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RE-ESTABLISHING
OUR
AFFILIATION
A search is now in
progress to try to trace veterans of 8th Signal Battalion who were affiliated
to 260 Signal Squadron way back in the mid to late
1970s.
Now that we have a well established Association
and Website several members have approached me to ask if it would be possible
trace American GI's across the Internet as we are having quite a marked
response to finding our own members.
Many close friendships
were abruptly lost when 260 Signal Squadron was disbanded back in 1977.
One association member regrettably
recalls.
"As everyone was
being posted out to their new units, there were not many opportunities to say
good-byes and obtain forwarding addresses. How I wished we had kept in touch
with our friends from Rose Barracks."
With the re-structuring of the US deployment in
Germany it would appear that 8 Signal Bn shared a similar
fate.
The idea for an Internet link with the US Veterans
Association had already been considered by the Webmaster as early as April 2001
when he took on the role. But following the events of the 11 September it was
decide to put the idea on hold for a while. However we now feel the time is
right to try and re-establish a link with former Veterans of 8th Signal
Battalion and the Webmaster is now actively trying to locate former GI's from
the unit.
The Webmaster would like to hear from anyone who
has kept in touch or knows the whereabouts of any GI's from 8th Signal
Battalion.
Click Here to visit our
8th Signal Battalion
Pages.
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We
were delighted to report early last year that we had made contact with two
founder members of the Squadron. Trevor Lott pictured here with the B70 was a
member of X-Ray Troop as it was known in the early days.
We also made contact with Jim Woodall from
654 Signal Troop (SAM) which became X-Ray Troop when the Squadron was formed on
the 1st April 1968.
Since
then we haven't heard much from Jim Woodall. So if you are reading this Jim.
Please get in touch.
Trevor has been in touch to say that he is unable to make it to the
Reunion in April this year but sends his best wishes to everyone.
Trevor
who is due to retire from IBM this year plans to settle in Spain I am sure that
everyone will join me in wishing Trevor a pleasant retirement.. We do hope you
will keep in touch Trevor.
Trevor Lott tunes the
B70
I would like to express
my thanks to Richard Hankins of the Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society for
sending us this photo.
When was the Squadron really
formed?
The answer to that question is one we would all
like to know.
More recently we have
been in contact with two other former members of 260 Signal Squadron. Ken
Thurley from Bournemouth and Dave Robertson from Perthshire both served with
the Squadron at Blandford as early as 1962 in the very early days of Guided
Weapons Communications.
This new piece of information has left us
wondering just how far back in time our Squadron really was
formed.
If you know the answer
then please get in touch.
 
For nearly 30 years Jennifer Kelly has
held on to a dark secret. Hidden away in her dusty old attic an MFO Box
containing some exclusive Military
Document's
These document's once described as
the 'Secret Life of a Soldier in Belfast' are to be serialised on the web site
in the 'Members Area'
The document's
contain stories, illustrations and several dubious pictures, and provide a
little insight to what life was like for a Soldier back
then.
To find out more CLICKHERE and
checkout Jennifer's Page you are certainly in for a few surprises.
On behalf of 260 Sig Sqn (SAM) R.S.A. I would like to express
our sincere thanks to the many, many contributors for their help in providing
photographs, information and research assistance to aid the construction of
this website.
Without their help this website would not be nearly so
interesting.
CLICK HERE to view a list of our
contributors.
CLICK HERE
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This page contains a number of
News items which were published on the website in the past and may be of
interest to newcomers to the website.
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Rev John Campbell died
Sunday 20 February
Prior to becoming a Minister John had served
as an Officer in the Royal Corps of Signals and was Officer Commanding 260
Signal Squadron (SAM) at it's inauguration on the 1st April
1968.
I didn't know John personally but I did have the Honour to
meet him and his wife Maureen when they joined the Squadron Association for a
reunion at Loughborough in April 2002.
A service of thanksgiving
was held at Christchurch (Methodist / URC) Hitchin on Thursday 3 March at
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John Campbell |
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| Marion & Lee pictured with some friends
from 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) Association in the Half Moon Hotel Sherborne
after attending Dave's funeral at Yeovil. |
A Service of
Celebration for the life of Dave Hogben was held on Tuesday 30th November 2004
at Yeovil Crematorium and afterwards at the Half Moon Hotel
Sherborne.
Family and friends gathered at the Crematorium at
Yeovil in Somerset to share with Marion and Lee their grief and sorrow at
Dave's passing.
During the Service tears of sorrow quickly
turned to tears of joy and laughter as we recounted the brighter side of Dave's
wonderful life.
We learned that Dave had been a great son to his
parents, a teriffic brother to his siblings, a wonderful husband to his widow
Marion and a fantastic father to his son Lee.
Lee who looks so
much like his dad told us what it was like having Dave as a father and of his
deep affection for him. Lee went on to explain that his dad was more than just
a father he was his best friend.
Dave Simpson one of
Dave's closed friends read out a poem entitled DEATH IS NOTHING AT ALL by Canon
Henry Scott Holland.
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- Death is nothing at all...
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- I have only slipped away into the
next room.
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- I am I, and you are you.
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- Whatever we were to each other
that we are still.
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- Call me by my old familiar name;
speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
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- Put no difference into you tone;
wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
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- Laugh as we always laughed at the
little jokes we enjoyed together.
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- Play smile, think of me, pray for
me.
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- Let my name be ever a household
word that it always was.
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- Let it be spoken without effect,
without the ghost of a shadow on it.
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- Life means all that it ever
meant.
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- It is the same as it ever was;
there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
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- Whatever is this death but a
negligible accident?
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- Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
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- I am just waiting for you, for an
interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner..
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- All is well
Goldie Peter's gave his
tribute to Dave's life in a song entitled THE ROCK.
For anyone
who knew Dave Hogben it won't come as any great surprise to learn that he had
aquired many, many friends during his lifetime both within the army and in
civilian life. This was much in evidence at Dave's Final Posting as the
Crematorium at Yeovil was packed full. Among the mourners were no less than
eight members of 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) who had served with Dave in the
1970s. These included Goldie Peters, Terry Clarkson, Dave Slater, John Townson,
Archie Cairns, Andy Longhurst, Rod Hogarth and Alan Stutchbury. Terry Clarkson
also recall's seeing David Dobson at the service but he did not attend the
reception in the Half Moon Hotel afterwards.
Dave will be
remembered by everyone who knew him and to make sure we never forget him.
Dave's final wish was that any offerings received at his funeral should to go
towards a Wild Life Project which David loved so much. But Dave being Dave
didn't quite mean dandilions and daisey's or bluetits and blackbirds. Dave's
idea of Wildlife really means WILDLIFE because he wants to have a wild elephant
named after him.
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 Lest we
forget. |
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It is with great saddness that I
have to announce the death of our dear friend and comrade Dave
Hogben.
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Dave learned just a few
short weeks ago that he had terminal cancer and it was his wish that he spend
some of his last few days re-establishing contact with his old friends from the
Squadron.
When I spoke with him last he told me that he was
looking forward to joining us for the reunion in Loughborough in April 2005.
Dave died today 22 November at Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne,
Dorset at about 2100 hrs
Our thoughts and prayers are with
Marion and their family. |
- May the winds of love blow softly
- And whisper so you'll hear,
- We will always love and miss you Dave
- And wish that you were here.
Even though we knew that Dave was
dying of cancer it is hard to believe he is no longer with us. We had hoped he
would make it through to the reunion in Loughborough.
I am sure I
have no need to tell you that Dave was a very popular member of the Squadron
since we all spend many "Happy Hours" in his company. As I get older my memory
is beginning to fade but there is one thing that I will never forget and that
is the precious hours I spent in Dave's company. Even after all these years I
can still hear his very unmistakable voice ringing in my head "you all right
mate" Even if you couldn't see him you could tell it was Daves voice by his
quite distinctive accent.
Dave devoted his life to being a
Soldier he prided himself in the fact that he served in the best Corps in the
British Army and it is hardly surprising he was disappointed that he never
received a Commission. He was however one of a handful of great men who
received the appointment of RSM School of Signals.
After leaving
the Army Dave went on to do many great things with his life and with such a
great partner by his side to share his life it's hardly surprising that they
became such a successful husband and wife team managing the Half Moon Hotel in
Sherborne. Hilda & I visited them there two years ago with Pat & Roy
Andrews after the Corps reunion in Blandford. As we were chatting the heavens
opened outside and within a matter of minutes what started off as a quiet
Sunday afternoon chat & drink at the bar turned out to be a Saturday Night
scramble as the bar filled to capacity. Dave & Marion took it in their
stride and through it all kept up the friendly banter with their customers and
at the same time maintained their intimate conversations with us.
It was Dave's wish that he make contact with his many friends
from the Squadron and he seemed very much in control of his situation when I
spoke with him a couple of weeks ago. He was as bright and cheerful as he
always was and knowing his live was slipping away from him demonstrated to me
that he was a man of immense courage.
I spoke with Marion last
evening and she told me that she has been moved by the level of support and
condolences she has received from everyone.
I shall be traveling
down from Scotland to attend the funeral on Tuesday with Terry Clarkson.
The funeral is to be held on Tuesday 30 November at 1330 hrs at
the Yeovil Crematorium, Bunford Lane, off Preston Rd, Yeovil,
Somerset.
Marion has requested family flowers only. Offerings
will gratefully be received to assist with a Wild Life Project which Dave loved
so much.
Marion has said she would be pleased to see any of
Dave's friends attend at the service at Yeovil Crematorium and afterwards at
the Half Moon Inn, Sherborne.
Tributes are being left on the
message board and if you would care to add your name to the growing list please
click on MESSAGES.
Goldie Peters plans to print them all off at
0800 Hrs. Tuesday morning and take them with him to give them to Marion and
their son Lee who has recently returned home from
Australia.
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John Townson calls Jamaica to ask Al Ming about the
weather. |
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John Townson
writes: Having heard of the huricanes that have been battering the
West Indies of late, I thought it time to give a old Troop mate a ring and
check if he has weathered the storm. After a phone call to Goldie Peters I
managed to get a number for Al Ming. Although his land line number is currently
unavailable, as both the power and phone lines are still down, I was able to
get hold of him on his mobile phone.
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Is'nt it great
to be able to talk to someone again after being out of your life for so long. I
am pleased to tell you that his part of the island only suffered a few blown
down coconut trees, along with the power and phone lines and he is well.
Al is hoping that he can make our 2005 reunion and looks forward to meeting up
with everyone again. He sends his regards to all, and would dearly love
to hear from you all, even if it is only a postcard of your local area. His
phone numbers are as follows:- Home, 0018769133147. Mobile,
0018763530363. |
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CAR BOOT SALE TODAY
Trawling through a car boot sale in Aberdeen Dave George came
across Mick (Jock) Rose and told him all about the Sqn
Association.
Mick who served with the Squadron in the mid 70's
was a member of Y Troop he was also a member of the Regimental Shooting
Team.
Mick is hoping to attend the next reunion in Loughborough
and is looking forward to meeting up with his old mates as a few of them still
owe him some DM's. |
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THE SEARCH FOR DAVE
MEREDITH IS OVER ... |
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I am pleased to announce
that the search for Dave Meredith is over. Dave turned up a the Manchester
Branch meeting on Sunday 1st of August and met up with Les Harrison. Les
quickly took him to one side and told him all about 260 Signal Squadron and
Dave was delighted to hear we had our own association.
I have just
got off the phone to Dave and after a long chat he told me he is hoping to
attend the reunion in April 2005.
I also had occasion to telephone
Tony Lunney and Tony told me that he will be attending the reunion in
Loughborough next year.
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Slug Watson sends his
regards to everyone ... |
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I am not superstisious but I have often
heard that bad news comes in threes. So you can imagine my situation when
within a matter of weeks. A third member of Y Troop raised his ugly head and
said hi Archie I want to come back.
It has been thirty years since I
saw Slug and it has been just fantastic chatting with him on the phone. Slug
was a member 33 Foxtrot and is hoping to attend the reunion in Loughborough
next year. |
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Royal
Signals Fovant Badge near Salsbury
I heard some strange
reports that aliens were allegedly responsible for placing posters all over
Blandford Camp promoting the 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) website during this
years Corps Reunion. I personally didn't witness any such thing but I was
surprised to discover this image in my new digital camera after visiting the
Fovant Badges near Salsbury.
Squadron Dinner Blandford
2004
A small contingent from 260 Signal
Squadron (SAM) and 260 Trials Signal Squadron attended the Corps Reunion at
Blandford this year.
Following on from the success of the
'Squadron Dinner' on the Friday Evening last year Pete & Lis Thomas were
keen to repeat the event at this years reunion and on Friday 25 June 2004
twenty three members and guests sat down to a meal at the Crown Hotel
Blandford. To view the photos
CLICK HERE
Pete Thomas who was
instrumental in setting up the Affiliation with 8th US Signal Battalion
borrowed the 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) & 8th Signal Battalion Quidon from
the Royal Signals Museum where the Quidon has been held in trust since the
Squadron was disbanded in 1977.
8th Signal Battalion Veterans Association
&Website
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On our return from Blandford we were
delighted to learn that former members of 8th Signal Battalion have established
their own Veterans Association. Kim & Alex Coronado are founder
members of the Association and with the help of their son Eric who also served
in the Battalion have set up a website and are eagerly trying to trace former
members of the Battalion. |
Kim & Alex would be
pleased to hear from anyone from the Squadron who was involved in the
Affiliation Programme and who can help them identify former members of the
Battalion from photographs on their website. |
To visit the 8th Signal
Battalion web site CLICK
HERE |
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Are you being served Sir?
The girls from the Museum Gift Shop line up for a
photo opportunity. Left to Right Andrea, Jean, Erica
and Donna
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I was chatting with the
girls during the reunion weekend and they told me that on average they were
working flat out for almost twenty hours. On behalf of the membership of 260
Signal Squadron (SAM) Association I would like to extend our appreciation for
all the hard work the girls do throughout the year and especially during the
Corps Reunion weekend...
Who said this web site lacked glamour?
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For the first time in four years the
weather wasn't in our favor for the 2004 RSA Reunion. Needless to say we didn't
take many photographs. However If you haven't been to a Corps Reunion before
and would like to know just what you have been missing then
CLICK HERE to
visit our VIRTUAL REUNION of The Royal Signals Association Reunion held at
Blandford in 2003.
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SSM
Norman (Sticky) Ladds
Being escorted
from Camp
My grateful thanks to Steve Davies for sending in
these excellent although somewhat grainy pictures of SSM Norman Ladds farewell
do.
I am sure I was at this event although my memory of it is a tad
more grainier than this photo collection.
As I recall after a FEW
DRINKS in the Squadron Cellar Bar we persuaded Norman to climb onto the 'Stadt
Waste Bin' which had been recently decked out in the Corps Colours with 'Jimmy'
painted on the side together with the amended unit title 260 Sig Sqn (SAM)
'Support and Manpower ' [ this change in title was not seen as any disloyalty
to our Squadron just a tinge of contempt for our 'Gunner' friends in RHQ]
With Norman now perched on top of the 'Stadt Bin' we proceeded to drag
and push 'Sticky' through the Camp to the Guard Room where a Quarter Guard
mounted in his Honour awaited to greet him and to bid him a final final
farewell.
One wonders what the Modern Army with all it's Health &
Safety Management Teams would make of this. Click Here to see more.
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36 Heavy A.D.
Regiment Royal Artillery - Regimental Football Team Shoeburyness Essex -
1968 Season
Back Row L/R (Coach) Paddy Dougan, Albi Tonks
10Bty, Roy Elkes 10Bty, Alan Barker 260Sqn, Paddy Cobb 10Bty, Taff James 10Bty,
Ginge Mooney 10Bty.
Front Row L/R
Jim
Gilmour 260Sqn, George Greenland 10Bty, Ian Sheilds 260Sqn. Norman Gardner
111Bty, Ken Messtier 111Bty, Capt Boorman (Football Officer).
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36 Heavy A.D. Regiment Royal Artillery - Regimental
Football Team Dortmund Germany - Mid 1970's
BAOR Army Cup
Winners & BAOR RA Cup Winners
Back Row L/R Glyn Healey REME,
Jimmy Anderson HQBty, Eddie Mason RAOC Barry Allen 10Bty Nobby Clark RAOC,
Mickey Bridgeman 10Bty, Bob McDugall REME.
Front Row L/R George Greenland
10Bty, Mick Taylor REME, CO, John Reilly REME, Football Officer, Keith
Parkinson 10 Bty, Tommy Perkins 260Sqn.
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Other members of 260
Signal Squadron (SAM) who played for the Regimental Football Team are
Lt
Colin Reilly, Ian Dolby and Graham Hedges.
I am most grateful to George
Greenland 10 Battery for sending in these photographs and some information
about Llanion Barracks. Georges father Brian managed the Regimental Team.
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| Doby of a different kind -
Manchester City FC |
Margaret & Dennis |
THE WIRE
dated June 2004
PARKER - Capt D Parker (Dennis) died on 26 March
2004 aged 56
Dennis Parker enlisted into the Corps in December 1962
and left after 25 years service in December 1987. Amongst his many postings was
a tour as RQMS, 9 Signal Regt from 1983 to 1985. He was then posted as WO1
(RSM) to Manchester and Salford UOTC.
After leaving the Regular
Service, Dennis was commisioned into the TA, where he served as QM to
Manchester and Salford UOTC. During his service. he was awarded the Queen's
Jubilee Medal, the GSM (Clasp for Borneo and Nothern Ireland) and the Long
Service and Good Conduct Medel.
Following Retirement, he and his
wife moved to live near Ayios Nikolaos in Cyprus.
Dennis was
buried in Dhekelia Military Cemetery and leaves a widow Margaret and children
Gary (who also served in the Corps) and Gail.
A Memorial Service
was held on Friday evening14th May at St Marys Church, High Street, Cheadle for
Dennis Parker who died of a heart attack in Cyprus on 26 March 2004. Dennis
served with 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) as a Sgt in the mid 1970's and was highly
respected and a very popular member of the Squadron. He will be sadly missed by
all who knew him and especially those who served with him in Belfast in
1973.
Dennis and his wife Margaret moved to Cyprus about
6 months ago and we had just re-establish contact with Dennis thanks to the
help of his niece Dawn Heaps who contacted us via the internet.
The day after Dennis died Dawn wrote "I have just been talking to Dennis's wife
Margaret. She says to let you know that Dennis received the letter that you
sent about 5 days before he died. He was intending to respond after his
visitors from England had gone home. And he was really chuffed to hear from
you."
The church was packed with friends and family and most of
his friends were from the local supporters branch of Manchester
City.
As Association Standard Bearer I was unable to attend
personally and I contacted the local branches to ask if a representative of the
Corps could be in attendance. Ron Taylor, Chairman of the Royal Signals
Association Manchester Branch representing the Corps and Les Harrison 260
Signal Squadron (SAM) Association who is also a member of the Manchester Branch
were able to attended the Memorial Service and the family were really pleased
to see the Corps represented.
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Members 260 Signal
Squadron (SAM)
Attend a Detachment Commanders Course at 13 Signal
Regiment
Photographs sent in by Jim Brent
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Back Row(LR): Jack Wykes, Bill
Blaikie, George Johnson, Geordie Simms, Archibald, Bill Stewart, Ken Harding,
Terry Witts, Clive Potter. |
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Middle Row: Mick Greenacre,
Eddie Callaghan, Jim Brent, Dave Clapson, Stu Fowler, Jim Prior, Harry Ridley,
Tony Woodward, Paul Galpin. |
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Front Row: Sgt Boxall, Sgt
Pilkington, Lt Dobson, Capt Alfred, SSM Jones, Sgt TC Smith |
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The group photo
above was sent in by Jim Brent who served in 654 Signal Troop from 1967 and up
until 1973 with 260 Signal Squadron (SAM). Jim recalls a few names from that
time and it may be just enough to jog a few old memories for some of
you.
Jim writes: "I have been racking my brains since I found the
web site and have come up with the following members of Y Troop who were with
me in the period 1967-73. Pete Byfield, Andy Duggan, John Taylor, Paddy
Bracegirdle (known as Knicker elastic and also noted for vanishing into a
deserted room to play his bagpipes), Tom "The Clegg", Capt Simms-Reeve, Capt
Bruce (the thorn in his side was Pete Byfield), Daphnie (sorry don't know his
last name). I will be visiting Squadron web site very frequently now that I
have found it. Am still exploring and I am impressed with the site. Well
done.
Webmaster comments: When I received the group photo from
Jim I called Stu Fowler and Stu remembers Jim and the Det Commanders Course at
13 Sigs quite well.. Stu went on to say that there were quite a few 260 lads on
the Det Comd Course. Tony Woodward and Mike (Ginge) Greenacre both served in
the Squadron and Lt Dobson later served as OC X Troop. |
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Jim who now lives in the
Doncaster area would like to hear from anyone who knows him. You can leave a
message for Jim on the MESSAGE BOARD by
Clicking HERE or contact him direct via his email
address below.
Jim Brent |
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| Geoff Scott our Association
Secretary recently announced that 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) Association is to
be featured on BFBS Germany in the month of April. |
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Geoff received a telephone call
from Patrick Eade one of BFBS top presenters after he read about our plans to
hold our reunion in Dortmund in Sixth Sense the Forces Newspaper in Germany.
Geoff went on to say "I was surprised when Patrick called me out
of the blue to ask if I would do a live interview which would be recorded and
broadcast on BFBS in April on a programme called About Germany" |
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Geoff siezed on the
opportunity and agreed to do the show and Patrick rushed off to the studio and
called Geoff back and recorded the interview then and there without any
rehersal.
The show which is aimed at a audience base in Germany
will in fact be broadcast across the world on the BFBS
Network.
You can now listen in to BFBS Live whilst browsing our
website by clicking on the BFBS Logo above.
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Steve Davies & Stan Eames
Get together for a mini reunion.
As you
can see you don't have to wait for the Annual Reunion to catch up with old
friends from the Squadron.
 Steve writes: Dear Archie, Stan Eames contacted me a while ago and
he and his wife Carole spent a weekend at my home in the first week of
September.
Stan is currently a Station Officer with the Manchester Fire
Brigade and will be retiring after 30 years service in 2004.
Yet
another name to be removed from the missing list file. .
Stan and
his wife Carole are keen caravan tourers so chances are that if you happen to
be in a traffic jam they are the cause of it. They tell me that they have
visited quite a bit of Europe in their caravan including Switzerland. (Hope
Stan didn't take up yodelling lessons). He is looking forward to doing more
caravaning abroad upon his retirement.
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Gerry Richardson
Makes contact and reveals all about
himself.
I arrived at Horseshoe Barracks in late 1970 after
my trade training as a Telegraphist Operator (RTG) and was immediately set to
work as a member of a B70 crew, wondering what climbing trees with green dishes
in my hands had to do with the morse code!.
Then after moving to
Dortmund with everyone else I managed to practice my trade until the trip to
Belfast where I was at Paulette Avenue (the early picture of me is with Tommy
Malone as part of 33Delta the other half of Bill Hickey's section with Scouse
Blundell doing his best to control us, shortly after that soujourn, I was
posted to 244 Signal Squadron where I continued to practice my trade working on
26058's with the RAF. I later completed a CADRE course at Sunny Catterick where
I let myself be conned into returning there as a recruit instructor, which I
enjoyed, I hasten to add.
After my 3 year stint there I was posted to
TFD Signal Squadron in Osnabruck but only stayed there for 11 months before
being posted back to 11 sigs to do the screaming and shouting bit again meeting
up with Jim Waddingham and bumping into a number of ex 260 Signal Squadron
guys, having decided that we had had enough of the moving every 2 to 3 years
Gill and I decided it was time to settle down and I transfed to The Military
Provost Staff Corps at the MCTC in Colchester where I spent most of the time in
the Training Wing. Once again I bumped into a couple of ex 260 guys but not
socially as you may gather.
 I
was "demobbed" in January 1992 and took a position as a Training Manager with a
major security company in London moving on in 96 to another company as the
Personnel and Training Manager until finally, sick of the daily commute, I
resigned and now work for Local Government in Chelmsford with the title of
"Civic Keeper" I now live in Colchester with my family which consists two
children Mark and Paula and seven grandchildren which keep Gill and I on our
toes most of the time Having only recently found the website, the faded
memories are now returning and I am looking forward to hearing from a few names
from the past.
If you would like to contact Gerry Click
Here
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FRED OATES
Makes
Contact from Auckland New Zealand
I was in 275 Sqn in ooooh
1966 then went to Pembrooke Dock in 1967 as 655 Sig Troop. We shifted to
Shoeburyness with 654 which was in Tenby.
Stayed with the Sqn till 1969
then went to R.A.F. Wildenrath 21 Sig.Regt. 4 Squadron.
 In 1972 I left the Signals and came down here to New Zealand. Since
1972 I have been with The N.Z. Fire Service. I hold the rank of Station
Officer, Fire Safety and am at present looking after fire safety matters for
Auckland City. Thats me in a nut shell. I would like to see some faces or names
again, bring back a few now dull memories.
If you would like to contact
Fred Click
Here
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Dave Rex
Served with
the Trials Squadron
My rank on posting to 260 Signal
Squadron Blandford was Corporal and Trade (Line Technician). After the Squadron
was disbanded I was retained in 30 Signal Regiment at Blandford from where I
took my Class I Upgrading Course at Catterick and after passing gained
promotion to Sergeant in 1966.
I re-mustered as a Radio Relay
Technician after completing a course at the Far East Training Centre in
Singapore whilst serving with 19 Signal Regt (Air Formation) at RAF Changi in
1968. I had already spent most of my service life working with RR Gear first
with 10 Signal Regt (Medium Radio Relay Regt) in BAOR (Essen later on Krefeld)
then onto 260 so a bit of a formality really.
We had a fair sized RR
network to run on Changi and surrounding sites for the RAF as well as providing
all ground comms and telephone network for the RAF sites on the island. After
19 Sigs I was posted to 1 Sqn. 8 Signal Regt. as an instructor in RR Group
doing both Carrier Telephony and VF Telegraphy.
I have attached a not so
recent photo of myself which some people might recognise. Hope your machine can
stand the shock!
CLICK HERE to contact Dave
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Goldie
Peters, Roy Andrews, Al Ming, Paddy Murphy. Al Ming couldn't
make the Squadron Reunion at Loughborough but that didn't stop him from meeting
up with some of his old Army pals from 260 Signal Squadron (SAM).
On arrival in the UK for a short break from Jamaica just a week
after we held our annual reunion. Al had two main priorities a Bag of Fish
& Chips and a pint in the Bar with his old mates.
His first
port of call, a chip shop then as he crammed his second handful of chips into
his mouth he went in search of a telephone box. A Telephone Box there aren't
many of these in use today. Where ever is that pack of D10?
Al
got straight on the phone to Roy Andrews in Kent and within a few short hours
Goldie Peters had arranged to meet Al at the Union Jack Club, Sandell St.
London on Saturday 26 April.
Frank (Paddy) Murphy joined
them at the bar and Roy Andrews headed up from Kent to be with them and to take
a few photographs to mark this event.
As the four stood chatting
about old times in the Union Jack Club Bar Al received several surprise
telephone calls from some of his old friends that he hasn't seen in over 30
years. Steve Hartley, Mick Lloyd - Williams in the UK and John Seymour and Mick
Croome who live out in Germany were queueing up to say hello. By all accounts
they had a smashing night and hopefully one that can be repeated.
Al has since returned to Jamaica and say's he would still love
his friends to contact him. So those of you with a big fat bank book here is
his phone number in Jamaica 0018769133147. Go on hang the expense give the man
a ring.
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Officers & Senior NCOs of the
newly formed 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) at Horseshoe Barracks Shoebury Essex !st
April 1968
B Row L-R Sgt Hutchman,
Sgt Stevens, Sgt Johnson, SSgt Kerr, SSgt Burrows, Sgt Thomas, Sgt Joglekar,
Sgt Baynes, Sgt Thomas.
F Row L-R 2Lt Lewis, Lt Barry, Capt Morgan,
Major Campbell (OC) Capt Stevens, 2Lt Riley
As time passes like old photos memories begin to fade.
So when a former member of the Squadron writes in to say "Just found the site. These days I have a very short memory but
I seem to remember serving with the Squadron at Shoeburyness (I think mid
60's). If I am correct I was ORS. Anyone refresh my memory." It's
great to be able to say Yes Ted I believe I can.
Do you remember
this photograph Ted?
I am also pleased to be able to tell you
that we have traced Capt Gordon Morgan and Major John Campbell the first OC of
the newly formed Squadron.
Gordon was unable to attend last years
reunion but John and his wife Maureen did attend. Click Here (to see
Group Photo) of the Reunion 2002 . John is on the right hand side of the
picture with the white hair.
I do hope this helps you to recall a
little more and perhaps it may encourage more of your old friends from the 60's
to get in touch.
Ted has asked me to pass on his email
address to anyone who knows him
ted.hutchman@ntlworld.com |
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It is with deep regret that I announce
to the Association the death of Wilf Sawyer.
Wilf who served in
the Squadron from 1975 - 77 wrote to the Webmaster and the Secretary on several
occasions and was keen to participate in the 2002 reunion but had to cancel at
short notice due to ill heath.
His obituary was announce in the
February 2003 edition of the WIRE and reads as follows.
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Wilf died after a relatively short
illness in September 2002. Wilf was a native of Leeds and joined the Army in
1950 as an Apprentice at Harrogate. He was one of the youngest members of his
intake 50A, being barely fifteen. He completed his training at Harrogate as a
Radio Mechanic in September 1953.
His first posting was to 18 Army
Group Signals at Herford and Essen BAOR. This was followed by postings to
COMCAN Singapore (where he met and married his wife Mary) to SHAPE in Paris and
then back to Singapore, this time with 18 Sig Regt. After three years in the
Far East Wilf was posted back to BAOR, 28 Sig Regt at St. Tonis Krefeld, by
which time he was a Sgt technician. He took and passed his Foreman's exam and
was selected to attend 21 FofS course. He successfully completed the course and
was away to BOAR, Hildersheim. After this there followed postings to 234 Sig
Sqn Malta, 8 Sig Regt Catterick, 35 Sig Regt (V) Birmingham as PSI and finally
260 Signal Squadron (SAM) in Dortmund and Nothern Ireland.
Wilf
retired in August 1977 after twenty seven years service. he settled in Leigh on
Sea and was employed by Marconi at Basildon, Essex, until his final retirement
in January 2000. Wilf was a Life member of the Royal Signals Association and a
member of his local Royal British Legion Branch.
His wife Mary
predeceased him by some years. Our condolences go to his children and
grandchildren. His family and his many friends in the Corps will sadly miss
him.
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As is tradition in the Army when a new posting is announced a
"Farewell Do" is hastily organized so that friends can gather to say goodbye to
an old pal.
So when Sid's final posting was announced it would
not come as any great surprise for his friends to learn that Sid's Final
Farewell would become a 'send off' like no other.
As Sid's many
friends filed into the packed and overflowing Garrison Church at Blandford the
Padre announced "We are in breach of the Health and Safety Regulations". Sid
resting in his coffin draped with the Union Flag would have been bemused at the
sight as his personal trumpeter played the Last Post.
Among the
mourners a large group of Fijians attended the service which included the High
Commissioner of Fiji. Representing his friends in 260 Signal Squadron (SAM)
were his former Driver Andy Longhurst, Pete Thomas, Goldie Peters, Rod Hogarth,
Frank Murphy and Jim Waddingham.
Sid a native of Fiji joined the
Squadron at Shoeburyness in 1968 from 1st Regiment and moved with the Squadron
to Dortmund where he took on the role of X Troop Recce Sgt. His driver Andy
Longhurst recall's "Sid was a very popular character and a keen sportsman, he
played Rugby and Hockey for the Squadron. I was so looking forward to meeting
up with him again at the reunion in April."
Sid will be sorely
missed by many in the Corps. It is not known at this time which unit's he
served, but we do know that he was in 7th Signal Regiment Herford for a time
and will be known to many young Senior NCO's at the Sgt Mess in Blandford where
he worked as a Mess Barman for nearly twenty years.
I
understand that members of Sid's family were unable to get a flight from Fiji
in time to attend his funeral but I am sure they will be pleased to learn from
all the reports I have heard, Sid's adopted Army family Roz and Mitch Mitchell
did an excellent job of organising the funeral arrangements.
A
reception was held in the WO and Sgts Mess by kind permission of the RSM. A
Memorial Bench in Sid's Memory now graces the Foyer of the Sgts Mess in
Blandford where he worked for many years. The plaque reads. In Lasting Memory
of Sid Soqo Barman of this Mess 1984 - 2003 "He served us all"
A number of personal tributes to Sid and condolences to
his family appeared in the message area. Click
HERE to view them.
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ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION (RSA) - A PLAN FOR
CHANGE
Over the last Winter and Spring, a debate within
all sections of the RSA leading to a seminar held in London in April 2002, a
number of proposals for change were made. This paper attempts to draw together
all these proposals, to determine those which may be taken forward and to
explain the reasons where others are considered impracticable. For the former
category, an action plan will be set out. The paper is intended for the widest
circulation within the RSA; change can not be properly made without wide
support and the active cooperation of the membership, and in a number of cases
of the serving Corps.
Representatives from 260 Signal Squadron
(SAM) Association played a active role in the discussions at the Seminar in
London in April 2002.
Click HERE to view a copy of this
paper which can be found on the RSA Aldershot Branch
Website. |
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How many of you remember Sgt
Derek Frape?
Derek Frape - Then |
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Derek
Frape - Now |
Derek joined the Squadron shortly
before we went to Belfast in 1973.
You can email Derek by clicking
HERE
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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
SPECIAL NOTICE
ARMED FORCES PENSION
SCHEME
SERVICE INVALIDING PENSIONS
TAXATION ERROR
Are you
being taxed on your Army invalid pension ? If so then you may want to
Click Here
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Click on this link for More
Archive News CLICK HERE.
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CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR MESSAGE BOARD
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My grateful thanks to John Hatch who writes. The badge on the News
Page was designed on our last tour in NI in 1976/77 and appears on the mugs we
had made to commemorate the Squadrons last tour of Duty.
The badge
above was sent to us by Cliff Lord of New Zealand and has the words 260 Signal
Squadron (SAM) along the ribbon at the bottom. It is in the form of a transfer
but the image we have is very poor and we would like to obtain a better
one.
If you
happen to have a spare transfer lying around you have no further use for please
contact the
Webmaster.
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Do you have any
Squadron Memorabilia like this Portadown Mug? Then we would like to hear about
it
CLICK HERE to learn
more.
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The Royal Signals Association 2004
Reunion will be held at Blandford in Dorset on the last weekend in June
2004.
For more information contact:
The General Secretary
Royal Signals
Association
RHQ Royal Signals
Blandford Camp
DORSET DT11 8RH
Tel: 01258 482090 (Members)
Tel: 01258 482089
(Welfare)
Fax: 01258 482084
Email Address:
rhq-rsignals@army.mod.uk
Visit R Signals Army Website
Click here.
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DO YOU KNOW THIS
MAN?
We need
your help to find him and another 200 Ex - Members of 260 Signal Squadron
(SAM).
If
you think you know who he is, and more to the point, where he is. Please get in
touch with the Webmaster as soon as
possible.
As
for the other 200 members of the Squadron. Well try clicking here to see our list and what you can
do to help find them.
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Why wait to until next May to catch up on old
friends when you could be chatting to them every Wednesday night between 8pm -
9pm. That's assuming they want to chat with you.
Just login to the
Members Area and select
Chat Now. Follow the simple instructions
and you are ready to chat.
The beauty of the Live Chat Room is you never know who will turn up
or what they will say when they get there. So why not drop in on Wednesday and
surprise us all.
Click
Here.
If you would like to become a 'Chat
Host' please contact the Webmaster for more
info
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Royal Signals
Museum
Some of the display's in the Royal Signals Museum
at Blandford are to be upgraded. The Museum has purchased new cabinets and are
looking for donations of exibits, paraphernalia, images and information on the
following subjects. The Corps Band; The White Helmets; Prisoners of War
(particularly Colditz); Commonwealth Corps of Signals - Australia/ Canada/ New
Zealand/ South Africa; The Cary Theatre and Troop Entertainment.
Spare a thought when you are spring cleaning the
cellar, garage and attic this year.
Anything you may have on
these subjects could make a big difference! If you can help please
contact:
Cliff Walters
Royal Signals Museum,
Blandford
Camp,
Dorset, DT11 8RH
I received this appeal for help through my email address.
Unfortunately I don't have any patches or insignia that I can send to David but
thought some of you guy's out there may be able to help.
Dear Sir/Madam
My name is David Young
I am 39 years old and I am in a wheelchair for the rest of my life now so I
need a hobby to keep my mind active. I was wondering if I could please have one
of your patches to help with my collection. Thank you for your time and help.
My name and address is as follows.
David Young
11 Rhoose Croft
Castle Vale
Birmingham
B35 7NB
CLICK HERE to email David.
Does anyone have a 260 Signal Squadron
Plaque similar to this one?
If you have any
Squadron Memorabilia then we would like to hear about
it.
CLICK HERE to learn
more.
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If you have a news story, photographs or memorabilia that you think
would be of interest to our members and you would like to share it with us,
then please get in touch with the
WEBMASTER
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