Hi Nobby and Hank. A really great weekend. We must congratulate you on the organisation (again) and thank you for all your hard work. For us, the magic moment came as we all sat down to Dinner on the saturday night. Just like a Squadron Dinner should be like. Many thanks. Looking forward to 4,5 and 6 June next year.
Yours aye. Chris/Smudge/JB & Margaret Smith
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Hank, great to see you again(Sat. A M),allbeit very very breifly as I was only passing through,ironicly on my way to another old ex R.E. do from my days with the amphibious boys...Catch you next year, make the Coventry reunion my first priority...Best regards.
Alan Hollyoak, (the plumber)
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I wanted to say “Well Done” to both you and Richard. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and there didn’t appear to be any hiccups. It really was quite a remarkable event. I Have written e-mails to people I promised, which includes Alan Hodges.
Gordon Chave
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Hi Hank I felt I had to let you know that I found the weekend to be fabulous it was so good to see so many "old" faces. I am not going to mention anyone in particular but just having a few pints & one or two whiskies and grabbing hold of the odd sandbag was great fun. A great week end and I hope to return.
Many Thanks John Olford.
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Dear Richard and Hank, Thanks for all the hard work that went into making a very enjoyable and well organised weekend. See you next year.
Regards, Doug and Sue Hamilton-Cox
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Hi Hank/ Nobby,
Jeanette and I would like say thanks for a great weekend at Coventry, the company was great and hotel plus food was excellent looking forward to 2010,
well done lads I think every one enjoyed it.
Geoff & Jeanette Lambourne
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Many thanks for all the hard work over the w'end, much appreciated,
we met several more new friends plus Chris met one of the men who dug him out
when he was buried whilst on bomb disposal,
that was very special to me.
Kind regards Chris & Jan Enoch
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What a great weekend! I can't believe 40 years have gone by and all those memories came back as though they were yesterday. Thank you and Nobby for a wonderful job in making it such a success.
The venue was good too with good food and excellent service from the staff. I wish we could come back next year but it's a long way!
Cheers Adrian & Shirley Rogers
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Hi Hank .Another fantastic weekend.
Definately be attending next year
Steve Wilby
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The re-union was a brilliant affair and went off very well.
It is amazing that I met blokes that were in bomb disposal with me as well as our special SQUADRON.
The work that went into the weekend was impressive and for one I wish to thank both
of you for that effort.
As far as I know everyone enjoyed the weekend and they all mixed well, even if they were from different periods of service.
Anyway, much congratulations and thanks are due to you both and may your jungle trained skills stand you in good stead for the future.
Just to say thank you for a most enjoyable weekend at an excellent venue. Thank you for all your hard work -it was a great success and pleased to see that the staff were rewarded for all their excellent service.
Just to say my wife and i had a very good time last week-end, but was soon brought down to earth with the call we had from Joe Cottons Wife to tell us he had passed away on the Monday Morning, i could not believe it. I will be going to his funeral as soon as i know when and where it will be held.
Hello Hank , just a few words to say that I had a great weekend at Coventry , much more than I expected. It made the long flight home to Australia really worthwhile.I go into hospital July 1st to get my other hip replaced so I should be up for next year too .
Would really appreciate it if you could fit this photo in somewhere on the web site,
my daughter Hannah and I after her induction into officer training school,
after going through the ranks in the Canadian military,
induction was 2008/09/01
R.M.C. Kingston , Ontario,Canada.
Take care, Denis
__________________________________________________ I have just read Roy Follows first book The Jungle Beat. I can recommend this book as a must to any of the lads who spent time in the Jungle especially at the forts as it brings back lots of memories, a cracking read.
Hi Hank,Came upon your website whilst looking for info on air accident in Borneo in which my brother Lcpl William Jack was killed on 12.04.65, his body was never recovered. Unfortunately, I have no memory of him as I was only 18mths old at the time. I was wondering if anyone on your site may remember him (long shot). I dont have much info other than he was based at Aldershot and served in Borneo 1962-65, with 23rd Parachute Field Amulance in Sarawak area I think. He was also stationed in Cyprus previously. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Just Recovering from his opperation best wishe from all
Dermont Richards 1962-1966 Plant
Ray Theakston 1966-1968 _________________________________________________ Can You help with the following
Hank, I am an ex austsgt who was attached to HQFARELF in Singapore in June 1962, billeted at REMERowcroft Lines Singapore and supported 28 COMWEALTHBDE 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 ComwealthBde at this time. Many thanks
Dear Hank. I'm looking to write a book about the little known Malaysian jungle forts and the important role they played during the emergency. With the 11th Ind SqnREs 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@dsl.pipex.com .Thank you.Roy Follows. _______________________________________________________________
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
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
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PingatJasa 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.
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.
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
Update 24 August 08 Brian and Alan have been reunited
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Also need help with finding Alan Grubey/Gruby. He married chinese girl.
Looking for Sapper Simpson exe 11 ind fld sqn served around 1959 What was his first name?
Have added 2 photos which shows an ernie simpson 1961 from jimmy farrell
maybe its him ______________________________________________________________ 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 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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
___________________________________________________ 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
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
Started army apprentice Feb 1958 Harrogate moved to Chepstow Dec 1959
Left Chepstow to basic training farnborough Jan 1961 then to Chatham B11 Plumbing.
To Paderborne 1961/2. To 11 Ind Fls Sqn Malaya 1962-1965.Op Crown Thailand 1963-64. Final destination 40 AESR Willich Germany 1965/69
