9th-12th-Lancers - Year 1987 - Page 0082
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 1987 |
| Transcription |
THE 9TH/IZTH ROYAL LANCERS REGIMENTAL JOURNAL the German ‘break-through‘ between the BEF and the French to our South, Tim and Lt Michele were sent to make contact. In the succinct terms of the Regimental History ”they were not heard of again“ but this ‘negative in- formation' was of great value, continu- ing that the French had lost control of the situation on their front and the rest is History! This was a most unfortunate "double”: as Percy Bailey had also been captured, due to an unfortunate accident, in the first few days of fighting in 19141 Happily however. this fate was not visited on the 3rd generation when Tim’s nephew, Richard Bailey, served in my Squadron in Malaya. Tim had a happy penchant for nick- names and, therefore, I am most happy and honoured to sign myself; what he always called me and what many may still consider appropriate! HAYWIRE! Major]! M Blahop Tim was a highly original character and he was greatly dedicated to certain channels of life and conduct from which he deviated little. He chose his friends discriminately and l was lucky enough to be accepted as one after we joined 12L on 3 September 1938 making an 30 intake of 6 young officers (3 from Sandhurst and 3 through Universities), Tim was by far the most experienced having been promoted to Corporal of Horse in the Life Guards in which he served for 2V2 years after leaving Stowe and before going on to Sandhurst. Riding school under Andrew Horsbrugh-Porter was mere formality for him after the rigours of Knights- bridge and Windsor. In France he was in ‘A’ Squadron under Andrew. After the Germans had invaded Belgium, and after John Erne (21C), Andrew Roddick and Peter Arkwright had been killed, he and Bruce Shand each had two make shift Troops of two armoured ears to continue the 21 days of ”hell”. Prior to evacuation near Dunkirk. When the vehicles had been destroyed, Tim, having been despatched on some mission, reappeared on a horse. His rejoinder to questioning was “1 am not in the infantry". In North Africa, Tim was Adjutant mostly during the command of George Kidston who had the utmost faith in him, He provided a wonderfully calm base for the Squadrons when under pressure, 0n meeting Tim it was dif- ficult to know from his wry smile and chuckle whether he was more sorry for himself or the other party but, morale was always raised by his obvious under- standing. As his great friend Bruce wrote, “his usual humorous philosophy was always at its best in dire circum- stances”. Jaundice and well earned respite saw him return to England to serve with an RAC Training Regiment and then to the Inns of Court as Second-in-Com~ mand. He returned to 12L in Palestine and thence back to Colchester and Barnard Castle from where he retired in 1949. Apart from marriage (and soldiering) his main dedication was to the horse. In the year to the declaration of war, he concentrated on hunting rather than polo and he missed no opportunity to take a chance point-to‘point ride. 0n retirement there was re~emphasis on hunting with the difference that he was then accompanied by Clayre whom he had married in 1944, He whipped in to the Zetland Hounds as an amateur and there were more rough rides in point-to-points and hunter chases. Spare time in the summer months led to judging hunters and he became most highly respected at top shows in both England and l reland. That he had a most engaging turn of phrase and descriptive powers were proved by many articles accepted by The Field. He had a book published in 1979 “Horses, Hounds and the odd Stag" in much the same style, A source of sorrow was his diffidence over showing his accomplishments as an artist. He loved depicting Household Cavalry pagentry and ”cavalry dash" both on horses and in armoured cars. One feels that he was fully capable of illustrating his own book and that he could have become a good sporting artist. May be he was over-awed by his illustrious artist sister Molly who, had such a large influence on his early years. To those whom he accepted, he was the staunchest friend and it would have had to be a heinous crime to warrant a reverse. He was courageous to the end and his humour never left him. As a most devoted family man our sym- pathies continue to be extended to Clayre, Susan and his three grand- children. Within his own horizons he was an idealist, He wrote “The Life Guards set standards for me which nothing could ever match". However, we remember him as a dedicated 12th Royal Lancer. NHRS |
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