Old soldier celebrates 80 years service

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 246, 14 June 1988, Page 1 (Supplement)

Old soldier celebrates 80 years service

Waiouru identity Jimmy Trotter, celebrated his 80th birthday last Wednesday surrounded by friends and associates.

Mr Trotter was a most surprised guest of honour at a birthday party organised by the Sergeant's Mess Committee and attended by a large number of wellwishers. Amongst the guests was Commander ATG,

Colonel Bret Bestic, Lt Col Peter Sinclair and a 'family' of friends. Among the gifts were diabetic chocolates, a travel voucher, continental blanket, wooly hat and a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle. There was also an enormous

diabetic birthday cake whipped up by the cooks at the Sergeant's Mess where he is a lifetime member. The highlight for M r Trotter was the announcement that the first two floors of the mess had been re-named the Jimmy Trotter

floors in his honour. Well wishes were received via telegram from comrades in Australia and Spain. Mr Trotter is an integral part of life at Army Training Group, and since his official ' retirement from service

has served the army in other ways. He has walked the same route thousands of times delivering papers and mail in camp for many years. Mr Trotter has been a resident of Waiouru for over 46 years.