Jack died on 3rd August 1986.
He joined the Army in November 1942 and the 8th KRI Hussars in January 1944.
In 1949 he was posted to the Northants Yeomanry but rejoined the Regiment again in Korea in January 1951.
He was an outstanding Fitter Sergeant and his know-how and tireless dedication ensured that all vehicles passing through his hands were ready at all times.
After Korea, when the Regiment moved to Luneburg, for his skills Jack was required to transfer to the REME under ‘Phase 2’. But he remained attached to the 8th KRI Hussars and was Fitter Staff Sergeant with ‘C’ Squadron. For his continued loyalty and devotion to the Regiment and his outstanding work, he was awarded the BEM.
Unable to settle with the ‘wrong’ cap badge and especially when REME Records suggested a posting away, he applied for a transfer back to the new Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars and was gladly accepted. Subsequently, he returned from a D & M course with an ‘A’ grading. His name is on that unique role of the special instructor’s at the entrance to the D & M School at Bovington.
In 1961 he went to Aden with the Regiment as Squadron Sergeant Major, ‘HQ’ Squadron. A year later he returned to the D & M School, Bovington, and in 1963 was promoted to WO1 and served three years as RSM of the North Irish Horse in Belfast.
Jack was also a Regimental Hockey player and could throw a mean dart. He was an extremely popular member of the Sergeants’ Mess. His inventiveness and talents were put to good use, not solely for the purposes of work Many a Sergeants’ Mess Ball and Saturday Night Social were enhanced by his ‘props’. Always a delight too was his own special rendering of ‘Queenie’.
Jack was very proud of his position as Yeoman of the Guard Queen’s Bodyguard and apart from his other royal tasks was on duty at St. Paul’s at the time of the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
On leaving the Army he worked for the Midland Bank, finishing up in the Technical and Services Section which required much travelling all over England – an arduous and exacting task.
In 1981 already suffering from angina he suffered his first heart attack. In 1982 a second massive heart attack forced him to make a decision which resulted in him taking early retirement in 1983 not only from his employment but also from active life and was precluded all forms of over excitement.
He resorted to his first hobby of painting and although he sold one or two, was deeply affected by being grounded Just two weeks before his death he became mobile again by the use of an electric wheelchair.
Jack was a great family man with 4 super grandchildren; it was by using his chair he was able to join with them in some games. He was on holiday in York when after a session with the children he returned to his caravan and shortly after passed away.
Violet wanted a military funeral, but due to the short notice, this was not possible to arrange. However, she was comforted by the fact that Major Bob Smith and Marcus Webb assisted in carrying Jack on his final journey to the Crematorium in Mansfield. Also present were other members from the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars and the Queen’s Bodyguard of St. James’ Palace.
Jack will forever be remembered with great warmth and respect by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving with him. Our deepest sympathies go to Violet, Janice and Christine.
Major PG Hartwright writes:
Jack Freeman and I joined the Regiment within a few days of each other at West Tofts in January 1944.
After ‘Briquessard’ when 1st Troop ‘C’ Squadron was reconstituted I became Troop Leader and Jack was my Troop Sergeant’s driver. It was I think a very happy troop where the young entry of which he was one blended very happily with the ‘old sweats’. He remained in the Troop until after I left the Squadron to go the RHQ just before we crossed the Weser, and I think he stayed until after VE Day.
I was again in ‘C’ Squadron with Jack from 1953-1956 and Jack was also there this time as mechanics Staff Sergeant. He had a very good mechanical brain and the knack of getting the best out of his staff. As a result, we had few bad mechanical problems in the Squadron. Our CIV inspection reports were always good in those days and this was largely due to the hard and conscientious work put in by the fitters. On exercises, the fitters’ half-track was always where it should be, with an imperturbable Jack sorting out final drive failures or ignition problems with equal aplomb.
There are few ‘stories’ that I know about Jack Freeman but he was always around doing his job with a smile on his face.
For what more could one ask!
