I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your Grandad - he was very much a soldiers' soldier and very well thought of by us who served under him.
He was the Troop Sergeant Major of "C" Troop in 79 during my period of service in Cyprus (1957 - 58) I was, like most of the "other ranks" a National Serviceman.
As a Sergeant Major, he had the presence, the stance and, indeed, the voice, when required, of the typical Army Sergeant Major of those days - but without the blustering and aggressive arrogance so common with many of his rank.
While, typically Sergeant Majorish,in that he was uncompromising when it came to his expectations of us with regard to discipline, presentation and commitment to our role, he was very much a human being first and we all knew that we could rely on him. Consequently he was well thought of and respected.
We, a dozen or so of us, from 79's tour in Cyprus
held a reunion five or six years ago in Halifax - as the majority of those of us in contact were from the North East. We had tracked down Joe Bufton, who was your Grandad's counterpart in "D" Troop and found that he was in touch with your Gradad - but, unfortunately, he was, at that time, not up to travelling to Halifax.
I have a photo somewhere of your Grandad with the officers and NCOs of 79 taken in December 1957. There's probably a copy in the photos you already have but I'll find mine and e-mail you a copy.
Again, please accept my sincere condolences regarding your Grandad's passing - I'll let the others I am in contact with now. Joe Bufton passed away last year.
Taff - as your Grandad would have known me!
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