11 INDEPENDENT FIELD SQUADRON TERENDAK MALAYA

WELCOME PAGE

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:18:00 +0000

This site is run by myself ( Hank Lawrence) for the purpose of reuniting old comrades from the following Units that i served with during my twelve years in the army.

from 1958 aged 15 to 1969 aged 27.

58A Harrogate/Chepstow 1958-60

5 Fld Sqn RE 1961-62

11 Ind Fld Sqn RE 1962-65

Op Crown Thailand 1963-64

40 AESR Willich RE 1965-69

This website is for anyone who served with the above

units at anytime in there career.

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Please check the whole of the welcome page
as i am always adding new items to the site and you

could miss things of interest to you.

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Before you do anything else

If you did serve in any of the units listed please contact me

with your details click on Hank.

Hank

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Please Leave Comments.

You can leave Messages. The link is found at bottom of each page.
when leaving message please use the following method.

Click on {add Your message} Link. Click on

Jump To Comment Form

Select (Name/Url.) Button.

Include your full name Please.
If Leaving comments please email me with your contact details.
If not already on my list click on Hank below

Hank

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You Can link directly to Unit Required

by using headings below

Check Out Stories From The Past Link

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LINKS

{Blue to unit pages}.

[Green to photo albums]

{Red to General Info}

Just click on the headings in the brackets

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{11 Ind Fld Sqn Notice Board}

Check It Now Please

{11 Independent Field Squadron}

{Add Your Messages}

{11 Ind Fld Sqn Tie}

{Roll Call 11 Ind Fld Sqn}

{Trying To Find}

{REUNIONS}

{2010 COVENTRY REUNION}

{2010 BATH REUNION}

{Sqn Farewell Parade 1969}

{1966 Laos Flood Relief}

{Op Dhanarajata Ubon 1963}

{Roll Of Honour}

{Reunion History Book}

[Photo ID Past Present]

[To All Photo Albums]

[Operation Dhanarajata]

[link to John McLoughlin's album ]

[Reunion album Coventry 2008]

[Reunion album Bath 2008]

[Reunion album Doncaster]

[11 Sqn Small Reunions Album]

[Members Special Album]

Weddings Christenings etc

Malaya

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{ RAE Troops 11 Ind Fld Sqn}

{Roll Call RAE}

{Add Your Message}

{Reunion History Book}

[Link To Photo Album]

Malaya

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{NOTICE BOARD OP CROWN}

{All Units Op Crown Post Crown }

{Roll Call Op & Post Crown}

{OP CROWN YOUR SPECIALS}

{Add Your Message}

{Reunion History Book}

[To All Pers. Photo Albums]

[Reunions Album]

[Willy Bach Thailand 2008]

Thailand

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{To 40 AESR & AESG Willich }

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{To My New 5 Fld Sqn Blog}

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{58 A Harrogate - Chepstow }

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{Future Reunions-Special Events}

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{Locally Enlisted Personnel }

[LEPs PHOTO ALBUMS]_______________________________________________

{Units History Pages}

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{Stories From The Past All Units}

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links to personnel websites

For members in my list.

{John dinger Bell 410 Ind Plt Troop}

{Roger (Andy) Andrews}

{CRE OP CROWN} by John Hamnett

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REA
It has come to my attention that a lot of REA Branches are in need of some

new members,

especially those in there 50s and 60s.

Existing membership at my branch seems to range from mid 70s to mid 80s

and they have been doing a brilliant job of

keeping the branch going for all these years.

So if you are willing and able please link to the REA website from the link

below for branch contact details

REA WEBSITE LINK

FROM RAY LAMBERT
11 SQN 1954-1957
Lowestoft & District Branch REA (East Point Sappers)
Meet 1st Thursday of month at 1900Hrs TAVR Centre, St Peters , Lowestoft, Suffolk
Contact 01502-508493

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To have your name added please contact me via the link below
email me
Down right hand side of site are links to various sites for

reuniting servicemen.

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To All Photo Albums

To download photos from the albums try this. Create new folder in my documents and name it photos from website or what ever you think.

Open the photo into the larger view left click once.

Then right click on photo and from pop up box choose save picture as

Name it and go to the new folder you created and save as a jpeg.

Or download Picasa 3 and you can download single photo and whole albums

Any problems ring me.
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Thanks for visiting the site and i trust it will be very helpfull to many of you and please do contact me if you wish to post any special events to do with your Unit.

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Many thanks to all the lads already using the site for your help in getting things going.

Best wishes

23534963

Hank (Tich) Lawrence

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END OF WELCOME PAGE

USE LINKS ABOVE FOR REST

OF THE WEBSITE

OP CROWN YOUR SPECIALS

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:53:00 +0000

FRANK FIRTH'S ROUTE TO BAN KOK THALAT

From the airport as point of reference, the best way by road in my opinion as below:
Take Route 9 to Bang-Pa-In.
This takes you to Route 1 and Saraburi.
Then take Route 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima.
From Route 2, turn on to Route 24 just before Nakhon Ratchsima.

Don’t miss this or you’ll experience millions of traffic lights and you’ll be staying the night.
Carry on Route 24 past Surin, and follow all the way to Ubon Ratchathani.
Go through Ubon and find Route 212, and takes you towards Loeng Nok Tha,
Follow signs for Amnart Charoen and Ban Kok Samnam, and the Airfield entrance.
As you know it’s a long drive, about 700 km, but you should get to Ubon in around 7-8 hours from Bangkok taking it easy, then another 2-3 hours or so to Loeng Nok Tha. A little better than in the 60’s.
Up to almost Surin the roads are good with dual carriageways,

thereafter still pretty good going on two-way roads.

You will find metal coming at you from time to time so just move away onto the shoulder,

there’s almost always room. But do be careful on the roads, they still drive like kids.
If Frank wants to go by bus from Bangkok,

go to Ekamai Bus Station on Sukhumvit Road, not far from the Emporium on Soi 24 and head off to Ubon.

After that you’ll have to get a local bus or taxi to Loeng Nok Tha.
Hope that helps.
Best regards,
Jack. Firth

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[FRANK TOPHAM PHOTOS 2009]

LIST OF PEOPLE PURCHASING 11 SQN TIE

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:08:00 +0000

{Back To Welcome Page}

As you requested to put on the web site.due to the fact that

three knowledgeable people have brought to my attention

"ind" is not the correct abbreviation for independent (it is short for Indian) consequently i must change it to "indep"so the tie will now look like

11 Indep

Fd Sqn

hoping every body is going to be happy with this, the tie is going to production in Jan, or Feb 2010 at a cut price £8.50

Dave Yeo is opening a special bank account,

all payments by cheque please with a note as to name address in UK or if you wish to collect at Coventry .

Addresses overseas may incur postage

Watch the sqn notice board on the web for further information ie when to send your cheques in

as i can not afford to pay for them myself.

Many thanks for your support.

Dave C Yeo

Names of those who want Tie
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THE TIE PHOTO

1. Dave Yeo 1964-67

2. Hank Lawrence 1962-65
3. Terry Davis (410) 1955-57

4. Ray Lambert 1954-57

5. Billy Crothers 1964-67

6. John Lawton 1968-70

7. John Strudley 1954-57

8. Sammy Moore 1962-65

9. KC Holder 1962-65

10. Gordon Chave 1964-66

11. Norman Donaldson 1951-52

12. Sandy Melville 1961-64

13. Brian Golightly 1958-61

14. Jacky Book 1964-66

15. John Flynn 1959-61

16. Rosalinde Rafferty for Peter Bowker 1954-55

17. Bob Crowford 1964-67

18. Ian tiny Kennedy 1960-63

19. Geoff Lambourne 1961-64

20. Kenny Williams 1961-64

21. Mike Clemence 1962-65

22. Ferny Tout 1962-65

23. Bill Stuart 1961-1964

24. Adrian Rogers 1963-66

25. Tom Thornton 1963-66

26. Bob Williamson 1956-59

27. George Dick 1962-65

28. Mo Day 1965-68

29. Andy Capper 1965-68

30. Chris Smith 1960-63 + 1965-68

31. Tony Goodridge 1957-59

32. Russell Jones 1962-64

33. 34. Gerry Gleeson 1962-65 Qty 2

35. Jim Scoular 1961-62

36. Harry Brittain 1965-68

37. Richard Clarke 1957-60

38. Terry Bridges 1965-68

39. Eddie Vincent 1963-66

40. Freddy Marshall 1954-55

41. John Spriggs 1965-68

42. Dave Middleton 1959-62

43. Ian Howatson 1959-62

44. Alan Hollyoak 1968-70

45. Denis Blay 1966-69

46. Peter Alexander 1967-69

47. Dick Keens 1966-70

48. Alex McQueen 1966-67

49. Jim Campbell 1967-70

50. David Haley 1967-69

51. Sydney Sweeting 1967-70

52. Steve Wilby 1967-70

53. Alan Carter 1957-59

54. Terry Welsh 1966-68

55. Tom Magee 1965-68

56. Yanto Nolan 1956-58

57. Liann Mellett

58. Tony Bunker 1957-58

59. Trevor Jones 1961-64

60. 61. Geoff Fagg 1963-66 Qty 2

62. Stuart Symonds 1958-61

63. Brian Marshall 1960-63

64. Bill Cole 1959-62

65. Fred Collings 1968-69

66. David Henderson 1955-57

67. Reg Marchant ACC 1962-65

68. Bryan Packman 1968-70

69. Dermont Richards 1962-66

70. Fred Aldred 1951-55

71. Brian Webb 1965-68

72. Robert Furness 1958

73. Ray Sturgess 1959-62

COVENTRY REUNION 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:19:00 +0000

COVENTRY REUNION

4th 5th 6th June 2010

The 2010 Coventry reunion is block booked for Eighty rooms and the cost per room is the same as last year £105.00.With the Carver on the Saturday (and the curry night on the Friday at extra cost)

Regards Nobby Clarke

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LOCATION

Holiday Inn COVENTRY M6, JCT.2

Hinckley Road CV2 2HP

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BOOKING DETAILS

You must book and pay for your rooms direct with the hotel using this phone number 02476587420 asking for Natalie Trailor who is handling our bookings,

stating 11 Independent Field Squadron.

Please try and book on a week day, as Natalie does not work weekends.

Cost per room £105 to include breakfast Sat and Sun

the Carver on the Saturday (and the curry night on the Friday at extra cost)

Single rooms are the same price so share with a friend as most did last year and share the cost.
This rate is fully pre-paid and will require a credit/debit card in order to reserve the room, although I do believe some people paid by cheque last year!

Latest update 1 Oct 09

Dear Friends

This is just to let you know that the hotel has told me that they will put on two points to the servery so we do not have to wait so long to get our food,

Also on the Friday curry night as well as the Indian curry’s we will have a choice of a green Thai curry,

also the choice of European food for the peopleWho do not wish to have the curry?

Cost for this meal is extra as it was in 2009 and the price stays the same at £10.00 per person.

RegardsRichard Clarke
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I have to inform people that their will not be a raffle this time as we are expecting in the region of 160 people attending and it would take up to much of our time, we are intending instead to have a collection for the HELP FOR HEROES fund.

RegardsRichard & Hank

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Link To

ATTENDANCE LIST

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HELP FOR HEROES

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:08:00 +0000

DOUG HAMILTON-COX

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Doug Sets Of On His Walk
This Thursday 27th August
We all wish you the best of Luck
HELP FOR HEREOS
Please help Doug Hamilton-Cox
With his Sponsored walk click on link below
for details
http://www.justgiving.com/hamilton-cox/
Update from Doug
"Here is an update about my adventure. Firstly, many thanks to Gordon Chave for my first 11 sqn. donation, the first of many I hope. My training is progressing well as the picture of my trainers on my justgiving page bear testament to!! Fund raising is also going well edging £1500 to date. You can donate

online www.justgiving.com/hamilton-cox

or send cheques made payable to 'Help for Heroes' to my home address:
Willowdown, Bridford, Exeter, Devon. EX6 7LL
Many Thanks, Doug"
Update 2nd Sept 09
Latest on Doug's Journey
Reached WESTERN SUPER MARE
Previous stop Burnham on sea click on link
http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2009/charity-walker-01-09-09.php

Money Raised so far
£6000 plus

Update 23 Sept 09
Latest from Doug Hamilton-Cox
Walk to Wootton Bassett completed,over £11,000 and still rising.
Regards,Doug

Come on Lads every penny helps
Hoping to double it at the end

NOTICE BOARD OP CROWN

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:58:00 +0000

LATEST NEWS and INFORMATION

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NEW POST

Brian Platt REME 1964

His Story

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It would be good to show some of your

stories about the people

you met for the first time in 40+ years at the

SALISBURY REUNION 2009

Link To

REUNION PAGE

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11 Squadron Reunion Coventry 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:21:00 +0000

{Back To Welcome Page}

Our Reunion Held

5th 6th & 7th June 2009

Holiday Inn

Hinckley Road

Coventry

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[Attendance List]

If i missed anyone please let me know

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We would like to thank you all for helping to make this years reunion

an even bigger success than last year.

Richard Nobby Clarke organiser

Hank Lawrence webmaster.

We would like to thank

Peter and Ann Sutton

for there part in organising

The Raffle which raised £342

£35 of this was given to the staff

in appreciation for there excellent service

to us all.

A cheque for £307 has been sent to

the RE Benevolent Fund today 8 June 09

Thank you letter REA

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PHOTO ALBUM

Group Album

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Your Letters about Reunion

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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.

Wer'e a shower of b******s, b******s are we,

Bill Kibble.

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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.

Dermont and Jenny Richards

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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.

Speak to you soon. Taffy. Bishop

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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 .

Thanks , jimmy farrell

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hello Hank and Nobby,thanks for an excellent weekend,

will see you next year hopefully with the wife,

Fred Collings

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Firstly I would like you to know how much we enjoyed the "Bash" in Coventry

Will certainly be attending next year.

Best regards Pete & Cheryl

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PEOPLE COMING TO COVENTRY 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:50:00 +0000

Please can you use the comments box below to announce your intention of attending.

If you have already Booked, or when you do Book please inform

Nobby Clarke

email,

Phone 01594834749

___________________________________

To see who you will meet

PAST PRESENT PHOTO ALBUM

If your photo's are missing get them to me ASAP

If any wives would like there photos added

Please let me know

Hank

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LIST TO DATE

Ray & Jean Elliott doing history Op Crown

Norman & Rose Donaldson 1951-1952

Tony Dring & Mary Beatty 1952-55

John & Lucy Bishop 1954-57

Ron & Chris Carter 1954-1957

Ray & Pauline Lambert 1954-1957

Fred & Jessy Marshall 1954-55

8. John & June Strudley 1954-57 Booked

9. Terry & Judy Davis (410) 1955-57 Booked

Dawson Powell 1955-58

1. Yanto & Pat Nolan 1956-58 room Booked

11. Brian Billy & Lillian Purvis 1956-1958 Booked

Peter & Ann Sutton 1956-59

Roy Devlin 1957-58

Bill & Maureen Murison 1957-1959

2. Bob Williamson 1956-59 room Booked

6. Richard and Heidi Clarke 1957-60 Booked

George & Patsy Cox 1957-59

Pete Dance 1957-60

Dave & Pam Brunning 1958-60

Brian & Ann Golightly 1958-61

Peter Kennedy 1959-60

John & Rose Docherty 1959-1962

Peter & Cheryl Keddie 1959-62

John & Margaret Farrell 1959-1962

John Flynn 1959-61

Barry Foot 1959-62

Ken & Pauline Muldoon 1959-62

Frank & Elsie Sowerby 1959-62

Ray & Margaret Sturgess 1959-62

Ian & Pat Kennedy 1960-63

Brian & Ann Marshall 1960-63

12. Charles & Kathleen Waddington 1960-1963 Booked

4. Chris & Margaret Smith 1960-1963 and 1965-1968 Booked

John & Margaret Bell (410) 1961-62

Julien & Mary Loach 410 Sqn 1961-1962

13. (Jackie & Lesley Gavin) Wife & Daughter of Barry. 1961-1963 Booked

Geoff & Jeanette Lambourne 1961-64

3. Sandy & Joan Melville 1961-65 Booked

Jim & Shiela Scoular 1961-62

Bill & Barbara Stuart 1961-64

Kenny & Janet Williams 1961-1964

Mike Clemence 1962-65

George (jock) & Carol Dick 1962-65

Fred & Caroline Frape 1962-65

Gerry & Veronica Gleeson 1962-65

7. KC Holder 1962-65 Booked

Russell & Mildred Jones 1962-1964

7. Hank Lawrence 1962-65 Booked

Tony & Jen Mitchell 1962-1965

Sammy & Jean Moore 1962-65

Ferny & Pat Tout 1962-65

Leon & Brenda Wilson 1962-65

Geoff & Frances Fagg 1963-66

David & Peggy Folwell 1963-64

Barbara Wakem (Hartigan) 1963-65

Rand Pantin 1963-65

2. Tom Thornton 1963-66 share with Bob

Eddie & Sandra Vincent 1963-66

Bill Anderson 1964-66

Jack Book 1964-66

Gordon & Vicki Chave 1964-66

Bill & Carol Crothers 1964-67

Bob sailor Crowford 1964-67

Dave & Wendy Yeo 1964-67

Mick & Jill Yeo 1964-1967

Terry Bridges 1965-68 and Bob Holme 1966-68

5. Harry & Babs Brittain 1965-1968 Booked

Andy & Gwyn Capper 1965-68

10. John & Valerie Cusack 1965-67 Booked

Mo & Sylvia Day 1965-68

15. Doug & Sue Hamilton-Cox 1965-68 Booked

Rod & Stella Horner 1965-68

Nick & Marie Whatley 1965-1967

Harry & Audry Ramsay 1966-1968

14. Fred Collings 1968-69 Booked

John & Jan Lawton 1968-70

Bryan & Maureen Packman 1968-70

Melvyn & Janet Wood 1968-1970

11 INDEPENDENT FIELD SQUADRON

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:02:00 +0000

{Back To Welcome Page}

NOTICE BOARD LINK

ROLL CALL LINK

PAST PRESENT PHOTO LINK

Terendak Camp click on Flag

_____________________________________

Link to RAE 2 and 4 Troop Page

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This article should be of interest to most of you.

Psychological Warfare of the Malayan Emergency, 1948-1960 __________________________________________

Link To Memorial Plaque Malaya

Arboretum

________________________________________

Want the 11 Ind Fld Sqn Tie

Link

_________________________________________

Welcome New Additions Nov 09

John Cusack 1965-67

Harry Daker 1961-64 Park Troop

Peter Kennedy 1959-61 1 troop

Geoff Woolatt 1960-62 Park Troop Cmd.

Bill Fiddes 1962-64 HQ troop

Reginald Keeping 1962-64 S/Sgt 3 Troop

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Welcome New Additions Oct 09

George Cox 1957-59

Jimmy Thrippleton 1 troop 1957-60

Tom Smit 1966-68

S/Sgt Geoffrey Fagg 1963-66

Rod Horner 1966-68

Michael Fraser-Allen Capt 1961-64 Lt Col retired

George W Dick 1962-65 1 troop

Leon Willy Wilson 1962-65 1 troop

Peter Bowker 1954-55 Park Troop

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It has been proposed by Dave Yeo 1964-67

and backed up by several at Coventry Reunion in June,

That an 11 Sqn tie be produced as link below

the lettering will be embroidered.

If an order of 50 can be placed the cost is £10 each.

We need your feedback on this matter please

THE TIE

TO LIST OF THOSE WANTING TIE

___________________________________

Doug Sets Of On His Walk

This Thursday 27th August

We all wish you the best of Luck

HELP FOR HEREOS

Please help Doug Hamilton-Cox

With his Sponsored walk click on link below

for details

http://www.justgiving.com/hamilton-cox/

Update from Doug

"Here is an update about my adventure. Firstly, many thanks to Gordon Chave for my first 11 sqn. donation, the first of many I hope. My training is progressing well as the picture of my trainers on my justgiving page bear testament to!! Fund raising is also going well edging £1500 to date. You can donate online www.justgiving.com/hamilton-cox or send cheques made payable to 'Help for Heroes' to my home address:

Willowdown, Bridford, Exeter, Devon. EX6 7LL

Many Thanks, Doug"

Update 2nd Sept 09

Latest on Doug's Journey

Reached WESTERN SUPER MARE

Previous stop Burnham on sea click on link

http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2009/charity-walker-01-09-09.php

Money Raised so far

£6000 plus

Update 23 Sept 09

Latest On Doug Hamilton-Cox
Walk to Wootton Bassett completed,
over £11,000 and still rising.
Regards,Doug

Come on Lads every penny helps

Hoping to double it at the end

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Welcome New Additions Sept 09

Ray Sturgess 1959-62

Eddie Vincent 1 troop 1962-65

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Welcome New Additions July & Aug 09

Dennis Blay MT 1966-69

Barry Foot 1959-62

Phil Peet 1969-70 draughtsman project office

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Welcome New Additions June

Richard M Johnston 1 troop Cmd 1967-69

Alex McQueen movements clerk 1966-67

Dick Leonard 1 & 3 troop S/Sgt 1967-1969

John Lancefield 3 & 1 Troop 1964-67

Bob Morgan Plant Troop 1965-68

Brian Lord 1957-59

Ron Hayhurst 410 ind plt troop 1956-58

Brian Webb HQ troop 1965-68

Bob (Andy) Capper 1965-68

Dick Crust 1963-66 1 troop

David Folwell 1963-1966 1 troop

Mick Ramsay 410 Sqn 1960-1962

Gerry Gleeson 1962-1965 HQ troop

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Welcome New Additions May

Robert Morgan 1965-1968

Robert Blinch blanco 1950-52 H.K. & Austria

befor it became Independent

Rob Cooke 1965-1967

John Hampton 1957-58

Frank Campbell 1957-58

Anthony Bunker plant 1957-58

Dawson Powell 1955-58

Terry Bridges 1 troop 1965-68

Bob Holme 1 troop 1966-1968

Billy Stuart 1961-1964 1 troop and 3 troop

Gerry Bedford 1965-1968

Bob (sailor) Crowford 1964-67 1 &HQ troop

Welcome New Additions April

Jim Scoular 1 troop 1961-Oct 62

Tony Goodridge 1957-59 Plant troop

John Green 3 troop 1968-69

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Message for Ray Coleman

Are you receiving my email's Please

________________________________________

Special request

If any of you have stories of your time with Norman Noddle

who passed May 2008

His wife Jean would very much like to hear them

So start getting that grey matter working and email

me with them

Hank

_____________________________________________

Please check the photo of 11 Sqn Wives Terendak

circa 1967

[PHOTO]

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Welcome New Additions Mar 09

Graham Avery 1968-1969 Wrk shop

Simon Chivers 1968-1970 3 troop

George Roberts 1958-1960 1 troop stores

Don McGilp 1967-1970 moved to new 11 Fld Sqn

David Shaw 1954-1957

Peter Lamont 1961-1964 ACC

Kenny Houston-Robb 1966-68

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Welcome new additions Feb 09

Ray Coleman 1968-1970 Last Chief Clerk

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Welcome new additions Jan 2009

John Emby 1962-1965

Dave Floyd 1969-1970

Randy Pantin 1963-1965 1 Troop

Rod Horner 1967-1968 Plant troop

Please contact me Rod with details

Harry Moore 1965-1968
__________________________________
Welcome to New Additions Dec 08

John Borer 1967-70

Alan Calderbank 1955-58

Ray Schwalm MT 1958-61

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New Additions Nov 08

Bernard Lowe 1965-68

John Spriggs 1965-68 park troop

Anthony Fowke 1961-1964

___________________________________

New Additions Oct 08

Eddy Brown 1965-1968

Norman Donaldson 1951-52 Austria.

Gordon Fox 1954-56

Mo Day 1965-68

Alex Rae 1967-70 Passed 7/8 years ago

___________________________________

Welcome to New additions Sept 08

Syd Sweeting 1967-70

David Purvis 1968-69

Mike Barry 1963-65

Alan Hann 1958-1959

Jesse Whitemore Tp Sgt 1957-60

William Anderson HQ 1964-66
__________________________________________

From Denis Holroyd

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.

It can be purchased from EYE BOOKS at wwwtravellerseye.com

Price £7.99

Can’t wait for his new book the Jungle Forts, which incidentally will mention 11 Independent as one of the fort builders.

Regards Nobby

________________________________________________

Welcome to new members Aug 08

Jackie Gavin wife of

Barry 1961-63 who passed away May 2004

Gordon Lidster 1956-57

Peter Jackson 1959-60

Barry Hinchliffe 1960-63

Don Barton 1957-60

Derrick Ballard 1961-65

Russell Taff Jones 1962-64

Keith Tapp 1959-1962

Andy Andrews 1967-69

_______________________________________________

Can anyone tell us who was Gordon Chave's driver on Op Crown 1964

they appear in a photo of the football team he is 3rd from right rear

Possible names from Bill Anderson 8 Sept 08

Pete Halliwell or Fred Embey

___________________________________________________

New call for help. 15 july 08

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.

Terrie Jack

_________________________________________________________

Welcome To New Members July

John Olford 1965-67

Trevor Palmer MC 2i/c 1960-1961

Denis Holroyd 1965-1967

Jack Book 1964-1966

Charles Waddington Sqn Clerke 1960-1963

_________________________________________

Latest additions to members list

Fred Frape 1962-1965

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 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

______________________________________________________________

New contact from South Africa

L/Cpl John M taff Lewis 1969-70

_______________________________________________________________

Help Reqd

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 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@dsl.pipex.com .Thank you.Roy Follows.
_______________________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________

The following video clip was taken by Wally Gee

1 Troop 1962-65

Thanks Wally

____________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________

15 Jan o8

New Addition to the roll call

Bernard Waslin Living in Australia

_______________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________
1 st Dec 07

Welcome to Dave Batterley and his brother Stuart1

1969-70
________________________________________________________

We are looking for Sandy Shields served with Fred Gray

Moved to New Zealand

______________

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

{NMBVA Application Link}

___________________________

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.

__________________________________________________

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

Update 24 August 08 Brian and Alan have been reunited

___________________________________________

Also need help with finding Alan Grubey/Gruby. He married chinese girl.

was with 11sqn, 62-65

_____________________________________________________

Tony Catherall Receiving

Pingat Jasa Medal.

Click on picture to enlarge

_____________________________________________________________

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.

Please get in touch via Hank who has my details.

_____________________________________________________________
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

___________________________________________________
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

____________________________________________________________________ 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

{Back To Welcome Page}

___________________________________________________________________

ATTENDANCE BATH REUNION 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:56:00 +0000

The List Of Those Attending

{Link to Past Present Album}

__________

Fred & Milly Aldred 1949-55

Yvonne Adams & Julie Easter

Doug & Edith Scott 1953

Ted & June Owers 1948-49

Taf & Lucy Bishop 1954-57

Tony Dring & Mary Beatty 1952-55

George (Yanto) Nolan 1956-58

Bob Williamson 1956-59

Norman & Rosina Donaldson 1951-52

Terry & Sarah Tullis 1954-55

Terry & Judith Davis (410) 1955-57

Alex & Shirley Jackson 1955-

Gordon Fox 1954-1956

Terry & Mary Hudson 1956-1959

Chris & Jan Enoch 1955-58

Jack Book 1964-66

Bill Anderson 1964-66

Dave & Wendy Yeo 1964-67

Mick & Jill Yeo 1964-67

Peter & Ann Sutton 1956-59

2009 BATH REUNION DETAILS

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:43:00 +0000

{back to welcome page}

The above reunion took place on 9th/10th October 2009.

The venue was The Old Mill & Resteurant Tollbridge Road Batheaston.

Any photos and comments welcome.

_____________________________________________________

{LIST OF THOSE ATTENDING}

11 Ind Fld Sqn Farewell Parade Programme

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:01:00 +0000

The Squadron Farewell Parade

Farewell Parade held

24 September 1969

From Graham Avery

1. Front Cover

2. Page One

3. Page two

4. Page Three

5. Page Four

BATH REUNION 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Bath Reunion 8th 9th & 10th Oct 2010

______________________________

I can accommodate up to 100 for meals but accommodation is limited .However I have a list of local Guest Houses which are quite reasonable and will save on Hotel prices although these are not excessive. Friday and Saturday night we have a pre arranged Menu 3 course meal served at table.

Saturday and Sunday breakfasts are served at a reasonable hour and once again it's waiter service.

ANYONE interested can contact me on millyfred@btinternet .com

or phone 01254830710.

or write to 16 BURY LANE,WITHNELL,NR CHORLEY PR6 8RX.LANCS.

Once again Hank my sincere thanks for your continued interest in our reunions.

Fred Aldred

If you wish and intend joining us please use comment form below

and leave your name for others to see who they may meet.

Hank

ROLL OF HONOUR 11 IND FLD SQN

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:09:00 +0000

{back to welcome page}

This Page is in Memory of Our Departed Mates

__________________________________

SPR JOHN THOMAS RYAN

Service Army

Service Number 23308689

Regiment/Corps RE

Place of Birth/Home Town Newcastle Staffs

Date of Birth 01 November 1937

Age 19

Date of Death 05 August 1957

___________________

SPR HARRY LANGSTAFF

Service Army

Service Number 23232892

Regiment/Corps RE

Place of Birth/Home Town Kirkstall Leeds

Date of Birth 13 December 1936

Age 19

Date of Death 10 September 1956

_______________________

SPR JAMES RAINFORD BULLOCK

Service Army

Service Number 23320028

Regiment/Corps RE

Place of Birth/Home Town Clitheroe Lancashire

Date of Birth 07 January 1938

Age 19

Date of Death 05 August 1957

_________________

SPR DANIEL ARMSTRONG

Service Army

Service Number 22808143

Regiment/Corps RE

Place of Birth/Home Town Glasgow Scotland

Date of Birth 15 May 1934

Age 21

Date of Death 14 March 1956

____________
CPL HENRI OTTO DE-ROHAN

Service Army
Service Number 22066884
Regiment/Corps RE
Place of Birth/Home Town Vienna
Date of Birth 28 September 1930
Age 25
Date of Death 21 December 1955

______________

PTE JAMES BROADBENT
Service Army
Service Number 23304701
Regiment/Corps ACC
Place of Birth/Home Town Bury
Date of Birth 02 November 1937
Age 24
Date of Death 28 October 1962

____________________

SPR DANIEL TURNER
Service Army
Service Number 23791299
Regiment/Corps RE
Place of Birth/Home Town Dunoon, Argyll
Date of Birth 13 August 1939
Age 23
Date of Death 21 September 1962

_____________________

SPR WILLIAM IDWAL JONES
Service Army
Service Number 23859528
Regiment/Corps RE
Place of Birth/Home Town Glamorgan, Wales
Date of Birth 16 July 1943
Age 19
Date of Death 21 September 1962

______________________

All Above From
Armed Forces Memorial in
Staffordshire

____________________________________________

Paddy Warnock

Died 11 Nov 1966

From Terry Welsh

PHOTO'S

______________________________________________

Michael Reynolds

1967-1969

Passed 21 April 2009

From Daughter

______________________________________________

Jock Brown

1963-65

Died 8 April 2002

From Tony Mitchell

______________________________________________

Norman Noddle

1960-1963

Died May 2008

From Geoff Lambourne

______________________________________________

Brian Mellett

1964-1967

Died 1991

From Daughter Liane

______________________________________________

Barry Gavin

1961-1963

may 2004

From His Wife Jackie

_______________________________________________

Guy Goodson

1957-1959

2008

_______________________________________________

Keith Spiller

1954-1957

25th July 2008

_______________________________________________

Fred Willcock

1959-1962

15th December 2007

_______________________________________________

Tony Eustace

1957-59

_______________________________________________

Hugh (Paddy) Ramsey

1958-61

_______________________________________________

Alex Rae

1967-70

Passed 7/8 years ago

_______________________________________________

Malcolm Van Gelder

RAE 1963-1965

Passed away 16 August 2008

http://malcolmvangelder.blogspot.com/

_______________________________________________

Frank Robinson

1966-1968

car accident in January. 1991

_______________________________________________

Yippee Goodwin

RAE

1957-1959

_______________________________________________

Tony Holmshaw

1963-1964 ,

died about 8 yrs ago in medway.

_______________________________________________

Mick Batterley

1969-1970

Sadly died a few years ago

whilst living in South Africa

________________________________________________

Ray Allison

1967-70

________________________________________________

Jerry Ruff

1962-1965

died 1998

info from daughter

________________________________________________

Lt. Ward Rob

1958-1961

Died 1982

From Wife Gloria

_________________________________________________

Chris Blackmore

1962-1965

_________________________________________________

Joe Cotton

1954-1957

Passed 9th June 2009

from Bob Williamson

_________________________________________________

Bryon Pennington

1963-66 1 troop

Bryon died on 6th December 2008

from Gordon his son

__________________________________________________

22823068 Tony Burtt

1954-55 Plant troop

Passed 12th Dec 2006

From wife Ann

___________________________________________________

Ted Pountain

1961-64 HQ troop

Passed 6th April 2005

From wife Irene

____________________________________________________

People who attended Coventry 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:08:00 +0000

{back to welcome page}

The following attended Coventry 2009

Check what they looked like

{Link to Past Present Album}

______________________________________________________

Norman & Rose Donaldson 1951-1952

Chunky Allan 1953-1957

Fred & Jessy Marshall 1954-1955

Terry & Sarah Tulles 1954-1955

Gordon Fox 1954-1956

John & Lucy Bishop 1954-1957

Ron & Chris Carter 1954-1957

Ray & Pauline Lambert 1954-1957

Terry & Judy Davis 410 sqn 1955-1957

Chris & Jan Enoch 1955-1958

Dawson Powell 1955-1958

Bob Williamson 1956-1959

George & Pat Nolan 1956-1958

Brian Billy & Lillian Purvis 1956-1958

Peter & Ann Sutton 1956-1959

Roy Devlin 1957-1958

Frank & Katusha Holden 1957

Tony & Sheila Goodridge 1957-1959

Bill & Maureen Murison 1957-1959

Bill Kibble & Jo 1957-1960

Richard & Heidi Clarke 1957-1960

Pete Dance 1957-1960 Booked

Dave & Pam Brunning 1958-1960

Alan Hann 1958-1959 from australia

Ray & Pam Schwalm 1958-1961

John Flynn 1959-1961

Bill Cole 1959-1962

John & Rose Docherty 1959-1962

Peter & Cheryl Keddie 1959-1962

Frank & Elsie Sowerby 1959-1962

John & Margaret Farrell 1959-1962

Mick Ramsay 410 sqn 1960-1962

Tiny & Pat Kennedy 1960-1963

Brian & Ann Marshall 1960-1963

Chris & Margaret Smith 1960-1963 and 1965-1968

Charles & Kathleen Waddington 1960-1963

John dinger & Margaret Bell 410 Sqn 1961-1962

Jimmy Farrell 1961-1964 from Australia

(Jackie & Lesley Gavin) Wife & Daughter of Barry. 1961-1963

Sid & Janice Hutchings 1961-1964 and 1966-1969

Geoff & Jeanette Lambourne 1961-1964

Julien & Mary Loach 410 Sqn 1961-1962

Jim & Shiela Scoular 1961-62

Kenny & Janet Williams 1961-1964

Russell & Mildred Jones 1962-1964

Mike Clemence 1962-1965

Fred Frape 1962-1965

Gerry & Veronica Gleeson 1962-65

K C Holder 1962-1965

Hank Lawrence 1962-1965

Tony & Jen Mitchell 1962-1965

Sammy & Jean Moore 1962-1965

Fernley & Patricia Tout 1962-1965

Dermont & Jenny Richards 1962-1966

Mike & Carol Barry 1963-1965

David Perchard 1963-1966

Tom Thornton 1963-1966

Gordon & Vicky Chave 1964-1966

Bob (sailor) Crowford 1964-1967

Adrian & Shirley Rogers 1964-1966 from Australia

Dave & Wendy Yeo 1964-1967

Mick & Jill Yeo 1964-1967

John & Val Olford 1965-1967

Denis & Sheila Holroyd 1965-1967

Nick & Marie Whatley 1965-1967

Harry & Babs Brittain 1965-1968

Doug & Sue Hamilton-Cox 1965-1968

Maurice & Silvea Day 1965-1968

Bob Holme 1966-1968

Terry Bridges 1965-1968

Alan Lambert 1966-1968

Ray Theakston 1966-1968

Harry & Audry Ramsay 1966-1968

Pete & Maureen Alexander 1967-1969

Steve Wilby 1967-1970

John & Ann McLoughlin 1967-1970

Fred Collings 1968-1969

Alan & Avis Hollyoak 1968-1970

John Lawton 1968-1970

Brian & Maureen Packman 1968-1970

Melvyn & Janet Wood 1968-1970

OP CROWN Brian Platt REME

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:21:00 +0000

BRIAN PLATT'S STORY

______________________________________________

OPERATION CROWN FROM A R.E.M.E. POINT OF VIEW.
The most expensive training exercise after Dieppe and the UK’s sop to the Yanks to show our support for Vietnam.

My recollections by Cpl. Platt Brian. REME. Attached from “2 Inf Wksp, Malacca”.
Age is affecting the memory now and I think it was July ’64 when I was told to report to ‘Op Crown’ for a six month tour. It was the news that Corporals stationed at “2 Inf. Air Portable Wksp. Malacca”, didn’t want to hear, but it fell to me to relieve the current incumbent.
So off I went to Tanglin Bks, Singapore and then via Changi to Ubon in an RAF Argosy, stopping for an hour at Bangkok to have our passports stamped.
The grinning countenance of those going in the other direction was enough to tell us they were glad to get away and on arrival at Ban Kok Talat we knew why.

It was the wet season '64 and work had stopped on the airstrip. Word must have gone ahead that I was an AKC operator and it wasn’t long before I was roped in to run the camp cinema and because numbers were low I set up the cinema in an empty barrack room instead of the open air one used previously. This meant of course that we could watch in all weathers. I showed the 'Longest Day' seven bloody times including the twenty minute musical intermission, once in the Officers Mess and they graciously allowed me one can of Tiger, free.
If you remember, the villagers were allowed into the camp to attend the cinema, which they did with great enthusiasm, but I am not sure they understood the dialogue.

I soon obtained a paid wife in the village who was called Anne (I couldn't pronounce her Thai name), and I cannot recall the name of the bar she worked in. She cost me the princely sum of 240 Bahts a week (60 to the £) because she was a looker and considered senior ranks only. I poached her off a Sergeant who had to return to the UK. This was considered the best way to avoid the CLAP. Does anyone remember the ‘Black Book’ kept in the MRS with a picture of all the village women in. This was so that you could finger the one who gave you a dose.

As for Mekon 'Whisky' - that got me into real trouble just before I left. It was Christmas and we had a party in one of the Bars. I’m normally a beer man, but this time I got onto the Mekon. I left the party at 9-15 p.m. the intention to get back for curfew. It knocked me out as soon as I stepped out into the fresh air. I know I didn’t turn left like I should have done and didn't remember a thing until I woke up in the guardroom early next morning, without a hangover. Apparently the Town Patrol had found me sleeping it off in one of the village huts and took me back to camp. Try telling that to the CO. He docked me two weeks wages and confined me to barracks for the rest of my stay. I still don’t know if I enjoyed it!

On the operations front; I probably worked with John Docherty as I inspected and worked on the Scammel tractor units after I arrived . We had to scavenge parts off others to get two into working order, mainly the winches, which were like a 'cats cradle' puzzle and seized up.
I was also the designated driver of the Scammel Recovery Vehicle so I was sent out on all the breakdowns.

The reason for the urgency to repair the Scammel’s soon became apparent as they were needed to bring spares up from Bangkok.

It was several weeks later when someone in their wisdom dispatched a Scammel plus Queen Mary trailer with accompanying 2nd Lt. and Landrover to Bangkok without REME backup.
It came as no surprise when myself and Sgt. Moreton, a Recovery Mechanic, were dispatched with the Recovery vehicle at an hours notice to go and meet them on the return journey. We joined them at Korat after a bumpy two day drive.
A few minor repairs were carried out and the next day we set off home.
The first obstacle on the second day out from Korat is shown in pictures 1- 3. On the way down light and with the exit from the bridge in the opposite direction they had managed to keep the inner trailer wheels on the planks - just.
There was no way we could do it in on the way back. The turning circle of the trailer was just too tight. With a man guiding and just the inner part of the front wheels on the planks (Pic 1) we edged over until, with a crunch, the trailer wheels slipped off the planks and

Pic 1
snapped the ends off the cross poles on the bridge. (Pics 2 & 3). In Pic 3 note the stretcher pole under the front wheel. It is bending.
Sgt. Moreton and I tried to shore up the bridge with all that we had on the recovery vehicle, but in the end it was decided there was only one way. Shut your eyes and pray.

Pic 2

Pic 3

All personnel were cleared off the bridge, and with Moreton guiding from a safe distance I engaged gear and went for it. I ignored the sound coming from the rear and we snapped the end of every the cross spar on the nearside of the bridge, but we got across by the ‘Grace of God’ in one piece.
We hastily packed our gear and left the scene as quickly as possible, hoping that no one had seen us.

Pic’s 4 & 5 tell of the next obstacle. As I said earlier; it was the wet season and this diversion was by way of a muddy earth causeway built across the bed of the river. After a quick recce we did temporary repairs and edged the Scammel on to it. Pic 4 shows the front wheels on the mud and the trailer wheels just on the planks at the rear.

Pic 4

Pic 5 shows me checking our repairs as the vehicle edges cautiously across.

Pic 5

The real problem here was getting on the causeway and getting off at the other end as the turning circle was quite tight. In between you hoped that the cross members and the, by now waterlogged embankment, could take the weight.
It did, and unfortunately the photo’s run out at this moment, because down the road awaited a proper recovery moment.

That evening a piece of open ground at the front of the local town hall compound was considered ideal to park up for the night. The grass was knee high and a lush green (Wet Season) and probably would have grown rice just as well.
The plan was to drive through the gates, down the gravel drive and circle clockwise to park inward facing the drive. Need I say more!

The following morning Sgt. Moreton and I planned the best way to drag a Scammel and trailer, plus load, wallowing axle deep in mud, back to safety. We were not happy bunnies and a certain 2nd Lt. kept a low profile although he did volunteer and unload the grader.
There was a lot of hard work preparing a 3: 1 winch line pull from the recovery vehicle (it meant hammering 60 x 3ft. spikes into some dry ground) and a lot of digging under the grounded vehicle to free it from the cloying mud with the whole town watching ( Try telling a few hundred people to stand back in case the winch rope snaps when you can’t speak Thai).
We managed it after a couple of hours work and were soon on our way. Another overnight stop in Ubon and home the following day.

I have no pictures of the next trip to Bangkok a month later. It was just as interesting, but for different reasons. Sgt. Moreton had returned to Malacca in disgrace for an alleged incident arising from his time in Op Crown, so I was volunteered again, this time as second in command with a different 2nd Lt. who had instructions to keep an eye on spending as the previous trip had overspent their allowances.

Our convoy was two tractor/trailers, one Recovery Scammel plus a Landrover. A recovery mechanic accompanied me while the rest of the group were a mixture of Regiments among them RA. The journey down was straightforward and we reached Bangkok late on the third or fourth day. However it became obvious that we (Other ranks) were going to have a hard time on the allowances we had been given. Our sleeping quarters were camp beds on the balcony of the YMCA (no comments, please) and we had to eat out at a bar/restaurant by the dock gates, but prices only allowed for one meal a day so we had to dig into our own pockets.
As the senior NCO. I first went to see our Officer on the second evening who was living in 5* luxury in the Grand Hotel. He wasn’t pleased to see me but did hand over some more allowances, however the next morning I tackled him again and tried to explain the price situation and he refused point blank to give any more.
I blotted my record good and proper when I lost my temper with him and with a rush of blood hurled my beret across Bangkok docks. I did apologise, but it would never be forgotten.

Our return loads were a Generator and a large weird shaped Hopper assembly for a concrete mixer. This caused a problem from the start as the only way to load it was with a five foot long arm sticking out on the offside of the trailer at head height. We had a red light we could attach to the end of it, but it meant we could not travel after dark.

Things went smoothly and our first stop was Korat. However, early on the third day the clutch gave out on the Tractor unit pulling the Generator. No Problem; remove the front-wheel drive propshaft and tow the whole shebang. The plan was to go on ahead and let them make their own way. This changed just a few miles down the road when the fuel pump gave up on the remaining tractor unit.

Because of the trailers we couldn’t tow in tandem so there was nothing for it, but to send for a new fuel pump. Three of us stayed with the broken down vehicle and the towed one made its own steady progress, while the Lt. went ahead to phone for the spares.

I loved working on the Rolls Royce diesel fitted in the Scammel Tractor units and the fuel pump was stripped out in a little over half an hour. Then we had the long wait at the side of the road until the spare pump arrived the next day. Food was the next thing and one of our number was dispatched on a passing bus to the nearest village. He duly arrived back with ‘Fried rice’ with an egg on top, wrapped in banana leaves and some fruit. This meal was to have a resounding effect on all three of us. We boiled up a brew and settled for a long uncomfortable night.

The spare pump was delivered early the next day, the driver having driven late into the night before taking a break and we were soon on our way again. We kept going until we reached Ubon after dark and we stayed overnight with the Aussies who fed us well.

Kok Talat was reached without incident just after lunch, but by nightfall three of us were in the MRS with amoebic dysentery contracted no doubt from the food and fruit we had eaten by the side of the road.

I won’t go into detail, but I lost nearly a stone in weight over the next fortnight, which I couldn’t afford to do as I’m a natural skinny and only weighed eleven and a half stone to start with. I enjoyed two weeks R&R after that down in Pattaya to help me recover and I used the experience there as the subject of a short story I wrote for a magazine.

I was getting demob happy by now and life just dragged until the Mekon incident at Christmas. January saw me back in Malaya and not even the inducement of a third stripe could keep me in the Army, a decision I have lived to regret, but then again I would never have met Jenny, my wife.

22967504 Brian Platt. REME.
Aka. JB. Woods, author of ‘Stolen Birthright’ ISBN: 978-1-4092-0062-8
Available on Amazon.co.uk, Borders or Tesco books.

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/stolen-birthright/2147378

HELP FINDING EX RE MEMBERS

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:21:00 +0000

{back to welcome page}

Help To Find The Following

If you have any hints as to location

and proper initials please let me know

click on Hank below

Hank

_____________________________________

from Geoff Lambourne

Hi Hank,Looking for, ( Pencil ) Pete Allen, from Hull I think, also Paddy Scanlon and Yorkie Farrar who I think came from Batley Yorkshire. Hope that somebody can help. Geoff

Loffty Knight 1959-62 1 Troop.

Vic Vickers 1958-61 1 Troop.

Piggy Bates 1958-61. 1 troop

MTO Lt Sinclair 1965?

Alan Gruby 1962-1965 11ind fld sqn
Frank Lawrence cpl 1962-65 11ind fld sqn midlands
Mick Ford 1962-65 11ind fld sqn
Simpson 1959 11ind fld sqn
Tom George 1957-60 11ind fld sqn
John Kenyon 11ind fld sqn 1964-67

Danny Kenny 11ind fld sqn 1962-65

Names from Randy Pantin

Paddy Yates

Paddy Duncan

George Bianchini

Andy Andreadi Jamaica

Roy Farnham Barbados

Jo Nelson Antigua

Vic Noel Granada

Scouse Lewis

Les Rose

Dixie Dean

Bob Cox

Nick and Bella Rashin FIJI

Meston brothers

Lofty Green

___________

From Tony Catherall

1 Troop

Capt M C Arber

Sgt Robbo Robinson

Cpl Don Beales

Cpl Bill Budden

Sgt Jim Humpries

Spr Jack Harrison

Spr Lofty Knight

Spr Jim Lattice

Spr Charlie Lowe

Spr John Williams

3 TROOP

Capt Bromidge deceased

Sgt Willcock

Sgt Burk

Cpl Peter Hedge

Spr Jack Savage

LCpl Paddy Butler

Spr Nobby Clarke.

PARK TROOP

Capt Geoff Woolatt

Kimber

Pegg

Peter Broadbent

George Sukoo

Frank Farnsworth

Kirk

Fred Bussey

Bill Carrick

Beula

HQ TROOP

Capt Fraser-Allen found

Capt Noel

SSM Grocott

SSM Muston

Sgt Arthur Wilson

Spr Ray Cooke

Spr Geoff Phelps

Spr Paddy Smythe

Spr Jock McFarlane

Spr Bill McKay

Spr Paul Phelps

Bill McGrath

Spr Mick Avery

Troop?

Ted Crockshaw

Terry Connolly

Paul Groom

Johnny Butler

R.A.E. Troops 11 IND FLD SQN MALAYA

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:14:00 +0000

{Back To Welcome Page}

[Link To Photo Album]

[Anzac Day 2009 Album]

{2009 Reunion Coventry UK}

Click on Flag, Link to 11 Sqn Lines Terendak 2008

__________________________________________________________

New Addition April 09

Percy Bevan 2 Troop

_____________________________________________

I have been informed today that
Malcolm Van Gelder Passed away 16 August 2008
Condolances to Helen and family From us all

Link to. Malcolm van Gelder - In Memoriam

______________________________________________

New addition to list August 2008

Gordon Graham 1965-67

____________________________________________________________

This part of my site is for those Diggers that served with 11 Independent Field Squadron
Malaya.
It will Include the names from the following Field Troops.Thats if the names come in.
If you wish your name added to the list which will be after the 11 Sqn list

Please let me have your email and dates served plus which troop.

4 Troop RAE October 1955 to October 1957

2 Troop RAE October 1957 to October 1959

2 Troop RAE October 1959 to October 1961

4 Troop RAE October 1961 to November 1963

2 Troop RAE November 1963 to March 1965

2 Troop RAE October 1965 to November 1967

2 Troop RAE November 1967 to February 1970

If anyone wants to contact any of us about friends they knew in Malaya we possibly can help as we have the addresses of most of 4 Troop people and also many other whereabouts or who to contact to other Troop groups. try Trevor Smart

This is just the beginning for this Page and will add things as i receive them.
Thanks to those who have already contacted me
I Must say a special thank you to
Michael Ryan RAEA. WA
For his help in this

_________________________________________________

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

________________________________________________

New contacts July 08

Don Scott 2 troop 1957-59 plus 4 troop later

Welcome to Frank Sexton 2 troop 1963-65

2nd July 2008

________________________________________________

Hank needs help, looking for info on

Phil Jones 2 troop 1959-61

and Cliff Weiss 2 troop 1959-61

Reply from Geoff Lambourne UK Oct 2008

Hi Hank, Info on Cliff Weiss, Cliff died in 1981, there is a plaque to commemorate his death at Lavarack Barracks chapel memorial garden near Townsville Queensland.

Phil Jones, Big Phil died in June 2008, after a fall at home then a spell in hospital

from which he never came out. Sorry to be the bearer of sad news. Geoff

_____________________________________________________________-

ANZAC DAY Paddle in the Cockle

It was with great pleasure that with the floating of my Mark 7 Cockle Canoe, that I could do something to remember our war heroes. My idea was to paddle from South Perth to Fremantle, leaving at dawn to paddle under the Narrows Bridge and below the War Memorial at Kings Park when the dawn service was taking place.
When we arrived at South Perth the bright lights of the city sky scrapers reflected in the river, it was a beautiful sight. As the dark morning brightened up to a dim light the Mark 7 was lifted in the water. Jan my first partner slid into the front cockpit, I in the back. We paddled a short circuit before finally taking off.
Our group of Helen Moreby, Helen Breed, Helen Cooksey, Margaret Toohey, Steve Coffey and Jan and I headed towards the Narrows Bridge and after onto Matilda Bay where Jan would swap seats with John Tomczak.
It was cool on shore but after paddling for five minutes my warm clothing soon had me sweating. It was now light and as we neared the bridge a bunch of Tiger Moths flew over Kings Park where the Anzac service was taking place. Our passing beneath Kings Park seemed a fitting tribute. Although the Cockle Mark 7 canoe may not have been used by Australian soldiers, we now know they were used in the Second World War on several secret missions by British soldiers.
When John took over from Jan at Matilda Bay a multitude of boats of the Royal Perth Yacht Club were anchored in pens, they looked a pretty picture in the early morning sun. Helen and Margaret left us here to return to South Perth but Helen Moreby, Helen Breed and Steve slipped out of the bay beside us. We talked about the rich people that owned the huge houses overlooking the water. No one seemed jealous - but are they as happy as we are???
As we passed over sandy shallows of Pelican Point and across the quiet and calm Swan Estuary Marine Park, John spoke about his 20 year military service. It had been a big part of his life and he was very pleased to be part of today’s paddle, to remember his own military service and the sacrifice that many people gave in past conflicts.We reached Point Walter quicker than I thought we would and had coffee and cake and watched the wind increase and chop up the water. Here we left the two Helen's to continue eating and Alaine who had been the support crew up to that time changed over with John, who was picked up by his partner Millie.
As we entered a new and ruffled phase of our journey we left the beach against a pounding chop and as the wind blew strongly along the side of the boat, it made it difficult to steer a straight course and go in the direction we wanted to go. Steve, who was now the last kayak to accompany us was taking a much better course, he had a rudder and it was working to his advantage. To get to where we wanted to go we had to pause every few minutes, turn the boat in a new direction and then paddle again. The area was active with about eight kite surfers. They looked a spectacular sight but at times got a little too close; one just missed Steve by a couple of metres. Once across the sandbar the conditions and wind eased and we regained control of the boat. From then on the river was stirred up by a convoy of boats, some that looked more like ocean liners.
It had been a great day and as we pulled up near the Left Bank Pub it was actually sad to stop. By the time I had got home that night my friend Lawrence had tracked down a lot more information about the Cockle 7. There are only about 18 of these around the world and only a handful are actually sea worthy

**************************

Just a question about a football trophy

Tony Cliffy Cliffe 59 Sqn 1964-66
Can anyone remember
the crown football team that beat the aussies in Ubon I was right half ..We won a cup wonder where it is now.

Hank says, maybe it went the way of the flags CRE and 59 SQN

2 Troop history book

click on picture

______________________________________

Help

Okay diggers i need help, i was informed that one of the lads from 1 troop 1962-65

went to australia later in the 60s.

His name Dave Meers. hoping maybe there is a way of searching at your end,

any advice or help even finding him would be great

Thanks very much

Hank Lawrence

____________________________________________________

I am forwarding some photo's out of a book that was written by Simon Wilson [Snow ] and David Wicks The book is called Destination Malaya 1963-65 and is full of memories and about the sappers who were pulled together in Australia from 1/2 a dozen different units and got on together so well that we are still having reunions although we have lost a few mates.

24649 Private Tom Abberfield
311397 Sapper Ian Benson
13706 L Cpl Noel M Butler
2143754 Sapper Brian Cribbs
5411092 Sapper Denis G Fitzhenry
214121 Sgt Bruce W Parsons
36907 Cpl Peter J Stokes
214667 Sapper Ian Tibbles
14411 Lcpl j Barnett
243081 Sapper L W Jones {Bill]

At The going down of the sun , and in the morning we will remember them

Lest We Forget

_______________________________________________

Try This Site

By Pam

for 208 Signals Terendak check it out

Great photos of the camp etc.

http://www.marsden.me.uk/army/army_index.html

Thanks Pam

________________________________________________________________

{Back To Welcome Page}

ROLL CALL RAE

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:45:00 +0000

{Back To Welcome Page}

To Contact people email
Hank
I can link your name to your email direct if required.
Let me know. Be aware it is then open to anyone.
I can also show phone numbers if you wish
Any information about yourself you would like to add next to entry
email me.

_________________________________________________

Aitken Morrie 2 troop & 4 troop 1961-64
Boxsell Alan Lofty 4 troop 1961-63
Bradley Cec 4 troop
Buckley Ken 4 troop
Carlon Bob 4 troop
Channer Dion. 2 Troop known as Dion Hands
Cox Grahame 4 troop
Crosby Bing. 2 Troop sgt in Malaya retired major
Donaldson Bob Jock 4 troop
Eakin Paul 4 troop
Foote Norman. 4 Troop 1961-63
Gayford Tex 4 troop
Gentle Kenny 4 troop
Goodwin Yippee R.I.P 2 troop 1957-59

Graham Gordon troop cmd 1965-67
Griffiths Norman 4 troop

Hanrahan Terry 2 troop 1957-59 and 1963-65
Hay Stan 4 troop
Hermans Theo 2 troop 1969-1970
Hess Darryl fred 4 troop

Hill Allan (sticks) 2 troop 1957-59
Hodges Allan. 2 Troop Brigadier retired 1963-1965
Hogan John 4 troop
Jaggar Norm 4 troop
Janvrin Ron 4 troop
Jarvis Ron 4 troop
Jeffers Col 4 troop
Johnson Max 2 troop commander Capt 1957-59
Johnstone Steve 4 troop
Jolly Ken 2 Troop TPI 1963-1965
Judd Colin Doc I was corp sigs I was in Borneo with 11fd sqn when they put a bailey ovewr the sungei tempsak at Kota belud,
Kelly Jack 4 troop
Kelly Michael 4 troop
Kimberley Jim 4 troop
Kimberley Jim. 2 Troop 1964-1967
Lee Russell 4 troop
Lennon Barry B. 2 Fld Troop 1963-1965 ex officer
Marychurch Bob 4 troop
McCaig Ian 4 troop
McLean Ian 2 troop 1966-1968
McLean Warrick 4 troop
Menzies Wally 4 troop
Murray Wally 4 troop
Plumb Russell 4 troop
Quin Bob. 4 Troop 1961-1963
Reed Bob 4 troop
Richardson Alan 4 troop
Richardson Alan. 4 Troop 1961-1963
Richter Joe 4 troop
Rockcliffe Rocky 4 troop
Saunders Brian 4 troop
Scott Don 2 troop1957-1959 back later with 4 Troop
Sexton Frank 2 troop 1963-65
Shelley Trevor 2 Fld Troop 1967-1969
Smart Trevor . 4 Troop 1961-63
Sutton William M. 2 Troop driver with 2 field troop 1963-1965 and drove the old comer tipper
Tomczak John 2 Troop 1964-1967
Van Gelder Malcom. 4 troop 1961-63 2 Troop 1963-1965 Lt Col retired RIP
Varcoe Peter 4 troop
Wilson Barry 4 troop
Wilson Snow. 2 Troop 1963-1965
Young Henry 4 troop 1961-63 2 troop 1965-67

{Back To Welcome Page}

OP CROWN POST CROWN THAILAND All UNITS

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:29:00 +0000

{Back To Welcome Page}

[Roll Call]

{All PHOTO ALBUMS}

[OP CROWN YOUR SPECIALS]

From Terry Welsh

_____________________________________________

Link To Official details for Op Crown

2 Troop RAE story Op Crown

______________________________________

Welcome to

Jack Firth 54 Sqn 1965-67

16th Nov 09

________________________________________

New Addition Oct 09

Ron Tobin 54 Sqn 1965-67

_______________________________________

New Photos Colour Op Crown

Cliff Watts

RAOC 1966

_______________________________________

New Additions Sept 09

Eddie Vincent 11 sqn 1964

________________________________________

New Additions June 09

Richard Johnston 11 sqn 1967

Tony Davidson 249 Signals Sqn 1965

Brian Webb 11 sqn 1965+66

David Folwell 1964 11 Sqn

Gerry Gleeson 1964 11Sqn

____________________________________

New Additions May 09

Bob sailor Crowford 1966 11 Sqn att. RCT Scammell sect.

Rob Cooke 2Lt 11 Sqn 1967

Terry Bridges 11 sqn 1965+66 officers mess

John Thackray 3 troop 59 Sqn

Billy Stuart 11 Sqn 1965-69

Ray Hall 1965-66 249 Royal Signals Det.

______________________________________

New Photo Album Added

{Cliff Watts RAOC 1966}

________________________________

New contacts April 09

Brian Magowan 59 sqn 1964-66

Brian Parsons 59 sqn 1964-65

Ian Duffin HQ from 61 Fld Pk Sqn 1965-66

Arthur Nix 14 Air Amb RAMC 1964

Peter Coates 1966-69

David Keen 59 Sqn 1963-65

Jim Varden 59 Sqn 1963-65

___________________________________________________________

Latest News from Jim Curtis Ubon

On Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 1:43 PM, Jim Curtis <jimcurtis37@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:> Hi John, Apologies for not answering sooner but I have been VERY busy and when I eventually returned from up country the internet was down. But here goes. Yes please, put my e-mail address on your web site, I'm looking forward to hearing from the old mob and I will try to answer any mail that I receive. I hope that the pictures that I've attached are OK and that the wizened old man that appears in some of them doesn't frighten the kids too much. I was in Ban Kok Telat (nowadays more commonly called Ban Kok Samlan) yesterday and returned to Ubon on the bus in the evening. The airfield is now under the control of the Thai military and they have constructed a firing range on the far side of the runway. Occasionally you can hear gunfire. In fact, when I was there yesterday, I heard the sound of explosions as if they were carrying out a demolition exercise. Although the army uses this firing range they have not excluded anyone from the airfield and it is quite open and accessible and, yes, the shit buffalos still wander across the runway. On clear days you can still see the mountains on the skyline and the runway stretches to the far distance: 1.5 kilometres but it looks much further. When I left in 1966 it was tarmac but now it is a concrete runway. There are one or two reminders of the "camp" that are still recognisable. All the timber and galvanised iron have disappeared, (if you look closely they can be seen at various houses around the village) and there are no gates anywhere. However, you can still see the swimming pool, which looks very neglected, and the concrete foundations of several buildings, (the Medical Centre and the Plant Workshops etc.) and the main access road through the camp is still serviceable. Nowadays, the runway is mainly unused but it sometimes serves as a driving school. Many drivers learn how to crash their gears and jump their car forward with great kangaroo leaps (reminds me of the MT section) but there was one stunning event that I witnessed a couple of years ago. The runway had been turned into a drag strip for highly tuned motor bikes. There seemed to be three classes: 100cc, 110cc and 125cc. There was a huge tent with many, many trophies and a very respectable person to present them. A PA system kept everyone informed (in the Thai language) and called the competitors from the pit area: there was electronic timing with professional style countdown lights, a large electronic display of the winning times and the whole thing was serviced by several food tents serving the local spicy dishes. I was very impressed. The young Thai men were merciless with their machines and I swear that some of the engines were revving at over 12000 rpm. Several engines failed and you could feel the disappointment as there was a sudden change in the sound coming from the engine when something broke and the rider sat up resigned to cruising the rest of the track. But I had forgotten my camera! The attached photos are:- the deserted runway, two of the road going through the village looking towards Ubon (now a dual carriageway), and a couple of shots of me with some bananas from my garden. I hope they arrive alright. I'll try to keep in touch but sometimes things here get hectic. Best wishes, Jim Curtis. Ubon, Thailand. p.s. Feel free to forward my e-mails to other members of the group. It will save me and my typing finger a lot of work.

Jim

[Jims Photo Link]

______________________________________

Just In From Noel Jackson 18 Jan 09

Son of Arthur Jackson

It's Noel Jackson once again (son of Sgt Arthur Jackson).I hope you and yours are all well. The reason for my email today is to let you and any others you think may be interested know that I have just arrived back from Ban Kudhae which is my village just north of the "new" Loeng Nok Tha which has simply increased in size since the days of Op Crown. The Loeng Nok Tha you may have known is now called Loeng Gow by the Thais i.e. old Loeng. Since I first contacted yourself and Hank Lawrence I had set my mind on going back once again to Ban Khok Talat again to try and relate some of your excellent photos to what is there today. Well, firstly Ban Khok Talat is no more. It has been renamed Ban Khok Samran. There is a sign on the southbound side of the new two-lane highway 212 that I'm told says that it is the property of an airforce base in Roi Et Province and that motorcycle racing and other such illegal (drug related) acivities are strictly forbidden but you know how much attention will be paid to that when there's nobody there to police it. If you follow the sign down an extremely beaten up dirt track. (Really a pickup truck is recommended as a car will ground. Luckily for me my sister-in-law has an Isuzu DMax Highlander) you will arrive at the "parking" end of the runway i.e. the highest end. We drove up and down the runway which is still in the same condition as per the photos taken in 2005 in your website but with one slightly uneven patch near the low end of the runway. Thais were using it to learn to drive.I was looking for signs of the footing for the tower, the swimming pool and the camp in general. Back in 1996 I thought I saw something that I didn't recognise but now realise was the swimming pool but now can't find again. I couldn't see anything of the control tower footings or the camp. The area of the camp is completely overgrown and I wasn't bold enough to venture into the bushes! The drainage ditch along the western edge of the runway along the site of the control tower plinths and under the taxiway to the "parking" area is still intact complete with concrete ducts. I did wander around the bushes near the western edge of the northern end of the runway where I thought I could see concrete bases and plinths. Yes some are still there despite some being cracked and grown through by trees. Around this area I found the road back to Ban Khok Talat. I think this road and the road by which I entered the site are the only remaining entrances.I have a couple of photos of the site and a little video footage but the photos are a little embarassing (wife, daughter, sister-in-law and nephew included) and video very amateurish.One of my objectives this year was to trace the route of the Post Crown Road. I wanted to see if the memorial plaque was still around and travelled along a very long, wide, straight road to Ban Nong Phok and back to Loeng Gow. No obvious signs of the plaque but it was made more difficult because I didn't know if it was in Nong Phok or Loeng Gow. Do you know or is there anyone known to the website where the stone was laid? I'll try to find out more next trip with your help hopefully.If there is anyone that wants to visit Ban Khok Samran but are a little unsure of transport or anything please ask them to contact me and I'll be happy to offer advice as I'm an annual visitor to the area, biannual if I'm lucky!Hope I haven't bothered you too much!!

Kind Regards,Noel Jackson

_______________________________________________________

Additions Mar 09

Michael McGawley 59 sqn 1964-1967

Stewart Hulley 1964-66 59sqn 1966-67 34sqn

Additions Jan 09

Alan Myers 1964-1965 ACC

Alan Card. 1968 RAF Police Detachment

Harry Collar 1964 16 Fld Ambulance

Additions Dec 08

Ernie Yeomans 1966-67 16 Fld Amb

Additions Nov 08

Martin Hobbs 1968 54 Plant

Additions Oct 08

John J Forbes 34 sqn 1966

George Gasson 59 sqn 1964

Eddy Brown 11 sqn 1966

Cliff Watts RAOC 1966

______________________________________

Addition Sept 08

Ian Nicolson 16 Fld Amb 1963-64

Brian (Topper) Brown 54 Sqn 1967

Dave (tiny) Chapman 59 Sqn 1964-65

___________________________________________

Op Crown Garments for sale

Price List and ordering procedure for Op. Crown garment items
Tie (Standard) - £7.00
Tie (Clip-On) - £8.00

With the Crown only Embroidery:
Blazer - £52.00
Polo shirt - £6.00
T-Shirt - £4.00
Sweatshirt - £7.00

With the Flag and Crown Embroidery:
Blazer - £54.00
Polo shirt - £7.00
T-Shirt - £5.00
Sweatshirt - £8.00

Please note prices quoted are exclusive of VAT and P&P.

The manufacturer has since advised me of the procedure they wish everyone to follow when ordering items and so prevent any problems arising. I therefore suggest that you email your order to the company so that when they receive it along with your details they then can allocate you with your own account number.

So the layout I suggest and I’ve used my details as a guide, when sending in your order is:

To: emmak@iaw.co.uk
Subject: Operation Crown garments
Name: Carlton Brown
Address: 2 Rogers Close Quidhampton SALISBURY Wiltshire SP2 9AU
Tel.no: (01722) 744152

Items required:

Item Size Qty. Price
Blazer (with flag/crown badge) 42’’ 1 £00.00
“T” shirt – (insert your own size) medium 1 £00.00
Polo shirt – (insert your own) medium 1 £00.00
Sweat shirt –(insert your own size) medium 1 £00.00
Operation Crown tie (regular or clip on) Clip on 1 £00.00

Also, please note that when ordering an Op. Crown tie the company would like numbers to build up to 50 before placing an order with their supplier, which is normal practice. So when numbers ordered have reached 50 the company will then advise you of the delivery time.

This is true also of other items ordered when the company will allow numbers for each item to build before placing the order with their embroiderers so as to keep costs down. Then when your order has been fulfilled the company will dispatch the items to you enclosing an invoice that includes not only the cost of each item but VAT and post and packaging.

I hope this helps but if you have any queries either contact me on the above number or alternatively contact the company on (01722) 711117 and ask for Emma Kirkpatrick. If you so wish you can request details of other products that the company supplies.

Click on link and follow Admin/News link

Link to View Garments

________________________________________________________

Addition Aug 08

Charlie Hankinson 59/54 1966-67

Ray Chalkley 59 sqn

Jim Machin 59 sqn 1964

Taffy Jones 1964 11 Sqn

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Please get in touch so i can add you to the list

J.J. FORBES CALLING.SERVED WITH 34 FD SQN.OCT 1966,

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New addition July 08

Sherida'n (Bert) Price 16 Fld Amb RAMC

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New call for help. 15 july 08
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.
Terrie Jack

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From Willy Bach 15th July 08

Dear Hank and I have included Cris Smith Just to let you know that I got to Leong Nok Tha and have done some filming and a lot of still pictures on the runway. I got away rather late from home after sending some important emails. I tried the newere internet cafe near the water tower - much faster and could use own lap top. I took a rather slow tuk tuk for the 22 km journey to the Friendship Bridge, crossed the bridge and the border and got a a/c 4x4 to Nong Khai, then on to Udon Thani, another 55 kms south and stayed there Sunday night in a very comfortable guest house which gets used for "visa runs". Yes, I am staying in Leong Nok Tha and it is so different from 15.5 yrs ago. I stepped off the bus, after a gruelling 7.5 hrs ride from Udorn Thani, not air conditioned, found somewhere to stay and immediately heard a lot of noisy music. My guest house manager and I were swept along by this colourful procession which included two utes each with a monk on a chair on top of a decorated bed. Each of the monks wore white robes and threw little yellow bows to the crowd, who rushed to pick them up. The people were dancing and urging me to join them and offering sips of beer through straws. The loud music was Issan style, played on a well-amplified electric guitar accompanied by about ten drummers, all walking in the procession. I told the guitarist that he was the Carlos Santana of Issan. This went on for several hours through the streets to the temple. They were celebrating the fact that these guys were beoming three month monks. Leong Nok Tha now has motorways, new buildings and seem to be partly quite prosperous now. Lotus Tesco has not reached here, but they are in all the major towns of NE Thailand - always with the same business plan - build on the outskirts and try to put all existing business out of business in the centre of town (so much like Australia) Spppprrraaaaawwl. Thailand has a clever system with their traffic lights that I saw in Bangkok and other places. The red and green lights are counted down with the seconds displayed in large illuminated numerals. It stops people from running red lights. There are hardly any people who speak English here, so have to practise, but these people want to correct my Lao into Issan Thai (oh-oh - complication), although I have seen and met three European men, one Scottish lives here with Thai wife, another, Danish American also has Thai wife, was in the US Navy in Vietnam War, only watches TV and drinks, Speaks no Thai, doesn't mix with people (all sounds like a war damaged veteran to me). I have also been talking to Marc Tiley from the BBC. This is his latest news: "I have some confirmed interest from the History Channel and now just chasing Channel 5 to see if they'll chip in some money to make a joint production possible... we'll see." He is hoping to do our story, which I think would be great for some of us who would like to see the story told on TV. So, I was at the airfield yesterday morning and did some movie footage and a 'piece to camera' introductory statement, as John Pilger would do. It was hot, around 33 degrees and windy, which affects the sound quality. As I was filming myself from the front I don't know if my eyes were closed. Also did lots of still shots with my little point and shoot, much improved with the use of a tripod I bought in Udon Thani at a very reasonable price. By the way, I did not see the plaque and wonder whether it might have been discarded when the road was widened. It is now two lanes each way, dual carriageway. I think the Post Crown Works road might have been paved over in a similar upgrade. I am trying to find out how to get to Phu Mu, the US communications base on a hill, perhaps 8 kms from the airfield. I mustn't spend too much time in internet cafes. So far, I am hoping to leave here on Thursday, Leong Nok Tha to Mukdahan, Mukdahan to Savanakhett - then to Vientiane. I will have my phone back on when I cross into Laos. RegardsWilly Bach

From Mick Norton

Yes, I was there, an unforgettable 24 hours! I remember the visiting artists were Harry Seacombe, or as he said, "RE" Seacombe, Anita Harris, Billy Burden and the Amazing Focal, a mind reader. From memory the acts performed from the end of the church, St Andrews and were well received. Unfortunately the amount of ale supped by the audience upset the management and many 54, and other Crown personnel were found pissing up against the church or vomiting in the general area. Nothing unusual about that other than it was witnessed by a puritanical OC and SSM, (Pete Davidson), who tried in vain to bring some semblance of order to the situation. We were sent back to the tented Hong Kong Camp and woke up the next morning to the sound of Crown camp officers shouting, "Get on parade with your best kit !" As you will remember the best part of Hong Kong camp personnel only possessed the OG shorts. floppy hat and a pair of boots they stood up in ! We were then administered "Field Punishment" for the previous evening's disgusting behaviour. "Run them till they drop" came the shout from 54's OC Perry the Ponce, Driscoll. We duly obliged in the midday heat of 120 degrees F. As we stood quivering from exhaustion I can still remember Driscoll's threat to the assembled parade. "Don't forget you drunken rabble, I set the targets, you will achieve! If I hear of one of you attempting to sabotage the project or the plant I will guarantee you will be court martialled." As a result of that 24 hours 3 x SNCOs had to leave Crown Camp under their own steam, Jock Cameron, Tom Canning and Bob Haynes, but that's another fantastic story. The field punishment incident was probably the last administered by the British Army?

Though this incident lives on it is not as bad as the mutiny which took place at Crown Camp in 1966 when the entire shift refused to go to work on the airfield after an Aussie entertainments hour with the NAFFI bar allowed to stay open. The whole lot of us trooped out of Nash Gate and off down the village for more ale and bollocks to the job. Some ended up in Changi, others were sent back to the UK and stripes removed. Oh happy days. 29 of us were charged.

Sawadee Kop,
Mick

Can you help with the following

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Hi Hank,

We haven't met but I am very intereted in your photos of Op Crown since my father served there and met and married my mother. Particularly I am interested in photo no 82 showing the senior ranks. Do you have a list of the people sitting in the shot as is customary with military photos like this? I would like to know the name of the person in the middle row, first on the right. I think it's my dad but would be grateful if you could confirm it.

from Noel

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25 Feb 08

New addition

Tony Cliffy Cliffe 59 Sqn 1964-66

Can anyone remember

the crown football team that beat the aussies in Ubon I was right half ..We won a cup wonder where it is now.

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Can anyone help with contacts for Australian medics .

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Welcome Gordon King 45 Fld pk sq 1964

Transporting plant from ubon

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Welcome Tom Canning 59 sqn 1966 plus 54 sqn 1967-68

also Michael Burgin 59 sqn 1964-66

also Peter Limb 54 sqn att 59 sqn 1964-66

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Welcome to Ray Hough 59 Sqn 1964-66

Tipper driver

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Anyone now Ted Stratton think 54 Sqn around 1965

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The photos of the magazine write up on Op Crown should be able to download them and view them with your photo edit software, to see full size.

Or i can email large size to you if that fails, this goes for most photos.

Hank

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New Addition to list

Wally Boldock 54 Sqn 1965 and 1966

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Latest addition

From Ron Bretton

Hi Hank, I am a member of NMBVA, i served with 16 Commonwealth Field Ambulance RAMC/ACC att.We were stationed with 28 Commonwealth Brigade at Terrendak next to the hospital.Our section served in Kuching Borneo in late 1963 to mid 64, then we moved up to Leong Nok Tha on ops crown to relieve our Aussie mates in late 64.We were there for the first opening ceremony( our belovered RSM,Mr YakkerYates said,"If its a success boys you can have another one later)I had the good fortune to take off from that first runway in a Blackburn Beverly to return back to 16 fld in Terrendak.We have a few photos on servicepals with Trev Letford on ops crown and i have ops crown on my profile on myspace/ banjobrett.comJim Curtis e-mailed me for the planned reunion the other year but i couldnot make the trip.I am on the members list NMBVA Southern Branch, Ron Bretton, on ops crown they called me Yorky Brett.Best Regards Brett.

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From Derek Yates

Came across you website. See you mention my father, RSM ''Yakker'' Yates, unfortunately no longer with us. Regards, Derek.
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Information Op Crown

Operation Crown - Thailand - 1963-66As a signatory of South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) Britain had an obligation to assist Allies in the Far East. In the early 1960's the Americans (also signatories of SEATO) were becoming increasingly embroiled in preventing the march of Communism in Laos and Vietnam and requested that Britain assist in their crusade. In February 1963 it was proposed that Britain construct an airfield at Loeng Nok Tha, near Mukdahan in Thailand as part of the American's Special Logistic Aid to Thailand (SLAT). The proposal was accepted and given the code name Operation Crown.The Engineer units involved in the project were:· 11 Independent Field Squadron RE · 59 Field Squadron RE · Detachment 54 Corps Field Park Squadron RE · Detachment 84 Survey Squadron RE · Detachment 302 Postal Unit RE · 2 field troop from the Royal Australian Engineers and detachment from the Royal New Zealand Engineers were also involved. Crown airfield at Loeng Nok Tha, near Mukdahan, Thailand constructed by the Royal Engineers - 1964-65The airfield with its 5,000ft long air strip, control-tower, airfield fencing and lighting was completed in time for an official opening ceremony on 17 June 1965. After the airfield was completed a second project, to build a road north west from Loeng Nok Tha to a village (Ban Khok Klang), was started in December 1966 by 34 Field Squadron RE, who were relieved by 59 Field Squadron RE in August 1967, who in turn were relieved by 11 Field Squadron RE. The road was completed in April 1968 by a composite workforce made up from:· 54 (FARELF) Support Squadron RE · 51 (Airfields) Squadron RE - one troop · 59 Field Squadron RE - one troop

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Click here

Story of 2 Troop RAE 11 Ind Fld Sqn on Op Crown

pdf Download

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22/12/07

Gerry Bedford on Survey team please contact me your email keeps coming back

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It seems we need to add a detachment of Gunners to the list. From Terry Crimmons.

There were about 6 of us, 1964-65 I remember Gary Kirkham and Nobby Clarkn from 45 Reg, I was from 170 Imjin Independent Battery 45 reg out of Seremban, the rest were from Terendak. We were all attached to the Transport section on tippers mainly supplying the Howard train

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This is the Op Crown Lament By John Little

Crown Camp Lament,

Just off the Laos border Crown Camp is just the Spot,
Stuck in the middle of nowhere in a land that god forgot,
Up among the snakes and lizards, all alone and blue,
Stuck on this flaming air field ,ten thousand miles from you,

Late at night when the mossies bite the rain comes pouring down,
To bed we wear a poncho to make sure that we don’t drown,
We swear ,we sweat, we blister, we dont think life,s to grand,
We are not a bunch of convicts but defenders of our land.

In this Thailand paradise there is no time for play,
All we seem to do is Work,from day to endless day,
We are not men of iron nor men of steel, ,
But simple men who think and feel,

Who soldier on through toil and strife,
Defend Queen and country with their lives
If we get to heaven St Peter he will yell,
Let the boys from Crown Camp in they have had their share of Hell!!

Written By John Little,
Operation Crown,
Bankoktalat,
Leong Nok Tha Province,
Thailand,
24/12/1964.

Please has anyone got contact with John

Sorted i now have contact with john 19 feb 08

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From Jim Harrod

Greetings again from Colorado. I would certainly enjoy viewing your friends link. Several years ago a group was formed called the Thailand/Laos/Cambodia Brotherhood and it became quite an association. We had several reunions throughout the country with several hundred troops gathered. It included Air Force, Army, Navy and even folks from Air America. People from all career fields that were stationed throughout those countries. I haven't been active for some time but I'm sure if your search on "Thailand/Laos/Cambodia Brotherhood you will find the link. There were many of us that were at Mukdahan. NKP, and Ubon that were familiar with the Crown Project and Crown Field was the topic of many discussions over the years.

As I mentioned earlier, we received numerous visits to our site, but several I will never forget involved a Sgt Major from Crown. It only took a short while for me to realize that Christ Himself may have sat at the right hand of God, but the Sgt major was on the other side. Many a young trooper was booted in the arse through the door of our enlisted club. Once we were down in the village during a flood drinking and raising a little sand along with several Brits. All at once the Sgt Major rounded a corner and although he was waist deep in water I swear you could hear his heels digging in the pavement. All the Brits fell into a formation so I joined the ranks. A young Welshman broke out in laughter and the Sgt major had him by the hair of his red head dunking him under the water. I sort of thought it was a rather funny sight so I had a laugh myself. The next thing I knew I was nose to nose with the Sgt Major, and he was asking "Will You Be Having A Bit Of This A Well Yank"? Any humorous thoughts I may have had were soon gone! The Chaplain from Crown also used to visit on Sundays and if no one showed up for service, he would go through our tents and hooches rolling us out to hear the Word.On the operational side, we often controlled intercept missions with the Aussie F-86s from Ubon. Their call sign was Falcon Zulu. Once on a TDY to Ubon we visited their Squadron. A planned short briefing on the unit kept getting longer and longer and when it finally broke we walked outside to find yellow kangaroos painted all over our duce and a half trucks. What a group!A special bond was formed between our folks that were stationed in that area, and from the conversations I have had over the years it was the same for you folks as well. Building that air strip in that location was a feat to remember.I went on to complete 20 years service, and retired here in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1982.Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Best Regards

Jim Harrod

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John Hamnett

has started a new website dedicated to the

OP Crown and Post Crown

Please check it out

Link to

CREOPCROWN

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ROLL CALL THAILAND OP and POST CROWN

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:13:00 +0000

{Back To Welcome Page}

Names in Blue with line under you can email direct

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Alexander Pete 11 sqn I was a Plant Opp based mainly at Hong Kong camp June 67 till January 68 (PHOTOS)
Allen Brewster (Mick) 59 sqn/34 1964-1967
Allison David 59 sqn 1966-1968
Anderson Bill 11 sqn 1964 plus 1965-66 Clerk (PHOTOS)
Armstrong Colin 59 sqn 1966-68 ended in cpls club on friendsr
Aston Ron. CRE Crown in 1964/65.
Atkins Ron 63 CRE 1967-68

Bach Willy 11 Sqn 1966-67 (PHOTOS)
Baldwin Gerald 1965-1967
Ballard Derrick 11 sqn 1964 carpenter
Banjo Bretton, 1965 ACC attached RAMC
Barnett John HQ 1964
Barrett Chris 59 Regiment. 1963-66
Bedford Gerry. Was a survey engineer from 1965 -1968.
Bell John (dinger) I was detached to 11 Sqn in Kota Belud North Borneo 1961-2, and on Op Crown about 1966
Bennett Tony. 1963-64 I was the CREs driver (Mad Mac) Lt Col Macintyre and then the Col who replaced him (PHOTOS)
Birrell George 54 sqn 1966 again 1968
Bishop Brian 54 sqn 1966

Boldock Wally 54 sqn 1965 and 1966
Book Jack 11 sqn
Borer John 11 sqn 1967-68

Bowbanks Brummie 11 sqn 1967-68 radio link terendak
Bretton Ron Banjo 1964 16 fld ambulance (PHOTOS)
Bridges Terry 11 sqn 1965+66 officers mess

Brittain Henry 11 sqn park troop twice between 65-68 (PHOTOS)
Brown Brian topper 54 Sqn On Road Post Crown 1967

Brown Carlton (buck) 59 sqn 1963-1965 (PHOTOS)
Brown Eddy 11 sqn 1966

Brown Larry 16 Fld Ambulance Deceased 2005. from his daughter (PHOTOS)
Brown Ted Sgt REME 11 sqn
Burgin Michael 59 sqn 1964-65
Card Alan RAF Police Detachment 1968

Cameron David 54 sqn 1967-68
Campbel Jim 11 Ind Fld Sqn 1967-70 (PHOTOS)
Canning Tom 59 sqn 1966 then 54 sqn 1967-68
Chalkley Ray 59 sqn 1964
Chapman Dave tiny 59 Sqn 1964-65
Clements Ken 59 Sqn 1964-65 electrician
Cliffe Richard tony iffy 59 sqn 1964-66 (PHOTOS)
Coates Peter 59Sqn 1966-69

Collar Harry 16 Fld Amb 1964 (PHOTOS)

Collings Fred 34 sqn 1966
Coram Rod cook with 54 1963 transferred to 54 1964
Corcoran Bob 54 sqn 1966+67
Crimmons Terry 1964-65 170 Imjim Bty 45 Reg Royal Artillary
Cross Gordon. Post OP Crown with Nick Norton In 1968
Crowford Bob 1966 11 Sqn att. RCT Scammell Unit

Curtis Jim. 54 sqn Jan 1964 (at the tented camp) then until July 1966, (PHOTOS)
Cusack John 11 sqn 1965 & 66

Davidson Tony 249 Signals 1965-66

Davis Jim . ?
Day Maurice Mo 11 sqn

Denner Anthony 1964 Died Op Crown 21 April 1964 (8 PHOTOS) of his resting place in Tiverton Devon From Harry Collar

Deuchar Brian Duke 59 Sqn 1964-65 (PHOTOS)
Docherty John 1964-65 with HQ CRE (PHOTOS)
Doubtfire Roy 1963-66 ? Deceased April 19 1978
Duffin Ian HQ 1965-66 from 61 Fld Pk Sqn

Elliott John 34 sqn 1966
Elsy Ian Geordie REME 1967 6 months (PHOTOS)
Emby John 11 sqn 1964

Evans Terry 59 sqn 1964
Falconer Roy. OPERATION CROWN THAILAND FROM 1964 TO 1966.IN 3TROOP 59 FIELD SQN RE (PHOTOS)
Firth Jack 54 Sqn 1965-67

Folwell David 11 Sqn 1964

Forbes John J 34 sqn 1966 (PHOTOS)

Ford Dave 1964 3sqn commando onwater purification
Fudge Mick 1967 54 sqn
Gasson George 59 sqn 1964

Gee Wally 11 sqn 1963-64
Gleeson Gerry 11 sqn 1964

Graham Gordon 2 troop cmd RAE 11 ind fld sqn
Gwilt Jimmy 59 sqn 1964-66
Hall Ray 249 Royal Signals Det. 1965-1966

Hamnett John 59 sqn 64-65. 34 sqn 66-67 (PHOTOS)
Hankinson Charlie 59 sqn 1966-67
Harrod Jim with US radar station Mukdahan 1966-67 honory op crown member
Heaton Ron 11 sqn 1963-64
Hewson David RAOC 1966-67 (PHOTOS)
Higgins David Satch , 34 sqn 1964-65 ?
Hobbs Martin 54 plant 1968 (PHOTOS)

Holder K C with 34 sqn 1966 also 11sqn
Holmshaw Tony plt ftr 11 sqn 63-64 , died about 8 yrs ago in medway.
Holroyd Denis 11 sqn planty jul-oct 1965
Hopgood Jim 59 sqn chief clerk 1964-66 (PHOTOS)
Horn Phil 59 sqn power station 1965-68
Hough Ray 59 Sqn 1964-66 comer tipper driver (PHOTOS)

Hulley Stewart 59sqn 64/66 and 34sqn 66/67
Hunt John 11 sqn orderly cpl 1967-68
Hyland John 16 Field ambulance 1965+66
Jackett John RAMC 1965 op Crown 1965 served there with my now brother in Law Brett Bretton Bret Cook ???? (MOTTO cook till burn and scrape to the required colour)

Jackson Arthur 1966-68 REME, deceased
Johnston Richard 11 sqn 1967

Johnston Ron 1965 16 fld ambulance australian contingent

Jones Ken 59 Sqn (PHOTOS)
Jones Norman 1966 CRE Survey concrete runway
Jones Russell Taff 11 sqn 1964
Justin Kevin . 51 a good friend Jim Davis and we were Cpls together in 51 in Singapore and did op crown

Keen David 59 Sqn 1963-65
King Gordon 45Fld Pk 1964-64 Transporting plant from ubon
Knowles Bob with 59 fd sqn Oct 65 to Oct 67 3 Troop
Knowles John 1965 with 16 Fld Ambulance (PHOTOS)
Lancefield John 11 sqn 1966

Lavallin Bob 1965-67 REME (PHOTOS)
Lawrence Hank dec 1963 july 64 (PHOTOS)
Lawton John 11 sqn att 59 Jan 68 April 68
Leonard Dick 11 sqn 1967-68

Letford Trevor 59 sqn 1964-66 (PHOTOS)
Lewis Bill . I was one of the shift senior NCOs building the airfield from May to Oct 1966
Lewis Martin ?
Limb Peter 54 sqn attached 59 sqn 1964-66 (PHOTOS)
Little John HQ Cook 1964-1966

Lloyd John REME 1965-66 (PHOTOS)
Lumby Trevor 54 sqn 1966-67
Machin Jim 59sqn 1964
Magowan Brian 59 Sqn 1964-66

Makin Roger original Op Mukdahan crew who formed up at Kitchener bks in september 63 (PHOTOS)
Manning Fred 54 sqn 1967-68

Marlow Sonny 1964 16 Fld Ambulance

Mc.loughlin John 11 sqn Oct 67 to Jan 68 and drove one of those horrible little dump trucks
McGawley Michael 59 Sqn 1964-1967

Melia Peter. 54 sqn 1967-69
Mitchell Tony 1963-64 11 sqn
Moore Harry 11 sqn 1965

Moore Sammy S/Sgt 11 Sqn 1964
Morgan Bob 11 sqn 1966

Moran Patrick fridge mech 59sqn 1964-65

Morris Colwyn Taff 11 Sqn 1965-66 (PHOTOS)
Nicholas Peter 59 sqn 1964-65

Myers Alan ACC 1964-65 (PHOTOS)
Nicolson Ian 1963-64 16 Fld Ambulance

Nicholson George CRE planning then Posty ? await contact

Nix Arthur 14 Fld Amb ramc 1964

Norton Michael. As an ex 54 Plant Op from 1966-69 i formed many friendships with 11 Sqn guys,
Olford John 11 sqn Dec 65 to May 66

Osborne Rex 59 sqn 1965
Owen John 1967 CRE workshop REME await contact
Pallott Michael Op Crown and Post Crown in 1966 and 1967 with 59 Fd Sqn
Pantin Randy 11 sqn 1964

Parker Jim. 54 sqn plus attached 59 sqn FAMTO Storeman in the LAD from 8 May 1967 to 10 August 1968
Parsons Brian 59 Sqn 1964-65

Perchard David 11 sqn 1964
Platt Brian REME 1964 {To Brians Story}

Polson Keith Att 34 sqn 1964 (PHOTOS)
Potts Chris 34 sqn 1966-67
Price Bert 16 fld amb RAMC 1966-67
Pritchard Tom 59 sqn 1964-1966 Major Bramwells driver
Ramsay Harry 11 sqn reme 1966-68 (PHOTOS)
Reynolds Michael 11 sqn 1967-68
Ribton Mick 59 sqn 1964-66
Richards Dermont 11 sqn 1964 (PHOTOS)
Richards Pete. REME
Roberts John taff 1964 11 sqn
Rountree Tony 54 sqn 1968
Sandilands Derek . 59 Sqn may66-oct66 Jan68-oct68.
Simpson Brian 59 sqn feb 1964- june 64 then sept 64- july 65 (PHOTOS)
Smart George. got there in 1964 until 1966 with 59 and i went back with 34 sqn the same year.
Smith Chris, 11 sqn 1965+1967-68 Stockton Alan 54 sqn 1966-68 (PHOTOS)
Spriggs John 11 sqn 1966+1967-68

Stevenson Mike 249 royal Signals sqn 1965-66 in with 11 Sqn

Stone Rod Ronald. 54 sqn 1967
Stuart Billy 11 Sqn 1965-69

Sumner Barry 54 sqn 1964-67 (PHOTOS)
Taylor Derek REME Oct 1967 until 25 April 1968
Thackray John 3 troop 59 Sqn 1964-65 new

Theakston Ray 11 Sqn 1966
Thornton Tom SSM 1964
Tobin Ron 54 sqn 1965-67 new

Tout Fernley 11 sqn 1963-64 advance party
Tullett Keith . I was in crown camp in 1967 twice, I was with 54 fld pk, sqn Singapore from 66. To 69.

Varden Jim 59 Sqn 1963-65

Vincent Eddie 1 troop 11 sqn 1964

Vincent Vince 1965-68 R I P 20 Jan 2009 (PHOTOS)
Watts Cliff 1966 RAOC (PHOTOS)

Webb Brian 11 sqn 1965+66

Welsh Terry. I served with CRE CROWN, which was Formed in (Engineer Base Group) Singapore. Dec 1st 1963 untill the end Aug 1964. then again with 11 Sqn 1967-68 (PHOTOS)
Whatley Nick Capt 11 Sqn 1966
Wilby Steve 11 Sqn MT 1967
Yeo Dave 11 sqn 1964 (PHOTOS)
Yeo Mick 11sqn 1964

Yeomans Ernie 16 Fld Amb 1966-67

{Back To Welcome Page}

Unit History pages.

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Wed, 09 May 2007 14:36:00 +0000

{Back To Welcome Page}

HISTORY OF 11 FIELD SQUADRON ROYAL ENGINEERS (1787 - 1980)

In 1787 the Corps of Royal Military Artificers was authorised and six service companies were raised for work on fortifying the home ports. The officers came from the newly named Corp of Royal Engineers. Six more companies were raised in 1793 for active service in Canada and the West Indies. One of these companies served in Nova Scotia with a detachment in the West Indies, and in 1806 was numbered 11th Field Company.
It was based in Halifax whose coat of arms includes the tiny golden-crested kingfisher which was, in time, adopted as the Squadron emblem (known affectionately by the soldiers as the “budgie”) As a result of the increased importance of military fieldworks carried out by the Royal Military Artificers, they were renamed Royal Sappers and Miners in 1813.

In 1854 11th Field Company took part in the Crimean campaign, remaining there for two years before moving to India in 1857. The previous year saw the Royal Sappers and Miners integrated with the officers of the Royal Engineers, henceforward becoming known as the Corps of Royal Engineers. The Company was involved in the later stages of the Indian Mutiny until it became a Fortress Company in India from 1858 onwards. It reverted to being called a Field Company again in 1887.

Meanwhile the Company moved to Egypt in 1885 and were dispatched to the Sudan as part of the force sent to try and relieve General Gordon besieged by Mahdist dervishes in Khartoum. In 1899, 11th Field Company embarked for service in South Africa as part of 1st Division. Under the command of Lord Methuen they took part in the relief of Kimberley and then remained in Western Transvaal as railway troops for the next three years. (A troop Commander during this period was Lieutenant CB Thompson who later became Lord Thompson, Secretary of State for Air, and was killed in the airship R101 disaster in October 1930) Elements of 11th Field Company were involved in the siege of Mafeking before the Company returned to England in 1901 and was based at Shornecliffe.

It was in 1914 that the Company was sent to France as part of 2nd Division and became involved in the infamous retreat from Mons when they marched 256 miles. On the subsequent advance they built pontoon and trestle bridges over the Rivers Marne and Aisne. That same year they acted as infantry during the first battle of Ypres.

Still with 2nd Division, in 1928 the Company were to be found in Aldershot but reduced to 4 officers and 132 men and formed into two half companies each commanded by a Lieutenant. The unit MT consisted of one motor cycle, the remaining transport being horse drawn wagons and limbers. The sappers had also designed hand-drawn rool carts. The officers usually owned their own chargers. By 1932 the Company had been reduced further to cadre strength.

In 1939, 11th Field Company was mobilised at Aldershot and sent to France as part of 2nd Division in the British Expeditionary Force.

(1)
The Company was withdrawn from France in 1940 and trained for the Middle East where they took part in the Western Desert campaign the following year. During the latter stages of World War II the Company moved to North West Europe as part of
44 Division and later became a unit in 30 Corps before being disbanded in 1947.

In 1948, 50 Field Squadron, part of 32nd Assault Engineers and based at Perham Down, moved to Honk Kong as 50 Independent Field Squadron. They were based at Castle Peak for a short while as they moved to Sek Kong in the new territories soon after to be renamed 11 Field Squadron, part of 40 Division. The unit was officially designated as 11th Field Squadron on 1 January 1950.

In 1951 the Squadron changed its name yet again, becoming an Independent Field Squadron and moving to Klagenfurt in Austria before returning to Chatham two years later.

In 1954 the Squadron moved to Malaya and, during the Emergency in 1960, was based at Butterworth, Province Wellesley, becoming the Field Squadron of 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade. The accommodation was in atap partially-open-sided huts within a coconut plantation. A Field Troup of Royal Australian Engineers joined the Squadron and became 2 Troop.

During 1960 to 1962 the Squadron carried out many Engineer tasks on behalf of the Malay government, some in support of operations against the Communist Terrorists in Malaya. One notable improvised road project was from Grik to Kuala Rui in Upper Perak where re-supply was by air drop courtesy of 55 Company Air Despatch, also based at Butterworth in a camp adjoining the Squadron.

In 1962 the Squadron moved to Terendak Camp, about 13 miles from Malacca town. This camp was purpose built, the size and facilities of a large town, containing the units of 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade.

Between July and November that same year, the squadron were in North Borneo at Kota Belud, about 50 miles from Jesselton (now named Kota Kinabalu) on the Tempasuk River bridge project. The squadron was housed at “Paradise Camp” accommodation being tents. All other buildings were GGI huts. The camp had to be built before erection of the bridge could commence. In 1963 the Squadron was involved in exercises and operations in Sarawak before moving to Thailand for Operation Crown, the construction of an airfield and roads for the Thai Government.

After 15 years continuous service in the Far East, the Squadron left Malaysia on 14 January 1970. The colours were carried to Ripon by a small cadre lead by Cpl Dave Kelly. The rest of the Squadron’s property being passed on a caretaker basis to 73 Field Squadron who were in Sharjah at the time.

On 1 January 1970, 11 Field Squadron was formed from 73 Field Squadron as part of 38 Engineer Regiment in Ripon. The priority one role was support to the RAF Harrier Force in Germany, although in 1971 the Squadron was back in Hong Kong for a 4 month tour.
(2)
Later in 1971 the Squadron undertook its first operational tour in Northern Ireland as part of 8 Airportable Brigade. Following this tour the Squadron was split three ways with a troop on the Europa Road project in Gibraltar, a troop in Belize and a third troop and Squadron Headquarters supporting Harrier exercises in BAOR. It was during the Squadrons second tour of duty in Northern Ireland that the Squadron Commander, Major Richard Jarman RE, was killed by an IRA booby trap during a search operation on the border on 21 July 1973. The Squadron was based at Castledillon in County Armagh and supporting 3 Infantry Brigade in the rural areas. The following year the Squadron returned to Ulster again to stand by for assistance to the civil powers during the Ulster workers’ council power strike.

The Squadron has had a number of nicknames in the past from the “Uprights” (circa 1900) to “Legs Eleven” (World War II). The emblem of the Golden Crested Kingfisher achieved fame during the 1973 Northern Ireland tour where the Brigade codeword for an unsuccessful search operation was “Duff Budgie”

In January 1975, a hundred years after General Gordon, 11 Field Squadron was sent to Southern Sudan to assist the civil administration in recovering from seventeen years of civil war and rebuild Mundri Bridge.

In 1977 saw the Squadron in both Salalah and Belize. On return to UK the Fireman’s’ strike meant a busy period when fire engines were manned in Leeds, Huddersfield and Halifax. The Squadron returned to Northern Ireland in 1978 to build the CQBR at Ballykinler. This tour added several honours to the Squadron role with Captain Collett receiving an MBE and Staff Sergeant Smith and Sergeant Peck receiving BEMs. One year later another successful Op Descant tour at Castledillon, Forkhill and Crossmaglen meant 3 MID’s and 5 GOC’s Commendations being awarded to Squadron personnel.

February 1979 was an exchange month, when 13 Pioneer Battalion came across from the USA to take the Squadron’s place in Ripon, whilst the Legs Eleven had an enjoyable month in Ripon, California.

In 1980, 11 Field Squadron went on another Harrier exercise in Germany, a commando exercise in Norway and finally the budgie turned crow for five weeks as HMP Frankland was taken over during the Prison Officers strike. Luckily the Regiment got out on good behaviour, two days before Christmas.

Note: This history has been drafted from original information obtained from 11 Field Squadron 1983, my notes and recollections of 1960-63 and 1965-68 and contributions from past members of the Squadron. Any amendments, deletions or insertions gratefully received.

Chris Smith
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Stories From The Past

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:25:00 +0000

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From James Hopgood Sgt 59 Sqn 1964-66
Just a few memories of Crown, nothing to compare with some that I have read tho. Everyone must remember the infamous Shower Unit? - was it called "Puffing Billy" because it always seemed to be huffing and puffing to ork properly. I wonder whether if anyone recalls that we were given a "slot" for a shower, one day you would be in the first session and the next time you would be in the last session, ths was so everyone was guaranteed a hot shower when in first. The number of times I had to go last and experience the joys of a cold shower. On another occasion (one of many I must say) we had just got in the shower and soaped up, when to our horror the complete system failed, the only way to get rid of our soap was to have a bucket of cold water thrown over us - just like a German POW camp punishment room. I do not know how many of you went "Turtle Spotting" at 2am - the only time the Turtles came ashore, it was marvellous watching them lay their, their eye water in the process, I think anyones eys would water laying as many eggs as they did. Why I mention the Turtles was, although they were only down on the beach, it was the way down to the beach which was, how should I describe it? - exciting? thrilling? not really, but downright terrifying, why you may ask. Well, if you had gone you will probably remember the Rope Bridge over the Gorge, which had live thingies at the bottom, it was not just a 10 foot drop, but more like 300-400 feet. The bridge - 3 feet wide, consisting of 3 planks 9" wide, (needless to say one had to have a head for heights!) and a single rope along each side, it was not too bad getting across, only one person was allowed to go at a time. When I went across I was with a few jokers and when I was in the middle what did they do? yes, you are there already, (was it someone reading this, if so, and you will be at the re-union in September,I would dearly love to meet you, oh yes I would) they swung the bridge from side to side, a lovely ghtexperience!!! Needless to say it happened everytime after that. Remember the Golf Course hacked out thropugh the trees? 9 holes and the Greens were somehow kept in excellent condition. Many happy memories of my time at Crown Camp, despite my wife and new born baby left in Singapore (remember they were not 100% safe due to terrorist activities still) I was fortunate in the I was able to spend all my spare time with the Missionaries in Mukdahan, we even supplied them with a Water Tank for use also by the Villagers. There were also a number of events concerning the local children, Sports Day was one and I remember a Christmas do as well - was it not a treat to see their smiling faces when they received a gift, anyone remember their favourite treat at the parties - Jam Sandwiches with no fat!! Happy days really, not sure if I would like to go back again, maybe I might if something came up. As I used to have as my signaturemark I will say,
Regards to everyone from Chiefee.
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Memories of Thailand 1964/65 by Alan Myers ACC

It was way back in 1964, when I was posted to BFPO 656, a place I had never heard of. Even on the flight to Singapore, no one seemed to know where we were going.
When I arrived at Ban kok talat it seemed like the end of the world, but I and the other lads in the ACC soon got used to the heat and settled in well.
Things I remember were that after a couple of months, Lenny Bruce, myself and a couple of other chefs started the Radio station which was situated at the back of the church. Not long after the beginning one of the Officers managed to contact BFBS Singapore and they arranged for tapes to be sent up with requests for the troops from the families of those usually stationed in Singapore. A good morale booster.
Pattaya beach was a respite from the life we encountered at camp doom, as it was affectionally known. I recall that on one occasion whilst there with the 10 man ration packs, I asked the Americans, who had a bungalow next to ours, if they liked Corned beef. The response was an overwhelming yes. I negotiated a swap and gave them 10 tins of bully in exchange for 10 cooked chickens. The lads were amazed but we fed well that week. I even had time to learn to water ski.
The children in the village loved the squaddies and a guy called Hippo Hall, would come to the kitchen at the end of the day to collect any left over food and take it to the kids, who formed straight lines, so that they could munch on pies, pasties, sausages and anything else Hippo could scrounge from us. A daily ritual.
Christmas 1964, or early January 1965 was a great time for the village school. It was decided that the camp would put on a party for them and tins were put around the camp asking the guys for all their spare Bahts so that gifts could be bought. Soldiers going on leave to Singapore would take the cash raised back with them and purchase presents and bring them back. When the day of the party arrived schoolchildren were divided into two groups and half would watch films in the school while the others would play sports and vice versa. Food was laid on by the chefs and when the time came to give out the presents an ambulance fully loaded with the presents arrived and all the children received a gift, a novelty and a hat. What a day and a credit to all who contributed or helped make it a success.
My involvement with the children, in teaching them the basics of scouts was something that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
It was a sad day when I finally left Thailand, but the 12 months I was there were some of the best in all the years I was in the army.

Alan Myers
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From Dave Samuel 40 AESR
Hi Hank,I was in the field lighting troop in 41 Sqn, with Sgt ? Harrison, Terry Blohm, Ray Rocky, Alan Scaife Shorty Drew.I was single then and cut my teeth in the NAAFI with the likes of Tom Wye. It was great being there I loved it, I remember one RSM who was SKD Lyng happy days!I went to Tidworth to 34, Hohne 7 Sqn, Recruiting Norwich,Waterbeach 48 Sqn,Hameln 29, ITRRE, Chepstow 88 Sqn and Finally 71 Engr Regt.
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John Russel Hunt
A few names from 1966 – 1969
OC J.Rougier
AO J.Woods
Tp. Off. Adams
SSM Swinbourne then Lazell
QMSI Ray Payne
MT Sgt.Gregory then Brian Packman
Pete Marsden ( when we went to Crown my Family took over Petes dog “Pig”! Smith 610, Jock Gardener, Bill Black.

Plant TP. MPF S.Sgt Pettit
Dave Webb, Lofty Gale, Ollie (ex 410)!

Others FD.TP etc

S.Sgt Cummings / Carpenter, Sgt. Bill Kelsey
Bob Knight (departed) Gerry Bedford, Ray Stevens (postie) Phil Heath, Chris Smith 685, John Borer, Ken Houston-Robb (I took over from Ken as ord.cpl. in Terendak then continued in Crown) Dave Hudson, John Stanford (Radio Crown!) Terry Gilhooly, Rod Dowling, Tom Storey. Ted( from Barbados I think, one of the characters of 11 Sqn. Plus loads more!

Not many! Wish I had kept a copy of the Post Crown nominal roll!!!

From John Russel Hunt 1966-1969
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From Rod Horner (13 Jan 09)
Hi Hankwe didnt meet - i served in 11 sqn in terendak from February 67 to October 68. was plant troup clerk and qms clerk as Rougier wouldnt have me in the main office. didnt realise dave purvis was there at the same time - we are friends now but obviosly both too old to remember we served together in terendak. I got the last laugh on Rougier as i ended up commissioned. Te HeMy fondest memories are of my friendship with plant op Jock (SadNap) day as he was christened by the boot boy. I ran the social club for a while and was friendly with Bob Knight before he sadly died.I am visiting my daughters grave in Terendak in May this year(2009)as we left before the headstone was erected.fond fond memoriesRod Horner
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From Julian Loach 410 Sqn
Hello Hank,all the best for 2009 Let's see my association with 11 Sqdn. I went out to Malaya early '58 on the Epire Fowey and joined 410 Plt Trp on the Nami / Sik road, 11 Sqdn were the other end at Gajeh Puteh.We were in the same camp as a Malayan Engineer Sqdn and they built a concrete bridge across the Sungei Muda, must have been 60 / 70 mtrs long. When that job finished 410 moved to Butterworth where we were co - located with yourselves, 55 Air Dispatch, and 101 RAR.It was great taking advantage of the different NAAFI opening and closing times.I can't remember how long we were there but we eventually moved across to Minden Barracks on lovely Penang Island. Whilst there I was attached to 11 Sqdn when they went out to Borneo, Soton camp which was near Kota Belud, there was I think about eight 410 lads went.Walt Dixon was one and I think Toots Toase was another. I seem to remember the main task was widening the road from Jesselton to Kota Belud and reducing the sharpness of the bends. we also did some work the Sungei Tempasuk constructing a crossing point The OC of the Sqdn then was I think Maj. Bruno Elgood, the workshop Sgt was Dave Kimber, the Q blokes name was Richmond and he had a bit of a stutter as did one of the storeman Geoff GGGGroom, it was legend to hear them speaking tttogether. I remember Les Kellett. 11 Sqdn had an Australian Trp, lads I remember are Chiefy Hunt a full corporal, Jock Watson "Beady Eyes", two sgt's one Sludge guts ? , big fat bloke and an arsehole, and I think the name of the other was Russell who was dark skinned, part aborigine, a great guy.My tenure with 11 Sqdn ended abruptly. One night in the Naffi the orderly officer came in to close it and I was in there with the 410 guys, I should not have been there I should have been in the corporals mess. I explained to the orderly officer that the bar was closed and when we had finished the bottles we had the we would leave, what peeved him was that when he went to call out the gaurd the aussies went round the tent lines and bought the rest of their troop back into the Naafi so when he came back he was now faced with around 40 blokes in the place instead of the dozen or so he left there. He was not impressed. The next morning I was called up, charged reduced to the rank of sapper and rtu'd to 410 who were then in Mallaca, Bukit Terendak.What stands out in my memory are the names the aussie lads gave when he started taking them, everthing from Ned Kelly, V Green but you can call me very, Winston Spencer Churchill, Sidney H Bridge, D Bradman, the poor soul didn't stand a chance against these merchants.It was a shame I got busted it took me 6 months to the day to get it back. Yep!, they were good and happy days.I also remember a medic and an RASC ambulance driver were washed off a bridge whilst trying to get local woman to the hospital and were buried with full military honours11 Sqdn were a good set of lads.Hank, I'll keep in touch and if any ex 410 guys get in touch feel free to give them my email address. You're doing a grand job, again all the best for 2009. Best regards "Joe" Loach

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_My name is Gordon Fox and I am writing to you from Northern Ireland. I was a member of 11 Independent 3troop. I joined the Sqdn in July 54, and we sailed from Southampton on 18 November1954 arriving Singapore on 16th Dec. Our CO was Maj TOG Cochrane,Sgt Eamer was Troop Sgt, John Strudley was our Cpl. Other names I recall are John Burton Derek Lamb and Brummy Mantle. ___________________________________________________________________
Cliff Watts RAOC
I would like to talk to others of OP Crown. As for photos’ I have quite a few myself. I served with the RAOC in many places as follows:- CAD Corsham 1958
Ammo Stores Section Cyprus/Jordan 1958
Kenya 24 OFP 1961/62
Osnabruck Germany 12 Inf Wksp Stores Section 1962/1965
COD Chilwell 1965/1966
Op Crown 1966
COD Chilwell 1967/1968
Singapore 3 BOD (2 Sub Depot) 1968/1971
Verden Germany 1 Div HQ & Sig Regt 1971/1972
Fallingbostal Germany 7 Field Wksp Stores Section1972/!976
Tehran Iran CAAT IRAN 1976/1977
Bridgend Stores Section 1978 to January 1980 (end of service).
Sorry the above is a bit long winded I just hope somebody somewhere remembers me, I’ve tried Forces Reunited and service pals but no luck so far.I hope all is well with you and look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Regards,Cliff Watts
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David Purvis
I was in 11 Sqn in Malacca fromMarch 1968 until December 1969 and did a tour in HK with 3 troop in early 1969.I joined the Army in Sept 1963 and retired in Nov 1995 as a Maj QM
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Dear Hank I have been given your contact details by Don Barton who served with 11 Sqn from 1957-60 and now lives in Australia. I served with 11 Sqn as a National Service 2nd Lt from April 1959 to August 1960. I was based in various places including mainly Butterworth, but also Sik in Kedah, Grik in Perak, Taiping and, lastly, Kota Belud in North Borneo. I now live in Staffordshire in England.
Best Regards
Peter Jackson
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From Gordon Chave
I must tell you that the photo of Momma Sam brought back memories!! On the first full day in Crown. I and Tom Thornton decided that it was in the nature of our work that we should visit every bar in Kok Telat – a fairly demanding task!! At the first bar, just outside the gate, we sat down to consume our first beer of the day, at about 11 a.m. There were a few mutterings from the assembled soldiers, who were not used to our presence. Momma was obviously told who we were. Her response was to sit a young lady on my knee, and said “For you Sir!!” It was somewhat difficult to reply to this, and I muttered something about it being a bit early in the morning. Her reply caught me by surprise – “Not now, sir – for always” Makes me feel very old.
Gordon Chave

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Denis Holdroyd
Hello Hank,
Sitting down with my daughter and son in law a few nights ago we got talking about my time served in the army,(I presently live in Canada,my daughter is at the time of this E.Mail entering officer training college,(Moved up through the ranks)my son in law as just returned from a successful tour of Afghanistan(Kandahare) so you can see i have a lot to be thankfully for).Being the smart girl she is she Googled 11Indep Sqdn Malacca/Malaya and low and behold the next few hours were spent in memories,names I'd forgotten,times good and bad all came rushing back, so in thank's for all those memories and maybe I can E.Mail a couple of old buddies ,that includes some Aussie friends I got to know in my time in Malaya.O. K Hank, I don't know if our path's ever crossed, my name is Denis Holroyd joined 11indep Feb 65/ Went to Thailand July to Oct 65. Then on one of those things that never happen Chopperd from HMS Changi to Vientien, Laos Sept 66(Would love to hear from any one who was on that trip) In between Won the Seramban Cup (11indep best ever soccer team, ask Jackie Book or Ian Sumpter about that one) . Played lots of Rugby against the Kiwis,i played hooker,lots of fun lots of beer,plus the broken nose .Then Myself and Moe Day went to Brunei with the Ghurkas doing a job in the Temborong jungle somebody had to operate the dozer and the grader or we would have never put the road in.So as you can see Hank Lots of memories and a lot of names on that list I have no problem putting a face to some of them were good buddies and would love to hear from them.
(By the way i was a plant op, one of VonRyan'sExpress)
All the best,
Denis Holroyd
P.S. See if anyone remembers the night one of guard was fooling around with is SLR and fired a round into the naffi window beside the door where dartboard was and hit little Frank from Wigan in the arm just as he was going for double tops to end the game, the guy who made the shot was called Ron his buddy was Jack Clackers.
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Gordon Chave
At last I have dug out a photo of myself at the time of Malaya, which might just be suitable. I apologise that I look a touch formal, complete with briefcase. The story is that when 1 Troop (I think) were selected to be the advance party on Post-Crown, the troop commander (Roger Sinclair) was in hospital. At short notice, I was detailed to take the troop up to Crown. From memory, I think we flew up to Bangkok, and stayed overnight in a hotel. I have a photo of the troop marching across Bangkok airport, which at that time catered for civilian and U.S. military flights on the same runway. We then flew up to Ubon, where we were collected by our own vehicles, which had gone up by sea a couple of weeks previously. ( We also “smuggled” Silva, Sam and the other staff up to Thailand on the ship which carried the vehicles). As you can see, we ran into a slight complication, that the driver was unaware of monsoon drains, so we amused the locals with our bad driving! Silva and the others were extremely grateful that we had been able to get them up to Crown, but the problem came when we were unable to get them back the same way. They therefore found their own way back down by land, which was a bit difficult because they had been smuggled into Thailand.The briefcase contains all the important Troop documents from Terendak .I only stayed a night or so in Crown, then “hitchhiked” back to Terendak by a U.S aircraft to Singapore. If you remember, we then took the main squadron up to Crown, just in time for Christmas, and spent our time on our backsides until the New Year. I also have a photograph of the 2 Troop officers and NCOs delivering gunfire tea and whiskey to the troops on Christmas morning. In due course I will send another photo from recent times. ‘fraid to say we all look a lot older.I am sorry that I don’t know the names of anyone else in the photo, but you may well get some response when the photo goes on the website.At the reunion I showed just a few slides. One of them was of a python found outside my cabin on Boxing Day morning – quite a big one. Someone recognised one of the men in the picture, and I have now remembered his name – it was Roy (?) Farnham. He was a West Indian driver – I think L/Cpl. Hope that is helpful. Vicky gave me your message about Jack Book. Thanks very much. Where is he living? He was VERY much a Wiltshire (or thereabouts) boy. On one occasion he spiked Vicky’s drink! She is looking forward to meeting him again!!!
Best wishes,Gordon .
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John Hunt
I was with 11 Sqn 1966-1969 and enjoyed every minute! Had a return visit 1977, trip round the camp, it was a bit run down. Went to 8 Boyd Ave(my mq) garden not as good as it used to be!Went to Sabah last year and Sarawak this year - good trips,did a bit of ulu bashing as my wife had to find out what I had been on about for years!.
Regards John Hunt

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From Mick Norton
Yes, I was there, an unforgettable 24 hours! I remember the visiting artists were Harry Seacombe, or as he said, "RE" Seacombe, Anita Harris, Billy Burden and the Amazing Focal, a mind reader. From memory the acts performed from the end of the church, St Andrews and were well received. Unfortunately the amount of ale supped by the audience upset the management and many 54, and other Crown personnel were found pissing up against the church or vomiting in the general area. Nothing unusual about that other than it was witnessed by a puritanical OC and SSM, (Pete Davidson), who tried in vain to bring some semblance of order to the situation. We were sent back to the tented Hong Kong Camp and woke up the next morning to the sound of Crown camp officers shouting, "Get on parade with your best kit !" As you will remember the best part of Hong Kong camp personnel only possessed the OG shorts. floppy hat and a pair of boots they stood up in ! We were then administered "Field Punishment" for the previous evening's disgusting behaviour. "Run them till they drop" came the shout from 54's OC Perry the Ponce, Driscoll. We duly obliged in the midday heat of 120 degrees F. As we stood quivering from exhaustion I can still remember Driscoll's threat to the assembled parade. "Don't forget you drunken rabble, I set the targets, you will achieve! If I hear of one of you attempting to sabotage the project or the plant I will guarantee you will be court martialled." As a result of that 24 hours 3 x SNCOs had to leave Crown Camp under their own steam, Jock Cameron, Tom Canning and Bob Haynes, but that's another fantastic story. The field punishment incident was probably the last administered by the British Army?

Though this incident lives on it is not as bad as the mutiny which took place at Crown Camp in 1966 when the entire shift refused to go to work on the airfield after an Aussie entertainments hour with the NAFFI bar allowed to stay open. The whole lot of us trooped out of Nash Gate and off down the village for more ale and bollocks to the job. Some ended up in Changi, others were sent back to the UK and stripes removed. Oh happy days. 29 of us were charged.

Sawadee Kop,
Mick

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John Lewis
Hello Hank.I am formerly Lcpl J.M.Lewis. 11 Independent Field Sqn. Workshop Troop I have just come across your site, its brilliant, brings back many memories. I served in 11 Sqn Workshop Troop from May 1969 until disbandment. After disbandment I went down to Singapore and joined 59 Independent Commando Sqn, where I served until demob in 1975. In the pic I am 3rd from left, back row. 1st back left is Spr Michael Lewis-Williams; front row 1st is S/Sgt Thom.I now live in South Africa.
Regards John
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Tony Mornement capt Plant troop
HANK,
Thanks for the news from 1964 it brought back some amusing memories!!
I was only with "11 Indep Fd Sqn" from March to November 1964 commanding the Plant Troop and even then was attached to HQ 28 Brigade as staff captain "A" for 4 weeks partly to test me and partly to sort out some Courts Martial where the New Zealanders had failed to follow their own version of Queens Regulations.
I commanded the rear party which went from Op Crown to Bangkok by train and then to Singapore by ship with all the vehicles and some Plant. At one stage in Bangkok, I believe we had more women saying goodbye to their lust ones than we had soldiers on the ship!
The worst part was the drive from Singapore to Malacca with overloaded trucks speeding to get back to the loved ones in Terendak. There was only one crash and fortunately no one was injured but Tony Stacy-Marks was understandably, not amused.
Last year my wife & I went up the Mekong from Saigon to Angkor Wat and then flew to Sian reap and came down the Mekong in long boats to Luang Prabang in Laos. It was a great trip and took over a month.
What did you do after leaving the Sappers? Something interesting I guess?
Best wishes & Thanks
Tony Mornement
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Hi again Hank, Just browsed through your great website for the first time in a while. I noticed the roll call for Op Crown didn't include poor me.I was attached to CRE from Ripon for 14 months. I was in MT with the RASC driving tippers at first. I was more interested in the heavy stuff though and managed to convince the RASC that I could get them on the road. Any long story short, I was the scammell driver who toiled up and down the road to Bangkok docks delivering and collecting Heavy plant including the huge tarmaking machine. I have quite a few photos and will post them soon. regard s,
John Docherty

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Ian Elsy
Hi I served in the Far East with REME from 1966 -1969 and spent six months at Crown, Spring to Autumn 1967. I was seconded from 99 Gurkha Inf. Brigade LAD in Singapore. (volunteered, b est choice I ever made)) My Far East tour was spent with Gurkha units (other than Crown) having joined 30 Squadron Gurkha Transport Unit in Kuching in September 1966, then on to 99 Brigade. I have attached a photgraph from your site to show who I am. (bob lavallin 5) Left hand side kneeling. Ian 'Geordie' Elsy. I do have a couple of photographs and will forward them later. A great site full of reminders and memories.
Kindest Regards Ian Elsy
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Hi Hank
I served in 11 sqn from1967-1970.Iwas in the MT section.Brian Packman was the MT Sgt at the time as far as I can remember.I remember travelling up from Singapore toTampin on the 1 track railway.There were about 8 of us in the draft.All the names elude me at the moment,We arrived at Terendak to find the sqn had been deployed to Thailand on op Crown.We were given our kit issue and told to report to the pay office to collect somedollars.We met up with one of the PCCU guys who took us on a tour of the nightlife in Malacca The following morning it was a trip back to Singapore for an overnight stay before being despatched on a hercules to Ubon(I think) and then onward to Long Neok Tha.My memories of the trip in the back of a 4 tonner from Ubon werewhere the hell will we end up!!
I was attachedas a driver to 2troop( Bluff Cummins as SSgt) on forward clearance and improvised bridging.
The days off at the PX and Bar with the americans at Ubon hold fond memories.
Iremember arriving back at Terendak to be told that myself and other guys had to report to the QMs dept to draw Para gear as we were off to Changi for our Para course that none of us could remember volunteering for.That was an experience on its own after a night out down Bugis St and a 6am start.
I brokemy ankle on the night jump and never got the opportunity to go back and complete my 3 equipment jumps that would have qualified me for Para pay of 10 bob a week!!
If you have alist of names from my era please send it to me
Congratulations on your website and keep pushing for the medal

Steve Wilby (Ginge)

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Chia Keng Wah
Anyone have contact with any LEPs Please, Hank
I read your web site with interest this morning and it brought back many fond memories of my service with the British army.
My name is Chia Keng Wah, a British Army Locally Enlisted Personnel who served as follows:
Jan 1962 – Jun 1964: age 15 to 17 ½ in the Army Boys Trade School in Nee Soon Barracks, Singapore
Jun 1964 – Nov 1964 RSME, Chatham
Dec 1964 Returned to Army Boys Trade school
Jan 1965 – Jun 1971: age 18 to 25 in the Singapore Engineers Squadron in Gillman Barracks, Singapore
My unit was formed in 1965, from the remains of ex 75 Malayan Fd Pk Sqn, which was transferred over to the Malayan Army in the early sixties.
During the years 1965 – 1971 we supported construction projects in
1. repairs of the Asahan Firing range, Malacca,
2. new roads in the Jungle Warfare School, Johor
3. Repairs and additions to the Penarak and Dungun Airfields in Trengganu.
On the Asahan project, we had supports from the 28 Commonwealth Brigade as far as supply of ration was concerned and a small detachment of Bomb Disposal personnel from your 11 Ind Fd Sqn.
On the road project in the JWS we had Plant Operators support from 54 Fd Pk Sqn.
On the repairs of airfields in Trengannu, supports for by Medical detachment was from the BMH, Terendak and plants complete with operators from the 54 FD Pk Sgn
My Unit disbanded at the end of 1971 when the British Forces pulled out from Singapore and Malaysia.
I am writing also to see and would most appreciate if you can kindly assist people like me and many ex British Army’s Locally Enlisted Personnel who served in Singapore and Malaysia in applying for the PJM? Now that the cut off time is only a week away, I would appreciate your early response.
We, the ex LEPs are having a get together on Fraser’s Hill from 22 – 25 May 2008. However many served with the Royal Signals and only three were ex sappers!
Best Regards,
Chia Keng Wah
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Bob Lavallin
I'm afraid that I cannot remember many of the guys names now.Time passes and the mind has too much clutter in it.
Did you recall that there was some badges made up,sewn type things.Had Thia crown on it with either REME or RE.Said Op Crown.I had mine for years.Some members of the malaya brunie got their medals at maidstone .I missed out by a couple of months.Strange world.Catch you again.Take care.
Bob.Lavallin. REME
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Fred Collings.
Hello Hank my time in crown was with 34 sqn 1966,I then got my posting to 11 sqn.Whilst in crown I joined the Kok talat choir society along with amongst others Lou Lewis,Syd Tynan and Buns Norton where we spent many a sunday morning at the WRVS tea parties
yours
Fred
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From David Haley

Hopefully this will give a little insight to my time spent at Terendak. When I first
arrived at 11 Ind 1967 -70 I was part of the MT but change to clerical duties working with
Ssgt Coleman who was in charge of the football team which I played for during
my time in Malacca I was also selected to play for 28 Comm Bde along side
Phil Cassidy Glen Hobden Danny Archer and Dave Purvis I also played
Basketball for the Sqn and was pleased to see among your photos team mate
Frank Howells. If you look at your photo No 247 in the same boat as L/cpl
McLoughlin there is a lad without his shirt on well the lad next to him looking
at the camera is yours truly. I was a member of Brian Packmans Troop and
I was really chuffed when he made Sgt.
I remember quite a few of the lads from your photos including ' Ollie' who I
believe was on his third tour of the Far East. Battersby (One of 3 Brothers on
camp) Jock Fennel Brummie Bowbanks and many others especially from
1 Troop (Plant)
David Haley

_________________________________________________________________ Dear Hank,

Thank you for your e-mail. I must confess that this stage of my life I can remember either names or faces but cannot seem to put them together. I know the name but be blowed if I can put a face to it.
I was a Cpl. in 1troop. My bunk was at the very far endend of 1 troop lines. Fernley Tout was one of my Troop along with the two reprobates Smith and Thompson I joined the Sqn in 1962 and was demobed in 64 I joined the Sqn from 9 Ind Para Sqn as did a lot of 11 Sqn. I was in the recce for operation Crown. We went over to Thailand in early November. There was about six of us including the OC. We spent several months swaning around Thailand. The excuse was that we were doing a recce of the roads to see if they were suitable to move the Plant up. What a lot of cobblers. We did a recce on just about every road, bridge and culvert in Thailand, and assessed how much explosives that it would require to put them out of action. I only had about a month up at the proposed airfield building huts. I went back to Malaya in the May for demob taking back Smith and Thompson who had been court Marshalled for burning down a bar if I recall. I had to deliver them to Changi.
I do not know if you can remember Brummie Farrell. Well Iam in touch with him out here in Australia. He lives up on the Gold Coast.He was a driver in 1 troop along with Taff Williams.
I go into the web site of the Malaya & Borneo Vets web site quite often.( I am a member) I notice that 11 Sqn have quite a few reunions. If you see any of the lads give them a thumbs up from me. Keep in touch.

Wally (Brummie) Gee

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hello Hank,

Wally Gee forwarded your email to me , hope you don't mind.I was in 11Sqn from January 61 , at Butterworth and then drove down to Malacca , whenever. left in Jan 64. Was in 1 troop the whole time . Some people called me brummy Farrell (jimmy) others told the truth.I remember most of the names you mention , oh , I was a driver.drop me a line sometime .

take care .jimmy Farrell

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Adrian Rogers

Hello Hank
Thanks very much for your email. I saw your details on the NMBVA UKwebsite (which I see has been suspended this weekend) and was going to contact you but at the moment I'm busy preparing to retire next month which also entails moving out of this house which goes with the job.
Yes, I was in Brunei Works Sect RE from Nov 63 to Nov 64 and then posted to 11 Sqn, HQ Troop as the Cpl Clerk and then went up to CRE CROWN with the sqn in Dec 65 until I was posted to Long Marston in May 66. Major JHG Stevens was OC and Major Gordon Chave was 2IC, Tom Thornton was SSM. I'm sure I remember your (young!) face while I was there. You can see my older face on our website: http://www.stgeorge-au.org/
I am currently active in processing the PJM for ex-Brits living in Australia and have done 350 so far. I received mine just before Christmas.
I came out to Australia and joined RAE in 1972 for 20 years and met anumber of 2 Fd Tp RAE members again.
Yes, I'm happy for my name to go on your website. Can you send it to me; it seems to have dropped off your message!
I will be off the internet from 5 August until I can organise myself.
Good to hear from an old Sapper.
REgards
Adrian Rogers

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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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David Perchard

Hello this is David here (Ginger Perchard) I was very pleasantly surprised when my cousin Keith Tullett, informed me of this site. You are correct, that is many in the three ton Bedford. I saw your picture on the front of your site, but can't quite recollect your face.
I am not hundred percent sure of the dates at the moment, but I was in 11th independent corps field Park Squadron stationed at Terrendack camp. You may be able to work out the dates from the following information honours on the advance party on operation crown. When we lived in tents, whilst we built the camp. I also went to Borneo with 11th independent and was present in Malaya when President Sukarno of Indonesia, sent in the paratroopers to my in the area of Malacca. After Borneo was also fortunate enough to fly to Hong Kong for 14 days stopping on the way in Vietnam.
I will have a look to see if I have any photos or other information. I see that you have a reunion for 54 Squadron. It would be great if there was one for 11th independent, as were all tending as we are all getting a little bit long in the tooth.
Once again fabulous site, will definitely contact you in the very near future.
Best regards.
Dave (Ginger).
PS, my hair is now white.

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Dick Keens

I was in 11 indep from 1966-70 was up in post crown for 6 months. Ex chepstow 61B then borneo, malaya,st kilda !,gibraltar, left in 73 to do some real work.

I retired 2 years ago and now live between russia and spain, funny how things turn out.Was thinking of Malaysia but its a bit far to get back to see the family etc.Have been back to Singapore a couple of times, nothing like it was in the sixties but still some old bits left. Next visit may be Malacca just for old times sake. Dick

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Hi Hank,

I visited the Yorkshire Air Museum a few months ago and was surprised to see they have a nissan hut dedicated to the Royal Engineers. Inside there was a memorial to Sgt. mjr. Neave who I'm sure you remember (he preceded Tom Thornton), written by Fred Gray.

I've just been browsing the net, looking for information on Fred when I came across your website. Talk about memories! So many names and faces from our time in 11 Squadron
I did the tour extension in Borneo with the Aussies before returning to the UK and 48 Sqn at Ripon, who were kitting out for Aden! I finished my service in Aden, mainly up country at Al Milah/Habilayn.
In recent years I've managed to trace Paddy (Humph) Dunne, who was a particular mate of mine in 11 Sqn and we've met up several times. Be good to meet up again and there are several others who it would be nice to make contact with - Ferny Tout, Bob Thomson, Fred Gray, so maybe you can help. I have quite a few photos of our time in Terendak and can remember some of the names not on the website. Did you ever find out what happened to Brummie Gee?
Hope to hear from you,
Best wishes,
Ron Heaton

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Gordon Chave

I 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.
You also talked about 5 Sqn. I was also 2 i/c of 5, and moved them down from Dortmund to Iserlohn, where my two children were born. I then moved the squadron up to Paderborn, but only had a couple of months there before returning to UK. I dont know whether any of this is of interest, but hope it does. Going back to 11 Sqn - this remains the highlight of our time in the army. Have you seen the history of 2 Troop, written by David Wicks and Simon Wilson - a very good read.
Gordon

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Hi Hank,
Good to hear from you. Like Dave, I was really pleased to make contact afterall these years. When I knew Dave in Malacca he was 21. When we made contactlast year he was already retired!!Apart from military duties, he and Iplayed a lot of sport together.I arrived in Terendak in about Jan 64. At that time, I am sure that RexOsborne was troop commander of 1 Troop, and had been for some time. That wasthe time when Tony Stacey-Marks was squadron commander. Rex now lives inNewton Abbott. He made full colonel. Tony Stacey-Marks also made fullcolonel. He retired as Regimental colonel, but unfortunately died a fewyears ago. I have no memory of Peter Caddy.I have not been idle - in fact I did dig out a photo. It is of myself by theside of a 3 tonner as we made our way up from Ubon to Crown. Because thethen troop commander of 1 troop ( Roger Sinclair) had put himself inhospital, I was required to take the advance party up. Unfortunately thephoto shows that we had put the 3 tonner in a monsoon drain! Dave is hopeful that I will go to the reunion in Coventry. I have to behonest and say that I am not a great reunion man. Will you be going? Is itwith wives ( more to the point, are wives really welcome?)I had an e-mail recently from Moose Sutton. There is no doubt in my mindthat 2 Troop contributed a lot to our lives in Terendak. Barry Lennon, whowas the lieutenant in 2 Troop, has a house in Yeovil. He visited us a coupleof years ago, but I have only heard from him a couple of times over the last2 or 3 years.May I say that I think you have done a marvellous job to get this websiteoff the ground. My best wishes for the future of the website and for thefuture of all 11 Sqn "Old Boys".Best regards.
Gordon Chave

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Hank please pass on ,Fraternally Greetings to Bro Dave YEO from our Grand Primo Bro Raymond Colin Jones R.O.H. Of the Grand Lodge of Victoria of the Grand Australasian Banner of the RAOB and mine too being the Worthy Sitting Primo of Lodge Healesville 534 and as we are meeting today in out temple at Bayswater [VIC Australia] I will mention to the brothers that I have made contact with a Bro in the UK .

Moose Sutton

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hi hank nice to here from you i was reme attatched to 11 ind fld sqn from jan 66 to july 68 i was also at op crown twice from jan66 tojuly66 and aug or september 67 tofeb 68 hope you get loads of other contacts will try and dig out some photos to send you

harry(geordie)ramsay

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Ian Howatson

Hello, Hank. I was in Malaya from 1959-Septmber 62 (MT troop). After that I was 2 years in Movement Control at Gatwick Airport. Then 3 years at Waterbeach Camp, Cambridge. I dont remember having met you, but then again, it may come to me later! I was at a reunion for 11 Squadron on 12th May in Doncaster and met up with many old friends. If you would like to contact a chap called Tony Catherall, he would be very pleased to hear from you, as he organises the reunions and is always on the lookout for more Nice to speak to you, and please keep in touch if you can remember me at all - perhaps youll be able to jog my memory!

All the best,

Ian.

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Ivan Marchant

Hi Hank Ivan here.Cant really place you at 11 findep field sqd"rn , , but i did"nt spend a lot of time in MALACCA, as did 2 tours of thailand, 2of borneo, and a spell in sarawak, all in all i did about 5 months in terendak. did you have a nickname?, i might

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John Knowles

Hi Hank, I was in Crown around 1965 for a 4 month stint with the medics. I got your address from the NMBVA website - just a little bit of searching! Was in Malaysia with the NMBVA last month to get the PJM, was a fantastic few days away, around 41 of us were presented with it there, we met up with HRH Prince Andrew, had a good chat with him.Met up with several of the OP Crown folks in KL and went over old times and had several 'mutual' acquaintances. Best wishes John

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Hello Hank,
Thanks for your message. That's great news having Pete's contact details. It was indirectly through Pete that I met my wife. We've now been married for almost 45 years. Its a long story that I'll tell you some other time! I was in Malaya and Borneo from 21 May 1960 to 24 May 1962 with 11 Indep. I had previously been with 12 Indep on Christmas Island in 1958/9 during the A bomb and H Bomb Tests. I left the REs in July 1962 with the very senior rank of L/cpl!!. Married in August 62. Joined Brighton Police in Sept 62 (Later Sussex Police) and retired from the force in Sept 1992 after 30 years. I managed to be a bit more successful in the police. Got myself a degree in Law at University College London on a police scholarship and finished up as a Chief Superintendent. (Wonders will never cease). Did a couple of part time jobs for about three years and then concentated on Golf, Wine, Dog, three offspring, four grandchildren and my wife but not necessarily in that order.My memory for names is not so good now but I do recall a Keith Norton - I think from Billericay, Essex, George Suko, Ken Muldoon, Alan Fowler, Jock McFarlane, 'Errol' Flynn, Pete Jackson, Jim Barry, Karl Munday, Mick Avey (from Hove), Mick Dalton, Ken Morgan, Bill Cole, Jock Docherty and Tony Probert (2Lt National Service). You may have some of these in your list.Stay in touch,Regards,

Mike

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Patrick Moran,

I,m sure we must know each other but cant remember. 23534747 58A Chep A Coy (Fitter) Op Crown 63-65. 11 Ind Fd Sqn 68-70. Boxed,X Country Run, Rugby. Op Crown in Power Station. Demob 82.

Pat

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Hi Hank I was in 11 Sqn based at Butterworth Malaya 1957/59 I then went to Hong Kong Happy days

Peter Colling

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Brian Roberts

Hi Hank
It is good to hear from some one from the Sqn, one lad that I have met since the Malaya days is Blonde Coleman he was a short round lad with white hair, he was in 11 Fld Sqn in Osnabruck in the 1980-1985 he went out and started selling cars in Osnabruck but I have not heard from him in a few years.
The photos of the airstrip brought back some memories, was you on the strip when the young lad chopped three fingers off with a match myself and the other medic sewed them back on to keep the blood flow then they got the chopper in to take him to Terendak..

Brian

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Les Rose:

1959-1960 73 XMAS ISLAMD SQN.1960-1961 INDEPENDANT ARABIAN FEILD TROOP.1962-1963 OSNABRUK BAOR.1963-1964 73 XMAS ISLAND SQN.1964 11 INDEPENDANT FEILD SQN RE SINGAPORE(MALAYA).1964 UBON THAILAND.1965 UNTILL DEMOB 1967 56 MT TRG SQN RE CROOKMAN; sapperrosey218

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Jimmy Farrell

morning Hank ?.

thank's for the mail , I recognise some of the faces , Wilson , mad bastard , he punched me in the eye once , we were in the same section , Think Gruby , is ge the one with glasses , the guy with the crew cdut , did he used to ggo around with smudga Smith and or Wally Gee. I definitely remember Tampin station , heaps of times I had to drive up there at night to pick up new arrivals , trying to place you , do you have a photograph ?. The NAAFI club on Penang , only went there once , well it was only across on the ferry , got banned and my money back for fighting. The memories start flooding back when they get a little push.I'll try and find some old photo's to send you .catch you later, have a nice day .jimmy. ps,When I applied for that malasia medal the chap who did all the paper work over here is an ex 11Sqn fellow . I didn't know him , it was after my time over there but like me and wally he is over here in Australia , just down the road from me , on the Gold Coast, Adrian Rogers is his name .

Jim

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Tom Magee

Hank,good site.I recognise some names including Mick Norton from 54 Sqn.I was in post crown with him.I`ll look out some old photos from my time at Terendak(1965-68).Keep up the good work.all the best .TOM MAGEE.

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Tony Mitchell

Hank,

Thanks for the info, reading it, I think you must have been chasing mearound, I was Chep 56b group D coy, then 25 fd sqn paderborn untilposted to 11 sqn in Aug 62, went out on the oxfordshire, with Fernlet Tout, thats how you spell his name. got married 10 days before leaving.I remember you now I have seen the old pictures.
The full screw, whose daughter died, was Turton, I think from yourtroop, I was mates with scouse lewis from your troop, unfortunaley diedsome years ago, his wife almost gave birth in my car from Bukit Rambai,got to hospital just in time, I had a white and dark blue hillman minx, bit rare for a sapper.
I have attended a couple of BOBA reunions, good fun.Regards

Mitch

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Theo Hermans

Hey Hank. good evening. Just saw the message from Mick Ryan where you contacted him. I was with 2 Fd Troop RAE at Terandak in Aug 69 and then we moved to Nee Soon in Singapore in Feb of 1970.

Theo

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Moose Sutton

Hi Hank ,

sorry I don't recall any bald pom's in 11 ind sqn R.E way back in 1963-65, my nick name was moose my real name was William M Sutton and I was a driver with 2 field troop and drove the old comer tipper under Malcom Vangelder captain at the time plus Alan Hodges also a captain my corporal was graeme Leech and we are having a 2 troop reunion this September 2007 in Bendigo Victoria Australia .
I will add some officers e-mails address

Moose

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Ken Jolly

G`day Hank got the site from our engineers group ass.great site do not know what ATI means i was with 2 field troop RAE attached to 11 independant field sq. RE 1963=1965our troop that served in malaya are having a reunion in bendigo in oct Tom thornton has been to our reunion so we still keep a contact with the unit Hank our troop has the original 11 sqn flag we got the flag when we marched out in nov. 1965 and some how it found it way back to Australia just a little bit of info

Ken Jolley(malaya 1963=1965).

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Barry Lennon

Hank, I raised the troop in Australia and took it to Malaya in Nov 63, and handed over to Capt Malcom Van Gelder who was the OC of 4 Fd Tp (the troop that 2 Fd Tp was replacing). Captain Alan Hodges replaced Van Gelder after one year.
I took the original members of 2 Fd Tp home again in Oct 65. Capt Hodges stayed on as OC the replacement members of the troop.
2 Fd Tp was engaged in Op Crown from the start in 1963, and had a tour of duty in Bau Sarawak in 1965 before going home. The troop was relieved in place in October that year.
As 2 Fd Tp did not need both a troop commander and a troop officer, I was the squadron ‘special projects officer’ – recce officer, para stick commander, and OC shallow water diving team. This continued in Borneo when I accompanied the troop to Sarawak but was seconded to 3 Fd Sqn (and then 4 Fd Sqn) Malaysian Engineers to coordinate deployment of plant in the West Brigade area).
Will pass on info re blog at the re-union in October.

Barry

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Snow Wilson

Hank
Just received this this evening, I have been organizing reunions for our Troop the first in 1993. We are having our 6/7 in Victoria starting 7 Oct. We have had 3 RE members come out so far in the past. None this year though. Those were John Stevens OC. Tom Thornton SSM. Fred Grey Orderly Cpl. I will pass on your info to the rest of the blokes. Havent time to look at your web site in detail at the moment but will later.
Regards
Snow Wilson

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Jon Tomczak

Hi Hank,
Looks as though we were there roughly the same time, I arrived in July 1964 and was there till I think September 1967 @ I served with 2 Tp RAE. I was in Snow Graham Leech’s section. When you were there, I also did a variety of things as I was posted as a Plumber but did very little of that except when over in Borneo, and Thailand, when Garry Plumb came back to Australia I took over as the Tp Commanders driver till I returned to Australia. I will look up your web site in the next day or two; we are having a reunion in Oct for a week in Bendigo which is north east of Melbourne in Victoria. Most of us have caught up with Tom Thornton at our reunions and I met up with him when I was in the UK in 1995. I noticed that you guy’s had 11 Indep Fd Sqn RE reunion either earlier this year or late last year, if you have another one I may try and get over for it, even though I cant remember a lot about you guy’s as you were always coming and going as independents rather than as a troop.

John Tomczak

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Barry Lennon

Hank,I was indeed on Op Crown. 2 Troop RAE were there from the start 1963. I was last out having been given the rear party to dismantle the tented camp after everyone else left.And I remember the Officers mess very well. The Clerk of Works forgot to put in sole plates under the stumps. I’m not surprised you spilled the soup. It was a feet to walk over the floor without reeling.And the fire was particularly memorable – or at least the aftermath. It’s the only time I ever saw two witnesses at a court martial end up being charged and given 28 days. Interesting days.

Barry Lennon 2 Troop Commander

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Hi Hank,
you don,t know me but we trod the same ground in Thailand and probably in Malaya too! John Hamnett put me onto your site and I just wanted to say what a brilliant site, very clear and to the point, in fact a bit like an "O" group ! For once I have found someone who has his facts right about Op. Crown and hasn,t forgoten that there was a tented camp (in the beginning) My name is Mick (titch) Allen and I served in Thailand with 59 @ 34 Sqdns.1964-67 How well I remember arriving after a journey by sea and road from Singapore to find that we had tents but no poles! spent first night under the stars running to the boreholes after scoffing many water melons. Being a young,new Squadron to the Far East I think we were a bit in awe of the sun bronzed warriors of 11 Sqdn. who seemed to know what they were doing (did they?) being new boys we got sited near the entrance to the camp, plenty of dust from passing vehicles and plenty of abuse from wandering squaddies trying to find their way home after a night on the Mekong and coke in the village which was still virtually untouched at that time. Was it 11 or 54 who later went on the rampage in a much changed village (sex and booze) at a farewell party before returning "down south" for a well earned rest( even more sex and booze) except in more civilized surroundings. Mad Mack was not best pleased, probably saw his M.B.E. going up in smoke, like parts of the village! Anyway, Hank your site and the photo,s brought back good memories of good times and good mates, some of whom I have managed to contact after more than 40 years, it really makes the phrase "get some time in " come home! Best wishes for you and your site mate,
Mick Allen

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Carlton Buck Brown
3 old mates and myself have just attended the last 59 reunion before the Squadron is absorbed into 24 Commando Regiment RE next year. At the reunion we discussed the possibility of having a reunion in the UK of ex 59 Op Crown mates as a follow up of the one that was held in Thailand in 2005. To date I am in regular contact with Chris Barrett, John Hamnett and George Smart all three are on your list and I have also sent Jim Curtis an email, but have still to receive a reply. I am also in contact with Trevor Letford who lives in Cyprus and Michael Allen. We were all in 59 when it first formed up in Shorncliffe as well as being on the advance party up to Thailand and began life on Op. Crown in the tented camp.
Trevor, who is in contact with several others, has emailed me to say that those he is in contact with are not interested in meeting up, which I think is a shame but still not to worry. So Hank any others that you know of and are in contact with as well as any help you can offer in tracing old mates it would be greatly appreciated.
Buck

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hi hank thanks for the e mail i had a look at your site quite interesting. its funny to hear from someone from 11 sqn i remember when i got to thailand there was still some of the sqn at ubon in the aussie base i remember talking to the guys. i got there in 1964 until 1966 with 59 and i went back with 34 sqn the same year. when we came back to the uk i was offered a posting to 11 sqn but i knocked it back to go to berlin. i must admit i realy enjoyed the time in the far east. well mate just a short reply speak to you later.
George

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Hi Hank,
Would love to see your site and leave a message on it for all those 11 sqn personnel. please forward me the site address. I was last in Ubon two weeks ago, and I go back there on a regular basis. I visited the old airfield at Ban Kok Telat last month and it was being used as a drag strip by about 150 motor-bikes. It seemed very official with food stalls, a PA system prizes and electronic timing. Hope to hear from you soon. Regards, Jim Curtis. ex 59 Sqn RE p.s. I dont have my own computer and have to use the local library to get my e-mail.
Jim Curtis

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Roger Makin
I was one of the original Op Mukdahan crew who formed up at Kitchener bks in september 63 and went to singapore 2 december. 8 of our crew went on the ship Benmore to Bankok on the 23 Dec with the Crane

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Hank
Guilty as charged, I was with 54 on Crown in 1965 and 1966.I was firstly the Plant Docs clerk when Capt Bob Tansey was Plant Troop Comd and WO1 Stumpy Fowler was the MPF. Getting off that was a relief even though they put me on the Howard Train and then on Night Shift with Jack Box on the Bitumen Boilers. Jack unfortunately got himself shot by a local Thai gang and is buried in Kranjie War Cementary in Singapore. Next I was trusted with a Bray LWT and took off much of the blacktop from the main runway. After that I spent a very boring time stock piling aggregate ready for the concreting phase of the project. Time has wiped out much of my memory but I do seem to recollect a Hank either as a plant op or fitter I don't quite remember. One of those I remember well and still have occassional contact with from 11 sqn is Mo Day.I do however look back at the place with fond memories of Mekong whisky and tiger Beer.I was lucky enough to get posted back to 54 in 1970 as a Plant Sgt and moved to Hong Kong when the Sqn formed up there in 71.I'm afraid I never gave the Army up and spent 40 years in it retiring in 2001 although I am still working for them as a civvy and am presently running the Engineer Park in Hameln.
Regards Wally Boldock

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Dave Batterley
Have just found your website which brought back many happy memories. I served with 11 Sqn from 1969 until its disbandment in 1970 where I was posted to 54 Sqn in Singapore. Also serving with 11 Sqn were my two brothers, Mick and Stuart who also went to 54 Sqn. Sadly Mick died a few years ago from cancer whilst living in South Africa. I have a few photos of members of 11 and 54 Sqn so I'll dig them out and post them onto the web. Would love to hear from anyone who knows either me or my brothers.

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Sid Hutchings
Hi Hank
Dates March 1961_1964 1 troop (butterworth) Mallacca
Then to 65 fd pk Sqn (Orsnabrook) Hameln to 1966 back to Malaya Terendak camp to 1969
Serving North Boneo Thailand Sarawak
Then Back to the U K 24 sqn chatham Then to Germany to 2 Armd Sqn Iserlone Then back to 12 Rsme Chathamdean
Then goodnight to the Army
SID

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Hi Hank,

you don,t know me but we trod the same ground in Thailand and probably in Malaya too! John Hamnett put me onto your site and I just wanted to say what a brilliant site, very clear and to the point, in fact a bit like an "O" group ! For once I have found someone who has his facts right about Op. Crown and hasn,t forgoten that there was a tented camp (in the beginning)

My name is Mick (titch) Allen and I served in Thailand with 59 @ 34 Sqdns.1964-67 How well I remember arriving after a journey by sea and road from Singapore to find that we had tents but no poles! spent first night under the stars running to the boreholes after scoffing many water melons.

Being a young,new Squadron to the Far East I think we were a bit in awe of the sun bronzed warriors of 11 Sqdn. who seemed to know what they were doing (did they?) being new boys we got sited near the entrance to the camp, plenty of dust from passing vehicles and plenty of abuse from wandering squaddies trying to find their way home after a night on the Mekong and coke in the village which was still virtually untouched at that time. Was it 11 or 54 who
later went on the rampage in a much changed village (sex and booze) at a farewell party before returning "down south" for a well earned rest( even more sex and booze) except in more civilized surroundings. Mad Mack was not best pleased, probably saw his M.B.E. going up in smoke, like parts of the village!

Anyway, Hank your site and the photo,s brought back good memories of good times and good mates, some of whom I have managed to contact after more than 40 years, it really makes the phrase "get some time in " come home!

Best wishes for you and your site mate,

Mick
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Bernard Waslin
Hello Hank As already stated, I was posted to 11th Independent Field Sqn in January 1960. Our camp was in Butterworth [on the mainland off Penang. I was attached to our transport section. and drove Landrovers and Heavy transport. Our camp was on the beach overlooking Penang.During my time in Butterworth, I was to be promoted to unit photographer taking special photographs to be sent to England. We spent some time on our first tour of North Borneo trying to re-build the "Mountbatton Caurseway" without much luck as it was washed away when the flooding took hold. Returning to Kota Belud in later to build the Bailey bridge.As I was still the unit photographer, AND the officers could not find anyone to play "Batman" I took on the job [and did not have to do any heavy work]. Driving the officers around and keeping their kit ready. [my brother Billy was in WW2, and was Batman to Field Marshall Montgomery] I also had a Super8 movie camera as well as using the company cameras also.We returned to Mallacca in December 1962 [making three years in total].

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Tom Canning
I was with 59 Sqn from Nov 1965 to May 1968. I was a Sgt wit 59 when we took over from 11 Sqn in 1966 and handed over to 34. I went back as a Ssgt when we took over from 34 Sqn in 1967 until handover to 11 Sqn and then went back with 54 when they took over from 11 Sqn, that tour however was cut short by Col Driscoll who decided that Bob Haynes and myself were undesirables and chucked us out and we got a train ride to Bangkok and then a flight to Singapore. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Crown except for the 54 Sqn experience which I would not wish on anyone. I made a lot of very good mates there and am still in contact with some of them
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Bob Corcoran
Hi Hank. As requested. I worked on the road./ and a improvised bridge, although I was with 54 field pk it was with 59sqn, 11 sqn was also involved I done two trips, both times on the road The first trip I lived on the airfield site..As I was not a plant op or driver, I was helping the soil mechs with the testing, basically getting the wobbly wheeled rollers to make sufficient passes until the soil mechs were happy with the compaction.I also went out looking for suitable laterite deposits for the road. We lived in tents as you know.I do recall that our SSM paid us a visit up from Singers, he went ape shit when he found out that the road camp was drinking more beer than the airfield lot.Does anyone recall the Harry Secombe visit to the strip, Anita Harris was there also. We were initially not invited as we we reported to be unruly, some one must have relented as were were invited down for the show, but were not allowed to stay to meet the great and the good.It was also rumoured that there was an invite from the yanks to the Miss world show at Ubon, but the power's that be put the kybosh on that.We were invited to Ubon to play the Aussies at cricket, that was a laugh, they took it in deadly earnest, turned out on whites, the game was played adjacent to the strip, the yanks must have wondered what was going on , when they were landing and taking off in there phantoms.Needless to say we were soundly thrashed.Does anyone remember Eddy Brown and Jacky Knox both of 11 sqn. It would have been on the first trip that I visited the Ville, I had heard loads of tales of this place, from memory it was a cluster of tin roof shacks, selling leaping deer Thai whiskey, the rumour was that if you were caught drinking it , you got 28 days nick, oh least I forget the poo yings definitely not Thai beauty's. Who's this Nignoy?And this Willie Bach has he been taking strong drink.? Looking forward to hearing from you again. Bob Corcoran37 FldSqn Osnabruck54 Fld Pk Singers34Fld Sqn Tidworth
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John McLoughlin
Amazing I've only just hooked up to the internet from Spain and was browsing for information on my time in the RE's 1963 - 1975. My name is John Mc.Loughlin and I was with 11 Ind. Fld RE. 67-70. I drove a dumper truck on the Thialand road project and rember our trips to Ubon like it was yesterday. I was a L/Cpl. at the time in 1 Troop I think? I was also attached to the Ausse troop for a few weeks and went with them on a Hearts and Minds trips 80 miles up a river to build a medical centre for the natives... what a great time. I also did the HongKong road project and several other interesting jobs. My other postings were 42 Field Sqdn. Osnabruck/Hamlin 63-66; (where I had a brief unofficial trip to the South of France and Luxemborg), any one who new me at that time will know what I mean... 66 Plant Sqdn. Longmoor 1971-73 Jobs in Isle of Skye; Fase two of Air Field project - Hong Kong Road Project - Canada Road project. 73-75 AMFL Troop Logmoor/Tidworth/Norway Snow blower team. Any one remembers me please get in touch.
John

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Brian Simpson
HANK, thanks for your site info (doc) via John Hamnet yesterday, I have been to your site several times via johns site plenty of info
i served with 59 fld sqdn RE,
ON advanced party to singapore nov 1963 from shornecliffe, kent, in prep for main party arrival,
served two visits to thailand from singapore, on first visit I drove SSM (YAKKER) YATES from BANGKOK TO THAILAND AIRFIELD tented camp it was certainly tense before we got to the camp I was suffering with heat stroke SSM Yates took over driving my Landrover,I was a young 18+half then not used to the heat, still dont like hot weather to this day,I finally left far east 1966,I met SSM Yates again when he visited my new regiment 42 FLD SURVEY REGT
at BARTON STACEY near Andover I did'nt know wether to stand to attention all the time I was talking to him (frightening),
prior to leaving SINGAPORE we both went on a Recce to Malaya a place called KUANTAN for two days that was good PALM TREES and white sand on the beach, I got 50 Dollars expences I think then A Singapore dollar was then worth TWO ENGLISH SHILLINGS +4 PENCE sadly when I got back to Singapore someone raided my locker ended with nothing.
I saw on your web posted by his son D YATES that the then SSM Yates had died, all I can say that at times I feared him on other not so formal times he was a OK guy,
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Jim Harrod US Radar signals
Thank you for the Op Crown information and photos. Outstanding web site. I served at Det 6, 621 Tac Control Squadron, Mukdahan (Mukdaharn) Thailand in 1966/67 as a Radar Operator. Several of your troopers used to wander up to our site and tour the enlisted club as well as the wounderful city of Mukdahan. A couple of years ago, several of us found each other through the www and were able to get together in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We spent three wonderful days together, and I truly believe that we could have walked back into a radar operations center, sat down on scopes and performed our mission all over again.With your permission, I would also like to share your site with my friends. I have also attached an old photo of the radar site at Mukdahan.Thank you for sharing. Those were most unforgettable days of my youth.
Jim Harrod
Scope Dope
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Terry Evans
HI Hank
Just a line or two ,to intruduce my self to you a little.I joined the army in Febuary 1962 and after basic training @ Farnborough I was posted over to Gillingham in Kent to 60 fld support sqn and then down the road to Brompton Barracks,Chatham were I completed a B111 Sheet Metal Workers course.On completion of this I was flown out to Singapore and then up to Thialand to join 59 fld sqn whom had been up their for about 3 months.Between tooing and frowing from Thialand,Singapore,Malaya, and Hong Kong,I asked for an extended tour in which I got an extra 6 months.When I was up in Thialand I was in 3 Troop mainly doing verious tasks on the airstrip and after completing my B11 S.M.W. in Malaya I worked in the workshops.
I was then posted to 61 fld support sqn, down in Maidstone where I did a short tour of Bahrain and finally demob.
If at all I can help in any way as regards op-crown please contact me .
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Peter Limb
I arrived Op Crown early 64 with machines from Singapore, then went back to Singapore. till late 65 with turn over for 54 fld park Sqn, our HQ was next to the plaque and if I remember not far from the Nick. I had a good experience driving up too Bankok from Singapore with D8 on board a scammell & LOW LOADER
Peter Limb

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Hello again Hank....Hope this finds you well. Jim Harrod

Still extremely cold here in Colorado, and once again the weather has gone crazy in the midwest. I think the latest count from the tornados is 55 dead. One question from my friends about the Crown Project is we were wondering if you folks were ever under attack or probed by the local communist groups that were in our area. We had a few bullet holes in out radar antenna, an occasional round was fired accross our camp. On the morning of 14 February 1967, the Thai military and local police killed a woman and two men just accross our dirt runway that had a few satchel charges and were going to blow our radar off the air. The tied her body to an ox cart wheel and rolled it all through the village of Mukdahan and created quite a stir. Out of the forrest came about 500 Thai Special Forces and soon put things quiet again.On several occasions our Air America Friends came acccross the Mekong from Savannakhet and warned us that they felt some insurgents may try to hit the site, but nothing came of it.One other bit of excitement came about when the Thai Army captured the North Vietnamese leader in out Province. I believe he was a Major. They brought him to our site by helicopter and then loaded him into ground vehicles and were taking him to Bangkok.We had a supply run to NKP to the north almost daily and every once in a while our guys would round a corner in the road and come upon an armed group but we were never fired upon to my knowledge.Warm regards.
Jim Harrod
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Bob Corcoran
Hi Hank. As requested. I worked on the road./ and a improvised bridge, although I was with 54 field pk it was with 59sqn, 11 sqn was also involved I done two trips, both times on the road The first trip I lived on the airfield site..As I was not a plant op or driver, I was helping the soil mechs with the testing, basically getting the wobbly wheeled rollers to make sufficient passes until the soil mechs were happy with the compaction.I also went out looking for suitable laterite deposits for the road. We lived in tents as you know.I do recall that our SSM paid us a visit up from Singers, he went ape shit when he found out that the road camp was drinking more beer than the airfield lot.Does anyone recall the Harry Secombe visit to the strip, Anita Harris was there also. We were initially not invited as we we reported to be unruly, some one must have relented as were were invited down for the show, but were not allowed to stay to meet the great and the good.It was also rumoured that there was an invite from the yanks to the Miss world show at Ubon, but the power's that be put the kybosh on that.We were invited to Ubon to play the Aussies at cricket, that was a laugh, they took it in deadly earnest, turned out on whites, the game was played adjacent to the strip, the yanks must have wondered what was going on , when they were landing and taking off in there phantoms.Needless to say we were soundly thrashed.Does anyone remember Eddy Brown and Jacky Knox both of 11sgn. It would have been on the first trip that I visited the Ville, I had heard loads of tales of this place, from memory it was a cluster of tin roof shacks, selling leaping deer Thai whiskey, the rumour was that if you were caught drinking it , you got 28 days nick, oh least I forget the poo yings definitely not Thai beauty's. Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Bob Corcoran
37 FldSqn Osnabruck54 Fld Pk Singers34Fld Sqn Tidworth
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Colin Armstrong
Hi.
Completed 2 tours on Op Crown between 66/68,1 on the strip and the other a cushy job running the Cpl's club---- based in Gillman Barracks Singapore----54 Sqn also involved in Borneo same time.59 Sqn also in Gillman Bks prior to changing their hats.
Colin
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Tony Cliffe
I was in OP CROWN 64-66 S/M YATES shooting all the dogs monsoon rains washing away half the toilets, going to ubon on latterite roads for supplies we had to do over 35 mph to stop bouncing and just hit the top of the ridges.Dust everywhere.Great was'nt it . Cliffy my nickname would like hear from anyone who remembers me .especially the crown football team that beat the aussies in Ubon I was right half ..We won a cup wonder where it is now.
Cliffy

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Roy Follows, malay police 1950s
Dear Hank.
Thanks for your email, also your kindness in trying track down the RE Lt whose name I thought was Newman? Frantically searching through my 'Fort' files I came across the officers name and it's Lt. K W Newhams. From what little information I have , Lt Newhams was o/ic of building the airstrip at Fort Shean which was in the state of Pahang . These airstrips which you will be too aware of, were for Pioneer/Auster Short Take Off Landing (STOL ) aircraft. I have it from somewhere, that Lt Newhams made an official report about his units (11th Ind Sqn REs ? ) involvement with Jungle Forts , which a few years ago, version of it appeared in 'The Sapper ' . For your interest, there were twelve official jungle forts, which l were all under the Malay Police, and until 1958 ish all fort commanders were Brits . Fort Tapong the last fort to be built (1958 ) its Commander was an Asian Police officer. The area were Fort Tapong was, is now a hugh reservoir , and the fort now lies under deep water. My old place Fort Brooke in the mountains north of threCameron Highlands is still there . But is no longer an armed stockade where you never moved without your automatic. The fort is now a admin centre with clinic, school etc for the Aborigines. Some of the other jungle forts are also still in existance. Fort Brooke was built by the SAS together with men from Malaya Police operational units . The officer I/c of the building was Maj Ted Peackock RE SAS, who sadly passed away a few years ago. It was named 'Brooke' after Lt/Col O Brooke the then CO of the SAS. It was about six months ago that I began looking for information/photographs any thing about jungle forts and since than I've received photographs of forts from many different people who were involved with them and not only from the UK but Canada, NZ and Australia. So in 'nut shell' I'm looking for information ,stories,anything about the jungle forts,which I hope the 11th Ind Sqd RE or any othe RE until can kindly supply me with. This book about Jungle Forts, I'm at present working on will be my third book I've cobbled out(I don't write ) . The other two that were publish , first was 'The Jungle Beat' about my time on jungle operations,which came out some years ago, than about a couple of years ago 'Four Wheels and Frontiers', sub titled 'The First Overland', was published . This is the account of how in 1958 my friend and drove ALL the way from Singapore via Thailand and Burma to the UK. For this three months epic drive, the vehicle we used was a 1943 an ex Brit army Jeep that we bought from a scrap yard in Johore Bahru.
So hoping you can help
Thanks again
Best wishes
Roy.

Pleased find three images attached.
Because of he mountainous terrain where it was postioned, Fort Brooke could not have an airstrip ( Not Even the 11th Ind could have made one there ! ) but it had a LD/Z. I took the photograph of this AD taking place at the fort. This parachute missed the DZ to land inside the forts compound causing much damage.
125 Air Drop at Fort Brooke. 629 Jungle Beat 632 Four Wheels and Frontiers .
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Richard Nobby Clarke
11 INDEPENDENT FIELD SQUADRON R.E.
JUNGLE FORTS

11 Independent base camp was at Butterworth in an old Japanese army camp in atap huts or basha’s.
The Sqn was involved in building and maintaining the forts deep in the Malayan Jungle that where manned by the Malay Police and also used by the security forces to gain access to remote area’s where the CT’s where.
I was involved as a L/CPL in 1 Troop RE in the building of Fort Tapong, all three field troops worked on this fort on a three week rotation that is two troops working and one back at Butterworth on R&R the other field troops where 2 Troop RAE and 3 Troop RE.
We would travel by road to Grik stay overnight at the RAR forward Base and set off at dawn by native boat up the Sungi Perak and travel most of the day up this large river having to negotiate several large rapids we found this very exhilarating, passing on the way aboriginal villages on the river bank.
The camp we set up was above the river next to the Malay police camp our camp consisted of a cleared area about seventy yards diameter with one or two man basha’s around the perimeter made out of our poncho’s for a roof and a home made bed consisting of canvas and bamboo pole’s not unlike a stretcher the sides and ends open to the elements, the troop commander slept in the centre of camp.
The Police camp was much the same as ours at that time I believe that they had been operational in this area for some time with just a LZ for access.
Each man carried with them two sets of clothes one for working in and one for sleeping, jungle and hockey boots personal items such as washing and mending kit a gullok jungle knife, weapon and ammunition, items to help make up the Basha this was not supplied you had to provide your own.
Most men also took their PE Shorts to work in as they more comfortable and easy to wash every day in the river when you took a bath.
We would stand to at dawn then breakfast of tined bacon and egg and a mug of tea then off to work on the airstrip clearing the jungle using axes on the smaller trees and explosives under the roots on the large one’s everything had to be cleared back to the edge of the airstrip.
At midday we would take a short break for food usually cold tined meat or cheese and hardtack biscuits and tea, at the end of the day it was back to camp for a meal of compo rations cooked with a petrol hydro burner in a open trench, then the best of all the rum ration which some men saved up in a spare water bottle to drink after five or six days!!
All our supplies came in by air drop about once a week including if we where lucky fresh meat for one meal and mouldy bread.
Our latrine or thunder boxes as we called them was a deep trench covered with bamboo and soil leaving three openings for the seats made from old detonating cord boxes which had lids to help keep the flies down and a bamboo screen around and roof of bamboo very posh, every few days this had to be burnt out with petrol to keep the flies under control this was the job of the medic.
One day while working on the airstrip we heard a loud explosion from the camp and saw a large cloud of dust and what looked like the bog roof falling like a leaf from the sky, we all rushed back to camp to find the medic laying flat on his back covered in you know what with a large smoking hole next to him it seems he had used to much petrol!
Another humorous incident was when Bill (Lofty) Kibble from 3 Troop was clearing the hill side of a very large three with large fin like roots using explosives after two attempts and a lot of smoke and dust the tree was still standing on the third attempt their was a very load explosion and from the cloud of smoke and dust rose this very large tree like a rocket going into orbit and then split down the centre, he never did tell us how much PE he had used, years later Bill became a QMSI instructor in Bomb Disposal !

Richard (Nobby) Clarke

{Back To Welcome Page}

OP-CROWN REUNION HISTORY BOOK

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 09:46:00 +0000

Reunion Salisbury 4th 5th 6th Sept 09

Looks like it was a great success.

Check CRE OP CROWN for

Official Report

I had a great time on the Saturday meeting
people i have only spoken to on the phone
Also enjoyed the visit to the camp.
I have to say a great big thank you to
Buck Brown and John Hamnett
for organising this event.

Any photos you would like me to add to Reunion Album

will be more than welcome
I recall the following people who attended
please could you let me know if you are not listed

Roger Andrews 11 Sqn 1966
Brett Bretton ACC 1964

Buck Brown 59 Sqn 1963-65
Tony Cliffe 59 Sqn 1964-66
Harry Collar 16 Fd Amb 1964
Jim Curtis 59 Sqn 1964-66
Roy Falconer 59 Sqn 1964-66

John Hamnett 59 Sqn 1964-65 34 Sqn 1966-67
John Jackett 16 Fd Amb 1965

Hank Lawrence 11 Sqn 1964
Bob Lavallin REME 1965-67
John Lloyd REME 1965-66
Alan Myers ACC 1965-66

Tom Pritchard 59 Sqn 1964-65
Chris Potts 34 Sqn 1966-67
Cliff Watts RAOC 1966
Dave Young 34 Sqn 1966-67

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Mini Reunion Gun Wharf Portsmouth 2008

John Young himself served on Ops crown and at Terendak during the hand-over ceremony.

here is our reunion story.

For quite a number of years John Jackett and I have searched for several of our old service pals, and through Hank and John's Op Crown sites we have located several.One of our pals Sonny Marlow had returned to his home in the Seychelles and our chances were few and far between of ever locating him, then quite out of the blue Sonny's brother-in -law John Young discovered his photos on the sites.

At that time Sonny and his wife were visiting the UK so John organized a mini reunion at Gun Wharf in Portsmouth.Sonny had served with us on all the on going operations, Borneo, Malaya Peninsula and Operation Crown, he introduced us to the culinary delights of the local wild life offsetting the tedium of the old 10 man ration pack.We spent the day looking at our old photographs and wondering where the other lads of our team are and no doubt through the Ops Crown sites we will locate them.

Brett Bretton and John Jackett.

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The South coast of England played host to a couple of reunions over the

weekend 13/14/15 June 2008.

Saturday at Weymouth saw Rob Falconer and Buck Brown meeting up for the first time since their 59 Fld Sqn days. (pix above) At least forty two years have passed since Rob and Buck last met, how time flies.

The beautiful Isle Of Wight was the backdrop for the reunion after thirty nine years of John Elliott and Mick Allen. These pals served together in 34 Fld Sqn including a stint for the UN in Cyprus. The pix below shows Mick and John on headland above the seaside town of Sandown. The next shot down is of John and his lovely wife Carol. Carol will be accompanying her 'Hubby' to next years reunion, the shopping trip to Salisbury was the clincher for her. We look forward to seeing you next year folks.

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On the 14th of July 2007

four ex Royal Engineers met up after thirty nine years. They had served together on Operation Crown, a SEATO project to build an airfield in the North East of Thailand. They were happy to see each other again after all this time. After spending the weekend reminiscing, they vowed to contact as many old mates as possible and organise a reunion two years hence. It was decided to create a web site as a focal point of contact. The 'Four Muckers' are, John 'Ginge' Hamnett, George 'Jock' Smart, Mick 'Robens' Allen and Carlton 'Buck' Brown. This is the website.

CRE OP CROWN

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PHOTOS FOR ALL EVENT

RAE REUNION HISTORY BOOK

noreply@blogger.com (Hank titch Lawrence) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 09:26:00 +0000

Click On Picture

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Bendigo Re-union From Moose.

October 2007
For my Wife and myself the re-union started on the Saturday morning of the 6th when we drove in to Melbourne City 35ks to meet and take Simon [snow] and his wife Marilyn Wilson up to Bendigo. After much hand shaking and back slapping and kissing one another we then drove to Bendigo 155ks. On the way Snow told us that he and his wife had come to Melbourne via train from Busselton Perth over 2,000ks from Melbourne and that when he arrived his wife had to get an ambulance to take Snow to hospital. Where the doctors found his Sodium level was very low, this did not improve as two days after the start of the re-union Snow & Marilyn had to fly back to Perth.
The reunion started on Monday the 8th with a meet and greet barbecue tea the people at the motel put up an marquee with table and chairs and we all got together just like the old days.Plenty of food and beer but all being old members now we were all in our beds by 9-30pm.
Tuesday the 9th
At 8-30am we boarded a coach [bus] trip to Ballarat 70ks visiting the Eureka Centre at 10-30am lunch and a visit to the war memorial which is a very long piece of marble with all the names of our fighting men and Women from the second world war including POW’s member at Changi. Back home with power naps on the coach ride home, with the evening free most members went to the local pub for tea and to play the pokies I don't recall any body winning any large amounts.
Wednesday 10th
Bus leaves motel 10 -00-am to drive to Castlemaine just to wander around the shops also went to see a house that was built back in 1863 which is old for Australia as were only 200 years old the owner was a Ernest Leviny. From Castlemaine we then took a steam train ride to Maldon with lunch supplied and coffee and tea at the Maldon station the ride went for about 40 minutes.Then coach rides back to our motel evening free just to sit around and talk catch up with photos of all our grand children plus a few beers and wines plus looking at photo albums from 2 Field Troop RAE.
Thursday 11th
Nothing booked but members went in a saw the Central Deborah gold mine plus a ride on a talking tram which runs through Bendigo, and some most went to see the Chinese museum which has the Sun Loong Dragon. The longest in the world over 100 meters .
The evening of the Thursday 11th
my wife had arranged for all of 2 field troop to have a meal and drinks on the tramcar restaurant the dinner takes about 2 hours and was enjoyed by all with a lot of fun making jokes about one another.
Friday 12th
To day we booked the coach and went to Echuca which is a bout 2 ½ hours drive up to the Murray River where we went aboard the M.V.Maryann Paddle steamer it was about 2 hours of eating and drinking and hearing a person singing songs from yesteryear.
Saturday 13th
Most members went in to Bendigo for the day just pub-crawling and the lady’s shopping and then we all went back to the motel to dress and place on our medals and get on another coach at16-30pm.We arrived at the Bendigo RSL museum [Returned service league] where we saw photos of world war 1 and 2 Korea, Malaya, Vietnam.and memorabilia. Out side we formed up with a bugler and two lady’s who had lost their husbands from Malaya Lorraine Jones wife of [Bill Jones,] and Margaret Stokes wife of [Peter Stokes,] We also remembered the mates and their wives who have passed away while the bugler played the Last Post & Reveille, it was a very moving moment, we had all our photos taken and I will forward them on to you when I get them.From there we went via coach to the Bendigo RSL club and we had a room to our selves.We put up the Australian flag the ORIGIONAL 11 Independent field Sqn flag along with the 2 Field Troop Flag, which was donated by Ken Jolley and signed by all members of 2 Troop.We had our evening meal and my wife Lorraine was given a standing ovation and a very big thank you from all that attended. Then we went about raising troop funds we had a Dutch auction where we raised on $1,000 dollars to go toward our next re-union in New South Wales in 2 years.I recall Alan Hodges paying $52-00 for next year’s calendar [only cost $2-50 to buy at a shop]Lorraine my wife had told every body to bring some thing from the state that they live in for the Dutch auction. I purchased a pottery port bottle and plate for $50-00 cost about $35-00 at Bendigo pottery.
We have a lot of old English names over here as you would expect as all the people who started Australia were convicts, name s like Pall Mall in Bendigo , so that ended the re union for 2007
And then we learned a week Later that [old Bluey ] Colonel John Stevens R.E had lost his battle with cancer , I sent my condolences to Gordon Chave to pass on to Norma as we were able to get John and Norma to come to a re-union in Tasmania some time back and we found them to be a delightfull couple.Hank you may edit this if you wish , I hope it will be enough for your great site all the best I will have a look some time in the future Moose

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I have been organizing reunions for our Troop thefirst in 1993. We are having our 6/7 in Victoria starting 7 Oct. We have had 3 REmembers come out so far in the past. None this year though. Those were JohnStevens OC. Tom Thornton SSM. Fred Gray Orderly Cpl. I will pass on your infoto the rest of the blokes. Havent time to look at your web site in detail at themoment but will later.

RegardsSnow Wilson

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we just had 6th re union

1993 Alice Springs Northern Terrority

1996 Tanunda South Australia

1999 Hobart Tasmania2

003 Busselton Western Australia

2005 Caloundra Queensland

2007 Bendigo Victoria

The next one is in New South Wales in 2009

Only had 27 out of 40 mainly due to ill health mainly due to cancer that the others didn't come , Hope your fit and well I went back to work today bloody hard after two weeks off , all the best moose