IN MEMORIAM

Vince COULTAS

Died 9^th February 2006

AAS Arborfield Intake 41A

“Vince, an Armourer of the March ’41 intake died on Thursday afternoon of a heart attack. He was a member of the intake of one hundred who were all Armourers. They were badged as RAOC in 1941 and re-badged to REME in 1942. In 1952 Vince and I (Doug Boucher) went in his Austin 7 from Bulford, where we were with a Lorried Infantry Brigade, to one of the first Arborfield Old Boys Reunions. Happy days!”

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am the thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints in snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift, uplifted rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.

[With grateful thanks to Doug BOUCHER for providing this information]