Mark died on 25 August 2004, aged 90.
He enlisted at Durham on 26 August 1931 into the Cavalry of the Line on a six-year engagement, with a further six years on the Reserve.
He joined the 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars at Beaumont Barracks, Aldershot. He moved with the Regiment to Hounslow on 4 October 1932. There were over 400 horses in the march. After just over a year in Hounslow, the Regiment sailed for Cairo on 19 December 1933.
He took part in the last mounted parade near Coombe Hill.
He moved to Palestine with the Regiment at the end of June 1936, returning to Abassia in November 1936. Mark then left The 8th Hussars and served one year with The Royal Scots Greys until his release. He was recalled in September 1939 to The Greys and served with them throughout the war.
He married Barbara in Edinburgh on 6 May 1942. Agnes was born on 21 Nov 1944.
He took his discharge in 1946 and became a prison warder.
On 2 January 1947, he re-enlisted into the Royal Army Service Corps and was posted to Thetford as a driver/mechanic. In September 1948 he enlisted into the Royal Signals, remaining with them until July 1951. He then transferred to the REME.
Twins Anthony and Sandra were born on 28 November 1953. In October 1954 he was posted to the Middle East.
He took his discharge in May 1959. He had the GSM Palestine, 1939/45 Star, France and Germany Star, the War and Defence Medals and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (with gratuity).
On returning to civilian life he had various jobs including commissionaire, school lab technician and council storeman. In his retirement he spent more time gardening on his allotment and enjoyed travelling around the northeast, using his bus pass.
He was a loyal member of the Regimental Association and a long-time member of the 1st Durham Troop.
