Page 191 - Bugle Autumn 2014

OBITUARY
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Tony (Bob) Pickford MBE
Bob Pickford, or ‘Uncle Bob’ as he was known to many, died
on 24th September 2013 after a brave fight against a short illness. Relatively short in stature, he was a huge and well-known character, who led by example and loved his regiments; he never failed to keep the pace, and to keep up morale.
He was born in to a hard environment in Durham and learned from a very young age how to take care of himself. His tenacity, hard headedness and common sense proved invaluable as his life developed. He was the first to admit that the Army gave him the break that he needed, and described his career as being “from Borstal to Buckingham Palace” following early brushes with the law, and culminating with the presentation of his MBE as he left the Army.
From the earliest days as a recruit, his talents were obvious to those who trained him. His early career was in the Bugle Platoon of 1LI, and following that start Bob was always immaculately smart, “with razor edge creases and ironed jumper”. His talent as a soldier continued to be recognised, and he was selected to be an Instructor at Sandhurst. It was not only the cadets who worried; one Platoon Commander recalls Bob inspecting him, such was his concern at his turnout, saying he “was not about to let me loose looking like a flayed horse”.
Many will remember with great affection a character and above all a gentleman; his ‘quiet words’ gripped people effortlessly, and his style was an inspiration. He was widely respected for this, whether it was by newly promoted serjeants joining his Mess when he was the RSM of 1LI, always finding time to offer words of advice and encouragement, or providing wise counsel for young officers. Bob never failed to set the perfect example; he was an outstanding leader.
On formation, The Rifles’ highest priority was recruiting and so it was appropriate to put one of the best Late Entry officers on the main effort. Bob was that man and galvanised that effort, cajoling all those working in recruiting to improve, and initiating an operation that remains the envy of the Infantry. It is largely as a result of his work that The Rifles continues to be the best recruited regiment within the Infantry.
supported by his wife Angie. Even during his illness he wrote: “Angie has been an absolute star during this horrendous period in our lives, as my loving wife and solid rock
Bob grew to love Cyprus, serving several tours there, finally commanding Episkopi Garrison, and then retiring to the island. He loved golf, and his handicap was down to single figures. He became both Captain
and Chairman of the Joint Service Golf Club (Dhekelia), and he led the Army Team to many a victory. One of the greatest accolades afforded to him was to have a hole named after him; ‘Pickford’s Pylons’ will always serve as a reminder of his presence and influence.
a character and above all a gentleman; his ‘quiet words’ gripped people effortlessly, and his style was an inspiration
to lean on, turning into my caring nurse when needed and then winning all awards by being an inspirational bully when I was at my lowest; what a girl!” He was a devoted family man to Angie, their daughters Stacey and Jolene, and their granddaughters.
His humour and resilience endured, demonstrated with one last comment from him; “sympathy? Not on my watch! A wee prayer; yes please!”
From an encounter in Hong Kong, Bob was wonderfully
The Regiment has lost a mentor, a huge character and a respected leader, in the broadest meaning of the word.
THE RIFLES
RIFLES SPORTS 189