John Akehurst was born in Kent in 1930 and educated at Cranbrook School, where he was CSM of the School Corps. He joined the Army in 1947 and a year later entered RMAS. He was commissioned into the Northamptonshire Regiment in 1949, which had just amalgamated the First and Second Battalions.

The Regiment was stationed in Trieste and John was soon involved in an arduous training, sporting and social programme under the finest Commanding Officer of his career – Colonel Derek Houchin. John was a member of the shooting team which he took to Bisley and was captain of the victorious cross country team in the Command Championships. He was a good platoon commander and signals officer.

In 1952 when the then General Templer requested ‘pressganged’ volunteers for Malaya John joined the Malay Regiment for a three-year tour. He was awarded a MID. Whilst in Northern Malaya he met and married his beloved Shirley.

After leave John rejoined the 1st Battalion in Hong Kong to be Motor Transport Officer and then returned to the UK where he was Weapon Training Officer before a popular tour as Adjutant of the 5th Battalion. There he developed his lifelong respect and admiration for the TA. It was also during this time that John realised he had the potential for a distinctive Army career.

Following a rewarding Staff College course he was appointed Brigade Major of 12 Mechanised Brigade in BAOR, which he ran efficiently while the Brigadier enjoyed the many sporting facilities available! Subsequent to tours with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment and as one of the DS at Camberley he was selected to command the Poachers. He ran an efficient and happy unit. Brig Michael Holme, the first Queen’s Division Brigadier, after a visit said, ‘John Akehurst will go to the top’. How right he was!

John enjoyed appointments at Royal College of Defence Studies and as Commandant of the Junior Division of the Staff College before taking over the Dhofar Brigade in Oman. Field Marshal Carver described it as an outstandingly successful command. Brig Ian Gardiner, late RM, wrote in his book ‘In the Service of the Sultan’ ‘John had that essential quality for all leaders of men under pressure. He gave people confidence. He gave them hope too; even if he himself did not always feel much hope’. He was appointed CBE and awarded the Order of Oman 3rd Class (Mil) for his services in Dhofar.

Successive appointments included DMS(A), Commander 4 Armoured Division, Commander UK Field Army and Inspector General TA, and DSACEUR. In his penultimate job he did a large amount to reinvigorate the TA and in SHAPE he was recognised as an articulate and knowledgeable commentator, coming into contact with many Defence correspondents and commentators. He was appointed KCB in 1987.

On retirement in 1990 he became Chairman of the Council of TAVRAS. He had a great five-year tour during which he gained the respect of many politicians and the incoming government. He was partly instrumental in stopping the abolition of the RMR and persuading the government to restrict immediate reductions. As a result the TA strength was set at some 69,000 instead of some 45,000 troops.

In 1991 John took over the Presidency of the Reserve Forces Association for an eight-year tenure. He was extremely conscientious and took an active interest in the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR). His hosting of the annual Congress when in the UK was masterly and ensured its great success. He even starred in a marketing video. The Volunteer Reserve Forces owe him an enormous debt.

Not content with an already busy life he accepted the appointment of a Governor of Harrow School for 14 years from 1982, being Chairman for the last five years, and was also a Governor of Princecroft Primary School, Warminster for ten years from 1990 and Chairman for the last four. Presidency of the Warminster Civic Trust was undertaken as well. He found time for walking his dogs, fly fishing and golf, too. He much enjoyed playing against the Variety Club and in 1991 he was elected a member of the Senior Golfers Society becoming President towards the end of his life, in spite of no longer being an active player. He was very proud of this honour. He also did much as a Commissioner of the Commonwealth Graves Commission in the mid-nineties. More recently he was an ardent First World War battlefield tour guide, in particular to school parties. He had a wealth of stories, jokes and well-informed comment. He took much pleasure in his association with the local branch of the Royal British Legion and as the Wiltshire County President.

John regarded his appointment as Colonel of the Regiment as a signal honour giving him much pride during his many duties. Although he fought hard the Regiment was reduced in size during his tenure. The highly successful association with the Poulters’ Livery Company was arranged by him at this time. They have contributed much to the Regiment over the years.
John never forgot his original Regiment. He was an active Chairman and later President of the Northamptonshire Associations. The Comrades, as did the members of the British Legion in Warminster, always looked forward to his annual speeches when he sometimes commented on the Government’s defence policy and the actions of the Chiefs of Staff. He was a popular speaker, often receiving standing ovations. He was the author of two books. His We Won a War on the campaign in Dhofar is regarded by many as a text book on counter insurgency. For a period he was a major contributor to the TV programme Newsnight during the first Gulf War and gained the reputation of being extraordinarily prescient.

It was said that John achieved his aims by persuasion and weight of sound argument. He had the perfect understanding of the possible and always saw the complete picture. He was universally popular with all ranks and people from all walks of life. He had great charm and got the best out of everyone. He was unassuming and approachable to all. He possessed a natural and effective authority, was bold and imaginative, firm and fair. His sense of humour was of the best and at times delightfully schoolboyish. All enjoyed his company. He will be greatly missed.

His life was not without personal sadness and setbacks. First the loss of two children at an early age and second his ill health, including a heart attack in 1990 followed by a quadruple bypass in 1997, were never allowed to interfere with his enthusiasm for life, and he certainly enjoyed it to the full. Sadly he died on 20 February 2007.

The Regiment extends its condolence and sympathy to Shirley, his wife of over 50 years, to whom John owed so much and who was a great support to him throughout their lives together.