Ronald Brittain: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 19:43, 19 October 2006
Ronald Brittain, MBE (September 12, 1899- January 9 1981) was well known during his lifetime as an archetypal Regimental Sergeant Major (R.S.M.) and as having the loudest voice in the British army. He was often featured in World War II training films and was reported on widely in the newspapers of the day.[1] On retirement from the army, R.S.M. Brittain's notoriety enabled him to enjoy a career in advertising, voice over work [2] and film acting, usually playing a Sergeant Major.
He was born in Aigburth Vale, Liverpool, the son of a gardener and worked in a local butcher's shop from leaving school until 1917, when he enlisted in the King's (Liverpool) Regiment. An imposing figure at six feet three inches, he was quickly promoted and eventually transferred to the Coldstream Guards. Attached to the training staff at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he was well known for his parade ground bellow, which could reduce the gentleman cadets - many of them foreign princes and titled sons of the aristocracy - to trembling wrecks. He eventually became Regimental Sergeant Major of the Guards Depot and later of Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot. He retired from the army in 1954 and as well as his film work, he acted in plays and lent his legendary voice to a number of radio television advertisements.
Filmography
Casino Royale (1967) uncredited : Sergeant Major
The Spy with a Cold Nose (1966) : Commissionaire
55 Days at Peking (1963) uncredited : Sergeant Major
The Amorous Prawn (1962) : Sergeant Major
The Missing Note (1961) uncredited : Commissionaire
The Criminal (1960) : Kitchen warder
"Alfred Marks Time" (1956) BBC TV Series : Performer
Carrington V.C. (1955) uncredited : Sergeant Major
They Were Not Divided (1950) : Regimental Sergeant Major
You Lucky People (1955) : appearing as himself
Discography
Regimental Rock on the Saga Record Label.
References
- LEASOR, James. THE SERJEANT-MAJOR. A Biography of R.S.M.Ronald Brittain M.B.E, London, George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd, 1955
