Bristol Brochure Final(8) - Flipbook - Page 9
BRISTOL
RIFLEMEN
IT’S A POINT OF PRIDE TO SAY
I AM A RIFLEMAN
Rifleman Alex James
Corporal Tim Bennett
Cadet Serjeant Major Abbey Tanner
Second Lieutenant Hardy Parsons VC
MT Platoon Driver AI, 5 RIFLES
6 RIFLES
Cadet, Bristol ACF
Hometown: Bristol
Hometown: Bristol
Hometown: Brislington
Officer, 14th Battalion The
Gloucestershire Regiment
Rifleman Alex James joined The Army
in 2018 at the age of 28. After passing
out of the Infantry Training Centre,
Catterick in the September of 2018 he
joined 5 RIFLES. Alex has obtained all his
driving licences through the army and
is constantly called upon to help within
the support roles of his fellow Rifleman
and the higher chain of command whilst
on exercises. He has also taken part
in Adventurous Training opportunities
abroad and always looks forward to
deploying on Operations. Based in
Bulford, Alex is only an hour away from
home, making it easy to spend time with
his family and friends.
Corporal Tim Bennett is a Bristolian who
was educated at Colston School. There he
joined the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
This experience combined with enjoyment
for the outdoor life and personal challenge
led him to him join the Army Reserves in
2015. Since them Tim has been to Iraq
with 1 RIFLES, a Regular Army unit, and
Turkmenistan with his own Reserve unit, 6
RIFLES.
Cadet Serjeant Major Abbey Tanner joined
the Army Cadet Force in 2015 aged 12 and
has cherished every moment since. She
has successfully represented A Company
(RIFLES) at national level sporting events
including rugby, football, cross country and
orienteering. Abbey has been on several
overseas visits to Cyprus, France and
Kenya. She recently achieved the highest
ACF syllabus award of Master Cadet and
has also deservedly been promoted to
Cadet Company Serjeant Major. Away
from the ACF, she is at college studying
Public Services to become a paramedic
and works part-time as a Barista in a
coffee shop.
In amongst his normal work at Abbey
Wood, Tim has completed various training
cadres and in 2018 was promoted to
Lance Corporal. Meanwhile, his home
remains in Bristol.
Home city: Bristol
The son of a Bristol Methodist minister,
Second Lieutenant Hardy Parsons
attended Kingswood School Bath and
Bristol University. He won his Victoria
Cross in August 1917 near Epehy, France
opposing a determined enemy night
attack. Following his soldiers’ withdrawal,
Parsons remained at his post. Though
severely burnt from a flamethrower
attack, his gallant act of self-sacrifice and
devotion to duty delayed the advance
enabling a hasty defence, securing
trenches. His medals are displayed at the
Soldiers of Gloucestershire museum.
