Bob Ames joined the 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars in Cairo in 1940, just prior to the outbreak of war with Italy.
He came from the Inns of Court Regiment. Having a pleasant and amusing personality, he soon established himself as a very popular officer with all ranks. He had a good repertoire of anecdotes and was an excellent mimic, making him good company.
In 1941 he was wounded while in the desert during the battle for the relief of Tobruk. After his return from the hospital, he joined ‘A’ Squadron and took part in the May battle in 1942 when he was instrumental in rescuing many 8th Hussars who had had their tanks destroyed.
During the withdrawal to the Alamein Line, he joined ‘C’ Squadron under Major Hackett which formed part of the ‘July’ Column and was badly injured in the thigh by a snapping tow rope.
1944 saw him serving in Normandy when he commanded ‘A’ Squadron for a time when Guy Threlfall was killed in action.
Bob Ames will be sadly missed by his many friends.
