A TREE was recently planted in Winchester to remember those who died in past military campaigns.

On Wednesday, November 16 veterans of the Royal Hampshire Regiment (still known as the Tigers) gathered in the memorial garden at Serle's House in Southgate Street to dedicate a new tree in memory of their comrades who had served in the military campaigns in Malaya (1954-56) and Borneo (1966).

During the service, the names of the 13 members of the regiment who had lost their lives in both campaigns were read out.

The idea behind the planting was the brainchild of Bill George of Winchester, who served with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Hampshire Regiment in Malaya during their tour of duty in 1954 – 56. 

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The tree, a Ginko Biloba, known as a fossil tree for its longevity, can trace its origins back to pre-historic times. It had been generously donated by Hilliers Nurseries.

At the time of the Malayan Campaign, the Tigers were sent to try and prevent a Communist takeover of the country and were largely made up of National Servicemen, who had been sent to do their 18 months or two years of military service.

Their task was to help the Malay people and pave the way for their independence a decade later; they found a beautiful country with extremely friendly people. 

Mr George said: “My life was shaped by my service. Helping others to understand different people and their religions, made me a better person. Towards the end of my life, it is my sincere wish to leave a memory to these good men, despite all the hardships we endured, our morale was good.”

The service was taken by Rev Mary Copping, curate of St Paul’s Church, Winchester. Mary’s late husband, Peter, had served in the Royal Hampshire Regiment for more than 22 years and had taken part in the campaign in Borneo in 1966.

Cllr Angela Clear, deputy mayor of Winchester and Chris George, chairman of the Winchester Branch of the Royal British Legion and grandson of Bill George were also in attendance.

The organisers thanked the Regimental Secretary of the Royal Hampshire Regiment, Lt Col Colin Bulleid, the tree surgeon Simon Gray and members of the Malaya and Borneo Veteran Branch of the Royal Hampshire Regiment Comrades’ Association for financing the project.