Page 274 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

BAXTER – Mr Anthony Graham died on the 29th April 2017 aged 82. Called up for National Service into the SOM LI in 1952, he served with 1 SOM LI in Malaya as a ri eman. On leaving the Army in 1954 he returned to his home at Redhill, Bristol; he worked as a warehouseman until retirement. A member of the Taunton Branch, he was a bachelor and resided with his brother Melvyn.
BISP – Mr, Frank Arthur died in late 2016. A JNCOS and member of the Drums Platoon Frank served with 1 GLOSTERS in Korea. After his return to England he left the Army and subsequently worked at Filton for the Bristol Aeroplane Company and later, the British Aircraft Corporation. Throughout his life, after leaving the Army, Frank was a staunch supporter of the Royal British Legion. Our condolences go to his widow, Iris, and family.
CANNARD – Mr David Gerald died on 29th August 2016 aged 78. Called up for National Service into the SOM LI in 1956 he served as a Bugler with 1 SOM LI in Malta, Cyprus and the UK. On leaving the Army he returned to his home in Nailsea where he worked until retirement as a commercial vehicle tter and supervisor attending to customer services. A member of the Taunton Branch, David was predeceased by his wife. Our condolences go to his son and two daughters.
CARTER - Mr Eric Edmund James died on 9th July 2017 aged 91. He was called up for war service in 1944 initially with General Service Corps. In August 1944 he was posted to 7 SOM LI and served with the Battalion in the NW Europe campaign. In December 1945 he was transferred to 8th Battalion, The Suffolk Regiment serving in Jamaica. 12 months later he was posted to the 2nd Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, also in Jamaica. Demobilised in October 1947 he returned to his home in Hampshire where he worked as a Garage Manager until retirement. A member of the Taunton Branch, our condolences go to his wife Edith and family.
CHILLCOTT - Mr Roger died on 15th August 2016 aged 77. Called up for National Service into the SCLI in 1960 he served with 1 SCLI, mostly as a Ri eman, in Osnabruck, Plymouth and Gibraltar. On leaving the Army in 1962, he returned to his home in Clevedon and continued his civilian employment as a commercial lighting engineer until retirement. Roger was a bachelor and a member of Taunton Branch.
COOKE – Mr Brian Anthony died on the 5th April 2017 aged 76. He enlisted into the SCLI in1960 serving with 1 SCLI mostly as a MT driver in Osnabruck, Plymouth, Gibraltar and Libya. In 1963 he was posted to the Support Weapons Wing of the School of Infantry, Netheravon. On leaving the Army and returning to his home in Chard he worked as a lorry driver before becoming a coach driver and a charge hand. His nal employment was as a boner in the meat trade. A member of the Taunton Branch, our condolences go to his partner Carole, his sons, daughters and families.
DENNY – Mr John Patrick died on 24th November 2016 aged 90. He enlisted into the SOM LI as a Boy Bandsman in 1941. On reaching the appropriate age for man’s service he volunteered for and was accepted by 4 Commando, which was the rst Commando unit to go ashore on D Day landing at Queen Red Beach. 82 days later they were withdrawn back to the UK. He was engaged in several other operations with the unit until it was disbanded in in July 1946. John then re-joined SOM LI serving with the 2nd Battalion in Greece and later, in 1948, transferring to the Royal Signals before being demobilised in early 1949. In 1951 he re-enlisted into SOM LI serving with 1 SOM LI in Germany and Malaya before again leaving the Army in 1955. In 1956 he was recalled due to the Suez crisis, after which he continued serving with 1 SOM LI in Malta and Cyprus. Finally leaving the Army in 1957, he set up home in Southend where until retirement he worked as a storeman. A member of the Taunton Branch, he was predeceased by his wife; our condolences go to his daughter Bridie.
CRIDDLE – Mr Colin John died on 27th January 2017, aged 93. He was called up for war service in 1942 and after training at 15th ITC at Gloucester was posted to 4 SOM LI. The Battalion was engaged on defence duties in South East England. Following the Normandy Invasion on June 6th 1944, 4 SOM LI embarked for France on 18th June as part of the 43rd Wessex Division. They disembarked at Arromanches the following day and shortly afterwards were engaged in Operation EPSOM and in time the attack on Hill 112. It was here that Colin recalled losing his best mate, Killed in Action. Subsequently the Battalion, with Colin gaining promotion to Corporal and Ri e Section Commander, fought its way through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany. As a part of 129 Brigade they were preparing to advance on Bremerhaven when on May 5th Germany surrendered.
The following month an accident occurred resulting in Colin having his left leg amputated. A sten gun was accidentally dropped causing it to discharge and bullets struck his leg. Having returned to the
UK on sick leave, he was transported from Bridg- water Railway Station by taxi to his parents’ home by a young woman who was later to become his wife. Discharged from the Army in 1946 he married Joyce on 22nd May 1947. A carpenter by trade, he enthusiastically worked on projects in the North Petherton area, despite his disability, for many years before being employed at a school in Bridgwater for over 30 years. A great believer, and supporter, of the Regimental Association, he was a member and Chairman of the Bridgwater Branch for many years until its closure. He then became a valued member and supporter of the Taunton Branch until his death and also regularly attended the Somerset meetings of the Ri es & RGBW Branch. He was also a great supporter of both BLESMA, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Somerset Military Museum and the South West Heritage Trust. In 2015 he received the Legion d’ Honneur in the Great Hall of Taunton’s Castle. Colin and his family have been marvellous supporters of the Regiment, both old and new. Our condolences go to Joyce and her family.
272 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS THE RIFLES