William Charles Barrington MBE
2nd June 2018Sad news with the death of William Charles Barrington MBE. Bill was our oldest Associate Member, aged 97 years.
He served in 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery during WWII and survived landings and campaigns in Africa, Italy & D-Day at Normandy to Berlin. He served in J 'Sidi Rezegh' Battery and as a Gun Number 1 he had the honour of leading the Victory Parade in Berlin.
He dedicated his life thereafter to serving his local church in Wales for 60 years and also fundraising for the RNLI for which he was awarded the MBE.
Last year Bill spent time with the team whilst recovering from hip replacement surgery and staying with his son Sion, who is an active team member.
Amongst his exploits he spent a day on our RIB on Loch Lomond and visited Inchcailloch beach where he took in the sun whilst we undertook water rescue training. He also assisted us with a careers event at Balfron High School and attended several British Heart Foundation - Scotland Heartstart classes. He made quite an impression on our team members so we were delighted to award him Associate Membership.
Recently, Bill was elevated to the rank of Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Legion d'Honneur by the French Republic in recognition of the part he played in liberating France.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Peterborough by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Brigadier Tim Seal TD Dl with attendees being his family and the Deputy Commander 7 Infantry Brigade, a former BC of J 'Sidi Rezegh' Battery and CO of the Regiment to represent the Desert Rats.
Our thoughts are with Bill's son Sion and family.
RIP Bill.
