Major Gary A Wallace
of Glasgow, United Kingdom

Description

Major Gary A Wallace OC Expedition and OC UK Contingent

                                           Gary@wdrg.org

I am an adventurer and team player who wants to help fellow man and I have started up this group as a registered charity in Scotland.

The WDRG has been set up specifically to raise money for charity and to try and raise awareness and support for all of the Services (and other) charities that we also support.

Our Group have the following aims:-

* The advancement of education

* The advancement of citizenship  or community development

* The advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science

* The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

+ and be able to offer more to the community and the respective charities that we work alongside.

Our ultimate aim is to open up a museum to display over 1500 items from WW2 mainly artefacts from the Home Front in Scotland, Various uniforms, vehicles and equipment. This is part of the History and Heritage of our country in WW2

Coupled to this is the establishing of a working museum and restoration workshop which will employ previously long term unemployed youths, and train them up as the next generation of military vehicle and equipment restorers.

Likewise, another arm to our service is that of adventure and expeditions - as well as offering trips for veterans and war widows (and their families) to the various battlefields and war graves around the western deserts of North Africa.   We have tied ourselves in with film and TV documentary producers with the hopeful making of a series of educational and entertainment short films.

WHO ARE WE?

We are a bunch of amateur historians who like a bit of adventure, ranging from Ex Military, Historians, Real life Adventurers and Explorers, Military Vehicle Owners, a Geography Teacher, Desert Guides, Students of History, Farmers and Expert Mechanics (of almost any vehicle), a Uniform Expert, distinguished Writers, and a uniform and equipment maker. There are others waiting in the wings and we will be looking at the full Orbat soon. All have an excellent range of skills. Their Biographical information will appear on the Website.
The group are based in two main geographical areas half a world apart, here in the UK and in New Zealand (where the personnel of the very first LRP hailed from)

In keeping with the Regimental system we have named the group the WW2 Western Desert Recce Group (WDRG) to give some identity and recognition for these gallant men and women.

At present, there are approximately 15 people involved, with a split between UK and NZ. We are hoping to attract other historians and vehicles from the US of A. (again representative of the American involvement in the desert)

My Professional and academic interests include Teaching of Design & Technology, Explosives Engineering and as a time served Motor Vehicle Mechanic.    I have degrees in BA Human Resource Management and Bachelor of Technological Education (Hons). 

I have previously worked in the Energy sector both Renewable and as an Oil Extraction Perforating Engineer. 

I have lengthy transport and logisitics experience from both civilian and military disciplines.

I have been part of the military for over 37 years as a Paratrooper (30 years) and Currently a Reservist within a Logistics and Transport Regiment.  Holding the rank of Major and Officer Commanding a Headquarters Squadron in Scotland. I was previously the Signals Officer for this unit as well!

I have many wide and varied interests including skiing, martial arts (Karate, Aikido and Iaido) and American Football (played with a local amateur team for 10 years). I like to promote chappist behaviour and to dress well with waistcoats, briar pipes, suitable hats and good set of stout brogues.   

In summary, with your support we can open our museum, provide employment opportunities, support services charities, run expeditions and trips to historical sites and document for future education and public interest.