Page 210 - Bugle Autumn 2014

JACOB, JOHN HOWARD LT COL MC. Died
9 November 2013. John Howard Jacob the last commanding officer of the Durham Light Infantry awarded an MC in the Malayan emergency. John Howard Jacob was born on 24th June 1928 in Castleton. His father being a vicar meant that he and his two sisters spent had an idyllic childhood in several country parishes dotted around North Yorkshire. Educated at Durham school where he played for the 1st XV, he was an astute tactical runner and a highly skilled horseman. The modern pentathlon and polo were both sports he loved and excelled at. Whilst at Sandhurst, he captained the modern pentathlon team and also represented the Army. Later in life sport became more of a leisure activity but he could still get very excited watching rugby on the television which upset the family dog who cowered under his chair.
He was commissioned into the Durham Light Infantry in 1948, which he was to serve proudly and enthusiastically for the next twenty years. The DLI had a most impressive long history
but none of the stuffiness that can come with such pedigree. The Geordie’s banter and humour was a
importantly effective; winning the respect of the men under him to such an extent that he finished his secondment as a company commander
at the tender age of 25. He was mentioned in despatches once before being awarded a Military Cross in 1953.
On 16th January 1953 Jacob led a patrol into an area of thick rubber in search of a party of terrorists who had been reported in the general area. His patrol soon came under fire from
several concealed positions in the rubber and engaging the enemy with a section, Jacob without hesitation at once lead his men in a search through the thick undergrowth. On a lighter note, while he was serving with the Gurkha’s, a passion for curries was ignited. He was a seriously good cook and his curries were a joy to eat. After his
Malayan adventure he returned to the Durham Light Infantry. Staff training was done at Schrivenham where he fell in with
a bunch of likeminded mischievous characters all of whom remained lifelong friends. He was to return to action in Borneo with the DLI as second in command. He eventually was to
command the regiment, but even though it was only for a short time, he was very proud to be the last commanding officer of the
DLI and to take them into 4LI whose final posting was with the United Nations peace keeping force in Cyprus.
After the army he was to serve as Secretary of the North East Yorkshire Community Health Council as well as county councillor. The Army did largely define his personality but his values were shaped by his childhood in NE Yorkshire. He had a
clear sense of duty and strong moral compass.
He married Jane Keenlyside in 1965 and she together with
their two sons and one daughter survive him.
constant source of enjoyment for him and
he also relished life in the mess. Three years
into his military career he was seconded
to the 2nd Battalion 10th Princess Mary’s
Own Ghurkha Rifles who were operational
in the Malayan Emergency. I think some
people are blessed to have a period in their
lives when everything they aspired to and
have prepared for all comes together. At
first it was not looking good for him as he
was made Company Officer to sort out
the accounts but after an inspection of the regiment by Lord Harding, the new addition to the regiment was sized up and sent out into action. Taking patrols out into the jungle for days at a time where initiative, drive and sheer determination were required to get the job done. By all accounts he was fearless, but most
winning the respect of the men under him to such an extent that he finished his secondment as a company commander at the tender age of 25
ROGERS, Ivan Thomas Arnold. 14514812 Pte 9DLI
died 12 September 2013 aged 96. Ivan was released from the Metropolitan Police during the London Blitz and joined 9DLI. He landed on Gold Beach 6 June 1944 and fought through every town and village in Normandy to Berlin in July 1945.
ROGERS, Christopher (Trigger). Christopher died on the morning of 12 September 13, down in Telford. He served in 1st Bn The Durham Light Infantry and 3rd Bn The Light Infantry.
SMART, John. Died in July 2014.
TANTER, Bernard John Andrew MA osc sq. Bernard died 15 August 2014 whilst on holiday in Italy. He was born 24 Feb 40 and married Joan 16 April 66. Commissioned from University Candidate (Oxford) into DLI 23 Jan 61 and retired 28 Sep 81. Bernard was seconded British Joint Service Trg Team Zambia 1966 to 1969. Assistant MA Madrid Nov 76 to Dec 78. Served in Northern Ireland
1969-70-71-79. After retiring from the Army he went to Winchester College as a don to teach Modern Languages. He is survived by his wife Jo and children Alexander, Sophie, Ben, Natasha and Matthew.
TYERS, Alfred. Alfred died in April 2014 at the age of 96. He served during WW2 with 6DLI and was eventually POW.
WALTON, Ronnie. Ronnie died on Sunday 4 May 2014. WATERS, Maurice died in July 2014 aged 72. Maurice serviced
in 1DLI.
WELSH, Pat. Died in July 2014.
WELFORD, Billy. Billy served in the 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry as C/Sjt for 30 years. He died on the 28 November 2013.
WILLIS, Arthur. Arthur died on 8 June 2014 t home aged 101 years old. He served with 2DLI 1932-1938 and 1939-1946.
WOOD, Donald. Donald passed away on 26 September 2013. He was a devoted member of the South Shields Branch and served in the Royal Engineers.
YOUNG, Leslie. Leslie died in September 2013. He served with 2DLI.
208 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE RIFLES