He was a large figure in our Regiment from its very beginning until he retired on account of ill health few years ago. John was also known as; That grumpy old sod, chef de camp exquisite,breakfast being his particular specialty. 

Those who knew John can easily imagine how Napoleon's old grumblers sounded  (grognards).  Much to everyone's amusement John never stopped grumbling about anything!!

 

John started as chasseur of the guard in the Sabre society in 1972 took part in a big display of battle of Waterloo in Lichfield in I think 1073/4 where the old guard attacked the British in a massive column of 50/60 men all wearing plastic cross belts and backpacks made of plastic or painted canvas filled with foam. Most guns were wooden then, with percussion cap. The bearskins were man made fibre.

 I met John in the Chasseurs of Derby when I joined in 1974 for regular musters on the farm on the way to Ashbourne. John then followed the group from Derby including Allan Fagg and Clive Constable when we become Voltigeurs of the newly formed line regiment 21eme de ligne 1978. He and I travelled to the events together often because John did not drive. We travelled together to most events for nearly 21/23 years.

John had not attended our events for a few  years on account of declining health. For those of us few veterans who knew him he will remain in an indelible memory and like the 7 men of Gascony when the drums play l'assemble he will be there with us on the march.

RIP (dormir en paix) John

 

Christopher Perko

 

Colonel Lamotte