Airborne Engineers Association
Roll of Honour
Bob Gillespie
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Bob Gillespie passed away on the 15th January 2001. He was 71 years old. Bob emigrated to New Zealand in 1956 with his wife Audree, whom he met and married in 1953 when both were stationed in Moascar Garrison, in the Canal Zone (Bob in 9 Sqn, and Audree with the WRAC). bob joined 9 lndep NB Sqn in 1950 at Malta barracks Aldershot, and stayed with the Sqn until 1954. During that time be became an NCO and also a very keen sportsman, partaking in all sports, but especially rugby. It was during one rugby match that Bob sustained a back injury which resulted in him being sent to BMH El Ballah, and subsequently being flown back to the UK as a stretcher case (and still in plaster). He was a patient at Netley hospital in Southampton, which was his home town. On release from hospital, he went on to finish his time in a Field Sqn until his demob in 1955. |
In 1956 Bob and Audree emigrated to New Zealand where they raised a family of two sons, and Bob returned to his chosen profession in the engineering field. Tragedy struck in 1986 when Audree passed away, but Bob luckily met and married his second wife Margaret some time later. They visited the UK in 1995. but on his their return home Bob suffered a heart attack which was to be the first of several and alas the cause of his demise. Many who remember Bob will recall of him being known as Errol Flynn's double! Bob was a member of the AEA and also the British Airborne Forces Association NZ.
We extend our sincere condolences to his widow Margaret and all the family.
