It  is with profound sadness that I have to inform you of the passing or our long serving O.B.A. President, Lt. Col. (EMAE) Edward Philip Bartlett (Ret’d), REME, after a diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer just three weeks ago.  By the time of his diagnosis it had spread to his liver.

Just last week on Thursday, family and friends celebrated with him at his long planned and very belated 90th birthday party, since when he went downhill very rapidly.

On Saturday, his dear wife Avril, herself an Honorary Member of our O.B.A., advised me that Ted was nearing the end and that was confirmed to me a little earlier today.

Edward Philip Bartlett was born in April 1932, in Portsmouth.  In 1943, at the age of 11 he joined the Duke of York’s Royal Military School, where he remained until 1947.  In that time he was in both Kitchener and Marlborough houses (known then as ‘A’ and ‘G’ Companies).

After leaving the school, he joined the army and rose to WOII, REME and subsequently received his commission on 22 November 1967.  He was promoted to Major (EMAE) on 7 November 1977, followed by promotion to Lt. Col. (EMAE) from 9 December 1984.  He retired from the service on 1 February 1987.

During his time in the Army, Ted had a period of service commanding the Royal Signals “White Helmet” Motor Cycle Display Team.  His love of Motor Cycling gave him a significant interest after leaving the Army and he was well known in “Sport” Motor Cycling circles, including the Isle of Man T.T. world.

He was Chairman of the Auto Cycle Union from 1997-2003, and President Emeritus from 2004-2008.

I would like to acknowledge the sterling work of Andy Benns in pulling much of this information together in just a couple of hours, after I asked for his help.

I am sure there will be much more to learn about Ted in the days to come, and I shall try to compile any facts and information that come to light. If you would like to contact me, my details are below.

Derek Jones

Hon.Gen.Sec.

Tel: Home: 01279-870870  /  Mob: 07909-688401

Email: dyrmsoba@btinternet.com