Page 114 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

112 The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars
Now for some of the other strands. After serving 2 Field Marshalls Tom became quite the courtier. In 1966 he was made an unof- ficial equerry to the King of Thailand when His Majesty was in UK. Subsequently at Queen Sirikit’s request Tom and Mariette became guardians to the Crown Prince, now the King, during his time at Millfield. From 1983 -1985 Tom was an advisor and guard- ian to the Crown Prince, now Emperor Naruhito, of Japan, who also stayed at Chiselhampton for 3 months to improve his English before starting at Oxford. From 1980-88 he was a Gentleman at Arms and subsequently Lieutenant at Arms to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
After leaving the Army he teamed up with John Haycroft to set up International Language Centres (ILC), first in Japan and then spreading to the Middle East and Europe. Over 20 years this became the largest organisation teaching English to Japanese professionals. When he sold up in 1997 Tom reflected that it had neither made nor lost him money, but he was proud that sev- eral thousand students in many countries had been taught good English.
He had long been a member of the Cavalry and Guards Club, and when the Club’s lease fell through he played a major and decisive part in raising the millions necessary to buy the freehold. Later he became Chairman, a post he held for six years.
Another strand was Tom’s passionate love of skiing, first in the army and then after meeting Colonel Peter Lindsay in 1960, his lifelong commitment to Meribel. Peter was the founder of Meribel and not only encouraged Tom to build Chalet Tom Hall just above his chalet, but to become an investor and direc- tor of Meribel Alpina. Tom and Mariette’s wonderful generosity ensured from 1964 that many Hussars stayed at the chalet, this included in the early days the 11H ski team and we were based there for protracted periods. There was an amusing incident dur- ing one of Tom and Mariette’s annual parties that they held for Meribel Alpina; a guest asked “are those all your children?” Tom said yes and they include 2 sets of twins. The Frenchman looked impressed and responded, “Quel technique!” During the follow- ing 30 years Tom was involved with the development of the Trois Vallees into an extensive skiing area. In addition to Meribel he was treasurer of the National Ski Federation for 3 years. He con- tinued skiing until he was 80 and only last summer was taken to Meribel by his children for a final visit.
One great sadness for Tom and all the family was the death in 2007 of his much-loved daughter Anna. Also, after a wonder- ful life Mariette became ill with a progressive disease over their last few years together. But despite her increasing disability she accompanied Tom to many events, and he looked after her with great love.
In summary, Tom was a great contributor and wonderful friend to many. Despite his many other interests he was a lifetime sup- porter of the regimental old comrades, attending gatherings and reunions right to the end. Only last year he gathered with old comrades at the 11H memorial at the National Arboretum. He never started something he didn’t finish or improve. He took us all along with him with his infectious enthusiasm and drive. He was a marvellous family man and participator in his local com- munity and was one of those rare people who could achieve a balance between family and work. Tom will be hugely missed by his exceptionally wide circle of friends and large extended family. And finally, as he often did, I will end with Treu und Fest. In trib- ute to Colonel Tom Hall, a marvellous Hussar and so much more. A long life very well lived.
EMW
Major O C Howard
10th Royal Hussars (PWO) 1968-1969 The Royal Hussars (PWO) 1969-1992
Oliver Howard was a loyal and conscientious regimental officer and his early death, aged 74, shocked his many friends. He was born in 1948 and educated at Twyford School and Winchester College before attending Mons OCS. He joined the 10th Royal Hussars in Munster the year before amalgamation with the 11th.
The troubles in Northern Ireland occupied much of the Army in the early 1970s and Oliver under- took several tours with both The Royal Hussars and the RAC Parachute Squadron as well as
a 6-month tour with the United Nations in Cyprus. He also enjoyed a break as ADC to Sir Douglas Kendrew, Governor of Western Australia. His immaculate dress and fine manners were an asset in this role.
Oliver served in many appointments in the regiment during long years in Germany culminating in those of C Squadron Leader and Second-in-Command in Fallingbostel in the 1980s. He was much liked and respected by all ranks, happy to chat with anyone. He earned the nickname ‘Concord’ as he was often to be seen walking at speed around the barracks, slightly stooped, nose-down atti- tude, arms bent slight behind him resembling the supersonic air- craft coming in to land. His interest in the regimental pictures and silver ensured that Oliver was often either the house member or PMC in the Officers’ Mess. He represented the regiment at ten- nis and was a cricket enthusiast.
As his limited-service commission was nearing its completion and there was no vacancy for another regular officer in The Royal Hussars Oliver discovered that if he obtained a nomination for the Staff College he would automatically be granted a regular commission and a guaranteed career to the age of 55. He therefore set about passing the exam, entering Camberley and subsequently filling a variety of staff appointments.
Oliver retired at the time of the 1992 amalgamation, but he remained a staunch supporter of The King’s Royal Hussars for the next 30 years, serving as a Trustee of both the CB Wilson Bequest and the Museum in Winchester and he was a regular attender at dinners and reunions.
Oliver was appointed a member of Her Majesty’s Bodyguard, the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, in 2000 joining many other retired regimental officers. He was noted for the smartness of his turnout and slickness of his drill and was present at many great state occasions of the early 21st century. One of his proudest moments was to take part in the Vigil during the Lying-in-State of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Oliver was also a member of the MCC and a long-standing Liveryman of the Clothworkers’ Company.
His best move was to marry his old friend Laura Thompson- Royds in 2004. Their wedding at Chelsea Old Church, followed by a reception in St. James’s Palace was a great event. They set- tled at Fivehead in Somerset, entering fully into village life and creating a lovely garden. West Highland terriers were constant companions.