11 INDEPENDENT FIELD SQUADRON TERENDAK MALAYA

WELCOME PAGE

2011-08-10T21:18:00.016+01:00

Try These

Think On
GETTING OLDER

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

Below

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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}

{Coventry Reunion 2012}

{Grik-Tremengor Road 1960-61}

{Exercise Pancake 1962}

{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 2010]

[Reunion album Coventry 2008]

[Reunion album Bath 2008]

[Reunion album Doncaster]

[11 Sqn Small Reunions Album]

[Members Special Album]

Weddings Christenings etc

{ RAE Troops 11 Ind Fld Sqn}

{Roll Call 2 and 4 Troop 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 }

{UPDATED OP POST CROWN SITE}

{Roll Call Op - Post Crown}

{TRYING TO FIND}

{OP CROWN YOUR SPECIALS}

{Add Your Message}

{REUNION OP POST CROWN 2011}
{Reunion History Book}

[To All Pers. Photo Albums]

[Reunions Album]

Thailand

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{To 40 AESR / AESG Willich }

GERMANY

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{To My New 5 Fld Sqn Blog}

GERMANY
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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}

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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

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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

PROPOSED FUNDRAISER

2010-12-16T16:27:00.003Z

John O’Groats to Lands End

for Help for Heroes

By Doug Hamilton-Cox.

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Doug Is in need of all the help he can

muster so get those sapper minds working

overtime to assist him.

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His list of needs

Any help anyone can give me will be very gratefully accepted.

Things I need help with include:--

The Route

Back up on some sections (Sue cannot accompany me all the way)

Sourcing cheap accommodation

Contacting Councils etc along the way

Contacting Media

Contacting British Legions

Contacting Local Ramblers

Sourcing Maps

Transport : Additional to Sue in our car (Camper Van)

Contact Army Units that are on the route

Computer work

Photographers

Any Ideas or advice

Contact all REA’s

Contact Sapper

Contact Soldier

And much more!!!!!!!!!!

Hank, with help from you and other ex RE’s I hope we can make this venture a Resounding success and further proof if it was needed of Sapper initiative .
Many thanks,
Doug
e-mail: sue.hamiltoncox@btinternet.com

rough route I will be taking on my proposed

walk from John O’Groats to Lands End

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My intention is to start from John O’Groats in mid April and pass through or near the following towns. Depart JohnO’Groats A99 – Wick – Latherton, then join A9 – Dunbeath – Helmsdale – Brora – Golspie –Tain- Alness. Join A862 – Dingwall –Beauly then A833 to Milton – A831 – Drumnadrochit. Take A82 along Loch Ness to Fort Augustus, go across country on Corrieyairack Pass to Laggan then A889 and rejoin A9. After 12 miles take minor roads until eventually join A822 – Crieff – Braco. Take B8033 – Dunblane. From Dunblane taking minor roads passing near Stirling, Cumbernauld, Airdrie, Motherwell and Hamilton before joining B7078 at Larkhall and B7076 – Carlisle via Lockerbie and Gretna Green. From Carlisle follow Route of A6 but use minor roads where possible via Penrith, Kendal, Carnforth, Lancaster, Preston. Then A582 and B5253 to Leyland – Eccleston. B5250 to Wigan, A49 Ashton-in-Makerfield – Warrington – Whitchurch – Shrewsbury. A458 Bridgenorth, B4363 – Kinlet and B4194 Bewdley – Stourport. B4196 Worcester, A38 Tewkesbury – Cheltenham/Gloucester. A46 Stroud – Nailsworth – Tetbury. Minor roads to Bath, A367 Radstock – Shepton M allet. South on A37 Take B3153 – Somerton then minor roads to Honiton, old A30 to Exeter. B3212 – Moretonhampstead – Two Bridges – B3357 – Tavistock. A390 Liskeard – St. Austell – Truro, minor roads to Penzance A30 to Lands End. Yippee!!!!!!!!! good luck Doug

OP POST CROWN TRYING TO FIND

2010-09-13T22:42:00.001+01:00

LOOKING FOR

Bill Hoolahan REME

Samual Samson REME

Mick Pickup REME

Mick Gent REME

Mick FAIRY REME

Mick Pennington REME

Ian Matyear REME

Richard Kennard REME

Mick Wright REME

O'Keefe RAOC

Ken Ashton RAMC

Chris Maidment RAMC

Derek Hayes RAMC

Tom Miller RAMC

David Barton ACC

Tony Farr ACC

PLACES TO MEET UP

2010-08-20T15:03:00.003+01:00

Recommended places to stay in the UK

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Please let me know if you have stayed in any good
Hotels or Bed and Breakfast

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Hank and Nette

Stayed at the

Manorhouse The Green, Beyton, Suffolk. IP30 9AF

Website http://www.beyton.com/

Email manorhouse@beyton.com

Phone 01359270960

Run by Kay and Mark Dewsbury

It has to be one the best places that we have ever had the

pleasure of staying at

Hank

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PEOPLE COMING TO COVENTRY 2011

2010-07-09T14:39:00.165+01:00

Reunion

Coventry 20th 21st 22nd MAY 2011
Attended By
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Norman and Rosina Donaldson 1951-52 photo1 photo2 booked
John and Jonathon Strudley 1954-1957 photo1 photo2 Booked
Ray Lambert and Pauline plus two photo1 photo2 Booked
Dawson Powell 1955-58 photo1 photo2 Booked
George Nolan 1956-58 photo1 photo2 Booked
Alan and Jean Jermy 1956-58 photo1 photo2 Booked
Bob Williamson 1956-59 photo1 Booked happy to share
Roy Devlin 1957-58 photo1 photo2 Booked
Ron and Chris Carter 1957-59 photo1 photo2 Booked
Bill and Maureen Murison 1957-59 photo1 photo2 Booked
Richard and Heidi Clarke 1957-60 photo1 photo2 Booked
Jim and Ann Thrippleton 1957-60 photo1 photo2 Booked
Dave and Pam Brunning 1958-60 photo1 photo2 Booked
Bill jock McKie and Jo 1958-62 booked
Jim and Diana Randle 410 1958-61 Booked
Bill Cole 1959-62 photo1 photo2 Booked
Frank Sowerby 1959-62 photo1 photo2 Booked
Tiny and Pat Kennedy 1960-63 photo1 photo2 Booked
John Flynn 1959-61 photo1 photo2 Booked
Barry Foot 1959-62 photo1 photo2 Booked
Jim and Mary Loach Booked
Trev and Pat Green 410 1959-62 Booked
Bill and Cecilia Kent 410 1959-62 Booked
Dave and Margrit Cowel 410 1959-62 Booked
Clive Wooding 410 booked
Jim Howells 410 Booked
Pete Warnick 410 Booked
Keith Orrel 410 1959-62
Brian and Di Stephens 410 1959-62 Booked
John and Lynn Toase 410 1960-61photo1 photo2 Booked
Brian and Ann Marshall 1960-63 photo1 photo2 Booked
Charles and Kathleen Waddington 1960-63 booked
Chris and Margaret Smith 1960-63 1965-68 photo1 photo2 Booked
John and Margaret Bell 410 1960-63 65-68 Booked
Ian and Pam Hoskins 410 1960-63 Booked
Mick and Margaret Milward 410 1960-63 Booked
Jim and Sheila Scouler 1961-62 photo1 photo2 Booked
(Jackie and Lesley Gavin) Wife and Daughter of
Barry Gavin. 1961-1963 photo1 photo2 Booked
Peter Keddie 1959-62 photo1 photo2 Booked
Billy Stuart 1961-64 photo1 photo2 Booked
La Crawley and Dot 1961-1964 Booked
Geoff and Jeanette Lambourne 1961-64 photo1 photo2 Booked
Mick and Joan Ramsay 410 Booked
Harry Daker 1961-64 Booked
Sandy and Joan Melville1961-65 photo1 photo2 booked
John and Jane Roberts 1961-64 photo1 photo2 Booked
George and Carol Dick1962-65 photo1 photo2 Booked
Freddy and Carol Frape 1962-65 photo1 photo2 Booked
Hank Lawrence 1962-65 photo1 photo2 Booked
Sammy and Jean Moore 1962-65 photo1 photo2 saturday
Eddy and Sandra Vincent 1963-66 photo1 photo2 Booked
Bill and Carol Crothers 1964-67 photo1 photo2 Booked
Bob sailor Crowford 1964-67 photo1 photo2 Booked
Dave and Wendy Yeo 1964-67 photo1 photo2 Booked
John and Val Olford 1965-67 photo1 photo2 Booked
Harry and Babs Brittain photo1 photo2 BOOKED
Doug and Sue Hamilton-Cox 1965-68 photo1 photo2 Booked
Andy, Gwyn and Darren Capper 1965-68 photo1 photo2 Booked
Bob Holme 1966-68 photo1 photo2 Booked
John and Vicky Gore 1966-68 Booked
Steve Wilby 1967-70 photo1 photo2 Booked
Pete and Maureen Alexander 1967 photo1 photo2 Booked
Dusty Millar and Brenda 1967-69 booked
Oly Ollyat 1967 also 410 1957-60 Booked
Fred Collings 1968-69 photo1 photo2 BOOKED
Graham Avery 1968-69 photo1 photo2 Booked
John Lawton 1968-70 photo1 photo2 Saturday only
Brian and Maureen Packman 1068-70 photo1 photo2 Booked
Joe Robson 1968-70 photo1 photo2 BOOKED
Melvyn and Janet Woods 1968-70 photo1 photo2 Booked
Paul Strobridge 1968-70 photo1 photo2 Booked

EXERCISE PANCAKE 1962

2009-08-09T11:50:00.008+01:00

{HOME}

Exercise Pancake

East Coast of Malaya 1962
By
Ray Sturgess 1959-1962

This exercise started at Kahang, on the 2nd of March and ended at Kuantan, on the 24th of March 1962.
The main exercise began at Endau, and then from there we had to cross five rivers, testing a new type of metal raft designed for ferrying army vehicles across rivers.
The rivers we had to cross were the Sungei Endau, Sungei Pontian, Kuala Rompin, Sungei Merchong, and Sungei Bebar.
Between the rivers we had to go on foot, the road was along the beach, which made it very hard on the feet walking through the sand.

PHOTOS

OP CROWN YOUR SPECIALS

2009-08-01T21:53:00.006+01:00

From Jack Castle Troop Cmd 59 Sqn 1964-65
Memories from 59 Field Squadron RE on Op Crown, Thailand
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I joined the squadron in August 1963 in Shorncliffe. We were then in 36 Engineer Regiment. We spent the next 3 months building up the squadron and on individual training. In September we were given notice to move to Singapore to spend our life on Op Crown.
Main personalities were:
OC. Major Chris Bramwell. He left the army and joined Acrow. He died in the ‘80s
2ic. Captain Terry Hardy. He had served with SAS in Malaya. He left the squadron to return to SAS, where he spent the rest of his career. He became CO of 23 SAS. Sadly he developed alzheimers about 5 years ago and is in a nursing home. He would have appreciated Cdo forces.

SSM WO2 Yates. A very old soldier who was frustrated to spend his duty on a construction site. He needed to be in a War zone. Rumour had it that he went to the Rhodesian Army, but I have no confirmation of that. He was a reformed alcoholic but I think he broke his fast in Bangkok on one occasion? He professed to be an expert in the Thai language. He demonstrated this on one occasion by addressing a crowd of Thai children. F Off he shouted - and they all disappeared!! He and Terry Hardy tended to hunt as a pair. He features in some of the photos.
( Later: A blog from his son says that he is dead)

1Tp. Lt Roger (Lt Col RJ)Hume. Left to serve with Malay engineers at some stage. Spent quite some time on the rear party. I assume that Mike Stanbridge took over the troop.

2Tp. Self. SSgt Farnworth. Photos from Duke (Cpl) Deuchar, and others.

3Tp. 2Lt Hilary (Major RHJ )Nash. Direct from Sandhurst and received quite a bit of advice!! from the SSM.

Deployment
The squadron flew by air trooping to Singapore in early January 1964 to be based in Gillman Barracks. Squadron 2ic was the advance party and set up in Cloutman Lines – named after Major Brett Cloutman VC from the first world war.
The whole squadron was deployed on Op Crown on and off until August 1965, when I was posted to 1 Training Regt.
In mid- January 1964 I sailed in an LST from Singapore to Bangkok with all the squadron vehicles and equipment. It took 4 days of peaceful cruise in the South China Sea. I suppose most of the men flew from Changi to Ubon via Bangkok. We usually flew in Beverley or Argosy aircraft.
We then drove the squadron convoy over the dirt laterite roads of Thailand for about 3 days to the Crown site. One night we stopped at the massive US airbase at Khorat, which was fighting the Vietnam war. I remember arriving in Crown where there was the tented camp. It must have been built by 11 Squadron and HQRE advance party, who had flown out from UK on a 12 month unaccompanied tour. The heavy plant must have gone up earlier with 54 squadron and HQRE. They had to build bridges over some of the river beds. The total manpower on Crown at some times was almost 700.

That was:
HQ RE – CRE was Lt Col Harry MacIntyre until August 1964 when he was replaced by Lt Col Ken Orrell (who is taking the salute at the parades in the photos, not HM). I am still in touch with the chaplain, Arthur Robinson – but he refuses to use a computer.
59 Fd Squadron
Plant troop,54 Squadron
11 Fd Squadron, incl an Australian Troop – Advance party, end 1963 to January 1964 usually rotated with 59.

Tipper troop RASC

Troop, RNZE

REME Wksp

RAMC

Pioneers

The photos on 11 Fd Squadron website give a good selection of the roles and activities of the work force. A picture is worth 10,000 words. And there are very good comments on the various blogs for Crown.
eg http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/11independentfldsqnmalaya/ThailandBrianDukeDeuchar1964196559Sqn# and others from 59 Squadron;
Jim Hopgood (Chief Clerk – a useful contact);
Buck Brown, Cliffe, Falconer, Hough are particularly good and could be copied to a 59 Sqn web site.
My photos are much like all of these. I even appear in the Deuchar photo of the Remembrance Sunday parade, 1964, as Plt comd 2 Tp!!( photo 36).
That was after I had played the Reveille and Last Post for the service.

(I am fascinated to read about recent visits to Crown on the 11 Squadron website)

============

Overview copied from RE Museum Website

Operation Crown - Thailand - 1963-68As 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 · A 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 - 1964-65

The 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, but work continued on improving the landing strips long after the ceremony.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 that included:· 54 (FARELF) Support Squadron RE · 51 (Airfields) Squadron RE - one troop · 59 Field Squadron RE - one troop A Royal Engineers' Forces Post Office atttached to the British Embassy remained in Bangkok after the last of the Royal Engineers involved in Operation Crown departed Thailand in 1968.59 Squadron tasks.January 1964. Complete Squadron arrived in Thailand. All 3 troops supplied working parties who worked on the full mix of tasks. As I remember, Troops only really existed on first parade and probably in the Naafi or village bars. Initially for 3 months we built the hutted camp and all facilities, including water and electricity as per RESPB. Tradesmen were allocated to appropriate tasks. I have found a notebook I kept listing the tasks!C & J, P&D and non- tradesmen to hut construction. 2 Tp ( about 50%) were allocated a number of buildings. Concrete mixer team, Cpl +6.Electricians and fitters to elecricity supply. A power station with 25 KVA generators and a poled supply was constructed.Plant Ops attached to 54 Squadron to clearing airfield site. The outstanding plant were the 13 Caterpillar DH8H - the only new plant on the airfield. After about 9 months they began to fail because the fine dust defeated the air filters and caused wear in the engines. Combat engineers also worked on clearing trees and building culverts.Plumbers to water supply. For about 2 months water was shipped in by bowser. A Thai drilling team was searching for water and drilled about 300 wells before finding a suitable source. A photo attributes the final well find to an Australian Sapper with a hazel twig. Then there was much laying of heavy cast iron water pipes around the camp and airfield. Built the 40 ft water tower and dug the swimming pool.Drivers. To MT. Daily resupply runs to Ubon, 70 miles on dirt road. For POL, rations, spares etc. Resupply was by a weekly Argosy flight from Singapore to Ubon RAAF airfield. Fitters to REME workshop. ( In 1964 LCpl Rex was awarded BEM for his tireless work on nightly repairs to the Starmix machine. He regularly welded new gear teeth due to lack of spares.)Many other camp duties, eg RP, messes, cooks, storemen.In about March 1963 a regimental cook- name ??- was filling a hydra burner and covered himself with petrol which caught alight. He was very severely burned and needed casevac. At the time the camp was not in radio contact with any where??. Squadron 2ic drove down the road towards Ubon until he found a telephone which worked and was able to contact the US airforce at Khorat. They sent a single seater aircraft next day. As we did not have any runway at the time the plant had to level a temporary strip overnight for the arrival of the plane. I can picture the dust storm as the plane took off and then emerged in the clear sky to fly the casualty to Khorat and Singapore. Spr ?? survived the ordeal. (How different from casevac in Afghanistan today)June 1964 approx. 59 Squadron returned to Singapore as it was the monsoon season and considered too wet to work on the airfield. In fact with all the storm drains that were dug the water drained quickly between storms and the rear party were most frustrated that no work was carried out.September 1964. 59 Squadron complete returned to Op Crown and worked as tradesmen on the variety of tasks to complete the airfield for the opening ceremony in June 1964. Once the plant completed levelling the base, the famous Howard Trains took over for about 3 or 4 months. These were antiquated machines for soil stabilisation using cement and laterite. 2 Tp provided a section to operate the train.The second famous and yet more antiquated machine was the Starmix tarmac production equipment. The machine would normally have been used for repairing a few potholes but on Crown it was required to work 16 hours a day for about 3 or 4 months. Hence it was a testimony to the plant fitters who maintained it. I assume that the technical report for all the work must be in an Specialist Team archive somewhere. No doubt some of the photographers in the troops will have a good memory for what they did in detail.The photos show much of the work and the 59 sappers involved.June 1964. Opening ceremony by Prime Minister of Thailand, Field Marshall Kittikatchorn. Guard of honour from Scots Guards in Terendak, Malaya. Bands of Scots Guards and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, plus Thai guard of honour and band. 23 aircraft on the runway. It was after lunch that an RAF pilot ( said to be ex Battle of Britain) flew an Argosy with 50 passengers around the airfield in a very hairy fashion. I was on board and the G forces were powerful. We took photos from the forward observation window.I noticed that aviation fuel from the aircraft fell onto the tarmac and it disintegrated. Also the tarmac developed serious ruts. Problems were laid at the quality of the cement stabilised laterite sub base. It also rained an inch in 12 minutes on that day.Extra Mural activities. Football and Rugby played on a baked bullock field in 30 degrees. Badminton, volleyball, athletics, golf(sort of). And the weekly ‘Hash House Harrier’ runs around the local villages where we distributed army biscuits and sweets.
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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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[WILLY BACH PHOTOS 2008]

[FRANK TOPHAM PHOTOS 2009]

COVENTRY REUNION 2010

2009-08-01T16:19:00.013+01:00

COVENTRY REUNION

4th 5th 6th June 2010

Dear Friends
MEDALS

It has been expressed by a lot of people that we should wear medals on the Saturday evening;
I personally will do this as it will show my support for the lads who are fighting this awful war, so if you would like to wear yours please do so. Bring them anyway incase you decide to at the last moment.
Richard and Hank
____________________________________________________________________________
This is for the people who have said that they intend to come to this years reunion and have not yet booked their rooms, may I advise that the rooms
that I reserved on the block booking will only be held for us until the 30th April after this date they will be released for other bookings.
And when you do book please let me know.
Regards
Richard Clarke
11 March 2010
___________________________________________________________________________

Dear Friends If you are coming to the reunion and have not booked your room yet and are requiring a TWIN room may I suggest that you Book soon as Twin rooms are getting short.

And everyone when you do book please let me know as some people have not told me that they have booked.RegardsRichard (Nobby) Clarke

22 Jan 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

_______________________________________________

LOCATION

Holiday Inn COVENTRY M6, JCT.2

Hinckley Road CV2 2HP

__________________________

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
____________________________________________________

Link To

ATTENDANCE LIST

PHOTO ALBUM

___________________________________

HELP FOR HEROES

2009-08-01T11:08:00.001+01:00

DOUG HAMILTON-COX

______________________________

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

2009-07-01T11:58:00.019+01:00

LATEST NEWS and INFORMATION

_________________________________________________

JUNE 2011
Ernie Yeomans looking for
28 Commonwealth Brigade Flash

can anyone help please
__________________________________
23 August 2010
If anyone knows which unit
George Trainor served with about 66-67
Please let me know
Hank
3rd Sept 10
Thanks to Garry Jones ex REME
on facebook for the info
George was REME
_________________________________
11 July 2010
Have a look at the Facebook page
OPCROWN THAILAND

4 May 2010
from Jack Castle
troop Cmd 59 Sqn 1964-65
Link
___________________________________________________

Welcome to
Larry Hughes 2 troop
59 Sqn 1963-64
5th March 10
__________________________________________

Welcome to

John Brown REME WkShop 1965

2 Feb 2010

______________________________________________

Have added link to Airfield

view google earth on the

Op Crown Post Crown Page

____________________________________

NEW POST

Brian Platt REME 1964

His Story

_________________________________

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

__________________________________

COVENTRY REUNION 2011

2009-06-23T17:57:00.011+01:00

Coventry Reunion for 2011

11 Indep Field Sqn RE

410 Indep Plant Troop RE
Coventry Reunion 2011
20th 21st 22nd May

The reunion will take place as proposed starting on the
Friday 20th May at 14 Hrs until the morning of the 22nd May.
Please can everyone inform me when they have booked, also if your wife or partner will be with you and names please, this is important to me as it saves having to phone people up to check, Thank you.
Hank and myself are looking forward to meeting you all again and having a great weekend.
For full booking details
contacts below
Richard (Nobby) Clarke

will be on the weekend of May 20th 21st 22nd

if interested let Nobby or Hank know Nobby on 01594834749 OR mail@CLARKE8050.PLUS.COM

HANK TO THIS SITE

Persons who attended

THOSE INTENDING TO COME TO BATH 2010

2009-06-09T13:14:00.005+01:00

Fred & Amelia Aldred

Terry & Mary Hudson

Terry & Judy Davis (410)

Taff & Lucy Bishop

Bill Jones & Daughter Trudie

Norman & Rosina Donaldson

Doug & Edith Scott

Ted & June Owers

Bob Williamson

George (Yanto) Nolan

Terry (Chunky) Allen

Yvonne Adams ( Wife of the late John Adams)

Julie Easter ( Daughter of the Late John Adams)

Dave Yeo has said he will visit only on Saturday.

11 Squadron Reunion Coventry 2009

2009-06-07T21:21:00.027+01:00

{Back To Welcome Page}

Our Reunion Held

5th 6th & 7th June 2009

Holiday Inn

Hinckley Road

Coventry

__________________________________________

[Attendance List]

If i missed anyone please let me know

____________________________________________

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

_______________________________________

PHOTO ALBUM

Group Album

_______________________________________

Your Letters about Reunion

_______________________

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

_________________________________________

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)

_________________________________________

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

_________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________

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

__________________________________________

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

__________________________________________

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

____________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________

Hi Hank .Another fantastic weekend.

Definately be attending next year

Steve Wilby

_____________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________

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

_______________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________

hello Hank and Nobby,thanks for an excellent weekend,

will see you next year hopefully with the wife,

Fred Collings

_____________________________________________

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

________________________________________________________

PEOPLE COMING TO COVENTRY 2010

2009-06-07T09:50:00.200+01:00

{Back To Welcome Page}

Dear Friends

List Of those who attended

___________________________________

LIST TO DATE

Fred and Milly Aldred 1949-55

Norman and Rose Donaldson 1951-1952

John and Lucy Bishop 1954-57
Ron and Chris Carter 1954-1957
Ray and Pauline Lambert 1954-1957

Fred and Jessy Marshall 1954-55

John and June Strudley 1954-57

Terry and Judy Davis (410) 1955-57

Chris and Jan Enoch 1955-57

Dawson Powell 1955-58 with Graham Avery
Yanto and Pat Nolan 1956-58

Allen and Jean Jermy 1956-59
Brian Billy and Lillian Purvis 1956-1958
Peter and Ann Sutton 1956-59

Roy Devlin 1957-58 share with Steve Wilby

Brian Lord 1957-59 saturday*

Bill and Maureen Murison 1957-1959

Bob Williamson 1956-59
Richard Clarke 1957-60

Pete Dance 1957-60 To share with Crowford

Dave and Pam Brunning 1958-60

Caris and Peggy Evans 1958-59

Bill Cole 1959-62

John Docherty 1959-1962

Peter Keddie 1959-62

John and Margaret Farrell 1959-1962

John Flynn 1959-61

Barry Foot 1959-62
Frank Sowerby 1959-62

Ian and Pat Kennedy 1960-63

Brian and Ann Marshall 1960-63

Charles and Kathleen Waddington 1960-1963

Chris and Margaret Smith 1960-1963 and 1965-1968

John and Margaret Bell (410) 1961-62

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

Jimmy Farrell 1961-64

Geoff and Jeanette Lambourne 1961-64

Sandy and Joan Melville 1961-65

Jim and Shiela Scoular 1961-62

Peter and Colette Lamont ACC 1961-64
Bill Stuart 1961-64

Kenny and Janet Williams 1961-1964

Mike Clemence 1962-65

George (jock) and Carol Dick 1962-65

Fred and Caroline Frape 1962-65

Gerry and Veronica Gleeson 1962-65

KC Holder 1962-65

Russell and Mildred Jones 1962-1964

Hank Lawrence 1962-65
Tony and Jen Mitchell 1962-1965

Sammy and Jean Moore 1962-65

Ferny and Pat Tout 1962-65

Geoff and Frances Fagg 1963-66

Barbara Wakem (Hartigan) 1963-65

Dave Perchard 1963-66

Eddie Vincent 1963-66

Bill Anderson 1964-66
Gordon and Vicki Chave 1964-66

Bill and Carol Crothers 1964-67

Bob sailor Crowford 1964-67 Pete Dance
Dave and Wendy Yeo 1964-67

Mick and Jill Yeo 1964-1967

Terry Bridges 1965-68 and Bob Holme 1966-68

Harry and Babs Brittain 1965-1968

Andy and Gwyn Capper 1965-68

John and Valerie Cusack 1965-67

Doug and Sue Hamilton-Cox 1965-68

Steve Wilby 1967-70 share Roy Devlin

Peter Kennedy 1959-60 and Joe Robson 1968-70

Bryan and Maureen Packman 1968-70

Melvyn and Janet Wood 1968-1970

Peter and Maureen Alexander 1967-69

Graham mick Avery 1968-69 with dawson powell

11 INDEPENDENT FIELD SQUADRON

2009-06-03T03:02:00.228+01:00

{HOME}

{Back To Welcome Page}

Always check the welcome page for any new Links

NOTICE BOARD LINK
ROLL CALL LINK
Sqn History Link

PAST PRESENT PHOTO LINK

click on flag for Terendak Camp

_____________________________________

Link to RAE 2 and 4 Troop Page

I was informed today by Dorothy Woods

that Jim passed away in the early hours
of today 4 March 2010
I extend condolances from us all to
Dorothy and family
Jim served with the Sqn
1954-57
and 1959-62 with 410

____________________________________________________
This article should be of interest to most of you.

Psychological Warfare of the Malayan Emergency, 1948-1960 __________________________________________

Link To Memorial Plaque Malaya

Arboretum

________________________________________

Welcome June 2010
Peter Campbell
OC 1961-63 approx
Maj Gen Rtd
_______________________________________________________
Welcome to May 2010
Ray tich Goymer
3 troop 1962-65
Berny Meston
3 tp 1963-66
___________________________
Den Johnson
Austria 1953
____________________________
Mick Saunders
Plt Pk Tp 1960-62
_________________________________________
New Additions March 2010

Brian Collins OC 3 troop 1956-59

_______________________________________

Want the 11 Ind Fld Sqn Tie

Link

___________________________________

New Additions Jan 2010

Allen Jermy 3 troop 1956-58

____________________________________

Welcome New Additions Dec 09

Colin Taff Williams 1969

___________________________________________

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

_________________________________________

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

___________________________________________

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

___________________________________

Welcome New Additions Sept 09

Ray Sturgess 1959-62

Eddie Vincent 1 troop 1962-65

___________________________________________

Welcome New Additions July & Aug 09

Dennis Blay MT 1966-69

Barry Foot 1959-62

Phil Peet 1969-70 draughtsman project office

________________________________________

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

________________________________________

Welcome New Additions May

Robert Morgan 1965-1968

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

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

________________________________________

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]

____________________________________________

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

__________________________
Welcome new additions Feb 09

Ray Coleman 1968-1970 Last Chief Clerk

_____________________________________
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 _______________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________________
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}

___________________________________________________________________

JOHN DOCHERTY his Story

2009-05-21T18:52:00.000+01:00

Hi, my name is John(Jock)Docherty. That’s me above. I was posted to CRE Op Crown on 31 August 1984 for 38 Engr Regt in Ripon. On arrival I was attached to MT which was run by the RASC later to become the RCT. The main task was using the Commer tippers to move laterite from the quarry to the strip. They were wrecks and it was only the expertise of the REME lads that kept them on the road. It was fun though. We each tried to outdo each other to see who could do the most trips in the day. Just like that Stanley Baker film “Hell Drivers”. Without the violence of course!

I got pretty bored after a while though and wanted to try something else. I had seen the six Scammells in the yard and I think only one of them was roadworthy. I talked the MTO, an RASC Captain, into letting me try and sort them out. I’d had some experience with Scammells in Chatham.With lots of help from the REME lads we got them all on the road. We then spent a lot of time moving broken down plant from the strip to the LAD.I seem to remember the Howard train being picked up more than anything else. We began moving BLR(beyond local repair) plant to Bangkok docks and collecting new stuff. Those were the good times. We staged overnight at U.S. bases and the Yanks really looked after us. We had fresh milk every day! I’ll digress here for a minute to say we were told by the Americans that they had offered fresh milk and veg to Mad Mac but he turned them down. He reckoned his troops were quite happy with their tinned milk and veg.Seems he wasn’t US friendly! Maybe that’s why the US Phantoms used to buzz the officer’s mess every Sunday morning. Anyone else remember that?

The road to Bangkok was a nightmare in places. Above is just one example. When it was wet we slid all over the place. When it was dry it was like driving over corrugated iron. The load would slide from side to side on the trailer so we used OPH pins down the sides of the trailer to stop the load slipping off. Of course they didn’t help later on as you can see from the next pictures!

Paddy, in front was the driver 1

Me and my scammell 1

A job for 59 Sqn? 1

Just minutes before that D8H finished up in that position I was sitting in it. As we approached the bridge for some reason I decided I had to get back to the cab. I t was lucky I did because just as I got there I looked over the side and saw the bridge moving with us.The wheels of the trailer were pulling the bridge away the the bank. Just before we tipped over I dropped through the cupola and landed on Paddy! When everything stopped moving we crawled out through the cupola on to the concrete part of the bridge. Not a scratch on either of us. We saw that the whole vehicle was being held in position by a 12” length of angle iron used to hold the tool bin lid! I t took some time and effort to get the whole rig back upright but as soon as it was I jumped in and started it up first time. It had been nearly upside down for three days. I’m not sure who rebuilt the bridge, 54 or 59 but they did it in record time. I drove a couple of miles down the road turned round and drove back over the new bridge back to camp. The only damage was a cracked king pin on the trailer and a broken fuel injector pipe on the scammell.

These bridges were rated at 10 tons! They actually sank about 8” as we drove over them. The secret was line up and put your foot down. Worked every time. Well nearly every time!
About this time the strip was nearly ready to be tarmaced. I got the job of going to Bangkok to collect the new Starmix from the docks. Normally no problem but it was the wet season and the roads were particularly bad further south. On the way back with the Starmix we found one of the bridges had been washed out. We couldn’t hang about till it was repaired so we decided to go off road and find a shallow crossing. Bad idea! We got bogged down, so to reduce the weight we offloaded the Starmix and decided to winch it across. It worked, but it took nearly a full day.

I don’t have any photos of the Starmix at work on the strip but I know it hadn’t been damaged.
Not long after these events, I cought infectious hepatitis. I was medivaced to BMH Singapore then to BMH Kluang and finally to BMH Cameron Highlands. I was destined to suffer a year on a no fat diet and NO ALCOHOL! I’d had my last taste of my favourite Mekon&Coke. By the bye while at the Cameron Highlands recuperating I received a telegram from home saying my wife had given birth to my 1st daughter. I wet her head with milk!
When I got back to Kok Talat I was rewarded with my first stripe.
I suppose everyone remembers Mekon, but can anyone else remember the M.O. who experimented with it? He put it in the carburator of a 3tonner and it started up. He was also said to have sat up all night drinking it while writing a report on its affects. I gather he was taken away by men in white coats the next day. Any truth in that?

I don’t have a death wish so I’ve never opened it. 43 years old! And the locals thought it was mature if they kept it more than a week. I’m sure they used to mix it up with their big aluminium cans of kerosene. After a few I defy any Squaddy to tell the difference.
Anyone else use the hole in the fence near the bottom gate after lockup? I wonder if the ants nest is still there.
My memory is not as it used to be so I’ll take this chance to apologise to all the lads I knew but can’t remember all their names. If any of you remember me I’ll be glad to hear from you, especially any of the RASC lads.
I went on to do 22years plus 4 years in the TA in Gateshead. I now live in a village just outside Durham and looking forward to 11 Indep Fd Sqn reunion in Coventry on 6-8TH June 2008.

This was taken last year on D-Day. Aged pretty well and in good health. We celebrate our 44Th wedding anniversary on 23 May 2008.

ATTENDANCE BATH REUNION 2009

2009-05-05T22:56:00.020+01:00

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

2009-05-05T22:43:00.008+01:00

{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

2009-04-08T16:01:00.004+01:00

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

2009-02-01T15:08:00.008Z

Bath Reunion 11 Indep Fd Sqn
Royal Engineers
__________________________________________________

The above reunion is scheduled to take
place on 8th 9th October 2010

The venue is The Old Mill Hotel & Restaurant Tollbridge Rd, Batheaston Bath Avon.

I have arranged for rooms in both the Hotel and the Lodge to be
penciled in based on previous attendance . Please phone the
hotel direct
(01225 858476) to arrange your accommodation.

The prices For Both Lodge & Hotel are as follows:-

Main Hotel

Double or twin room £58.50 per person with dinner, bed, & breakfast
Double room as single occupancy £75.00 per person with dinner, bed. & Breakfast.

Lodge

Double or twin room £42 per person with dinner, bed & breakfast

Double as single occupancy £52 per person with dinner,
bed & breakfast
Dinner only £17.5

I enclose a menu listing which covers both days and I request that you list your requirements and return to me as soon as possible. Please inform me
by end of July Thank you.

You may be interested to know that the Hotel has a new manager. I have spoken to him and agreed the prices for the 2010 Reunion
There is no reason why you can't join us at Bath in
October, still plenty of space and you will, I am sure enjoy the tranquility of a good hotel and admirable company. Looking forward to greeting you

Regards Fred & Amelia Aldred

Menus
___________________________________________________________

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

Attending link

_____________________________

Fred again

I now have the menu's for the 2010 reunion at Bath in October.
Any member of the Squadron is welcome.
Just E Mail me at millyfred@btinternet.com for details
Look forward to hearing from you. No computer.
Use the old fashioned method and
phone me on 01254830710.
Regards Fred 1949 to 1955

ROLL OF HONOUR 11 IND FLD SQN

2009-01-26T16:09:00.056Z

{HOME}

This Page is in Memory of Our Departed Mates

__________________________________
Malcolm Joinson
1960-63
Passed June 2011
From Sapper Magazine
________________________
Ray Schwalm
1958-61
Passed July 2011
"It is with great sadness that we had to inform everyone of the passing of Ray Schwalm but my family were blessed with a wonderful husband, loving father and grandfather. He was very much a family man and had a great sense of humour. He looked back at his time in the Army with great fondness and was happy to recently catch up with a few of them in Coventry.

Thank you to everyone for their sincere words and messages."
from Lorraine Ray's daughter

2009

1959
Link to (Rays Photo Album)

A Tale from the past
Many of us have very fond memories of Ray , he was a great colleague and lots of fun.

Some of you would not know that on our road trip to Borneo via Singapore in 1960, Ray had a terrible accident when his QL Lorry left the road whild traversing a bridge over a river. I was directly behind and when I pulled up at the bridge all I could see in the murky river were the wheels where the lorry had overturned.
Within a minute thankfully, Ray came to the surface after clambering out of his cab. Me and all the other drivers (some of them will receive this Email) had a great sigh of relief when we saw that he had survived, that was Ray a former boxer and survivor.
From Tony Catherall

______________________

Kenneth R Oxley
1957-58
Passed March 2011
from his wife
Janice
Condolances to all the family
from all at 11 Indep Fd Sqn
_______________________________
Peter Jackson 2nd Lt
1959-60
Passed November 2010
from Jenny his wife
He always spoke a lot about Malaya with great affection.I am so glad that we did have a holiday there a couple of years ago. It was a wonderful trip and as well as Penang we visited the Taman Negara & the Cameron Highlands where he had not been before.

__________________________

John Russell
1959-61
Passed 18th April 2011

Have just got back from John Russell's funeral,
if you can please enter it on the Sqn web site that
it was very well attended the church was full for a much liked man,
the Sqn was represented by Dave Middleton, Ian Kennedy and myself also the
standard bearer from Ripon attended and paraded the standard.
Thanks will be in touch
Geoff Lambourne
______________________________________
We are sad to announce
the passing of
Fred Aldred
5th March 2011
Fred will be sadly missed by all who knew him
He organised the 11 Indep Fd Sqn reunions at Bath
for many years and a good job he made of it.

The Squadron would like to extend condolances to
Milly and family at this sad time.

__________________________________________________________________
Sad news Hank,message from Lt Caddy,s wife Irene
he passed away on14th of July in Switzerland.
Regards Kenny Williams
I extend condolances to Irene and the Family
from the whole Sqn

1962-64 1 Troop Cmd

_______________________________________

Mel Faith

1960-1963
Passed 17th June 2010
info from
Geoff Lambourne who attended the funeral
on behalf of the Sqn
Thanks Geoff
______________________________________
Bob Morley
Passed a few years ago
Info from
Sailor Crowford
________________________________
Louis Gallagher
1962-65
Passed March 2010

_____________________________

Jim Woods

1954-57

Passed 4 March 2010

From his Wife Dorothy
Check comment below from Fred Aldred

________________________

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

____________________________________________

Paddy Warnock

Died 11 Nov 1966

From Terry Welsh

photo thanks to Barry Corbett

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

____________________________________________________

Jim Kellett

1959-62

Passed 25th November 2009

From Tiny Kennedy

___________________________________________________

People who attended Coventry 2009

2009-01-11T12:08:00.110Z

{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

THE GRIK-TREMENGOR ROAD

2009-01-01T15:27:00.004Z

{home}

{Back To Welcome Page}

December 27th 1960 to January 27th 1961

From Ray Sturgess

________________________________

The Photos in the album link below are of the Grik-Termengor road. When the road was completed it was 20 miles long, into the virgin jungle.

Work started at Kuala Rui and finished at the Sungie Perak six miles in.

Some of the road was built during the Japanese occupation, by prisoner of war.

Many bridges had to be built or re-built, over small rivers and when the ground was wet, the men were covered with leeches.

We were camped at Temain about 1000 yards from the Sungei Perak. We used to wash and do our washing in the Sungei Temain, which flowed into the Sungei Perak.

Please let Hank know if you recognise anyone in the photos.

Also any stories if you were involved in this project.

PHOTO ALBUM

John Kitching Commander
ghurka engineers 1961 grik road roger cowel took over from him

John Kitching Photo Album

OP CROWN Brian Platt REME

2009-01-01T15:21:00.000Z

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

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

2008-08-14T16:14:00.036+01:00

{HOME}

{NOTICE BOARD}

[Link To Photo Album]

[Anzac Day 2009 Album]

Click here for 11 Sqn lines

__________________________________________________________
11 April 2011
Does anybody remember Harry Allwood Aussie Troop that left in 63. Was a good drinking mate. Originaly from Birmingham UK. Good footballer, represented the Commonwealth team at a international tournament in KL.

Would love to catch up with him for a drink or three. I now live in Aussie so if he's around, Love to hear from him.

Brummie Gee

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New Addition April 09

Percy Bevan 2 Troop

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

2008-08-13T17:45:00.013+01:00

{HOME}

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.

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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
Macklin Philip 2 troop 1964-65
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 (PHOTOS)
Smart Trevor . 4 Troop 1961-63
Sutton William M. 2 Troop driver with 2 field troop 1963-1965 and drove the old comer tipper
Taylor Henry (dayo) 1959-61
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

2007-06-11T22:29:00.110+01:00

{HOME}

{Back To Welcome Page}

[UPDATED SITE]

[NOTICE BOARD] OLD

From Terry Welsh

click on chevron to see airfield in google earth

From Hank

_____________________________________________

2 Troop RAE story Op Crown

______________________________________

Welcome to
Jack Castle 2 troop Lt.
59 Sqn 1964-65

Larry Hughes 2 troop

59 Sqn 1963-64

5th March 10

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Welcome to

John Brown reme wk shop 1965

2 Feb 2010

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Welcome to

Geoff Smith 59 Sqn 1965-66

Terry Fawcett Works Crown 1966

8th Dec 09

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Jack Firth 54 Sqn 1965-67

16th Nov 09

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New Addition Oct 09

Ron Tobin 54 Sqn 1965-67

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New Photos Colour Op Crown

Cliff Watts

RAOC 1966

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New Additions Sept 09

Eddie Vincent 11 sqn 1964

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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

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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.

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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

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Latest News from Jim Curtis Ubon

jimcurtis37@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:> Hi Hank, 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]

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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

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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

___________________________________________

Addition Aug 08

Charlie Hankinson 59/54 1966-67

Ray Chalkley 59 sqn

Jim Machin 59 sqn 1964

Taffy Jones 1964 11 Sqn

__________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________

New call for help. 15 july 08Hi 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

_________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________________

Can anyone help with contacts for Australian medics .

___________________________________________________

Welcome Gordon King 45 Fld pk sq 1964

Transporting plant from ubon

_________

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

_____________

Welcome to Ray Hough 59 Sqn 1964-66

Tipper driver

___________________

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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ROLL CALL THAILAND OP and POST CROWN

2007-06-11T18:13:00.111+01:00

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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 with 54 sqn
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 John REME Wk Shop 1965

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
Castle Jack 59 sqn 2 troop Lt 1964-65
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. 1964 TO 1966.IN 3TROOP 59 FIELD SQN RE (PHOTOS)
Fawcett Terry Works Crown 1966

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)

Hughes Larry 59 Sqn 2 troop 1963-64
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 54 Fld 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.
Shelley Trevor 11 Sqn 2 troop RAE 1967-68 (PHOTOS)

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)
Smith Geoff 59 Sqn 1965-66

Spriggs John 11 sqn 1966+1967-68

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

Stockton Alan 54 sqn 1966-68

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
Trainor George REME 1966 R.I.P 25 Aug 2008
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

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Unit History pages.

2007-05-09T15:36:00.008+01:00

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

This is from Chris Smith.

I will add other peoples take on our history as they come in

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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3 Troop movements from 1956-58

from Alan Leech

1956 HQ KEMYAN

Jan. AYER CRING FORWARD CAMP, CONST OF KEMYAN ROAD

Aug. SQN MOVED TO BUTTERWORTH

Sep. SUNGIE SIPUT FOOD CHECKS ON MAIN GATES & RAILWAY STATION

Oct. LUBOCK SIGINTI BRIDGING CAMP

Nov. KROH GURKHA FIRING RANGE

Dec. RETURN TO SUNGIE SIPUT FOOD CHECKS. BUTTERWORTH FOR XMAS

1957

Jan. AYER HITAM-SUNGIE SIPUT OP GINGER

Feb. SIPUTEH-BATU GADGER CONTRUCTION OF CAMP FOR THE LOYALS REGT

Apr. PENANG ISLAND MINDON BKS OPENING UP TUNNELS TO JAP BOMB & TORPEDO WARHEAD SITES AND DISPOSAL

June. FORT CHABAI REPAIRING & WIDEING AIRSTRIP

Oct. NAKA ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Dec. RETURNED TO SUNGIE SIPUT

1958

Feb. RETURNED TO KROH NR BALING

Mar. TRAINING AUSSIE NZ & SCOTS FUSILIERS ON USING EXPLOSIVES FOR CREATING LZ'S

May. RETURNED TO LUBOCK SERGINTAH BRIDGING CAMP

June. PENANG ISLAND OPENED UP SUNGIE DUA TORPEDO SITE FOR MOD INSPECTOR

Jul. MALLACCA START OF TERENDAK CAMP WITH DCRE

Many Thanks to Alan Leech

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Sungei Besi 1954 Till 1957

Ayer Cring.
Jobs: Fort Shabi, Kemyan road 1956

Butterworth 1957- 1962
Kedah road July 1957 camp at Naka.
From Richard Clarke

January 1958 1 and 3 Troops on operation Ginger in the Kinta valley our job was setting up no go areas on edge of jungle and LZs, we where based on the airfield at Sungi-Siput, the operation was to set up resettlement areas and food denial control, as the population was mainly Chinese supporting approximately 170 CTs in the surrounding jungle, the operation was a complete success as in April 1959 the area was declared a white area.
Building airstrip at fort Tapong early 1960 all three field troops taking part in rotation of three to four weeks at a time.
The Squadron spent very little time in Butterworth spending most of the time on deployment as a Sqn or in troop strength as our main task was support to the infantry.
A small rear party was always behind in Butterworth.
The Sqn moved to Borneo about May 1960 with a rear party still in Butterworth.
Hank I will send more details as and when I get details.
Thank you Nobby Clarke

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