Major Jack Salter TD

Obituary for Major Jack Salter TD

Jack left us on 19 September 2014, aged 83, after a period of ill health. A National Serviceman, first with 8 RTR from February 1949 then with 5 RTR November 1949 to May 1950, he served with 4 Royal Norfolk from May 1950 to May 1968. At the Presentation of Colours by HRH the Princess Margaret on 8 July 1962 at Britannia Barracks, Jack commanded No 2 Guard. Jack was awarded his Territorial Decoration in September 1964 and became a Substantive Major in October 1964.

He latterly commanded B Company, 4 Royal Norfolk, in Dereham. Farming in Attleborough, Jack was long associated with the Attleborough Branch of the Royal British Legion and with Attleborough Town Council. For many years he attended the 4 Royal Norfolk Officers’ Dinners and regularly attended the Regimental Tent at the Royal Norfolk Show.

At his funeral service on 8 October at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough, conducted by the Revd Matthew Jackson, the church was full and there was standing room only. The coffin was draped with the yellow and black Royal Norfolk Flag. The eulogy was by Phillip Allwood with readings by Ian Walker, Jamie Walker and Andrew Thornton.

Among those attending were the two subalterns present at the 1982 new Colours presentation to the 4th Battalion; Capt Mike Cadge with the New Colours and Maj Pat Darley with the Old. Other Regimental attendees included: Lady Thorne, Col Tony Taylor, Lt Col Eddie Thorne MC, Maj Richard Wilson MBE and Rachel Wilson, Majors David Clarke and Pat Darley, Capt Alan Debenham, Lt Pat Palgrave Moore and Maurice Eke.

Jack regularly hosted the late Maj Gen Sir David Thorne KBE CVO when they attended the 4 Royal Norfolk Officers’ Dinners until the untimely death on St George’s Day in April 2000 of the 4th Battalion Adjutant.

Jack was always good company and will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathy goes to his widow Jeannie.

The photograph is of Jack at the final 4 Royal Norfolk Officers’ Lunch in April 2012.

JLR