Page 170 - RSDG Year of 2023

168 EAGLE AND CARBINE
Peter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1978. He managed this with typical fortitude and a somewhat cavalier attitude – determined it was not going to impact his career or active lifestyle.
After a year in Catterick, the family moved to Bielefeld where Peter was the Military Secretary to the Corps Commander. He was then promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was posted to the Battle Group Trainer in Sennelager.
The family moved back to the UK in 1983 when Peter was appointed the Commanding Officer of the Junior Leaders Regiment in Bovington. This provided an excellent opportunity for him to convince Mary Ann of the joys of the English countryside. After two years the family moved back to Germany where Peter worked in Headquarters BAOR.
In 1988, and by this time a Colonel, Peter was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor of Gibraltar which was an eventful posting as he was there when three members of the Provisional IRA were killed. His last posting was Commander Episkopi Garrison which he did from 1990 until he finally retired from the Army in 1993.
Throughout his career he commanded respect from all those whom he worked with and had the great ability
MAJOR SAB EDWARDS
Simon Edwards was born in the Central Military Hospital, Nowshera on 02 February 1931. His father, Gerald, was a Major in 8th King George’s Own Light Cavalry based in the Risalpur Cantonment just across the Kabul River.
His early years were spent based in
North West India (all of which today is Pakistan), but events and long leaves meant he came home to Britain for family visits surprisingly often. On 31 May 1935, between 0230 and 0330hrs in the morning, the family house, 98 Luck Road, was shaken to its core by the Quetta Earthquake, which resulted in its total collapse,
but fortunately no injuries.
With his mother he was evacuated to Egypt until they could return. His upbringing and schooling in Pakistan gave him a deep sense of loyalty and of the honour conferred by close attention when hosting guests, as well as a thirst for edgy adventure. He did not return to Britain for schooling until his final years, which he completed at Cheltenham College.
to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. He was always keen to share his knowledge and experience whether it be helping steer younger officers in their careers or advising people looking to join the forces. Likewise, with field sports he was always happy to impart his knowledge on fly fishing trips with friends or help establish local shoots.
After leaving the Army and exploring different career opportunities he settled as a school bursar at St Felix in Southwold and then at Little Garth prep school near Colchester. He became an active member of the local community and contributed to charities and various societies. He became Church Warden, volunteered with SSAFA, Treasurer of Ferriers Barn (a local day centre for the disabled) and secretary of the River Box fishing syndicate.
He latterly embraced golf and bridge with gusto - although often diplomatically played second string to his beloved wife. Peter was also a talented artist, and a set of water- colours would often accompany him on his fishing trips to Scotland or further afield.
Peter was a charming, kind, and devoted family man who died on 25 June 2023 and is missed by all who knew him.
James and Sam Fishbourne
By the time he was released from school, Pakistan had gained its independence and any chance of serving there had gone. He chose to join the 3rd Carabiniers, very possibly because of its connections with Pakistan and India, and family connections between 8th KGO Light Cavalry and 3DG through friends of his father. He passed out from Mons in 1952, joining the Regiment in Germany. As a junior officer he was a keen boxer and represented the Regiment in Modern Pentathlon. He took two of these disciplines further leading the Regimental Fencing Team to a high standard and joining the Army Pistol Team.
He married Billa in July 1959 after a whirlwind romance, and found a companion with a similar desire to explore the world. Together they had 3 sons; Ben, Toby and 12 years later Robin. As a keen sailor he introduced her to the Baltic for their honeymoon and within 3 years had got a posting to Bahrain. They elected to drive there with two dogs and their six month old first son. The 3 month drive was a source of epic tales which never put them off. As a result, in 1977 they repeated the journey with their 5 year old 3rd son by driving to Ahwaz in Southern Iran. Both journeys were undertaken in Land Rovers, which became a staple vehicle at home.