I opened the Sun today and read the story and Andy McNabb's recollections of Paul. I have just read all the messages left on the memoriam board. I met Paul a few times and do remember him as just being the same everytime I met him. He did not seem to age, he seemed to stay as fit, he was ever the family man and a true Rifleman. To all that will miss him so dearly and to his family I offer my deepest condolences. To those left in the battalion, the best remembrance to him, would be to act like Paul would and be the best.
so sad to hear the news of Pauls death, i have fond memories of paul, what a footballer he was, take care paula my thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time Shoz
My thoughts go to Major Harding's Family,he was a fine example of a Royal Green Jacket.I am proud to have known him and served with him.Although he has left many friends behind, he has joined friends "high on a hill,"those that are left behind will stand in memory of him saluting him now and at the Reunion. The Green Jacket Family are truly proud . R.I.P
I was a lowly Corporal at Lt Div Depot in 92-94 and Paul was RQMS...but he was always the first to say Hello or ask what you had been doing that day etc...i just want to pass on my regards to his family and friends and say "he will not be forgotten "......another one of lifes true , great people sadly taken too soon....R.I.P. Paul.....
I had the pleasure of serving under 'Colour Sgt Harding when he came back from the depot and took over as our acting platoon commander! What a gentleman and true soldier. he will be sadly missed.
Major Harding was my platoon sargent whilst i was in basic training at sir john moore barracks(Minden platoon1986/87).We took far more then military knowledge from him.I couldn't of ask for a better first impression of THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS.His guidence and example will have impacted on everyone who have had the honour of serving with major harding.I send my deepest symphathy to Major Paul Harding's family.
Sad to read and see the news on the death of my old section commander, he will surely be missed,but never be forgotten.My thoughts with his family. (REST IN PEACE)
I bumped into Paul a few days before he went to Iraq at a Orienteering Event (Was there any sport he couldn't turn his hand to!) After borrowing the entry fee off me (typical Officer) ,we had a good chat about old times. I have lots of good memories of Paul, such as getting stitched up as Guard Commanders in Minden, getting promoted to Sgt together and of course attending his wedding to Paula.He was a good 'un.
My heartfelt sympathy to Paula, Jake & Christopher.
I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE SAD LOSS OF MAJOR PAUL HARDING. WE MET WHEN WE BOTH JOINED RGJ AS YOUNG MEN AND HE BECAME A GOOD FRIEND AND WAS BEST MAN AT MY WEDDING IN 1979. HE WAS FROM YHE OLD SCHOOL AND WAS ALWAYS READY TO GIVE ADVICE TO ANYONE. RIP. SWIFT AND BOLD. KEV PARKER
I knew Paul when I was a newley promoted Sjt and he had just been made up to RSM. He was a great guy to work for and always gave advice when it was needed. I am so very sorry to see another great Rifleman leave us. I feel for his wife and two children Who my wife and I both knew.
I just wanted to send my love to Maj hardings famliy and to the lads who served with him. I was a medic with the royal green jackets and had the pleasure of meeting paul then a capt he was a good and fair man who i had a lot of respect for. i'm really saddened by his death he was one of the best.
We over here in Gibraltar would like to send great sadness to a loss of anyother fine rifleman who died doing a good job. We did not know the officer but as we say once a Rifleman allways a Rifleman R.I.P Sir.
Mate you will be missed, what a waste, loved playing football together, swimming togehter and lastly making sure rear party was fit before I lefted and you lefted for Winchester. My thoughts are with your family and friends at this time.
I Was Deeply Shocked & Saddened, To Learn OF Pauls Untimley Death. Those Who Knew Him,Will Miss Him,He Was A Great Man With Undoubtebly More To Give.Rest In Peace.
Our thoughts are with Paula and the boys at this sad time.
We both worked with Paul when he was RQMS in Winchester and then when we all lived in Bulford. He always had the time of day for you - even when he was very busy. He had pride and compassion which I am sure followed with him where ever he was in the world.
Then when we moved to Cornwall we bumped into Paul and Paula in our local Asda - they chose a wet summer week to go camping. Kp recognised his legs from a distance!!!!
May you rest in Peace Paul - our thoughts are with your family and friends.
I've known you for almost 30yrs and have been proud to have served alongside you on many different occasions. My fondest memories are of our time in the Anti-Tank Platoon from Tidworth to Minden and ripping up Solta Trg Area in our AFV 432 that you named Oedipus. To Armagh then Belfast doing 10 day shifts in the Divis Tower, I could go on and on. You were a great mate and an outstanding soldier and leader, you are missed by many.
Dave.
Paula,
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time.
There is much I could write covering the time I have had the pleasure of knowing you. You define the meaning of professionalism. As a fellow Rifleman and Biker. Rest in peace.
Paula,
Our deepest sympathys and thoughts are with you and your boys at this time.
Paul Harding was a role model for many of us. I always remember him for the "can do" attitude with a big smile. An admired professional and a real Rifleman .
Once gave me a lift from Wesminster Brks to Clifton Brks for RSM's Parade on the back of his motorcycle ( .... shortcut thru the Shell petrol sation at the traffic lights ..... ) never been on a bike since......
A sad loss to all who served with Paul.
Sir, thank you for all you did..... Swift and Bold
So sad to hear the news about Paul. I opened the paper to see his face and thought that the man has not aged from when I first saw him as a new recruit in Minden. He used to rib me about his bike engine being bigger than my car's.
Punky worked with you for many years, and I served with you in anti tanks. RIP our thoughts are with your family, just as Green Jackets were one big family, you will be missed by all. God bless