36 Regiment Royal Artillery​
Departed Comrades
If you have any details of Past Members of the Regiment who are no longer
with us, please let me have them and I will post a notice on these page's.
Les Newnes
Brian Greenland
Brian sadly passed away on the 29th July 1994.
He joined 36 regiment in Duisburg in 1964. Brian
attended the Gunnery Staff Course in 1967, and
rejoined 36 Regiment at Shoeburyness as Gunnery
Staff in 1968. He returned to BAOR with the Regiment
in July 1971, and later returned to Larkhill
for Demob in 1978.
Both Brian and Jan Greenland were responsible
for the start of the 36 Regiment Reunions, firstly
starting as the 36 Football Team Reunion, and then
later developed as the main Regimental Reunion.
Many will thank them both for this as our Reunion
is still very popular with all our members.
R.I.P.
Maj (QM) Ken Bruton
I am sad to report the passing of Ken Bruton.
Ken was once a member of 60 Bty at Shoeburyness,
and he went onto serve the Royal Artillery for 37 years.
Our sympathy to all of his family.
R.I.P.
Ray (Doggy) Mitchell
I am now sad to report the passing of Ray Mitchell
on the 24th April 2003.
Again all our sympathy to all the family.
R.I.P.
Morfydd Ann Mitchell
I am sad to report the death of Morfydd, wife of
Ray (doggy) Mitchell, ex Provo Sgt of 36 Regiment.
Our sympathy to Ray and all the family.
R.I.P.
Mick Duval
It is my sad duty to inform you of the death of Mick at the early age of 53. On behalf of all ex members of the Regiment we extend our sympathy to Kay and all the family.
R.I.P.
Lt Col John Boorman MBE
I am sad to report the death of John. He was
a gentleman and will be missed by his friends
and all members of 36 Regiment and
the Shoeburyness Branch RAA.
R.I.P.
Alan Horsfall
I have just learnt of the death of Alan in
January 2002.
Our sympathy to all his family.
R.I.P.
Sibylle McDonnell
I am sad to report the passing of Sibylle the wife of Ralph (Tinky) McDonnell. Many will remember her from Stan's Bar and 43 Battery. Sibylle died after a serious illness in Dortmund.
Our sympathy goes out to Ralph and all the family.
R.I.P.
Derrick McVitte
I am sad to report the passing of Derrick on the
27th March 2003 after a long illness. Derrick served with
36 Regiment for many years.
Our sympathy to Marjorie and all the family.
R.I.P.
Brigadier Richard Hopkins Purvis CBE
I am sad to report the passing of Brig Purvis.
He commanded 36 Regiment in Duisburg in the 60's.
Our sympathy to his family.
R.I.P.
Mr P Belcher
I am sad to report the passing of
Mr P Belcher who served in 36 Regiment RA.
Our sympathy to his family.
R.I.P.
Mrs Tess Brown
It is my sad duty to report the passing of
Tess Brown. Tess the wife of Ken Brown
(36 Regt REME) died on the 29th August 2004.
We send our sympathy to Ken and all the family.
R.I.P.
Barry Strachan
I am sad to report the passing of Barry on the 23rd Sept 2004. Barry served in D Troop, Dragon Battery.
We send our sympathy to all his family.
R.I.P.
Ian McCartney
I am sad to report the passing of Ian on the
9th Oct 2004 at the age of 51.
Ian served in both 10 & 111 Btys between 1974-77.
We send our sympathy to all the family.
R.I.P.
Sam Gosling
I am sorry to report that Sam passed away on the 11th Oct 2004.
Sam was TSM of E Troop.
We send our sympathy to all his family.
R.I.P.
Les Abbott
I am sad to report the passing of Les,
he had been unwell for some time.
We extend our sympathy to Pat and all the family.
R.I.P.
John Gould
1948 - 2004
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of John. John had been suffering his
illness for six years which he had bravely borne. John was not only a long standing personal friend
of mine, but also a major part of the successof our past Reunions of which he was the Assistant Reunion Secretary.
John served with 7th Para RHA, 36 Heavy AD Regt RA and with No1 Display RA Recruiting Troop.
On behalf of all past members who remember John I would like to send our sympathy to John's wife Louise
and all of the family.
And as John would always sign off
'Relax Smile', 'Make Someone Happy', 'I'm gone'
Rest in Peace John, I was proud to have been your friend.I would like to thank the
many past members of the RA Recruiting Troop who attended John's
Funeral Service on Friday 7th January 2005.
Louise and the family were very pleased that you
were able to make the time to be there.
R.I.P.
Harry (Claude Henry) Turpie
I am sad to report the passing of ex WO2 Harry Turpie
on the 2nd January 2005. Harry served for more than 20 years.
We send our sympathy to his son Robert and all the family.
R.I.P.
Rob (Rocky) Lane
I am sad to report the passing of Rob Lane on the
19th January 2005 aged 63 years. Rob had been suffering
from Cancer. He served with 36 Regiment for many years
and also with the RA Motor Cycle Display Team. I am
grateful to his Grandson Tom for this information.
We send our sympathy to all the family.
R.I.P.
Rex Nottage
I am very sad to report the passing of Rex after
a short illness when he returned from holiday.
Rex served with 36 Regiment for many years
(1953 - 1976) and served with 168, 56 and
111 (Dragon) Btys.
We pass on our sympathy to all of the family
at this very sad time.
R.I.P.
Mervyn (Stubby) Stubbins
I am very sad to report the passing of Mervyn
on the 22nd May 05 aged 49 years. Stubby served
with 10 (Assaye) Bty from 1973 until disbandment.
We send our sympathy to his wife Jackie and
his three children.
R.I.P.
Aubrey Stephen (Bill) Woodsford
I am sad to report the passing of Bill Woodsford,
aged 85 after a long illness. Bill was once RSM of
36 Regiment in Duisburg.
We send our sympathy to his wife Elsie.
R.I.P.
John Hall
I am very sorry to report the passing of John
after a long illness. John joined 111 (Dragon) Bty
36 Regiment in early 1974 and stayed with the
Battery until disbandment. He was the Boxing Team
Coach and Rugby player.
We send our sympathy to his wife Marian.
R.I.P.
Audrey Joyce Black
I am sad to report the passing of Audry on the
3rd February 2006, aged 65 years. Audrey was the
long time Partner of Eddy (Flash) Flanagan who served
with 36 Regiment for many years.
We wish to send our sympathy to Eddy at this sad time.
R.I.P.
Major Arthur Ladd (QM) Rtd
I am very sad to report the passing of
Major Arthur Ladd (QM) Rtd. Arthur served with the Regiment in Duisburg and Shoeburyness.
He was a Gentelman and will be sadly missed
by all who knew him.
We send our sympathy to all his family.
R.I.P.
Pat Daly
After a brave battle with Alzheimers, Pat beloved
wife of Major Sean Daly passed away on the
27th June 2006.
We send our sympathy to Paddy and the family
at this sad time.
R.I.P.
Bill Sutherland
Ex SSgt (BQMS) Bill Sutherland died after a long
illness on the 1st June 2006. He served with the
Royal Navy from 1949 to 1956 and then joined
the Royal Artillery in November 1958 serving
with 36 Regiment RA until leaving in 1975. He will be
sadly missed by his wife Rita and all his family and friends.
We send our sympathy to Rita and all of the family.
R.I.P.
Brigadier D F Ryan OBE
I am very sorry to report the death of
Brig (Paddy) Ryan on the 27th June 2006.
Brig Ryan served as the Adjutant of
36 HAA Regiment in Malta.
We extend our sympathy to his widow
Sue and her children.
R.I.P.
Nigel (Hoss) Cartwright
It is with great sadness that I announce the
passing of Nigel on Saturday 14th October 2006.
Hoss joined the Army in 1977 and served for
12 years attaining the rank of Bdr. He saw his
service with 111 (Dragon) Bty and with 21 Bty.
Hoss was a keen sportsman, involved with Tug of War,
Rugby and Boxing. He was a keen supporter of
Manchester United and Sale Rugby Club.
We extend our sympathy to Trisha and their
two sons Craig and Daniel.
R.I.P.
Eric Knott
I am sad to report the passing of Eric suddenly
at North Devon Hospital on the 20th December 2007.
Eric Served:
1949-1952 & 1957-1971
ex 168, 56 & 111 Btys, D Troop TSM
We send our sympathy to his wife Jean and
all the family.
R.I.P.
Albert (Taff) Davies
It is with great sadness that I announce the
passing of Albert on the 29th November 2007.
Albert had been unwell for sometime, and had
delt with his illness with great dignity.
Albert (Taff) Davies was a legend in 36 Regiment
and many will have their own memories of him.
We send our sympathy to Jan and all of the
family at this sad time.
R.I.P.
Harry Hanger
I am sorry to report the passing of Harry Hanger
on the 22nd October 2007, aged 62.
Many will remember Harry as 36 Regiment Goalkeeper.
Harry settled in the Pembroke area after his Army
Service and was heavily involved with the local Football
and Bowls Clubs. He was held in the highest order
in his community.
We send our sympathy to his wife Susan
and all his family.
R.I.P.
John Cowdrey
In Loving Memory of John Cowdrey Aka J.C.
A simple man with a heart of gold,
A friend to many is what I was told,
With love deeper than the ocean,
And a heart bigger than the world,
His kindness and joy smoothly entwirled.
His life was for living
But his love was what he was best at giving,
He will always be missed even though he
insisted that every day was a new beginning,
watching down on who he holds dear,
Waiting until the day he can hold us near.
John Cowdrey
13th May 1957 To 11th July 2007
R.I.P.
Bert Rough
It is my sad duty to report the passing of Bert
on Sunday 6th January 2008.
Bert served with both 37 and 36 Regiments in
10 Bty from 1965 until 1977.
We all send our sympathy to Sheila and all the family.
R.I.P.
Dennis (Uppy) Upperton
SSgt Dennis Upperton sadly died at his home on
5th March 2008.
He served with 25 Field Regt RA,
36 Hy AD Regt RA, and the HAC.
He fought his final battle against cancer so bravely
and was a soldier and gentelman till the end.
He leaves his wife, Carole, six children and nine
great-grandchildren. He was loved so much and
will be greatly missed.
R.I.P.
Peter Rumble
3rd August 2008
I am very sad to report the passing of Pete on
the 3rd August 2008.Peter served with 36 Regiment
in Malta, Germany andShoeburyness.
He was a First Class Soldier and Senior NCO.
I know many will remember him.He was awarded
the MBE for the work he did in the Regiment.
Peter moved onto The RA Recruiting Troop
and became the TSM of No2 Display Team
where he was held in the highest regard.
On behalf of all who knew and served with Peter
we send our Sympathy to all of his family.
Peter was a true icon andwill never be forgotton.
R.I.P.
Eddie Mason
I am sad to announce the passing of Eddie in 1986.
Eddie served with the RAOC with 36 Regiment and was a
member of the Regimental Football Team.
He was Captain of the Team when we won the BAOR Cup in 1972.
I am sure many will remember him.
R.I.P.
Brigadier Peter Painter
9th April 2009
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of
Brigadier Peter Painter. The Brigadier was the last Commanding
Officer of 36 Heavy Air Defence Regiment and a great supporter
of the 36 Regiment Reunions.
We send all our sympathy to his family.
R.I.P.
The following is Obituary from 'The Gunner'
Brig PRF (Peter) Painter was bom in Calcutta India in 1936 and sailed
to the UK with his parents in September 1939 in the Cunard ship,Capetown Castle,
which was sunk on its return voyage. His father joined the Royal Gloucestershire
Hussars and served in North Africa and NW Europe.
The family settled in the south of England.
Having passed the Civil Service Examination for the Armed Services,
Peter Painter enlisted as a private soldier in the East Surrey Regt, before going to
Sandhurst in 1955.He was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in December 1956
and joined 39 Hy Regt R A, equipped with 7.2-inch Howitzers and the US N44 155mm
Gun.The regiment was almost immediately sent on an operational tour to Cyprus to
deal with Greek Cypriot terrorists led by 'General' Grivas and actively encouraged
by Archbishop Makarios. Cyprus was followed by the first of several
tours in West Germany as part of the British Army of the Rhine.
Still with 39 Regt, he was the CPO of the battery which
fired the first Honest John (nuclear) Rocket at Hohne in 1961. His first experience
of anti-aircraft artillery came when he attended the Long Gunnery Staff Course
at the School of AAA at Manorbier and subsequently joined the staff of a
TA Air Defence Brigade in London.The latter was equipped with the
Thunderbird I Missile system and Bofors guns.
In 1966 he was posted to 94 Loc Regt RA in BAOR, where he was Adjutant for
almost three years. From 94 Regt he went to the Staff College,Camberley and thence
to Hong Kong as SO2 (Operations). Later Painter took command of a light
air defence battery which had radar controlled Bofors guns, again in BAOR.
After a year, he became second-in-command for two further years. The 1974 Defence
Review was in progress when he went to Headquarters 6 Armd Bde to monitor the trial
of the new style ('wide horizon') battle group, and subsequently wrote the report which
successfully proved that you cannot operate battle groups from divisional headquarters
without a brigade level of command in between.
He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in December 1975, and given command
of 36 Hy AD Regt RA, which included 10 (Assaye) Bty RA. During his tour he took the
regiment to Northern Ireland, his third operational tour, and successfully completed the last
firing of a Thunderbird II guided missile before the regiment disbanded in January 1978.
​
It was at this time that he unsuccessfully tried to persuade the hierarchy of the Royal Artillery
to allow 36 Regt RA to wear the Syrena badge of the Polish 2nd Division, awarded to the
regiment's predecessors by Gen Anders in Italy in 1944. The application was refused on
the grounds that honors are only recognised for batteries and not regiments in the
Royal Artillery.
Following command of 36 HY AD Regt RA, Painter was the principle staff officer to
two Directors Royal Artillery at Woolwich and, on promotion to colonel in 1980, he
became Chief Instructor Guided Weapons, which included anti aircraft and anti-tank
disciplines, at the Royal School of Artillery Larkhill. This was followed by a tour as
Commander Air Defence Artillery UK in 1983 and Colonel PB6 in 1986. It was while
in this appointment that he re-opened the issue of Syrena, and this time successfully
persuaded the Royal Artillery (and the Army Board) to approve the wearing of the
Syrena badge by l0(Assaye)Bty RA, by then the last remaining battery of 36 Regt.
The rest is history as they say!
His last appointment in the Army was Commander Royal Artillery Range
Hebrides, where the air-defence weapons of all three services were fired. He served
as Regimental Secretary of the Royal Artillery and Staff Officer to the Master
Gunner based in Woolwich, f rom 1991 to 1999, looking after the heritage, property
and private funds of the regiment, after which he retired.
Peter John Forbes Painter died suddenly on 9 April 2009.
He married Tanis Sawyer in 1965.They had three children, Marcus, Shoo and
Charlie, and five grandchildren Freddie, Oscar, Imogen , Polly and Alex,
all of whom survive him.
A service of thanksgiving for the life of Brig Peter Painter will take place at the
Larkhill Garrison Church, starting at 2.30pm on
Friday 29 May 2009. All are welcome to attend.
​
Roger Nicholls
I am sad to report the passing of Roger on the
4th December 2002 after a short illness. Roger served
in 36 Regiment RA.
We extend our sympathy to all of his family and friends.
R.I.P.
Capt John H Boughey
28th March 2007
I am sad to report the passing of Captain John Boughey
on the 28th March 2007. John served with 37 Regiment RA.
We extend our sympathy to Alan and all his family.
R.I.P.
John Mondahl
I am sad to report the passing of John at
The Royal Hospital, Chelsea in September 2009.
We extend our sympathy to all of John's family.
R.I.P.
Ron Jones
22929544 Gnr/Driver W R Jones of Pwllheli, North Wales
passed away after a short but nasty fight with gallbladder
cancer on 24th January 2010.
William served with 56 Battery, 36 Regiment in Malta 1953-55.
We extend our sympathy to Richard Jones and all the Family.
R.I.P.
Major Roger Bacon
I am sad to announce the passing of Major Roger Bacon
at the age of 76 after a short illness. Roger commanded
111 (Dragon) Bty at Napier Barracks, Dortmund and took
the Battery to Northern Ireland in 1973.
We extend our sympathy to his Wife Nina,
son Charles and Daughter Tine.
R.I.P.
The Reverend Robin Roe MC
1928 - 2010
Robin Roe was commissioned into the Royal Army Chaplin's Department in 1955.
He was Chaplin to The HAA Regiment in Malta in 1958. After a long and
eventful career he retired in 1981.
We extend our sympathy to all members of his family.
R.I.P.
Jean Artis
I am very sorry to report the passing of Jean on
the 31st December 2010. Jean's funeral took place on
the 13th January at Southend Crematorium.
Jean was the widow of the late Rick Artis who served
in 36 Regiment for many years.
R.I.P.
Harry French
I am sad to report the passing of Harry French.
Harry started his Army career on the 1st March 1945. He served in
36 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, becoming BSM 60 Bty. Harry served
a total of 25 years.
Harry passed away on the 3rd January 2011, and his Funeral
took place on the 17th January.
He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and
Great Grandfather and he is sadly missed by all.
R.I.P.
Alex Travers
It is my sad duty to report the death of Alex Travers.
Alex died on St David's Day 1st March 2011. He fought
a brave battle with cancer.
Alex served in 37and 36 Regiments, and 103 Regt (V).
He will be sadly missed by his Wife Ruth and his
Son's Richard and Martin.
His Funeral took place on the 8th March 2011.
R.I.P.
Clem Elgie
I am sorry to report the passing of Clem
suddenly on the 10th June 2011 in
Hull, East Yorkshire.
Clem served with 10 Battery in both 37 and
36 Regiments. We send our sympathy to
his wife Sandra and all the family.
R.I.P.
Barry John Butler
17th July 1935 - 3rd June 2011
It was with sadness that we learnt of the passing
of Barry on the 3rd June 2011. Barry served with
36 Regiment in Malta, Shoeburyness, Duisburg and Dortmund.
Barry was an accomplished Boxer whilst with the
Regiment in Malta. He was a great character and many
of his old comrades have very fond memories of him.
Barry's Funeral took place on the 16th June at
Bristol South Crematorium.
We extend our sympathy to Rose and all of the family.
R.I.P.
