Laurence Gallagher, remembered by his friends
'Lofty' as he was known to his mates started out as a Royal Engineer at Old Park Barracks, the home of the Junior Leaders Regiment RE.
Even as a boy he was a big lad, often being referred to as the yorkshire pit pony.
We parted company in 1963 and went on to other things.
I met him again in 1979 in Portadown NI when he was getting off a helicopter, looking very dirty and tired.
None the less we recognised each other instantly and agreed to meet in the mess that night.
We shared a few pints and laughs about our youth, discussed our forthcoming retirement and once again parted company.
I never asked him about his work with the SAS and he didn't offer any information, not that I would have expected him to.
My abiding memory of Lofty is his constant taking of showers and his mock battles with his long time pal Gelder.
I was deeply saddened at his death each rememberance day I think of him ........ there but for the grace of God, go I.
J E Ellis
Contributing to the Garden of Remembrance
© South Atlantic Medal Association 82
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