- Service of Dedication of the Squadron
Standard
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- Memorial Service for Sergeant Sailosi (Sid)
Soqo
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One of the most memorable and key features of this
years reunion has to have been the Dedication Service of the Squadron Standard.
Some six or eight months ago Roy Andrews our
Honorary Secretary, at that time, informed me as the Association Standard
Bearer I was required to attend a church service at All Saint's Parish Church
Loughborough for the Dedication Service of the New Squadron
Standard.
I have to say that I was more than a little
apprehensive about having to perform an act of Dedication in front of a group
of my Peers and friends.
The drill movements were simple enough, I had
performed them thousands of times on countless parades during my time in the
Army. But with everyone's gaze on the Standard Bearer I knew the movements had
to be right! 
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All Saints Parish Church
Loughborough
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Human nature has been with us since the beginning
of time. And it is strange how it makes us act defensively when we are faced
with new challenges or situations.
As we gathered in the Foyer of the Ramada Jarvis
Hotel on the Friday evening, news of the planned church service began to
circulate amongst the members and came as quite a surprise for some who were
quick to voice their apprehension about attending a church
service.
- Do we have to attend ?
- What shall I wear ?
- Do I need to wear a tie ?
These conversations continued throughout Saturday
morning and right up to the moment I left the hotel with my two escort's Vice
Chairman Steve Freeman - Pannett and our new Secretary Geoff Scott. We walked
the short distance to the Church where we met David and Diane Hobday our
supporting Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion (Loughborough Branch)
We were soon to be joined by the Reverend CANON
Derek Major Buxton in the majestic All Saints Parish Church, one of the largest
Parish churches in the county which dates back to the 14th and 15th Centuries.
This was the first time we had met and we hastily and somewhat awkwardly ran
though a rehearsal.
We had no time to repeat the rehearsal as all the
members of 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) Association attending the 2003 Reunion
including those who had expressed apprehension together with representatives of
the Royal British Legion and Royal Signals Association (Loughborough Branch)
filed into the church.
As I stood waiting to march the short distance to
the Alter I soon realised how important the Fellowship within our Association
had become. Here we were, having shared a brief moment in our lifetime
travelling many hundreds of miles to share another brief moment of our lifetime
to remember the brief moment in time that we had shared in the past. Part of
that moment in time had been shared with a man we have all come to know as the
Gentle Giant. This Service of Dedication was not just another opportunity to
wave a flag but a very special occasion celebrating the life of a man and the
men who had gone before him with whom we all share a deep respect.
As the Organist began to play all apprehension
ended as the Royal British Legion Standard Bearers lead the procession at the
slow march to the Alter to the Hymn 'Thine be the Glory' followed by myself
carrying the Cased Squadron Standard and bringing up the rear my Escort Steve
Freeman - Pannett and Geoff Scott.
With the Stage all set and the curtain going up
the Actors might be heard to say " It will be alright on the night " and
goodness knows how right they would be.
Archie Cairns
Association Standard
Bearer
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Royal British Legion Loughborough
Standard
Bearers
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Order of Service
HYMN
- Thine be the glory, risen, conquering
Son
- Endless is the Victory thou o'er death hast
won;
- Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone
away,
- Kept the folded grave-cloves where the body
lay.
- Thine be the glory, risen, conquering
Son
- Endless is the Victory thou o'er death hast
won
- Lo, Jesus meets us, risen from the
tomb;
- Lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and
gloom;
- Let the Church with gladness hymns of triumph
sing,
- For her Lord now liveth, death has lost its
sting.
- No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of
life;
- Life is nought without thee: aid us in our
strife;
- No Let the Church with gladness hymns of triumph
sing,
- For her Lord now liveth, death has lost its
sting.
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During the Hymn the Visiting
Standards and the New Squadron Standard are carried in procession before the
Congregation. |
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The National Anthem during
which the Royal British Legion Standard's are lowered whilst the Association
Standard Bearer hold's the Cased Squadron Standard at the Carry Position and
Escort to the Colour stand at Attention.
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Royal British Legion
Return their Standard's to the Carry
position. |
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The Royal British Legion
Standard Bearers turn and kneel before the Alter as the Chaplin takes each
Standard in turn and places it on the
Alter. |
Escort to the Colour Geoff
Scott gives the command Un-Case the Colour at which point the Squadron Standard
Bearer Archie Cairns turns to his left
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- and Dips the Standard
while Escort to the Colour Steve Freeman - Pannett turns to his right and
removes the Case from the Colour.
The Squadron Standard Bearer
and Escort to the Colour then turn to face the Alter.
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Chaplain
Comrades, we are here in the
presence of God and one another for the dedication of this new Standard, and to
re-affirm our commitment to each other in this Association, and to the values
that we cherish and defend, may we always support our fellow members widows,
orphans and dependents, and foster comradeship to which we are committed. May
we live in true loyalty to our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, and our
Country. |
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The Standard Bearer comes
forward and kneels before the Alter. the Chaplain unfurls the
Standard |
Chaplain
In the name of God, Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. We bless and dedicate this Standard, that it may be a sign
of our duty to our Queen, our Country, each other, and all those committed to
our care. Amen. |
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The Chaplain then takes the
Standard and places it on the Alter. |
Chaplain
We give thanks, heavenly
Father, for the fellowship of 260 Signal Squadron of The Royal Signals
Association. We remember all those with whom we served in the past and for the
dangers faced together, and for tasks faithfully completed. May our comradeship
within our Association ever be an encouragement and strength to us all, in the
Name of your Son, who gave his life in the service of mankind. Amen
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Standard Bearer stands and
returns to his seat. |
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Hymn
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Hymn
And did those feet in
ancient time
Walk upon Englands mountains green?
And was the Holy Lamb of
God
On Englands pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark satanic mills?
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Bring me my bow of burning
gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds,
unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental
fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In Englands green and pleasant land.
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The
Lesson
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The Lesson
Read
by the
President of 260 Signal Squadron (SAM)
of the
Royal Signals
Association
Major (Rtd) Bill Cunningham
The Book of Joshua
Chapter 1 verses 1 - 9
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1. After the death of Moses
the servant of the Lord, the lord said to Joshhua son of Nun, his
assistant,
2. 'My servant Moses is dead; now it is for you to cross the
Jordan, you and this whole people of Israel, to the land which I am giving
them,
3. Every place where you set foot is yours: I have given it to
you, as I promised Moses.
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4. From the desert and
across the Lebanon to the great river, the river Euphrates, and across the
Hittite country westwards to the Great Sea, all this shall be your
land.
5. No one will ever be able to stand against you: as I was with
Moses, so will I be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
6. Be
strong, be resolute; it is you who are to put this people in possession of the
land which I swore to give to their fathers.
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7. Only be strong and
resolute; observe diligently all the law which my servant Moses has given to
you. You must not turn from it to right or left, if you would prosper wherever
you go.
8. This book of the law must ever be on your lips; you must
keep it in mind day and night so that you may diligently observe all that is
written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful in all that you do.
9. This is my command: be strong, be resolute; do not be fearful or
dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you
go.' |
Association President
Major (Rtd) Bill Cunningham
On completion of the reading Bill
Cunningham steps up to the High Alter and Bows before returning to his seat
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The Membership of the
Association gather for the Service of Dedication and Remembrance of our
departed Friend and Comrade Sgt. Sid
Soqo. |
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Hymn
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Hymn
I vow to thee,
my country, all earthly things above,
entire and whole and perfect, the
service of my love:
the love that asks no question, the love that stands
the test,
that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
the love
that never falters, the love that pays the price,
the love that makes
undaunted the final sacrifice.
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And there's another country,
I've heard of long ago,
most dear to them that love her, most great to them
that know;
we may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
her
fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
and soul by soul and
silently her shining bounds increase,
and her ways are ways of gentleness
and all her paths are peace.
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The
Address
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THE
ADDRESS
Reverend Canon Derek Major
Buxton
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LOUGHBOROUGH has been chosen
for your service today and dedication because it is virtually in the middle of
the Country.
And members of the Squadron
come from far and wide, and why do you come ? What in a compulsion draws you
over such long distances to be together?
A Colonel friend of mine
Colonel John Berry, told me. He said Derek 'Soldiers don't die for their
Country they die for each other.' I believe that this deep bond of love between
man and man in the Armed Forces and among women too are all included today
within this deep human affection which draws whose bands hold those who face
danger together. Once this bonding has occurred it seems it is there forever.
It happens to all those who stand in the place of danger that others may live
in safety whether in the Armed Forces or in the Police. They stand in the place
of danger that others may live in safety.
All of you have been willing
to stand in the place of danger that others may live in safety and the Standard
which you have dedicated today is a symbol of that love and affection which
binds you, which exsists between you, and was born when you served in the
places of danger in order that others may live in safety and especially when
you were in Northern Ireland.
The people of this country
are not always grateful for what you have done for them. Many just take it for
granted they may even criticize what you have done, for the highest and noblest
of motives but let them stop and think. St. Paul says 'Judge nothing before the
time.' 'Judge nothing before the time.' Things are not always as they may
appear especially when we got used to seeing or hearing them. Just think of
Christ's transfiguration on the Holy
Mountain.
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Hymn
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Hymn
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
To His feet
thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His
praises sing:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.
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Praise Him for His grace
and favor
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him still the same as
ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness.
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Father-like He tends and
spares us;
Well our feeble frame He knows.
In His hands He gently bears
us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Widely yet
His mercy flows.
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Angels, help us to
adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before
Him,
Dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise
with us the God of grace.
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The
Collect
The Collect of the Royal Corps of Signals
ALMIGHTY GOD, whose
messengers go forth in every age giving light and understanding, grant that we
of the Royal Corps of Signals, who speed the word of man to man, may be swift
and sure in sending the message of Thy Truth into all the world. May we serve
Thee faithfully, and with the help of Thy Holy Spirit make such success of our
soldierly duties on this Earth, that we may be found worthy to receive the
Crown of Life hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
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Hymn
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HYMN
Stand Up Stand
up for Jesus
During which the Royal
British Legion
Standard Bearers return to the Alter and receive back their
Standards.
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Stand up, stand
up for Jesus,
ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall
He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.
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Stand up, stand
up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict,
in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve Him
against
unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength
oppose.
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Stand up,
stand up for Jesus,
stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will
fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor,
each
piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting
there.
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Stand up,
stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of
battle,
the next the victors song.
To him that overcometh
a crown
of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
shall reign
eternally.
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The Royal British Legion
Standard Bearers take up their positions at the side of the Alter.
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Memorial
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Return of the Squadron
Standard
The Squadron Standard Bearer
comes and stands before the
Alter
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Chaplain
Receive this Standard as a
sign of the corporate life of the members from 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) of The
Royal Signals Association.
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The Squadron Standard Bearer
steps forward and receives the Squadron Standard from the Chaplain.
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The Squadron Standard Bearer
places the Standard in the harness and dresses the Colour.
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The Squadron Standard Bearer
assumes the position of the Carry and takes one pace step back from the
Alter.
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Memorial to Sergeant Sailosi
(Sid) Soqo
Chaplain
We Remember before God, Sid
Soqu who gave forty years service in the Royal Corps of
Signals. |
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Escort to the Colour
Geoff Scott
Gives the Command
In Homage to the
Dead
Lower Standards
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The Standard's are slowly
lowered in Salute to the memory of Sergeant Sailosi Soqo. Sid formally a
Lineman and Troop Recce Sergeant served with 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) for many
years. During which time he excelled as a
sportsman. |
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Chaplain
May the Souls of the
departed Rest in Peace and may the light perpetual shine upon
them.
AMEN |
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Chaplain
May God grant to the living
grace to the departed rest, to the Queen, the Church, the Commonwealth and all
mankind, peace and concord and to us and all her servants, life everlasting and
the blessing of God Almighty the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost be with you
and abide with you always.
Amen
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Escort to the Colour
Geoff Scott
Gives the Command
Carry
Standard's
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The Standard Bearers place
the Standards in the harness and assume the Carry position.
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The Squadron Standard Bearer
acknowledges to the Chaplain and does an About
Turn. |
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Escort to the Colour
Geoff Scott
Gives the Command
Quick
March
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The Standard Bearer's and
Escorts depart the Church to the Corps March
Begone Dull Care
Click Here to
hear the music |
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As the Standard's file
through the congregation we see in the centre of the photo Beryl Scott
(Treasurer) & Ulla Freeman -
Pannett. |
Janny Taylor and Ted
Williams |
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Ted Williams, Anita Allen
and Bob Taylor |
Terry
Clarkson |
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Peter Sellers looking back
towards the Alter searching for his wife know doubt.
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Roy Andrews (Retiring Hon
Secretary) & Chris Conroy seen here leaving the church.
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Linda Harrison, Hilda
Cairns, Ulla Freeman - Pannett, Lis Thomas and Christine Sellers.
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Ray (Tich) Fallowfield, Ted
Williams, Mary and Terry Clarkson and Les Harrison leaving the
Church. |
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John Seymour (Chairman),
Stan Howard, Viv Murphy, Ray Fallowfield and Ted Williams.
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Dave Edwards, Chris Stowell,
Ann Seymour, Linda Howard, John Seymour, Stan Howard and Viv Murphy.
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Pat Andrews (Retiring
Treasurer) places her Order of Service in her bag before leaving the church.
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Organist playing Begone Dull
Care at the original tempo which appears to confuse more than a few members of
the Squadron. |
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As everyone files out of the
church John Hirst alias 'David Bailey' is on hand and starts snapping pictures
of everything in sight. |
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In the foreground Hilda
Cairns, Bill Cunningham and Ted
Williams. |
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Atempting to conceal
themselves behind the car John Seymour, Stan Howard, Ann Seymour and Linda
Howard |
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Frank 'Paddy' Murphy walking
the Dog. |
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Hey Frank what's a Wegee
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Ulla Freeman - Pannett calls
to everyone to assemble for the group photo.
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Danny Hennon 'smiles' as
Chris Tabak jumps up on the wall to take a picture of his old army
pals. |
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Jim Allen calls to the lads
'look at the birdie boy's.' Naturally they all look up into the
tree's. |
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John and Mavis Hirst pose
for a picture as Ann Conroy chats with Peter & Christine Sellers.
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Judge for yourself is that
really your old army pals. Goodness what age can do to a Lean Mean Fighting
Machine.
Chris Lees, Dave Cooke, Tony
Patrick, Chris Stowell, Dave Edwards, Danny Hennon & Chris Tabak.
These lads would like to
know if you will you be joining us next year for our Reunion in Dortmund
2004. |
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Jim Allen can't believe his
eyes. My goodness how big these lads have grown he can hardly fit them in his
view finder. |
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Colour
Party
Diane Hobday, Geoff Scott,
Archie Cairns, Steve Freeman - Pannett & David
Hobday
On behalf of 260 Signal
Squadron (SAM) Association I would like to express our sincere thanks to David
and Diane for supporting us at our Dedication Service at
Loughborough. |
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Speech
After our reunion supper on the Saturday evening
our Chairman John Seymour gave a very moving tribute to Sid Soqo. John has a
particluar skill with the spoken word and I think it more appropriate to place
his speech on this page rather than on one of the other reunion
pages.
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Speech by John Seymour Chairman
Loughborough 2003 maybe the
best reunion yet. It is great to see Stan and Linda Howard great characters and
does the world need characters. Linda has the most infectious laugh in the
world which makes for a great atmosphere where ever you are, also Jock Lord
what a shy and retiring man he is, and of course Tich Fallowfield who is Top
Dog at any party.
For every good side there is
a down side, the sad and tragic death of Sid Soqo known by all as a gentleman
and a gentle giant. I knew him at 7 Sigs and went with him on a rugby tour to
Hamburg to play the local police team and if you meet trouble in Hamburg Sid
was the man to have at your side. I was really touched by the feeling and
emotion that you all showed at the Dedication Service and at our meal
afterwards in the hotel if as I think Sid was looking down on us he would have
approved and as for the Canon getting his name wrong Sid would have smiled as
this had followed him throughout his army career.
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I have a prayer that I would
I read out it is an old Cherokee Indian prayer. A dedication to a fallen
warrior. I really feel this suited Our Sid I only hope he approves.
- Do not stand by my grave and weep,
- I am not there I do not sleep,
- I am a thousand winds that blow,
- I am the diamond glint on snow,
- I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
- I am the gentle autumn rain,
- When you awake in the morning hush,
- I am the swift uplifting rush,
- Of quiet birds in circling flight,
- I am the soft starshine at night,
- Do not stand by my grave and cry,
- I am not there I did not
die.
Wherever you are Sid may
God Bless You.
Lets now look forward to the
Reunion in Dortmund 2004 and with your support lets make it the best reunion
yet. Thanks to Roy and Pat and many thanks to Geoff and Beryl for a super
handover. |
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Sailosi (Sid) Soqo
Gentle Giant
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