NMR mourns passing of a legend
Warrant Officer Class 1 Philip Neville Alexander of the Natal Mounted Rifles died on 9 March.
THE Natal Mounted Rifles is mourning the loss of Warrant Officer Class 1 Philip Neville Alexander, known to thousands of his fellow soldiers as “Nunky”and “Nunks”, who died on 9 March after a fight against cancer.
“Nunks” was born in Durban on 17 November 1939 and completed his schooling at the Natal Technical College.
In 1958 he volunteered for service in the then Active Citizen Force and was posted to 1 Special Service Battalion in January 1959, where he was stationed in Potchefstroom, to undergo his basic armour training.
On completion of his basic training he was posted to the Natal Mounted Rifles, and reported for duty on 20 July, 1959. He served in the Regiment ever since, twice as Regimental Sergeant Major.
During his military career Warrant Officer Alexander was awarded many medals, decorations and commendations, including the Military Merit Medal and Bar, Pro Patria Medal with Cunene Clasp, Southern Africa Medal, General Service Medal, Unitas Medal, Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service, the John Chard Decoration, the John Chard Medal, the emblem for voluntary service, along with commendation certificates such as the General Officer Commanding SA Army Armour Formation, Officer Commanding School of Armour Commendation, Officer Commanding Natal Mounted Rifles Commendation, Officer Commanding 1 Medical Battalion Commendation, Group 16 Merit Commendation Certificate – 1st Class and Sergeant Major of the SA Army Commendation.
Warrant Officer Alexander was married to Lorraine Evelyn Alexander. They have two sons and a daughter, Mark, Megan and Craig. His interests were army, army, army, with bit of garden maintenance in between.
“Nunky served as a volunteer and part time soldier in the South African National Defence Force for over 56 years, all but six months of them as a member of his beloved Regiment, the Natal Mounted Rifles. He retired, for the second time, as Regimental Sergeant Major of the NMR on 25 March 2006 at the age of 67 – two years more than the mandatory retirement age of 65. His services to the NMR and to South Africa were not lost, however, because he was appointed as Regimental Base Sergeant Major – more of an honorary position than the far more onerous task of Regimental Sergeant Major,” said Ken Gillings.
Gillings said as is seen from the long list of distinguished awards, medals and decorations, “Nunky” Alexander voluntarily served his country and his regiment with great distinction and this exemplary act of “Service above Self” resulted in him being presented by the Rotary Club of Westville with Rotary’s highest award, a Paul Harris Fellowship.
