Can You help with the following
Hank, I am an ex aust sgt who was attached to HQFARELF in Singapore in June 1962, billeted at REME Rowcroft Lines Singapore and supported 28 COMWEALTH BDE GP in EX TRUMPETRER. Part of 274 Liaison Unit commanded by Lt col Frank Skinner, Capt Derek Jones Admin, WO Len Harvey also in unit. Do you have any knowledge of KETTLEDRUM or BUCKRUM.Grateful for reply.
Thank you for your reply. The time was 1962 in Singapore and Malaya with HQFARELF and GCHQ Phoenix Park Tanglin. Exercise Trumpeter was held in June 1962 and involved UK, Aust, NZ, Malay troops training for Buckram, the plan to support LAOS in the event that country was overrun by Chicom forces. I had hoped you might have been with FARELF or 28 Comwealth Bde at this time. Many thanks
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New contact from South Africa
L/Cpl John M taff Lewis 1969-70
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Danny Kenny,
Bob Thompson,
Paddy Humph Dunn,
1 Troop 1962-1965
If your out there please make contact
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Breaking news from Nobby Clarke
For Coventry Reunion
we now have forty-three rooms booked and a further possible seven rooms to book making eighty-six people confirmed with a possible ninety-nine people attending.This is a fantastic response and their is still room for any more who want to come.Thanks to everyone looking forward to meeting you all in June.RegardsRichard (Nobby) Clarke
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Help Reqd
Dear Hank. I'm looking to write a book about the little known Malay/sian jungle forts and the important role they played during the emergency. With the 11th Ind Sqn REs and other units of your Regiment being involved in the building of Fort Tapong and the making of airstrips at some of the other forts, I would appreciate it ,if you would kindly put an appeal on your web site, asking for information, stories anything related to jungle forts. There were twelve official jungle forts all under Malay/sian Police control. They were Fort Brooke, Shean, Dixon, Chabai ,Kemar, Legap, Iskandar, Telanok, Langkap, Selim, Sinderhut and Tapong . Fort Iskander in Southern Pahang was the first fort to be established and was built by Malay Police operational units . Fort Tapong was the last one to be built. Some of these forts are still in existance, but not Fort Tapong, which now lies deep underwater in a vast reservoir . I myself served in the Malay/sian Police for over eight years (from 1952 )during the emergency, where for most of my time I was a platoon commander with a Police Jungle company engaged on operations,and for about eight months I was the commander of Fort Brooke, which is still there. Anyone who thinks they can help me with information about jungle forts , please email me at
royfollows@dslpipexcom .Thank you.Roy Follows.
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Latest additions To Sqn List
Sammy Moore 1962-1965 1 Troop S/Sgt
Tony Mornement OBE. Plant Troop Cmd 1964
Rex Osborne 1 Troop Cmd 1964-65
Stuart Symonds 1 Troop Cmd then 2 IC 1958-61
Ron Taffy Davies 1955-1957
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The following video clip was taken by Wally Gee
1 Troop 1962-65
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Could all the people who served on OP Crown that i have not
listed in the op crown roll call please email me with dates
they were there, Thanks Hank ______________________________________________________
From Harry Ramsay REME
Just to let you know that Frank Robinson served with the sqdn. from jan.66 to july 68 and twice in crown in 66 and 67/68. Sadly Frank died in a car accident in jan. 91. thought you might like to put his details on the unit roll thanks
Harry
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15 Jan o8
New Addition to the roll call
Bernard Waslin Living in Australia
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Ref. Reunion
I have today been asked by Fred Aldred to clarify that the reunion in Coventry
in no way replaces the one held in Bath each October the details of which are
further down this page.
The statement made by Nobby Clarke in his details is as follows,
I feel that having it in June it will not clash with Bath in October
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19/12/07
New Names added
Chris Enoch 1 troop 1955-58
Bill Purvis 1 troop 1956-58
Ron Worth 1956-58
Sid Hutchings 1 troop 1961-64 plus 1966-69
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P J M Presentation
Hank Lawrence
Weymouth October 2007
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1 st Dec 07
Welcome to Dave Batterley and his brother Stuart
1969-70
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We are looking for Sandy Shields served with Fred Gray Moved to New Zealand.
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Can anyone remember the name of the Scotsman from 3 Troop who married a Chinese girl when he was at Butterworth 1958-1961 I met him again in 30 Sqn Germany I would like to find him again.
Richard (Nobby) Clarke
richard@clarke502.orangehome.co.uk Tel 01594834749 ____________
Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal
Those members of the United Kingdom Force who were on the posted strength of a unit or formation and served in the prescribed operational area of Malaysia and Singapore, in direct support of operations in Malaysia for 90 days or more, in the aggregate, as follows:
(1) Malaysia during the period 31 August 1957 and 12 August 1966 inclusive; or
(2) Singapore during the period 31 August 1957 and 9 August 1965 inclusive.
Go To NMBVA link and download Application form
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Received from Gordon Chave
have just read your website, and was directed to it by Alan Hodges, who was the
2 Troop captain
of the Australian troop in 11 Sqn.
At that time I was second in command of 11 Sqn. and remain very
proud to have been so. Sadly I have to report that the O.C., John Stevens, died of lung cancer
about 2 weeks ago. The Australian troop already know of this.I have also contacted Tom Thornton,
the then SSM, who has not been too well himself.At John's funeral, I met Nick Whatley, who
headed the Plant Troop.
I would like to send greetings to the Yeo brothers, who I remember well, and I think will remember
me as a footballer, or indeed any other sport.
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Midlands Reunion
It is proposed to hold a reunion near Coventry at the Holiday Inn M6 Jct2. Hank can you amend the entry for the reunion to read now:- Hotel is now booked and confirmed Dates Friday 6th June till 8th June, Rooms have been block booked and will be held till two weeks before this date so their is no need to book early. I will give out the full booking details in February, Anyone who is a member of Holiday Inn priority club will get their points on booking.
I already have 21 confirmed names, so if you are interested please let me know by February.
Richard (Nobby) Clarke
This reunion has been proposed by myself as I feel it is more central for people to get to and is fairer for people travelling from both north and south of the country also it is close to a airport.
I feel that having it in June it will not clash with Bath in October.
I have negotiated a total package price of £99.00 per room for double or twin bedded rooms available smoking or non smoking, this price is for the two nights and would include dinner on one night and breakfast on both mornings for one or two people.
If we go ahead with this the rooms will be block booked by myself, then individual people will have to book and pay direct with the hotel.
If anyone is interested they can contact myself on 01594834749 or email richard@clarke502.orangehome.co.uk
This is a top class 4 Star Hotel and has many facilities included, some of which are heated indoor swimming pool, Hot Tub, Jim, Sauna, and of course a Lounge Bar.
Regards
Richard (Nobby) Clarke
If anyone would like a 60th tie please get in touch with Fred Aldred
Phone. o1254830710
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Yearly Reunion Doncaster
Next Gathering Saturday 21 June 2008
At the Holiday Inn Doncaster situated on Rotherham side of A630
at Warmsworth Doncaster 100 yds from junction 36 A1 Motorway
Meeting starts 9.30 am
To book a room at the Inn call 0870 4428 761
The only mandatory expenses are £5 for room booking
and £2.75 for morning refreshment
Lunch available at 25% discount
Wives and partners welcome most go shopping in Doncaster
From Tony Catherall
For contact details email or phone Hank Lawrence
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Proof that the power of the internet is great.
This is from Brian Hobbs Living in Florida
He searched for RE websites and hey Presto,.
Thanks for your reply Hank. I live in Florida .I came upon your site whilst searching for various RE sites. In particular I was trying to contact Alan Holyoak who shows many pics on various RE sites and with whom I served in FARELF. Its great to have people such as yourself who take so much trouble to do something which benefits those of us without either the time ,expertise or perhaps more honestly the inclination to do something that helps contact and keep in touch with old friends. Many many thanks.. Yours Brian Hobbs Served 11 Sqn 1967-1969
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Also need help with finding Alan Grubey/Gruby. He married chinese girl.
was with 11sqn, 62-65
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Tony Catherall Receiving
Pingat Jasa Medal.
Click on picture to enlarge
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REUNION BATH
11 Ind has a reunion every year at Bath
60th 2008
Hi Hank,
I thought it might be an idea to inform our members that next year sees the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Squadren (Was then 50 Indep Fld Sqn) prior to embarkation to Hong Kong. I have arranged the production of a commemorative tie ,a photo of which you have, they are priced at £.8.00.which includes postage in the U.K.Better still come to the reunion and get one their.
Fred Aldred
The original reunion was held at Stratford on Avon. It was moved to Bath when it was considered to be a better venue and easy to get to . Although not exactly central it has advantages that appeal to many of us older members.No motorway trafic noise, a tranquill and comfortable holtel and reasonably priced. I have only been organising the reunion for two years but I have had the full support of the members and of the hotel staff which goes a long way in making our reunion in October so worthwile. I am one of the original Sqn and, like so many of our earlier members look forward so much to meeting and renewing old memeries etc. I have had quite a success ,thanks to your site, in reaching former sqn members who were unaware of our reunion and these members enjoyed our recent assembly.It is very rewarding for me to see so many members and there Wives renewing old times. As long as I am able I will continue to arrange our October reunions at The Old Mill,I think that many will still attend Thanks again for your continued interest
Notice
To all members .Please return the outcome of my invitation to the 60th anniversary reunion of 11 Ind Fld Sqn RE to me ASAP . Milly & I will be out of the country for the whole of August and wish to finalize details by late June. Any member who may not have received an invitation and would liketo attend please inform me of your name, address & phone number (Please state if accompanied or not and inform me of both yours and the accompanied persons forenames). Any member ,serving or retired is welcome to our reunion in October
My Phone Number 01254830710 Mobile 07821422806
Thank you for your interest
Fred Aldred 1949 to1955
Tie Logo
Peters Work
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Looking for Sapper Simpson exe 11 ind fld sqn served around 1959
What was his first name?
Have added 2 photos 355 and 356 which shows an ernie simpson 1961 from jimmy farrell
maybe its him
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Also note from Ray Lambert.
One person I would like to find is a chap by the name of Kenny (Ken) Steads, so if it should come up let me know, its strange he has not appeared before as he was into technical things, and computers would be right up his street.
Regards Ray Lambert
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Special request from Nobby Clarke
.jpg)
Please Can you all look out for information on TOM GEORGE right of the picture
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From Hank 14 July.
In The list of names there are a few that i need help with for time served and contact info. Maybe if you know last location.
Have Put HELP next to those concerned.
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This is a message i received from an Exe A.C.C member who served Borneo
1962-63
Hi my name is Fred (nobby) Clarke I was in kota Belud in 1962/63 there was a field sqn with some aussie and malaysian engineers building a training camp which was nicknamed silver city the metal huts were i beleive called godalphins, they were also building bailey bridges across the Tamposik duo. If Any one can remember The Clerk of works i would love his name.
Please get in touch via Hank who has my details.
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2 Troop RAE
2 Field Troop Royal Australian Engineers, 11 Independent Field Squadron, Royal Engineers. 2 Field Troop RAE was an Australian sub-unit of 11 Independent Field Squadron, RE as part of 28 Commonwealth Brigade based at Terendak. 2 Troop served alongside 3 RAR in Bau, Sarawak from March to July 1965. Squadron Commander was Major John Stevens, RE; Troop Commander Capt Alan Hodges; Troop Officer LT Barry Lennon. Troop was located at BAU in Sarawak from Jan 65 to Jun 65, Involved in engineering support for 3rd Bn RAR at Cambrai Camp in Bau. Returned to Terendak in July 1965.
Added By Nobby Clarke
Hank I have seen your entry in ref to 2 troop I think you will find it was 4 Troop who first joined the squadron in October 1955 at Sungei Besi then moved with the Sqn up to Butterworth about 1956 then they where replaced by 2 troop in 1957 the Diggers only did a two year tour.
2 Troop was then replaced by 4 Troop in 1960 and I believe left in 1962 and 2 Troop came back again.
I had many friends in 2 troop 1957 - 1960 and am still in touch with them.
Regards
Nobby
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If you have not yet checked out Pams Site about
208 Signals Terendak it is worth a look.
The photos of the camp etc are great Follow the link below
http://www.marsden.me.uk/army/army_index.html
Thanks for this PAM
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COLONEL J H G STEVENS
Born 19 July 1927, died 12 October 2007, aged 80.
John Stevens almost exactly fitted the age-old definition that a good sapper should be a soldier first and an engineer second. With his qualifications, experience and ability, his attributes were well balanced and he would have made an excellent Engineer in Chief. Sadly it was not to be.
Born in 1927 and educated at the John Lyon School, Harrow, his abilities were soon apparent and he was Head Boy. Commissioned into the Corps in 1947, courses at Chatham and Shrivenham followed where he proved to be bright yet modest and always ready to help others.
John then learnt his trade in 23 Engineer Regiment, formerly 2 Divisional Engineers, which had been static in Dortmund for many years. He was the 2IC of the Field Park Suadron, then was appointed Adjutant.
In 1952 John married Norma, who he had known since childhood and they soon became a strong team at the heart of a happy and friendly regiment. The following years were busy for John, with the unusual combination of the Staff College, and the Long Engineer course in Chatham, then a staff appointment in Aden, a hot spot in more senses than one.
The Stevens were fully involved in the social life of Aden and were renowned for their friendly hospitality. John was ideally qualified for his next appointment as OC of 11 Independent Field Squadron, the last RE Field Force unit to be stationed in the Far East. This was the plum majors appointment in the Corps, and with additional plant and an Australian Troop under command, the squadron were committed to constructing the Op Crown airfield in NE Thailand. John always looked back on his time in Thailand as a happy and fulfilling tour and all ranks of the squadron including the Australians and still remember him with affection and respect.
Twenty years later when he was working in Bangkok after leaving the Army he paid a return visit to the airfield and wrote an amusing article in the RE Journal describing how he found it.
After attending the Joint Services Staff college, in 1968 John returned to command 35 Engineer Regiment in a very different BAOR from the one he let in the mid fifties. The cold war still prevailed and the Army was gradually being re-equipped and brought up to date. The RE orbat was entirely reconstructed to provide an engineer regiment for each brigade.
John revelled in the appointment and quickly developed the qualities necessary to meet every challenge. His value as leader, organiser and administrator, as well as an engineer, came to the fore and he was highly respected by his seniors and by the commanders of other arms in his Division.
Hameln was a large garrison with numerous ancillary and administrative units but John’s knowledge of, and interest in garrison matters was of great assistance to the absentee Garrison Commander located 40 miles away. Every problem was assessed carefully, the views of others were listened to and a balance and sensible solution evolved.
Hameln was followed by a return to Camberley as a Divisional Colonel at the Staff College and although most competent and popular with students and Directing staff he surprisingly failed to be selected for promotion to Brigadier. After a final two years with 12 Engineer Brigade, John decided to leave the Army but with his qualifications and experience he was soon snapped up by Randal, Palmer and Tritton; probably the most esteemed consulting engineers in the country. A few busy years followed as Resident Engineer of major projects in Bahrain, Libya and Bangkok.
Looking for a more settled life, John left the Consultants and became Director of Haigh Homes, the organisation which owned hundreds of homes nationwide. These British Legion homes, built for ex Servicemen were in dire need of renovation and John masterminded a vast rebuild and modernisation programme to bring them up to date.
After reaching his formal retirement age, John joined RedR as a voluntary instructor for the specialists from various engineering backgrounds, who offered their services for disaster relief. He thoroughly enjoyed the work and was an ideal choice for it, as much of it was based upon the Sapper stick and string approach rather than upon sophisticated engineering.
He was a glutton for work and up to the time of his death was an intensely active Welfare Officer for the Royal British Legion. He earned a reputation [and the Legions Special Award] for taking on the powers that be and achieving the best possible support and help for every deserving case.
Amidst his many activities, John managed to find time for his love of sailing where he made many friends. He was a most competent and cheerful ship mate and an excellent navigator. In his sailing, as in other aspects of life, he managed to combine a thorough and professional approach with a sense of fun and determination to enjoy life.
John may have been highly qualified and multi-talented as a sapper, but as a man he was loved by many for his impretentioness his absolute integrity and his friendly approach to all.
He will be sadly missed by Norma, who wonderfully supported him, by Debbie and Greg, and by so many others.
JHP GJC JNSD JHE JNE AF HGTS GBS RS DV
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Hank 2007 
