Bernie ‘Chalkie’ White died on the 11th January 2011, after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer on the 24th Nov 10. Such a short 7 weeks, but shared with his family to the end.

Many old Poachers will remember Bernie from the time he was attached to the 2nd Battalion as the APTC QMSI during their tour of Munster in Germany 1971-76. He was re-assigned from the Coldstream Guards and also did a short spell with the Scots Guards, all based in Munster at that time.

He was born on 23 Nov 1941, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. His father was a veteran of the Army Physical Training Corps (APTC) and was duly sent out to Taping, Malaya, where Bernie enlisted into the Army on the 19 Nov 1958. He joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, but his love was sport so he later joined the APTC. He was very proud of the recognition given to the Corps, in Nov 10, when they became the ‘Royal’ APTC at the Remembrance Ceremony held in the Royal Albert Hall.

Bernie’s favourite sport was boxing for which he represented the Army, Combined Services and Wales. An excellent coach and referee, he even took the Hong Kong civilian team to the Malaysian Games. As a result of his love of boxing, the Poachers became one of the strongest units in Army Novice Boxing at that time.

During his time with the Poachers, Bernie did 3 Op BANNER tours in Northern Ireland; his first was in the Mulhouse Youth Centre in 1972 next to the notorious Royal Victoria Hospital; secondly to Londonderry in 1973 where he was part of the OC B Company’s Group and bodyguard; and in 1975 to Belfast for another stint, this time running the Magnet Club, a shared experience for both Catholics and Protestants.

Both Maggie and Bernie were strong supporters of Mess life. He was renowned for his rendition of ‘Moon River’ and his performance of handstands at Regimental dinners (but only when they played his Corps March) was often the highlight!

With nearly 25 years in the Army, Bernie then joined the Foreign Office as a Chief Security Officer. This took him all over the world and he was still working overseas in February 2010.

A sad end to a great man.

JL

Picture caption
WO2 Bernie ‘Chalkie’ White (back row 2nd from right) with Maj Robin Drummond’s Group, B Company, the Poachers, Creggan, 1973.