Warrant Officer Class 2 Colin Laverick

Colin Laverick served with 17 PARA (TA) from May 1963, then with 4 PARA (V) from 1 April 1967, until he transferred-out in May 1987; a period of 24 Years.

His civilian job had become redundant in 1980 and he eventually found work and relocated from Consett to Birmingham in 1983.  Initially he was granted leave of absence from 4 PARA, but soon realised that he could perhaps train with 16 PARA (Pathfinder) Coy (V), who were based in Lincoln but had a sub-unit at Leicester. 

The Commanding Officer of 4 PARA quickly approved his attachment to 16 Coy and he was then able to continue with his role as CQMS RRTT 4 PARA (V).

Eventually, his attachment was reviewed and he reverted to HQ 4 PARA (V), at Pudsey.  At that time he was travelling a 200 mile round trip to attend training, which he was unable to maintain due to work commitments and forthcoming final exams on a College course. He left 4 PARA as a CSGT in May 1987, having had appointments as: Sect Comd, Plt Sgt, Plt Comd and CQMS RRTT. During his time with the Paras he served with C Coy 17 PARA at Consett; C Coy 4 PARA, Gateshead; 16 (Pathfinder) Coy Lincoln, and HQ Coy 4 PARA Pudsey.

Not wishing to end his TA service, Colin contacted 2 MERCIAN (V), who accepted him at CSGT rank. His unit eventually became RHQ & HQ Sqn 37 RSIGS (V).  Valuable experience, from the Paras stood him in good stead for appointments as CSM Rifle Coy, 2 Mercian (V), CSM RRTT & CSM HQ Coy 4 WFR (V) and WOII WTWO 37 RSIGS (V) followed.

Colin concluded his TA service on 6 May 1993 having served 30 years in the TA and T&AVR, and he was awarded the 3rd Clasp to his T&AVR Efficiency Medal.