Major Geoffery Haggett

Geoff enlisted in the army at the beginning of the 2nd World War on 2nd Oct 1939 he was 22 years old. He enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals and after training in various branches of the Signals, was sent to Northern Command to attend the Officer Cadet Training unit. He completed his training in 1941. He was then Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Northumberland Fusiliers and attached to the Indian Army, when he left for Singapore, however on the way there Singapore fell to the Japanese and his troop ship was diverted to India.

During his years there he was in charge of British and Indian troops and their families. Training Indian troops in the driving and handling of all army vehicles. During this time his promotions came thick and fast and in 1946 he was promoted to Major and given the impressive title of D.A.W.G. District Assistant Welfare General. At this time he was youngest Major in the British army.

He worked hard to ensure troops of all sects got a good hearing if the need arose, and he arranged buildings for families to have access to Doctors and Nurses and all help and advice was given.

He was on several Committees of General Wavell’s and General Wavell warmly applauded his efforts.

Geoff had lots of ‘stories’ to tell of his days in India but the one the family remembers best is the one where he almost didn’t live to tell the tale! He was out visiting another command on his motorbike when he was passing some engineers rigging up a new telephone line and just as he was passing they pulled the line tight across the road, almost garrotting Geoff in the process. In summer time the scar on his neck was still quite visible.

After the war ended in 1945 he remained in India until 1947 closing down all clinics etc.

Geoff broadcasting in New Zealand

In late 1947 he and Jo, his wife left India and emigrated to New Zealand (his mother’s country) where he joined N.Z. Broadcasting. In fact he started the day they landed and stayed with them for almost 40 years. On retirement Geoff and Jo came to Inver in 1986 to join their daughter Pauline. Geoff sadly passed away on 11th February 2005.

Ghurkas at victory parade in Delhi for VE day
Lord MountBatten	Troops displaying their colours
Victory parade in Delhi
Indian camel corps at victory parade
Indian mule corps at victory parade
Tank corps at victory parade	Pauline Marshall