Tim was born in Cirencester in November 1930, where his father was Vice-Principal of the Agricultural College.
He was initially called up for National Service in 1949, but having attended Mons OCS he became a regular soldier and went to Sandhurst.
He was commissioned in the 7th Hussars who were at Fallingbostel in 1951.
In 1952 he went to Korea where he served with 5DG and 1RTR. During his time in Korea, he was involved in a serious traffic accident in which he damaged a leg which caused him permanent discomfort. At some stage, his tank was hit on the turret by a shell and he suffered from deafness for the rest of his life.
He returned to Fallingbostel where 7H was preparing to return to Tidworth on their way to Hong Kong. During his time in Hong Kong, he was Second in Command of ‘C’ Squadron and Regimental Signals Officer. He returned in 1957 ahead of the Regiment to become ADC to the Commander of the 1st Division at Bulford.
Having inherited the love of horses from his mother, racing became a major part of Tim’s life in which he enjoyed considerable success. His career followed the usual pattern of a regimental officer with periods of Regimental Duty and ERE. Subsequently, his career took him to Munster and Detmold, and a period at the Signals School before returning to the Regiment to command HQ Squadron.
Following a period with the Warwickshire Yeomanry, he again returned to the Regiment to take ‘B’ Squadron to the Persian Gulf. This was a very successful tour and Jeremy Phipps describes this as a major factor in his decision to join the SAS. His last posting to the regiment was as Second in Command when the Regiment was at Hohne in 1971.
His subsequent career took him to Canada and to Northern Ireland where his good ear was damaged by an IRA bomb.
His final move prior to his retirement was the Army School of Education at Beaconsfield in 1983 where he became the Army’s expert in the art of public speaking and television interview techniques. Many senior Naval and Army Officers, together with MOD Civil Servants benefitted from his teaching.
He retired in 1989 and settled in Maiden Bradley where he played a leading role in fundraising for the All Saints Bells. He was for a period the Parish Clerk and Chairman of the RDC and for nine years was closely involved in the production of the Maiden Bradley News.
Tim had an unusual sense of humour which quite often was not appreciated by those who did not know him and particularly senior officers. He had a kind heart and will be long remembered by those who served with him.
Somewhat later in life, the Jockey Club was trying to improve the presentation standards of its various officers and it was suggested by another member of the Regiment, David Pipe, that Tim should be asked to help.
Having listened to a number of the lecturers making successful presentations he was able to marshal his skills and effect a change in those he was addressing. His teaching on this occasion has been described as outstanding.
