The Haileybury Society is sad to report the death of WO2 Harry Slater (CCF School Staff Instructor 1985-2002). Harry was appointed SSI of the Haileybury CCF in 1985, following a full career in the Royal Regiment of Artillery. During his time with 29 Regiment he was part of the Directing Staff team created to convert the Regiment to a Commando role. Throughout his time with the CCF he always wore his Green Beret with enormous pride.

Harry spotted early on that cadets were not the same as regular soldiers and that to achieve high standards required a different approach. This paid dividends, and soon earned him the respect and affection of officers and cadets alike. His excellent admin helped ensure that Camps and Field Days, as well as the weekly parades, ran smoothly. As well as being the SSI, together with his late wife Irene he was responsible for running ‘The Shack’ (more formally The Sixth Form Centre) a task which he undertook with aplomb. Together, as well as providing a relaxed, but ordered, environment, they provided a listening ear which was appreciated by many, and helped all to recognize that a Sergeant Major can have a human side.

It was fitting that when he retired in 2002, at the end of Summer Camp at Wretham he was ceremonially paraded from the square to the gates astride the barrel of a 25-pounder, applauded by all the adults and cadets on site, in traditional recognition of his fifty years in uniform.

Harry’s funeral, which all are welcome to attend, will be held at Harwood Crematorium, Watton Road, Stevenage, SG2 8XT on Thursday 28th Aug at 3pm.

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Harry Slater (SSI 1985-2002)

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