9th-12th-Lancers - Year 1987 - Page 0085
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 1987 |
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Mention of an old friend unfailingly evokes particular memories and I will always associate Bill with the presentation of our Guidon at Wolfenbuttel. This was a parade on the grandest scale and he played a major part in this chapter of regimental history. He was commissioned when the amalgamation took place and served at ERE until his retirement in 1970‘ Like all good soldiers, Bill had his tough side; he had a reputation for calling a spade a spade! Many soldiers who stepped out of line had the error of their ways pointed out to them, and only the brave or loolhardy invited an encore. For all that he was basically a kind man. who would go out of his way to help. In civilian life Bill became very active with the Royal British Legion. he had. in fact. joined the Legion as a youth. This was a natural outlet for his abilities and his appointment as Chair- man of the local branch indicated the regard and respect with which he was held. A devoted family man. Bill paid many visits to Mons/Moy weekends with his wife and son. Our sympathies are with Fla and Nigel over their sad loss. Bill‘s loyalty to and love for the Regiment was always in evidence; and this was made apparent when a month before he died. he asked me to arrange for the regimental march to be played at his funeral service. Bill was one of the old school. who valued those facets of character so essential in a family Regiment. His own outstanding characteristic was his strong sense of duty, and a fitting epitaph for him would be the words of another soldier, the American. General Robert E Lee: "Duty is the sublimest word in the language, He could never do more than his duty, he would never have wished to do less" DJS THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS REGIMENTAL JOURNAL Mr W J Davis Bill Davis died in December 1986‘ He was a member of the OCA Commit tee. a tremendous supporter of the Association and great enthusiast for everything appertaining to the Regi- ment. A generous party giver and a splendid host. He and his wife. Kay entertained not only large numbers of members of the OCA but also lots of people serving with the Regiment -— many of whom broke their journeys to and from Germany to enjoy the welcoming. friendly atmosphere of the Davis home in Canterbury. Bill served in the 12th Lancers in the 1920’s when he made many life long friends. He had a fund of stories relating to his experiences. particularly when serving in Egypt. After completing his Army service. Bill went to work for the railway from whence he was recalled to the Army in 1940. Serving for the rest of the war with the Sappers; first in North Africa and later in ltaly. After the war Bill returned to the railway until his retirement. with his red and yellow bow tie. later worn with an equally striking shirt (also in the regimental colours) Bill was a prominent figure at Regimental gatherings for many years. often enjoy- ing himself in the role of amateur conductor to the Regimental Band. He was an outgoing, friendly person and wonderful teller of stories. Bill had a wide circle of friends and admirers: there was a very large turnout at his funeral service: he will be much missed — as someone said "They don‘t make ‘em like Bill anymore!" We send our condolences to Kay in her sad lossi APG Mr W Everett Bill joined C Squadron 12th Lancers on l2th January 1941 and remained with the Squadron until leaving the Army soon after the war ended. He attained the rank of Sergeant. He returned to work. first in the Transport department of a paper mill in Sidcup. later moving to the employ of the local Council. Finally for ten years. until illness forced retirement. he worked for the Ministry of Defence in London. Bill kept in touch with many friends from his soldiering days; he will be missed very much. Our sympathy goes to his wife Ivy and to his son and daughter. G.W.S, B.T. |
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