Colonel C G F Mitchinson

COLONEL Christopher Gordon Fleet Mitchinson, who has died in Glasgow aged 53, was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Gallantry in 1971 while serving as a young platoon commander with 1 Royal Scots in Northern Ireland. In 1981, following another tour in the province, he was awarded the MBE for his special contribution to intelligence staff work.

He was an outstanding officer, marked out by qualities not just of bravery, but also competence, quiet dignity, and kindness; qualities evident throughout a long illness over the past two years when he maintained a steady focus on both the well-being of his family and his professional responsibilities.

He was born in India in 1945, but the family returned to Britain in 1947 and settled in North Yorkshire. In 1958 he went to Fettes College in Edinburgh, where he showed particular talent in rugby, athletics, and art, and left as head of house. Sketching and painting were to remain an interest throughout his life, but his physical and leadership attributes drew him towards the Army. Success at Sandhurst, including qualification as a parachutist followed Fettes, and he was commissioned in the Royal Scots in 1965.

As a young platoon commander he quickly established a reputa-tion as a practical soldier who was a natural leader with physical presence, common sense, and with compassion for those under his command.

He had a popular affinity with and got the very best out of his soldiers. While no soft touch, Chris Mitchinson enjoyed the company of his soldiers at work and, with a dry sense of humour and occasional sense of the ridiculous, sometimes at play.

He had four operational tours in Northern Ireland. His calm and decisive manner under immense pressure in a demanding counter-terrorism role was of great value to the security forces. He also completed a number of tours with Rhine Army in Germany. Of particular note was his accomplished performance in a lead public information role for the large Nato Lionheart exercise in 1984, one of the most complex multi-national military exercises ever conducted.

From 1987 until 1990 Chris Mitchinson served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters British Rear Combat Zone in Dusseldorf. To this post he brought his usual combination of enthusiasm, verve, and organisational talent. He also brought considerable diplomatic skills, and his professional competence, coupled with genuine charm and personal warmth, served the cause of Anglo-

German relations well.

Inevitably, as his career progressed, he was drawn towards the Ministry of Defence in London. Promoted to Colonel in 1991, he found himself responsible for all soldier manning issues for three years, including three phases of manpower reduction totalling nearly 15,000 men, the largest drawdown since the end of National Service. His last series of posts involved senior executive duties in the manning and records offices in both Exeter and York, before having a major role in setting up the Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow. In all these jobs, which had their sensitive human demands, he was recognised as immensely caring and diligent, displaying his profound skill in dealing with people. Despite the strain of severe illness he fulfilled his difficult duties with his usual good humour, frequently self-

deprecating, and competence until late last year.

The city of Glasgow played a significant part in Chris Mitchinson's life and career. He would often express affection for the vitality of the city and the character of its people.

In the early 1970s, during a happy period as Adjutant 1/52 Lowland he met Lesley Beaton, a teacher of English at the High School of Glasgow for Boys. They married in 1973 in her home town of Dumfries. In 1975 their first son, Russell, was born, followed by Guy in 1978. Between tours in Northern Ireland and Germany, Major Mitchinson was appointed commander of the royal guard at Balmoral Castle for the summer of 1983. Requiring social as well as security skills, the Mitchinson family fulfilled the posting with acknowledged success. In 1985 Lieutenant Colonel Mitchinson was delighted to return to Glasgow again to assume command of 1/52 Lowland (Volunteers). He regarded this work with the Territorial Army as among the most rewarding of his career.

Colonel Christopher Mitchinson was proud to be a Royal Scot. He was a dedicated officer and family man. He was an inspirational example to fellow officers and civilian friends and colleagues of how to live a life, regrettably all too short, with dignity, fortitude, and fun.

James Wyllie