The REME thread might seem a strange place to remember an infantryman, but I think it is fitting.
I only recently became aware that he had died and I hope that my memories of him might bring a smile to others who remember him and there must be many.
He was OC C Company at the Army Apprentice College Arborfield when I moved from J to C in 1973.
He was alleged to have won the MC storming a German machine gun position on the Normandy beaches, not quite but close enough!!!
Captain John Sim
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/major-john-sim-6rpk37pzb
As a lowly apprentice I had little direct contact with him, but on one memorable occasion two of us were tapping the boards for failing to carry out a direct order. While guilty as charged there were mitigating circumstances.
Having agreed to accept his punishment he considered for a moment and then sentenced us to erect a shed for the childrens toys at the S.E.E nursery. A cruel punishment indeed. While we were enjoying the sun, being fed tea and biscuits indispersed with a little light work the rest of the college was on Saturday best kit parade.
Although over 50 he was a regular at Rugby training. I remember a route march to Crowborough camp where due to some bizarre military logic we were debussed 10 miles from the camp to march in. Apart from marching the distance he was also going up and down the column encouraging and cajoling as necessary. Not even the slightest bit out of breath at the end.
On a passing out parade there had been a couple of dull thuds up and down the line as individuals carried out a close inspection of the square. He detached himself from the reviewing officers entourage and positioned himself facing C company. Nobody in C dropped.
Probably the same occasion, the reviewing officer and entourage were taking their places by order of rank on the stage in the gym . Being a mere Major he was a long way down the pecking order. He looked like an advert for medals are us and shaded all the others. As an aside I think this was the parade when the Padre Basil Pratt delared to all present that he knew what the apprentices called him behind his back "Baz the Spaz"!!! Made us laugh. I believe Major Sim took up a civilian position at the college on retirement but that was after my time.
I only recently became aware that he had died and I hope that my memories of him might bring a smile to others who remember him and there must be many.
He was OC C Company at the Army Apprentice College Arborfield when I moved from J to C in 1973.
He was alleged to have won the MC storming a German machine gun position on the Normandy beaches, not quite but close enough!!!
Captain John Sim
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/major-john-sim-6rpk37pzb
As a lowly apprentice I had little direct contact with him, but on one memorable occasion two of us were tapping the boards for failing to carry out a direct order. While guilty as charged there were mitigating circumstances.
Having agreed to accept his punishment he considered for a moment and then sentenced us to erect a shed for the childrens toys at the S.E.E nursery. A cruel punishment indeed. While we were enjoying the sun, being fed tea and biscuits indispersed with a little light work the rest of the college was on Saturday best kit parade.
Although over 50 he was a regular at Rugby training. I remember a route march to Crowborough camp where due to some bizarre military logic we were debussed 10 miles from the camp to march in. Apart from marching the distance he was also going up and down the column encouraging and cajoling as necessary. Not even the slightest bit out of breath at the end.
On a passing out parade there had been a couple of dull thuds up and down the line as individuals carried out a close inspection of the square. He detached himself from the reviewing officers entourage and positioned himself facing C company. Nobody in C dropped.
Probably the same occasion, the reviewing officer and entourage were taking their places by order of rank on the stage in the gym . Being a mere Major he was a long way down the pecking order. He looked like an advert for medals are us and shaded all the others. As an aside I think this was the parade when the Padre Basil Pratt delared to all present that he knew what the apprentices called him behind his back "Baz the Spaz"!!! Made us laugh. I believe Major Sim took up a civilian position at the college on retirement but that was after my time.
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