Brian pictured above receiving the coveted award

Brian Awarded The Global Sir James Gildea Award

It has been a busy 12 months for our wonderful Fuze Ceremonies Celebrant Brian Baxter. Alongside his beloved Celebrant work and Army career, Captain Brian “Spats” Baxter, veteran of the Black Watch, has proudly served for the past 11 years as Branch Fundraising Manager for the Perth & Kinross branch of the SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity (Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association).

In December 2022, Spats led a team of nine 7 SCOTS Reservists in the Washington Marine Corps Marathon – an activity he has led since 2016 – raising more than £16,000 for the branch in just that year, and many thousands more over the 11 years he has volunteered for the charity.

Over £100,000 Of Fundraising

Brian has calculated he has raised over £100,000 across his time with the SSAFA, an incredible achievement. In April, he was presented with a Sir James Gildea Award – named after the founder of SSAFA – which are given to recognise volunteers for their exceptional contribution and commitment to SSAFA’s activities and values.

After consideration, and in recognition of Brian’s amazing work, this was then elevated to the Global Sir James Gildea Award – the highest honour SSAFA can bestow – for Spats, and his citation reads: “[Spats] has consistently worked hard in an increasingly tight climate to secure funds for us, however he can and in many ways.

“A force of nature, he is funny, cheeky, energetic and we are lucky to have him as our principal fundraiser, morale booster, compère and organiser at national conferences, and a fully engaged SSAFA volunteer.”

Of his Global Sir James Gildea Award, Spats said: “I am chuffed to bits in not only being awarded the local Sir James Gildea recognition but to be elevated to the Global Award has taken me by surprise. By being recognised twice in one year has made me more determined to continue to fundraise and spread the word about our great charity that is SSAFA.”

Brian pictured above during  the Quartermaster laying the Queen’s (now King’s) colour in preparation for a Drum Head Service at Holyrood Park Edinburgh

Retiring From The Army

Brian enlisted into the Black Watch in April 1979 at the young age of 15 and 7 months! He completed 16 months of Infantry Junior Leaders training at Sir John Moore Barracks, Shorncliffe where he reached the rank of Junior Regimental Sergeant Major. He joined his battalion The First Battalion the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) (1BW) at Werl in the Federal Republic of Germany in August 1980. It was here that he gained the nickname “Spats,” and this has stuck with him ever since.

He was soon promoted to Lance Corporal and conducted a 6-month tour of West Belfast where he performed the role of Team Commander. Early in his career, Brian developed a keen interest in Alpine Skiing and represented his battalion and the Army in competitions in Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, and France. The rank of Corporal was next for Brian then later posted to the Scottish Infantry Training Depot at Glencorse as a Section Commander training recruits.

Brian has held many titles during his army career, Colour Sergeant Instructor; Officers Mess Manager; Platoon Commander; Company Sergeant Major to name but a few. There is no doubt Brian has served his country well.

Brian has experienced many country in his career also. Northern Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Iceland, Belgium, West Berlin, France, Canada, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Hawaii, and Afghanistan. And he has also represented his battalion, Territorial Army, Army Reserve and the Regular Army at alpine skiing and cross-country running.

First time round Brian completed a total of 24 years and 99 days regular service with the Colours and retired from regular service in July 2003. After spells in various civilian jobs her rejoined in 2005 where he held many operational roles which included Military Logistics Manager for the London Olympics in the summer of 2012. Following the Olympics, Brian was appointed the Unit Welfare Officer for 39 Engineer Regiment at Kinloss Barracks, in Elgin, followed by being appointed the Regimental Careers Management Officer of 7 SCOTS in February 2013, based in Perth, where he saw out his second army career. Brian concluded this final appointment on 23rd July 2023, age 60, 2nd time round (and last) retirement day!

Brian pictured above in Toastmaster mode