Page 109 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

WITCHER
Maj Jeremy Paul WITCHER died in 2022. Jeremy joined RMAS in November 1973 and commissioned into the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment in November
1974. He joined the 1st Bn in Ballykelly in 1975 serving also in Colchester before
returning to Northern Ireland for the South Armagh tour in 1977. He trained with the Bisley team. He spent two years as a Recruit Plt Comd at Depot, the POW Div before returning to 1 WFR in Hemer, West Germany, as a Coy 2IC. He completed a tour as Coy Ops Officer in West Belfast in 1982. In 1983 he took Command of 33 CTT followed by two years as SO3 G3 (Trg) in HQ British Forces Hong Kong from 1985.
He was selected and attended the Army Staff College in 1987 and was subsequently posted as SO2 G3 (Ops/Plans) HQ South East District, Aldershot, between 1988- 1990. He was a Coy Comd at Depot Lichfield at its closure and led the relocation of recruit training to the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Artillery at Bramcote before retiring from the Army in November 1993.
WATCHMAN (STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT MASCOT)
CSgt Watchman V was born on 8 March 2009, and enlisted into The Mercian Regiment two months later. He took part in over 900 events during his time, including freedom parades, funerals, and weddings: once as the ring bearer. He has door fronted mayoral events, attended charity events, school visits, and more. During his time, he had two streets named after him; Watchman Close in Lichfield and Watchman Walk
in Tamworth. As well as helping to raise thousands of £s for the Staffordshire Regiment Association, he has attended Mercian Regiment funding events; particularly for parcels being sent to soldiers who were at the time serving
in Iraq and Afghanistan. He took part
in the Laying Up of Old Colours for The Staffordshire as well as the laying Up of Old Colours for 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment; both in Lichfield Cathedral. He was directly involved in saving the breed from the Dangerous Dogs List; Watchman was mentioned three times in Parliament. He was also awarded the winner of the national vote for Pet Parliament and
Local Hero Awards. CSgt Watchman
V, who passed away on 13th January 2022, is succeeded by his cousin, Cpl Watchman VI, who will continue and build on Watchman’s service for many years to come.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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