Page 138 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

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REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
to live at Ardvar, in the north west highlands, where he became a highly successful fish farmer, while together they created several acres of stunning gardens running down to the sea.
The Paynes devoted their lives to supporting the fragile High- land economy. Jim was an ardent conservationist, and in his management of his 11,000 acre highland estate, was able, by example, to prove that by highly selective and sensitive deer management, rather than excessive culling, he could increase forestry natural regeneration, without resource to extensive deer fencing – this very much against policies of Scottish National Heritage.
Jim died on Christmas Day 2019, and is survived by Margaret, by his two daughters Nicky and Philippa, and by his son Mi- chael. His nephew, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown is Member of Par- liament for The Cotswolds, while one of his 10 grandchildren, Charlie Shirley-Beavan, hunts the Tyndall Hounds.
RSL
Mr Kenneth “Ken” Stanton
Tuesday 29th November was another sad day for Scarlet Lancers Old Comrades as 15 OCA members formed a guard at the fu- neral of Ken Stanton, to honour his 22 years Regimental Service. The funeral took place at Accrington Crematorium with Scarlet Lancers arriving from North and South to pay their respects to an old comrade and wish him well on his journey to the Senior Squadron. The service was well attended by family, friends, RBL and others and took place in an understated and respectful man- ner with much being made of his Army Service. The Last Post and Reveille was played with feeling by a RBL Trumpeter and John Constable read out a short poem
Colin Taylor
A huge contingent of 60+ Scarlet Lanc- ers who included many we have not seen in years mustered from all areas of UK to attend a hugely respected Scarlet Lancers funeral at St. Emmanuel’s Church in Walsall followed by an in- ternment in Lawn Cemetery, Willen- hall. Colin’s coffin was adorned with Regimental flag and a wreath provided by HHQ. After a hymn, Colin’s military career was eloquently summarised by Tony Willmore during a befitting and
touching eulogy, Tony shared some memories from Andrew Phillips, Simon Haines and Cris Glavey which highlighted Col- in’s humility and respect for others. Andy Parker drove up from Bristol to play the Last Post and Reveille at Internment and eve- rybody then moved to The Gunners to pull up a sandbag, remi- nisce and share fishing, darts and general army stories. Colin you are gone but you will not be forgotten old friend, Janice Tay- lor and family will always be welcome at Scarlet Lancer events. RIP Colin Taylor
SH
WO1 Dennis Tomlin
Dennis was a great regimental charac- ter; his famous moustache and gentle- manly bearing were known throughout the 17/21L and the Royal Armoured Corps.
His career started in 1949 when, as a Na- tional Serviceman, he joined the 14/20H serving on Comets, Cromwell’s, Church- ills and Valentines. He then joined his local TA regiment, The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry. One of his proudest
memories was with his twin brother in the Yeomanry marching contingent on the Coronation procession.
He joined the 17/21L in 1958 soon rising through the ranks. His skills as a gunnery instructor were soon noticed and, after ser- vice in RHQ, C, HQ and Air Squadrons, he was posted to Hohne Gunnery wing as RSMI. This would lead to the unique distinc- tion of holding the posts of RSMI Lulworth Gunnery School, RSMI Lulworth Ranges and finally RSM Lulworth. In his last two years of service he was the senior RSM of the Royal Ar- moured Corps. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. On returning to civilian life he became very active in the 17/21L Southern Branch and The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry Regi- mental Associations.
From 1983 to 2001 he served in the Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard, again universally popular with his fel- low Yeomen. One of the highlights of his service was being part of the Sovereign’s escort on the formation of The QRL. For his loyal service Dennis was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal.
Dennis was a most kind and considerate man, universally popu- lar with all ranks, particularly amongst his soldiers where he was very much a father figure. His old-fashioned standards and prin- ciples, humour and kindness were admired by all.
Maj Mick Welborn
DRF
Whether you knew him as Major Wel- born, Sir, Jabba, The Oracle, or just plain Mick, he was a man who repre- sented everything that it means to be a Lancer. Professional soldier, loyal friend and dedicated family man he was, judg- ing by the numbers at his funeral an in- dividual who touched many of our lives. Mick sadly passed away on Monday 2nd September 2019.
Mick’s competence stood out from the first moment he joined the 9/12L in Wolfenbüttel in Germany in 1986. Rather unusually he was posted to the Motor Transport or MT Troop which was short of drivers. Undeterred, and with characteristic enthusiasm he immediately set about collecting every driving license he could, the Regimental Journal in this first year recording that “Big Mick (or Jabba) rules the roost and
is the main stalwart of the Troopers.”
Following a Regimental move to Wimbish in the following year Mick moved to the Guided Weapons squadron and so began his love affair with Striker and gunnery more broadly. He received his first promotion in 1989 and was already a prominent figure in the rugby team – a memorable match against the dominant 7 Signal Regiment seeing him score two tries
The first Gulf War in 1991 saw Mick deploy to Saudi Arabia with D Squadron. Never one to sit back during the inevitable long periods of waiting Mick and Andy Pumford built a multi-gym out of sand channels and scaffolding bars, subsequently intro- ducing ‘tonne-ups’ to the squadron – ten repetitions of ten dif- ferent exercises as a competition in the middle of the desert. A memorably enthusiastic Assistant Physical Training Instructor, Mick proved himself as a member of the Regiment’s volleyball and basketball teams, going on to win the Army championship with the former.
In the Regiment’s tour to Belfast in 1993 Mick, by now a team commander in A Squadron, was awarded a GOC’s commenda- tion for his performance in the field – with a particular inci- dent in Donegall Street being highlighted. He was, in his troop leader’s words ‘a damn fine soldier’. In the midst of all this mili-