Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew R Welsh MM

Andrew Robb Welsh was born on 27 November 1941 in Killwinning, Ayrshire, and was the youngest of three siblings. Before enlisting, he was a Pre-Cast Concrete Finisher, and would often visit the Ayr Ice Rink where he met his future wife, Alice.

Andy enlisted in the 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment in 1961 and served all around the world, doing two twelve-month tours in Bahrain and in 1967 covering the withdrawal of British Forces in Aden. On one occasion, Andy was in charge of a mortar section sent to Mukayris on the Yemen border. Whilst positioned there, the Arab-Israeli 6 Day War broke out, and the section was heavily outnumbered by thousands of Arabs on their way to join the war. Thankfully, the section was not targeted.

Andy was a big fan of Daddies Sauce and would always have a small bottle with him whenever he parachuted into an exercise. He would keep it safe tucked away in his sleeping bag.

A string of courses saw Andy rise through the ranks. He completed the Mortar Course in Netheravon, SNCOs Tactics, Battle School Brecon, Combat Survival Hereford, Drill Course Pirbright, APJI Course Brize Norton as well as an Intelligence Course in Ashford.

Highly regarded by his peers, Andy was adept at recognising potential trouble areas when they flared up whilst on tour, dealing with them in a precise and professional way. For this reason, he was awarded the Military Medal, on the back of which reads, ‘For Bravery in the Field.’ Andy and his family visited Buckingham Palace to receive the award from the late Queen Elizabeth II herself. Additionally, he was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for brave conduct while commanding his platoon.

Andy was instrumental in preparing the 1 Para Mortar Platoon for a United Kingdom Land Forces Mortar concentration, involving mortar platoons from all across the UK, in which Andy’s platoon won. He also served two tours in the Parachute Regiment Depot training recruits and junior parachute soldiers.

After twenty two years’ service, Andy left the army as a WO2 in 1983. He played for a local football team and took part in many charity fundraising events following his retirement. He was also a member of the South Devon Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association and became the President of the Branch for many years.

Andy passed away on 13 April 2023. He was laid to rest with his wife and son at the St Michael and All Angels Church Cemetery in Princetown.

You can read more about Andy's service here.