RAOC Gazette - page 101
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1983 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | Yes |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1983 |
| Late date | 1983 |
| Transcription |
Jfor tlje &£torb AWARDS FOR NORTHERN SERVICE IN IRELAND QGM Staff Sergeant M. Bcrridge GOC'S COMMENDATION W02 (SQMS) J. B. H. McBryde THE Brigadier Crawley. BRIGADIER QUEEN'S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT W02 (SQMS) D. M. Couplng QGM Sergeant J. R. Howard (See page 83 opposite.) FOUR BRIGADIERS RETIRE THESE last few months have seen the retirement of four Brigadiers, probably the largest exodus of senior officers for some considerable time. Three of these, Brigadier Peter Crawley, Brigadier Charles Smith and Brigadier Paddy Groves, are mem- bers of that illustrious age group, ' the twenty-eighters,' which was double the normal size and which produced so many talented and capable senior officers. BRIGADIER F. P. C R A W L E Y C. W. S M I T H GM CHARLES SMITH has been one of the most colourful characters in the Corps over recent years. Life has rarely been dull with Charles around, and it is difficult to accept that no longer will we have the benefit of his infectious enthusiasm and his imperious style. A man of absolute conviction, he was always completely in favour or completely against—not for him the uncommitted ground in the centre. It was certainly more comfortable to have him on your side. Commissioned into RAOC in 1947, he has seen service in many parts of the world including Palestine, Tel-el-Kebir, Kenya, BAOR, Hong Kong and Didcot. One of the early highlights of his career was the award of the George Medal in 1965 for personal bravery at Minden, West Germany, when dealing with carriages on an ammunition train that had caught fire and exploded. However, Charles will best be remembered for his work during his last two appointments, COO UKLF and DLSA. The main features of his tour as DLSA were his enthusiasm and his untiring efforts in championing the cause of ATs and ATOs, and helping to establish the firm bond that now exists with the operational units in Northern Ireland and with other law en- forcement agencies. CBE PETER CRAWLEY has left his unmistakable stamp on many features of Corps life. He is one of the most enthusiastic and conscientious officers I have ever known, and 1 suspect that he will still be asking for progress reports during his terminal leave. Indeed his B / F diary is a work of art and it is rumoured that the RAOC Museum is <anxious to obtain the original. Although an unfortunate attack of polio in' his mid-twenties cut short his own playing career, his great passion in life (besides work, work and Eileen) has been rugby and one of his most treasured memories was in 1980 when the 3 BAD rugby team, which he built and fostered as Commandant, won the Army Cup. Corps rugby over the years owes much to his dedicated and vociferous support. The Army Rugby Referees Association will breathe a sigh of relief on his departure. Peter has filled many of the important appointments in the Corps, two of which, DOS BAOR and D Sup Ops in Head- quarters DGOS, were held at a time when savings exercises such as ' Fair Value' and the ' Moratorium' created considerable problems for the Corps. We were fortunate to have such capable hands at the helm. In addition to holding the appointment of Honorary Colonel TA Sponsored Units 1980/81, he was appointed ADC to The Queen in 1981 and awarded the CBE in the 1983 Birth- day Honours List. Peter now goes to work for the Health Service in Wales (I hope someone has warned Cardiff Arms Park). We wish him and Eileen success and happiness in their next career. — 82 — Brigadier Smith. |
| Book number | R0406 |