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| 1 Apr 2019 | |
| Deaths & Obituaries |
| HARE, Niel Lewis Died on 28 December 2017, aged 92. The following obituary was published by the Southborough Valley Association: It is with great regret that we record the death of Mr Niel Hare, of “Galen”, Pennington Road, on 28 December 2017, aged 92. Niel and his first wife, Cecilia, joined the Southborough Valley Association in February 1969 when it was formed to fight a development scheme at Barnett’s Wood, Southborough. After a successful campaign, they both joined the Southborough Society when it formed in September 1969, thus being Founder members. Niel’s father was a doctor in practice at “Galen”, where Niel spent his formative years. The house was sold after his father’s death, and Niel was very proud that he was eventually able to buy it back again. Shortly before “D” Day, 6 June 1944, Niel was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in ‘B’ Squadron, 141st Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (The Buffs), which had been converted from infantry by November 1941 and was later equipped with Churchill tanks armed with powerful flame throwers (Crocodiles). ‘B’ Squadron landed in Normandy soon after “D” Day and fought in support of British, Canadian and American troops. Its finest hours were in support of American forces in the capture of the heavily fortified port of Brest on 14-16 September. It suffered heavy casualties, one of whom was Niel. When his tank hit an unexploded shell, it was blown to bits and Niel was blown to safety, but broke both ankles on landing. He was among a dozen men of ‘B’ Squadron to be awarded later by the Americans a Bronze Star for gallantry. Niel served on the Committee of the Southborough Society, though the dates are not known. He was a charming, described at his funeral as a “perfect gentleman”, who will be much missed. (SH 38-42) |
