Major PHG (Paul) Harding - THIS BOARD IS NOW FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY. CLICK ON RGJ ASSOCIATION TO RETURN TO NEW IN MEMORIAM FORUM.

Date: Jun 21, 2007

Major PHG (Paul) Harding

Date: Jun 21, 2007

Rest In peace.

My thoughts are with your family at this very hard time.

Date: Jun 21, 2007

I knew Paul as a young Rifleman and later as my section commander in the old 2RGJ anti tank Platoon.

He was a well respected RSM and he shall be missed by all who knew him.

My sympathies to the family.

Date: Jun 21, 2007

I met Paul when he first came to 2.RGJ back in the summer of 77 at Tidworth.
He and Phil Ashby were the anti tank "ton up" boys on their bikes.
If Paul gave you a lift you just held on and prayed, Barry Sheene had nothing on him when it came to corners.

I will never forget how well it took it when he found out i met and started dating his sister on the Isle of Wight (not!!)

The amazing kindness of his mum and dad when they put me up for a couple of weekends stays with me even today.

A great sportsman and a keen mind, i am not suprised he ended up a company commander.

Another good soldier and fellow rifleman gone.
If anyone sees his family please tell them "FROGGY" is thinking of them at this sad time.

Proud to have known you Paul, "stand easy".

Frogs

Date: Jun 21, 2007

HI,
I'm a civvie through and through, but I read about Major Paul Harding just now. I'm filled with sadness and grief for someone who was obviously a dedicated soldier and professional.
I've never written into a website or forum like this before, and I don't want to belittle all the others who've gone before him, but I truely feel a sadness in my heart that after so long serving, he died doing his job.
Can those who attend his memorial please give thanks from me, and nod of gratitude to his family.
I don't know what else to say.
Regards,
Clark

Date: Jun 21, 2007

I was lucky enough to be a training Cpl at the Depot and have Paul as my Pl Sgt- top man- super fit- stupid on a motorbike and one amazing footballer. Paul you will be missed and it was an honour to know you and serve under you
Rossy

Date: Jun 21, 2007

I AM CUT UP THAT PAUL HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM US. HE WAS A GOOD AND FAIR MAN. I SERVED WITH HIM AND SERVED UNDER HIM THROUGHOUT MY TIME. AS DID MANY OTHERS. HE WAS NOT A MAN TO BE CROSSED. I REMEMBER ALOT OF HAPPY TIMES HIM PLAYING HIS TAPES OF THE SWEET IN THE BACK OF THE 432 IN CANADA. AND I WILL TAKE THE TIME IN THE SMALL HOURS TO THINK OF HIM. I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY.

PAUL REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
GOD LOOK AFTER THIS MAN HE WAS A GOOD ONE.

Date: Jun 21, 2007

Was very saddened to hear today of the death of paul harding, he was an excellent soldier and professional in everything he did, my thoughts are with his familly at this sad time.

Date: Jun 21, 2007

rest in peace my fellow jacket rest in peace

Date: Jun 21, 2007

Major Paul Harding 4th Battalion The Rifles killed in Iraq!

Read this One of our best,killed in action doing what he loved.

"4 RIFLES lost a deeply respected and loved Company Commander; The RIFLES lost one of its most senior, long-serving and admired Riflemen, and the country lost a veteran soldier of deep personal integrity, professional excellence, wisdom, experience and simple decency"

"It may seem strange to talk of love between soldiers, but the very best officers and soldiers inspire extraordinary love, devotion and loyalty in their fellow men. Paul was such a man. A Rifleman with a lifetime of service in The Royal Green Jackets, and most recently The Rifles, he had, over the course of 30 years, risen from the rank of Rifleman, through Regimental Sergeant Major to his present rank of Major and with it his appointment as Officer Commanding Fire Support Company"

"The experience he gained over those 30 years meant that he had done the job of every man under his command from Rifleman up to Company Sergeant Major and had done it better than any of them. He knew all the tricks that Riflemen pull, had endured the same hardships and danger, in younger days had got up to the same mischief, and had shared in countless moments of success and glory large and small"

"And so he knew and understood the Riflemen, and through them the Regiment, better than any man alive. And he loved them. Not blindly, for he better than anyone understood their individual frailties and weaknesses and their strengths. But he loved them as a father, encouraging, chastising, leading by example and taking immense pride in their achievements. The Riflemen loved him back with fierce loyalty and devotion"

"They came to see that beneath his gruff manner and bristly gunfighter moustache (so typical of his generation of soldiers forged in the tough school of Northern Ireland in the 70s and 80s), lay a man with wisdom, judgement and compassion; a consummate professional; a tough, quick-thinking and unflappable veteran who they knew they could trust with their lives"

"Paul casts a very long shadow over The RIFLES, and its proud predecessor, The Royal Green Jackets. Through 30 years of service his influence and example has rubbed off on all who served with him and knew him. His legacy has grown through these small, daily personal interactions, and taken over the length of his service, the ripple effect of his influence has made the Battalion and the Regiment what it is today he is literally one of the fathers of the Regiment"

"An outstanding sportsman, representing the Army at squash, triathlon, swimming, athletics, football, basketball and water polo, he has inspired generations of young Riflemen to extend their horizons and to take pleasure in a sporting life as much as their social and professional lives. His dedication and simple direct, uncompromising approach to professional standards laid down a challenge to us all"

"It matters less that most of us failed to match him; the key is that he inspired us to try and never to stop trying. It is this constant desire for self-improvement that is one of the most important and enduring aspects of his legacy. And he was a decent man. Family life mattered to him more than anything and I have seldom seen a happier, more balanced and close knit family than his own"

"His boys loved and idolised him, learned from his example and in turn made him immensely proud with their successes.
Paula's kindness, warmth, love and generosity of spirit has buoyed us all in the approach to this tour and sustained us out here; I pray we can be equally strong and supportive for her in our turn"

"Paul had been in Basra for just under a month before he was killed. We had to reorganise the Battalion and this involved dispersing his Platoons with their specialist skills, among the Rifle Companies. Initially I wanted Paul by my side in the Headquarters to draw on his experience and ability, but it became apparent that his skills would be best used at the PJCC a small and very isolated outpost co-located with the Iraqi Security Forces in the centre of Basra"

"Paul was appointed as the Chief of Staff with responsibility for security, resupply, liaison and the overall daily running of the organisation. Above all he brought a depth of experience in Infantry combat that was simply unmatched, and with that he inspired confidence, calmness and determination in all around him. He had been quite inspirational and tireless for that first month"

"On one of his first days there, the PJCC was attacked by over 200 armed militia men intent on overrunning the building. Under his calm and inspiring leadership the small party there from 1 RHA and other Brigade units, augmented by a Platoon from 4 RIFLES, fought off attacks for 4 hours expending over 9000 rounds of ammunition"

"Undaunted, he ensured that the organisation continued to function unchecked and made constant improvements to security, to the complex and dangerous business of resupply and in improving the quality of life and welfare facilities. He was, in the words of the Commanding Officer at the PJCC, quite simply irreplaceable"

"Always one to lead by example, he constantly exposed himself to danger from mortars and snipers, encouraging and leading his men and so it was no surprise when I learned that he had placed himself in the front sangar the most dangerous and exposed spot in order to help secure the route in for a resupply convoy from the Palace last night. It was typical of him he would never ask a Riflemen to do something he wouldn't do himself and wanting to minimise the risk to his men, placed himself in danger. Tragically the sangar he occupied was struck with a direct hit and Paul died instantly"

"The Battalion has been hit very hard by Paul's death; the collective sense of grief is tangible, and we have learned over the past few weeks that grief has a time and a place. But we have also learned that honouring our dead requires us to move beyond grief. Paul embodied a life based on service to others, duty and self-sacrifice the life of a Soldier. He chose this life and lived it with a passion; he died prematurely, but he died doing what he loved"

"We have lost a close friend, an outstanding leader, an exemplary Rifleman and a remarkable and decent man. But we are not bowed or beaten by his loss. Instead we stand a little taller today than yesterday. The resilience, determination, professionalism, decency and compassion, pride, good humour and fighting spirit that I see in the eyes of this Battalion, despite the losses we have suffered these things are Paul's legacy."

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sanders OBE, Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion The RIFLES

Date: Jun 21, 2007

I knew Paul thoughout my 22 yrs,

he was there from Cpl, Pl Sgt, RSM, QM

Although 'Gruff' i never heard an unprofessional word from him, he respected those that respected themselfs and their job and the Regiment

A very sad loss to a very senior Rifleman.

My thoughts go to Paula and the boys.

i can see him now, looking down at us in his running shorts ready to out run the fellow green jobs that are with him now.

Its a sad day here in Iraq, for all the ex RGJ that knew him.

Paul , both your families will miss you dearly
C et A

Date: Jun 21, 2007

Ref: The Sad Loss Of Maj P Harding All I have to say is "Sir" I Salute You.

RIP

Date: Jun 21, 2007

Re the Death of Maj P. Harding,

I had a text from Pat Sanders CO 4 Rifles this morning and he advised of the death of his very close friend. He also told me how proud he was of all his Rfn who are working in very hard conditions. He tells me that they are giving the ragheads a real hammering.

Lets stand together as Bro RFN and raise a glass To our Fallen Brothers and salute those that are still doing what all RFN DO , FIGHT. God Bless lads and get home safe.

Keep It Black And Green what ever we might feel about where our RFN may be.

Mcflabb

Date: Jun 21, 2007

I didn't know Paul personally, but I wish to send my sincere condolences and sympathy to all of his family and friends.
He is a member of a fine regt doing a job he loved ,and is well respected by all he served with.
Sir, may you rest in peace, at the going down of the sun we will remember him
Malcolm Don Donnison

Date: Jun 21, 2007

My thoughts and sincere condolences go out to Paul's Family

Chris H

Date: Jun 21, 2007

Very sorry to hear about the death of this brave chap. Amazing to read about his career from through to Regimental Scary Monster and then on again. Stand Easy Fella, Rest in Peace.

Date: Jun 21, 2007

I am very saddened to learn of Major Paul Hardings death a tragic loss to life,his family and to all his brothers in the unit and Regiment ,This man was loved and respected by all and the epitome of a professional soldier through and through.
I worked with Paul many years ago a young buck rifleman and this man was a true leader and a friend a glowing warmth whenever we met always in humour great to see him at reunions last year ,what a man a gent we will never forget you Paul brother Rifleman. CELER ET AUDAX.

Date: Jun 21, 2007

MY THOUGHT'S AND CONDOLENCES GO TO HIS FAMILY.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
(R.I.P)

Date: Jun 21, 2007

My Sincere Condolences to Major Hardings Family. I Knew Him when he took over as RSM in Cyprus and Bulford and i was Provo Cpl than. a good RSM and a Fair one. a sad loss not only to his Family but to the Battalion.

Rest in Peace.

Kevin Goode

Date: Jun 21, 2007

When ever I read or have to check these boards it is always done with a heavy heart and sadness, as to me these brave men have died for a wasted cause.

Major Harding was deeply respected and will be sadly missed as will all the other soldiers that have lost their lives in the 'sandpit'.

My condolences go his family and friends on the sad loss of such a fine soldier.

Now is not the time to wonder on the pros and cons of a futile situation but to pray and wish for no more losses or casualties for the 'Rifles'.

Swift And Bold

DWM

Date: Jun 22, 2007

I did not know you , but I am proud that I have served in the same regiment. You were a true tried and tested Rifleman that adapted, endured and overcame all challenges to rise through the ranks to that of Major.
I salute you my fallen brother. I raise my glass in a toast to your leadership and courage.
My condolences to your family and friends. We will never forget you.

Swift & Bold.

Date: Jun 22, 2007

a top bloke and a big loss to all who knew him
my thoughts are with his family at this most difficult of times

Date: Jun 22, 2007

I Knew Paul when we played football for the Battlion a great solider and a great man rest in peace old mate and god bless . Swift and bold green jackets never die there just in heaven to re- org.

Date: Jun 22, 2007

RIP Sir, sincere condolences to Paul's wife and family. Black 'n' Green

Date: Jun 22, 2007

RIP, sleep well Sir, sleep well

Once a RIFLEMAN always a RIFLEMAN

Date: Jun 22, 2007

A true Rifleman; a first rate Soldier, Sportsman and a good man. My thoughts are with his family during this terrible time.

Date: Jun 22, 2007

Condolonces to Major Hardings ife and family, RIP

Date: Jun 22, 2007

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

You will be sadly missed mate. My condolnces to Paula and the family.
Paul.....you will be in good company with those other RFN that have gone before you......Swift and Bold mate.........Gary Cootes

Date: Jun 22, 2007

Paul,thank god you were on our side,you were a big hard man who i had the greatest respect for.I hated it though when you would boot me up in the air when i took the ball past you at football but you would allways buy me a beer or two afterwards,im gutted mate, truly gutted.It was a pleasure to work with you.Its only now when i look back i realise how good 2 RGJ were.

Date: Jun 22, 2007

Both of us send all our condolences to Paula and the family.

We have known Paul since he joined up and it is a great loss to all. He was a fantastic soldier and a very good sportsman.

Respect.

Martin & Jane