Page 141 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

Major Bryan Thomas Connor
Bryan was born on 8 August 1957 in Glasgow. He was made for the Army and the Army was made for him. He joined the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Catterick in 1978. He was a Troop Sergeant in ‘A’ Squadron in 1987 before being posted to the D and M School from 1988-1989. He returned to the Regiment as a Troop Sergeant in
‘D Squadron before joining to 2RTR. He was commis- sioned on 31 March 1999 and returned to the Regiment and went on Operation TELIC as the Quartermaster (Technical) in 2003. He left the Army in October 2004. While he loved his time in the Army and, although a
private person, on becoming a civilian he would often tell stories both funny and sad, of his time in the Army, focussing on loyalty, friendship and devotion.
When he left the Army, Bryan went on to become head of Security at Southampton Docks and, not someone who liked being desk bound was often found up a crane, where the action was. Late in life he enjoyed salsa dancing even though he struggled with the steps and he gained his boat licence not long before he died. He also enjoyed beach holidays and under a full orange moon in Tuscany, was introduced to opera, which mesmerised him.
Bryan died unexpectedly on 14 July 2022
Laura Connor
aeroplanes, cars and also figures. He was a perfec- tionist when it came to the painting of the models, many of which will be cherished by his family.
He had a Porsche 911 for which he saved up for years to own and, although she was an old girl, he loved her dearly. Owning one had been a dream of his since he was young and so he was very proud to have achieved that dream.
Colin’s adventures were cut short too soon and he will be sorely missed by his family and the good friends that he made along lives’ paths. The Army shaped him into the man he was and he was very proud to have served in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. He died on 9 August 2022.
Ernest Atkinson
Ernest Atkinson, known to his friends as Ernie, passed away peacefully on 5 October 22, at The Croft Nursing home in Newton Abbot aged 75.
Ernest joined the 3rd Carabiniers in 1964 where his passion for music began, and continued through his life. He played the
clarinet and saxophone in the regimental band and then served in the Band of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards which he left for the civilian world in 1985. Ernest will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Pamela, and their two children Amanda and Graeme. He will also be sorely missed by his grandson Jake, and daughter-in-law, Nikki.
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Colin Crosby
Canada.
Colin Crosby was born on 26 November 1964. After leaving school in Forfar, Colin joined the Junior Leaders where he had to quickly grow up and learn to look after himself. He then joined the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and served with them from 1982-1985 in England and Germany during which time he also exercised in
Colin met many good lifelong friends in his short time in the Army and kept in touch with some of them until he passed away after a two and a half years’ battle with throat cancer which he fought bravely. He had several jobs after the Army but the main one was as a Postie in and around Forfar where he was brought up.
Colin was married twice and had three sons, Jamie, Sandy and Fraser, and also six grandchildren whom he absolutely adored. Fifteen years ago he met Liz and they hit it off straight away and spent their years together sharing their love of cars, aeroplanes and animals. They went on seven safaris in Africa and many other trips to various countries. The last trip that they took was to Duxford near Cambridge in their motorhome where Colin took a flight in a spitfire which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Colin was very patriotic with his love of Scotland. His hobbies included curling and he was a member for Fettercairn Curling Club where he won many trophies over the years. He spent many hours in his man-cave making models of various vehicles including tanks,