Falklands Task force Commander

I’m surprised that no one has mentioned the passing of Admiral Sir John (Sandy) Woodward RN. In an era of politically correct and some say inept military commanders, Admiral Woodward stood out like a beacon of excellence. I can think of only one other contemporary who was equally worthy: Colonel Tim Collins.

I knew of Woodward only very slightly, being a neighbour of his on adjoining multihulls berthed in Chichester Harbour. He struck me as a diffident and taciturn man but, pleasant and forthright. I got a firm impression that he didn’t suffer fools gladly. His naturally robust qualities as a military commander will, in an age when our Armed forces have seemingly morphed into social workers, be much missed.