Royal Signals Association Old Comrades Reunion

Blandford June 1997

260 Signal Squadron (SAM) Royal Signals Association

During an Old Comrades weekend at Blandford Camp, Dorset in the month of June 1997 a group of four ex-members of 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) met and decided to try to trace former members of the Squadron with the intention of forming an Association. The group consisted of Eddie Ridley, Dave Thomson, Steve Freeman-Pannett and Roy Andrews. From the very outset the group had an up hill struggle ahead of them, trying to track down individuals that they had not seen or heard from in over 30 years was never going to be easy. Roy Andrews was asked to take on the role of Honorary Secretary and so the humble beingings of a new association was born.

The enthusiasm of this small band to fulfil such an ambition has to be admired. Eddie Ridley thought nothing of travelling miles in the area around his home knocking on doors of former squadron members asking them if they would like to join the newly formed association. Steve Freeman - Pannett also
earns praise for his role in writing articles for the "WIRE" and for setting up the first 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) web site with the assistance of his son Jon who has been the Webmaster since the web site went "LIVE" on the Internet. Dave Thomson played a significant role in helping to establish the association at the time of it's formation but has not attended any reunions in recent years.

But perhaps the greatest praise should go to Roy Andrews and his wife Pat, who keep us informed about all events, keep tabs on the association purse strings, ensure we pay our subs on time and are there to greet us with a smile and a warm welcome at each new reunion. Since those early days the association has grown year by year through the loyalty and affection former members of the unit have for their Squadron. The Association takes great pride that one of our former Commanding Officers plays an active role in keeping alive the spirit of the Squadron and has graciously taken on the role of President of our Association. On behalf of the Squadron I would like to take this opportunity to thank Major Bill Cunningham Retired for accepting this Office and for ensuring the safety and welfare of all the soldiers and their families during the years he was in Command of our Squadron.

Archie Cairns