Page 135 - The Light Dragoon 2024

to represent the Regimental cross country skiing team (Langlauf ) where he excelled. However his nocturnal activities (meeting chalet maids) hampered him bring selected for the team. One of the commens on social media was that Sean was the best cross country skier not to represent the GB squad.
Sean had stints as a Physical Training Instructor in the Gym and was also on the Provost staff in the Guardroom aswell as time on the tank parl with B Squadron. In 1999 Sean was posted to 1st Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers )REME) in Fallingbostel up the road from Hohne to assist with their communica- tions as he was a class 1 signaller. It was whilst with this unit he transferred to the REME in 2001 where he remained until he decided to retire from the Army in 2005 after completing 14 years service.
Whilst in the Army Sean deployed on various operations including the Gulf, Kosovo and Bosnia and attained the rank of Corporal. Sean was a popular member of the Regiment always with a smile on his face and will be sorely missed by his Army friends and colleagues.
Mr C Wilson
Served: 1992-97 Died: 15 Aug 23.
Christopher or Wils as he was known sadly lost his life at the young age of 52. Christopher joined basic training on the 24th of August
1992 at Cambrai Barracks Catterick. He was cap badged 15th /19th Kings’s Royal Hussars when he passed off the square on the 31st October, After completing his trade training he then flew out from Luton airport to meet up with the regiment in Hohne in January 1993.
Christopher served in D sqn and saw his service in the Regiment in Hohne, Poland, and Bosnia with the United Nations. After leaving the Army he was employed within the construction industry which took all the North East.
His funeral was attended by his peers as well as Association members. Chris was witty, loyal, caring, and compassionate and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
MF
Mr K Atkinson
Served: 1979-17 Died: 29 Aug 23.
Keith Atkinson AKA ‘Big Girls Blouse’ joined the Army in 1979 as a Junior Leader before joining the regiment, 13/18 H in August 1980.
Keith was immediately sent out to serve with A Sqn in Cyprus working with Ferret scout car and Saladin. On his return from Cyprus to Saffron Walden in 1981 the Squadron was deployed on Foxes, with Keith as 5th Troop Leader’s operator, formerly Prince Abdullah II and now His Majesty King Abdullah II and Colonel in Chief of the Regiment.
Keith was a PTI and a keen sportsman and for a significant period of his career he was the Regimental goalkeeper. ’Teflon’ - a nickname given to him by his great friend Luther would, unlike the product, stick throughout his career, with Keith having the last laugh saving a penalty from Luther during an inter squadron football match years later.
It wasn’t all about soldiering and Keith loved a beer and enjoyed the social aspects and trappings of being a young man serving in Germany. Pop star good looks, big hair, great sense of humour and a sense of style, he was popular man, and especially with the ladies!
KeithremainedinASqnuntil1984,where as part of a Regimental reorganisation, would see him move across to the newly formed D Sqn (the Enemy).
D Sqn was part of AMF(L), where he spent the next 3 years or so exercising in Norway, Denmark, and Turkey. This was soldiering and reconnaissance at its most challenging and an environment he loved. An outstanding NCO and leader in the field, he stood out from his peers and in recognition promoted to Cpl.
In 1989 and as part of yet another Regimental reorganisation, Keith moved across with his troop from D Sqn to form 3rd Troop C Sqn. It wasn’t an easy time for Keith, and it was during this period that he would move back into the barracks and become one of the founder members of the now infamous ‘unstable table’. A disparaging label given by a former CO for a group of lost souls who regularly sat down together for dinner. As unfair as the label was, it was group that helped Keith turn the corner and push him onto greater heights.
1990 saw Keith deploy to NI as a section commander with RGJ and upon his return rejoin C Sqn part way through a UN Cyprus tour.
Keith was always a soldier’s soldier and best out in the field, where he suffered no fools with many of us (reading this) being at the sharp end of his wrath. Strong, fit, robust and a natural soldier.
In 1992, the Regiment called ‘stumps’ and amalgamated with the 15/19 H with Keith taking the position of A Sqn, Support Troop Sgt, The Light Dragoons. Keith loved the early periods of the Light Dragoons and clear that it suited Keith’s appetite for soldiering and working in the field. Despite this he craved for a new challenge, something different and unique and after attending a Resistance to Interrogation Course he applied for a posting at the Joint Services Intelligence Organisation (JSIO) and Conduct After Capture Company. A job and role he found interesting.
All good things come to an end and Keith returned back to RD and B Sqn (finally a flesh-eater) seeing service in Bosnia before being selected again for promotion and back to D Sqn as a Troop Leader. Posting and promotion to WO2 saw Keith return to JSIO and back to work with the CAC training company as the CSM – a role he would keep towards the end of his regular service and into the initial period of long(er) service.
Keith would see out the rest of his extended career in Germany in a variety of roles, including Station Warrant Officer in Elmpt Garrison returning back to UK at the end of his career in 2017. A magnificent career, spanning 39 years from boy soldier from Hartlepool and full circle back again.
Keith, by his own admission didn’t find the adjustment to civilian life easy, but he was focused on qualifying as a counsellor and wanted give back as much as he could – working with and alongside charities such as RBL, First Light Trust, Stages and finally Hardwick House in Middleborough as a service manager looking after veterans’ accommodation and supporting them through difficult times in their lives.
Keith lost his brave battle to illness in August 2023 and is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Sinead, son Liam.
Rest in peace Big Girl’s Blouse, you were the greatest friend, and we miss and think
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
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about you every day.
LM/SF