Lt Col John Meade’s sudden death in 1971 at the early age of 50 came as a great shock to all of us. It was however no surprise to those who knew him well that he should have kept so quiet about his last illness, as this typified his whole attitude to life.
He was an essentially straight person, unassuming yet with great strength of character and purpose. He possessed strong religious principles and always put the interest of others before his own; he was intolerant of humbug and can’t; yet would go out of his way to help those in need.
John joined the 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars in the war in 1941. By 1950 he was Adjutant when the Regiment went to Korea and the writer remembers well his views on the correct conduct of young officers at that time.
Before amalgamation in 1958, he Commanded a Sabre Squadron and returned a few years later as Second in Command in Hohne, Tidworth and Aden.
He would undoubtedly have had a good chance of Commanding the Regiment had it not been amalgamated, however, this was not to be and he continued to serve at ERE until retiring in 1970.
During his service, he was Mentioned in Despatches twice and awarded the MBE.
Since retiring he was on the point of taking a job in the City but sadly was unable to start this new career.
