Born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, on 6th November 1935, to parents Bill and Rhoda, Bill was always proud of his Lincolnshire roots.

The eldest of four brothers John, David and Ian, all who sadly died before him. Bill’s first paid job (lasting only weeks) was at Burtons outfitters in Sleaford – who knew he was setting himself up for a lifetime in smart mess kit! Bill went on to work for British Rail as a signal man in the Sleaford East signal box, joining the Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force in 1949 to commence life as a military man.

His service included many challenges and highlights along the way, having enlisted into the 1st Battalion The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment in 1953, serving in BAOR (Berlin) and on active service in Malaya. He held various appointments and served as a Platoon Sergeant with the Royal Anglian Regiment following amalgamation in 1964, serving in Cyprus, Kenya, Malaya and then Scunthorpe as Regimental Recruiting Sergeant and with the TA. In 1965, he was appointed Warrant Officer Assistant Signals Officer, and subsequently served in BAOR, and several Northern Ireland tours.

He was promoted to WO1 in 1974 and appointed Co-ordinator of Training, Jungle Warfare Wing, Singapore. He was commissioned in 1975, serving with 3 Royal Anglian as Families Officer in Cyprus – responsible for over 300 families, and establishing Berengaria village complex immediately after the Cypriot/Turkish war. In 1977 he recommenced his ACF duties being posted as Assistant Chief Instructor at the Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park, and in 1980 was appointed Cadet Executive Officer Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, transferring to Humberside Army Cadet Force as Cadet Executive Officer in 1986. In 1990 he actioned the amalgamation of Humberside ACF with South Yorkshire which became the largest national county force.

Service Awards included GSM Malaya 1955, GSM Northern Ireland, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and Cadet Force Medal and the Order of St John.

In 2000, he retired to Belper, Derbyshire, with wife Peggy, to be closer to his daughter Carol and grandchildren Rebecca and Nicholas. Bill will long be remembered not only for his exemplary military service in the regular army and associations beyond, but also for his glorious talent for singing.

His many appearances with the military bands all around the world brought joy to him, his family, friends and many audiences. He kept his singing going right to the end, including entertaining residents at a local care home and going viral during the covid lockdown, where he was known as the ‘Corona Crooner’ singing a variety of well known tunes, (with adapted words), as part of the unique ‘Belper Moo’ local initiative to help combat lockdown loneliness within the community.

Bill continued a love of travel throughout his life, sharing countless wonderful holidays abroad with Peggy, including many ocean and river cruises, where guests would often be treated to a few of Bill’s impromptu renditions. On one occasion he was even asked to stay on as part of the official entertainment team! He enjoyed bowls, quizzes, chatting to people at the gym and the odd game of bingo too! Above all, he loved spending time with his family who adored him.

Bill’s wife Peggy and daughter Carol were at his side when he died at the Royal Derby Hospital on September 3rd 2023. Bill leaves behind his devoted wife of 65 years Peggy, daughter Carol and husband Chris, grandchildren Rebecca and Nicholas, their partners Oli and Hannah and beloved great grandchildren, Jacob, Lyra and Jessica.

Following the announcement in the Regimental Bulletin, Peggy and Carol received many telephone calls, cards and letters of condolence. The stories, memories and reminiscences shared have been an immense comfort at a very difficult time and we thank the extended military family and associations for their much-appreciated support.
Bill’s final journey was a private family committal, with his chosen last piece of music being the Band of 2 Royal Anglian playing the Lincolnshire Poacher.

Anyone wishing to get in contact may do so by contacting Carol Brewer 221, John O’Gaunt’s Way, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0DT or by email at caroltoneman@aol.com