No More Parades: It is my sad duty to inform the passing of 24375344 Pte Alan Lloyd aged 69 Years. Quiet and thoughtful, Alan combined a dry sense of humour with a determined character. Being a private sort of man, he never sought the limelight but took pride in being a highly capable and utterly reliable field soldier.
Alan trained at Cwrt-y-Gollen camp in 1975, rebadging from the RWF to join D Coy, 1 Glosters in Weeton in 1976. Following the Canada exercise that year, he was selected for duty with the Gloster Close Observation Platoon (COP) for the 1977-79 Ballykelly tour.
The Glosters were privileged to be amongst the first to pioneer COP – then an exciting new concept. Over the next 18 months, Alan deployed on numerous testing operations, always serving with distinction. In later years, he recalled this period as the highlight of his career.
When the Glosters left Ballykelly, Alan returned to the Anti-Tank Platoon, he subsequently served on tours in both Germany and the UK, including a return to operations in Northern Ireland. On leaving the Army in 1989, he initially worked for the Royal Mint. Later, he became a Game Keeper and also worked with horses. Both roles suited him well and were a good fit for his personality. On retirement, he settled in Peterstow, Herefordshire, close to the Yew Tree Inn, where he was held in great affection. Alan lived there quietly and modestly until his death last month.
Alan’s funeral is being organised by his sister, Wendy Bevan, and will be held at the Forest of Dean crematorium (Yew Tree Brake, Speech House Road, GL14 3HU Cinderford) at 3.30 pm on Friday 3 March. Afterwards, a wake will be held at the Yew Tree Inn, Peterstow, HR9 6JZ. The family welcome any former Glosters who would like to attend both Alan’s funeral and the Wake. Condolences may be sent to his sister, Wendy Bevan, at dpbevan@icloud.com
