of darkness, and ran into strong enemy opposition in thick woodland. With great dash and determination, Groeninx van Zoelen’s troop shot its way through, only to be told by locals that their objective was heavily guarded and that the Germans were set to blow it up. At the head of his troop, Groeninx van Zoelen charged the bridge through a hail of fire. He and his men took it, and then held it from midday until they were relieved the following morning. They beat off several counter-attacks and inflicted considerable losses on the enemy. Groeninx van Zoelen received an immediate MC and was decorated by FieldMarshal Montgomery. Frederik Groeninx van Zoelen was born in Mexico on April 21 1924 where his father was living. It was here that his nickname “Pico” was formed. In 1936 he was sent to England where he went first to Summer Fields Preparatory, near Oxford, and then to Stowe. In 1942 Groeninx van Zoelen joined the Princess Irene Brigade, a Dutch Army unit based in England and, after six months at Sandhurst, was posted to 2 HCR. He entered Brussels with his regiment in September 1944 and crossed the Dutch border near Valkenswaard. Six months later he was wounded in the face at the Battle of the Rhine Crossing and evacuated to England but, in May 1945, returned to his regiment in time to celebrate the end of the war at Cuxhaven. In 1973 he married Marie-Liliane Filz von Reiterdan in a register office in Ayrshire. In 1983 Groeninx van Zoelen and his wife returned to the Netherlands, to the house which had been in the family for 300 years and to which they were devoted. “Pico” Groeninx van Zoelen died on 1 January 2010. His wife survives him with their daughter and three stepsons of her first marriage.
Lieutenant Benjamin Bulwer-Long Late The Blues and Royals by Johnny Cooper, formerly The Life Guards Benjie Bulwer-Long died suddenly on May 17th 2010, aged 40. The thousands that gathered at his memorial service in Norwich Cathedral last June, bear testament to how hugely admired and widely respected he was. Benjie’s enthusiasm for life and generous spirit were second to none and when in his company, you would be guaranteed an interesting and, undoubtedly, amusing time. Benjie was commissioned into The Blues and Royals in December 1991. His three years with the Regiment included tours at the Guards Depot and BATUS, and his professionalism, charisma and penchant for a good story ensured he was very
popular with all who served with him. A keen follower of the regimental ski team, Benjie never missed an opportunity to beat more established racers down the slopes. Following his army commission, he and his wife Rhona moved to Russia where his infectious spirit helped him build up a successful paint business. Following his father’s death, Benjie went to study at the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester and he and Rhona then returned to take up the reins of Heydon, the family estate in Norfolk. Under his energetic direction, the estate, which has been owned by the family for more than 500 years, was given a new lease of life. In his typically quiet but determined fashion, he built up the 2,500 acre estate’s farming operation while maintaining the character of such a unique part of Norfolk. Benjie was passionate about the countryside and had just completed a two year term on the Norfolk Country Land and Business Association’s committee and was also a great supporter of the Historic Houses Association. He also ran a successful Norwich-based business, Collins Care. Above all, Benjie was a loving family man, and was devoted to Rhona and so proud of his four beautiful girls, Letitia, Rosie, Honoria and Lydia. His loss is deeply felt amongst his many friends from the Household Cavalry, for whom his warmth, energy, wonderful sense of humour and generosity will be hugely missed.
SCpl (SQMC) Gerald Gibbs Late The Life Guards by LCoH Carl Gibbs Born in August 1925, Gerald, as a young 18 year old followed in his brother’s footsteps and was badged as a Life Guard in March 1944. Rapidly making an impression on his seniors he was promoted to Cpl by 1950. This is around the time where his sports interests helped him to coach the Regimental football team, which during the fifties won the Cavalry Cup. A great feat for the Regiment, even today. After serving in Palestine, Egypt, Aden, Germany and Cyprus, he retired in 1966 with the rank of SQMC HQ SQN. A job at which was held in high esteem. How the soldiers would have a big smile on their faces when they saw Gerald bringing out the tea and coffee on a rainy day on the Ranges! Gerald loved the army, and more so, loved his Regiment. It was always his talking point for many years after leaving, showing how proud he was to have been a Life Guard. Gerald suffered his first heart attack in 1977. From then on, he had many health problems, which sadly caught up with him, and he passed away on 8 February 2010. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marjorie, two sons, two grandchildren, one of which is serving today and eight great grandchildren.
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