A VETERAN who was honoured with an MBE has died, with his family paying tribute.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Thomas Bevan had a long career in the army, which began in 1958 until his retirement in 1993. During this time, he served in Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, Canada and more.

At the time of his death, aged 85, he was being cared for at a hospice in Shrewsbury.

He was born in 1939, the eldest son of Tom and Eileen Bevan, and lived in Merryhill Crescent, Hereford. 

Mr Bevan went to Lord Scudamore School and then worked as an apprentice at Greenlands, a popular Hereford furniture shop.

Before his army career, he was also a keen cyclist, riding for the Gannets club and competing at a high level.

Paying tribute, David Bevan said that the lieutenant colonel was a beloved husband and brother. He said that Mr Bevan's funeral on March 12 in Shrewsbury included eulogies given by Major John Harris, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Trelawny, Brigadier Tim Bevan and Major General Mike Reagan.

"He was remembered with great affection and respect," he added.

Mr Bevans first enlistment was into the light infantry in 1958. He then served with the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, then the Third Battalion during his time with the British Army on the Rhine from 1974 to 1978.

In April 1978, he was commissioned and joined the First Battalion Light Infantry serving as an intelligence officer in Northern Ireland until February 1979. During this time he was awarded a mention in despatches. During 1983, whilst serving as Quartermaster to the third battalion light infantry, he was awarded the General Officer Commanding’s Northern Ireland Commendation. In total, he did thirteen tours of Northern Ireland.

In 1986 he joined, as Quartermaster, the Second Battalion Seventh Gurkha rifles. These were then re-badged to First Battalion Second Gorkhas in February 1987 and he continued to serve here until August 1990. During this time he was awarded the MBE whist at Casino Lines in Hong Kong.

He was posted as Commanding Officer of the British Army training support unit, Wainwright, Canada from September 1990 until October 1992.

His final appointment was as Camp Commandant in the West Midlands Brigade until his retirement in March 1993.

On retirement from the regular army, Mr Bevan remained as Camp Commandant in HQ Wales and Western District, Shrewsbury until 2004.

He remained in close contact with his armed service comrades by working as the light infantry reunion coordinator at Shrewsbury.