This obituary is taken from the eulogy given at his Service of Thanksgiving by Archdeacon Jonathan Smith and Ron’s record of service, together with some personal reminiscences.

Ron Rogers was born in Bedford in 1917. He spent his early years in a pretty idyllic and carefree childhood. An only child, and a lively and energetic one at that, Ron loved the outdoor life, especially camping and swimming. Sport of many kinds was integral to his life, but rugby union was his main occupation and interest throughout his life.

Blessed with a keen intelligence, Ron won a scholarship to Bedford School. In the classroom maths was his forte but it was on the games field where he excelled, especially in rugby, but also in cricket, running, swimming and diving.

He chose the profession of accountancy but had not had much chance of making an impact before the war broke out. He had joined 5th Battalion Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment in March 1939, and remained there until January 1940 when he was sent for officer training at Sandhurst. After commissioning he was posted in May to 1 Suffolk at Cucklington in Somerset, joining those from the Battalion evacuated from Dunkirk and hundreds of newly trained recruits. Thus began a precious and deeply held association for Ron which was to last for nearly eighty years.

He commanded 10 Platoon B Company for about a year before another year as Signals Officer. After a short stint at the 3rd Division Battle School at Moffat Ron was sent back to 1 Suffolk as 2ic A Company under Captain Geoffrey Ryley, a man he admired tremendously for his leadership and courage. Ron landed on D Day on Sword Beach with the other company seconds in command behind the rest of the Battalion, so that they could bring forward reinforcements. A Company led the assault on the Hillman bunker, suffering several casualties including Captain Ryley who was killed. Ron arrived at Hillman the next morning to be greeted with the astonishing sight of the Germans emerging from the bunker, some of whom were carrying their luggage and briefcases.

Ron remained with A Coy, now commanded by Captain Prescott, and was involved in the battle for the Chateau de la Londe. However in August 1944 he was wounded at the battle of Tinchebray and was evacuated to the UK. After recovering Ron re-joined the Battalion in January 1945 at Wanssum, returning to A Company under the command of Major Hugh Merriam.

In April he was given command of A Company after the attack on Brinkum taking them through the rest of Germany and ending up at Bremen. Ron remained in occupied Germany until October when he was posted to 5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry until March 1946 when he was demobilised. He was awarded a Mention in Despatches during his time with 1 Suffolk.

In 1942, Ron met and married a young lady who was studying at the Froebel College in Bedford training to be a teacher and in 1944 they had a daughter. A son followed in 1948, completing the family. Ron worked initially in a market gardening partnership, then as an accountant in for Kennings Motor Company, for Joseph Ranks Flour millers, and for Remington Typewriters. In 1951 the family moved to Harrold in Bedfordshire beginning a 66 year long association for Ron. He had a ten acre small holding, with a breeding herd of landrace pigs, geese and chickens, and also grew fruit and vegetables, and Ron discovered that he was, at heart, a rural man.

He then became a director of W H Adams & Co Insurance Brokers for the remainder of his working life.

He absorbed village life in all its aspects; churchwarden, cricket, but now adding tennis and snooker, and then becoming a founder member of Bridgman Bowling Club. Fishing also became a passion of his and the skills needed – preparation, patience and perseverance -were perfectly matched to his character.

Reunions with the Suffolk Regiment became occasions of much importance to Ron and the award of the Legion D’ Honneur was a source of great pride to him.

Ron was a remarkable human being with many gracious virtues. He elicited warmth and affection from people without really trying. He cherished the concept of serving others, whether military or civilian, and he had a profound belief.