87th RSM Edward Winter

The following is based on content provided by Cathryn, RSM Winter’s granddaughter:

“Edward Alex Winter enlisted 30 June 1920 at Winchester as a Guardsman in 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, aged 17.

Edward Winter, December 1920, aged 18.
(With permission of C.D)

He was chosen to be batman for Crown Prince Hirohito of Japan during his 1921 visit to England.

Edward took part in many rifle shooting competitions and later became a small arms intructor.

After serving as CQMS for 2 years he became CSM in 1936 and was part of the Guards bearer party for King George 5th’s funeral procession in 1936.

King George’s procession. CSM Winter is 5th bearskin back with sash.
(With permission of C.D)

In late September 1939 the 1^st Battalion Grenadier Guards moved to France with the BEF. During his time there he saved the life of his Company Commander after the vehicle he had been travelling in overturned into a dyke. CSM Winter jumped in to pull him out, despite being unable to swim. He was later presented with an engraved cigarette case by the Officer in recognition of this.

As the BEF withdrew he was evacuated via a rowing boat, then destroyer from the Dunkirk beaches. On his return he assisted in the establishment of 5th Battalion, Grenadier Guards. He became WO1, RSM in October 1941.

RSM Edward Winter was then transferred to the 87th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery in January 1942 under Lt Col Lewis. The Regiment left for North Africa on the ship convoy from Glasgow in February 1943.

A map kept by RSM Winter.
(With permission of C.D)

Telegrams arrived from the 87th/BNAF until July 1944 from North Africa. In June 1944 Lt Col Lewis recommended Edward for a Meritorious Service Medal. He received this in 1953.

From August 1944 telegrams arrive from HQ Reallocation Centre, All Arms, CMF (Italy).

He finished the war in Italy and was in the photo near Naples in 1945 with the band.

The 87th band in Naples. RSM Winter is left of the officers. (Lin Sharland collection)

He was Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service and gazetted 29 Nov 1945.

After the war Edward Winter worked as a manager for a tyre company until retirement. He was a firm supporter of the British Legion and attended many regimental reunions for both the Grenadier Guards and 87th/The Devons.

A press cutting of a British Legion rally mentioning Edward Winter.
(With permission of C.D)

His certificate of service from 1952 described his conduct as exemplary. He was 6’2, and a great man in everyway, we just wish we’d asked more questions when we had the chance. He died in 1987 aged 84.”

(Ed – the gazette entry for the MiD can be seen here: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37368/supplement/5797/data.pdf)