9th-12th-Lancers - Year 1987 - Page 0084
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 1987 |
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THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS REGIMENTAL JOURNAL Major M A Marni-n Major Michael Marman was killed in a car crash near Amesbury on 11th November I986. Michael joined the Regiment in 1965 and served until 1983 when he retired after a tour as Regimental Second in Command in Hohne. He was a very able and popular officer but never really settled into the peacetime routine of BAOR soldiering. He soon persuaded his Commanding Officer to release him to fly Scout helicopters in the Far East. His restless spirit again showed itself on his return to the Regiment in Detrrtold as a Squadron Second in Command. After barely a year at regimental duty he was off again, this time to command an armoured car squadron in the Sultanate of Oman at the height of the Dhofar Wari Rattler to his surprise he was immed- iately offered a front seat in the leading armoured Bedford of the Saladin con- voy. Two hours later he was mined. A rather singed and tattered Marman admitted that the joke was on himl Michael was a fine squadron leader. often in action and always showing an excellent personal example to the squadron. Those of us who served under him were disappointed that he was never given official recognition for his gallantry and leadership. But we were aware that a strong official frost had been directed at him after he had livened up the officers at the base mess with his Kalashnikov assault rifle! After leaving the Army Michael re- turned to Oman as Second in Command of an armoured regiment for a three year contract. It was on his return to England whilst planning a new career that tragedy struck. He was aged forty one. Michael's main interests were art and people. He was an enthusiastic amateur artist but felt that he lacked the talent to make a career of it. His main interest was in people. He was a witty and amusing companion who found friends easily and saw the best in them all. His only bete noire was overbearing brigadiers which were to Michael as red rag is to a bull. much to the delight of his brother officers and discomfort of brigadier and com» manding officer. Michael loved women and parties. and enjoyed life to the full. To those close friends who remain in the Regi- ment, a lively party still evokes memories of a man with a grin and a glass. and an outrageously witty remark. Perhaps the greatest tribute paid to Michael was at his funeral where the parish church of Nether Wallop was packed solid with friends who had come to say farewell, some from as far afield as the Sultanate of Oman. R.V.S. Captain W V ane . Bill Frape passed away suddenly at Colchester after a short illness. His funeral took place on 15th July. 1987 and the Regiment was represented by many of his former comrades. Bill joined the 12th Royal Lancers in 1937 and served with the Regiment throughout the War, being twice mentioned in despatches. His first spell away from regimental duty was as a PSI with the Derbyshire Yeomanry. where he was SSM of the Squadron at Chilwell. This was far removed from soldiering with the Regi- ment, requiring more than a little patience! Bill often said he would not have been without the experience! He re-joined the Regiment in Malaya in 1951 and. on return to the U.l(.. was posted back to the Yeomanry as RSM. During this tour the Derbyshire Yet} manry was amalgamated with the Leic- y estershire Yeomanry to form the LDY. in 1957 Bill realised the ambition he had cherished since he gained his _ first stripe; he was appointed RSM of the Regiment and joined us at Wolfenhuttel. |
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