Major General James H. Short CE OBE (M 68)

Educated at Wellington, James was commissioned into the 9th / 12th Royal Lancers in 1970. His promising Regimental career alternated with demanding Staff appointments, including Military Assistant to Commander 1 (BR) Corps. As Commanding Officer he led the Regiment during its notably successful six month operational tour in Belfast in 1993 – 94, for which he was awarded an OBE and subsequently selected to command 39 Infantry Brigade. Following his Regimental service other notable roles included a secondment to the Cabinet Office; Director Royal Armoured Corps; Special Adviser to the Government of Macedonia; and Director, NATO Joint Warfare Centre.

He retired from the Army in 2005, being appointed a Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours that year. Thereafter he became a partner with Strategic Planning Solutions, but found time to undertake a rewarding post as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home charity. He “was privileged to serve as the Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2013. He brought his expertise in strategic thinking and business mentorship skills to the Board and the Chief Executive, assisting Jessie May with its strategic development.  He led from the front and, in his own inimitable style, inspired everyone. ”

James alco completed a demanding transatlantic voyage in their yacht with his wife Claire, to whom he was happily married. The elder of their two sons, Ed, completed a short service commission in the Regiment. 
 
James was the last Colonel of 9/12L prior to amalgamation. Always a talented sportsman, and very fit, he died unexpectedly on 16th October 2022.

Photo: James and Claire Short at the recent Jessie May Celebration event.