Reading alumnus killed in Afghanistan honoured by University
Monday, 16 July 2012
ÔÇÿRupert would feel enormously honoured that the University of Reading should remember him in this wayÔÇÖ
The University recently paid tribute to the late Lieutenant-Colonel Rupert Thorneloe MBE, a graduate of the University, who died in Afghanistan in 2009.
Rupert, the most senior British army officer to die in action since the Falklands War was remembered by the University, members of his family and Major Guy Stone of the Welsh Guards, who had served alongside Lt-Col Thorneloe, at a special ceremony during the University's summer graduation week.
A plaque, situated alongside the University's existing war memorial under the historic clock tower at the London Road campus, was unveiled by Rupert's father, Major John Thorneloe.
Rupert graduated from the University in 1991 with a degree in English and Sociology. He was then commissioned into the British Army and served with great distinction until being killed in action in Afghanistan three years ago.
At the unveiling of the plaque, Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell said: "On behalf of the University, I want to extend a special welcome to family members and the friends of the late Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe MBE who was Commanding Officer of the Welsh Guards until his death in 2009.
"Rupert Thorneloe was a student at this University between 1988 and 1991. He was then commissioned into the British Army and served with great distinction until being killed in action in Afghanistan three years ago."
He continued; "The University will honour the memory of Rupert Thorneloe by unveiling a plaque on the wall of the war memorial that stands near to the Great Hall. It is an appropriate setting as Lt Colonel Thorneloe's name will join those of 144 others from the University who gave their lives in the service of their country in two world wars.
"Rupert Thorneloe's life, and sacrifice, is an inspiration to all of us. The University of Reading is proud therefore to remember him as one of our own."
The Welsh slate plaque was designed and the lettering cut, by hand, by Wayne Hart, a graduate of the University's Department of Typography & Graphic Communication.
Rupert's father, Major John Thorneloe said: "Rupert would feel enormously honoured that the University of Reading should remember him in this way. He was extremely happy here, that I remember so well. Rupert often told me that what the University had taught him helped him enormously in his career. He was taught to work hard, get the best out of life and be the best he could possibly be."