MAJOR RICHARD D. HOLLIDAY, TD AND soto the second Coy Cmdr of G Coy (The London Scottish) 1st Bn Highland Volunteers— Major Richard Holliday. Born on May 22,1939, at Watford, Hertford shire, Richard lived at Reigate, Surrey until 1962, for the next six years in London and then back to Reigate. He observes with a grin that he comes from a non-military family (who doesn't in the Scottish?), his father having always been in a reserved occupation. From 1946-52, Richard graced the Hawthorns School, Gatton Point, Redhill. with his presence, and later attended Eastbourne College from 1952-58. His education at this stage was to say the least, catholic. He made music, copper pots, played rugby and rowed and his hobbies included stage make-up. the debating society, with study consisting mainly of physics and mathematics. Of especial significance is that he enjoyed the School CCF which had a high standard and included a sub-unit of the Royal Marine Corps who, to the strong disapproval of the officers, regarded themselves as the 6 1 ite (“We had black belts to everyone elsc's khaki.”). This was partly justified by the training, drill and general bearing of theRM sub-unit. “It was certainly these tough but enjoyable times that made me keen to keep in contact with some form of military set-up afterwards.” He completed his schooling as Head of House and School Prefect and then went up to Aberdeen University from 1958-62. His then already existing deferment from National Service was made permanent “to those persons undergoing a full-time course of school on May 31,1960.” At Aberdeen he read Electrical Engineering and graduated BSc(Eng). His chief interests were music—he was in the University orchestra —rugby, politics and theTA! —not necessarily in that order. Last-named commenced with the University OTC, leading via Certificate B to a commission as 2nd/Lt in the Gordon Highlanders TA (4th/7th Bn). He commanded pins in Stone haven and Laurencekirk, and camped in Millom. Thetford, Milton Bridge and Sherwood Forest. In 1962, Richard found himself employed in the family electrical contracting business in SW London, and lived full-time in London. He transferred to the London Scottish as aLt and took on a pin inC Coy. It is interesting to note that the following personalities, now or recently Gin Coy and the London Scottish Cadre were in that Coy at sometime between 1962 and 1967, viz: G Coy —Captain N. Rutherford-Young 2nd Lt Ian McLuckie WOII Van Der Vord CQMS Woodall Sgt Crivelli Pipe-Major Duncan Lt MacLean-Watt Cpl Wilson and Cpl Scotland while from the Cadre —Major W. B. Campbell, Sgt Waterman and LtD. Anderson. Richard apologises for any omissions adding that there would seem to abe common ancestry somewhere! In 1963, he worked in Aden for a few months. Here he met Jill, daughter of Nevile Reid, 2nd Bn 1939-45. and sister of Nevile Reid who served with us from 1950 to 1967. So are family connections interwoven but we anticipate The years that followed found Richard deeply versed in Regimental custom and lore —he was Mess Secretary from 1965-67: Wines Member from 1967-72 Senior Subaltern from 1966-67 and in that year he transferred toG Coy as a Rifle Pin Cmdr. married Jill Reid and changed his job by leaving elecirical contracting and entered insurance broking with a Lloyds broker! In 1968, Jill presented him with a daughter. Alison, and in 1970 a son. Andrew, at which time Richard was also promoted Captain and 2 i/c of G Coy. In 1971 he received the TD and was also elected a member of Lloyds. This year, as we know, he was promoted Major and overtook command of G Coy. Richard lists his present hobbies as TAVR. gardening (enforced), reading newspapers and watching rugby when not playing. Other events he likes to remember are carrying the Regimental Colour at presentation of Freedom of Burgh of Huntley to the Gordon Highlanders, and, though a sad occasion, nevertheless one for pride in that the same year, 1967. he commanded the escort to the Colours and carried the Queen's Colour at Laying-Up Parade. Quite a record is the Holliday career. What perhaps is significant about it is that Richard obviously plans ahead quietly and thoroughly. Yet he maintains a flexibility of purpose which permits him to meet the occasion as required. And that is an essential qualification of the modern officer and soldier. He not only has to appreciate the situation but assess it scientifically, anticipate it intelligently with effective action. We wish Major Holliday every possible good fortune in his command and know that the already high standard —and it is remarkably high—comparing favourably with regular troops —of G Coy will be maintained and enhanced during his tour of duty. Page 80