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Remembering the life of a soldier-poet
Family tell BedfordToday about Edward Blakeley Travis, who has died at the age of 83
A soldier-poet who founded a newspaper, wrote an operetta and served in all three of the armed services has died at the age of 83.
Edward Blakeley Travis, who taught music at Harrold Priory Middle School, died on June 27.
His family said they will remember his passion for poetry and his musical ability.
Son Clive Travis, 48, said: "We loved, admired and respected our dad beyond compare."
In 1944 Mr Travis joined the Navy, volunteering in the submarine service.
He became one of a handful of people to serve in the Army, the Navy and the Royal Air Force during his distinguished military career.
During his Army career, Mr Travis received a military scholarship to study his first love – music – at Cardiff University.
While on a tour of duty in 1969, he became the founding editor of The Gulf Mail, the first English-language newspaper in the Persian Gulf.
Mr Travis also set up the first formalised media training for senior armed forces personnel.
He was a prolific poet and was published in This England magazine.
In 1990, Mr Travis wrote a successful operetta entitled Gainst All Disaster, based around the coming of the railway to Bedford.
The piece was performed again in 1996 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Bedford locomotive.
Clive said: "I've always loved my father's poetry. I was really proud of him when he wrote the operetta."
While at Harrold Priory Middle School, Mr Travis used his musical gift to start a school orchestra and write the school song.
He led an active life and took part in various sporting activities into his 80s.
Clive said: "He was very active until recently and had a long life. He was swimming until last autumn.
"He was also involved in the Zero Carbon Castle Project near his home in Shaftsbury Avenue."
Mr Travis is survived by his wife Elaine and sons Rupert, Howard, Clive and Tom.
The family are raising money for The Woodland Trust by dedicating a bench to Mr Travis in Cople Wood.
To donate, visit www.dedicatetrees.com then enter Edward Blakeley Travis.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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