In Memory of Claire

The severity of Jimmy and Claire's accident prompted a fast and efficient response from the emergency services. However, despite the best efforts of the coastguards, RAF Sea King and paramedics, tragically Claire did not survive the fall.

Claire's parents, Peter and Pauline, Jimmy, and all their friends and relatives would like to express their deepest thanks to those who helped with the rescue effort on Tuesday 3rd August 2004.

In particular we would like to thank:

  The Rhossili Volunteer coastguard (© Photo - Carl Ryan)
  The RAF Chivenor Sea King helicopter crew
  The Swansea Air Ambulance Crew

The Gunner, the regimental magazine of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, published an excellent article in memory of Claire. It was written by her regiment and appeared in the September 2004 issue :

Lt Claire Stickler          30 Jan 1980 - 3 Aug 2004

Lieutenant Claire Stickler of C Battery Royal Horse Artillery was tragically killed on Tuesday, 3 August while rock climbing in South Wales. Claire was on leave from 3 RHA having recently returned from an operational tour with the United Nations Force in Cyprus.

Claire joined the Swansea Company of Wales University Officer Training Corps in October 1998, whilst in her first term at University College Swansea. An active and enthusiastic member of the unit, Claire was always at the forefront of activities, whether leading a section attack, organising an outrageously fun party, playing sport or taking part in adventurous training. Despite her total loyalty and commitment to her unit, Claire was able to balance her soldiering with her studies towards a Law degree, which she achieved in 2001. She was known for her wicked sense of humour and infectious enthusiasm for life which meant that there was rarely a dull moment in her company. These characteristics set her apart and defined her unique leadership style, which came to the fore when she joined the regular army.

There was also a very human side to Claire and she was capable of great compassion. Always the first to look after the children at unit family days, and usually create untold mischief with them, she was equally at ease with the most senior officers. Her hard working, honest and open approach ensured her popularity and success within the unit.

Claire entered Sandhurst in May 2002 and was very much a part of the Gunner team from the start. She was one of the company ‘star students’ who was always in the thick of company activities; a real character from the outset. She was one of the cadets who the DS could really rely on. She was a highly popular member of the company and was totally respected by the DS and officer cadets alike. Claire went on to complete her Royal Artillery Young Officers’ course at Larkhill in May 2003. Once more she proved a natural leader among her peers, taking a keen approach to both her training and social activities that the Senior Instructor recalls as “refreshing”. Whilst at Larkhill, Claire was introduced to the sport of Tug of War and injected her dynamic enthusiasm into this new challenge which required intensive training to enter a series of high level competitions. That her team was selected as the Army Ladies ‘B’ side is testimony in itself to her determination and success.

Claire was selected to serve with 3 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, where she arrived on 1 October 2003 and was posted to C Battery Royal Horse Artillery, at that time preparing to deploy to Cyprus on peacekeeping duties with the UN. Thrown rather into the deep end with a new troop of 30 men, the largest in the Battery, and an unfamiliar mission, Claire quickly proved to be a conscientious and capable officer. She was well-liked and respected by all ranks, and while the path of a subaltern may not always be clear of obstacles, Claire conducted herself at all times with the utmost integrity, putting her soldiers’ welfare first, a trait that earned her ever growing respect within the Battery.

In Cyprus, her Area of Responsibility was one where the opposing Turkish and Greek Cypriot Forces were very close together, within spitting distance, literally, of each other. Claire was therefore in regular contact with officers and soldiers from both sides, as her troop policed frequent violations of the United Nations Cease Fire Agreement. As neither the Turkish nor Greek Cypriot armies have particularly progressive views on the employment of women, and some commanders may have been reluctant to take a woman seriously, Claire had to prove herself from the outset. And she did, leaving them in no doubt as to whom was in charge. Whether negotiating the removal of an illegal construction or protesting a weapons violation, Claire remained robust, persistent and professional, whilst still retaining her disarming charm and easy going nature. This easy going nature really came to a fore during visits, which would routinely come to Claire’s Troop house, and be greeted by her smiling ‘hiya, have you had a good trip’ as opposed to the more formal ‘good morning General’!

Whilst it could be said that Claire had a slightly irreverent attitude to the traditional view of the officer, the same could not be said of her approach to leadership and management. Claire was a highly proficient manager; organised and efficient, but at the same time always well prepared. She knew her soldiers well and had the moral courage to speak for or against them, which meant her judgement was never called into question.

This positive mental attitude also gave her a physical presence that sometimes defied her slight frame. Towards the end of her time in Cyprus, Claire captained her Battery’s team in the UN Force’s Military Skills Competition. It was largely due to her leadership and determination that her team finished second in what was a very competitive field, and seeing her carry two water jerry cans, each weighing 25 kilos on the assault course was a testament to her determination.

In the Mess, Claire steadfastly refused to conform to the ‘twin-set and pearls’ stereotype and this was as much a testament to her independent spirit as it was her indomitable nature. At the same time, though, it could never be said that Claire was not feminine, and any attempt to cast her a tom-boy was doomed to failure.

Claire was an active participant in all aspects of Regimental life. As formidable on the dance floor in the Mess as she was on the sports pitch, Claire never gave anything less that one hundred per cent and it was this infectious love of competitive sport that nearly convinced several members of the Regimental Rugby 1st XV don gym skirts for a recent netball competition.

Above all, Claire was an approachable, modest, affectionate and caring person. She cared deeply for the soldiers under her command and was unquestionably loyal to her friends, the Regiment and her conscience. She had that rare quality of being able to speak to anybody and to be interested in them, interested in what they had to say and to make them feel important. It was that quality, above all of the others that made her a kind and thoughtful friend. She will be sadly missed by her soldiers, fellow officers and many friends.