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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 Ex Bugle Major John Powell - Eulogy by Major Ron Cassidy MBE
Post Info TOPIC: Death of Ex Bugle Major John Powell - Eulogy by Major Ron Cassidy MBE
Ken A

Date:
Death of Ex Bugle Major John Powell - Eulogy by Major Ron Cassidy MBE
Permalink Closed

It is with the deepest regret that I write to inform you that Bugle Major John Powell died at 0735hrs this morning.


The Funeral of Bugle Major John Powell R.V.M.

 

This will take place at St Bartholomews Church Newton Road, Ipswich 1P3 8HQ at 10 am on Friday 16 January.

 

Cremation will follow the Funeral Service at a later date.

 

Family flowers only but donations if desired to Cancer Research UK or Macmillan Cancer Support. Cheques to be made out to your choice and forwarded to:

 

Farthing Singleton and Hastings, Funeral Service, 650 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich

 IP4 4PW, please include your name and address.

 

Refreshments: Will be available following the Service at:

The Royal British Legion, Mill Lane, Felixstowe, Tel: 01394-283733  

 

It will be helpful to the family to know how many are going to the funeral so that ample refreshments will be available.

If you are going please e-mail:  ron.cassidy2@btinternet.com

with the numbers in your party, reply also for those who may not have e-mail facilities who you know might be going.

Please ensure that you respond to the address above and not the one given on the email by Ron Cassidy.


Foreword by Major Ron Cassidy MBE

On the morning of 16th January I arrived at St Bartholomew`s Church in Ipswich at about 0830hrs. But I wasn`t the first, there was an ex bugler, with his bugle, from Newcastle and a rifleman from Hull, they were just the advance party for Green Jackets who travelled from all over the country to pay their respects to Bugle Major John Powell R.V.M.
Amongst the very many were those from Pembroke College which included the chaplain and bursar, two officers and ten Yeoman of the Queen`s Bodyguard, family and friends of John Powell, three ex RGJ bugle majors and about seven buglers, Bugle-Major Terry McCann and four buglers all in uniform from 7 Rifles and the President of the RGJRA Maj-Gen Balfour.
The buglers were stationed each side of the church entrance and sounded the Regimental call on the arrival of the funeral cortege. Inside with their backs to the altar they sounded Last Post and Rouse,  then at the end of the Service sounded No More Parades-they were excellent throughout, a credit to their Regiment and the uniform they wore. Bugle-Major John Powell would have approved.

bmjp.jpg

Eulogy

John was born in West Ham on the 17th October 1939 he had two brothers, Albert and Michael. His father Henry, grandfather, great grandfather and an uncle all served in the Rifle Brigade, this surely an indication of where his life was to lead him.
Leaving school he followed his father into the Blacksmith`s trade but this was only the prelude to the three professions he dedicated his life to but there was another dedication, that to his family.

John and Jennifer, Jennifer a name always used by John, first met in 1957 they were part of the Hammers Skiffle Group, they married in 1963 and over the years had five children, Amanda, Melanie, Lorraine,  Rebecca and Matthew. There then followed fourteen grandchildren-David, Daniell, Lewis, Sarah, Emily, Hayley, Kathryn, Charlotte, Ryan, Laura, Eloise, Lucy, Sophie and Billie.

Family and Regiment apart one of his other loves was West Ham United and he forever reminded me as an Arsenal supporter of the Trevor Brooking header that was to win the FA Cup for West Ham against the Arsenal. I am not even sure he thought that it was England that won the World Cup in 1966, possibly West Ham did, for three of Englands finest were from his beloved team, Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. Such was his passion for the club; he was to show this passion and loyalty to so many other areas in his walks of life.

John started his military career as an army cadet and joined The Rifle Brigade Rangers a Territorial Army battalion in 1957 the year he and Jennifer had met, she I believe was 14 and a half at the time. Little then did they realise the remarkable journey they were both to undertake together over the next 50 plus years which culminated in Her Majesty awarding John the Royal Victorian Medal. The first such award to a Royal Green Jacket, we are all very pleased and proud for him to be recognised in this way.

John now a Territorial Army Sergeant was encouraged by the Adjutant of the London Rifle Brigade Rangers, Christopher Dunphie, to join the regular army in 1965, his long illustrious career with The Royal Green Jackets had begun. He was a mature Rifleman with a great deal of family military history behind him and one of the first people he met was Trevor Ellison who became a life long and both agreed best friends.

His service with 3RGJ saw him rise to the rank of WO2.  He was one of those chosen to serve in R Company on its formation in 1971, chosen because this Representative Company of a battalion that was to be reorganised in defence cuts, had to have the right calibre of Officers, NCO`s and Riflemen to represent all that 3RGJ and its predecessors had stood for. John was one of those who had that calibre and thankfully the Ministry of Defence saw the error of their ways and within a year 3RGJ was reformed.

He was in his element when able to dress up and be as smart and shiny as a new ten pence coin, it was in Berlin that in this respect he came to the fore. Ed Lilley the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) had appointed John in 1975 as Drill Sergeant for the Berlin Tattoo, the toes of many ex Green Jackets RSMs were curling up at the thought of a Drill Sergeant-but it worked and the Berliners loved the perfection of the band and drill display, yet another first for John that involved him in the ceremonial of life.

In 1976 John was offered the appointment of Bugle Major an appointment that in the beginning he had some doubts about, for after all he had never sounded a bugle in his life! We were exercising out of Berlin, in Sennelager I believe, he sought my advice and was obviously the right man for the role, this I told him and his record as Bugle Major has confirmed this. His sheer panache in front of the band was always appreciated and on cold windswept days members of the band and bugles were always glad of his humour and practicality. In my view he was the right man for the right job at the right time, for him and the battalion. We were all grateful for his attitude to his role and how impressively he carried it out.

Lieutenant-General Christopher Wallace wrote to me and said:

"John was my Bugle-Major when I was Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion in Celle (1983-5) leaving the Battalion just before I did after 10 years in office. He was an outstanding Bugle-Major, who set high standards and demanded them of his subordinates. He was in the mould of the very best bugle-majors that the Regiment has been fortunate to have had over the years. In particular, he looked hugely impressive on parade, was an ace at drill and an excellent bugle instructor but, unusually, he was unable to sound a bugle note himself. No doubt he would have recalled many highlights during his time as Bugle Major but the one I best remember is the outstanding performance of the Band and Bugles during Her Majesty The Queen`s Visit to the Regiment at Celle in May 1984. In which he played a prominent part.

John, however, should not just be remembered for his success on the parade ground. He was an excellent platoon commander in his own right, training his platoon in the GPMG (Sustained Fire) role to such a pitch that each year during my time as CO the Bugle Platoon won the competition for the best medium machine gun platoon in BAOR.  

Above all, though, I remember John, as no doubt those attending his funeral will remember him, as a character, typical of those that the Regiment has often bred quick-witted with a riflemans sense of humour and ready response in all situations, good and bad. While loyal to the establishment, he was also loyal to his subordinates and served them well. The many tributes to him on the Regimental website are testimony to the high regard in which he was held by them.

He was a good friend and I rejoice in the fact that in his final days he was able to take pleasure in the award of the Royal Victorian Medal in the New Year`s Honours List. I also pay tribute to his wife, Jenny, who sustained John during his illness in the same way that she sustained him throughout his military career in the best traditions of an Army wife".


Leaving the army he went to work as Head Porter at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Here he made many friends amongst the undergraduates, graduates, and fellows. His character was admired by one and all, and from the present Master Sir Richard Dearlove, who wrote to Jennifer:

"I only met John briefly but he was a large presence in Pembroke and will be remembered with affection and respect by fellows and students alike.  The College is also most grateful for his significant contribution that he made to the success of this community during his time as Head Porter - an important college position which he filed with notable commitment and most conscientiously."

Called to London in 1987 he was sworn in as Yeoman John Powell on the first of January 1988 to become Yeoman of the Queen`s Bodyguard. In the twenty years he served Her Majesty he rose through the ranks to become Yeoman Bed Hangar and Yeoman of the Bed Goer and in late November last year promoted to Divisional Sergeant Major of the Bodyguard.
On the first of January this year Her Majesty awarded John the Royal Victorian Medal, what an honour for him Jennifer and all the family. A very rewarding moment for all that he had achieved since first putting on uniform in the service of our Queen.

But there was more to John than his love of his Regiment. It was the knowledge that he carried the love and support, of whatever he undertook from Jennifer, who he loved so much. Jennifer describes him as The Boss, totally loyal and supportive to each other they were a great team and respected by all who knew them.

His five children have said they were proud to have him as a father, he meant so many things to so many people, he was loving, funny, sarcastic and they recall that when he went to school open evenings he would check to see if he had his pen in case anyone wanted his autograph, his guitar playing and encouragement for them to learn and to teach them, he was their hero and in some respects found it difficult to share him with anyone, they always saw him as someone to look up to, loyal to all, loveable to all his children and grandchildren, his family values will live on through his children, their unique army upbringing taught them to adapt and succeed in any environment.

When leaving 3RGJ the Sergeants Mess had presented John with a scroll which amongst other entries, had written on it:

Think of what hes been
Think of what hes seen
And always remember that he served in Rifle Green

Finally from Gen Sir Christopher Wallace:
"Good bye, John, and, on behalf of all those who knew and admired you, thank you for your inspiring and loyal service to the Regiment over very many years. In common with your family, we shall greatly miss you".


 



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Andrew (Trosty) Forrest

Date:
RE: Death of Ex Bugle Major John Powell
Permalink Closed

So Sad, a well known man throughout the Royal Green Jacket world will be sadly missed.

My condolences go out to his family and the larger Green Jacket Family he was affiliated to.

RIP

Andrew Forrest

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R Etherington (Big Bird)

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Very Sad news indeed ,Another good man gone RIP Johnny my condolences go too your family.

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John Smith

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So shocked and saddened by the news of John's passing, God Bless to you old friend. Deepest Condolences to Jenny and Family. Rest in Peace.



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Tony Bishop (spick)

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Sorry to hear of the passing away of John. My condolences to Jenny and the family.
He will be greatly missed

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Ron Cassidy

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John Powell a fourth generation Powell to serve in The Rifle Brigade, he the first to serve in The Royal Green Jackets. A Rifle Brigade cadet prior to enlisting into The Rifle Brigade Rangers TA in 1957.

He joined the Regular Army in 1965 with 3rd Green Jackets, The Rifle Brigade soon to become the 3rd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets in January 1966.

He left the Battalion in 1987. becoming Head Porter at PembrokeCollege, Cambridge. He was called to London that year and became Yeoman John Powell, and was sworn in in January 1988 to the Yeoman of the Queens Bodyguard of the Yeoman of the Guard. He rose through the ranks to become Yeoman Bed Hanger, and the Yeoman Bed Goer, and on 2nd December He became Divisional Sgt Major of the Bodyguard.

 

John had been ill for some but that didnt stop him and Jenny doing what they wanted to do, indeed when I met up with them at The Rifle Brigade Memorial at Grosvenor Gardens in London on 9 November last we all met up afterwards at the Ruebens Hotel for drinks, coffee and sandwiches, perhaps more importantly a good Green Jacket gossip amongst friends.

 

It was Johns wish that no one should know about his illness and Jenny supported him to the hilt with this wish. Only the family and one or two others, who all respected his privacy and wish, came to know how ill he really was. He had been in hospital for some weeks and was diagnosed as having terminal cancer, with a life span of 6-8 months.

 

The Palace were informed and it was arranged for him to attend the Investiture to receive his Royal Victorian Medal in February. This award I feel sure a first for a Royal Green Jacket.

 

John went home on Monday afternoon, two nurses visited on Tuesday and advised Jenny they did not believe John had long to live. Last night they both watched football together until 2300hrs-he was West Ham through and through.

 

Sadly he passed away at 0735hrs this morning.

 

He was a great family man, adored his wife Jenny and his five children, a proud rifleman, a very good Bugle Major with lots of panache and totally loyal to his fellow riflemen. He will be so sadly missed.

 

To Jenny and all the family we offer our deepest sympathy and condolences.

 

Ron Cassidy



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Pat Mannion

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It was my great pleasure to have served under JP. He was a great Soldier, Bugle Major and friend.

I know it always looks like a cliche when you read things like this after their passing, but in JP's case this truly was the case. A great man and a good man. My deepest sympathies go to Jenny and the children.

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Harry Bharaj

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The family have truly lost a gem, he was always so full of life, cheerful no matter what.  Those of us fortunate to have met him will always have a place in our hearts for him.  Condolences to his family, may his sould rest in peace.  GOB BLESS

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David Walker

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A very sad loss, John was a true star in this some what sad world.

RIP John Powell

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Luke

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So sad to hear of Johns passing.I remember him from our time in 3RGJ Recce. in the late 60s.In particular we spent a memorable 6 months together in Cyprus.
I got back in touch with him via e-mail just a couple of months ago and it was typical of him that there was no mention of any illness.I am immeasurably saddened by todays news and extend my sincere condolences to Johns family



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Kevin Stevens Webmaster RGJRA

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I did not know John personally but certainly knew of him during my 15 years.  Truly a sad loss to both his own and our family of brother riflemen.

I had only recently been asked to publicise his recent award of the Royal Victorian Medal which I was glad to do.  You can find the page by clicking here.

My condlences to his family.  RIP John.


Kevin Stevens
Webmaster
RGJRA

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David Askew

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An honour to have served with you Johnny, 1971 seems like only yesterday; you truly never changed. Always cheerful, sharp as a knife, always witty, never stuck for an answer - never found wanting.
In the ranks of Green Jacket characters you were always right up there in the front rank.

To Jenny and the family sincere condolences, we shall miss this well respected and loved friend.

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Peter Tresadern

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I was so saddened to hear of the death of John Powell. He was my Bugle Major when i joined 3 RGJ in 1980 at Cambridge. A man who i believe was well respected and admired by so many that came to know him. A true legend as far as i am concerned. A good Bugle Major and friend. I can only send my most heartfelt sympathy to Jenny and the family in this time of need. May he truly Rest In Peace.

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mick mannion

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A great bloke and a real greenjacket. such a sad day for the greenjacket family. i have so much to thank him for, and so many great memorys of this unique man. My thoughts are with jenny and the family at this most difficult of times. sleep tight boss.



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Jimmy Matthews

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My condolences to Jenny and family. John was a very nice man.
Jimmy Matthews



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Sheila and Stephen Horsley

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What a shock it is, to learn of John's demise. Another good Riflrman to join the Regiment of past members of 1RB & RGJ. RIP John, this is your last posting, you are in very good company. We will miss seeing you at Felixstowe. Our condolence to jenny and family.

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stretch thorne

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i am very sorry to hear the sad news of the death of john powell.my thoughts are with jenny and her family.we had some great times when J.P. was our bugle major in 3RGJ im sure he will all ways be remembered.

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Martin Lile

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no  So very saddened by this tragic news.  I hope that Jenny and the family understand and appreciate our need to express not only our sorrow at his loss, but also of the fact we all had huge respect for John and will therefore miss him terribly, but not on the same level as his family.

John is possibly one of the most widely known Bugle Major's, he carried of that duty the same way it would seem as he conducted his life, quietly in the background.

Goodbye John thanks for allowing me to have been touched by your life.

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Larry Roberts

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I had the honor and the pleasure to know john and I was very sorry to hear about his passing away. I had the greatest respect for john and will remember the fun times we had together when he was bugle major, remarkable sense of humor. Deepest sympathies to you and your family.

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Brian Ballistics Balicki 3RGJ

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Extremely saddened to hear this news.  Like so many other former members of 3RGJ, it will be with a heavy heart that this passing is met.  My sincerest condolences to Jenny and all of Johns family.  The Last Post will have more meaning now than ever before.  God bless you John and now rest easy.  You are one member of this Regiment that will always be remembered.

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Mike & Julie Spalding

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We are deeply shocked & saddened to hear that John has passed away, He was a Green Jacket through & through, a true gentleman. We will always have special memories of him. Our Sincere Condolences to Jenny & family. God Bless you all.

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Malcolm Donnison ex 3 rgj

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My deepest sympathy to Jenny and all of the Powell family at this very sad tiime. John was a true Royal Green jacket, with the wit and humour that went with it. He was very well respected member of the battalion and will be sadly misssed by all that were acquainted with him.
R.I.P. John,  Bugle Major "No More Parades"

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Alan (trigger) Rogers

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This news is so hard to believe and understand.  I was only telling Ann last night about his Yeomanry.  I just don't know what to say.

Mine and Ann's heart fealt condolences go out to Jenny and the family.

I could just sit down and weep

Alan

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Jake Cheetham

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God bless you John. Deepest Sympathy to Jenny and Family.

Another fine rifleman gone but never forgotten.


Jake & Liz Cheetham 

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Mark Westbrook

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Very sad news indeed. I have fond memories of John. Not least because he saved me from an almost guaranteed busting in NI '84 (after him having a 'word' with the OC, a fine was preferred punishment). That's the kind of man he was, always willing to listen, extremely charismatic and awesome as BM. My deepest sympathies to Jenny and the family.

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Bill Netcher

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I am truly saddened to hear of the sad passing of Johnny Powell.    One of the great characters of 3 RGJ who will be sadly missed.

JP RIP    My codolences to His Family

God Bless You  Bugle Major

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Robin Crockford

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I'm deeply saddened and shocked by the news of John's passing away, I count myself fortunate to have been a friend of John both in the 3rd Bn and even more so on our posting to IJLB Shornecliffe. He had the all the qualities that made a true Rifleman, an outstanding man and fine representitive as Bugle Major.
To Jenny and Family my sincere condolence and a belated thanks for the kindness and friendship of you both.

Rest In Peace John.
Robin.

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Brett halford

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SO sadden to hear the new about JP my heart goes out to his family . he was a great greeezer pleasure knowing and working with him.......

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Pete Allen

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Are condolences got to John's Family. A Great Man And a Wonderful Friend.
God Bless.
Pete & Ann Allen

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Albert Storey

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At this moment I am lost for words as John and I go back so many years, and many good times together,not as a fellow rifleman but as a good friend, .
Jenny what can I say , the history of our families go back so many years,.
Take care, and condolences to you and all your family

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