The Haileybury Society is saddened to learn of the death of Robert Benjamin McGuire (M 48) who has died on 20th November 2023, aged 89.

After Haileybury he was called up for National Service. Initially he joined the Royal Artillery having been accepted for officer training at Mons Officer Cadet School. He soon joined the regular army and was accepted for officer training at Sandhurst.

Army career

In 1954 Robert passed out and was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Engineers. He served in Ghana as part of the Royal West African Frontier Force. He continued to serve in the Ghana Regiment at that county’s independence including service with the UN in the Congo.

After Ghana, his postings included Aldershot, Barbados, Borneo, Germany, a secondment at RAF Wyton and lastly as a Major commanding a Field Survey Squadron at Barton Stacey.

Life after the army

In 1974 he left the army and joined civvy street. He worked initially for Meridian Airmaps Limited which was then followed by Cartwright Land Surveyors. In 1980 he joined the Road Haulage Association as operations manager.

*Happy times – Robert McGuire and his wife Gina relaxing together*

He retired in 1994 and then became involved with numerous activities. These included being at one time or another the President of the Steyning Probus Club, Chairman of the Steyning and District Royal British Legion and Chairman of the Seyning and District Good Neighbours Association.

In 1957 he married his wife Gina, who survives him, along with their four children, 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

He was a devoted family man and a loyal friend to many and will be sorely missed by all.