John Newstead enlisted in the 4th Hussars on 21st February 1931, joining the Regiment at York. At the time of his retirement in January 1967, he had served just a few days short of 36 years. During this long service, he steadily built up a reputation of the best qualities of cheerfulness, loyalty and sportsmanship.
As a lightweight, he boxed for the Regiment with a distinction between 1931 and 1938 winning many trophies and was a member of the regimental team which won the 1st Cavalry Brigade Team Competition for three years in succession.
Promoted SQMS of ‘A’ Squadron a few months before the outbreak of World War Two he took part in the ill-fated Greek Campaign of 1941 and was taken prisoner of war. He rejoined the Regiment after the war in 1946 in Italy and the following year was promoted to RQMS.
Well deserved recognition of his service in Malaya was marked by a Mention in Despatches and later an award of MBE.
In 1953 he was commissioned Lieutenant (Quartermaster). Later extra-regimental appointments were with HQ Northern Army Group, BAOR; the Shropshire and Fife and Forfar Yeomanries; Ministry of Defence, Whitehall, and RAC Records.
POW privations no doubt contributed to the long period of ill-health which he bore with great fortitude in the years immediately preceding his retirement. His death, so shortly after retirement, will be mourned by all with whom he served.
