Tony Morrison joined The 4th Hussars in the latter part of 1945 when the Regiment was stationed at Villa Opicina near Trieste, a city which offered all that could be wished for in the way of wine, women and song, which seemed to be much to Tony’s taste.

Capt T Morrison, OBE
Capt T Morrison OBE

He quickly showed himself to be a kindred spirit and fitted into the Regiment well. At that time it was the horse which was dominant in our lives, whether it was riding school, hacking, following our pack of drag hounds or learning more about horse mastership at equitation courses, and Tony showed himself to be a bold and enthusiastic horseman.

He also spent some months in Hungary at an equitation school and learned something about Hungarian methods of breeding and training horses.

Tony was demobilized in 1947 and shortly afterwards set off to Rhodesia, as it was then named, where he worked both as a farmer and later as the editor of a Salisbury newspaper. He also continued to enjoy equestrian activities, including steeple chasing and trotting. It was while he was in Rhodesia that he met and married his elegant and wholly delightful wife, Diana.

Soon afterwards they decided to return to England, and Tony then became Secretary of the Hereford Herd Book Society, a position he held for many years, involving not only supervision of the Hereford breed at home, but also in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and many other countries. His outstanding success in carrying out his duties may be measured by his being awarded the OBE for his dedication and effective management.

He maintained his connection with the Regiment by attending Regimental dinners and by his enthusiastic membership of the Cavalry Club. He was always delighted to see his former 4th Hussar colleagues and was a model of hospitality.

Tony Morrison was kind, considerate, honourable and loyal. He was devoted to his family, his friends, his Regiment and Herefordshire. He had a great sense of humour and a profound sense of duty. Holding strong views on many matters, he was unwilling to abandon his high principles and always fought for what he believed in.

He was universally liked and admired. He was above all a true gentleman and a most faithful friend. Those fortunate enough to have known him will be conscious of a very great loss. Our most sincere sympathy goes to his wife and family.

Related topics

  1. A short history of The 4th Hussars