Updated Service Notice: A service for Brian Wright will be held on Friday the 8th of December 2023 at 1030hrs at Torbay Cemetery & Crematorium, Hele Road, Torquay TQ2 7QG. The Regimental Association will be giving his family full support for a military funeral with a regimental Drape, Wreath, Hat and belt, Pall Bearers, Standard Bearers and Bugler. Len Keeling will be bringing a 19-seater mini bus from Gloucester, (front entrance SOGM on Commercial Road at 0600hrs (TBC)) He is happy to fill the remaining seats on a first-come first-served basis. With possible pick-up on-route at Gordano Services Junction 19 of the M5. Anyone wishing to book a seat is to contact Len directly at 07414945062. Dress Regimental Ties. Brian's family cordially invites any Gloster friends and family to attend the service and the wake afterwards, which will be at the Crown and Sceptre, 2 Petitor Road, Torquay TQ1 4QA. There is only a small car park at the back of the pub, but there is a large bus/car-friendly car park at the Babbacombe model village; and 2 other car parks with good capacity next to Bygones and behind the Driftwood Café. There is also free street parking in various areas, with the closest being marked on the undermentioned map. All locations marked are less than 2-8 minutes amble from the pub. For information, Fore Street is pedestrianised.
No More Parades. It is my sad duty to inform the passing of Brian Wright, former RSM, Officer and Gentleman of the 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment. Brian sadly passed away on Tuesday 14th November 2023, at his home in Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon. A service will be held at Torquay Crematorium, and dates/timings will be published when finalised. The Somerset County Chairman has been in contact with his Son and Daughter (Bob & Sadie) and they have requested full Association support at his funeral. Regimental Drape, Wreath, Hat and belt will be supplied by the County Chairman, but we will need volunteers as standard bearers and a bugler. Bob and Sadie cordially invites all Gloster friends and families to the service.
Anyone wishing to travel on the mini bus from SOGM to the above funeral on the 8th December please contact me on : 07414945062 to book a seat.
No More Parades (Belated Notice): It is my sad duty to inform the passing of Mr & Mrs Stan and June Knipes.
It is my sad duty to inform the passing of 24375344 Pte Alan Lloyd aged 69 Years.
Alan’s funeral is being organised by his sister, Wendy Bevan, and will be held at the Forest of Dean crematorium (Yew Tree Brake, Speech House Road, GL14 3HU Cinderford) at 3.30 pm on Friday 3 March. Afterwards, a wake will be held at the Yew Tree Inn, Peterstow, HR9 6JZ. The family welcome any former Glosters who would like to attend both Alan’s funeral and the Wake. Condolences may be sent to his sister, Wendy Bevan, at
Stephen (Steve) Edward James Wright, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, the funeral service will be held at St Mary the Virgin Church, Fore Street, Torquay, TQ1 4QY on Monday 30th of January 2023 at 13.45. Please wear what you are comfortable with. Family flowers only but donations, if desired, for the Rowcroft Hospice at Home team by retiring collection.
Mark Bessell, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, the funeral service will be held at Bristol South Crematorium, on Friday 3rd February at 3 pm. No flowers please, but if you would like to show your appreciation for the impact Mark has had on your life, please donate to Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team which brought Mark home to his family.
Philip Miller, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, the funeral service will be held at Sedgemoor Crematorium Stretcholt TA6 4SR at 1100hrs on Monday 30th January 2023. No flowers please, but should anyone wish to donate, there is a just-giving site at: Crowdfunding to In memory of Philip Allen (Dusty) Miller 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment 28th/61st on JustGiving
Richard Smith will be held at Gloucester crematorium on Friday 3rd February @ 1pm and the wake will be held at Stroud rfc , family flowers only , donations to Gloucester royal hospital intensive care unit charity
Listed below are dates and times for upcoming funerals
Service Notice: Funeral details have now been released for Stephen (Steve) Edward James Wright, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, who died on the 31st of December 2022.
The Association will be supporting the family at the service, providing the Regimental drape and wreath, no standard bearers are required. Steve's funeral will be held at St Mary the Virgin Church, Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay, TQ1 4QY on Monday 30th of January 2023 at 13.45. Please wear what you are comfortable with. Family flowers only but donations, if desired, for the Rowcroft Hospice at Home team by retiring collection. Please contact Coop Funeral Care, Moorview Funeral Home, 79-85 Barton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7NY. Tel 01803 311511. A full obituary will be shortly published on the Glosters Regimental Website.
Harry Mann informs us:
With sadness I pass on the information my brother Ronald Mann passed away just before Xmas.
He was 89 years old.Served in the Gloster's in ,Germany and at Andover.
Buried at Matson,Gloucester,12-01-2023.
I served in the regiment 1945-1950.Still fair health at 95 years old.I now live in Adelaide,South Australia.
24907396 Pte Alan Alderman (AKN Stan)
Len Keeling reports that It is with great sadness that Alan Alderman passed away on the 8th August. Condolences have been sent to his wife Andrea in Cheltenham and to the family from the Regimental Association.
Alan joined 1 Glosters in 1990 transferring to 1 RGBW in1994. He served in NI, Bosnia, Yugoslavia. In addition, his service took him to Canada, Germany, Botswana, Cyprus and the Falklands. He was discharged from fulltime service in 1997 and in civilian life he was employed in engineering.
UPDATE
Latest on Alan Alderman’s funeral. He will be cremated at Cheltenham crematorium, Bouncers Ln, Prestbury, Cheltenham GL52 5JT on Friday 26 Aug at 15:00 hrs in the Oak Chapel.
24099263 WO2 Nick Bosquet, of the 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. Nick passed away on Thursday 21st July 2022 at Southmead Hospital Bristol as a result of pneumonia and a stroke.
The Regimental Association has sent sincere condolences to the family on behalf of all members and offered assistance at the service. Having spoken to the family they have requested the Regimental Coffin Drape, and a personalised Regimental Poppy Wreath at the funeral. The funeral will take place on Tuesday 16th August, 12 noon, at St George's RC Church, Warminster, Wiltshire. Afterwards, there will be a celebration of his life at the church hall next door. The County Chairman is unable to attend as out of the country, however, his family would really appreciate any of Nicks's friends or veterans from the Glosters to attend.
After 23 years of service, with postings to Germany, Northern Ireland, and tours to Belize, Cyprus and Oman, he completed his service at the School of Infantry in Warminster. Post-service, he joined the Territorials and embarked on an extended period of study, gaining his HND in Business & Finance at Bristol Polytechnic, Accountancy qualifications, a certificate in Horticulture from Lackham Agricultural College and a qualification to teach English as a foreign language. In between these study periods, he was an accountant at Buxted Chicken Company, and then returned to Mauritius to turn his hand to farming - first tomatoes and then pigs - before finally joining the British Council in Mauritius, teaching English to adults and young learners.
After being diagnosed with kidney failure and type 2 diabetes, he returned to the UK to be near his family. During lockdown, he was admitted to hospital with gout and ended up having an amputation below the knee. Earlier this year, his other leg was amputated in the hope of stemming a recurrent infection. In between his bouts of illness, he remained intellectually sound and fought to maintain his independence, hoping to begin his application to a military retirement home. Sadly, this was not to be.
Nick leaves behind his wife Sybille, children Michaela, Leane, Andy and 7 grandchildren.
WO2, 24388132 Graham “Jasper” Scarrott. We are most grateful to Kayleigh for providing us with an excellent account of Graham's service life with the Glosters, The Intelligence Corps and after with the Ministry of Defence.
Graham enlisted into the Army on 18th August 1975, joining 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment at 16 and half years old.
He served in Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles where he met his wife, Verity. His tour included special duties with 14 Int. Company, after which he transferred to the Intelligence Corps in 1985.
After a tour of the Falklands, Jasper returned to the UK and with Verity, and welcomed two children. Their son Simon, born in 1987 and daughter Kayleigh, born in 1990.
He was among the first Int Corps personnel to deploy to theatre at the start of the 1st Gulf War, just 16 days after the invasion of Kuwait.
He deployed to (what was) Yugoslavia with NATO in the mid-90’s and on return, was posted to Cyprus.
After 25 years ‘exemplary’ service in uniform, he retired from the Army on 31st March 2000 with ACSM, Gulf, Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, General Service, and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.
Upon leaving the army, his testimonial described him as: “and outstanding imagery analyst, well adjusted with a good sense of humour, reliable, trustworthy and with integrity of the highest order”.
A day after his retirement from the Army, Jasper officially joined the Ministry of Defence as a Civil Servant. He continued his work as an analyst, going on to lead key elements of the UK analytical effort post 9/11.
Jasper retired in September 2020 after serving a total of 45 years in Defence. After 25 years ‘exemplary’ service in uniform, he retired from the Army on 31st March 2000 with ACSM, Gulf, Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, General Service, and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.
Jasper passed away at the age of 63 on 31st July 2022 after a short, but complicated illness. Jasper was surrounded by his family and those that knew him will be heartened to know that he remained cantankerous until the very end.
Jasper’s funeral will take place on Thursday 1st September at Peterborough Crematorium (PE6 7JE) at 1130hrs, followed by a celebration of his life at The Greystones Pub in Sawtry (PE28 5ST) from 1300hrs. All those that wish to honour him will be welcomed.
Family flowers only please. Those wishing to make a contribution are requested to donate in Jasper’s name to the Royal Papworth Hospital, and/or the Intelligence Corps Association.
24121357 (William Charles George Wallace) always known as George.
He Joined 1 Glosters 1967 and served until 1973 in Chester, Berlin, Londonderry, Honiton, Minden, Belfast.
We learn that the funeral will take place at 1100hrs on 10 august 2022 at west Berkshire crematoriam Bath road Thatcham Berks RG19 4LD
Afterwards wake will be held at the RBL Haigh House Pelican Lane Newbury RG14 1NP
23833743 David Thorne AKN (Fred) who served 1 Glosters sadly passed away on the 27th June 2022, he will be much missed by his many friends.
24203424 Mike Perrins
Len Keeling writes:
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of 24203424 Mike Perrins who served with the Glosters from 1972-1983 best remembered as C/Sgt SP Coy transferred to the RAOC in 1983 finishing his time as WO1. Mike lost his battle with cancer on weds 15th June. I am in touch with the family, condolences have been sent.
UPDATE
Details of Mick Perrins funeral to be held at Gloucester Crem on 7 July at 14:00 hrs and after at Saintbridge Rugby Club.
Dress : NO Military dress, but please wear- Hawaiian Party dress and bright clothing ( grass skirts would be acceptable) any ex Gloster or comrade/friends are welcome to attend. Unusual form of dress but it was Micks last wishes
Len.
We hear from Stratton St. Margaret RBL of the death of Tom Barns.The only other infomation to hand at present is that the funeral is on the 6th July 12 noon.St. Margarets Church, Ermin Street Upper Stratton St. Margaret followed by burial 1300hrs. Wake at the RBL Branch in St. Phillips road. Captain Len Keeling will be in attendance with two Standard Bearers.
24134916 Michael (Mickey) Bailey B Coy.
Mike Heavens has reported with great sadness of the passing of Mickey (Michael) Bailey. He was a "B" Coy stalwart who was badly injured during the 72 tour of Belfast - a good friend and a really lovely man.
Mike Heavens speaks for all when he sends condolences to the family.
Rest in Peace bro!! Daughter Kayla will keep Len up to date with the funeral arrangements etc.'
Mickey died 23rd June 2022
UPDATE MIKE BAILEY'S FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Michael Heavens has posted the following information on social media
In case anyone has not got details of Mike Baileys funeral here they are? It will be leaving from his mum and dads house 55 Aldwick avenue Hartcliffe Bristol BS13 0NU - At 1:30 on Thursday the 28th July. If anyone prefers to meet at the crematorium it’s at Bristol South Crematorium funeral starts at 2:15. Mike`s brother is organising and requires no input.
Bristol South Crematorium is at :Bridgwater Rd, Bedminster Down, Bristol BS13 7AS
Len Keeling writes:
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of 24203424 Mike Perrins who served with the Glosters from 1972-1983 best remembered as C/Sgt SP Coy transferred to the RAOC in 1983 finishing his time as WO1. Mike lost his battle with cancer on weds 15th June. I am in touch with the family, condolences have been sent.
UPDATE
Details of Mick Perrins funeral to be held at Gloucester Crem on 7 July at 14:00 hrs and after at Saintbridge Rugby Club.
Dress : NO Military dress, but please wear- Hawaiian Party dress and bright clothing ( grass skirts would be acceptable) any ex Gloster or comrade/friends are welcome to attend. Unusual form of dress but it was Micks last wishes
Len.
Martin Talling reports:It is my sad duty to inform the passing of Mr K Attwood, Royal Berkshire Regiment and 5th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, Ken passed away on 27th May 2022. Roger Smith has been the point of contact with the family as Ken was the former standard-bearer of the Severn Branch. The funeral is at The Oak Chapel, Cheltenham Crematorium on Thursday 16th June at 2 pm.
Stan Knipe wrote the following about Ken; I have had a phone call from Mrs Jenny Attwood saying that her husband had passed away on the 25th of May 2022, He was in the Royal Berkshire Regiment between 1949 and 1951 and served in Eritrea East Africa with B company. When his 2 years were up he transferred to the 5th Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment for 3 years. After leaving the Army, he contacted me and wanted to help me start an association branch in Gloucester, which we called Gloucestershire Severn Branch. Ken decided he wanted to be the Standard Bearer, he was living in Cheltenham when he died at age 92, and he will be missed.
The Regimental Association sends our sincere condolences on behalf of all members to the family and friends of Ken.
We hear from Stratton St. Margaret RBL of the death of Tom Barns.The only other information to hand at present is that the funeral is on the 6th July 12 noon.St. Margarets Church, Ermin Street Upper Stratton St. Margaret followed by burial 1300hrs. Wake at the RBL Branch in St. Phillips road. Captain Len Keeling will be in attendance with two Standard Bearers.