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It is with deep regrets that I am reporting the passing of Cliff Slater (Oscar) MBE.
He died peacefully on Saturday 23rd May 2009 at his nursing home, Lord Harris Court, Mole Road, Sindlesham, Berkshire. No further details at the moment, full report as soon as details are known.
I can remember 'Oscar' from the day that I joined the Army, way back in 1962, when he was the RSM at AAJLR at Tonfanau.
On day 1, he shouted and screamed at us, using the famous Slater word 'Bucking'. He was at Tonfanau for my first 9 months and then went to the 1st Bn, where I encountered him once again.
Without doubt, Oscar was a person who young soldiers listened to and respected. On the other hand, if you had a problem, Oscar would help and try and solve the problem, be it military or personal.
Quite a lot of the Forum would not have met Oscar in Army life, but if they had they would have have got the same impressions of a gracious man as I did.
Chris and I send condolances to his family.
a nice man , a sad loss ,there will be many like me who remember him and his sat/morning drills
Hello Tony,
I knew Cliff when he was my CQMS in "B" Company in Jamaica, I was also lucky enough to have the guiding hand of C.S.M John MacDonnell M.M. they were both excellent at their job and as stated one could always go to either for guidance and or advice. The RWF have lost a true Royal Welchman in every sense of the phrase. I bet the angels are standing at attention.
Regards Brian D
Oscar's reputation as a soldier and a friend was infomous throughout the Army.
I am perhaps one of those younger members who did not know him whilst he was serving with the Battalion etc. However I do remember playing at an Officers Mess dinner at Sandhurst where if I'm correct it was Oscar who was being dined out. There was so much gold braid there, all of whom new Oscar, attended to a man to pay tribute to a man who had made such an impression on their military lives.
Rest in Peace Oscar, and may I on behalf of the Aberystwyth Branch RWFCA pass on our condolences and sincere sympathies to all those who had the privilage of knowing Oscar.
Paul Hinge
Hon Secretary
Aberystwyth Branch RWFCA
Tony
The Shotton and Deeside Branch RWFCA send their Deepest sympathy to Cliff's Family, Friends and fellow Comrades' at this sad time. Cliff was truly an icon within the RWF family and throughout the Army. We will sadly miss his load voice and his fatherly advice to us younger members. May you RIP Cliff.
"Old Soldiers Never Die, they just Fade Away"
From
BennytheBall and All at the Shotton and Deeside Branch RWFCA
A loss of a regimental icon.
If any members manage to obtain a full obiturary relating to Oscar, it would be appreciated if it could be passed either to myself or Bob, for inclusion in The Vault.
On behalf of The Shrewsbury Branch RWFCA I wish to pass on our sincere condolences to Oscar's family and friends, I joined the Battalion in Minden 1965 when I first heard of this Royal Welch legend, I was introduced to Oscar some years later which confirmed the legend, A 'Great Royal Welchman' and a true gent.
Rest in peace Oscar, you'll be greatly missed.
Oscar Slater was my first RSM in Minden, His office window overlooked the Battalion square, I remember as a Seventeen year old walking accross "his" hallowed square when I heard a thundery roar of "GET OFF MY EFFING SQUARE". scared the life out of me. All at the Caernarfon Branch RWFCA wish to convey our deepest sympathy to all his Family and friends.
The end of an era, I remenber him for his way of addressing the Band when we were on parade he would shout to the bandmaster " bandmaster is your skiffle group ready" or words to that effect.
A real gentle man of the old school, RIP Oscar.
Joe.
on behalf of th mountain ash branch RWFCAssoc send their deepest sympathy to his family i rember him in a coy as csm in berlin in 1959 you
know when he was about when you heard him shout.
rest in peace oscar
mountain ash branch
I rember Cliff Slater from when i joined the Bn in bulford in 1960, He was my first CSM and a great one at that he looked after us all.He was also a great soldier and had the REG in his hart at all times,and theLOF he will be missed so much REST IN PEACE OLD FRIEND Wally and Marion 15.
Another lovely person from my childhood (and in later years) has joined the battalion in Heaven, how very sad. God bless Mr Slater may you rest in peace.
My thoughts go out to his family as this very sad time.
God bless
Anita x
Hi,
Yet again a sad day with another Battalion Character being committed to the pages of our Regimental History.
Oscar was RSM when I first joined the Battalion in June 1963 at Iserlohn.
As a new recruit, when marching around the barracks, should you see Oscar coming towards you on the same side of the road, you would immediately attempt to cross to the other side rather than pass by him - totally fruitless, he could zoom in on you and that spinechilling roar froze you on the spot. He had an amazing memory and any attempts to bluff him were futile.
He left the Battalion in Minden and I never ever met him again even though we were both members of the League of Friends. However, once you had met Oscar, he left a lasting impression on you!!
If Oscar does have any family, my wife and I offer our deepest and most sincere condolences.
RIP Oscar - now reunited with Peggy.
Slight error, he left Bn in Minden and went to the Staff College, where he remainded till he retired.
Hi Rog,Quote:
Originally Posted by Ball401
Corrected, thought it was RMAS.
Bye for now,
I have just received to following message from Philip Slater - son of the late RSM Slater MBE
My Fathers funeral will be held at Easthampstead Park Crematorium, Bracknell on 10 June at 13:30
Family flowers only, but donations in him memory may be made to:
SSAFA
c/o A.B. Walker & Son Ltd
36 Eldon Road
Reading
RG1 4DL
For those travelling from London there is a direct train service from Waterloo to Bracknell station
For further details please contact me:
philip@marcslater.com
Regards
Philip Slater
Dear All,
You would be aware that on Wednesday 10th June 09, Family and Friends of the late “WO 1 (RSM) Cliff Slater MBE” gathered at Easthampstead Park Crematorium, accompanying Cliff on his final journey. Before the service, representing The Royal Welch Comrades Association and L O F, I extended your condolence to Cliff’s Family. I’m instructed to thank you all, for your kind sympathy and support at this time of sorrow. Sir Geoffrey Inkin and Major’s Tim Herbert, Peter Bruxner-Randall representing the Officer’s Ass, with Tony Corbett representing the London Branch of RWFCA. Tribute’s was paid in the memory of Cliff by family and friends. , a most polished eulogy was given by Brigadier Anthony Vivian, covering Cliff’s Military service and time with the Regiment.
Kind Regards
Glyn
Dear Mr Philip Slater,
A rather belated message I'm afraid,as I do work away overseas myself.However,my Father was Arthur Newby,and your dad was my dads RSM in Cyprus,57-58.My dad would have been CSM.My Father passed away Januray 2008,but,my mum is alkive and she remembers your dad too.
Kindest Regrads...Trevor (Newby)