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 24, 2007

RE: Major PHG (Paul) Harding

Date: Jun 25, 2007

We both served with Paul in the early eighties - There was not a finer person, comrade or soldier. A true gent who commanded the highest respect, achieved so much and inspired all around him.

This world has lost someone very special.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

R.I.P friend
god bless

Date: Jun 25, 2007

YET ANOTHER TRAGIC LOSS TO OUR FAMILY
ME AND MY FAMILY SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THIS BRAVE YOUNG MANS FAMILY. THE LOSS IS FELT BY US ALL.

Date: Jun 25, 2007

A true inspiration to all those who served with him. Truly a sad loss to the Royal Green Jackets. My condolences are with your family.
R.I.P

Date: Jun 25, 2007

R.I.P. Sir you will never be forgotten

Date: Jun 25, 2007

Condolences to Paula and the Boys.

We are thinking of you at this time.

Paul will be sadly missed.

Paul it was a pleasure to know you and serve with you.

R.I.P

Date: Jun 26, 2007

Not known to me but from the previous notices a truly inspirational character in the traditions of the Greenjacket family. My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Paul Harding in this their hour of need.
RIP brother rifleman. Another gone to join the great muster in the skies.

Date: Jun 26, 2007

How sad I am to hear of Paul's death.
An excellent footballer, all round sportsman and a pleasure to know.
RIP.

Date: Jun 26, 2007

I first met Paul in Winchester, March 77 and again later with the anti-tank platoon 2 RJG.

I have been looking through old photos and Im looking at a Lance Corporal Harding right now (Armagh 79). It is a great testament to Pauls character and sprit that long after most of us returned to civilian life Paul had the ambition and determination to not only carry on his service but to rise to the rank of Major.

I well remember the Norton Commando and I too remember his reaction to Froggy dating his sister!

His loss is a great loss, to the Regiment, to the Army but mostly importantly to his family.

My thoughts are with them.

Wheels

Date: Jun 26, 2007

I first met Paul at the old Green Jacket Depot in 1977.

At this moment in time I don't know what to say, and for those of you who know me, you will find that hard to believe.

From the first time I met Paul, I knew his ambition was to become an officer, which of course he achieved and became one of the finest ambassador's of the Royal Green Jackets.

Paul was my MATE and I could only ever dream of achieving what he did.

Rest in Peace my dear Friend, CELER - ET - AUDAX.

Our thoughts and love are for Paula, Chris and Jake.

Norm, Jayne, Sam and Fay xxxx

Date: Jun 26, 2007

What a huge loss. A true Rifleman.

Gruff, but always supportive, particularly as CQMS to a bunch of young Officers who had a habit of losing things... Hugely professional and always someone who set the example. No wonder he made RSM and was commissioned.

It was a privilege to serve with him.

My thoughts too are with his family

Date: Jun 27, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. I have fond memories of running with Major Paul Harding on the Battalion cross-country. He was a true soldier and gentleman who I had the highest respect for.

Date: Jun 27, 2007

A truley amazing man i knew major paul harding as a Lcpl when i joined the battalion in 1980 in tidworth , as a {nig} it w\as my first guard and it was on the night the town went mad ,

it was the nite of the station road riotes between us ,,,, the paras and the irish
kicked off paul was the guard 2ic .the batalion had packed and were ready to go to minden in germany ,but had to have our last nite in tidworth ,the call came to deploy ,with paul having taken the call on the guard room phone he gave us a briefe and off we went with pick hax in our hands .paul gave us guidence throuout from deployment to geting back to the guard room of that nite i knew from that moment this man should be an officer , a leader , a guardion ,and he was for me and many more .

having read the coments from his co, at his death i,am inspired sadend ,but proud that people like major paul harding paved the way for you and I

respect major paul

Date: Jun 28, 2007

Paul was a great and well respected man who I had the honour to call a friend throughout my army career - I served with and under him in various guises between 1979 and 1989 in 2RGJ.

My thoughts are with his family and all riflemen who knew him

Tony "knibby"

Date: Jun 28, 2007

Just want to pass on my sympathy to pauls family and friends this world has lost one very big man. Served with paul in NI and done a few courses with him what a great lad, hes gone but never will be forgotten. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Date: Jun 29, 2007

knew Paul many moons ago,great squaddie,

RIP Once a RIFLEMAN always a RIFLEMAN (NEVER FORGET)

Date: Jun 30, 2007

I first met Paul Harding 24 years ago.
I was a young Rifleman in 1pln and he was an NCO in 3 pln, I soon learned that he didn't suffer fools gladly, especially young 'gobby' fools who thought they knew it all.
I, like so many others was just 'passing through', he was always there for the long haul.

It's fitting and a testament to the man he was, that he went out doing what he did best. Leading and Inspiring.

I think it's fair to say, even in death, he will continue to be an inspiration to many young Riflemen in the future.

I'm proud and somewhat humbled to be able to say, that however briefly..
I served with Paul Harding..

My deepest respect and condolences to his family.

Ian Connell 2RGJ

Date: Jul 1, 2007

Paul, you are one of the best soldiers I ever had the privelege to serve with and was honoured to call you a good friend. We went up the Anti Tanks ladder together with young Phil but I kept falling off.
We have only met twice in the last twenty or so years but at least each time I made you laugh, as usual.
My sincerest condolences to Paula and the boys.
It is great to see how well thought of you are mate, you must have taken my advice.
I told you cats could swim.

Date: Jul 1, 2007

Firm, fair, top Footballer.... yet as a former Referee, in the inter-Company games, he could be your worst nightmare!
His testimony and professionalism are a true inspiration.

Sincere condolences and deepest respect to His family. Thoughts are with them at this sad time.

Date: Jul 1, 2007

My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to Pauls wife and boysI served with Paul in the anti tank platoon in both Tidworth and Germany and am sure parts of his old bikes are still rattling around the gun sheds. A finer family friend and Rifleman it would be hard to find.May you rest in peace

Date: Jul 1, 2007

To all who have left such wonderful messages,

This is Hazel and John, parents of Paul.
We are so grateful for all of your messages regarding our wonderful son, who we are missing terribly. It is heartening to think that our son had touched so many lives, during his time with the Green Jackets/Rifles. He and his army friends gave us so much pleasure and made us so proud. It has been an honour to know you all through Paul.

God bless you all, our thoughts are with all who remain in Iraq.

Hazel, John and Jonquil.

Date: Jul 3, 2007

A True and respected Rifleman. RIP Big Man

Date: Jul 4, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Pauls Passing, I remember him from my time as a good proffesional soldier.

Date: Jul 4, 2007

There have been many comments from Paul's contemparies and those who served under him but I wanted to put something from an older generation.
I didn't really know Paul until I became CSM I(Sp) Coy, in Tidworth and he was a Cpl in the A/Tks. I soon realised that this was a star of the future, a superb sportsman and a professional soldier, he wouldn't have to crawl or backstab his way to the top. A man possessed of both moral and physical courage, his loyalty went up down and sideways, who else would want Norman as a mate?
My foresight was proved correct when he came to 5RGJ as RSM, you could see he hadn't stopped rising yet, and what a lovely couple he and Paula made!!
You and the boys must grieve now Paula but always remember the good times.
Mr and Mrs Harding you had a son to be proud of.

In our prayers. Pat and Brenda Veasey

Date: Jul 4, 2007

Major Paul Harding your spirit will last forever, you have been such an inspiration to everyone your life has touched.
Our lives crossed many years ago and that experience I shall never forget.
I have met so many people that have known and worked with you Paul and I have never known one person make such a difference to the lives of others; you were/are truly unique.
I have never felt such admiration and respect for anyone such as you; you have been a special uncle to Paul and Emma and they and I will never ever forget you; I know you will be with us all forever.
It has been a pleasure knowing you Paul, It has been a pleasure and an honour being able to talk to people about you and most of all a pleasure reading how others have been affected by your presence in thier lives.
You have been a brave soldier Paul, you have continually fought for us throughout so many years, the world is a far worse place without your presence and they will always remeber your bravery.
My deepest regret and sympathy to your family, you will be in my thoughts forever, god bless.

Date: Jul 5, 2007

RIP Paul

You were a man I truly respected. May your example continue to inspire those who served with you.

Paula, my thoughts are with you and the boys.

Date: Jul 6, 2007

We are sitting in the study, sinking a few thinking of you, Paul, Paula and the lads. Sorry we could not make the trip down.

Ive know you a long time, weve worked together and been running together. I had the privilege of coming to your wedding and meeting the lucky but lovely lady, Paula your wife. You took over16 Platoon from me in Minden and, I always remember saying to you in the stores in cellar that you had a **** moustache (Tash).

In the mess when we had a few, you always come back with **** tach.

This is very sad and you will be deeply missed, you are a professional soldier, great husband and a role model of a father, bust most of all a good friend.

God be with you, your are gone, but never forgotten.

P.S. But Paul, I must have the last word.. "you still had a **** tash!!

Eric, Debbie and the gang

Date: Jul 6, 2007

I have just got back from Paul's funeral which was held in Winchester Catheral and his wake within the Sgt's Mess at ATR Winchester. The service done Paul very proud and the number of people that turned up was very impressive. It just proves how much people though of Paul, It was a honour to know him and have serve with him.
If I didnt know that the green jacket reunion was on the 14th of this month, it felt like I was there already with the amount of people that turned up to the wake within the Sgts Mess, it just proves what a family Regt we are, From Generals being there all the way down to Rifleman.

Good bye Paul and God bless, I am proud to have been a Chosen man having served with you.

Date: Jul 7, 2007

I was devastated to find out only yesterday of the death of a colosuss. As all of you listed here, i knew Paul, probably better than some. He was a huge man who showed a true generosity to a LOWLEY lance jack back in Strabane. Our families were not just neighbours but friends. He became for a few years my mentor and that is how my life was shaped. By a man who had a huge heart. I am absolutley gutted to have missed the sending off, he has gone to regroup with all those other chosen men so sadly gone.

To Paula and the boys my sincere condolences and heart felty grief. Take care.

I will forever be in your debt Paul.

Black and Green to the end!!