Geoffrey Ernald Sparrow MC

Geoffrey Ernald Sparrow was born at Alderley Edge on 26 Jan 1923, the son of Lieutenant-Colonel W G K Sparrow of Birtles Old Hall, Chelford, who was commandant of the Cheshire Yeomanry from 1934 to 1939. Geoffrey was educated at Eton and commissioned into the 10th Battalion Rifle Brigade in 1941.
In July 1944 he was fighting in Italy commanding the leading platoon in the advance near Florence. Their situation became very dangerous when they found themselves in a minefield and under fire from the Germans. Sparrow went forward alone and de-activated anti-personnel mines to clear a path for a patrol. They passed through, but encountered another minefield further on which caused all of them to become casualties. Sparrow went forward again and rescued a wounded NCO, bringing him back while at the same time neutralising other booby-traps. His extreme bravery is recorded in the citation for his award of the Military Cross.
He was an excellent shot and skier. After the war he joined the Cheshire Yeomanry, making a great contribution to the running of the regiment. He became lieutenant-colonel commandant in 1960. He retired in 1981 and was appointed Honorary Colonel in 1981. In civilian life he worked in the family business of Sparrow Hardwick, and was managing director at a time when the textile business was in decline. He was also well known in the local area as a protector of the countryside. He was a judge at hedge-laying competitions until his legs were no longer strong enough to cover miles of fields. He had to be content with fighting to preserve the green belt from his desk. He was High Sheriff of Cheshire in 1969 and a long serving Deputy Lieutenant of the county. On 24 Sep 1949 he married Elisabeth Joan Wilbraham daughter of Major Edward Jack Wilbraham MC. They had 3 sons, Randle, Justin and Piers. Colonel Geoffrey Sparrow died on 20 July 2014. The photo shows him at a guidon presentation in July 1961.

Regimental Details | Cheshire Yeomanry Lieutenant-Colonel Commandants