Airborne Engineers Association
Roll of Honour
Robert (Tam) Hepburn
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Sapper Robert (Tam) Hepburn died after a brief stay in hospital at his hometown Dundee on 7th January 2008, aged 86 years. Tam, as he was generally known, was a long-term member of A Troop, 1st Para. Sqn. R.E. dating back to November 1941. He served with the Sqn. In North Africa, Sicily, Italy and finally Arnhem. He was a pleasure to serve with, a good Sapper and the type of man who could raise a laugh no matter how tricky the situation. Many stories could be told of Tam's escapades, most of them hilarious. For example – after escaping from their POW camp Tam, Gus Woods 9nd 'Poacher' Payne found themselves in a difficult situation. 'Poacher' was suffering badly from haemorrhoids and could hardly walk. So, what did they do? Scrounged a wheelbarrow, dumped `Poacher' therein and continued on their way towards the British/American lines. AND they were shot up by enemy aircraft! |
On return to the U.K. in December 1943, the Sqn. was based in the village of Donington, Lincs. where Tam met Doreen, his wife to be, who at that time was a serving member of the Women's Land Army.
After his discharge from the army the happy couple decided to try their luck in Canada but returned to the U.K. after a brief spell. In 1951 Tam joined his local Police Force where he served for twenty-five years, retiring with the rank of sergeant.
There is no doubt Tam was a much loved family man who will be sadly missed by his wife Doreen, son and daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren and his Para comrades. To them all – we offer our heartfelt condolences.
