Bernard enlisted into the RAC in January 1949 and after training was posted to the 14/20 Hussars in Catterick.
He didn’t spend long with them as when the 8th Hussars reformed all Squadrons in late 1949 and additional manpower was required prior to their move to Tidworth, Bernard joined ‘A’ Squadron.
On the Regiments move to Tidworth in early 1950 on a war footing, Bernard moved across to ‘C’ Squadron as a storeman in Admin Troop under the redoubtable SQMS Jock Taylor, MM.
He deployed with ‘C’ Squadron on the 11th October 1950 sailing from Southampton to Pusan on the Empire Fowey, docking on 14 November.
Throughout the Korean deployment, Bernard would be a welcome sight to all of ‘C’ Squadrons tank crews, bringing up Ammo, Ration, fuel, clothing, blankets and mail.
He was also known to have a skill of finding other items not supplied through the normal supply chain, Soju which in English means “burned liquor” a clear, colourless distilled beverage of Korean origin, just what the Squadron needed to keep up its spirits and keep out the cold Korean winter.
Bernard would support ‘C’ Squadron throughout the battle of the Imjin and with the remainder of Admin Troop would find themselves being one of the very few of 29 Brigade advancing whilst the majority were in withdrawal.
Bernard returned with the Regiment to Tidworth and then onwards to Luneburg in 1952. He was posted back to the Northampton Yeomanry in 1953 and retired from service in 1954.
Trooper Bernard Cregan, one of the Regiments unsung hero’s passed away in November 1999
