Mr Cliff Slater(Oscar) MBE

[tony.t.corbett]

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.

[Rog Ball 01]

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.

[rich]

a nice man , a sad loss ,there will be many like me who remember him and his sat/morning drills

[jungle1810]

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

[Paul Hinge]

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

[BennytheBall]

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

[ap1]

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.

[Ianto 10]

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.

[Bricoates]

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.

[Smokeyjoe]

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.