Col. Gen Robert (Bob) B. Partridge 1951-2011
It is no exaggeration to say that Prince Maurice’s Regiment of Dragoones owes its current existence to Bob Partridge.
Bob joined the regiment in the summer of 1975. The later 70s were a time of great change and advancement in the Sealed Knot (see A Trve and Accurat Historie of Prince Maurice’s Regiment written by Bob). The original regiment split to form many of the core regiments of both the Royalist and Parliamentarian armies in the South West. Bob rose to the rank of sergeant and became 2 i/c of the remainder, overseeing the introduction of leather in place of PVC, shotguns in place of fencing foils and, in short order, their replacement with muskets. Bob was soon promoted to Major and given command of the Regiment.
By the mid 80's he was tertio commander, and was instrumental in bringing the dragoone regiments together at major musters to represent the skirmishing that often took place at the commencement of the larger scale encounters of the civil war. Indeed he became the first General of Royalist Dragoones. In time this development led to the creation of the Forlorn Hope.
Bob was also a key figure in the Royalist staff, including holding positions such as Judge Advocate General, and Pageant Master of the Royalist Army. Many appearances in the 1990s included Bob with the Kings Standard which he had made for the 350th anniversary of Naseby, and its still one of the best flying colours of the Sealed Knot.
Off the field Bob was never one to stand on his rank, and many members of the regiment will have fond memories of sharing a pinch, or three, of snuff; engaging in scholarly, entertaining conversations about many aspects of history; and his wicked playing of many a classic pub game – trip to the South Pole anyone...?
Bob’s interest in history was arguably demonstrated by his position and commitment to the regiment and the Sealed Knot, but to those members who visited his home in Cheshire when he offered his brick tent for the winter Nantwich muster, it was clear that the English Civil War was but a side interest in many ways. Stepping in to the house was like stepping into a modern version of Sir John Soanes house, with every corner packed with historic items focussing on the Napoleonic navy, the English Civil war, and the world of Ancient Egypt. Books, replicas, prints and pictures all vied for space. Indeed even in the late 80s it was clear that Bob’s true historical passion was Egypt.