9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2003 - Page 0060
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2003 |
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58 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) LCpl Robert ‘Paddy’ O’Brien A Eulogy given at the Memorial Service forLCpl O’Brien by Maj TP Robinson, CommandingA Squadron I knew LCpl O’Brien for just one year. I met him first in Canada after I took over the Squadron during its time as the Opposing Force in BATUS. In a very short time I met over eighty men, and it is sometimes difficult to remember everyone, straight away. I remember LCpl O’Brien clearly from the start. Big, imposing and cheerfiJl, he made an immediate impression on me in an interview. I asked him why he thought he had not been promoted, and why, at the time, he was thinking that maybe he should try something outside the Army. He was so uncomplaining, genuine and unselfish, saying that he would not like to jump the queue of other good men waiting for promotion and courses. Quite rightly he was made up soon afterwards and had the natural charisma to be a good NCO from the start. He motivated people by example and by his kindness, rather than by shouting at them and making a fuss. He got stuck into everything, and when he threw himself into the maddest tackle possible on a football pitch and spent five weeks on crutches, he then threw himself into a rapid recovery, so he could get back to soldiering. He will always be a member of this Squadron, and this Regiment. LCpl O’Brien was an intelligent, thoughtfiJl and infectiously enthusiastic soldier. He was also loved by many, in this Squadron and across the Regiment. I knew him differently from many people here: I was his boss, and I would not want to confuse my duty of care and command, with your friendship. But I think I know enough to say that he would have been a very important part ofthis Squadron on the operation ahead ofus. But he had enough modesty and consideration that I think he would say if he were here 7 and he is here in spirit 7 that we should crack on, take care and that we should all be thankful that this Squadron is full ofpeople who will do Paddy O’Brien the very great honour of doing a great job in Iraq, safely and with fortitude, in memory of him. |
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