Page 132 - QDG Volume 9 No. 5

130 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
inside and out from his time as Delta callsign and decided to
get stuck into the action right away. Within 5 days of becoming
a Troop Leader Ed had seen his vehicle destroyed, lost all of
his belongings that he wasn’t wearing and been involved in
the Field Army’s first firefight since Op HERRICK 20. As with
everything Ed did in his time in the QDG he took these expe-
riences head-on, using his professional competence, brilliant
ability to draw on the experience of those under his command
and wry sense of humour (for a tall man) to achieve success.
Following Mali Ed had a steady year of Squadron level exer-
cises. A C Sqn man through and through Ed then deployed to
Texas on Ex WARFIGHTER, where he volunteered to work in
the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3(UK) Division’s ‘situa-
tional awareness cell’. He regretted this when he found out that
he’d have to go to 4 ROMEO. Whilst uncomfortable for Ed it was
good for the QDG as we were able to put 4 different Edwards
(H, C, D and F) into the Divisional construct and thus guarantee
success for Britain and NATO.
Ed then spent time as an Observor Mentor on Squadron Level
international exercises before deploying to California for several
months on Project Convergence Capstone 4, where along with
Joe Kite he once again did the QDG name proud to an interna-
tional audience.
All through this time there had been something missing in
Ed’s life. Pining to reach that next level of development he knew
that this would only happen under one of the two father figures
in his life, his father and his first Tp Ldr Ed (C). Most likely to
reach Self-Actualisation under Ed (C), Ed (D) become Regi-
mental Signals Officer, taking over from Ed (Ca). This moved him
just one office away from his old patron Ed (C). Despite having
decided to leave the Army, Ed’s final year was filled with the drive
and commitment that he showed throughout his time at QDG.
Whilst RSO he was also the Potential Officer Liaison Officer
(POLO) and worked closely with the Colonel of the Regiment,
Adjutant and QDG’s Sandhurst representative in a period that
saw QDG commission a highly talented crop of Officers.
Ed was a brilliant officer. Professionally competent yet humble
he never had to self-advertise his abilities. He’ll be greatly
missed in the mess, conversation was never dull and he rarely
(if ever) turned down a good booze up. Importantly Ed will also
be missed by the soldiers of the QDG. He got the relationship
with his men right. Calmly walking that thin line between a good
and humorous relationship whilst allowing no doubt as to who
is in command. Soldiers have lost a great leader, Junior officers
coming through QDG in the next few years have lost a brilliant
role model, the mess has lost a great drinker and JP Morgan
have gained a terrible mathematician.
Captain George Barham QDG
It is with great fondness that we bid farewell
of adventure that few can match. Whether
to Captain George Barham, an officer whose
it’s exploring the far corners of the world,
unwavering dedication to 1st The Queen’s
embracing the unknown, or indulging in his
Dragoon Guards was inspiring. In his years of
expensive taste for the finest wines, George
service, George distinguished himself not just
lives life to the fullest, always with a flair and
by his leadership, but by his profound commit-
charm that captivates those around him. His
ment to the betterment of the Regiment and
zest for life is matched only by his equally
the welfare of those who served alongside him.
peculiar penchant for motorised vehicles,
His service saw him thrive as a Troop Leader
which he enjoys thrashing around his vast
in B Squadron. His ability to turn a 355 radio
estate.
on and set the correct frequency highlighted
And yet, for all his many gifts, George’s unique
him from the other Troop Leaders and as
sense of humour, or rather his chronic lack of
such he was the obvious choice for RSO. He
banter, was something that endeared him to us
deployed on Op Newcombe in this role and
all. While others might have dazzled with quick
did an outstanding job. He finished off his time
Hero? Sleeves?wit or sparkling conversation, George’s quiet,
at Regimental Duty as Second in Command C
thoughtful nature and occasional chinny joke
Squadron. He always wanted to be in the mighty C Squadron,
somehow made him all the more memorable. His company was
so it was a happy ending for George. His wider service to the
never boring, his presence always appreciated.
Regiment included delivering Ex White Knight, Senior Subaltern
Though Captain George Barham may have left the Regiment,
and so much more. The Officers’ Mess truly felt the benefit of
his spirit and character will remain with us forever. He will be
George’s leadership.
remembered not only for his commitment to his soldiers, his
George’s passion for engineering is as boundless as his spirit
engineering exploits, and his adventurous soul, but for the
of adventure and taste for Doom Bar. His ingenious yet occa-
way he made each of us feel like part of something larger than
sionally misguided enthusiasm for building things, most notably
ourselves. His legacy lives on in every soldier he mentored, in
a car that never quite started, became legendary. It was a fitting
every project he started, and in every glass of port raised in the
reflection of his character: always striving, always dreaming, and
mess.
never shying away from the challenge, no matter how improb-
able. As eccentric as he is talented, George embodies a sense
Farewell, George. You may have departed from the Regiment,
but you will always be one of us.