The Late John Whitehead

**ap1** · 25-10-2005, 21:46

It is with deep regret and shock, that I inform members about the sudden death of John Whitehead, who passed away yesterday evening. The tragic circumstances of John's death are still unclear.

John was a popular member of the 1st Bn during the 80's and 90's and he was also a talented rugby player. He recently attended, and played, in the Alun Davies 46 V 1st Bn Rugby Match.

The Forum sends its deepest sympathies to John's family and friends. John's brother Rob, is a regular visitor to this site; our thoughts are with him.

Julian Davies will provide more details as and when they become known.

Could I ask that you pass this information on to our former comrades who may have served with him...Thank you

**robbo2284** · 26-10-2005, 21:03

It has come as a shock and huge sadness that a good friend has passed away, myself (Robbo 84) and Dave Crimmins who both are in Afghanistan, Dave been attached to the RGBW and myself working commercially were just talking on Tuesday 25th about the R+R we spent with John in Canada back in 1994 when on Ex Pond jump West and that it was the best R+R we had been on ever in the Army. The 3 of us went to the top of a mountain that was covered in snow stripped off naked and snapped away with our cameras in which we could not stop laughing, Sox and Rab Warren due to there hangovers stayed at the cafe three quarters of the way down, and to hear this tragic news the day after was a huge shock. Myself and Dave still have the photos in which will hold a special memory of John.

GOD BLESS JOHN WHITEHEAD

**ap1** · 28-10-2005, 19:52

FUNERAL DETAILS

Received the following details today from Julian Davies.

Johns funeral will take place on Thurs 3rd November 2005 at 1330hrs.

Location:

David Lewis Church
Bettws Est
Newport
Gwent, ( Come off M4 at J 26 prior to Malpas Tunnel)

Regimental/Black Tie

The family invite everyone to meet after at Bettws Rugby Club.

Clem · 30-10-2005, 09:45

With Sympathy

I will allways think of John with fond memories, he was a joker to all who knew him, and a fine Bn rugby player.

My deepest Sympathy goes to all his family and Friends.

Clem

**ap1** · 30-10-2005, 16:16

Received more info from Rob today.

1. The M4 junction to exit is Junc 26...not 27 as previously stated.

2. Johns family would like it known that if anyone would like to stay on for a few drinks, they have a list of friends and family in the local area, who are happy to accomodate Johns comrades overnight. If you require further info please phone Johns brother on 01633 852827

Many Thanks

Welsh1 · 30-10-2005, 16:23

Those attending the funeral on Thursday at St David Lewis RC Church for John and are struggling for accommodation we have a TA Barracks nearby that might be able to help. It is Raglan Barracks, Allt-yr-rn View, Newport Telephone 01633 840393. The barracks is about 10 minutes from Bettws.

God Bless you John (The Smiler)!!!

**Bob Doak** · 31-10-2005, 00:02

With deepest sympathy to Family and Friends of John Whitehead from Bob Doak. I have read the tributes to him from his good friends especially from his former Rugby colleagues and would like to add my own tribute to an outstanding sportsman. As well as an extremely good Rugby player John was a 1st String Boxer in the 1RWF Boxing team that won the Army Cup in April 1989. He was a very good member of a small hardworking team and gave 100% to everything he tried to achieve. I was very sad to hear of his tragic death. Bob.

Kev Whitehead · 04-11-2005, 22:25

Hello lad's,well what can i say but thank you so much for your attendance at my Brother John's funeral,to say we were proud as a family is an understatement.You guy's were a credit not only to my Brother's John and Rob,but to the best Welsh regiment of them all,The Royal Welch Fusiliers.
The impression you made on the player's and member's of Bettws RFC will stay with us for a long time,John would have been watching with that smile of his i'm sure.
We would love to welcome you back to the club prior to your Cyprus posting,i will await Colin's phone call with anticipation and we can then get the funny shaped ball rolling,to coin a phrase.
My Mother, and Johns partner Tanya in particular, found extra comfort knowing that the closest people to John were there for his final journey.
Once again thank you all, from the Whitehead family.

diffa · 06-11-2005, 01:25

i was shocked and very sad of the death of a very nice freind of mine ,john whitehead.he will be very sadly missed by all on bettws and also freinds in the army who knew him.john was a very good freind of mine and debz and my children ,and i can only recall only 3 weeks ago he came to my house for a chat and a can of lager .he was the man to talk the dam hat of a mad hatters hat ,and i am very proud of that and also him,also i was amazed of the turnout at the funeral ,was tremendous and outstanding .you people of bettws made me proud and also you made your selves proud for attending on that day you all deserve a medal
i send my deep regrets to tanya,jack,toni,craig & ryan you will always be loved by me and my family ,we will always be here for you
also my love goes also to alan & jan
also steve and kev and all familys my heart felt sympathay his here and always will be
john will be surely missed ,and there will never be a day when i dont think of him
john miss you m8 take care where ever you are god bless you and lagers flowing all the time here for you
will meet you one day at them pearly gates (KID) take care all our love DIFFA ,DEBBIE ,AND GANG XXXXXXXX:)

**mike29** · 25-03-2017, 14:34

I played rugby and boxed on the same team as John. I didn't enjoy my time in the army, indeed, it resulted in me drinking heavily and getting into a bit of bother. However, in those difficult times, John was one of the few people who seemed to genuinely care about my future. One night, he invited me to his pad on some pretence that I don't remember, when I got there, John handed me a cup of coffee, and we just talked about my behavior and what I needed to do to turn things around.

Moreover, John was a great boxer, he was part of the winning inter company team at Bally Kinler, and he also played with myself in the winning Skeif cup match for B company, I think 1988.

As someone who (unfortunately) left the battalion under a bit of a cloud, I am proud to say that I knew John Whitehead, and that he brought a bright beam of sunshine into what was a dark period. Perhaps the best measure of John's qualities, relate to the fact, that even though I haven't seen John for 30 odd years, his passing is still a very sad day in my life.

Price29 (B Coy Bally Kinler, I boxed heavyweight for the Battalion)