Jim McKenzie was one of a particularly fine group of Troop NCOs in the early QOH days who had been selected from the best of 3H and 7H at the 1958 Amalgamation, who became a doyen of the RAC gunnery world.
He joined 7H in 1949, serving in Germany apart from a tour at the Gunnery School until returning to Tidworth for the Amalgamation. He was an exemplary Troop Sergeant in ‘A’ Sqn in the early 60s, using his Gunnery Instructor training, and his experience when 7H were a Divisional Regiment RAC operating widely in a divisional area, to display a high level of tactical nous and an ability to find good tank positions.
He again became an instructor at the RAC Gunnery School, later the School RSMI and, for his last 3 years’ service, RSMI on the Kuwait Liaison Team. Albert Hogg comments that ‘he made a significant impact on those he served with. He was a remarkable individual who was deeply respected and cherished by his colleagues. My memories of his friendly and professional manner, readiness to help, and perpetual smile are a testament to the positive influence he had on those around him’.
After leaving the Army, he and Doreen settled in Wareham where he worked for Securicor as a Branch Manager for a few years before going to Saudi Arabia on the TOW Missile training team.
He enjoyed an active social life, including Wool Troop, and being Chairman of the Conservative Club in Wareham. Jim passed away on the 17th of June 2024.
His sons John and Andrew were very grateful that the Padre and WO2 Jack Wilkins from the Garrison fulfilled Jim’s wish that his ashes be sprinkled on the Lulworth Range.
