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RGJ Association -> THIS BOARD IS NOW FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY. CLICK ON RGJ ASSOCIATION TO RETURN TO NEW IN MEMORIAM FORUM. -> The Royal Green Jackets In Memorium Board -> Death of Major (Retd) Frank Sainsbury MC (With Obituary by Major RD Cassidy)
Post Info TOPIC: Death of Major (Retd) Frank Sainsbury MC (With Obituary by Major RD Cassidy)
Ken A

Date:
Death of Major (Retd) Frank Sainsbury MC (With Obituary by Major RD Cassidy)
Permalink Closed

Frank Sainsbury died at 6am this morning.





His widow Ann lives at: 50 Bridport Road, Poole, Dorset BH12 4BY.




Funeral of the late Major F.R. Sainsbury M.C.



The Rifle Brigade and The Royal Green Jackets.





This will take place on Thursday 13 November at 1430hrs.





Place: Poole Crematorium, Gravel Hill, Poole, Dorset BH17 9BQ. Tel: 01202 265235





Floral tributes: No flowers but donations, if desired, to the RGJ Museum for use towards the enhancement to Rifle Brigade and Royal Green Jackets artifacts and displays.





Cheques should be sent to: Ives & Shand Funeral Service



568, Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH14 0AG.01202 716500



Please include your name and address.





Please note there will be no refreshments or place, other than at the crematorium, to gather after the Service.



Obituary

frank.jpg

Major F.R. Sainsbury M.C.

The Rifle Brigade and The Royal Green Jackets

Born 16th June1930 in London Frank was called up as a National Serviceman on the 4th of November 1948 into The Rifle Brigade (RB), this with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) made up the Greenjackets Brigade with their Depot at Winchester. He had married Pearl the mother of their five children, four boys and a girl a month prior to his call up. He was discharged in June of 1950 but by March of 1951 rejoined as a regular soldier into the RB.
En route with 1RB advance party to Korea in September of 1954 they managed to get as far as Singapore before it was recalled to Bulford-it was clear the lobbying by the CO against going to sit on the peace line in Korea for three years had succeeded-the battalions new three year posting to be Kenya and Malaya, arriving in Kenya in November of 1954.

Frank was in his element both as a platoon sergeant and patrol commander in Kenya and Malaya his skill and dedication led to him being Mentioned in Despatches in 1958.
Posted to the redesignated Green Jackets Bde Depot in January 1959, his ability as a training sergeant was second to none, he was experienced in life, smart, knowledgeable, fair and firm with discipline, always determined to train his recruits to be the best at the depot. Though one potential officer tested his humour by arriving with a silk dressing gown, velvet slippers and twelve volumes of Proust which were quickly shipped back home! A keen footballer Winchester gave him many opportunities to exercise his skills, as did BAOR and Cyprus some years later, always a team man in whatever he undertook.

It was in Borneo as a WO2 in 1965 that he was given the role of Platoon Commander, a role that he excelled in. He instilled confidence into everyone; his years of serving and living in the forests and jungles in previous campaigns were soon imparted into one and all. He was a born leader of men and as such all respected and responded to him.
In December 1969 he was commissioned and posted from 3RGJ where he had excelled as the Regimental Sergeant Major, joining 2RGJ in the same month. He very soon settled and in a relatively short time commanded I Company in Northern Ireland.

It was in Londonderry that the RSM of the time wrote:
I recall one of his many finest hours.  Saturday afternoon in Derry on William Street, the riot was somewhat overpowering, he anticipated a shoot!  He stood up in full view of the crowd with his loud hailer in hand and shouted "I don't know about you, but I am going back to hear the football results".  The crowds dispersed.  This was Frank.

On the 14th of March1972 an I Company patrol investigating a house in the city thought to be a possible store for arms, ammunition, explosives and a known lying-up house for the I.R.A., led to the fiercest gun battle Londonderry had known. Gunmen opened fire with machine guns and rifles, leading to several of the patrol and a Major from the Blues and Royals who had volunteered to go out on patrol to be wounded. The day after this incident the company again came under fire and a rifleman was severely injured.
Frank had commanded and led his company through difficult times in Northern Ireland, in recognition he was recommended for and awarded the Military Cross.

A very proud man who would never ask for help whatever the situation, direct and at times abrupt, very firm in his views which were invariably given with a smile.
Throughout his service he was supported by Pearl his wife who died in 1983.

Frank remarried in 1987 to Ann who was a great comfort and support to him, especially during these last years when he was so ill. He died on the 4th of November 2008.
Our sympathies are with Ann and Franks sons and daughter.

Ron Cassidy





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Billy Hughes

Date:
RE: Death of Major (Retd) Frank Sainsbury MC
Permalink Closed

It is with great regret that I heard the other day about Maj Frank Sainsbury.  To me he was a legend as a young soldier I was at the Depot when he was 2i/c of Trg Coy.  To me just starting off the Cpls I overheard talking about him held in the highest of esteems, some of those Cpls I later became the best of friends with Ginger Dixon, Scarf Jones, etc.  Maj Frank to me was the typical vision of a 'Capt Hurricane' person larger than life bt a real nice gentleman.  I then came across the publican Maj (ret'd) Frank Sainsbury who insisted on being called Frank explaining the Army was a different world away.  He knew I had little money in those days and he listend to my tale of woes.  He then suggested I hold my Wedding reception in a large room at the back of his pub and he charged us a mere pittance for a fantastic spread fit for a King.  Although he may have never attended too many reunions since he left he never forgot what it was like as a Riflemen.

It is my belief that Maj Frank Sainsbury MC, would have been collected by the finest bunch of Riflemen one would wish to walk alongside.  Part of me thinks, they'll probably follow Berts Henshaws route littered with empty beer cans thrown by the mad Geordies.  However, I would also imagine Maj Paul Harding would have ensured they picked them all up after they emptied them.  God Bless Frank, enjoy meeting up with your Muckers.

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Dick Hayes

Date:
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I knew Frank from the depot in 1959 when he was a training Sergeant and potty on the depot football team. Our careers ran side by side until he left 3RGJ handing over as RSM to Ron Cassidy in Celle. Throughout this time we all came to admire and have deep feelings for him because he was a Rifleman the same as us all and he never forgot it. In all of my RGJ time I have never heard a bad word spoken about him. I am sad that he has gone, I have lost a true friend. Rest in Peace Frank and thank you for all that you did during your time with us.
My sincere condolences to Ann and the family.

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David Askew

Date:
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Billy; 'Captain Hurricane' ... so apt.

I had the honour to meet Frank while he was OC RIT circa 1976. He visited my recruiting office in Haringey Sports Centre, Tottenham. We went for 'lunch' in the Corner Pin pub opposite ....that's about all I remember, I recovered 3 days later.
What a man, what a Greenjacket, what a legend. If memory serves he was mentioned in 'Jackets of Green.'
Love and greatest respects to Frank and sincere condolences to Frank's family, he truly was Swift & Bold.

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Bill Netcher

Date:
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A True and True RB and a Green Jacket.      My first metting with Frank was when he was RQ and I as a young nig RFN was on QM's fatigues when in He walked to His Office and His First words were Good Morning to you all.      The other memorable incident was when He was RSM and when there was a Bn Parade He always called us up on "The Rifle Brigade".

Frank (RIP).

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Alan Robe

Date:
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              CAPTAIN HURRICANE YES CAPTAIN HURRICANE
                                 ALIAS
               MAJOR  FRANK SAINSBURY

Frank had  I coy 2nd R G J  in N I
   
 His men  His Riflemen His Green jackets  I was honoured to have been in the same coy, He part wrote the book Jackets of green based on  I coy good book 
 he was called hurricane ,he was a gentleman ,gone but not forgotten 
SIR rest in peace sincere condolences to  
                                                          
                                                          Ann  and family

   A ROBE  I coy  (Robey)                              

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Malcolm Donnison ex 3 rgj

Date:
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R.I.P. major Frank Sainbury MC I had the honour to meet you briefly and you made a lasting impression on me. Another true Greenjacket makinjg his way to the parade ground in the sky. Sincere condolences to all of your family and friends.
 Don Donnison

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Winchester Branch

Date:
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Sincere condolences to Ann and the family on the passing of Frank. Not only a great loss to those left behind but all those who were fortunate to serve with him. Rest in Peace.

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Sandy Wells

Date:
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Alas, I never knew Frank, but as part of our Green Jacket family, he seems to have made a lasting impression on those fortunate to have served with him. 

Gone, but never forgotten. Rest easy mate.

 

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Ron Cassidy

Date:
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I was fortunate to follow in the footsteps of Frank; he was in a way my mentor. I thought that today I would repeat the words that are contained in the very last paragraph of that remarkable book Jackets of Green, a book written by the historian Sir Arthur Bryant, extolling the greatness of deeds of the Rifle Brigade and those who served in it, he wrote:

Above all, the Rifle Brigade always looked to the future, and for this reason, even when it ceased to be a separate Regiment, its former members, though now part of a new Regiment embodying its traditions and virtues, continued to look forward, not back. Six years after the latters formation one of its Company Commanders, formerly in the Rifle Brigade, wrote to General Fyffe, under whom he had once served, describing how superlatively the Riflemen of the 2nd Royal Green Jackets --- formed from men of three component Regiments --- were behaving under their grim ordeal in Northern Ireland.

We Riflemen, he wrote, have always been optimistic and, in particular when things look their blackest. Morale in the Battalion has never been better than it is at this moment when we are stretched to the limit, overworked and called upon to change tactics almost daily. The Riflemen seem to thrive in these conditions and accept everything as a personal challenge---It is nice to know that they never change. I have had letters from lots of friends whom I have not seen for years, and it is surprising how far they are spread, Green Jackets all over the world showing the flag.*

 

There could hardly be a finer tribute to the validity of the Rifle Brigades philosophy or better witness to its immortality.

 

*Letter from Captain F.R. Sainsbury, M.C. 2nd Bn. The Royal Green Jackets, to Lt-Gen Sir Richard Fyffe, 8th June, 1972.

 

Franks description of Riflemen is one we have all grown up with. How well he penned it.

I join with Green Jackets where ever they are in offering our condolences to Ann his widow, his four sons and his daughter.

 

Ron Cassidy




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Bill Taylor

Date:
Permalink Closed

Ken A wrote:

Frank Sainsbury died at 6am this morning.

His widow Ann lives at: 50 Bridport Road, Poole, Dorset BH12 4BY.


Funeral of the late Major F.R. Sainsbury M.C.

The Rifle Brigade and The Royal Green Jackets.

This will take place on Thursday 13 November at 1430hrs.

Place: Poole Crematorium, Gravel Hill, Poole, Dorset BH17 9BQ. Tel: 01202 265235

Floral tributes: No flowers but donations, if desired, to the RGJ Museum for use towards the enhancement to Rifle Brigade and Royal Green Jackets artifacts and displays.

Cheques should be sent to: Ives & Shand Funeral Service

568, Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH14 0AG.  01202 716500

Please include your name and address.

Please note there will be no refreshments or place, other than at the crematorium, to gather after the Service.


My first real encounter with Frank was when he handed over to me as training Sergent at Winchester in 1960.  What an act to follow!  I was aware of him in Kenya/Malaya through his reputation, which followed him throughout his career.  His wealth of knowledge was enormous value to me as RQMS during his period as RSM in Celle.  

I was fortunate when promoted to RSM of 2RGJ in Ballykelly to find he commanded I Company.  Again he was there to support when required.  I consider his life's vocation deliberately chosen was for the man he was.

I  recall one of his many finest hours.  Saturday afternoon in Derry on William Street, the riot was somewhat overpowering, he anticipated a shoot!  He stood up in full view of the crowd with his loud hailer in hand and shouted"I don't know about you , but I am going back to hear the football results".  The crowds dispersed.  This was Frank.

How do I sum up?  This is an extract from a booklet entitled"Leadership the Greenjacket Way"  written by Field Marshall The Lord Bramell, when he commanded 2nd Bn. in the Far East.  This is the Greenjacket Way-Pride in fighting, qualities and professionel skill, intelligent and humane disipline, sympathy and understanding between all ranks, concern for the individual, for his welfare and for that of his dependants.  This was Frank.

It is with much regret we are unable to attend his funeral.  We are out of the country.   Fondest regards and sympathy to his family.

Bill and Eileen Taylor.



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Snowy Cusack

Date:
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 A TRUE OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, A HONOUR TO HAVE KNOWN AND MET HIM, MORE SO WHEN I WAS AT THE DEPOT IN 77 , I WAS BEING PROMOTED AT THE TIME, AND HIS COMMENTS WERE,* IT'S TAKEN YOU A LONG TIME SNOWY*, I HAD LEFT IN 68 IN CELLE AND FOR HIM TO REMEMBER WHO I WAS AFTER ALL THAT TIME,THAT SHOW'S THE REAL MEANING OF BEING A GREEN JACKET.
RIP FRANK (MC)

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Barry Millard

Date:
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 So much has already been said. For myself, I was lucky enough to have Frank Sainsbury as my Training Sergeant at the Depot. What an example he was! Did anyone look so good in Rifle Brigade battledress? After nearly 50 years I can still picture him marching across the square towards us in Short Block, and the final moments of panic making sure we had done all we could to reach the high standards he expected from "his" platoon. Without doubt one of the "Greats" of the Royal Green Jackets.
Rest in peace.

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mrs judy convery

Date:
Permalink Closed

sincere condolences, he was an officer and a gentleman i shall always remember the many occassions he came to dinner with slippers in hand and made himself at home always there were not enough officers like him.
we will remember him.

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Bill Convery

Date:
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I served with Frank for some years on the RIT and Free Fall Team.  He was a truly great and genuine man as well as a fine, soldier's, officer; no side just straight down the middle.  He was always a most welcome visitor to our home during his days living in The Mess at Peninsula Barracks.  Although we met a few times at functions at the Rifle Depot Officer's Mess when I was Mess Manager I never got to meet him at his pub and feel I have missed a part of a good friend's life.  I shall miss him

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John 'Tiny' Corr

Date:
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I knew Frank Sainsbury as RSM of the 3rd Battalion, and he was a man I respected enormously. Once, when I had got into enough trouble to appear before the Colonel (Alexander-Sinclair), Frank was to march me in. I was quite worried, but he reassured me that he had been bust several times, and it was not the end of the world.
He was an inspiring man, smart, tough and fair.A great loss to the Greenjacket canon.

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The Sainsbury Family

Date:
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Frank's wife Ann and the family would like to express their gratitude to all of you for sharing your memories of time spent with Frank over the years.

Many messages, cards and letters continue to arrive bringing comfort and support to us at this sad time, and Ann will keep them all.

We would also like to say thank you to those who were able to attend  Frank's funeral, and most especially to Ron and Shirley Cassidy for fulfilling Frank's last wishes.
His final journey was taken under the Rifle Brigade flag, with a Bugler to sound the 'Last Post', the love of his family, the respect of his men and fellow officers and with the dignity of a rifleman to the end.

Your kindness stays with us,

The Sainsbury Family

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