Here’s a Beauchamp Lodge Member Profile from
Barry Theobald-Hicks.
Our team has asked Barry a set of routine questions that 
will provide you with a brief insight into his military or 
civilian service.
We hope you find it of interest.

If you are interested in joining our Military/Civilian Services Lodge simply message us using the form provided on the contact us page.

What is your name?

Barry Theobald-Hicks

Barry which service did you serve in? (Navy, Army, RAF, other please state)

Army and voluntary service thereafter with St. John Ambulance

Barry, which Regiment/Unit/Department did you serve with?

Royal Army Medical Corps & Light Cavalry, Honourable Artillery Company

Barry what is your Regiment/Unit/Organisation’s motto? (with translation if necessary)

RAMC; In Arduis Fidelis – Faithful in adversity
Light Cavalry HAC; Arma Pacis Fulcra – Armed strength for peace

Barry when did you serve?

From: Late 60s To: Early 70s with RAMC
6 years with the HAC

What was your Rank/Title/Role upon leaving?

HAC Trooper - (although I currently hold the rank of Honorary Lt Colonel, Aide-De-Camp to Colonel The Rt Hon the Lord Lingfield)

Were there any notable experiences whilst you were in service? (brief summary)

I grew up in London with my family, at the age of 11 years I joined the St. John Ambulance Cadets in Southwark and eventually became the Superintendant in Charge, continuing my first Aid and Nursing skills I joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in the late 60's early 70's serving with 217 London General Hospital (City of London).

Although not having served overseas, I was mobilised with my Unit to Germany, setting up a 200 hundred bed Field Hospital, being attached to the Intensive Care Unit; I secured a job in Fleet Street in the City and found it difficult to attend my Unit each week and so transferred to the RAMC (City of London Detachment) HAC serving six years with the Territorial Army. I am currently Chairman and Archivist of the (City of London) Branch, RAMC Association.

I also served as a Trooper in the Light Cavalry, Honourable Artillery Company for six years and am currently on the Veterans' List and a Member of the HAC City Livery Association.

Additional notable experiences whilst you were in service? (brief summary)

I returned to the St. John Ambulance Brigade and my former Division and was also Officer-In-Charge of the Southwark Corps of Drums having been the bands Drum Major for many years both as a Cadet and Adult; eventually being promoted to Area Staff with the Rank of Major and was honoured by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II when I was Appointed and Invested as a Member of the Venerable Order of St.John (MStJ).

I was further promoted in the Order by H.M. to Officer of The Order (OStJ) in 1988 and I hold the Order’s Service Medal with Four Gilt Bars giving Forty Seven years service to St. John, my last uniformed appointment was as an Area Vice President for the South Western Area, and a Past President and Life Member of The Hospitallers' Club (for Officers) and am currently their Archivist; A portrait in oils of me wearing my uniform, hangs in The Orders NHQ's at St. John's Gate, Clerkenwell, I worked at The Gate for ten years, as the Deputy National Secretary of the St. John Fellowship.

Being involved with the Order of St.Lazarus for many years, which supports the Treatment of Leprosy till this day; I have recently been giving talks to raise funds for its treatment and I am a Knight Commander of Justice of the Order (KCLJ).

Currently I am an Officer of the League of Frontiersmen, and each year I attend the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey; As an (Honorary) Major I was Aide-De-Camp to Henry, 3rd Earl Kitchener, TD. OC of the Earl Kitcheners Own (UK Command) then as Chief of Staff, was promoted to (Hon) Lt.Col. on the sad passing of Earl Kitchener, I was then appointed ADC to Colonel The Rt.Hon. the Lord Lingfield and I represent him when laying poppy wreaths depicting his Coat of Arms both at home and when abroad.

I also have a long association with the Royal British Legion having served as Secretary, Chairman and President, being made an Hon. Life President and on my Dining out Dinner in 2018, my Guests' of honour were Lord and Lady Lingfield along with The Rt. Hon. James Brokenshire MP, Minister of State for Northern Ireland both of whom spoke warmly of my contribution.

I was made an Honorary Member of the United Services Club, Sidcup; and was Invested with The Order of the League of Mercy (OLM) for my 27 years service to the Legion at The Mansion House. I hold several other honours including the Order of St.Gregory the Great (KCSG) and the Polish Order of St. Stanislas (GCCSS) and am a Commander of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

Bexley's Lord Lieutenant Maj. David Hewer OBE, presented me with my Veterans' Badge following the Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade in 2011, which I arranged in its entirety over many years, until my retirement.

How did you join Freemasonry? (Friend or family introduction, if other please state)

I joined Freemasonry through the Father of two of my St. John Ambulance cadets who told me he was a Freemason of long standing. I asked him if it would be something he felt I would enjoy with my background, he said, “Most definitely”.

What do you get from Freemasonry? (What are the things you enjoy about being a Freemason?)

Being in uniformed Organisations the majority of my life I have come to appreciate the immense satisfaction of that bond of loyalty and friendship I experienced in the Services and Freemasonry, for me, is an extension of that sense of belonging and trying to the best of one’s ability to achieve those aims.

Information supplied by Barry Theobald-Hicks and published with his consent