Back to Library Journals

RAOC Gazette - page 191

Image details

Corps RAOC
Material type Journals
Book page
Chapter head
Chapter key
Chapter number
Full title RAOC Gazette
Page number
Publication date 1981
Real page
Colour Yes
Grey No
Early date 1981
Late date 1981
Transcription BIRTHS
FARROW.—On 3rd March 1981, at BMH Rinteln, to Linda and
Corporal Steve Farrow a daughter Stacey Jane.
McDONALD.—On 6th March 1981, at the Craigavon Area
Hospital, Northern Ireland, to Sergeant and Mrs R. A. Mc-
Donald, a son Craig Charles, a brother for Grace, Ronald, Kim
and Keith.
ENGAGEMENTS
COESHOTT—CARPENTER—The engagement is announced
between Major Peter MacKay Dixon Coeshott RAOC, son of
Mr and Mrs Dennis Coeshott, of Brendennis, Mullion, Corn-
wall, and Miss Loraine Carpenter, daughter of the late Mr Derek
Carpenter and Mrs Elizabeth Cockell, of Bramblings, Bedchestcr,
Dorset.
Brigadier Fernyhough.
MARRIAGES
McDONALD—NEWELL.—The marriage took place at Lurgan
Registry Office, Northern Ireland on the 18th October 1980 of
Grace, eldest daughter of Sergeant and Mrs R. A. McDonald, of
the ACIO Portadown, Northern Ireland and Lance Corporal
Steven Newell, Royal Signals, son of Mr and Mrs Derek
Newell of Southampton Hants.
DEATHS
NEAL—On 3rd March 1981, Major G. H. W. Neal (Retd),
late RAEC and Bursar of the RAOC Apprentices College.
THOMAS.—On 4th April 1981, at Addenbrookes Hospital,
Cambridge, after a short illness, Violet Mabel (Anne), beloved
wife of Colonel L. A. Thomas and beloved mother of Bill and
Peter.
THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE have informed us of the death
of the following officers: —
GILMER.—On 9th January 1981, Major (Hon Lieutenant
Colonel) H. S. F. Gilmer.
<&hituuxit&
BRIGADIER A. H. FERNYHOUGH, CBE, MC.
The Director General of Ordnance Services writes: —
It was with great personal sadness that I heard of the death
of Alan Fernyhough on 16th March 1981.
Retiring as he did in 1959, I realize that there will be many
reading this obituary, who will not recall Brigadier Fernyhough
but the Corps today owes him a great debt for the standards
he set and many of his precepts which we still follow. He was
without doubt one of our characters and his going is a
tremendous loss.
He was the twin son of a highly distinguished Colonel also
of our Corps. His mother, who lived to over ninety, still
graced our social functions until her death.
He was educated at Rugby School and the RMA Wool-
wich, and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1924.
An unfortunate disability caused him permanent lameness which
resulted in his transfer to the Corps in 1936—our gain and the
Gunner's loss.
At no time has he ever allowed his handicap to affect his
work, and despite it, under the appalling conditions which
prevailed, he played a very gallant part in the evacuation of the
BEF from Dunkirk, and for this he was awarded the Military
Cross.
His courage—both physical and moral—added to his very
high sense of duty,' his ready turn of phrase, and his intense
anxiety to do all he could for those who served under him,
have not only made him an outstanding Officer of the Corps,
but one whose genuine popularity was evident to anyone who
served with him. After his retirement in 1959 he returned to
the School of Ordnance as a retired officer.
It is his time at the School over the years that I particularly
remember him and there are many today who are better Ord-
nance Officers as a result of learning from his wide experience
and down-to-earth advice. Gladly his name will live on as the
author of a number of works on Corps history the last of which
was reviewed in the Corps GAZETTE in-February 1980 and very
aptly described as follows:—What makes his history such com-
pulsive reading is that one never knows when to expect the next
' Ferny-ism'—a mixture of wise comment, vigorous conclusion
and pungent wit, all expressed one hardly needs to add, in fault-
less prose.
Many will also recall his great dedication to Corps Rugby
and his tireless efforts in organising a series of successful Corps
teams. He extended his love of sport to cricket.
In final retirement and suffering from ill health and failing
eyesight he continued as a pillar of strength in his own village
life at Ash Vale; he was Vice Chairman of the Ash Vale Parish
Council until 1979, Chairman of the Local Residents' Association
and a strong supporter of his Parish Church.
To all of us who know him well we shall miss with affection
his active mind arid perceptive views on life. It was an honour
and privilege to serve with him, pure enjoyment to be in his
company and to his brother Brigadier Ted Fernyhough and
sister Ruth, we offer our sincerest condolences.
*
*
*
PRIVATE CRAIG YARDLEY
SSM Godfrey writes:—
Private Craig Yardley died tragically as a result of a traffic
accident on 23rd February 1981.
Craig enlisted as a junior soldier on 6th September 1977,
joining the Parachute Regiment on entering man's service. In
October 1979 he transferred to RAOC and after training was
employed as a Driver. •
Since joining RAOC, all of his service was spent at Kine-
ton except for an emergency tour in Northern Ireland where he
served with 321 EOD. In the short time he had been in the
Corps he passed his B3 and B2 Driver trade test and obtained
his HGV Class 1. He passed the RPC3 and RPC2 and was
determined to make himself a good career.
Craig was liked and respected by all who knew him,
especially his fellow drivers. He had a sound approach to life
and to his work.
Sadness is felt at the tragic loss at the young age of twenty
of such a good member of our working team.. His passing is
deeply felt in the unit and sincere condolences are extended to
his family and close friends.
398 —
Book number R0404a