We were deeply saddened to hear last month of the death of Major General Sir Christopher Airy KCVO CBE, who served as Chairman of The Not Forgotten from 1993 to 2001 and as Vice President until his passing. Sir Christopher passed away peacefully at home on Monday 7th April, aged 91. He died only a few months after the death of his wife, Judy. They had been married for 65 years.
General Sir Christopher succeeded Mr John Brunel Cohen as Chairman of The Not Forgotten in September 1993 after retiring from a distinguished military career which included his appointment as General Officer Commanding the London District. General Christopher took a very active interest in all the activities of The Not Forgotten. He always gave support and encouragement to the office team, and he never missed leading the charity at all the Palace parties during his years as Chairman. He also continued to support the Charity as a Vice President after he retired as Chairman in 2001. General Christopher’s charm, enthusiasm and encouragement form an important part of The Not Forgotten story.
Born in March 1934 as one of four children, after Marlborough College Sir Christopher was commissioned into the Regiment in early 1954, joining the 3rd Battalion in Chelsea Barracks, later serving as a young officer in Cyprus and the Middle East. He went on to spend time in both the other battalions, firstly as Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion from 1957-59, then as The Captain from 1969-71. In-between, he spent two years as the Personal Military Assistant to the Secretary of State for War (John Profumo), attended Staff College in 1966 and afterwards he was Regimental Adjutant for 2 years. After commanding the Queen’s Company he was appointed Brigade Major of 4th Guards Armoured Brigade.
In May 1974, he transferred to the Scots Guards, specifically to take command of 1 SG. Two years later he became MA to the Master General of the Ordnance and, in 1979, he was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander of the 5th Field Force. In 1983 he was promoted to Major General; he was Senior Army Member at the Royal College of Defence Studies and honoured with a CBE in the 1983/4 New Year’s Honours List. From February 1986 to June 1989, he was The Major General and honoured with the KCVO on completion. After retiring from the Army in August 1979, he became Private Secretary to HRH The Prince of Wales. He went on to work for the Hedley Foundation and many other charities, and later on he was very actively engaged with local community affairs in Somerset; also he kept alpacas!
Sir Christopher is survived by his three children: Lucinda, Patrick and Henrietta (who would go on to marry a Grenadier), and nine grandchildren.
There will be a Memorial Service for him in The Guards' Chapel, London on 10th July at 2 p.m.
