Should any ex SCLI wish to trace old pals Email site curator (Keith) .. with full name (not nicknames) and area last known, I will see what I can do.

Northern Ireland
Special Notice

The Northern Ireland page remains but will probably not been updated. As the Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry (SCLI) became the Light Infantry (LI) on the 10 July 1968 just before doing a tour in Northern Ireland.

CAPTAIN PETER MAURICE COATES - R I P.

died Jan 29th 2012

Royal Marines - KSLI - 3rd Para - SLI - SCLI - SOAF

Many will be sad to hear of the recent death of Captain Peter Coates. Following a month of illness Peter died on 29th January 2012, aged 76.

Details were passed to Taunton office by Peter’s son, Roger, who serves in a Full Times Reserve Service (FTRS) appointment, following regular service in the Coldstream Guards. Peter had two other children, Dawn and Luke.

Peter began his military career in 1954 with The Royal Marines before being attending Eaton Hall. Initially becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in The King’s Shropshire Light Infantry he was seconded to 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment serving in both Cyprus and Suez. Then, having gained a regular commission in The Somerset Light Infantry, he served as a platoon commander before assuming the appointment of weapon training officer with 1st Battalion The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry. A tour with 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Light Infantry followed before two years service with The Sultan of Oman Armed Forces. Having received the Sultan’s Commendation in 1968 he left the Army in 1969. He subsequently worked for the Home Office.

Peter and Sheila were married for over thirty years. Some ten years ago Peter suffered a stroke and many appreciate how hard Sheila has worked during this time. Meanwhile Peter was particularly proud of his regimental links and those with the Association in Somerset. Funeral arrangements will soon be determined by Sheila and her step-children. Meanwhile those wishing to write to Peter’s widow, may do so at the following address: Mrs Sheila Coates, 10 Plymouth Hill, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6QG.

The funeral will take place at Princetown Methodist Chapel, beginning at 12.00 noon on Monday 6th February 2012. Donations, if desired, can be made to SSAFA and the Royal British Legion. Funeral directors are: Morris Brothers of Tavistock, The Old Bedford Foundry, Lakeside, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0AZ.

OBITUARY by Bob Bogan BEM

Again! we have a blank file in the ranks which is very sad. I remember Lt.Peter Coates as O.C. Training Coy.Osnabruck, I was a Weapon Training Corporal fresh from D.L.I. -- K.S.L.I. Sept./Oct.1959.

Lt. Coates having "sat in" on several of my lesson's was the officer who gave me a "Glowing Recomendation" to be posted to the Regimental Depot Bodmin" as a Weapon Training N.C.O. , to train the last "Intakes" of National Service Drafts, which were often over 120 to 150 in numbers. The last years for call up of N.S.Men was very busy and hectic, due to the large numbers in each draft. (The Training depot closed forever in 1962).

I recall Lieut. .Peter Coates being O.C. of the Training Company and the C.S.M. was WO11 Ted Gillard, C.Q.M.S. Duchy Holland M.M. also the 2/1/c was a 2nd .LT.VINCENSI? (sorry not certain of spelling).

The short time that "Lieut. Peter" was my O.C. was a happy time.Yes! he was correct.The 2 years plus I spent as part of the Staff at Victoria Barracks instructing the large intakes of "National Servicemen" was without a shadow of doubt the best year's of my service life.
To Lieut. Peter Coates and those hundreds and hundreds of National Servicemen. Thankyou.!

I have a debt! I can never, never, ever repay! I learned more from you! than I ever taught,or instructed in. To
"Lead by example" firm! but fair!. Have an open mind and liste to young men who are away from their families, facing military discipline (a kind word,a sympathetic ear these young men blossomed into soldiers).

Capt.P.M.Coates R.I.P. Our paths criss -- crossed several times.
Peter --- Sir! memories are so precious.My thoughts are with your family.

Bobby Bogan.