John Hemsley
Brigadier John Hemsley
Appeared in a 1996 film on he history of the King's African Rifles.[1]
Wrote for British Army Reviewin 1992 on the role of technology in Russian military control theory.[2]
Set the record for travel in a car from Cape Town to London in 1983, with his wife Lucy in a Range Rover. Managed the journey in 14 days, 19 hours and 26 minutes. While travelling through Syria they were detained overnight on suspicion of being part of a terrorist raiding party. Record stood until 2013.[3]
Were the first to drive entirely overland the entire distance, except the English Channel. 11,674 mile route. Achieved Cape Town to Cairo portion (6,934 mi) in a record 10 days 12 hours 15 minutes. Were the first to traverse the Allenby Bridge between Israel and Jordan in seven years.[4]
Was formerly chairman of the St. John Fellowship, the "old comrades" organisation for the St John Ambulance.[5] Runs tours to the Holy Land for its members.[6]
Former member of 3 KAR and Somerset Light Infantry. VIce President of the KAR & East African Forces Association. OBE.[7]
Appointed Bailiff Grand Cross of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem 5 May 2009.[8]
- ^ "Film about the King's African Rifles". British Empire & Commonwealth Collection. Bristol Archives. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ^ Hemsley, John (2017). "Application of Technology to Russian Control Theory". British Army Review: The Soviet Union and Russia. 2: 4.
- ^ "Cape Town to London record smashed 30 years on". www.classicandsportscar.com. 13 February 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ^ "John Hemsley". 365daysofmotoring.com. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ^ "Kensington Palace". Court Circular 18 July 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ^ [The Holy Land Tour 2016 "The Holy Land Tour 2016"]. St John Ambulance South West Region Newsletter: 6. Spring 2017.
{{cite journal}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ "Association Committee". Kings African Rifles & East African Forces Association. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ^ "No. 59053". The London Gazette. 5 May 2009. p. 7604.