David died on 23 April 2006, aged almost 80.

Sergeant David Cramb CBE
Sergeant David Cramb CBE

He enlisted in Edinburgh on 17th June 1943 for medical reasons. He transferred to the RAC on 13th January 1944 and did his training with 58th Trg. Regt.

He served initially with The Royal Tank Regiment and joined The 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars in the Walsrode area on 12th April 1945.

It is not known which squadron he joined, but he did talk about ‘B’ Squadron at that time, although a Troop Leader of the Squadron at that time cannot remember him. It was a long time ago.

He was with the Regiment in Berlin and did guard duty at the Nuremberg war trials.

He left the Regiment on 19th August 1947 to take his discharge. He was discharged to the Reserve on 19th December 1947 and remained on the Reserve for 7 years.

He moved to Darlington and worked for Paton and Baldwins, after stints with various firms, 1961 he became the Finance Director of Duncans of Edinburgh.

Shortly afterwards the integration of Duncans into the main Rowntree Confectionary business drew attention to his abilities and in 1966 he was invited to move to York and join the York committee. After one year he joined the main Board as Financial Director.

He was made a Commander of The British Empire for his services to The Cake and Biscuit Alliance.

In 1984 he became the President of The Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Alliance. He was a member of The Guild of Merchant Taylors of York for many years and was Master of The Company in 1991/92.

He interviewed Bernard Sharp for his post at The Merchant Taylors Hall, and for the occasion, he wore his 8th Hussars tie.

He rejoined the Regimental Association in February 1988 although did not attend events. He kept in touch with the Association, especially Bernard’s York Troop.

Related topics

  1. A short history of The 8th Hussars