The return of “The Beast”

HEALTH WARNING: -For those of a nervous disposition, or who maybe conversant with human rights issues, or health and safety regulations I suggest you read no further. If you are in receipt of Counseling for anything, then for the benefit of your future well being do not proceed.

The Beast Arrives

The date was Friday 5th December 2003, and the location is the social club of Swindon Town football club. The occasion was the surprise 60th Birthday for Tony ‘Beast’ Pinnell, a legend in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment. Tony had served from the 1960s through to the 1980s during which time he more than made his mark both on the Regiment and some of the people serving in it (More of that later) Tony has in recent years had medical problems that have grounded him and as a result he tended to steer clear of Regimental gatherings. As he approached his 60th Birthday both his wife Diane and his family members decided it would not pass without a significant celebration. She contacted Toby NORTH and Colin SNEE who from thereon worked with the family to put together an evening ‘The Beast ‘would not forget. It was very clear from what Diane said that there must be a Regimental angle to the event due to Tony’s passion for his old mob. The Regimental network was mobilized and a lot of hard work went on behind the scenes by both Toby and Colin. which resulted in a significant turnout on the night.

The Beast is drummed in

Tony believed he was going to the club for anther purpose and the look on his face when he arrived had to be seen to be believed, some in the room having not seen him for 30 plus years. At the same time he was hit with old Regimental March ‘The Farmers Boy’, which set the scene for the night.

Maj Gen Crabtree Presents

Before I describe the events of the night it might be beneficial for our younger readers or those who have no knowledge of Tony to provide you with a little background on ‘The Beast’ A physically large Man who’s early years in the Regiment were noticeable for his inability to keep his fists to himself, and his capacity to down copious amounts of whatever the local brew was. This inevitably led him into conflict with Regimental authority who with the wisdom of hundred’s of years of experience in these types of cases posted him on a number of occasions to the Regimental Police. It was in this capacity that his Social worker type ‘skills’ came to the fore, ensuring that prisoners were kept in line with a quick ‘Poke’ otherwise known as a learning curve, or fed from a bucket which is nowadays known as the Atkins diet. He was also well ahead of the game on securing absentees when being escorted back to barracks, they being dealt with in a way that the Americans are currently mirroring in Cuba. Like all soldiers who start their career in this way, and remain in the Regiment, reality kicks in and a career structure appears, and in BEASTS case it ended up with an award of the British Empire Medal (But that’s another story) 

The Master of Ceremonies (Toby North)

Anyway back to the events of the night. Toby who acted as master of ceremonies arranged for four Victims (Sorry) speakers to give accounts of Toby’s past. The Swindon Victim Support scheme workers arrived at the club to assist with counselling but were told to leave as they were 30 years to late. The Beast was drummed into the club by two RGBW Drummers after a bugler played a suitable introduction. Despite the big mans presence a tear was detected. After Toby opened the events the first speaker took to the floor in the shape of Rod HICKS who covered the early years in Malta, followed by Martin ‘Mac’ McIntyre who represented all the victims from the guard room plus his time with the beast as a section commander in later years, he was followed by Lt Col Tony LAKE, ‘Beasts’ old Platoon commander from Berlin who brought good order to the speeches, followed by Dave WIGGINS who proceeded to remind Beast of many previously conveniently forgotten misdemeanors. The look on Tony’s Family members faces had to be seen to be believed as ‘Granddad’ was forensically dissected before their very eyes. At the conclusion of the speeches Toby said his piece and read from a number of letters including the present Col of the Regiment Lt Gen K O’ DONOUGHUE after which he presented Tony with a Swindon town football shirt, framed and signed by the first team, despite this shirt only being worth 37 Pence the Beast an ardent and life long supporter was struck dumb. This was followed up by a presentation by Maj General CRABTREE of a specially made fireguard with a Regimental Bandstand emblazon as a centre piece. Presentations of Flowers to Dianne and Tony’s daughter followed with a response by Tony who it must be said was somewhat overcome by what had taken place, all the victims from the past in the audience were rubbing their hands together with glee having waited for many years to have ‘The Beast’ on the hook. 

Tony (The Beast) Pinnell responds

Once Tony got into his flow the old BEAST showed through with the old sense of humour still very much in evidence. Whilst the events of the evening unfolded a number of photographs were projected onto the wall covering Tony’s career, this caused some of those present who were included in the photo display to re examine their waistline.  This event was unique with a turnout that was outstanding with many traveling many miles to get there. BEASTS mark on the Regiment was such that we were delighted to have our old C.O. from Berlin, and later Col of the Regiment in attendance, Maj Gen and Mrs CRABTREE, an action that was well appreciated by Tony and all who attended. The formal section of the evening was concluded with a lusty rendering of ‘Farmers boy’, which clearly BEAST had not forgotten. All in all this was an outstanding Regimental occasion that those attending will not forget, in particular BEAST and his family, and now Tony has been brought back into the ‘family’ we hope he will not again ‘Go Absent without leave’   Space will not allow me to name all those who attended but of behalf of Tony and Diane, many thanks for parading.   

‘Mac’ McIntyre