Page 15 - Cadet Review Spring 2024

OBITUARY – MAJOR ROBERT WILLIAM (BILL) GORDON (RET’D)
Bill’s wife Peggy and daughter Carol are very sad to report the peaceful passing of Bill Gordon at the Royal Derby Hospital on September 3rd 2023, both were at his side.
Born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire 6th November 1935, to parents Bill and Rhoda, Bill was always proud of his Lincolnshire roots. The eldest of four brothers (John, David and Ian, all who sadly passed before him), in addition to working as the local cinema projectionist, Bill’s first paid job (lasting only weeks) was at Burtons outfitters in Sleaford – who knew he was setting himself up for a lifetime in smart mess kit! Bill went on to work for British Rail as a signal man in the Sleaford East signal box, joining the Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force in 1949 to commence life as a military man.
His service included many challenges and highlights along the way, having enlisted into the 1st Bn. Royal Lincolnshire Regiment in 1953, serving
in BAOR (Berlin) and on active service in Malaya. He held various appointments and served as a Platoon Sergeant with the Royal Anglian Regiment following amalgamation in 1960, serving in Cyprus, Kenya, Malaya and then Scunthorpe as Regimental Recruiting Sergeant and with the TA. In 1965 he was appointed Warrant Officer Assistant Signals Officer, and subsequently served in BAOR, Malta, Cyprus, Malaya and several Northern Ireland tours.
He was promoted to WO1 in 1974 and appointed Co-ordinator of Training, Jungle Warfare
Wing, Singapore (School of Infantry), prior to commissioning in 1975, serving with 3 Royal Anglian, as Families Officer in Cyprus – responsible for
over 300 families, establishing Berengaria village complex immediately after Cypriot/Turkish war.
In 1977 he recommenced his ACF duties being posted as Assistant Chief Instructor at the Cadet Training Centre Frimley Park, and in 1980 was appointed Cadet Executive Officer Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, transferring to Humberside Army Cadet Force as Cadet Executive Officer in 1986. In 1990 he actioned the amalgamation of Humberside ACF with
He kept his singing going right to the end, including entertaining residents
at a local care home and going viral during the covid lockdown, where he was known as
the ‘Corona Crooner’
South Yorkshire which became the largest national county force.
In 2000 he retired to Belper, Derbyshire, with wife Peggy, to be closer to daughter Carol and grandchildren Rebecca and Nicholas.
Bill will long be remembered not only for his exemplary military service in the regular army and associations beyond, but also for his glorious talent for singing. His many appearances with the military bands all around the world brought joy to him, his family, friends and many audiences. He kept his singing going right to the end, including entertaining residents at a local care home and going viral during the covid lockdown, where he was known as the ‘Corona Crooner’ singing a variety of well known tunes, (with adapted words), as part of the unique ‘Belper Moo’ local initiative to help combat lockdown loneliness within the community.
Bill continued a love of travel throughout his life, sharing countless wonderful holidays abroad with Peggy, including many ocean and river cruises,
where guests would often be treated to a few of Bill’s impromptu renditions. On one occasion he was even asked to stay on as part of the official entertainment team! He enjoyed bowls, quizzes, chatting to people at the gym and the odd game of bingo too! Above all, he loved spending time with his family who adored him.
Following the announcement in the Royal Anglian bulletin, Peggy and Carol received many telephone calls, cards and letters of condolence. The stories, memories and reminiscences shared, have been
an immense comfort at a very difficult time and we thank the extended military family and associations, for their much appreciated support.
Bill’s final journey was a private, family committal, with his chosen last piece of music being the band of 2 Royal Anglian playing the Lincolnshire Poacher.
Anyone wishing to get in contact may do so
by contacting Carol Brewer 221, John O’Gaunts Way, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0DT or by email at caroltoneman@aol.com
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