Funeral held for retired soldier Major Jonathan Wood
Jun 24 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal
Sergeant Major Campbell said: “I know he loved his time with the army. He was a very, very well liked man. He was one of the few officers who was still one of the boys, he was more a soldiers’ officer, than an officers’ officer.
“He was a devoted father and I know he adored his girls. He was due to be taking them on holiday. His death has come as a shock to everyone. It’s been such a blow to all of his friends and family.”
Major Wood was born in Newcastle on February 12, 1956. He attended Sedbergh School, in Cumbria, where he excelled at rugby. At the age of 19 he was in the Gosforth firsts.
After signing up to the army as a Potential Officer at the Kings Division Depot at Strensall, he passed exams into Sandhurst. From their he joined 4 Platoon in Burma Company in the Battalion. It was during this time Kate and Ali were born.
During his military career Major Wood served as a Platoon Commander on operations, as a Brigade Adventure Training Instructor on an American Long Range Patrol Course in Bavaria, as an Instructor on the Northern Ireland Training and a Company Commander on operations in Northern Ireland. He received a Medal for Service in Northern Ireland.
The Major later switched to work for DFS, an air freight company moving personnel and goods around Afghanistan and the Middle East.
