Our People

David Morris BEM

21st March 2018

Born in Wellington, Shropshire, I was raised and educated in the Rhondda Valley. From 1958 to 1960 I served in Brecon and Germany as a National Serviceman in the South Wales Borderers, a regiment now amalgamated into the Royal Welsh. On my demob I returned to Wales, though after some uninteresting jobs, I re-enlisted into the Army in 1963. I then served continuously until 2004, ending my long military career in the rank of Captain. During my career, I saw service in the UK (Northern Ireland), Germany, Hong Kong, Cyprus, North America (both USA & Canada), Aden, and Botswana. During one of my operational tours in Northern Ireland, I was award the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to my unit.

Following my discharge from the Army I became self-employed and spent six years in retailing with my own convenience store. I was looking for a change when I was approached by The Regimental Headquarters of The Royal Regiment of Wales (RRW) and accepted the position of Assistant Regimental Secretary. My main responsibilities being Line Manager for the staff, Chairman of the Regimental Association, and responsibility for all Regimental Benevolence. As there had been many amalgamations of the Welsh Regiments, there was a considerable injured-in-service and ageing Old Comrade population. It was during this period that I was invited to become a member of the Veteran’s Advisory and Pension Committee (VAPC) for Wales, of which I am still a member.

Following my retirement from RHQ RRW I became a Councillor on the Cowbridge Town council. I still serve on the Council and I have been honoured to be elected twice as Mayor. During my initial appointment as Mayor I became familiar with the MPCT and The Motivation & learning Trust (MLT), their supporting charity. During my second term as Mayor I adopted the MLT as one of my chosen charities. I am pleased to say that we raised a significant amount for the charity, and the MPCT assisted greatly by providing helpers for my coffee mornings. I am proud to be a Trustee of the Cowbridge & Llanblethian Trust, a trust that gives assistance to the elderly, the needy, and provides grants to students to assist with their further education.

In 2006 I was approached by the MOD to organise a Veteran’s Day Badge presentation in Cardiff. I was subsequently asked to organise a Veteran’s Day event, again in Cardiff, which became Armed Forces Day and is now an annual event in South Wales. In 2010 I was asked to be a Consultant representing all Veterans for the UK National Armed Forces Day in Cardiff. With a significant VIP presence including royalty, it was a highlight for me. I remained Chairman until I stood down following the 2014 event. I am also currently the Chairman of the Cowbridge and District Royal British Legion.
I live in Cowbridge in The Vale of Glamorgan with Lorraine, my partner of over 20 years. Between us we have six children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.