I was told to report to the BSM, and on arrival was introduced to another Gnr nicknamed Sparrow. The BSM said it was very dangerous for a new soldier on his first exercise and instructed Sparrow to take me under his wing(No pun intended), he also said that I should do everything Sparrow told me to and stick close to him.

Initially I don’t think Sparrow relished his task, this did not stop him carrying it out to the best of his ability. We warmed to each other through humour and shared experience, so that, by the end of the exercise we had become solid friends. He did a lot more than look after me as he was at pains to explain what was happening at different phases of the exercise. He also introduced me to many members of the regt during the two weeks. He was, in effect, giving me a solid base to build on.

As far as I was concerned I was going to carry out the BSM,s instructions to the letter. So wherever Sparrow went, I was only a couple of feet behind. This earned me the nickname of ’The Shadow’. I was quite chuffed I had been given a nickname, although to be truthful it was quite short lived.

The regt moved to Devizes. After returning from leave, quite early on in the posting I think, I looked about the camp for Sparrow. Eventually I learnt that he had died in his sleep while on leave. I was devastated, and had a great feeling of loss.

Forces Reunited is an ideal forum for me to thank him. Wherever you are Sparrow, I thank you for your kindness, humour, comradeship, instruction and helping me way beyond what was asked of you. I will never forget you.