying to take advantage of his willing nature. A very thoughtful man with an engaging smile and armfuls of patience, he won over the most shirty NCOs and flustered officers. On exercise, he was very often mistaken for a visiting officer, given his age and smooth accent. Some thought he was a journalist embedded with the battalion. During the last few years and months of the HSF he became noted for carrying an impressive camera around, mounted on the single pole, taking pictures, with or without permission. In the new digital age, no bulky rolls of film were needed. Richard enthusiastically supported the Nottinghamshire HSF Old Comrades Association and a supporter of The (national) HSF Association, attending reunions at the National Memorial Arboretum. Before joining the HSF with 3WFR, he had been a secondary school teacher and worked as a Civil Servant interviewing people at the Job Centre in Nottingham and Bulwell. There were one or two nervous soldiers standing with him in the cookhouse queue who found someone who was always interested in their issues. After the HSF was stood down in 1992, Richard became involved with The Ton-Class Association (RN) and various local community endeavours. The funeral service will take place on Friday 10th December 2021 at Mansfield Crematorium, Derby Road, Mansfield NG18 5BJ. Family flowers only. Donations to the RNLI. Enquiries via Ken Gregory & Sons (Funeral Directors) Mansfield. Address for condolences available from Paul Hallett.

5th November 2021

It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the passing of Cpl Peter Cotterell on Wednesday 27 October 2021. Peter served with the North Staffordshire Regiment and with 1st Bn Worcestershire Regt in D Company in Iserlohn in 1954 -56.  Peter was also the chairman of the Rugeley branch of the WFRA. His funeral will be at Stafford Crematorium at 12:00 hrs 8 November 2021. The family have asked for the standards to be at the service.

30th October 2021

Sir Richard Curtis QC died on 15 October 2021 aged 88. He was commissioned from Eaton Hall Officer Cadet School as a 2/Lt in 1953 and joined C Company,  1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in Derna, Cyrenaica. He left the Army after National Service in February 1955 and became a lawyer. He was called to the Bar in 1958 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1977. He was a Recorder from 1974-1989 and the Recorder of Birmingham from 1989-1992 as well as a Senior Circuit Judge on the Oxford and Midland Circuit during the same period. Subsequently, he was Presiding Judge on the Wales and Chester Circuit from 1994-1997 and was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division where he served from 1992 until 2005. He was elected a Governing Bencher of the Inns of Court in 1985. He was  knighted  in 1993 as a High Court Judge. Details of his funeral will follow.

OBITUARY

 425899 Colonel John Wooddisse DL died on 18th October 2021 after a short illness aged 87. John Wooddisse enlisted in to the Army at Normanton Barracks, Derby on 3rd February 1952. He attended Officer Training at Eaton Hall in August 1952 and was commissioned into the 1st Bn The Sherwood Foresters in December 1952, the regiment his father, Major Ralph Wooddisse had served in before him. John joined the 1st Battalion in Derna, Cyrenaica at the foot of Djebel Akhdar and became a Mortar Platoon Commander. In Derna one of the pastimes was hunting and his recollections were peppered with amusing stories of  the Derna Djebel Hunt. In 1955 John moved to Sennelager, continuing as both a Mortar Platoon and a Rifle Platoon  Commander. In August the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the regiment amalgamated and in 1956 John joined the 1st Bn The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment in Negri Sambilan, Peri and East Johore during operations against the Communist Terrorists (CT). In his book he described operations to ambush CT with the late Col Peter Walter. John became OC Training Wing of 1 R Lincolns in Minden in 1958, then OC HQ Company. The reorganisation of the Army at that time saw John move to the newly formed 1st Bn 2nd East Anglian Regiment before becoming the Staff Captain Q in HQ 12 Infantry Brigade in Osnabruck. After training at the Arabic Language School in Aden John joined the Northern Frontier Regiment of the Sultan's Armed Forces in May 1964. The photo above shows John with Sheik Nasser bin Abdulla al Awani, premier Sheik on the Jebel Akhdar at Saiq. In early 1966 when then moved to be Adjutant of 4th/6th Bn The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. In 1967 he returned to the now renamed 2nd Bn The Royal Anglian Regiment as a Company Commander. In early 1969 he married Ann in Dublin and was then posted to HQ Dhekalia Area NEARELF in Cyprus as a GSO2. In 1972 he joined 3rd Bn Royal Anglian Regiment in BAOR and completed two Northern Ireland tours, one in the Lower Falls in Belfast and one in the Creggan in Londonderry. This was followed by tour in HQ BAOR in Rhiendhalen as GSO2 CSIT. In 1976 he was involved in the Tickell Committee, the Army Manpower Review before ending his Regular Army career with 5th Bn the Royal Anglian Regiment as their Training Major. On retirement from the Army John took on directorships with Derbyshire Rural Community Council for over 20 years as well as being Commandant of the Derbyshire Cadet Battalion of WFR, a member of East Midlands TAVRA and the Derbyshire ABF Committee. In 1989 he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Derbyshire. In the early 1990s he moved to Matterdale near Penrith and became the Chairman of the Army Benevolent Fund in Cumbria. In 1998 John became the Honorary Colonel of 5th (Derbyshire Cadet) Bn WFR. His funeral will take place at 2pm on 8th November 2021 at St Peter's Church, Alstonefield John Wooddisse's elder son is Lt Gen Ralph Wooddisse, recently appointed as Commander Field Army. Contact is Mrs Ann Wooddisse, Undercliffe, 8 East Cross Street, Kirton on Lindsey, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 4DT The family would be most grateful if people wishing to be at the funeral let them know if they are attending by email to Peter.Dennis102@mod.gov.uk

FUNERAL DETAILS The funeral of Major R A U Richards who died on 9 October will be held at 14:00 hours on 1 November 2021 at St Peter's Church, Church Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 0QJ.

FUNERAL DETAILS The funeral for 23292499 Pte James 'Jim' BARNES who passed away on Tuesday 12th September 2021 will be on Wednesday 3rd November at 12:15hrs at Worcester City Crematorium, Tintern Ave, Astwood Road Worcester WR3 8HA.

Standards, Bugle and members welcome.

22nd October 2021

369276 MAJOR PETER NOEL CHISHOLM    Major Peter Chisholm sadly died on  11th October 2021 aged 94. Peter was born on Christmas Day 1926. He served in the ranks for 226 days and was commissioned as a 2Lt in April 1946. He served initially with 4th Prince of Wales Own Gurkha Regiment in Bakloh in Himchal Pradesh near the border with Kashmir, India. He was then posted to the Depot of The Cameron Highlanders at Fort George near Inverness before moving to 1st Bn The Gordon Highlanders in Essen in February 1948. He joined the 1st Bn The Sherwood Foresters on promotion to Lt in Goslar in April 1949 as a Pl Comd. He was posted to the Depot in Derby in 1952 before becoming the Adjutant of 5th Bn in Derby early in the following year. In September 1955 Peter rejoined the 1st Bn in Sennelager moving on promotion to special employment with Military Forces in Nigeria from April 1958 to September 1960. In October 1960 he rejoined the 1st Bn in Singapore as a Company Commander before moving to the new Mercian Brigade Depot in Lichfield in 1963 as a Training Company Commander. In mid-1965 he rejoined the 1st Bn in Munster in their new role as a Mechanised Battalion within 6 Mech Bde as the Battalion Second in Command and saw the change from Humber AFV1611s to the then new AFV432. After just over two years in that post Peter became OIC APC Division at Bordon responsible for training officers and soldiers in AFV432 support. He was then posted to Beaconsfield as OIC the AMIC Wing. There followed a period at the Defence NBC Centre at Winterbourne Gunner as an instructor, then as Adjutant of the Sennelager Training Centre before Peter became the Training Major of 3 Armd Div and Sig Regt in Korbecke, near Soest in February 1979. Peter retired form the Army in December 1981 after a long and varied career. He and his wife June settled in Lichfield where he had a role as a RO in Headquarters Prince of Wales's Division. He became a very keen golfer at the Whittington Golf Club. June, predeceased Peter in August 2014. Letters of condolence may be sent to Peter's daughter - Mrs Fiona Cross, 24 Main Street, Lowdham, NG14 7AG. A private family funeral will be held on a date as yet to be confirmed.

23292499 Pte James 'Jim' BARNES   It is with regret that we announce that 23292499 Pte James 'Jim' BARNES passed away on Tuesday 12th October 2021. Jim was born at Malvern Wells on 31/8/1937. Jim enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment at Norton Barracks on 01/03/1956 as a National Serviceman and on 09/03/1956 he was signed on as a regular soldier. Jim saw service at B.A.O.R.  Jamaica in Spt Coy and British Guyana in C Coy. Jim was discharged at Norton Barracks on 08/03/1963.The funeral for 23292499 Pte James 'Jim' BARNES who passed away on Tuesday 12th September 2021 will be on Wednesday 3rd November at 12:15hrs at Worcester City Crematorium, Tintern Ave, Astwood Road Worcester WR3 8HA. Standards Bugle and members welcome.
Jim had albums of photos some from his service that were copied and are on Worcester Branch website http://www.wfraworcester.com

FUNERAL DETAILS
The funeral of Major RAU Richards who died on 9 October will be held at 14:00 hours on 1 November 2021 at St Peter's Church, Church Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 0QJ.

17th October 2021

We regret to report the death of Major R A U Richards of Cheltenham on 9 October 2021 aged 90.
Roger followed his father, Brigadier HU Richards CBE DSO, into The Worcestershire Regiment and joined the 1st Battalion in Malaya in July 1950. In May 1952, while leading a jungle patrol, he found a large quantity of items including recently used cooking pots so he decided to ambush the site. Some bandits duty appeared after dark and in an exchange of fire one bandit was killed and Roger was wounded. He was tended by the medical orderly but, though in pain. refused the offer of morphine. The patrol remained until the following morning when he was stretchered out and sent to hospital. He was evacuated to UK in September and after further time in hospital was posted as ADC to General Gale, C-in-C BAOR in 1953. He returned to 1 Worc R in Iserlohn in 1955 and served with it in the West Indies until posted as Adjt of the Depot in 1957. After a further tour in 1 Worc R and a staff appointment in BAOR he rejoined 1 Worc R in Gibraltar in 1965 He spent the rest of his service in intelligence appointments in BAOR, UK (and Norway?) and then worked at GCHQ as a RO until retiring in 1995. He was a valued volunteer at RHQ researching and writing many articles for the regimental magazine and cataloguing the archives until recently. Two of his sons, Hugh and Benjamin, also served in WFR.
 

FUNERAL DETAILS.  The funeral of Major Martin Thomson who died on 30 September will be held at 1300 hours on Tuesday 26 October 2021 at  the Charlton Park Crematorium, Andover SP11 0TA, followed by a light buffet at the Old Bell and Crown, Hatherden SP11 OHT, a short drive from the Crematorium.
Donations to the Countess of Brecknock Hospice, Andover. Letters of condolence may be sent to Mrs Anne Thomson, Kampala, Hatherden, Andover  SP11 0HT.

8th October 2021

Major L A Preston. As reported in last week’s newsletter Major LA Preston died on 25 September 2021 aged 79. Les enlisted as a junior leader in 1957 and after training joined 1 Foresters in 1961 and served in N Ireland and Colchester. In 1967 he was posted to IJLB Oswestry as an adventure training instructor and then, after e brief spell back in 1 Foresters, he became a recruiter at ACIO Derby. He joined 1 WFR in 1971 and served in Warminster, N Ireland,  Berlin and Ballykelly, as OC 13 AYT, then Colchester and Belize. He was commissioned in 1979 and served successively in 1 Staffords, POW Depot Crickhowell, as OC EL Wing JIB Shornclife and as Chief Instructor Cadet Training Centre before retiring from the army in 1989. He then worked for the Council in Kent overseeing the award of contracts before being poached by a company bidding for contracts. In retirement he remained very fit until contracting COVID from which he died.

Major M C Thompson. We regret to report that Major MC Thomson of Andover died on 30 September 2021 aged 72. Martin enlisted in RAOC in 1966 and after training as a staff clerk served in Libya, at Int Corps Centre and JDSC Warminster where in 1972 as a Cpl he voluntarily transferred to WFR. He served with 1 WFR in Londonderry, Berlin, Ballykelly and Colchester. On promotion to C/Sgt he became Chief Clerk of 1 Staffords then at S of Infantry. He returned to 1 WFR as Chief Clerk for 2 years in 1981 as a WO2 before promotion to WO1 at Depot Lichfield, then Infantry Records York. He was commissioned in 1986 and returned to 1 WFR as Asst Adjt. Apart from a tour as Adjt Dhekelia Garrison in 1989 he spent the rest of his service in 1 WFR until retiring from the army in 1996 in various appointments including OC HQ Coy, Families Officer and Movements Officer for several moves. Funeral details will be announced later.

1st October 2021

We regret to report the death of Major Leslie Preston of Etchinghill, Kent on 25 September 2021 aged 79. Despite being very fit and having been double vaccinated he succumbed to COVID. An obituary and details of a service in his memory will follow.

10th Sepetember 2021

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.

27th August 2021

It is with great sadness that we inform you that 4977545 Sgt (possibly CSgt) Derek Lewis ELEY BEM of Chapel-en-le-Frith died on 18 August 2021 aged 103.  Derek enlisted into the 2/5th Bn The Sherwood Foresters in May 1939 and later the same year transferred to the 1/5th Bn and on 18 November landed in Cherbourg with the British Expeditionary Forces. During the months leading up to the Battle of Dunkirk, Derek took over from the CSgt in charge of paying the men’s wages and was appointed Lance Sergeant. In May 1940, Derek (as part of the 1/5th Bn) joined the 51st Highland Division and returned to the UK for a year.  Towards the end of this time, Derek was injured as a result of an ‘unfortunate accident’ and missed his initial posting to the Far East with the Bn. Once recovered and fit for duties, Derek set off with other Sherwood Foresters, from Southampton, for the Far East however by the times the ship had reached Bombay, Singapore had fallen and the Bn received a signal to turn around go to the Suez Canal. In Palestine, Derek was dealing with logistics and then found himself transferred to the Psychological Warfare branch of the Intelligence Corps. Following deployment in Sarafand, he was sent to Italy to take part in the Italian Campaign. It was for his service there, that Derek was awarded the BEM ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean theatre of war’.  He discharged from the Army in November 1945 and worked in personnel and finance. Derek was a lifelong supporter of Derby County and was believed to have been the oldest football supporter, going to almost every home game for 88 years, less the time he served during WWII. He was an active member of his local RBL where he was President.  In 2016, he had the honour of having a street ‘Eley Way’ named after him; whilst still alive.

Derek’s funeral will take place on Friday 10 September at 1300 hours at Town End Methodist Church, Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire SK23 0HZ, followed by a family cremation afterwards.  All, including Standard Bearers, are welcome to attend the church service.  The family have requested family flowers only and donations can be made to one of Derek’s chosen charities; The Air Ambulance, RBL, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Blyth House Hospice Care.  This can be made on the day or by sending a cheque to the chosen charity  to LD & a Tideswell Funeral Directors, 7 Station Road, Dove Holes, Nr Buxton, Derbyshire SK117 8DH

OBITUARY It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of 23646858 Pte Raymond ‘Ray’ WILSON of South Normanton, on 4 August 2021, aged 83.  Ray (who was also known as ‘Willow’ in his service days), joined 1st Bn The Sherwood Foresters in either 1958 or 1959 and served in Malaya and Singapore.  He left the army following his National Service in 1961 and was later recalled to deploy to Burma and then stood down.  He was awarded the National Service Medal and GSM and later the Pingat medal. Following his discharge, Ray worked as a bricklayer.  His funeral took place on 19 August at Amber Valley Crematorium

FUNERAL DETAILS 23856761  A/SSgt Barry Raymond IMMS.  Barry's service will be at Worcester crematorium September 3rd at 10.45am, a wake will be held afterwards at The Royal  British Legion at Claines.  All donations are going to St Richards hospice in Worcester.

13th August 2021

It is with sadness that we report the death of  Worcester Branch member 23856761  A/SSgt Barry Raymond IMMS on Tuesday 10th August 2021. Barry was born in Birmingham on 06/02/1942 . Barry enlisted into the 1st Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment on 27/03/1961. Barry served in B Coy at Worcester, Belize, Minden, Lydd, Gibraltar, Tobruk, HQ Coy Bulford, HQ Coy at P.O.W. Div HQ Lichfield, Cyprus,  1 WFR HQ Warminster, Berlin, Recruiting office Worcester and Finishing his service in Colchester in 1977. Barry was awarded the GSM NI and UN medals. In civilian life Barry worked at Headway, Aquired Brain Injury Unit and in his spare time he enjoyed amateur dramatics. Barry was also a great and loyal Baggies fan (WBA).
Funeral details to follow. Letters Of condolence can be sent to Mrs S Imms. 161 Bromyard Road, St Johns, Worcester. WR2 5EA .

6th August 2021

It is with great sadness that I report the death of 506285 Major Edward Cyril Kimberley (always known as Ted) who died on 11th July aged 84.  Ted enlisted into 1st Bn The Royal Hampshire Regiment on 9th February 1955 and served in Malaya, Germany, UK and the West Indies. He was commissioned in November 1973 and as Quartermaster, marched the 1st Bn out of Wavell Barracks in Berlin in early 1986 and into Lucknow  Barracks Tidworth.  He finished his military career as the Quartermaster at Staff College in Camberley, having been the QM at the Depot in Lichfield beforehand. After thirty-one years' service in the Regiment. He joined as a National Serviceman in February 1955 and spent most of his first year in the Army at the Depot, Lower Barracks, Winchester. There he converted to being a Regular, was made an Acting Lance Corporal, and was eventually posted to Malaya to join the 1st Battalion. By 1987 he was only one of three soldiers still serving from those days of the Emergency in Malaya. In 1956 when the Battalion moved to Munster, BAOR, he was promoted to substantive corporal. Having been the best recruit of his intake in 1955, he became the best NCO of the 7th US Army NCO Academy, where he won the General Patton award for excellence and was elected the Distinguished Graduate, after which he was named "The Brain" by the soldiers. Ted Kimberley was promoted Sergeant on Minden Day 1963, the day the 1st Battalion received New Colours in Munster. On the parade he was a supernumerary Sergeant of No 4 Guard and remembered the occasion well. Having attended many courses, he was nicknamed the course NCO of the Battalion. In 1966 a new course appeared, which was soon to be feared by senior NCOs-Brecon. Ted attended the first course and undaunted by the challenge, successfully gained an "A" grading. At the end of the course he was posted there to be an instructor, and remained at Brecon as a W02 until 1969. In 1969 he was posted back to the Battalion as CSM of A Company and went with the Company to Belfast in August 1969 for their first Northern Ireland Emergency Tour. There he was nicknamed "Special K". When the Battalion was reduced to ' Minden Company, he was posted to the DERR, along with W02 (RQMS) Blake, W02 Wheeler and Drum Major Ferris. When [he 1st Battalion re-formed, there was a delay in his return due to manning problems, but he eventually rejoined in Hong Kong as CSM of B Company in 1974. The next year he was promoted to RSM, and he remained in that appointment until 1978. Within this time the Battalion moved from Hong Kong to Ballykelly and then to Munster. In 1978 he was commissioned, and he was given a Quartermaster's commission in 1980. He has been QM (Tech) of 1 WFR, QM of 11 UDR, and eventually QM of the 1st Battalion. During the Presentation of New Colours, as custodian, he brought the New Colours on to the Parade. As such, he was to become the only soldier on parade who had been on parade in the 1963 Colours Presentation, twenty three years earlier-quite a unique achievement. His three years as QM of the 1st Battalion covered memorable years , including as they did all the normal ceremonial of garrison life in Berlin. However, the first visit to the Battalion by HRH The Princess of Wales and his deep involvement in the Presentation of Colours, which required such vast, detailed planning covering the full spectrum of the Q world, were the highlights of these years and called for all his long experience and talents.
He finished his Army career as Quartermaster at Staff College where he was awarded an MBE for his efforts. There cannot be any more devoted and loyal Hampshire soldier.               
         

It is with great sadness that I report the death 24797585 Pte Lee Michael Alan Carlin on 22nd July.  Lee was born on 14th November 1970 and enlisted with the Junior Infantry Battalion in 1987 before completing his training at Lichfield and joining 1WFR in Cambridge.  Lee served with D Fire Support and the Company Drums Platoon in Northern Ireland and Cyprus.  Lee was an excellent soldier and was liked and respected by all who know him.  After Lee was discharged he took up employment with the NHS Northern Devon Heath Care Trust.

Lee’s funeral will be held on Monday 9th August at 1140hrs. North Devon Crematorium, Old, Torrington Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 3NW

MAJOR TONY THRES
Further to the notice in the last issue of the Newsletter the address for letters of condolence to the family is: Mr Jeremy Thres, 6 Nattadon Road, Chagford, Newton Abbott , Devon DQ13 8BE.       

30th July 2021

403384 Major Anthony John Bartholomew                   

Major Anthony (Tony) John Bartholomew died in Crete on 15 July 2021 aged 92. Tony Bartholomew was commissioned from RMA Sandhurst into the 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in September 1949 in Goslar as a Platoon Commander. After 9 months with the battalion he volunteered for and was posted to the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and disembarked in Korea in the summer of 1950 for 18 months as part of 29 Brigade. He served with that battalion in the defence of Happy Valley, north of Seoul. As a result he was the only regular officer in the Regiment to wear both the UK and UN Korean War medals. After service in Korea he rejoined the recently reformed 2nd Battalion in October 1952 in Wuppertal and then moved to Celle in October 1953, commanding a Scout Platoon and then becoming 2 i/c C Company. When the 2nd Battalion disbanded in May 1955, Tony joined the 1st Battalion in Sennelager, as 2i/c C Coy before commanding the company for the autumn exercises. In 1956 he joined the 1st Battalion Sierra Leone Regiment as a company 2i/c before becoming Adjutant of the regiment and then moving to HQ Sierra Leone Military Forces as SO 3 G2/G3. It was a tour Tony described as "very stimulating". On return to the UK Tony became Adjutant of the Depot in Derby before rejoining the 1st Battalion in mid 1961 as 2i/c A Company. In December 1961 he transferred to RARO and entered the recently formed Formula Junior Racing as he had an keen interest and significant skill in motor racing and rallying. In his own words "the money went faster than the cars" and after attending a regimental wedding in Holywood, Belfast in 1963 he applied to rejoin the regiment and did so in Colchester in 1963, very soon commanding C Company in its UN role in Cyprus and then on its return to Colchester. After Ex Pond Jump in Canada Tony moved to the Depot at Lichfield as OC Junior Soldiers Company. When the 1st Battalion moved to be part of 7 Armd Bde in Minden he rejoined as OC HQ Company. On amalgamation in 1970 he undertook several training appointments then became Garrison Commander in HQ Northern Ireland before ending his career as a Company Commander at REME HQ Arborfield. After leaving the Army, Tony was Head of a Leonard Cheshire Foundation Home for several years. In retirement Tony moved first to Cornwall and then to Crete where in early 2021 he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. He is survived by his widow, Valerie and two daughters, Catherine and Patricia. Anyone wishing to contact Valerie is advised to email Lt Col Roger Stockton.

400090 MAJOR ANTHONY LESLIE THRES OBE DL         

Major Anthony (Tony) Thres OBE DL died peacefully on 13 July aged 92 at Lucerne House in Exeter. Tony joined the Army in 1946 and served in the ranks with 28th Training Battalion in Northern Ireland before graduating from RMA Sandhurst in 1948. He joined the 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in Germany as a Platoon Commander then became a Brigade Intelligence Officer with 31 Inf Bde in 1951. He rejoined the 1st Battalion in Egypt and Cyrenaica in 1952 and was then posted as Staff Captain (A) in HQ 16 Para Bde in Egypt. He joined 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment in Cyprus where he took part in the Suez Landings in May 1956. After the short Suez campaign he returned to be Adjutant at the Depot at Normanton Barracks in January 1957. Tony returned to the 1st Battalion towards the end of the Malaya Emergency in 1959 before attending the Staff College at Camberley in 1961. On completion of the Staff Course he moved to 38 Group RAF as the GSO2(Para) until 1965 when he returned to the 1st Battalion in Colchester as a Company Commander in 19 Inf Bde, then, on conversion to a mechanised battalion, with 6th Armd Bde in Munster. In 1967 he moved to Lichfield as DAAG in Headquarters Mercian Brigade before retiring from the Army in May 1968. Tony then went to the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester and qualified as a Char-tered Surveyor, initially taking up a post on an estate in Devon before moving to the Countryside Landowners Association (CLA). He became Devon's longest serving regional secretary for the CLA and on retirement after eighteen years with the association, he was awarded both an OBE for services to landowners, and a Prince of Wales's Award of Honour for services to agriculture, forestry and conservation. He also represented landowners in negotiations of Afforestation Agreements with the For-estry Commission and Dartmoor National Park and was substantially involved in represent-ing landowner’s interests during drafting and passage of the Dartmoor Commons Bill through Parliament. Tony served as both Vice-Chair and a Governor of the West Of England School for Children of Little or No Sight for many years, his first son Douglas having had eye problems when small. Tony was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Devon by then Lord Lieutenant the Earl of Morley in 1991. He is survived by his wife Ros, son Jeremy and grandson Ishka. A service of thanksgiving for his life was held at St Michael’s Church, Chagford on Wednes-day 28th July. An address for letters of condolence will be published later.

FUNERAL UPDATE FOR 24619796 CSGT DARREN ‘DAZ’ GILDER

 Attendance:
The funeral for Daz Gilder will be held at 1315 hours on Thursday 29 July, at Bramcote Crematorium.  Due to limited numbers inside the chapel (no standing room), anyone wishing to attend is kindly requested to inform Maj Gary Spencer of their intentions via either email: gary.spencer529@mod.gov.uk or Tel: +443001670407

For those unable to attend in person, a live Webcast of the funeral can be accessed as follows;

   https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view

   Login / Order ID: 103390

  Password: jfskmgxq

  If you experience issues with your login details please call 01536 314 890.

Flowers
Family flowers only.  Donations can be made to Cancer Research.  A collection box will be available on the day. Standard Bearers
The family have requested Standard Bearers at Daz’s funeral. If any Standard Bearer is able to attend, it is requested that they contact Maj Gary Spencer (details above) Reception
Daz’s family invite you to join them directly after the Service, at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel, Mellors Way, off Woodhouse Way, Nottingham NG8 6PY

16th July 2021

It is with great sadness that we inform you that 24619796 CSgt Darren ‘Daz’ L GILDER of Nottingham, died on 7 July 2021 aged 56. Daz, the son of WO2 (RQMS) Harry Gilder (SF & WFR), was enlisted into The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment on 10 August 1981, prior to the commencement of basic training at the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion, Shorncliffe on 15 September 1981.  He joined the 1st Bn in Hemer, Germany, in September 1982 and also served within Germany, Cyprus and the UK.  He also served on numerous operational duties in Northern Ireland and in Bosnia, and was involved in major exercises in the USA, Canada, Jamaica and Jordan.  He was awarded the LSGC, GSM (NI), UN Medal Cyprus, ACSM and the NATO Medal (former Yugoslavia clasp) and was awarded a Commendation for his outstanding work as an Int NCO, Omagh, 1989 - 1991.  Daz was discharged on 16 November 2004 after a full career. Following leaving the Army, Daz was employed as a Senior Neighbourhood Warden with Gedling Borough Council. His funeral will be held 1315 hours on Thursday 29 July, at Bramcote Crematorium, Coventry Lane, Nottingham, NG9 3GJ. The family welcome attendance and have requested no flowers, with any donations going to Cancer Research.  The details of the wake will be released when known.

21st May 2021

It is with great sadness that I report the death of Dennis Clarke on 15 May aged 82.  Dennis served with the Sherwood Foresters and after discharge he worked as a porter, a painter and decorator and as a letter sorter for the Post Office. Dennis was a keen fisherman and dancer.  He was also well known for visiting local hospitals and singing hymns to the patients as he toured the wards.  Dennis will be remembered for his kindness and loving attitude towards people as well as his singing and dancing. More details to follow when known.

17th May 2021

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Hugh Robert Hamilton who died peacefully at home on 2 May 2021, aged 83.  Hugh started his National Service with the 1st Battalion and was Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant The Sherwood Foresters, on 7 July 1956 and promoted to Lieutenant with 8th and 5/8th from 1957 to 1963.  Hugh also served as a Captain with London Scottish from 1963 to 1968.
Hugh was the much loved husband of Sue, father of Ian and Christopher, and grandfather of Ruby, Bea, Annie, Edie and Arthur. The funeral will be a private family funeral on Friday 21 May. Donations welcome to Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

7th May 2021

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.

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of 24129576 L/Cpl Patrick Harvey on 30 April.  Patrick was born in Chesterfield on 19 March 1950.  He enlisted with the Sherwood Foresters on 4 August 1967 and served with C Coy.  On 7 October 1970 he transferred to the Staffordshire Regiment  he was discharged on 8 October 1973.  Patrick also served with 3WFR and was discharged on 12 April 1991.  Patrick was married to Monica and they had three daughters Deborah, Donna and Emma Jo. Patrick's funeral will take place on Monday 17 May at 11:40hrs at Chesterfield Crematorium, Brimington. The Chesterfield Standard and members will form a guard of honour.

IN MEMORIAM

24366203 Corporal Stephen Russell McGonigle, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment

9th April 2021

It is with sadness that I report the death of 24721794 L/Cpl Anthony Dolby.  Anthony was born on 22 September 1968 and Enlisted with 1WFR in 1985 and left in 1989. Funeral details to follow when known.

2nd April 2021

MAJOR MARK H L FARRANT

It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of Major Mark H L FARRANT on 19 February 2021 aged 94.  Mark left Eton as an Officer Cadet in 1944 and joined the Royal Welch Fusiliers, he transferred to the Cheshire Regiment before joining the Sherwood Foresters Territorial Force on 24 August 1953 as a Lt and he reached the rank of Capt on 1 November 1956.  It is believed that he then moved to the Suffolk Regiment and the Duke of Cornwall Regiment and would have been promoted to Major during this time.  It is believed that he served until the 1960’s when he was discharged after losing the majority of his hearing in a live fire accident when he was OC of a Weapons Support Company in either Bovington or Warminster. 
Anyone that has any information regarding Major Farrant’s military service is asked to contact the Assistant Regimental Secretary who will pass it onto the family and museum

OBITUARY

It is with great sadness I have to inform you that Elaine Harrison wife of Csgt Ian 'H' Harrison sadly passed away on the peacefully in her sleep on 14th February, she served with Ian in the 1st Bn form 1979 to 2003 where she was a very popular member of the regimental family.  Due to the Covid restrictions limited family were allowed to attend the funeral however the family intend to hold a small service of remembrance once the restrictions are lifted.

20th March 2021

It is with sadness that I report the death of WO2 Jack Lebeter, who passed away on Sunday 14 March 2021 aged 96.  Jack served with the Sherwood Foresters and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters.

Letters of condolences can be sent to : Mrs Muriel Lebeter, The Old Post Office, Cholmondley, Bulkley, Malpas, Cheshire. SY14 8BP. Funeral details to follow.

5th March 2021

It with regret that we inform you that Joseph ‘Joe’ MANCELL of Chaddeston, Derby, died on 12 February 2021 aged 84.  Joe served in the Sherwood Foresters, as a National Serviceman, during the 1950’s and spent time in Germany. 
Joseph's funeral is to be held on Friday 26 March at St Albans Church, Chaddeston at 12:30 hours followed by a burial at the Nottingham Road Cemetery.  The family have requested a Standard Bearer at either the church or cemetery (or both). 
Anyone with any other information regarding Joe’s military career is asked to contact RHQ Mercian who will pass it onto the family.

28 Feb 2021

It is with sadness that we inform you that 23117799 Pte Jack Smith of Prince Rupert Rd Worcester recently passed away.  Jack was born in Pershore on the 4 September 1936. Jack enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment on the 14 February 1955. Serving in D Coy Jack saw service in Islon Germany.
Jack was a member of Worcester Branch but in recent years due to his illness and disability he was unable to attend branch meetings. A few years ago he did attend the Regimental Museum fund raising day in St Helens church. Jack was in receipt of the branch letters.
Jack`s funeral will be on Wednesday 3 March 14:30hrs at Worcester City Crematorium, Tintern Ave, Astwood Road Worcester WR3 8HA.
Bugle, Standards and members welcome to line route.

20 Feb 2021

As previously notified Captain WJH Swainson of Chagford, Devon died on 10 February 2021 aged 86. Bill was commissioned in The Worcestershire Regiment in 1955 and served in 1 Worc R in Iserlohn, throughout  the WI tour 1957-60 in Jamaica where he served for a time as ADC to the Governor , and in Worcester until posted in 1962 as an instructor to the IJLB at Oswestry. He rejoined 1 Worc R in Minden in1963 and moved with the bn to Lydd in 1964 and was then seconded to The Parachute Regt and served in 2 Para until retiring from the army  in December 1965.  While in 1 Worc R he represented the bn at athletics and rugby and in Jamaica at polo. In 1961, while riding out at Rimell’s stables at Kinnersley he persuaded the officers to back Nicolaus Silver to win the Grand National and when it won there was an impromptu party in the mess. In retirement he took out a horse training license and enjoyed notable success in national hunt and on the flat from stables in the Cotswolds.

OBITUARY

We regret to report the death in London of Captain JA Mathias RAMC on 11 January 2021 aged 85. He was a national serviceman who served as RMO 1 Worc R in Worcester 1960-62 including on the emergency deployment to British Honduras for Hurricane Hattie in 1961 where he did valuable work with the local population in Stann Creek (now Dangriga). He attended several regimental events in the 1990s.

OBITUARY  

It is with sadness that we inform you that 22798229 Pte David Plant of Malvern died aged 87yrs on the 8th February 2021.  Dave enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment on the 27 March 1952 serving in Section 'A'  RAR 5th Plt in Malaya during the 'Emergency'. Discharging on 26 March 1955. After National Service Dave served as a Pte in the Army Reserve from 1955-59. Dave was awarded the GSM Malaya Medal.

In civilian life Dave worked as a road haulier travelling all over the UK. He also worked as a general builder, Dave was very passionate about working on his allotment, when a lot of other people would have stopped Dave carried on and was working and gardening up until recently.

Dave was a very valued member of Worcester Branch W.F.R.A. Working tirelessly to the benefit of the branch and Association. On 26th August 2015 Dave was awarded the Association Merit Award for Outstanding Service . It reads:-

David Plant joined the Worcestershire Regimental Association in 1952 when he was enlisted for his National Service. He joined whilst stationed at Norton barracks for the sum of one shilling of which he paid to Sgt Bell.  David is a Malaya Veteran and also a member of the Malayan Veterans Association. Through that Association he keeps in touch with other Malaya Veterans.  When David left the Regiment he became a driver in the road haulage trade. After that he progressed into the building trade.  For many years David has carried a standard for the Worcester branch of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association, carrying the Worcestershire Regiments Standard.  Throughout David`s time in the Association he has always been willing to help in any project whether they be large or small.

In the year 2000, with the help of some Vernon Veterans (1944) David arranged to take a large piece of Malvern Hills granite to the 'Worcesters Layby' on the Tilly road near Vernonet, France. David transported the stone to France at his own expense because he recognised the importance of keeping alive the memory of those men who fought and fell in that battle. The crossing of the River Seine at Vernon is an important part of the Worcestershire Regiment`s glorious history. He also arranged for work to be done on the bronze inscription plaque by a craftsman near his home. At the dedication ceremony David proudly carried a standard.

Last year 2014 David again offered his skills. He has done the groundwork for the new memorial stone in Gheluvelt Park Worcester. It is in memory to 'All Ranks of the Worcestershire Regiment Who Served Their Country at Home and Overseas' He put in the foundation base, laid the blue brick edging, bedded in the stone and erected the surrounding posts and bars. David organised the work along with the park staff and sourced the materials from all the suppliers, all as donations! He himself donated some of the materials and gave his time freely.

Currently David still works full time and also maintains an allotment. He regularly brings a box of fruit and veg for the raffle at the Worcester Branch bi-monthly meetings.

Over the years David has dedicated much of his time to the Regimental Associations, being involved with the erection of two memorial stones to the men of the Worcestershire Regiment and is thoroughly deserving of a merit award from the Association.

In May 2019 Dave travelled to Chandlers Ford in Hampshire to attend the funeral of Bill Edwardes WW2 Veteran of Vernon Europe 1944 who was also involved in the siting of the Worcesters Layby Memorial Stone, proudly carrying the Worcestershire Regiments standard.

Dave`s funeral will be held at 14:30hrs on Monday 22 February 2021 at All Saints Church, Hollybush, Castlemorton, HR8 1EX.

Bugle and Standards only. Letters of condolence can be sent to;-
Mrs Margaret Plant. 81 Tanhouse Lane, Malvern, WR14 1LQ The family have requested this does not go on facebook. Thank you.

12th Feb 2021

We regret to report the death of Captain WJH Swainson of the Worcestershire Regiment who passed away on 10 February 2021.  Further details will be published when they are available.

LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE

Further to last weeks obituary for Michael Graham, letters of condolence can be sent to
Sarah Graham 18 Merrymans Hill Road, Worcester. WR3 8LW

5th February 2021

It is with sadness that we inform you that 24068896 Pte Michael (Mick) Stanley Graham aged 73 years of Worcester died on Monday 1 February 2021 after a short illness. Mick was born in Bromsgrove on the 26 June 1947. He enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment in October 1965. In A Coy Mick saw service in Gibraltar, Libya, Iran and Bulford, UK. During Mick`s service he was in the Regimental shooting team which saw success at Bisley. Mick was discharged from the Worcestershire Regiment in March 1969. In civilian life Mick was director of his own business which was an automotive components company.  Mick was a dedicated member of Worcester branch and was very proud to represent the branch as bugler.  He made frequent visits to Gibraltar where he met up with old comrades who reside there.  Mick with his easy going and pleasant personality will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Mick`s funeral will be on Wednesday 24 February 13:00hrs at Worcester City Crematorium, Tintern Ave, Astwood Road Worcester WR3 8HA. Standards and members welcome to line route into Crematorium being socially distanced. Bugle at Officiants discretion. Letters of condolence can be sent to Micks daughter:- Sarah Graham 18 Merrymans Hill Road, Worcester WR3 8LW

29th January 2021

We regret to report the death of Major E A Ireland of Mere, Wilts on 24 January 2021 aged 88. Ted was called up for national service in 1952 and after attending Eaton Hall OCS was commissioned in the Suffolk Regt and served with them during the  Malaya emergency. He was then seconded to the 3rd Bn The Kings African Rifles in Kenya during the Mau Mau emergency where he had two close shaves.  While his patrol was struggling to move through a patch of dead bamboo in the Aberdare mountains it was straffed, fortunately without casualties, by a pair of Harvard aircraft and later, while camped on Mt Kenya he responded to a request to help a farmer to deal with an aggressive buffalo in thick bush. He took up a position where he thought he would be safe while the farmer went to fetch his tractor, but the buffalo found him and charged. His rifle failed to stop it and it tossed and gored him three times before the farmer returned and shot it as it was goring him again. “While recovering in hospital in Nairobi he met his future wife June who was a nursing sister there”. He transferred to the Worcestershire Regt during this tour and was then posted to the Depot at Norton Barracks as a training officer. Thereafter he served alternately on the staff, mainly in technical appointments, with 1 Worc R as adjutant in Minden in 1964,, as a company commander on the 1969 Cyprus UN tour, then in staff appointments in UK and BAOR. He retired in 1987 but continued as a RO until 1997.

OBITUARY

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Mr Barry Freeman on 4th January 2021.  He was a stalwart and dedicated member of our Branch And Kidderminster Branch of W.F.R.A. 
Barry was a real character. Always ready with a joke or piece of military information.  Barry became a member of Blakedown and Hagley Branch in 1946 following his service during the war.
In 2016 he was awarded the highest honour that the French Government can bestow on a soldier The Chevalier National Order of the Legion of Honour for recognition of his part in the Liberation of France and for his efforts and impact as a British soldier in the alleviation of France from German occupation.
In his youth Barry spent many happy hours in Hagley Rambler Scouts, playing escape and evasion games in the grounds of Hagley Hall and he states that it was those days of learning to keep his head down that made him able to cope with the rigours of reconnaissance missions and so survive the war.
Barry was called up on 1st April 1943 and spent his first few months training for the Allied Invasion of Europe. He was one of the few soldiers ever to be allowed to shoot left handed but this did not stop him from becoming an excellent shot and coming third in a National Shooting Competition. It even helped to save his life.
He trained a Norton Barracks and joined 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. The Worcesters’ became part of the 43rd Wessex Light Infantry Division and Barry was given an American Half Track vehicle to drive Despite delays, on 16th June the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment departed from England, but due to bad weather they did not arrive in Normandy until 22nd June, at Mont Fleury –Juno Beach and Barry; off loaded along with Canadian units; drove onto the beach even though being partly submerged and facing German fire.
For the first part of the war, he was assigned duties as a water truck driver to soldiers and units in the front line, which saw him receiving more than one bullet hole in his water bowser. He was also assigned duties as part of Recce and River Patrols, all in contact with German fire. He took part in Operation Goodwood the Battle of Falaise Pocket. He was part of the River Seine Crossing where the ‘Worcesters’ were the first across the bridge to form a bridgehead for the other troops. He had many close calls, being injured twice, and lost many friends, but made many as well. He was part of the Canadian Unit when they and the ‘Worcester’s’ were the first to cross the River Rhine into Germany.
At the end of the war in May 1945, Barry was shipped to Panzer Barracks in Hamm, Germany  before being demobbed at Herford and coming back home to work in the building trade.
He bought a motorbike (Norton16H) and joined a local church club at St Saviours Hagley, where he met his wife Brenda. They married in 1950, had one daughter and later moved to Stourport.  Sadly his wife died a few years ago but Barry, at 96 although now unable to get around was always willing to have a chat about current events and Legion activities.       
He will be missed by all that knew him.
The Funeral is on Thursday 28 January at 11.30hrs at Wyre Forest Crematorium.
No more details are available however due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be no parade.

22nd January 2021

We regret to report the death of 24412246 L/Cpl Eddie J Noy.  Eddie enlisted on 10 February 1976 and served with A Coy 3WFR, he was discharged 9 February 1983. Further details to follow.

15th January 2021

We regret to report the death at home in Tiverton on 8 January of Lt Col JDC Blake of the Devon and  Dorsets. He served as a popular and well respected second in  command of 1 WFR 1971-73  in Warminster, N Ireland and Berlin and, after attending the Joint Services Staff College, was promoted to command the Mercian Volunteers until 1977. His next and final appointment before retiring from the army was as Chief of Staff BRIXMIS.

1ST January 2021

It is with sadness that I report the death of 25024333 Lance Corporal Lee Michael (Gun Dog) Garrod.  Lee was born in Nottingham on 29 September 1971.  He enlisted on 23 April 1993 and served with the 1st Battalion in the UK, NI and Bosnia. He holds the GSM NI, NATO Bosnia.  Lee was discharged on 10 March 2000.

OBITUARY

It is with sadness that I report the death of 24279496 Private Barry Michael King who died on 25 December aged 64.  
Barry was born in Nottingham on 1 December 1956.  He served with the 1st Battalion in Northern Ireland where he was wounded in a bomb explosion at Marcus Square, Newry, NI.  In September 1978 he served in Belize with Sp Coy (Mort Platoon). 

FUNERAL DETAILS
Ian Middleton

The funeral procession will start at Ian’s flat at 14.30hrs on 4 January. The address is Fulleylove Court, S44 6EZ, and will head to Brimmington Crematorium in Chesterfield for a 15.10hrs start. Ian will travel on a bike hearse. His daughter has stated that ‘this will be his final ride and if anyone wants to join the ride to give him a final send-off; he would love that’.

It is about a 7 mile journey from Ian’s flat to Brimmington Crematorium - Chesterfield Rd, Chesterfield S43 1AU.

Due to Covid restrictions, only 30 people will be allowed in the crematorium chapel for the service. So far, the family have accounted for the full 30, which includes Worksop branch Standard and RBL standard.

So please be aware that any other members of WFRA will likely only be able to line the route in the crematorium or be outside the chapel at the crematorium. If you would still like to attend though, you would be welcome. We hope to have the external speakers playing the service.

Please observe strict Covid guidelines, including social distancing whilst at the crematorium.

Government guidelines says this:
If you live outside a Tier 4 area and are going to a wedding, funeral or linked commemorative event inside the Tier 4 area, you must comply with the Tier 4 gathering limits on the events.

Donations: The family have asked that rather than flowers and for those who wish to, please make donations to either the Cats Protection league or Ashgate Hospice- via the links below.

https://www.cats.org.uk/donate

Donation form - Winter Appeal | Ashgate Hospicecare

28TH December 2020

It is with sadness that I report the death of 24017678 Pte Derek John Gee on 19 December aged 73.  Derek was born in Bolsover, Derbyshire on 4 May 1947 and enlisted with the 1st Btn Sherwood Foresters at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire in September 1964 and trained at Lichfield.  He served April 1965 at Mons Officer Cadet School as a Pte was with Battalion in Muster Germany 1966-67.  Derek was a keen boxer and was a member of the Btn boxing team He was discharged in 1967. 

It is with sadness that I report the death of Mrs Karen Sales wife of Gary Sales, ex WFR. She has been a stalwart member of Chesterfield branch and gave her valued support , even through a long illness.
She will be sorely be missed by her husband Gary, family and her friends at the Branch.

18 December 2020

It is with sadness that we report the death of 24811812 Private Ian ‘Duke’ Middleton who passed away on 15th December 2020 at Holly Bank Nursing Home in Creswell. Ian was 60 years old and had been diagnosed with terminal cancer over a year ago.
Ian served with 3WFR E Coy between 1987-1989 as well as time with the RAMC.
In recent years Ian had been a key member of the WFRA Worksop branch and, as the reserve standard bearer carried out many duties at various ceremonies, memorials and funerals. Ian would often travel great distances on public transport and at his own cost to represent the Association and Regiment. Such was his commitment that in 2018 he was awarded the WFRA Merit Award for his services to the Association.
Ian was an active member of the Manchester MAG, (an action group for motorcyclists), as well as an active member of the Riders Branch of the Royal British Legion. As his health deteriorated, he stepped back from the Riders Branch and became an active member of the Worksop Branch. During his time at the Worksop branch he served as Deputy Standard Bearer, then moved to Branch Standard Bearer. Ian was a recipient of the RBL Nottinghamshire County Meritorious Service Award, Notts County Standard Bearers Award and numerous branch awards for his service to the Poppy Appeal over the years. Ian had also trained as a SSAFA volunteer.
Ian had received many notes of commendation from Worksop Local Authority Councillors and had also been nominated for the Royal British Legion Centenary Membership Award for Passion prior to his passing.  Such was his commitment that, whilst very weak from his cancer, the RBL branch chairman had to intervene to stop him from trying to attend Morrison’s to man the poppy appeal stand and from attending a fellow branch members funeral.
Although severely weakened, Ian made last visits to the Crich Memorial and to the National Memorial Arboretum - Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Memorial, where he laid wreaths.
On Remembrance Sunday, with the aid of a local clergy, Ian held a small service in his nursing home, where he wore Regimental Association attire and paid service to those who had gone before. Knowing his own time on earth was slipping away, he still only thought of others.
Ian leaves behind his daughter, Rachel, grand-daughter Rosie and his friend Anna who was also like a daughter to him. Our thoughts are with them at this time and his dedication and selfishness will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.
Ian’s funeral is provisionally set for 3pm on 4th January 2021 at Brimmington Crematorium, near Chesterfield. Standard Bearers have been requested. Due to Covid restrictions details will be confirmed as soon as possible.
Cards of condolence may be sent to his daughter: Rachel Middleton, 22 Sumner Road, Salford, M6 7GJ.

11th December 2020

It is with sadness that we report the death of 23951162 C/Sgt Bernard  'Bernie'  Montgomery Horton. Bernie aged 76yrs passed away after a short illness at Worcester Royal Hospital on 23rd November 2020.
Bernie was born on 3 April 1944 and enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment at Wolverhampton on 22 November 1962 training at Depot, Prince of Wales Division.

He served in UK, BAOR, Gibraltar, Tobruk and Northern Ireland.  He holds the GSM with NI clasp.

During Bernie`s service he passed courses in Driving,  Unit Projectionist,  JNCO Skill at Arms,  Plt Sgts Course.

After 22yrs service Bernie was discharged on 24 November 1984 whilst with 3WFR.

In civilian life Bernie was Landlord of the Trumpet Inn at Merstow Green, Evesham and the Severn View Hotel. Bernie was landlord at the Severn View during some of Worcester`s worst floods.

The funeral will be held at 13:00hrs Monday 14 December 2020 at Worcester Crematorium,  Astwood Road, Worcester. WR3 8HU.   Due to covid restrictions Association members are invited to attend socially distanced outside chapel . A web link will be available nearer the date.

No Bugle or Standard required. Letters of condolence can be sent to Bernie`s daughter Claire:-

Mrs Claire Awford. 3 Station Road, Fernhill Heath, Worcester. WR3 7UD

20th November 2020

We regret to announce the death on 14 November of Wendy, wife of Major Les Preston.
His address if you with to send condolences is Les@skynet4595.myzen.co.uk

13th November 2020

It is with great sadness that I report the death of 24049042 LCpl Frederick C Newbold.  Fred enlisted in 1965 and served with C Coy 1st Bn Sherwood Foresters in Colchester, Munster and Minden.  He transferred to The Devon and Dorset Regiment in 1970 and left the army in 1977.

29th September

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.

OBITUARY

It is with great sadness that we inform that L/Cpl Noel Turner passed away on September 9th at the Derby Royal Hospital following a brief illness.
Noel served with the Sherwood Foresters as an MT driver  in the 1960's and was a keen boxer and all round colourful character who was occasionally known to keep the RP staff busy. He saw action in Aden, Cyprus and Northern Ireland from 1963 until his discharge in 1970.
He is sorely missed by his loving wife of 47 years, Yvonne, sons Mark and Paul, daughter in law Janette and grandchildren Ben and Rhiannon.
Noel's funeral will take place on Friday 2 October at 10.20hrs at Markeaton Crematorium, Derby.

OBITUARY

It is with great sadness that we inform you that 23445136 Pte John Dennis HUCKVALE of Coventry died on 5 September 2020 aged 83.  ‘Dennis’ enlisted into the Sherwood Foresters in May 1958 and discharged in 1960 and served in Malaya and Singapore.  He was awarded the GSM (Malaya) and the Malaysian Service Medal. 
His funeral will take place on Thursday 1 October at St Mary’s Church, Walsgrave, Coventry CV2 2BG. 
The vicar has asked that mourners are in church by 1000 hours for a 1015 start. 
Association members and Standard Bearers are invited to attend and are asked to contact his son, Mr Alan Huckvale, on hucky999@yahoo.co.uk beforehand. Donations on the day will be collected for H4H and Zoe’s Place (a local childrens cancer charity).

18th September 2020

It is with sadness that I report the death of 23700992 LCpl John Desmond Harper of Chesterfield who died on 25 August 2020 aged 81.  Des enlisted into the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters on 28 February 1959 and served in Malaya and Singapore with MMG Platoon, then with Recce Platoon in NI, Libya, and Cyprus before leaving on 27 February 1965.  His funeral has taken place.

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Mo Jones the wife of Arthur.  Mo Passed away at home.
Mo will be remembered for her support of the branch and for her baking, especially the mince pies at Christmas. Mo and Arthur held garden parties raising funds for the branch and other charities. She will be missed by all.
Letters of condolence can be sent to :-Mr Arthur Jones, 29 Oldbury Rd, St Johns. Worcester. WR2 6AA

28th August 2020

It is with sadness that we report the recent death of Pte Raymond Nicholson who passed away on 25 July 2020 aged 82.  Raymond was born on 2 May 1938 and was a National Service soldier who served with the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters. He served in Malaya, N Ireland and the UK.  His Funeral took place on 10 August at Wilford Hill Crematorium.
Raymond's family have asked if any of our readers can remember him or have any photographs of him during his time with the regiment.  Please forward any photos to the editor, newsletter@stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk

23rd August 2020

It is with sadness that we report the recent death of 23133037 Pte Lawrence Thirlby. Lawrence was born on 30 September 1936 and was one of the last men to be called for National Service in the early 1960’s where he served for two years with the 1st - Battalion “The Royal Green Jackets”.  During the 1980’s he served for 10 years with the 4th Battalion W.F.R. Home Service Force.  He was discharged on 6 November 1989.  Lawrence became a member of Worcester branch in 1995.  He is survived by Alice, his wife of 47 years, and their three sons.

OBITUARY

It is with sadness that I report the death of Mrs June Bradshaw who passed away on 14 August.  June was a dedicated branch member and always accompanied her husband Derek on all Association events.  Her lively personality will be sorely missed by all who knew her.  June had also been an associate member of the Malay Veterans.

BRIGADIER A P WRIGHT The family of Brigadier Tony Wright wish to thank all those who wrote letters of condolence to them. They have been very touched by the volume of correspondence and the sentiments that were expressed following Tony’s death. Thank you everybody.

CAPTAIN KEITH WHITTLE Keith Whittle’s funeral will be a private family ceremony.  A Memorial Service is planned for 2021.  Further details will follow in due course.

15th August 2020

461518 Captain Keith Brian WHITTLE

Captain Keith Brian Whittle died on 10th August 2020 after a long and very courageous battle against cancer.

Keith was born in 1939, the son of a Sherwood Forester. His father was made a POW at Tobruk in 1942 returning to the UK in 1945 to be posted to the Depot in Derby. Keith attended school in Derby.

He was commissioned into the 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters from RMA Sandhurst in July 1959, thereby entering a regiment in which both his father and his brother served.

He joined the battalion in Malaya towards the end of the Malayan Emergency and was with them when they moved to Singapore as the Garrison Battalion. When the 1st Battalion returned to  be based in Church Crookham in 1963 Keith was seconded to the Sarawak Rangers, recruiting soldiers in Sabah, training them in Malaysia and being on active service with them during the Indonesian Confrontation (Konfrontasi).

He rejoined the battalion in Germany in 1966 when they were in the mechanised role as 2i/c B Company. As both he and his company commander had served in Malaya they were able to talk on the radio net in Malay, which not only confused the Russians but also their higher HQ! Keith also attended the AFV 432 Flotation Course and was skilled at ensuring the battalion’s vehicles could swim across the River Weser.

He left the Army in 1969 prior to amalgamation and served with the Abu Dhabi Defence Force before being employed by Carreras Rothmans as the company representative for the Gulf region. He then moved to work in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia until 1982.

In semi-retirement in Berkshire he was involved in property in London, local politics, including a spell with the local County Council, fund raising for Great Ormond Street and Marlborough College and partnership in family firms in The Netherlands.

He will be remembered as a larger then life character and will be greatly missed by his brother officers.

He is survived by his wife, Margot, who is currently in poor health in hospital, a son Mark and two daughters, Suzanne and Nicola. Letters of condolence should be sent ℅ Malmo, Waingels Road, Twyford, READING, Berkshire RG10 0UA.

Details of funeral arrangements to follow.

OBITUARY

It is with sadness that I report the death of 24252201 Private Philip S Jolly aged 68.  Philip was born in 1952 and served with 1 WFR from 1969 until he was discharged 8 August 1975. 

The family have requested representatives from the Association top attend the funeral which will be held in Eastbourne.

Further funeral details to follow.

7th August 2020

Colonel Mike Cheetham MBE

It is with sadness that we report the death on 17th July 2020 aged 82 of Colonel Michael Stewart Cheetham MBE.  Mike joined the Army Cadet Force in Belper at the age of 13 and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant into Derbyshire Army Cadets on 29th June 1973.  He held various appointments including Company Commander A Company rising to the rank of Colonel as County Commandant of 5th Derbyshire Cadet Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment from 1996 to 2001.  He was SSAFA County Branch Secretary/Fundraiser Recruiter from April 2004.
 
The private funeral has already taken place.  Letters of condolence may be sent to Mrs Barbara Cheetham, 7 Dale Road, Stanley, Derby  DE7 3EY.       

OBITUARY

Captain Ian Craddock

It is with sadness that we report the death while jogging on 27th July 2020 near Lethem Airport, Guyana, Central America, of 526283 Captain Ian John Craddock.  Born on 12th April 1967, Ian was granted a SSC in WFR on 11th April 1987 joining C Company at Oakington Barracks, Cambridge.  On completion of NITAT training, he deployed with the Battalion to Omagh where he took part in Operation Tantalus in May 1989.  He was posted to JIB Shorncliffe after an accident from December 1989 to August 1990, after which he rejoined the Battalion.  In 1991, the Battalion deployed to Cyprus.  He attended the Accelerated Freefall Skydiving Course in Dhekelia. completing over 55 jumps including one in France over Saumur in the Loire Valley which nearly ended in disaster when he had to avoid a plane taking off as he came in to land.  In 1992, he deployed to the Falklands as part of the Resident Infantry Company, returning to Cyprus at the end of his tour.  Following the Options For Change Defence Review, Ian attended and passed the All Arms Commando course in UK but decided not to transfer to the Royal Marines; he left the Regular Army on 12th June 1993.
 
Ian worked for Young's Brewery in Wandsworth, London, and passed the TA Special Forces Selection; he was commissioned into The Artists' Rifles and served with 21 SAS (V).  He took part in several operations and training deployments, completing a variety of specialist courses from Combat Survival Instructor to Military Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor.  In 1998, he was joint leader of an Anglo-Indian team on the first successful ascent of Mt Tingchen Khan in the Indian Himalayas.  He was supremely fit and ran the London Marathon for several years, completing it one year in 3 hours which included a stop at a pub on London Bridge which offered free pints to runners.
 
Ian moved to Guyana in 2002 organising jungle expeditions for a British conservation charity.  He spent much of his time leading BBC nature expeditions into the heart of Guyana before starting his jungle expedition company, Bushmasters.  Billed as survival expeditions, Ian took clients from every walk of life into the Jungle for long periods to teach, challenge and test new found survival skills.  He had started to branch out and was running expeditions in Belize, Jordan and the Oman.  He regularly took film crews into the Jungle and his most famous client was the actor Tatum Channing.  He worked with indigenous communities throughout Guyana and was a tireless promoter of Guyana Tourism; the Ian Craddock Award for Tourism is to be named after him.  Ian never married; his family came from the Worcester area and the location and date of his funeral are not known.

31st July 2020

It is with sadness that we report the death of 19039709 Cpl (possibly Sgt) Ernest William HOLLAND of Colchester, Essex, died on 8 July 2020 aged 90. Ernest transferred to the 1st Bn, The Sherwood Foresters from the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment on 25 October 1947 and served in the U.K. Malaya and Germany. He discharged from the Army on 22 June 1973.
Letters of condolence can be sent to his Daughter-in-law, Mrs Josephine Holland c/o RHQ Mercian at Foresters House. 
His funeral will take place  on Friday 7 August 2020 in Colchester but it is a private family funeral with restricted numbers due to COVID-19.
Should anyone wish to make a donation, these are to the British Heart Foundation via the funeral directors
https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-notices/08-07-2020-ernest-william-holland/

FUNERAL DETAILS

The funeral of Brigadier Tony Wright will take place on Wednesday 5 August. His family have requested that this is a private, family only funeral.

24th July 2020

Brigadier Antony (Tony) Peter Wright MBE died 18th July 2020 aged 81. Tony Wright was commissioned from RMA Sandhurst into the 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters on 19 December 1958. He joined the battalion in mid-1959 as a Platoon Commander in Malaya towards the end of the emergency and was promoted to Lieutenant in December 1960 when the battalion had moved to become the Garrison Battalion in Singapore. He continued serving with the battalion, when it moved first to Church Crookham in May 1961 and then to Hollywood in Northern Ireland, as the Regimental Signal Officer.

After the battalion’s return to Colchester he deployed to Cyprus on Boxing Day 1963 during the Cyprus Crisis before moving as an instructor to the Army Outward Bound School in Towyn, North Wales. He returned to the 1st Battalion in Minden in Germany  as Adjutant  in May 1967 and was then selected for staff training at the Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham and the Staff College at Camberley from 1970 to 1972 being promoted to Major in June 1971.

He served as a Company Commander with 1st Battalion The Royal Hampshire Regiment from 1972 until 1973, which included a tour of duty in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, where, on patrol, he was shot and wounded suffering injuries that would be with him for the rest of his military service. From 1974 to 1975 he served as a Grade 2 Staff Officer in GS(OR)5 in London before becoming Second in Command of 1WFR in 1976 then attending the National Defence College at Latimer in 1978. In July 1979 he took over as CO 1WFR as the battalion moved from Colchester to Hemer to become a mechanised battalion within 3rd Armoured Division.

Post-command Tony served as AAG/COS at HQ The Prince of Wales Division in Lichfield then again as a Grade 1 Staff Officer in Operational Requirements before promotion to Colonel in June 1986 when he became the Project Manager for Infantry Weapons, a role which included the development of the SA80 rifle. On promotion to Brigadier in June 1988 he became Vice President of the Ordnance Board in London. He left the Army in October 1989 and worked for System Design Evaluation (SDE) Ltd in the defence industry sector until retiring to live in Ipswich, Suffolk.

The later years of his life were dogged by ill health and he was in a care home in Baylham, Stowmarket at the time of his death. Details of his private funeral will follow.

Letters of condolence should be sent to: Mrs A Wright, 10 Sunningdale Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 5SH

17th July 2020

We regret to announce the death on 14 July 2020 of Brigadier RG Silk CBE DL of Worcester aged 78. He was commissioned into The Worcestershire Regt in 1962 and served with 1 Worc R in Minden, UK and Gibraltar. After a tour as an instructor at the School of Infantry he rejoined 1 Worc R as adjutant shortly before amalgamation in 1970. In January 1972 he served in MOD before attending the Australian Staff College, followed by a tour as a company commander in 1 DERR. He then returned to Australia as an instructor at the Land Warfare Centre before rejoining 1 WFR  as second in command in Belize. He next served as SO2 MS in BAOR before commanding 1 WFR in Hemer and on a 4 month tour in NI where he was awarded a Mention in Despatches. He served as MA to the C-in-c BAOR from July 1984 followed by a short tour as a DS at the Staff College before promotion to Colonel and appointment as COS NI where he was awarded the CBE. He returned to the Staff College as COS in August 1989 before promotion to Brigadier and appointment  as Commander of 143 Brigade in Shrewsbury in January 1992. He retired from the army in 1994 and worked as a school bursar for some years. He served as a very conscientious  Colonel of the Regiment from 1992-97. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Hereford and Worcester in 1996. He was one of WFR’s outstanding officers He has been ill for some years..  
Due to the current Covid-19 crisis the funeral will be for family only. A service of Remembrance will be held later.
Letters of condolence may be sent to Mrs Carol Silk, c/o Mr I Silk, 17 Park Avenue, Bedford  MK40 2LB.

FUNERAL DETAILS

I have received a link below for Barrie Symmonds' funeral.  Funeral date and time: Thursday 23 July, 14:00hrs.
www.obitus.com    Username: Wagu2156.      Password: 410299.
The link can be tested out anytime and will be available live 5 minutes before the service start time. 

12th July 2020

It is with sadness that we inform you that Worcester branch member 24026891 L/Cpl Barrie Anthony SYMMONDS passed away peacefully at home on Monday 6 July 2020.
Barrie enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment on the 25 August 1964. Serving in the UK, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Berlin, Germany.  He served in the Drums Platoon playing the tenor drum and flute.  Whilst Barrie was on patrol during the 1972 N.I. tour he was wounded in the foot by an IRA sniper.  Whilst in Berlin on lighter duties he looked after the Regimental swines (pigs). He was later discharged on the 28 September 1974.  Barrie`s brothers George and Reginald both served in the Regiments.
 
In civilian life Barrie worked in the building industry with his favourite pastimes being DIY, gardening and spending time with his family.
 
He had been a member of Worcester Branch for many years and was known to many throughout the Association for his joviality, he will be sorely missed by branch members.

Barrie`s funeral is to take place on the 23 July at 14:00hrs. The Vale Crematorium, Evesham Rd, Fladbury, Pershore WR10 2QR.
 
Bugle, Standards and Association members welcome outside the chapel socially distanced.
 
Donations in aid of St Richards Hospice. no flowers Thank .you
 
Letters of condolence can be sent to Barrie`s widow (Angie who would like to pass on her thanks for all kind words and messages she has received).
Mrs Angela Symmonds.
23 Steamer Point,
Malvern,
Worc`s
WR14 2EN

OBITUARY

It is with great sadness and regret that I confirm the death in hospital of Clive Wallbank at 9:00hrs this morning.  He had been suffering from cancer of the oesophagus for some months and having treatment in visits and stays in hospital. Our condolences are with his wife, Karen, and family. 

Clive was a very active member of The Royal British Legion, occupying County and Branch Offices as a member of Cookley and Wolverley Branch of TRBL.

Funeral arrangements will be affected by the Covid-19 situation and the Chairman, Ted White, has extended our wish to be represented as much as possible in them, please.

Clive was an associate member of our Kidderminster Branch for some years, being an ex Cavalryman with no local Branch of his own Regimental Association available and recently was accorded full membership of WFRA.   He actively supported us in our Branch activities as well as his commitments to TRBL.

We shall miss his comradeship, knowledge, willingness, guidance and enthusiasm in all the activities he undertook with the branch.

26th June 2020

FUNERAL DETAILS
The funeral of Trevor Wolley  will take place at 15:30hrs on Monday 29 June. Peterborough Crematorium, Mowbray Rd, Peterborough PE6 7JE.  Letter of condolence can be sent to Trevor's widow. Mrs Ann Woolley, 2 Barkston Drive, Peterborough, PE1 4LA.

19th June 2020

It is with regret that we announce the death of 4979330 Sgt Gordon Sugg who passed away on 17 June aged 100.  Gordon was born in Appleshaw Hampshire on 10 September 1919 and enlisted in Leeds on 17 January 1940.  He went from Leeds Barracks to Bestwood Lodge Arnold where he joined D Coy 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, he went to France with the B.E.F and was wounded in the legs by shrapnel at Dunkirk when German dive bombers attacked the beach he was later evacuated to England aboard HMS Winchelsea.

At his 100th birthday party last year he recalled:”We were queuing on the beach, waiting for the boat. We knew it was going to be the last one so you can imagine how we felt. "I was wounded by shrapnel in the left leg, about 70 yards from the boat. Only the walking wounded made it to the boat, so if it hadn't been for two mates, Alf Taylor and Lee Hunt, who picked me up and carried me to it – I wouldn’t be here now.

"If I had been left behind, I would have spent six years as a prisoner of war ... or shot.”

After he was released from hospital he was posted to Catterick and transferred to The West Yorkshire Regiment on 14 April 1941.  Gordon was discharged on 3 May 1946.

After the war Gordon ran a successful chain of shoe shops alongside his late wife Gwendoline.  Gordon, was a resident at Ashcroft Care Home in Sutton-in-Ashfield, was a Rotarian for almost 60 years at Kirkby Rotary Club and was still active into his late 90's. He also enjoyed playing badminton and was a keen golfer.

Any enquiries should be directed to A Wass Funeral Directors, 8 Priestsic Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 4EB. Phone: 01623 557313.

It is with regret that we announce the death of 23657921 Cpl Trevor Wolley who passed away on  17 June aged 87.
Trevor was born on 27 July 1933 in Chesterfield and enlisted in the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters on 5 May 1958, he was a Coy operator and had passed cadre in Platoon weapons at Hythe "C"
Army Outward Bound Towyn.  Trevor served with Recce Platoon in Malaya and Cyprus and holds the
GSM Clasp Malaya, UN Cyprus and was discharged on 4 May 1964.

We regret to announce the death of the Rev PAR Hammersley of Tarrington Hereford on 9 June 2020 aged 84. Peter was called up for national service in September 1954 and after basic training at Norton Barracks and a brief spell in 1 Worc R he was commissioned from Eaton Hall OCS into the Worcestershire Regiment, and served on secondment with the 1st Bn The Nigeria Regt. In Oct 1956 he joined 7 Worc R in Kidderminster then Dudley before transferring to 23 SAS (V) and rising to command A Sqn. After working in Zambia he returned to UK , was ordained and served in several parishes in the Midlands and as a TA chaplain before retiring.

12th June 2020

Captain Timothy Dickerson died on  5th June 2020 in Norwich Hospital after a long illness bravely borne. Tim Dickerson was commissioned in 1962 from Mons Officer Cadet School and joined the 1st Bn The Sherwood Foresters in Palace Barracks, Holywood, Northern Ireland as a Platoon Commander. He served with A Company in Colchester and deployed with the battalion to Cyprus on Boxing Day 1963 during the Cyprus Crisis then moved with the Regiment to Munster in Germany in 1965 when they took up the role of a mechanised battalion.

He left the Regiment in December 1965 and joined the Sultan of Oman’s Armed Forces where he saw operational service with the Desert Regiment in Dhofar. In 1970 he joined the Abu Dhabi Defence Force (ADDF) where he was 2i/c of A Company of 1st Infantry Regiment before becoming GSO3 (Int) in HQ ADDF where he served until the mid 1970’s.

In retirement he lived in Harleston in Norfolk.

The funeral service is to take place at Waveney Memorial Park and Crematorium, Warren’s Lane, Beanacre Road, Beccles NR34 7XE at midday on Wednesday 24 June 2020.

Condolences should be sent to to Mrs Ann Dickerson at 26 The Common, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9JT

30 May 2020

It is with regret that we announce the death of Cpl Peter Thomas CRUMP on the 2nd May 2020 aged 85 years, he passed away peacefully after an eight month long illness.  Peter enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment at Norton Barracks serving in the Caribbean travelling on the 2nd February 1957 on the SS Dilwara being posted at the Bahamas, Jamaica, Belize, British Honduras later in Germany.  He specialised on the Vickers 303 machine gun.  Peter was discharged late 1959.
In civilian life Peter worked as a plumbing and heating engineer.
The funeral took place on the 20th May at Worcester Crematorium.
Letters of condolence can be sent to Peter`s son:-
Jason Crump.     Hawford Lock Cottage, hawford Lock Lane, Worcester. WR3 75D

22 May 2020

We regret to announce the death of Clive Bostock who died on 11 May aged 62. Clive Served with 1WFR.
Clive's funeral will be on Friday 29 May.  There will be a drive past and short pause at Mansfield Town Football Club at 11:55hrs. 

OBITUARY AMENDMENT

 24276962 Roy W Pearson ( WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 11 Issue 20 Update) who died on 12 April 2020 and not the 20th as published.
RHQ Mercian apologise for any distress this mistake may have caused. 

FUNERAL ATTENDANCE
In line with the government’s measures regarding funerals.  The rules on attendance are that only immediate family members can attend, that is husbands / wives / partners, children and their partners. No grandchildren or other attendees.

15th May 2020

We regret to announce the death of 24276962 Roy W Pearson of Dudley, West Midlands who died on 12 April 2020.  Roy enlisted into the 1st Battalion The Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters in the 1970’s and was discharged on 31 May 1978. 

We regret to announce the death in April 2020 of 23702049 C/Sgt William F Lainsbury aged 79.  He enlisted on 7 May 1959 and served in 1 Worc R in Minden, Gibraltar and Tobruk before being posted as a Sgt recruiter to Birmingham in 1968.  On joining 1 WFR he served in N Ireland and spent his last two years before discharge in 1977 as a QPSI with 1 Mercian.
The funeral has taken place.

8th May 2020

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of 4669046 Major E C Dodsworth TD, who died on April 23 2020 in Malvern Community Hospital.
Major ’Ted’ Dodsworth originally enlisted in the Brigade of Guards but later transferred to the 1st Bn The Gloucestershire Regiment serving in the UK and in Kenya during the emergency in the signals platoon. He later joined the 7th Bn Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment TA and was commissioned. He served at Halesowen, Dudley and Kidderminster.
On the re organisation of the TA in 1967 into the TAVRA he transferred to the Staffordshire Territorials TAVRA111 and was based at Rugeley. On the expansion of the TAVR he joined Mercian Volunteers at Wolverhampton and eventually commanded Headquarter Company. He transferred to 2nd Bn Mercian Volunteers and commanded the Headquarter Company at Shirley and finally moved back to 1st Bn Mercian Volunteers as second in command of the Battalion until his retirement.
He was awarded the Territorial Decoration for his services.
In Civilian life he was a representative, based in the Midland Area for many years with Smith, Kline & French, an American Pharmaceutical Company.  He was involved with his local Church, Christ Church Malvern and was a member of friends of the Malvern Community Hospital for many years. A very keen gardener and an allotment holder.
In retirement he served on a number of committees of the Worcestershire Regiment
until the amalgamation of the Worcestershire Regiment and the Sherwood Foresters.

FUNERAL ATTENDANCE

In line with the government’s measures regarding funerals.  The rules on attendance are that only immediate family members can attend, that is husbands / wives / partners, children and their partners. No grandchildren or other attendees.

1st May 2020

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of 24380856 CSgt (Drum Major) Earl 'Sam' FULLER of Lichfield died on 29 April 2020 aged 60, from Covid-19.  Earl enlisted into the Army, on 6 August on 6 August 1975, as a Junior Drummer at Depot Lichfield.  On completion of training, he joined 1st Bn The Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters in NI, first with C Coy and then the Drums Pln.  Throughout his career, Earl served in Mainland UK, NI, Belize, Cyprus and Bosnia.  He discharged from the Army on 17 June 1999.  Upon discharge, Earl worked for the MPGS and then the Prison Service .
Due to C-19 regulations, the funeral will be restricted to family members.   
Letters of condolence can be sent to his daughter:
Keeley Jayne Fuller 32 Cairns Street, Toxteth, Liverpool L8 2UW. 

OBITUARY

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of William 'Billy' Lainsbury who served with 1st Bn Worcestershire Regiment.      Further details to follow when available.

27th April 2020

It is with great sadness to inform you of the deaths of both Pte and Mrs PARROTT, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire,  who had been married for 68 years.  Joyce ‘Margaret’ Parrott, aged 95, died on 2 April 2020 followed by her husband John "Jack" Parrott on 19 April 2020, aged 98.  T497452 Pte (Driver) John "Jack" Parrott  was born in Sheffield and joined the local Territorial Army in June of 1939 and signed up as a regular soldier, with 2nd Bn The Sherwood Foresters, the day after WWII was declared.  As an Immature Soldier (a soldier who was too young to deploy), Jack was sent to Kedleston Hall as a Mess Steward.  In early 1940, Jack rejoined the Bn in Hucknall and went with them to the East coast of Scotland and then Doncaster before moving to Edinburgh for driver training and rejoining the Bn in Norfolk where he also learnt to ride motorbikes .  This led to his transfer to the Royal Army Service Corp (RASC) in 1941 and his becoming a Despatch Rider.  On D-Day +6, Jack landed on Gold Beach and moving through France, later went into Belgium and Holland and eventually Germany.  Whilst in post war Munster, he was offered an immediate commission which he refused and Jack left the Army in July 1946.  Jack was awarded the Legion d’honneur, by the East Midlands French Consulate on 19 December 2018.  The couple featured on ITV’s Love Your Garden in 2019.

The funeral of Jack will take place on Tuesday 5 May and due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance  is limited to those invited by the family .

.....................

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Mrs Lis Holmes of Bulford, widow of Lt Col P K Holmes, who passed away in a nursing home on 19 April.

17th April 2020

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 24525578 Cpl Colin Arthur Hardwick who died 21 March 2020 aged 65.
Colin was born on 13 March 1955 and served with served E Coy Worksop during the 80's and 90's and was awarded the long service medal.  Colin is far left of the middle row in the photograph. Due to the current circumstances the funeral will be private but a memorial service will be arranged later in the year.

......................

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 24245200 Cpl Melvin Speed who died on 12 April 2020 aged 76. Melvin was born on 15 September 1943 and served with E Coy 3WFR at Newark untill he was discharged on 13 September 1982.
Funeral details to follow.

........................

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 14496131 Pte Norman Macro who died on 11 April 2020 aged 94.
Norman was born on 23 March 1926 and enlisted in 1943 with the General Service Corp and later transferred into the Sherwood Foresters, he served across Europe and Palestine.  In December 1944 he transferred to the Worcestershire Regiment. 
After the war he became a State Registered Nurse before being appointed General Manager of The Victoria Hospital until he retired. 
He was a very proud and articulate man with a dry sense of humour who spent his life protecting and caring for others.
The funeral will be on 29 April at 13:45hrs at Markeaton Crematorium, Derby.
There will be a memorial service at a later date.

10th April 2020

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 14400962 LCpl Rex Norman Gill TWEEDIE of Derby died on 24 March 2020 aged 95.  Rex served with the 2/5th Bn Sherwood Foresters joining B Coy in N Africa in May 1943 before embarking with it for Italy in September where he took part in the Salerno Landings and other exploiting moves. After the crossing of the Volturno the battle weary Bn was sent to the Middle East for rest and refitting before returning to Italy in July 1944 where it fought up through the Gothic Line to the Adriatic before being sent to Greece in December 1944.  In April 1945 the Bn returned to Italy and ended its war in Austria where it became part of the Allied High Commission in settling Austria.
Returning to England in 1950, Rex had a career in purchasing in the motor trade until he retired.  In 1994, Margaret and Rex founded the NHS Retirement Fellowship, a thriving community of some 140 members with friendship, support and activities at its heart.  He was Membership Secretary for many years and produced the organisation's award-winning newsletter.  Rex was recognised for his service and appointed as Lifetime Vice President.
In line with Derby Crematorium's current  Control Measures, a short funeral service (immediate family only) was held on 8 April.  Donations to Cats Protection League and Salvation Army (Derby Branches) can be made online or sent care of Wathalls 01332 345 268 www.wathalls.co.uk  There will be time to share stories of Rex's life which was full of fun, friendship and enduring love at a memorial service and celebration that will be held at a later date.  Details will be notified by the family.
............................
It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 23886812 LCpl Earnest George ''Spud'' Taylor who died on 6 April 2020 aged 76.  He enlisted on 22 November 1961 and served with the 1st Bn Sherwood Foresters in NI, Colchester, and Cyprus until he was discharged on 22 November 1967 and with D Coy 3WFR until 1974.  He was entitled to the UN medal for Cyprus and the GSM with Cyprus 63/64 clasp.

FUNERAL ATTENDANCE
In line with the government’s measures regarding funerals.  The rules on attendance are that only immediate family members can attend, that is husbands / wives / partners, children and their partners. No grandchildren or other attendees.

3rd April 2020
It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Sgt Tony Morgan who passed away on Friday 20 March.  Tony served with the Sherwood Foresters in Borneo and Malaya between 1964 & 1966 and with A Coy in Munster.
Tony's funeral will be held on Monday 6 April at 15.30hrs
Wilford Hill Crematorium, Loughborough Road, Nottingham . NG2 7FE

FUNERAL ATTENDANCE
In line with the government’s measures regarding funerals.  The rules on attendance are that only immediate family members can attend, that is husbands / wives / partners, children and their partners. No grandchildren or other attendees.

31st March 2020

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 24095821 Lance Corporal Keith (Bopper) Arthur Footitt who passed away on 25 February aged 71.
Keith enlisted in the Sherwood foresters in 1966 and also served with 1WFR with the Inf Display Team and also took part in athletic competitions.  Keith also served with 3WFR until being discharged in 1989.  The funeral of Keith (Bopper) Arthur Footitt wil take place on Thursday 2 April at 10:00hrs at Babworth Crematorium, Straight Mile, Babworth Road, Retford DN22 8FJ
Standard Bearers, Bugler & Association Members and friends are welcome to attend.

Keith's family appreciate that due to the current Covid-19 situation and new Government Guidelines attendance may be limited.

30th March 2020

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 24357724 L/Cpl Michael Dennis Warner, who passed away on 10 February.  Michael served with 1WFR from 6 September 1974 to 10 April 1989 and served in Northern Ireland, Germany, Belize and Cyprus.
Michael's funeral is to be held on Friday 6 March 2020 at 09.40hrs, Markeaton Crematorium, Markeaton Ln, Derby. DE22 4NH

The family would appreciate the attendance of Standard Bearers and Association members.  

FUNERAL DETAILS

The funeral of Doug Hudson will be on Friday 28 February at 12:00hrs at St Wilfrids Church, West Hallam Derbyshire DE7 6GR
No Standards but blazers and medals may be worn.  Please attend as friends, this was Doug's wishes.

FUNERAL DETAILS

The funeral of Raymond Leadbeater will be on Friday 06 March 2020 at 14:30 at Pentre Bychan Crematorium, Pentre-Bychan Rd, Rhostyllen, Wrexham LL14 4EP. Family flowers only and donations will go to Ward 14, Glan Clwyd Hospital.
There will be proceedings afterwards at, The Masonic Hall , High Street, Caergwrle . LL12 9ET
Tel: 01978 762 185

21st February 2020

Iregret to announce the death of Private 24924412 Neil Athol Hardy on 19 February aged 61.  Neil was born in Kingston upon Hull on 31 December 1958.  He enlisted in 3WFR in Chesterfield and was discharged on 30 April 1993.
Neil's funeral is being held on Monday 24 February at 14:30hrs.
The Chesterfield and District Crematorium, Chesterfield Road, Brimington, Chesterfield. S43 1AU

OBITUARY

I regret to announce the death of 23251979 Cpl Hugh Tait at his home in South Africa on 1 February 2019 aged 83. Having been called up for national service in The Worcestershire Regt in 1955 he signed on for 3 years in order to join 1 Worc R on its tour in the West Indies.  After basic training at Norton Barracks he joined 1 Worc R in Iserlohn before sailing for Jamaica in early 1957.  He was an accomplished guitarist and formed a band which provided much entertainment on board ship and in Jamaica where he served in HQ Coy as Ration storeman.
After leaving the army and marrying he emigrated to South Africa and pursued a business career.

14 February 2020      

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of  22288147 WO2 Raymond A Leadbeater BEM who passed away on 9 February aged 88.
Raymond was born on 14 December 1931 and enlisted on 12 September 1949 recruit then to 1 Bn Worc Reg untill 17 February 1964.  Mercian Depot Permenant Staff 18 February 1964 to 14 September 1966, 1 Worc Reg 15 September 1966 to 12 January 1969, Mercian Depot PS 13 January 1969 to 31 July 1972, PSI Mercian Volunteers, 01 August 1972 - ROD 13 December 1976 .Raymond served in UK, Malaya, BAOR and the West Indies.  He finished his military career in Colwyn Bay with RRW as an MOD employee.

The funeral of Raymond Leadbeater will be on Friday 06 March 2020 at 14:30 at Pentre Bychan Crematorium, Pentre-Bychan Rd, Rhostyllen, Wrexham LL14 4EP.
Family flowers only and donations will go to Ward 14, Glan Clwyd Hospital.
There will be proceedings afterwards but details are yet to be finalised.
Please let me know if you are attending so that I can give Sue (Ray’s daughter) an idea of numbers. newsletter@stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk

7th February 2020

The funeral service for former Sherwood Forester Mark Salmond, referred  to as Mark  Pierce to be held as follows:

Monday 10 February at 10:00hrs. , Amber valley crematorium, Swanwick chapel,  Derby Rd, Swanwick,
Alfreton. DE55 1BH .

31 January 2020    

It is with great sadness that I report the death of 23734429 Private David Charles Towle, who David enlisted in Nottingham on 9 September 1959 and was discharged 9 September 1968.
He served in Malaya and Cyprus with B Company 5 Platoon and NI and Germany.  He holds GSM Clasp Malaya and UN Cyprus. 
David's funeral will be held on Friday 14 February at 11:00hrs at The Northern Cemetery, Bulwell, Nottingham.
Standard bearers are welcome to attend.

17 January 2020  

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of 24140403 Sgt Philip Squires who died in hospital on 12 January aged 70 years.
Philip was born on 13 July 1949 and enlisted with the 1st Mercian Volunteers on 31 October 1967 and served with D (Foresters) Coy, Triumph Road, Nottingham as Regimental Signaller until 30 October 1979.
Philip was been the inspiration behind the D Company Mercian Association together with his wife Sandra they organised several events in Nottingham each year on occasions involving the Lord Mayor one of whom became an Honorary Member of the Association as a result of Phil's contact.  Phil will be sadly missed. The funeral will take place on Monday 3 February at 15:00hrs. 
It will be held at Amber Valley Crematorium, Derby Road, Swanick, Nr Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 1BH. 
Members and Branch Standards are welcome.

10 January 2020   

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Lyn Morgan, the widow of Jerry George Claude Morgan ex RSM Sherwood Foresters.

Lyn died on the 30 December in Field House Nursing Home, Radcliffe on Trent, Nottinghamshire.

The Funeral will take place at Gedling Crematorium, Catfoot Lane, Lambley, Nottingham , NG4 4QH at 13:30hrs on Thursday 16 January.

4th January 2020

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Pte Geoffrey Carter Whittemore of Chaddesden, Derby who passed away on 9 December 2019. Geoff served with the 1st Foresters in Malaya.  His funeral will take place at 13.40hrs on Thursday 9 January 2020.
Round Chapel, Markeaton Crematorium , Derby.

8th December 2019

It is with regret that we inform you that 22635896 Cpl Francis George NIXON of Chaddesden, Derbyshire died on 23 November 2019 aged 89 
Francis was called up for National Service on 2 February 1952 and served with 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters in Derna until discharge on 4 February 1954. 
His funeral is to take place at  Markeaton Crematorium, Markeaton Lane, Derby DE22 4NH on 20 December 2019 at 13:20 hours. 
Members and Standards would be welcome.

29th November 2019

It is with regret that we inform you of the death of  4986394 Pte James Neville Hatton of Spondon, Derby who died on 11 November 2019 aged 95.  James enlisted in the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters 31 October 1941 and he served with it in UK, Africa (Tunisia), Pantelleria (The Italian Malta), Anzio, then moved up to Florence before the Bn moved to Palestine, but James remained in Italy he had been transferred to the Kings Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) on 5 March 1945. The funeral for James is to be held on Tuesday 3 December at 12:30hrs at Aston-on-Trent Crematorium, Derby Road, Ashton-On-Trent, Derby DE72 2AF.  The family have requested donations to their chosen charity on the day. The wake will be held at the Clock Warehouse, Shardlow DE72 2GL. 
All association members and Standard Bearers are invited.If anyone has any further information on James military career, they are requested to send it to RHQ Nottingham and the Assistant Regimental Secretary will pass it onto the family.

.....

It is with regret that we inform you of the death of 23352937 LCpl Gerald Thomas Healey of Nottingham who died on 26 November 2019 aged 81.  Gerald (Aussie) enlisted into the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters in the 1950's and served with it in UK, BAOR, Malaysia, Cyprus and NI until transferring to the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment in 1970. For those wishing to write in condolence his daughter Mandy Healey can be contacted at 8 Crowthorne Close, Rise Park, Nottingham NG5 5AP.The funeral is to take place at Wilford Hill Crematorium, Nottingham on Thursday 19 December 2019 at 13:30hrs. 
Members and Standard Bearers would be welcome. 
All are invited to join the family at the Nottingham Knight,  Loughborough Rd, Ruddington, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG11 6LS after the committal. . 

23rd November 2019

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.

2nd November 2019

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of 24184623 WO2 Trevor Dennis KEMP.  In 1967 Trevor went to George Street Recruiting Office to join the Regular Army, unfortunately due to a childhood illness he did not pass the medical.  The Recruiting Sgt told him that if he really wanted to join the army he should try the TA.  On 12 April 1967 he went to the Old Post Office building at Canning Circus and Joined the 5th/8th Foresters.  Shortly after he joined they moved to Triumph Road Drill Hall where he spent three years before they were re-badged as the 1st Btn The Mercian Volunteers.  Trevor served with D Coy until 24 June 1989 when the 1st and 2nd Btn The Mercian Volunteers formed the 4th Btn WFR.  He served in Nottingham with D Coy 4 WFR and when they were disbanded Trevor moved to HQ Coy 3 WFR where he served until 12 August 1996.  Funeral details to follow.

25th October 2019

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Lt Col (Retd) Douglas ‘Dougie’ Bridges TD MBE died on 15 October 2019.  Dougie served in the Staffordshire Regiment TA and the Mercian Volunteers.  He was the was a staunch supporter of the Mercian Regiment, a Regimental Council Member and the Regimental lead for the Bn’s Corps of Drums. As Chair of the Mercian Regimental Association, he worked hard at bringing together the antecedent associations to safeguard their longevity.  Letters of condolence, to his wife Mary and family, can be sent via RHQ.         The family extends an invitation to attend the Church Service to their extended family, colleagues and veterans, including all those still serving in the Armed Forces (those in uniform would be most welcome), who wish to attend and remember Dougie. Regimental Association Standards are welcome.
 This will be followed by a private family burial, which only personally invited personnel may attend.
 The addresses for any correspondence are as follows: Mrs M Bridges c/o RHQ Mercian Heath Avenue Whittington Barracks. Lichfield. WS14 9TJ.
 The Church Service will be held at St Modwen Church, Market Place, Burton on Trent, DE14 1HB on Friday 1st November 2019 at 1430hrs. Parking is readily available in the Town Centre and local car parking restrictions apply (please check on arrival).  This will be followed by private family Burial after the Church service.
 Afterwards the Wake will be held in the Pavilion at the Branston Golf and Country Club, Burton Road, Branston, Burton on Trent, DE14 3DP from 1600hrs.  The family have expressed that all are welcome to attend.

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I regret to report the death of 22319941 Pte Dennis Tideswell of Bucknall, Stoke on Trent on 11 October aged 88.  He was a NS man who served in Malaya in 1st Bn The Worcestershire Regiment and was a strong supporter of the Regimental Association and a regular attender at the Reunion.  Dennis was chairman of a committee of Malaya veterans who funded the installation of a plaque in Worcester Cathedral and organised a service there in 2000 to commemorate those members of the battalion who died during the tour in Malaya.  Their fundraising was so successful that they were able to hold another service in the Cathedral ten years later, install a bench at the National Arboretum and make a generous donation to the museum.
The funeral will be held at 10:00 hours on Tuesday 5 November at
St Mary’s Church, Marychurch Lane , Bucknall. ST2 9BJ

......

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of WO2 Glen Wilkinson.  Glen joined the ACC Regular Army in 1968, before joining 3WFR in 1975 - 76.  Glen was CSM with A Coy and E Coy before becoming WO2 RRTT.  The funeral will be held on Wednesday 30 October at 10:15hrs.
Glen's family have requested Standard bearers. It was Glen's wish for all men to wear pink ties.
Mansfield Crematorium, Derby Rd, Mansfield. NG18 5BJ

4th October 2019

It is with sadness that inform you of the death of 22317138 Walter Pearce.  Walter was a National Service Soldier and did his basic training with the South Staffordshire Regiment at Whittington Barracks, and was then transferred to the First Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment and posted to Chester and subsequently on to Malaya, where he served with B company.  He appears on the Malaya medal Roll and was a awarded a General Service Medal with the Malaya Clasp.  Walter was discharged on 7 December 1951.

20th September 2020

Terry (Tanky) Harrison has just informed me of the funeral details for his Father, Victor Harrison.

Date:         Friday 27 September 2019

Time:        15.45hrs

Location:   Bramcote Crematorium.

Association Standards and members welcome.

16th September 2019

It is with regret that we notify you that 14973325 Pte Victor Arthur HARRISON of Derby died on 10 September 2019 aged 94.  Victor served with 2/5th Battalion Sherwood Foresters from 1943 to 1946.  He first enlisted into the Royal Navy when war broke out but then transferred to the Army, then on completion of training he was posted to the Sherwood Foresters.  After the War he served with the Royal Artillery TA at Kingsway, Derby. 
Letters of condolence can be sent to. Terry "Tanky" Harrison 13 Dix Avenue, Smalley, Derbyshire. DE7 6ES
Funeral details will be notified when known.

31st August 2019

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 24693233 LCpl Brian Anthony Simms, (Simmo) aged 58.  Brian served with B Coy 3 WFR  and was discharged on 15 Jan 1999.

The funeral is on Thursday 5 September 11:15hrs. Mansfield Crematorium, Derby Road, Mansfield. NG18 5BJ

The family have requested no flowers.  Please make a donation to Barnardo's Charity.

9th August 2019

BIRDSELL William Henry Corporal 4986009; 70th Bn

William enlisted on 11 June 1941 and was transferred into The Border Regiment on 24 August 1942. On 9 July 1943 he took part in Operation Ladbroke with the glider troops at the invasion of Sicily when his glider was released early and crashed into the sea he managed escape the wreckage and swim to shore.  William was also at the Battle of Arnhem and to avoid capture by the enemy he swam the Rhine as there was a shortage of boats to evacuate the troops.  William was discharged in 1945.   His funeral will take place at 12.00hrs on Wednesday 14 August, at Mansfield Crematorium Derby Road, Mansfield NG18 5BJ.

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 24122406 Cpl Pete Parkin who died on 3 August.  Pete enlisted in 1WFR in 1970 and served for 22 years during which he served for some time in the Assault Pioneer Platoon and latterly in the QM’s Dept.  He served in NI, Belize and Cyprus during a UN tour and was discharged on 25 November 1992.
A wake will be held at The Festival Inn, Trowell on Saturday 24 August 15:00hrs until 2200hrs, all are welcome to attend. Funeral details to follow. 

FUNERAL DETAILS

The funeral of Burma Star Veteran, Keith Horner will take place at Derby Cathedral at 10:45hrs on Monday 12 August.  It is hoped that as many Veterans and Standard Bearers as possible will be able to attend and support the family.

2nd August 2019

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of 4986009 William Henry Birdsell.
His funeral will take place at 12.00hrs on Wednesday 14 August, at Mansfield Crematorium Derby Road, Mansfield NG18 5BJ.
A full obituary will follow.

26th July 2019

HERON   Charles Alan Colin OBE: Colonel 48574 Colonel Colin Heron OBE of Killyleagh, County Down died on 17 July 2019.  Colin was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the 1st Bn The Sherwood Foresters in Minden in 1968 where he joined as a Platoon Comd.  On amalgamation he served with 1WFR in Warminster and then with 13 Army Youth Team from September 1970 to September 1971 as Officer Commanding.  He returned to 1WFR as a Platoon Comd and then Coy 2i/c before taking over as Operations Officer for the Ballykelly tour.  He was then appointed as Adjutant of 2 Mercian Volunteers from September 1976 to September 1977.

After attendance at RMCS Shrivenham and Staff College in Pakistan he returned to 1WFR in December 1978 as OC B Coy in Hemer then becoming SO2 Ops 4 Armd Div Herford from January 1982 to December 1983.

Colin was then appointed 2i/c 1WFR from 1984 to 1985 before taking Command of 1 Mercian Volunteers in Wolverhampton until 1988.  He was then posted as SO1 DIS MOD London from 1988 to 1991.  Following this tour he was then promoted to Colonel and served as Head of BDLS (NA) in Washington DC until 1995 when he became Commandant JACIG,  RAF Scampton to 1997.  He then became Deputy Commander 8 Brigade Londonderry until retiring from the active list.  On retirement he returned to Ulster where he ran a family business in Killyleagh.

His funeral was held in the First Killyleagh Presbyterian Church on 22 July.

Letters of condolence should be sent to Colin’s brother: Mr Michael Heron, ℅ Tullyveery House, 7 Ardigon Road, Killyleagh, Downpatrick, Co Down BT30 9TA

FUNERAL DETAILS

The funeral of Bill Dakin will take place at St Edmunds Church, 33 Sinfin Ave, Allenton, Derby DE24 9JA, on Monday 5 August 2019 at 13.00hrs Following the church service Bill will be taken to Nottingham Road Cemetery for burial.

19th July 2019

It with sadness that we inform you of the death of 485743 Colonel Charles Alan Colin HERON O.B.E. died July 17, 2019. peacefully, much-loved father of Alice and brother of Michael, devoted grandpa of Reuben. He served with the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters and was awarded the O.B.E in 1989. A Thanksgiving Service in First Killyleagh Presbyterian Church on Monday 22nd July, 2019 at 2.00 p.m.
Interment afterwards in adjoining churchyard.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Marie Curie c/o Norman McBriar & Son, Funeral Directors, 33a Main Street, Saintfield, BT24 7AB.

It is with sadness that we notify you that 432312 Lieutenant Colonel Peter Frederick WALTER MBE MC* of Alderney, Channel Islands died on 28 June 2019 aged 91.  He enlisted into the Sherwood Foresters in December 1944 and served in the ranks until 1952 when he was granted a Short Service Commission.  In 1955 he was granted a regular commission with the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment then on amalgamation served in 2nd Battalion The East Anglia Regiment until 1963 when he transferred to the Parachute Regiment.  Peter then served with 22 SAS before returning to the Parachute Regiment where he went  on to become CO Depot Para and Airborne Forces.  After varied staff appointments he retired from the Regular Army in 1981 then enlisted into The Honourable Artillery Company as a Trooper before re-commissioning as a Major followed by being appointed Honorary Colonel in 1988.

It is with sadness that I inform you that 23250887 L/Cpl Bill Dakin of the Derby Branch WFRA and who served with 1st Btn Foresters passed away on 18 July 2019.
Until illness prevented him from doing so Bill was a regular attender at the Derby Branch Meetings. 
Cards and letters of condolence should be sent to:Mrs Mada Dakin, 39 Victory Road, Allenton, Derby. DE24 8EJ.

14th July 2019

It is with regret that I inform you of the death of Lt Andrew Campbell Rodger who died on 19 March 2019 aged 90.
Lt Rodger served with The Sherwood Foresters Territorial Force from 3 June 1959 until September 1963 with 8th Battalion.  He was awarded an MBE for Gallantry whilst serving with RASC as 2Lt by saving the lives of Cypriots from drowning.

5th July 2019

It is with regret that we inform you that 481136 Major David Collins died on Tuesday 18 June 2019 at Alexandra Hospital Redditch, after a long illness.  He was born in Malvern where he was to live the whole of his life with Margaret, his wife and their family.  In civilian life he eventually had his own plumbing company.

David enlisted into the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in 1950.  He is first mentioned in the ‘Firm’ Magazine in 1948 as a cadet, when he was promoted to Cpl with D Company the 2nd Cadet Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment.  Here began a long service with the Worcestershire Regiment and its successors.  He was called up for National Service on the 22 June 1950 at Lichfield, where he was to be stationed for his period of service as an Instructor. On his release he joined the 7th Battalion in 1950 with C Company, Malvern.  He quickly rose through the ranks to be CSM.  He was a member of the Battalion contingent at the Territorial Army Silver Jubilee parade in London.  He was always involved with shooting and represented the Company and the Battalion in various competitions including Bisley.  In 1967 he won the trophy for the best WO/Sgt shot at the Battalion Shoot. Throughout his TA career was a very active member of the Battalion.

David eventually moved to HQ Company as QM [T] at Silver Street, Worcester until the disbandment of the 7th battalion in 1967 when he joined  The Worcestershire Territorials RA, TAVR111.  On the disbandment of this unit and the formation of 214 Battery RA he was a founder member of the Worcestershire Regiment Cadre commanded by Major Vines TD.  This cadre was formed to provide the basis of a new unit if the need arose, and indeed it did arise on the expansion of TAVR and the formation of Light Infantry & Mercian Volunteers in 1971.  The Cadre became A Company [Worcestershire] commanded by Major Vines with David as his second in Command.  This became A Company, 2nd Battalion Mercian Volunteers which eventually had a NATO role.  On the promotion of Major Vines; to second in command of the battalion, David was appointed OC of the Company.  A position he retained until his retirement in 1978.  For his service to the TA and TAVR he was awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal and the Territorial Decoration.

Throughout his career David never had problems, only interesting situations which with a little thought could be solved! With his drive and humour things did happen.  He had that wonderful ability to motivate others to succeed with his endeavours.  Whatever he was engaged in, be it social or military, he gave his all.  He was a lifelong member of the WRA and in later years MVRA and a supporter of all things Regimental.  He was also a member of the ‘Ancient Order of Foresters’.  Sadly, his involvement became more limited as his sight deteriorated and he became confined to wheel chair.  Both he and Margaret are sorely missed.
The date of the funeral of Major D E Collins TD is Tuesday 9 July  at 11.30hrs at Worcester Crematorium.  Astwood Cemetery, Astwood Road, Worcester WR3 8HA. Bugler, Standards and Association members welcome

Letters of condolence can be sent to:- David`s son.
Andrew Collins 120 Bromyard Road, Worcester. WR2 5DJ.