Tony Bradford died at his home in Bishop Auckland on 3 Apr 2012 aged 68.
A man who's character was as large as he was.

Career:
Bradford Anthony Edgar (Tony)
DOB: 2/9/1943
Died: 3/4/2012
In the Ranks: 08/11/1961 to 23/8/1981
2Lt SSC RGJ 24/2/1977 (Seniority backdated)
Capt Reg (QM) 01/4/1983
Capt Reg (LE) 01/4/1988
Maj Reg (LE) RGJ 30/9/1988
Retd: 1998/99

Served with:
1GJ, 1 RGJ(incl Fam Offr in Aldergrove), 2 RGJ (RQMS in Gib), Rifle Depot (RSM), 4 RGJ (QM), 7 LI (QM)

Funeral:
Friday 13 April; 1200hrs
Durham Crematorium
South Road
Durham DH 1 3TQ

RGJ Representation: (WO1/RSM) Jake Cheetham is representing the North East Branch of the RGJ Regimental Assn (rgj.north.east@btinternet.com ) at the funeral.

RGJ Officer Representation: I am seeking an RGJ Officer to represent the RGJ Officers at the funeral any offers (london@the-rifles.co.uk )?

Letters of condolence if desired:

Mrs AE Bradford (Cathy)
13 Cleveland Avenue
Bishop Auckland
Co Durham
DL14 6AB

Address given at the funeral 13 April 2012 by
Capt The Hon James Ramsbotham DL (Late RGJ)
Deputy Hon Col D (RIFLES) Coy 5 RRF

Major Anthony Edgar Bradford (Late RGJ)

Anthony Edgar Bradford was born on 2nd September 1943 in Langton Matravers, a small farming village on the coast of Dorset, five miles from Swanage.  His father, Edgar, was away in the war and did not actually see his first child until Tony was nearly three.  Margaret, his mother, stayed in the village, bringing up Tony whilst having American soldiers billeted with them.

Tony found it hard to accept his father after his return in '46.  His father started work as a farmer, managing the farm for a private prep school, and soon the family was complete with the arrival of Tonys sister, Joan.  Growing up on a farm is hard work.  From a young age, Tony always had a lot of chores to complete before he could do his own thing:  the cows had to be milked; all the animals had to be looked after; and he had to help tend the crops - especially the back-breaking task of planting or harvesting potatoes.  Tony really wanted to spend all his time on the sports-field: football in the winter and cricket in the summer.  Tonys father never really understood his sons fascination for anything to do with a ball.  He attended Langton Matravers Primary School and then passed his 11+ and attended Swanage Grammar where he stayed until he was 18.

Tony's big disappointment, when he reached 18, was that he was not accepted into the police force, because he was colour-blind.  So, instead, to our eternal gratitude, he joined The Royal Green Jackets at Winchester.  His attitude to hard work, from a childhood on a farm, together with his love of sport made him a natural Physical Training Instructor.  He now developed his leadership skills training Riflemen for a number of years, until he sustained a very nasty broken leg whilst playing football.  That rather put a stop to his sporting activities and life as a PTI.  He joined the 1st Battalion and spent most of his time with them in Berlin (guarding Rudolf Hess in Spandau Prison), Cyprus, Northern Ireland, and Tidworth, before returning to Winchester and London in a recruiting role.  Here he discovered his next love: West Ham Football Club and Trevor Brooking.

He then went, on posting, to Dover, Kent where, towards the end of his time, he met his true love, Cathy.  They were married, 6 months after meeting, in the superb setting of Dover Castle, on the 6th March 1976. 

After another UN tour in Cyprus, Tony and Cathy joined the 2nd Battalion in Gibraltar as RQMS.  Then it was back to Tidworth and, in September 1977, their first son, Neil, was born.  They were soon on the move again to Winchester where Tony was appointed RSM of the Rifle Depot.  Many remember the feeling of trepidation, when standing at the crease at St Cross, facing Tony coming it to bowl.  It was in Winchester, on 11th July 1980, that 2nd son, Iain, was born - right in the middle of Green Jacket week.  Tony was leading the celebrations on the parade ground and could be seen rushing backwards and forwards to the delivery room in full dress uniform.

Tony was commissioned in August 1981 and the family moved back to 1RGJ in Aldegrove, Northern Ireland.  In his own words he was appointed to the worst job in the army: Families Officer.  Actually, he was superb at it.  Moving on again, a quick visit back to Tidworth, before 5 years in London with 4RGJ (TA), as their QM, before joining 1RGJ back in Germany.  The boys now really needed to be settled so the next posting, to County Durham as QM for 7LI, enabled Tony and Cathy to buy a house in Bishop Auckland.  Here the family stayed whilst Tony completed his last posting in Northern Ireland before retiring to the make the North East home.

We will always remember Tony Bradford for the giant of a man that he was, in so many ways an archetypal Rifleman.  Everyone could relate to him and had the greatest respect for him.  His family, his soldiering colleagues and all his friends mourn his passing.  We were privileged to share time with him.  He gave such strength to us all and we are strong for him and for his beloved Cathy and their sons, Neil and Iain.

Capt James Ramsbotham is the son of General The Lord (David) Ramsbotham