It is with profound sadness that I write to advise all former members of the RAOC of the sudden passing of a great soldier. I first met “Rod” in 1961 when we both signed on at Cambridge Road, Portsmouth. Rod was a “Hilsea Boy” and proud of it. We served in the same House, later to become Platoon “Steevens”. We had a great Platoon Sergeant Alfie Pownall, and two really good C O’s, Captain Peter Gibson and later Capt GVN Cowell.An aspiring Junior Leader, with a very strict military persona. Rod Craigie was a gentle person, a man of warmth, and passion for life; one of Rod’s most enduring characteristics was his enthusiasm and dedication to all tasks, this in turn earned him quick promotion to Junior RSM. He was proud of that achievement and so were all of his friends. Rod demonstrated considerable tact and diplomacy when dealing with difficult and demanding situations.I have never forgotten how Rod Craigie had already chosen the love of his life, from the day that he entered Boy service. “Sylvie” became a name known to us all. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Sylvie and her family from all former RAOC Corps members.
Paul Jones 14th. January 2007
A great shock to hear of Rod's passing. Although we only met briefly many years ago,(his brother Glenn and I joined Jnrs together and were posted to Ord Dep Aden in 65), he was extremely kind when we spoke. My thoughts are with his family
David McCarthy 14th. January 2007
I too was deeply saddened when contacted by the family and informed of Rod’s passing.I never had the pleasure of meeting Rod, and our contact was by phone and email, however I found him to be a friendly, polite and extremely genial gentleman.Rod was looking forward to assisting with the arrangements for the Ex Boy’s Association Dinner later this year, having attended the 2006 event at Farrnborough.My heart goes out to Sylvia and family, as I realise how traumatic it must be to have your loved one taken from you, at such a young age, and after an extremely short but severe illness.
Bill Chamberlain 14th. January 2007
I am very shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Rod,I first met met him in Steevens Platoon in 1962 and such was the impression he made on me that when I met him again last year for the first time since April 1963 (a gap 44 years) not only did I recognise him immediately, but the very first question I asked him was "How was "his Sylvie and were they still together". He proudly announced that they were. I am proud to have known him and deeply saddened that I will not meet him again at our next reunion but I am sure we will all have a moment of quite reflection to his memory and how he touched our lives.
Dave Brown 18th. January 2007
I was today shocked to hear of the passing of Rod a dear friend and buddy.We first met in 1961, we immediately struck up a friendship us being "Pompey Boys" and both thinking that we were as fly as they come. We both experienced the rough and tumble of "Boys School".I always remember whilst we were both in band house almost bursting our lungs trying to get a decent note out of those bloody awful brass bugles.We both then went to Stevens House where we got upto the most awful stunts one being to jump out of the upstairs windows onto the old grass WW2 bomb shelters, how we never broke our necks was a miracle. I left Rod to get on and become J/RSM and went on to "Mans Service. That I thought was it. However, in 1982 I was posted to Bulford walked into the Mess, and there behold was the Guy I hadn't seen for over 20 years, as smart as a button stick the biggest grin I ever saw. Over the next couple of years we became great friends again.I left the service in late 84 and it was Rod who gave me my farewell speech at my final dinner night, as usual he had done his home work and brought up some of the old tricks we got upto as boys.I only met him once more and that was in Commercial Road in Portsmouth, it was as if we had never parted.Unfortunately I was abroad when the last Junior Leaders get together took place, and was so much looking forward to seeing him later this year. I can only say we have really lost a true "Gent" My heart goes out to his only love Syvlie, you have may deepest sympathies at this terrible time.
George Hendley, 21st. January 2007
Any details, memories or photographs that you may have would be most welcome.