Page 131 - The Light Dragoon 2024

Maj G R J Solly
Served: 1953-69 Died: 26 Jan 23
George Solly, who has died at the great age of 90 years, was the grandson of a 19th Hussar but was nevertheless a loyal A Sqn man, both as a troop leader, squadron 2i/c and squadron leader. He joined the Regiment in 1953 when it was stationed at Wesendorf, Germany, and moved with it to Malaya the following year, where he was appointed Signals Officer after completing his troop leader stint. Apart from ERE posts at Bovington and the MOD in London (where he met and married his wife Squilla) he spent the remainder of his time with the Regiment, with a further operational tour in Northern Ireland. The very high regard in which George was held was cemented by his tour as Adjutant during the Regiment’s early years in Munster in the 1960s.
As Adjutant he found himself in a job for which he was perfectly fitted. In matters of discipline, a high priority in that role, he stood no nonsense and was greatly respected at all levels in the Regiment. But his tough insistence on high standards was always lightened by an ability never to take himself, or others, too seriously. He was invariably calm and unflappable - always able to find the funny side in any serious situation, qualities which he maintained when promoted to squadron leader.
George was therefore the obvious choice to lead a detached squadron selected for an important task in 1968. This was to activate the stockpile of Centurion tanks at the El Adem strategic airfield in Libya, close to the border with Egypt, and then to take part in a major tri-service exercise. Then, as now, the Middle East was in turmoil, Israel having won the Six Day War in 1967, defeating three Arab armies and greatly widening its national bound- aries. The planned exercise was therefore an important demonstration of the UK’s strength in the region, with the activated armoured squadron a vital component. George’s team in A Sqn conducted the activation of the elderly Mk 5 (20 pdr) Centurions quite faultlessly, as all those who took part will remember with pride. George himself always regarded the expedition as the high point of his military career, and also the right moment to return to civilian life.
On leaving the Army he launched himself into a civilian career in security, rising to become Divisional Manager of Group 4 Security in West Bromwich, before finally retiring to Waytown in Dorset. Always a devoted supporter of the Regiment George will be remembered as one of a small group of post-war officers who did so much to establish the high professional reputation
of the 15th/19th Hussars, and who did so without sacrificing one jot of the fun and laughter that is part of Regimental life.
CAGW Mr J R Algar
Served: 1962-72 Died: 16 Feb 23.
John Robert Algar 22/02/1945 to 16/02/2023 Born in Newcastle upon Tyne His father died when John was just 2 years old but as his
mum remarried John grew up in Walker as part of a family of ten children. His big ambition was to be a jockey, but he was to tall. He did however retain his love of horse racing, spending many years following and betting on the races. As he grew up, he was always a happy, hardworking lad and was well liked by his compatriots and siblings. He learned to play the Trumpet and in 1960 joined the 5th Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers Territorial Army Band, he also played in his Stepfathers dance band. In 1962 he joined the regular army with the 15th/19th The Kings Royal Hussars where he played Cornet and Trumpet. He loved life in the army and excelled in music ability. He was also very good at playing football and was a regular in the band team. I followed John in both the territorial and regular army, we served together for 6 years in the Regimental Band. The following is a quote from a message I received from a former band member. “I have some fond memories of John, but what I remember most was that he always had a grin on his face whenever you talked to him.” After he left the army in 1971, he joined the Post Office. He was ill with “M E” for about 3 years in the 1990’s during which time he could not make himself leave the house. He did however find old furniture and restored it to sell on eBay. When he recovered from that he started to play “Crown Green Bowls” in which he won several trophies and represented his club in County matches. John will be missed by his wife Christine, daughter Samantha, family and friends. Rest in Peace. Your loving Brother Ray.
RA
Served: 1961-70 Died: 3 Apr 23.
Terry (Tug) joined the regiment at Barnard Castle in
1960. It was whilst stationed here he met Jean his future wife.
Terry then went with the regiment to Munster and served mainly with A Sqn.
He married Jean in May 1963 and she joined him in Germany and lived in a private hiring. In 1965 their 1st son Mark was born in BMH Munster.
In 1966 Terry was posted to Lulworth (Range Tp) where he stayed for 2yrs.
In 1967 their 2nd son Martin was born.
After Terrys ERE posting was finished he then re joined the regiment who had moved to Tidworth. Before Terry was demobbed he went to Hong Kong with A Sqn. After Terry left the Army the family moved back to Barnard Castle.
He firstly became a postman for a short while then worked for Durham County Council until the old Army camp at Deerbolt was turned into a Borstal. He stayed there until his retirement.
During this he was an active member of the Town Council and was elected Town Mayor on 2 occasions. It was during one his tenures as Mayor he visited the Regiment in Hohne.
Both of his sons followed in their father’s footsteps in joining the 15/19H and both served 22 yrs. After a short illness and being hospitalised Terry sadly passed away on 03 April 2023.
MPN
Mr D Walker
Served: 1954-76 Died: 14 Apr 23.
We were informed of the sad news that Dougy had died aged 87 by his daughter Tarnia. Born in Walker, Newcastle Dougie enlisted to
the Army to carry out his National Service in 1954 with the Parachute Regiment, however he sustained an injury and re badged to 15/19H. After he completed his basic training he joined the Regiment in Ipoh, Malaya. On return from Malaya he met Joyce and they were married in 1958 and they went on to have 4 children John, Donald,Trevor and Tarnia. Dougie held instructor qualifications in Signals, Skiing and Drill. For his last posting he was posted to AFCO Newcastle as a recruiter and after attaining the rank of SSgt he left the Army after completing 22 years service in 1976. After leaving the Army he took up
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
15/19H OBITUARIES
129
Mr T W Nunn