Gary David Bingley MM

Gaz had the whackiest humour and was an odd mix of Sagacious  and Capricious in character. He could be so wise at times and was  truly an old soul, but few people got close to his deeper Piscean  nature that could be as deep as an Ocean. The Capricious side of his nature could see him turn from a competitive footballer to a lethal  killer, a comedian to a serious paratrooper and at home from a  clown to a loving husband who would often leave notes about the  place for his wife to find. The man who kissed toothbrushes with his wife at night belied his alter ego who could live off the land, tab for  miles on end and preferred a pheasant to bacon……….

The eldest of five Gaz was good at taking some of the younger  crows under his wing and that included a seat at his Sunday lunch table at times. He is remembered as a clown, a likeable rogue, a sound bloke, a real trooper, a generous spirit, a professional, a leader, an airborne warrior, cheeky, upbeat, the list goes on……’Machine Gun Bingley’ once met never ever forgotten. 

Gaz was known by many because he moved from B Coy to A Coy to D Coy during his service and even did a stint in the Officer’s Mess which he hated. He was a soldier through and through and wore his wings with pride.

When the Falkland Islands was invaded in April 1982 Gaz was in 11 Platoon D Coy and travelled on the long trip ‘Down South’ with 2 Para on the MV Norland. Gaz loved the journey, an avid Jaques Cousteau fan he was at home on the Ocean and wrote home about the sightings of Dolphins and Flying fish. 

He was an experienced soldier who had already served over 7 years and completed two tours of Northern Ireland. He was eager to go and was excited at the thought of a real-life War. 

Between the 26^th and the 28^th May the plan for Darwin and Goose Green changed more than once. Whatever plan followed, Gaz was up the front and it was fate that it was his time. It should be  remembered that he would always want his life celebrated because of the upbeat character he was. 

Because of the haste of their marriage Gaz and Jay had planned a church blessing for their fifth wedding anniversary so that Garys  family could be present this time. War intervened and sadly Gaz was one of those who did not make it back. Gaz and his wife had one daughter during their marriage, born in 1978 during their Berlin posting, at this time she wishes to be not be included in his memorials.

His story has been immortalised in the book ‘And She Danced’ dedicated to both him personally and the Parachute Regiment. 

Perhaps he should be nicknamed ‘Maroon Machine Gun Bingley’…..

Credit Jay Morgan Hyrons

www.falklands35blog.wordpress.com

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

HONOURS AND AWARDS

ARMY DEPARTMENT

MONDAY, 11th OCTOBER 1982

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the Military Medal to the undermentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the operations in the South Atlantic:

24347663 Lance Corporal Gary David BINGLEY, The Parachute Regiment

Throughout 28th May 1982, the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment were engaged in fierce fighting to take well entrenched enemy positions in the area of the Goose Green settlement on the Island of East Falkland. Lance Corporal Bingley was a Section Commander.

During the battle his section came under fire at close quarters from two enemy machine-gun posts. To destroy the enemy positions he led his section in the assault and whilst leading was fatally wounded.
His heroic action enabled his company to continue their advance and was significantly instrumental in defeating the enemy.

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I am Pete Stubbs (24282945) ex 2 para and was a good friend of Gaz and Jane Bingley. The man was amazing. I was his section commander in Berlin and as far as I am concerned, he will always be `Machine gun Bingley`.

He could strip/assemble and use the GPMG better than any man I know. (Sorry MMG platoon). He was admired and liked by everyone who knew him, was always laughing and was a typical airborne soldier + 100%. If I could have been half as good as Bingley I would have been a bloody good soldier.

PETER STUBBS

I was a friend of Gaz and was totally amazed to see his name on the web. I think it is just brilliant. I am ex 2 para 1974-1986. I often think of Gaz. I went to the SHOT for the first time in years the main aim to see a mate and also visit Gaz’s grave and take a photo (just to remember). I hope his widow Jane and his daughter are doing fine, also his parents.

JIM CRAWFORD

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