BURY'S Fusilier figurehead, Major John Hallam, is to "fall out" on parade after 44 years of service to the army.

Major Hallam (pictured) is the North West secretary of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers based at the famous Wellington Barracks. But he will step down at the end of the year to embark on his retirement.

Born in Hope Road, Prestwich, in 1937, on the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, Major Hallam went to Park View County Primary School before he and his family moved to Fleetwood and Rossall School.

In 1955 he joined the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst and received his first commission, Second Lieutenant, a year later with the 1st Battalion, the Lancashire Fusiliers.

Serving in Cyprus and Germany among others, Major Hall became the Adjutant of the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers in Bury in 1961 and by 1964 he was promoted to Captain. Four years later he rose to his current rank.

He retired from the regular Army in 1974, then the father-of-two joined C Company, 5RRF (Volunteers) in Bury as Office Commanding while working for Customs and Excise.

In 1981, he became the area secretary of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers although he continued to work with the Territorial Army until 1988. Major Hallam's two sons continued the tradition of life in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Ian is a Major with the Armoured Infantry Team, and Bruce was a member of the 1st Btn, RRF.

Major Hallam said: "On January 1, 2000, I will be a free man. I have given 44 years to the Army and the Fusiliers and it has been a marvellous career. There is no other job like it.

"I have seen so many good times and a few bad times, but the people you work with make your job worthwhile."

Major Hallam now plans to spend time travelling, playing golf and seeing more of his two grandchildren. One of the 62-year-old's biggest regrets will be to say farewell to his beloved Wellington Barracks which holds many memories.

He said: "My office is right opposite what used to be the clothing store and I can still remember collecting my uniform from the depot and the officers who walked the corridors."

Major Hallam stressed his recent drink-driving ban has nothing to do with his decision to retire.

He said: "Forty-four years is a long time and it is now the right time to go."

A special meal and presentation was held last week at Wellington Barracks with senior military chiefs from the Fusilier Regiment and members of the Lancashire Fusiliers Association honouring Major Hallam.

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