2023

Rob was born in Stone, Staffordshire, in 1970 and educated at Lonsdale Primary School, Eccleshall Middle School, and Sir Graham Balfour High School in Stafford.

After leaving school in 1986, he worked in a DIY shop on a YTS scheme and in a timber yard, before enlisting in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) as a Supply Specialist in September 1988.

Basic Training 1988

On completion of basic, trade, and driver training, he was posted to 3 Ordnance Battalion RAOC in Germany, where he was involved in the last Inner German Border patrol and deployment on Operation Granby to Iraq in 1991.

In 1993, the Royal Logistic Corps was formed.

Rob enjoyed a further posting in Germany with 16 Tank Transporter Squadron RLC, followed by postings in the UK with 16 Regiment RLC, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, 3 Close Support Regiment RLC, 9 Supply Regiment RLC, 103 Battalion REME (V), and 7 Battalion REME.

Afghanistan 2010 - Op Herrick 13

As well as Op Granby in 1991, Rob has served on operations in Northern Ireland (1993), the Falklands (1996, 2001, and 2005), Iraq (2003), and Afghanistan (2008 and 2010). He has also enjoyed a 4-month attachment with the Kiwi Army on Ex Long Look in New Zealand.

Afghanistan 2010 - Op Herrick 13
ES Battalion Stores Troop 8 Field Company (Para)

Rob left regular service as WO1 in 2013 and subsequently joined the Army Reserve in the Midlands, where he initially settled and served in several junior officer posts during his time.

WO1 (SSM) R Allsopp RLC - 2012 Remembrance Day

Rob joined SERS Energy Solutions Group Ltd in July 2013 and has worked for them as the Compliance Manager ever since. He left the Army Reserve in August 2020 during the pandemic when he moved in with his wife Helen in Hightown.

Rob joined the St James Branch of the British Legion in 2006 during his service and transferred to the Spenborough branch in April 2022, where he has been an active member ever since.

February 2024