Obituary: Col Anthony Way, distinguished war hero recalled as a charming, courteous and Godly man

Published on Monday 20 February 2012 00:00

Born: 5 November, 1920, in London. Died: 4 January, 2012, in Dunkeld, aged 91

Throughout his military career, Colonel Tony Way displayed a sense of bravery and devotion to his regiment that gained him immense respect from his men and fellow officers.

During the treacherous fighting around Monte Cassino in 1944, Way was in command of a company of the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards as it advanced northwards. Despite a severe injury, Way continued to lead several charges and was awarded a Military Cross.

Way spent the last 40 years of his life in Dunkeld and served as Standard Bearer, Her Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, which parades with the sovereign on state occasions. The Queen herself has called the Corps her “nearest guard”:

Anthony Gerald Way was educated at Stowe, where he played rugby for the school and represented the All-England Public Schools XV. After Sandhurst he was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards in 1939 and saw service with the 3rd Battalion at the ferocious battles – and in torrential rain – at Medjez-el-Bab in Tunisia.

There was equally severe fighting at Bou Arada in January 1943, where the westward thrust by the Germans was beaten off by the resolute fighting of the Allies. Way led his company up a bare hillside, under constant shell and mortar fire. Sixteen of his Guardsmen were killed before they halted the German advance. For his bravery and decisive leadership, Way was mentioned in despatches.

His courage and leadership qualities were further recognised during the Italian campaign of 1944. He was commanding the 3rd Battalion as it fought its way through the open countryside north of Rome. On the night of 27 May, Way took part in an attack on Monte Grande, south-west of Cassino. The fighting was fierce and Way led his men up a strategically important hill – returning to continue the battle after regrouping on three occasions. The fire power from the enemy was unrelenting and Way was hit by a burst of heavy machine-gun fire and six bullets entered his abdomen.

While receiving medical attention, Way encouraged his men and, despite considerable discomfort and pain, he continued to issue orders. The objective was gained later that day and his heroic gallantry was recognised with an immediate MC. After a major operation in a field hospital, Way recovered and rejoined his regiment in early 1945.

After the war, he served in Tripoli, Egypt and Cyprus and in 1969 he was dispatched to Anguilla to restore order after a local uprising.

Way had the honour to command the 3rd battalion at the Queen’s Birthday Parade in 1960. At another splendid ceremony that year – sadly, in the pouring rain – Way led the battalion’s farewell to the Queen in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

In the presence also of the Queen Mother (under a golf umbrella) he called for three cheers for the sovereign and Bearskins were removed and raised aloft. Way then led a march past of serving Grenadiers and veterans.

Way served as a vice-president of the Grenadier Guards Association and worked for the National Playing Fields Association.

While recuperating from his war wounds, Way spent some time at Kincairney House in Dunkeld. There he met and married Elizabeth Richmond. In 1971, he moved to Dunkeld and managed the Kincairney estate – becoming a devoted countryman and lover of Perthshire. He was particularly fond of preserving the countryside through an adventurous programme of planting specimen trees and was a keen golfer and shot.

For 18 years, Way was a member of Her Majesty’s Bodyguard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen of Arms and served as the Corps’ Standard Bearer. The Bodyguard’s history was central to Way’s sense of duty and service. He carried the impressive standard with the corps’ portcullis badge at many state occasions with much pride.

The vicar at St Mary’s Church, Birnam, David Brooke, a neighbour and good friend, said: “Tony was the most self-effacing and kindly man – extremely modest about his distinguished war record and made a point of never drawing attention to himself.

“He was a regular attender at St Mary’s and a popular figure in the community. Significantly, the Queen was represented at the service by the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant of Perth, Brigadier Melville Jameson.

“He enjoyed living a quiet life amidst the Perthshire hills: he was a fine raconteur and much enjoyed telling stories against himself. Tony was a charming, courteous and Godly man.”

Tony Way married first Elizabeth Richmond. She predeceased him, and in 1986 he married Anthea Methuen, who survives him with a son and a daughter of his first marriage.

ALASDAIR STEVEN