Sudden Loss of Proud Gunner

Mike (Billy) Hanmer 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery It is with deep sorrow we inform you that Mike passed away, aged 79, on 12 December, after emergency hospitalisation Mike served with 7 Royal Horse Artillery in East Africa and Aden during the early sixties. As a bombardier he manned the iconic 25 pounders in support of Royal Marines Commandos ‘up country’ near the Yemen Border. He was also proud to have driven Chieftain Tanks. Mike was fearlessly independent, whilst having a most appreciative and pleasant personality. He managed life without being able to speak, due to a throat operation. He also found it difficult to write through arthritis. This made communications on a daily basis extremely difficult for him, but he always accepted this as just another challenge. He was renown for being very expressive with his hand movements. Mike was a character in Hastings Old Town and known by most residents. He has also been a stalwart member of the Veterans Hub. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences go to Pat, his sister and his daughter, both who live in the home counties. Stand Easy Mike. Your Duties Done!