Eulogy - The Late Trevor (Porky) Wright - 18.09.1952 ~ 01.06.2023
Most of us here today knew Trevor Wright as a soldier, affectionately known as Porky, and it is thus from this perspective that I shall speak about him, although his family life was also important to him, I must declare that I do not know much and his family life was never discussed in detail.
As loving father and husband he has a son from his first marriage, Darryn who now lives in the United Kingdom and his marriage to Susan was a ying and yang relationship where the one was the stalwart of the other providing mutual support where required and they have three children Phillip, Mórag and Alex.
Trevor was born on 18 September 1952 in Johannesburg and grew up in Persimmon Street in Kensington. As part of his secondary school career he attended Jeppe High School for Boys of which he was immensely proud and was always willing to stand up for and support. He would root for any current Jeppe Boy or old boy as well as for the school. He was a piper in the Jeppe High for Boys Pipe Band and received his tutoring from the legendary ‘Pop’ Kinnear, where he served as a passionate member of the Band during his time at Jeppe Boys.
In later years, Trevor would return to Jeppe to judge the Drill, Dress and Discipline competitions at the pipe band’s annual Geddes Cup competition. Although he never pursued a piping career after leaving school, he became a passionate supporter of the PBASA pipe band circuit, and in particular, of his beloved Transvaal Scottish Pipes & Drums. He had a strong attraction to the skirl of the pipes and the kilt and sporran.
In the sporting arena he played hockey and was active at the Jeppe Quondam Club playing in the position of goalkeeper. I can only imagine that he made a formidable goalkeeper keeping the opponent from scoring.
He has always had a love for children and always had time for them even when in a hurry to attend to other business. On many occasions he has played the role of Father Christmas at the Regimental Christmas tree and similar functions. His legendary handlebar moustache at times neatly waxed on the ends, when not covered with a fake white beard, was instantly liked or disliked by any child. The voice usually got the little one’s mind made up.
Moving on to Mr Wright’s military career, although not in the Permanent Force or Regular Force as it is known today he paved his way forward to reach the rank of Chief Warrant Officer serving at SA Army Headquarters.
But let’s start at the beginning of his illustrious military career in the Citizen Force as it was known then.
As a National Serviceman he was called up to the infantry in 1971 and after completing his basic training he completed his training at the Army Gymnasium qualifying him as a Platoon Sergeant.
He was posted to 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish where he rose through the ranks to become the RSM of the 2nd Battalion and after the amalgamation of the 1st and 2nd Bn continued as the RSM of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment. This illustrious career allowed him to reach the rank of Chief Warrant Officer as mentioned earlier.
Mr Wright was always extremely proud of being a serving member of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment and its preceding Battalions. He ardently supported the Regiment throughout his life also supporting the Regiment’s Pipes and Drums with vigour and attended all local Scottish Gatherings. His deep penetrating voice, which was developed over many years on the parade ground will be sorely missed at Gatherings to be held in the future as well on parades and in the passages. His gentle coaxing of senior and general officers under any circumstances and / or occasions will also be missed.
The following highlights are mentioned:
- During the presentation of the Regimental Colour to 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish on 11 June 1977, being the high point for the 75th anniversary celebrations at Milner Park, then SSgt T. Wright was one of the Colour Sergeants.
- Two modular companies from 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish departed for the operational area on 10 November 1981 to find themselves in the eastern Caprivi. A series of high level visitors from all over the world inspected them as they carried out their duties. The CSM was WO2 Trevor Wright. In the course of this WO2 Wright was involved in an incident which could of easily resulted in the death of members of the company. WO2 Wright scooped up an armed grenade which landed on the sand stop wall and hurled it over the wall. This would lead to Mr Wright being recommended for the award of the Honoris Crux.
- In the early hours of 12 February 1983 a SWAPO assault by 82mm mortars was repulsed by 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish at Sodalite where the Bn was deployed on rocky and hilly terrain. When the Jocks arrived WO2 Wright made it a priority to dig trenches in the rocky soil. WO2 Wright organised an inter-section competition for this purpose to motivate the troops. Interestingly enough it was won by the assault pioneer section. Each slit trench took around four days to dig. The previous occupants of the base failed to establish mortar pits. Approximately 75 mortars fell in the vicinity of the base during the assault. Through a counter bombardment an 81 mm mortar that was not fitted with a sight, although requested by WO2 Wright on a weekly basis without reaction. Through accurate fire without sights one 82 mm mortar was put out of action and the second mortar stopped firing as soon as it was engaged. At an identified enemy forming up point which was being engaged by a patrol mortar (patmor) forced the withdrawal of SWAPO and this was further aided by WO2 Wright who snatched a 7,62 MAG and returned fire from the hip in the direction of the enemy position. Thereafter and during the night WO2 Wright was generally the tower of strength while moving to every position in the base ignoring his own personal safety doing ammunition replenishment and relaying fire control orders. The Transvaal Scottish modular company repulsed this well organised enemy attack and this served as an example to all ranks of coolness under fire. As a result of this a number of members were nominated for awards one being WO2 Wright for the Honoris Crux.
- WO2 Wright remained as the Company Sergeant Major of A Coy and deployed with them on a number of occasions.
- In 1984 which marked the centenary of Barberton the Regimental Colours were paraded with WO2 Wright appointed as the guard sergeant major.
- During the Barberton Raid held over the weekend 24 – 25 August 1985 the Sunday morning parade sentries were posted by WO2 Wright. The 06:00 reveille was led by WO2 Wright on the bagpipes. This was not appreciated by all after the enjoyable evening experienced the night before.
- During the 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish operational camp the Bn was deployed (for the first time in years the Bn was deployed as a battalion) on the Botswana border. WO1 Wright was deployed with the Bn as RSM. Toward the end of the camp WO1 Wright was flown to Cape Town to be presented with the Honoris Crux by the then State President, the Hon P. W. Botha.
- WO1 Wright was presented with the John Chard Medal at a medal parade held after the 37th Regimental Church Parade and march to the Scottish War Memorial on 10 November 1985.
- The 40th Annual Regimental Church Parade held on 13 November 1988 by 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish commanded by Cmdt Bekker with WO1 Wright paraded through the streets of Johannesburg from the Union Grounds. After this there was some controversy regarding the suitability of the venue as a result of changing circumstances in the Johannesburg CBD.
- During the 138th anniversary of the commemoration of the sinking of the HMT Birkenhead on 26 February 1990 which would become a major event involving ministerial and diplomatic representatives, WO1 Wright with other rank and file represented the Transvaal Scottish.
- During the deployment of 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish in Lebowa, A Company’s tour of duty started on 27 December 1990 at Doornkop Military Base only to find it was not expected. Normal administration and preparation eventually continued and the company moved on to Unin Base which was found to be in a mess. WO1 Wright was present, with a piper, and was responsible to ensure that the base was cleaned and that problems were cleared up by visiting the Far North Command Ops Officer in Pietersburg and again went into Pietersburg on 30 December 1990 to make contact with the Bn’s Officer Commanding regarding problems being experienced and the nature of operations to be undertaken. The rest of the deployment carried on normally.
- During the 1992 32nd TSRA Barberton Raid over the period 18 to 19 July 1992 the highlight of the weekend, being the parade at the Garden of Remembrance at the Old Camp Site was led by Major van Nielen and WO1 Wright.
- During Exercise EXCALIBUR IV with 1st Bn Transvaal Scottish deployed held at Lohatla in October 1992 a visitors party arrived on the Saturday which consisted of leader group wives and the two Bn’s RSM’s one being WO1 Wright. The visitors were treated to a demonstration of conventional weapons and a braai. After a small church parade was held and lunch was enjoyed the visitors departed.
- National Colours were received by both battalions at a parade held 31 October 1992 where WO1 Wright was also present.
- WO1 Wright received his General Service Medal and was awarded a commendation certificate at a medal parade on 21 November 1992 held at 73 Motorised Infantry Brigade in Kensington.
- The Officer Commanding Commendation Certificate was presented at The View by 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish Officer Commanding for the first time during the commemoration of the battle for the coastal fortress of Sollum on 23 January 1993 and WO1 Wright was one of the recipients of the award.
- On 31 March 1993 at 73 Motorised Infantry Brigade, Kensington WO1 Wright was awarded the John Chard Decoration during a medal parade.
- On 23 May 1993 a number of senior members of the regiment left to visit the United Kingdom. The entourage met the former Colonel-in-Chief of the Transvaal Scottish, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother while also visiting the Black Watch and meeting the Duke of Atholl. WO1 Wright was a member of the party for this memorable event.
- WO1 Wright was one of the Sergeant Majors to retrieve colours from St Georges United Church which were marched through the streets unfurled to the The View on 16 July 1993.
- During the 27 – 29 August 1993 the 2nd Bn Transvaal Scottish shooting team competed in the annual Schiettocht Competition in Phalaborwa. The Officer Commanding, WO1 Wright, two pipers and a drummer accompanied the team. This led to proceedings at the competition being livened up to a great extent as was learnt to be expected in the presence of Mr Wright.
Outside of the Regiment Mr Wright progressed to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer serving as the Directorate Army Reserves Sergeant Major while also assisting the Directorate Strategy and Planning both being at SA Army Headquarters. As a result of his vast knowledge gained over the years he also assisted the Ceremonial Section at SA Army Headquarters with advice and expert guidance.
To accentuate his modesty when Mr Wright was ever asked how he earned the award of the Honoris Crux he would provide the answer “I drink more beer than the parabats”. This would leave a deadly silence and no further questions would be forthcoming.
Mr Wright was Chairman of the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Association and his contribution to the Association was immeasurable. During 2018 he was conferred Honorary Life Membership by the Association.
He also served on the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Council.
Mr Wright had a unique way of resolving problems and assisting his fellow comrades, juniors or seniors. On identifying a possible forthcoming problem a grunt would heard from behind or the side and he would say ‘Is that really what you want to do?’ That action and question posed would really make the individual reconsider what he or she was going or planned to do. He was actually helping the individual right.
All of the above indicates a dedicated individual who was very modest about his achievements but cared tremendously for his fellow human being’s especially those men and women placed under his care. His expertise knowledge and ability to intervene where required ‘saved the day’ on many occasions. He was instrumental in training and developing all of the senior officers, officers, Warrant Officers, NCO’s and rifleman that were privileged to work with him.
James Mitchell in his book ‘Tartan on the Veld’ indicates that there are many potential moments of confrontation between a successful civilian career and service to one’s country in the Citizen Force. The progress in rank or specialisation in any way, no matter on what level, requires extra commitment and time. Either becoming proficient by attending promotion or qualification courses and gaining the necessary experience all takes time and are affected by the everyday pressures of family and work life and all of which are difficult to reconcile. In the over 40 years of service provided by Mr Wright the levels and standards attained by him must be commended.
In closing I leave these applicable words from an unknown author:
“He stood before the Lord and said, ” I don’t know why I’m here,
I have not lived the perfect life, my thoughts have been impure.
I’ve cursed more than I should have, I’ve carried gun and knives,
In fighting for our freedom, I’ve taken others’ lives.
I’ve left my friends and family, sometimes months at a time…
Though I always kept them in my heart and always on my mind.
He said I tried so very hard to read the Bible every night,
But in my situation did not always find the time.
So you see I don’t deserve to be here Lord, I’m really quite confused
I did not live a perfect life, so I must pay my dues”
God said ” my child I understand, you lived a soldiers life,
For those you loved you gave your all, so much you sacrificed.
You fought for others freedom….
You did a soldiers work,
Now it’s time to rest in Heaven child….
You paid your dues on earth.”
I thank you.
By Brig Gen (ret) A. D. Luck SM, MMM, OStJ
