1. Stuart Symington died on Friday 11^th December 2009 aged 83.

2. A small family with local friends funeral will take place in Fownhope, Herefordshire on Thursday 17 Dec at 11.30pm

3. His life will be celebrated at St Marys Church, Fownhope, Herefordshire HR1 4PS on Thursday 4 March 2010 at 2.30pm

4. Stuart Symington was:

Born: 16 Sep 1926

Commissioned into the KRRC: Feb 1946

Promotions:

Jan 1945 Rfn

Feb 1946 2/Lt

Feb 1948 Lt

Jan 1950 A/Capt

Jan 1956 A/Maj

Postings:

Apr 1946                               163 OCTU (Eaton Hall)

Up to Dec 1949                    1 KRRC

Up to March 1952               ADC to the Governor of The Bahamas

Up to Dec 1955                    Adjt 2 KRRC Münster

Up to Aug 1958                   Adjt/Trg Officer Queens Westminsters

Retired: Aug 1958

5. After officer training he joined 1 KRRC on occupation duties in Northern Italy and particularly in Trieste now part of Italy but at that time in danger of being annexed by the Yugoslavs under Tito. He spent a total of 13 years in the Army and amongst his posts was a couple of years as ADC to two successive Governors in the Bahamas.

By all accounts he was a successful, stylish, efficient, charming and above all fast living Adjutant of 2 KRRC in Münster. He was always known to the Riflemen as Soupy. This misplaced nick-name came from the catering size soup tins in the cookhouse which were made by a firm owned by a cousin of his although his fellow Riflemen thought it was his. His own family firm produced foundation garments and after he left the Army he joined them as the director responsible for the export of bras, corsets and swimwear far more fun than making soup!

As a 22 year old, in 1949, he captained Leicestershire at Cricket and in regimental terms he is best remembered for his contribution to Green Jacket cricket and golf.

In his time he was a larger than life character, politically incorrect with his opinions and jokes and the first to admit that he much enjoyed a drink or two.

In cricketing terms his life can be described as he had a dam good innings although the wicket got a bit dodgy at the end.

His step-son Lt Col J-D von Merveldt was an officer in the RGJ.

J-D v M