9th-12th-Lancers - Year 1986 - Page 0078
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 1986 |
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THE 9TH/lZTH ROYAL LANCERS REGIMENTAL JOURNAL Lleutenant Colonel J E G Womald John Wormald joined the 12th Lan- cers in 1937 from Eton and Sandburst where he was an "Under Officer” and a rowing ”Blue”. Incidentally his father. a gallant gunner. was a distinguished Olympic oarsman. He played in the Subaltem's Polo Team and was a strong heavyweight harm-nan He was appoint- ed Adjutant on the Regiment’s return from France and was lucky enough then to meet and marry Ruth Hunt. Going out to the Middle East with the Regi- ment. he went to the Haifa Staff College and consequently a great variety of Staff Appointments, most ably filled, and bringing much credit to his Regi- ment, but keeping him away from Regimental duty for long periods. Gill lst Armoured Division was followed by Gil 26th Armoured Brigades it was rumoured back at the Regiment that “John atop an “ACV” could spot the approach of German tanks further than anyone else in the Desert!" DS at the Canadian Staff College followed by Gil Weapons at the War Office preceded his return as ‘B‘ Squadron Leader at Barnard Castle. John with his very 800d mare “Tosca" much enjoyed that ‘halcyon' period in the Zetland County. 76 He and Ruth extended much hospital- ity. in spite of rationing. to a still largely bachelor officers mess at “Mansion House. Clainford"! After "Combined Operations" as 01 DS he rejoined ‘B’ Squadron at Taiping and Rauh in Malayas From 01 A017 John was appointed Second in Command of the Regiment at Wolfen- buttel in 1956 and retired in 1953. Standing 6 foot 6% inches, John was probably the tallest 12th Lancer ever! and was never afraid to play the prom- inent role nature designed him for; an incisive mind and clear brain led him to hold very strong views. Even if one did not always agree with him, there was no doubting his love for his Regi- ment, his very strong sense of military duty and Christian principles. An equally distinguished business career followed: ten years with GKN's Steel Division on the selection, training and personnel management side; and a final spell with Hambro Life/Allied Dunbar as a financial consultant. In his spare time he was a valued adviser and fund raiser for his Parish in Somer- set. with a superb "leg for a boot” John was the epitome of ”A Lancer long of limb" from Will Ogilvie’s poem “The Captains”. If one may be permitted a descriptive Americanism about one so English. John, throughout his life, “Walked Tall"! A J C K Major sir Tatton lrlnton “Tat" Brinton’s Memorial Service on October the 12th was an impressive affair attended by almost everybody of consequence. and also by the many whom he had befriendedI in Kidder- minster, His peacetime achievements. Mayor, JP. High Sherriff. MP. Joint Treasurer of the Conservative party. Deputy Lieutenant, President of the British Carpet Manufacturers Associa- tion, High Steward, President of the Kidderminster Conservatives. testified to his unceasing activity and sense of duty. Curiously the Service leaflet said no more of his war time achievements than “1940-45 Member of Kiddermin- ster Borough Council" though it is true that the address did mention that he had served in the 12th lanoers. Actually “1940-45 officer of the 12th in France, North Africa and Italy" might have been more accurate, and those who served alongside him well remember that source of endless witlicism, poetry, and quotation that enlivened their lives. Tat made no secret of his intense aver- sion for the discomforts and hazards of wartime soldiering, but he kept at it in the front line in one or other of the squadrons pretty well throughout the war. His humour and kindness gave a |
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