Colonel Stuart Green was born on 26 November 1933. He attended Bancrofts, where he was, apparently, a reluctant scholar but a very keen rugby player. His final exam results were not good enough for university entry so after school, at his Father’s instigation he reluctantly started work in a Chartered Surveyors office in London. This did not last long as he was called up for National Service, much to his relief. He was selected for officer training and after Mons OCS joined The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment in September 1952. He clearly found the life of an Infantry subaltern in this post war period to his liking because he applied for a regular commission. This was granted in 1954.

After various regimental appointments and a short training stint in Ghana in 1961, he was appointed DAAG in RHQ The Royal Anglian Regiment, then located in Blenheim Camp, Bury St Edmunds. During this period he bought a house in Clare, Suffolk, which was to be the family home for the next 40 years. After Staff College he was posted to the 4th Battalion then based in Gillingham Kent. During his tour the Battalion did an emergency 9 months tour in Bahrain. This was followed by 2 years on the staff in Gibraltar and then a tour at the Infantry NCO’s Tactics Wing, Brecon.

In 1973 Stuart applied for loan service in Oman. He was employed initially as an SO1 in the Headquarters and then as the COS. This was an especially demanding period in The Sultan’s Armed Forces and one which he relished.

Command of the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion at Shorncliffe followed – a role for which he was well suited – a committed Christian with a genuine interest in helping young people, he found this period particularly rewarding. Promotion followed and a tour as Col GS in HQ SW District, Bulford. Then, in 1985, he was appointed Col Ops/Readiness in HQ AF NORTH. This latter tour provided ample opportunities for the family to sail, cross country ski and really enjoy their time together in Oslo.

Stuart was a determined and principled officer and not easily influenced once he had made up his mind on an issue, which inevitably meant to some that he was ‘challenging’. He also had a mischievous side – whilst in Gibraltar he felt that the Headquarters was a bit laid back so he decided to sharpen it up by placing a small explosive devise under the Commander’s chair during an exercise. In Oslo, again frustrated by what he saw as a lack or professionalism amongst his NATO colleagues, he placed an empty Russian vodka bottle in the Tunnel leading to the underground Command Centre. Apparently some in the Headquarters did not share his sense of humour! He retired in 1988.

Stuart met his future wife, Margaret, when they were both still at school. They married in 1957 and anyone who served with them will remember what a strong team they were, taking full advantage of the opportunities offer by their various postings, and always hospitable, kind and welcoming to new arrivals and anyone in need of support for whatever reason. They had so many plans for their retirement together but tragically it was not to be. Margaret died within 2 years. Despite this devastating blow Stuart threw himself into the life of Clare. He served on the Parish Council, the Museum Committee, drove the welfare minibus and was active in the church and the youth club. He was passionate about defending the less fortunate in society. He believed that with leadership there had to be accountability and it was his duty to challenge those in authority to ensure that they fulfilled their obligations. So, he put pen to paper! There is many an ombudsman, regulator, business leader and politician whose in tray will be a little lighter with his passing. Those who knew him will not be surprised to learn that his local MP kept a separate file, a rather thick one, solely for his correspondence.

Stuart died in his sleep on 5 April 2013, having run his regular yoga class only 3 days before and played bridge the night before. A Service of Thanksgiving for his life was held on 26 April in the Baptist Church Clare – the church was full.

We extend our sympathies to Alexander, Christopher and Edwina.

ACT