No.128
she did privately at first before becoming
a key staff member of the new Learning
Support Department until she retired.
Her interests were walking, painting and
singing. She was calm, kind, patient,
and a very good listener: qualities
which made her a first-class teacher
and which helped students to believe in
themselves and their potential. Married
Geoffrey Robinson (Co Ro, 76-07), who
survives her, along with their son and 2
daughters.
William Gerald Hugh Beach
(G, 36-41): died 4.9.2019. Father of DHB
(G, 67-71). 2 nd in Special Army Exam.
Commissioned into the Royal Engineers
1942, landing in Normandy on D+6.
He was ordered to clear a road of mines
and after he had reported that all was
clear, the leading transport struck a
mine. He climbed on board the next
vehicle and sat on the mudguard. Later
in Belgium whilst on a reconnaissance
of a bridge he was severely wounded,
but he insisted on sending a full report,
which enabled the bridge to be captured.
He was awarded an immediate MC.
On his way to the field medical station
he met his contemporary in Phil’s,
Michael Barstow (G, 34-39) who said,
‘Keep your pecker up!’ He was told by
the doctors that he would never have
children – as it happens his son and
Michael’s son were exact contemporaries
in Phil’s! Scholarship to Peterhouse
1947, 1 Mechanical Science 1949, MA
1960. CO 4 Field Squadron, in BAOR;
DAA&QMG 24 Brigade in Kenya; and
Commandant, Cambridge University
OTC, where under his stewardship
some of the brightest young men of their
generation joined the Army. While in
the Army Staff Duties department he
was responsible for the controversial
reform and reduction of the TA. OBE
1966. Commanded 12 th Infantry Brigade,
followed by a Defence Fellowship at
Edinburgh University. His lectures while
he was Commandant of the Staff College
are still remembered for their wit and
erudition. Commander UKLF and then
promoted General in 1977 to be the
Master General of the Ordnance, where
he made his most valuable contribution
to Army policy on the Army Board: for
The Trusty Servant
the first time in decades the procurement
budget was underspent, thanks to
his diligent management. Appointed
KCB in 1977 and GBE in 1980. On
retirement he was quickly recruited as
Warden by St George’s House, Windsor,
a conference centre bringing together
leadership from all walks of life. 1982,
member of the Security Commission;
1986 director of the Council for Arms
Control; Chief Royal Engineer 1983-
86; Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater
London 1981-87. Having learnt to
sail, he did so in challenging seas. His
Gay Gallant V Hustler 35 survived the
disastrous Fastnet race of 1979 when
23 of the 303 yachts were lost and 15
people drowned. A soldier known for
his brilliant intellect, who was a radical
reformer of the reserve forces and a
longstanding opponent of Trident.
Married 1951 Estelle Henry (died 1989).
He is survived by their three sons and
a daughter. Obituaries in The Times and
Daily Telegraph.
William Willatt Slack (D, 38-43):
died 28.3.2019. Brother of TWS
(D, 41-46) and father of RWTS
(A, 66-71). Co Prae, VI and Soccer
XI. After a short time with the Rifle
Brigade he went to study Medicine at
New College, Oxford; OU Soccer XI
1945, MA 1950. He was a member of
the winning Arthur Dunn Cup sides in
1948 and 1950 along with his brother
and Brian Trubshaw. He continued his
medical training at Middlesex Hospital,
BM 1950, FRCS 1955. Fulbright
Fellowship 1960. He continued his
successful career as a surgeon with the
Middlesex Hospital 1962-90. Consultant
Surgeon, King Edward VII Hospital
for Officers 1974-90. He was appointed
Surgeon to HM The Queen in 1974
whereupon his students changed their
name badges to read ‘Medical Students
to HM The Queen’. Sergeant Surgeon
to HM The Queen 1982-90. He was
Dean, Middlesex Hospital Medical
School 1983-87 and subsequently Dean
of the combined University College
and Middlesex Medical School of
Medicine 1987-90, which became one of
the most prestigious Medical Academic
Institutions in the UK. Honorary Fellow
25
UCL 1987. KCVO 1990. He was a
member of the Surgical 60 Travelling
Club, whose visits included Jordan,
Dublin, India and Nepal. He gave the
Vicary Lecture – ‘Sergeant Surgeon
to the Crown’. He joined the Barbers’
Company in 1984, Master 1991. He and
his wife set up a farming partnership in
the late 80s and had a passion for opera,
growing vegetables and playing croquet.
Married 1951 Joan Wheelbright who
died in 2015 after 64 years of marriage.
He is survived by their two sons and two
daughters.
John Alastair Mackenzie Pitcairn
(F, 39-43): died 9.5.2019. Brother of
ACPP (F, 42-46) and father of AGMP (F,
65-70), AJP (F, 68-72) and DJP (F, 73-78).
He joined the RNVR and found himself
commanding an MTB in the English
Channel aged just 18. He later served
off the Normandy coast, Singapore and
Sumatra. Mentioned in Despatches. He
was demobbed in 1946 and first worked
with Orient Steam Navigation Company
1948-51 and later joined Trinder
Anderson & Co, shipbrokers 1951-63.
A family trust allowed him to set up the
Potter-Pitcairn Partnership and he set up
a farming project with farms at Teffont,
Snoddington Manor near Andover
and Eddington near Hungerford.
He created a very early model of the
efficient farming community seen today.
He became involved with Afghan
Aid, of which he became Chairman.
He was proud of the work they did in
rebuilding agricultural infrastructure
in Afghanistan after the Russians had
left. He suffered a stroke which left him
with severe dysphasia and Universal
Aunts provided a series of wonderful
carers. Married 1949 Jane Potter, who
died in 2004 after 55 years of marriage.
He is survived by their two sons and a
daughter.
Peter Joscelyn Everett (Coll, 39-43): died
24.03.2019. He was a member of the
school’s Home Guard and he worked
on summer harvest camps for three
years. Sen Cap Prae. He suffered poor
eyesight and to pass entry to the Navy
he learnt the eye chart and recited it
perfectly. Special Entry, Royal Navy