OBITUARIES AND DEATH NOTICES – DECEMBER 2015
BACKFormer 14947962 Lance-Corporal Stanley Gordon Back died on August 8th2015. Stan enlisted in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in March 1945, and transferred to the Corps of Military Police in February 1946, completing his trade training at Secunderbad. Thereafter he served with Lines of Communication Provost in Calcutta and 107 Provost Company in Darjeeling, Bombay and Poona. He was ‘demobbed’ in June 1948.
BRADYFormer 19195864 Lance-Corporal M J Brady served with 615 Special Mobile Provost Section (SMPS) 203 Provost Company RMP, undertaking high-profile escort duties in Suez, Egypt. In 1947, he also deployed to Eritrea. He was cremated wearing his RMP tie, of which he was very proud, at East-Traditional City of London Crematorium, Wanstead, on March 12thleaving behind a widow Daphne, David the eldest son, a daughter Su and younger son Peter.
BROWNFormer 22363473 Warrant Officer Class 1 William Robert Brown, known to all as “Topper”, died on May 25th2015, aged 84, a few days short of the 51st anniversary of his marriage to Elizabeth who survives him, together with their three children; Edward, Rosemary and Jennifer and five grandchildren. 'Topper' was born and raised in Birkenhead and on being called up for National Service he joined the RMP in June 1950. His natural aptitude for investigations was quickly recognised and he became a Probationer with the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) in October 1951, and posted to Hounslow and thence to Egypt where he served for 2 years and completed his advanced SIB Training. On completion of his National Service he signed-on as a Regular and was posted for service with the British Army of the Rhine(BAOR) and thence to Cyprus during the EOKA Emergency. After this Active Service he was posted to Krefeldin 1960, and then to Düsseldorf. Assignments to Chester, Hong Kong and back to Germany; to Celle, Mindenand Bielefeld then followed. Posted for his final years’ service to Shorncliffe in Kent, he later became a member of the Townsend-ThornesFerriessecurity team working at Dover. Later he took up an appointment with British American Tobacco Company travelling the world investigating frauds and thefts committed against the Company. 'Topper' finally retired in 1990, and developed aninterest in golf, making many new friends in the process. A great character, 'Topper' was a good friend to many andwas liked and well respected by all those knew him and never lost theacute, natural and infectious sense of humour of a ‘Scouser’ and one always ready with a tale or one-liner to raise a laugh whatever the circumstances.
CHUFormer Lance-Corporal Timothy Chu, late of 253 Provost Company RMP (Volunteers), died in a diving accident on July 5th 2015, nearVancouver, British Columbia, aged 27. An active and industrious member of the Territorial Army, Timothy was made the ‘Soldier of the Year’ in 2011. He worked for Hansards at the Palace of Westminster and by the time of his death had gained a Law Degree and was about to start work with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. He was also a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Service. He was single.
CLARKFormer 23418671 Lance-Corporal Anthony George (“Nobby”) Clark died on March 13th 2015, have been called-up for National Service in 1957. He joined the Royal Engineers at Malvern Camp, Worcestershire, before being transferred to the RMP and training at Woking with Squad 656. He spent a short time in Thetford, Norfolk before a posting to Cyprus in 1958. The remainder of his service was spent between Folkestone an Winterbourne Gunner and he was ‘demobbed’ in September 1959.
CLARKEFormer 23810429 Lance-Corporal Gerald (“Gerry”)) Clarke died after a short illness on September 13th2015, age 77. Called-up for National Service in 1960, and after training at Woking,“Nobby”,as he was known to his mates, was posted to Headquarters 3Infantry Division in Cyprus serving there until 1962. On demobilisation he joined Wolverhampton City Police Force and stayed on after the creation of the West Midlands Police. On retirement, he became a volunteer at the Black Country Museumin Dudley playing the role of Victorian-era Police Officer where he was well known by visitors for his cheerfulness and friendly nature. He was also an active member of the RMP Cyprus Veterans’ Group. He leaves behind his widowPhyllis, hisson Ian and hisdaughter Andrea. Members of Birmingham Branch attended his funeral.
DEERINGFormer 23249967 Lance-Corporal John Deering died on August 15th. John always wanted to be a pilot, but his aspiration was curtailed due to colour-blindness. Instead he enlisted in the RMP, training with Squad 524 and becoming a member of the Depot Shooting Team. His keenness for competition shooting followed him throughout his career during which he represented both the Corps and Army in Small Bore competitions. On completion of training John was posted to the RMP Mounted Section. After leaving the Army he worked for Rootes Motors Ltd., the car manufacturers, but later moved to France where he began collecting,of all things, Second World War German Army vehicles. As a result, in 1969, he was approached by the makers of the film ‘The Battle of Britain’ and both he and his vehicles became extras and he remained in the film industry, working as an extra, until his retirement. [The photograph from1957,shows John in the forefront, with Bill Griffiths on the left Ian Alridgein the rear].
GREAVESFormer 14456062 Sergeant Ernest (“Ernie”) Greaves who died on June 11th 2015, age 88, was enlisted in November 15th 1944, andhe was discharged in 1957, having served in the UK, India, the Middle-east and Cyprus. His testimonial indicates that he was “well built and smart, a good disciplinarian and capable instructor, has proved himself as reliable and a keen investigator in the military police, shows a keen interest in the Colonial Police Force. Good driver and rider. Plays sport. Found to be sober, reliable and possesses initiative”. In later years it gave him great pleasure when he reconnected with some of “his men” (such as Bryan Waller and Alan Jaggs to name just two) whom he had led; particularly those that he had trained at Woking and he received letters commending him for the excellent guidance he gave them. Clearly he was held in high esteem. Emigrating to Australia with his family in 1960, he joinedthe Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) where he remained for 19 years. Obviously he did not divulge details of his role with ASIO, but an “Intellectual and Perceptual Report” found in his papers by his family, indicated that his intelligence and reasoning abilities were superior. In his leisure hours, he and his wife took up equitation and he was instrumental in setting up a local riding club, eventually owning a couple of horses himself and riding each week up until his 75th birthday. Like many former soldiers, Ernest and his family were like gypsies, moving house regularly and living in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. When his wife was diagnosed with cancer she wanted to return to New South Wales and they bought a house in Bowral, which was to be their last home. Ernest did a wonderful job nursing his wife and after she passed away he took great care of himself until it was time for him to move into a Nursing Home in January 2014. An independent man, always well-groomed and well organized; he enjoyed working in the garden and visiting the shops every day.
HAWKINSFormer 23083745 Lance-Corporal Eric Hawkins died in February at his home in Chorleywood after a long battle with Motor-Neurone Disease. Eric was called up for National Service in November 1954, completing his training at Inkerman Barracks (Squad 471). He served in 200 Provost Company, Singapore and was ‘demobbed’ in January 1957, after 2 years and 2 months Service - the extra 2 months of time served was due to the Suez Crisis! A postal member of Aldershot Branch, he is survived by his widow Aline and a son.
HUDSONFormer Warrant Officer Class 1 Bernard Hudson died aged 94 peacefully in his sleep in hospital, in Germany where he had lived for many years. His wife Margot, died in 2014, and his twin brother Bob, who served in the Special Investigation Branch (SIB), also predeceased him. Bernard’s military service started in 1937, when the brothers joined the Sherwood Foresters (Supplementary Reserve) before Bernard transferred to the Grenadier Guards in 1938. After initial training, he served in the 2nd Battalion based at Wellington Barracks performing ceremonial duties and taking part in that year’s Trooping the Colour. He was then posted to the Guards Depot and the 4th Guards (Tank) Battalion, landing in France near Arromanches on July 20th1944. 10 days later he was fighting in the Battle of the Falaise Pocket at Caumont where he had a narrow escape when his tank was hit by a German ‘88’; killing 3 of his crew. While Bernard did not say much about his time in the Guards, he did mention how the Squadron Commander questioned why his tank stopped for so many brews, but he did not know that they had a milk-churn full of calvados tied on the back! The fighting then took them through France, Holland and Belgium into Germany ending at Plön on the North Sea coast. A few weeks after peace had been declared he was promoted to Colour-Sergeant and posted as CQMS to the HQ of a newly formed Guards Brigade in Palestine. In late 1946, his brother, who was serving with the Corps of Military Police (CMP) in Alexandria, allegedly dug up an obscure Army Regulation, which stated that twins had the right to serve together, so by January 1947, Bernard had transferred to CMP at the Almaza Depot where he started basic SIB training. A keen cricketer, his intended posting to Alexandria was changed to the Bab-el-Hadid Barracks in Cairo because the Assistant-Provost Marshal (APM) wanted him to be their wicket-keeper. In 1949, he achieved Warrant Rank and was posted to Western Command, Chester where he stayed until 1950, when he was sent back to the Middle East, to Tel-el-Kebir via El Kantara and then on to 7 Section SIB at Tripoli, Libya. Numerous postings followed and he ended his service at 72 Section SIB in Münster in the rank of WO1 on 11 January 1960. After leaving the Army he had jobs teaching English in Osnabrück before becoming an interpreter/translator for a metalwork company. He also worked as a Court Interpreter. Bernard was known to generations of SIB as an ‘elder statesmen’ of the Branch and as a kind and gentle man and good friend. In later life, Bernard was a stalwart member of the SIB Branch of the Association and its ‘Old & Bold’ website to which he submitted several articles about his life and times, together with many photographs. In recent years, Bernard travelled from Germany to attend the annual SIB reunion dinner the last being in April, accompanied by his nephew Bernie, who cared for him whenever he was in the UK and it is understood that he had planned to attend next year's reunion and had booked his flight. He was cremated on October 9th, in the Cemetery Chapel in Glane, Bad Iburg.
HUTTONFormer 23808552 Warrant Officer Class 2Michael (“Mick”) Hutton died on September 16th 2015. Passing out with Squad 808, he served with Tripoli Detachment 6 Dog Company RMP, 165 Provost Company in Chester, Rheindahlen Garrison Provost Company, Provost Branch Headquarters British Army of the Rhine, Hong Kong Provost Company, 2Regiment in Northern Ireland, Provost Branch, HQ British Government Berlin and Provost Branch HQ UKLand Forces. He retired in 1979. He was a stalwart member of Derby Branch and worked tirelessly to ensure a warm welcome for the many from the RMP and the Association and the families of our fallen who paraded at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas every June. His funeral was held at Bretby Crematorium at Carnarvon Chapel, Burton-on-Trent and thereafter at the Anglesey Arms.
LANGDONFormer 22808522 Lance-Corporal Robert (“Bob”) Langdon who died on June 26th 2015, was a well-liked member of both Foot and Mounted elements of 158 Provost Company in Aldershot and took part in mounted duties escorting various Colonial Heads of State at the Coronation Parade of 1953. He was a very keen sportsman and represented the Company in the Army Pentathlon in 1955. Bob also enjoyed his time while serving with 200 Provost Company in Singapore. Demobilised in1958, he joined Gloucestershire Fire Service and later became a Tanker Driver with both Shell and BP for 25 years and also a Retained Fireman. He joined the Territorial Army serving with the Royal Gloucester Hussars as a Bandsman, earning his Long Service & Good Conduct Medal on the way. In 1994, Bob paraded at a Royal Review of Yeomanry Regiments in Windsor Great Park and was presented to Her Majesty The Queen,to whom he mentioned that he had been on Mounted Escort duty at her Coronation. He leaves a widow Mary whom married over 60 years ago.
MACEFormer 14948495 Lance-Corporal William (“Will”) Charles Mace diedon September 17th 2015, aged 92. Heenlisted in March 1945, and served variously with 152 Headquarters Provost Company, 48 Division Provost Company, 285 Provost Company and finally 192 Provost Company in France, employed primarily as a wireless operator. He was demobilised in December 1947, and used his skills to work on scientific instruments at A C Cosser Ltd., whose products included valves, radios, televisions and military electronics,before becoming a self-employed television repairer. A founding member of Herts and Essex Branch, he was also a member of the Royal Observer Corps until its disbandment. Will leaves a widow, three daughters andboth grandchildren and great grandchildren.
MOTTRAMBarrieMottram, a former member of North America Branch, died on the July 26th2015, aged 79. Barrie served from 1953 to 1956 with 193 Ports Provost Company in the UK, 200 Provost Company in Singapore and with 3 Infantry Division Provost Company in Egypt. He later became a Police Officer (PC 1692) with Toronto City Police, finally retiring in 1992.
PETERSFormer 24805060 Corporal Neil Peters,who joined the Army in 1986, died aged 49 in September 2015. Having trained with Squad 8706, he was posted to 160 Provost Company in Aldershot where he served for 4-years during which he completed the Close Protection course and also undertooka tour in Cyprus protecting Her Majesty’s High Commissioner. Leaving the Service in the early 1990's,he retrained as a Paramedic with the North-west Ambulance Service. His funeral was held at Charnock Richard Crematorium, Chorley on October 12th and thereafter at The Ley Inn,Clayton-Le-Woods. He is survived by his widow Mary and two young children.
READMAN30126592 Corporal Jamie Readman,who was serving with 150 Provost Company, 1 Regiment RMP, died in a single-vehicle Fatal Traffic Collision on August 15th 2015, aged 24. A native of Northallerton, Jamie joined the Army in July 2010, and completed RMP training in March 2011. He was posted first to 114 Provost Company, 5 Regiment RMP in Gütersloh where he completed his Physical Training Instructor (PTI) course followed by the Close Protection (CP) Course. He then deployed to Kabul to protect Her Majesty’s Ambassador and more recently completed Pre-Deployment Training for the High-Readiness CP commitment. In April this year, Jamie was posted to 150 Provost Company, where he took up the role within the Training Wing as the Company PTI. A fit, motivated and smart solider, he was always ready to get his hands dirty and get the job done. Known for his friendly demeanour, light-hearted attitude and happy-go-lucky approach to life, he was a very keen sportsman and enjoyed a range of sports from football to skydiving. Jamie is survived by his mother Angela, father Anthony, brother Dean, sister Hayley and his girlfriend Daniella, who is a JNCO currently serving with the Provost Company. His funeral, with full military honours, was held on August 20that All Saints Church, Northallerton, followed by his interment at Northallerton and Romanby Cemetery.
ROGERS (neé Jones)Former W414185 Corporal Jennifer Mary Rogers WRAC (Provost) passed away on the July 26th2015, at St Richard's Hospital, Chichester. Jenny served in London, Aldershot and SHAPE between 1963 and 1964. She was the widow of the late John Rogers RMP.
SHENTONFormer 1417820 Sergeant Alfred Roy Shenton passed away on August 10th2015, in the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, after a short illness, aged 89. Roy trained at Gatton Park in 1946, and following SIB training saw service in two particularly disparate locations: York and Lagos! He was demobbed in 1948, and joined Sheffield City Police, staying with the Force when it became part of a much larger South Yorkshire Police and reaching the rank of Superintendent in the Crime Squad, at Wakefield. In retirement, Roy kept busy with a range of voluntary roles including work with the Palliative Care Team at the Northern General Hospital, as a hospital visitor and as Secretary of the Sheffield Branch of the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO). His wife Joan predeceased him. He was a father to Janet, Andrew and Michael and a much loved grandfather and great-grandfather. His funeral was held at Grenoside Crematorium on August 28th.
SHUTERFormer 22607343 Sergeant S T Shuter served with the Army from June 1950 until June 1957, initially as a member of the Territorial Army (TA) and then as a National Serviceman, Regular (albeit briefly) and an Army Emergency Reserve (AER). Joining the RAMC TA, he was called up for National Service in 1951, training at Woking with Squad 264. He then served with 1st (British) Corps Provost Company in Bad Rothenfelde, before returning to Woking for SIB Training on Course 91. Posted to HQ SIB (then located in Lennox Gardens, London) he recalls living in appallingly dirty accommodation and having to feed himself and commute daily from the barracks to Lennox Gardens, all on 6 schillings a day. A return to Bad Rotheflde followed in 1953, where he was more comfortably housed in Haus-Erna, a requisitioned private residence,before moving to Roberts Barracks in Osnabrück. Having re-enlisted as a Regular, but only 4-months later he paid £20.00 to be discharged, before than re-joining as anAER for a 3½ year commitment, just 3 months later. (There must be a story there one imagines).