Notice board

 

If you want a message posted on this notice board, please send it in & I'll up load it for you.

There will not be an official  Plymouth Regroup meeting in December. Instead there will be a horse racing night in the Citadel Sgts mess. All interested get you names in ASAP. The mess will be open from 19.00 horse racing due to start after 20.00 until late.

A MESSAGE ABOUT FRED MAGEE

Fred.jpg (153500 bytes)

Hi Randy, Fred Magee has asked me to send this message on his behalf as he's techno phobic and doesn't have a P.C.

He has been overwhelmed by the messages of support he has received from members of Regroup. He told me he no longer feels alone fighting the cancer but as part of a special brotherhood which has steeled his determination to continue to fight the disease to the end or until he's beaten it.
He wishes me, through you, to say a sincere thank you for all the messages of support he has received and that he truly appreciates the time and trouble people have taken to send them. Should anyone wish to contact Fred his no's are 01752 500 783 or mob 07800649179 I'm sure he'll appreciate it. All for now Colin.

Hi Randy, Spoke to Fred MAGEE (ex 7bty 95 & 29) last week he informed me he has been diagnosed with cancer and has been told he may only have  6 to 9m months to live. He apparently has tumours in the throat and stomach areas. He's receiving intensive chemotherapy at the moment, he tells me this is in an effort to reduce the size of the tumours so that they may operated on and hopefully prolong his life expectancy or even get rid off it. He has the support of McMillan community nurses. Myself, Mick Dootson, Jim Woodcock, Taff Hughes, Geordie Beige, Slim Carver, Bernie Watters, and Wes Darwin are getting together with Fred on the weekend of the 7th to 9th Nov (Remembrance w/end) anyone who knew Fred and fancies joining us  to what could be his last regroup (hope not) will be more than welcome. We're thinking of meeting up in the 3 Crowns on the Barbican at the moment as this was the old 7 Bty's watering hole when Monty had it, however this will depend on Fred's health. Anyone who's interested can e mail me at colinoldfield@ntlworld.com. 

 

RECORD OF DECISIONS

To read a copy of the minutes of the 2nd meeting of the 2012 committee meeting held on 19th July click on the following link. Record of 2012 meeting

Comments as usual would be appreciated.

 

289 Cdo Officers Reunion

Follow this link for a returns form for the above function:    289 reunion return

 
Bill is now back in Manchester and is out of hospital and with his daughter. He will slowly make a good recovery, thanks again to all you guys who phoned him when he needed it.
 
 
Anyone who needs anymore Info : paddy.baker@tesco.net
 Best Regards
 
ex nothing in particular, only 22 years with a green hat
 
Hi, Just to let you all know Bonnie Parker is now in hospital in Manchester. He spent 11 weeks in a Thai hospital was flown to a London hospital where he spent 5 days, and caught MSRA, say's a lot about the NHS.
 
He is making good progress now he is at home i.e. Manchester, but still needs more care to get him back on his feet.
 
Thanks for posting this.
 
Paddy Baker

 

Bonnie Parker is now out of intensive care, I spoke with him this morning and he seemed a bit more cheerful,

 
Anyone who knows him please give him a ring on 006642342555, by the way that's a Thai number, ask for ITU and then ask for Bill Parker, he's the only European in the hospital.
 
I can be contacted at paddy.baker@tesco.net for more information
 
Paddy Baker
 

Sad News,

Bill (Bonnie) Parker ex 79, 145 Bty is seriously ill in Thailand, he has a perforated bowel and is very poorly.
 
He has been living in Northern Thailand, up near the Laos border for a couple of years,  and had a house built there.
 
His daughter Carmel phoned me after she had been out to see him, his son at the moment is out there with his dad, details at the moment are sketchy, but when I find out more I will endeavor to keep you all posted.
 
Regards
 
Paddy Baker

 

I received this as part of a collective email, have a look and if you agree click the link & sign the petition. It only takes  a couple of minutes but could make a difference if we get enough to sign it.

Just some background,  2 Para alone have on this tour sent back over 50 casualties to the UK and from one who has been to Selly Oak I know that many cannot be accommodated so when all of the casualties from other battle groups are added to the figure, how is ONE ward in an NHS hospital going to cope? It cannot cope, the individual troops are sent home to recover relying on NHS visiting services which themselves are over committed.
A lot more than 5000 names are needed for this petition and quite cynically, Downing Street has put a time limit of one month for this to be achieved. 


Do what you can. Please copy the link below to confirm your signature on the petition at the bottom of this email'

 

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Wounded/  the petition was created by Denzil Connick and reads:

'We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Create a dedicated Military & Veterans Hospital within the UK .'

 

 

 

 wonder if you could kindly post this on your notice board.

 
Lightweight Land Rover History Wanted
 
I see someone else has beaten me to it!
I also have a recently restored 2a Lightweight Land Rover which saw service with 29  Commando. I would love to get any information or photos about its history in service. It would also be very useful to know what the unit was doing at these times and what the vehicles were used for. She has taken me about 4 years to restore with hundreds of hours work and a fair amount of cash. She is now looking very proud.
 
Registration 36-FG-00
1968  Built Contract wv7478
Jan 1969 - In service Ashchurch CVD
Feb 69 - 221 base vech depot Singapore
May 69 - 29 Commando  Singapore
March 70 - 95 Commando Singapore
June 71 - return to Plymouth then to Northern Ireland
Dec 1972 - 29 Commando Lt Regiment Royal Artillery
July 1974 - 8 Commando Lt Battery Malta
May 1977 - HQ Commando Logistic Reg UK
Dec 1978 - Vech Depot Ashchurch
July 1979 - 4th Queens Lancs Reg
Aug 1980 - Struck off census Ruddington.
Curently based nr Launceston, having had 17 owners in 17 years!
 
Any info appreciated
 
Regards
Ian Barnes
kernowcam@googlemail.com

 

Help Needed from all you ex MOT Sgts/bunnies

 

Dear Neil

 
I hope you don't mind a non service person sending you mail. But I was wondering if you could post a message for me.
 
I have an ex R.A. series IIa half ton F.F.R. Land Rover (lightweight) that I have restored after sitting in someone's garage for the last eight years. Now finished I have tried to find out a bit of back ground information. She served with 29 commando in Ireland, and 79 commando Malta and also 8 commando Malta starting 1st Jan 1971 and coming out in 1977. The Military index number was 53 FJ 19 which was part of contract number WV9753, quite a small batch I think about 35 vehicles. I have done as much research as I can but would really like a picture or two whilst in service.
 
Thanks for your time, I hope you can help.
 
Best wishes Paul Axworthy
 
pcezar@lineone.net

If anyone can help Paul please contact him direct on the email above

 

Quite soon, the Last Tommy will pass away and there will no longer be any living survivors of the First World War.

In order to ensure that this moment does not pass without thought from the general public we call for the government to grant a state funeral for the Last Tommy, to be held at Westminster Abbey, so that we may properly honour him and all his fallen comrades.

That's if he decides to accept of course!

You can now sign the Downing Street e-petition and call on the Prime Minister to grant this state funeral. http://petitions.pm.gov.uk /lasttommyfuneral/

 

Remembrance Bank Holiday


Downing Street has approved a petition that was launched requesting a new public holiday falling on the Monday after Remembrance Sunday in November each year. To be known as the National Remembrance Holiday, it's got three aims:
 
1.   To emphasise the remembrance of those servicemen and women who have given, and continue to give, their lives for Britain.
 
2.   To remind people of the importance of protecting our Nation and what it stands for.
   
3.    To break that 3 month period between the August Public Holiday and Christmas when there are currently no long weekends, especially as the UK has fewer public holidays than most European Countries.

If you agree to the idea, please sign up to the petition - it doesn't take long -  This is not just about another bank holiday, but more importantly about having a designated day to remember all those people that sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

THIS IS A NOTABLE PETITION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAVE ASKED FOR PLEASE SIGN IF YOU WANT AN EXTRA BANK HOLIDAY.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/remembermonday/


Many thanks in advance for your response and for your support in this excellent idea.
 

Major Peter Ormerod (Retd) RA

Sad news, Peter passed away last Monday 11th February 2008, he had been ill for some time and eventually that illness took its toll.  Peter died peacefully and I along with those who knew him well will have lost a good friend.

He will be remembered for his time with 29 Commando as the Battery Commander of the very best 145.  He served us well, was somewhat different in what we had seen as past BC’s.  He took the Battery into a new era, skiing and winter warfare and how to survive in cold climates.  He gave us our own bar-cum-club in the Citadel, he had quite a few firsts and there are those who took up the sub aqua thing and turned into professional divers in our second lives.  He had a few ‘funny’ ways which made him the character he was.

Good luck in the new life Peter, they may yet again say Mass in Latin!

Please pass on to other members of 145 who knew Peter.

Tom Browne

He was my 1st BC when i joined 145, not a bad bloke at all considering the head bangers he was in charge of.

After one exercise we were returning to Plymouth with Bill Bayly and I driving the 2 portee trucks. (For the youngsters, these are the original 105’s transporters due to the wheels coming off Guns at high speeds) 

Going through lanes we came upon the BC's land rover doing about 30mph, we over took him at about 70mph.  later on he said to the BSM, who put those two lunatics in charge of "The Colours," cheeky bugger.

Bless him.

Slips

 

I am looking for a copy of 7 Bty photo between 1985-1990. can anyone please help. David Garriock

Here are some old photos that I dug out and have posted on the web for you. Just click on the link below.
Could you paste this link somewhere appropriate for me please?
http://picasaweb.google.com/gribblestrix/79BtyPics


Best regards,

Jim Cowling

Hello lads, this is Geordie Embleton 7 Para RHA. I did my bombardier
Leadership Course with 29 from 4 Nov 1991 - 6 Dec 1991. The date
probably wont ring bells but if you where on the same one as the
unfortunate Scouse, Mick Smith (RIP mate) and obviously ME! Others I'll
not name for security reasons. I'm on the cadge, Our end of course
photo to be precise, which never materialized back at Aldershot despite
promises. A copy or even a jpg would be great. Failing that any jpgs of
the course? I know some pics where taken. Thanks Lads, Mike.

Hi Neil,

I have established comms with Geordie, I have brought him up to date on all things 29 and most thing’s 7th !!!

Gook

Randy and fellow Anniversary organisers
 
Sorry it is late coming, but I would like to thank you and all the team who organised an absolutely fabulous weekend. As with a note of thanks that I have read it is three fold.
Firstly, as always to you, it is a great website and in the main enjoyable to read, the not so nice parts obviously being the notices of lost comrades.
Secondly, Paul and Gibson who also played their part in an outstanding weekend, in reality who would expect anything different from two outstanding soldiers, and of course friends.
Thirdly, to all those that joined in the celebrations it was always going to be a good one from the very outset in the Fishermans Arms.
It was also a very emotional ending at church especially for my wife who laid a small bouquet in memory of her brother, the last soldier to die in the conflict. To all those that turned up it was great to see you all, most I remembered, some I needed a bit of help with.
I have been told by Johnnie Francis that the next big one is 50th Anniversay of the Regiment in 2012. We will need to out do the olympics. I will certainly be there.
Once again thanks for all your efforts, it was without doubt a brilliant weekend, one which I will remember for many a year.
 
Cheers Benny Duce

Hi Randy

                     I would just like to express my sincere thanks, for last weekends reunion,  but i think they need be 3 fold really, Firstly to yourself for this great website without which a lot of people would have been none the wiser.
Secondly to Paul Greene and Gibson Barclay for all the work they put in at the citadel, and finally to all those guys who made the effort to turn up over the course of the weekend.
It was a wonderful weekend, seeing people who I have not seen in over 21 years, and seeing so much  nostalgic stuff up the citadel which brought back a lot of memories.
The weekend  did become a bit of a emotional roller coaster in the end, especially with the church service and that wonderful short film.
I think a sense of overwhelming pride in the Regiment and having been part of it all those years ago, probably tipped the balance.
 
Many thanks
 
Nigel Wright

‘Brothers in Arms Live at Abbey Road’

  This has been released specially for the 25th Anniversary, a new version by Mark Knopfler that he has given for free. All proceeds go to SAMA 82 and are ring-fenced for personal pilgrimages back to the islands for all Falklands Veterans not just SAMA members.

Downloads are available now!

Download from:

www.hmvdigital.co.uk

http://www.virgindigital.co.uk

iTunes

‘Brothers in Arms Live at Abbey Road’

79p

Tell all your friends!

A message from the family of the Mick Smith

The family of the late Warrant Officer Class 2 Mick Smith would like to thank the many friends and colleagues of Michael who have offered their support and prayers following his death in Afghanistan. It is comforting to know that when Michael wasn’t with his family, he was with you, people who also cared so much for him. Particular thanks to; Major Ian Mullin and Major Chris Underhill who steered us through this very testing time. All the men of 29 Cdo Regt RA & 7 Sphinx Battery RM Condor for their meticulous professionalism displayed during their ceremonial duties at RAF Brize Norton, Liverpool Cathedral and Allerton Cemetery, it was spectacular. Michael would have been very proud.

We would also like to thank Steve Stuart and the men at RM Condor for looking after us during our visit to the WO & Sgt’s Mess. Thanks to the ladies in the mess it was lovely to speak to you all.

Finally we would like to thank the people who laid flowers at the gates of RM Condor and those from across the world who sent flowers and letters of comfort and sympathy, they were all greatly appreciated.

I am updating a short history of the Citadel and am looking for any photos of the old citadel from before the rebuild. particularly the MT and assault course areas, tunnels, wall, death slide or the old boatsheds down the back of the gym..
could you put it onto the web site that if anyone has any and they would like to send them to me I will send them back, after copying them.
 
Jock H (Strap)
Hi, perhaps you could post this on the notice board for the attention of the troops who may not be aware of this information.
The M.O.D. has extended the eligibility criteria for people to claim the Veterans badge. Anyone serving in U.K. armed forces on or before the 31st Dec 1969 can now claim. To claim contact the Vets agency on 0800 169 2277 you will need to supply you service no. national insurance no and dates of service. Badges are currently taking 3 to 4 weeks to arrive. Hope the info proves useful, cheers for now Colin Oldfield ex 7 Bty. 

Possible Agent Orange health risk to British troops

If your served in Gagetown, Canada during the 60s & 70s you may want to read this link on the Royal British Legion site.  britishlegion/pressrelease.php 

Thanks to Des Connolly for bringing this to our attention.

Years ago 1965? Black 8 had a magazine (Almanack?) can you find out if copies are available?  

(anyone have a copy please let me know, it would make interesting reading now)

I followed the link to your website from the SAMA82 site and thought your members might be interested to know of the paintings I am producing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

I am painting 25 scenes of the conflict and 12 of these are reproduced as limited edition prints. The collection of paintings tells the story of the Falklands in 1982 and with luck they should be exhibited at a military museum next year. The prints are for sale with a percentage of the proceeds going to SAMA and the Falklands Veterans Foundation. Each print is limited to 500 copies and individually signed and numbered, and veterans and serving forces have a £5 discount from the full price of £37.50.
 
I have recently finished the painting "Thunder Mountain" which depicts 29 Cdo Regt firing Lt guns, in the snow west of Mount Kent on 12/13th June 1982, and the prints will be available in the next few weeks.
 
All of the paintings completed so far are on my website at: www.deanreganart.co.uk I'm negotiating with the Fleet Air Arm museum to hold the exhibition of the paintings there next year.
 
There are also pages on the website with images of the limited edition prints for sale and a page where printable order forms can be downloaded. The prints are all individually numbered and hand signed. They are delivered in a postal tube with a numbered certificate of authenticity and the edition is limited to 500. They are giclee fine are trade guilds standard, using museum quality acid free cotton 315gsm paper and chromatic pigment inks, guaranteed lightfast for a minimum of 75 years when mounted behind glass.
 
They cost £37.50 each plus £3.50 p&p, from which veterans of the Falklands, serving forces and MOD employees can deduct £5.00 discount, giving a cost to your members of £36 (inc p&p). I then donate £2.50 from the sale of each print to SAMA82 and to FVF.
 
I would be very pleased if you could publicise these amongst your members? I am starting an (expensive) advertising campaign in the December issues of Ships monthly. Flypast and Airforces monthly and then the forces press nearer the anniversary so any free publicity would be most welcome.
 

If you think your members might be interested I would be pleased to supply more information.

 
Thanks for your consideration
 
Dean Regan

I would like to inform you that my father passed away on the 11th June 2006.

He was in the 95 commando light regiment. Dating from 64’ to 69. He was based in Plymouth and spent his time between Singapore, Borneo and Hong Kong. He also spent 17 weeks on HMS Bulwark from Singapore to Persian Gulf late in 67’ covering from withdraw of troops in Aiden. My father and his other two pals were known as the 3 Muskabeers. No prizes for guessing why.

Louise Charnley

The National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association (NMBVA) are taking applications for the

Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal (PJM), for all those who served in Malaysia and Borneo.
 
As most of the 29 & 95 members who have the GSM 1962 (Borneo clasp) qualify for the PJM
perhaps you could put this on the Re Group web site. Application forms can be got
of the NMBVA web site.

HELP NEEDED

I should remember (since I was there) but could anybody confirm dates for the following moves:

a.  Air move of 95 Cdo Lt Regt RA Main Body from the Royal Citadel to Nee Soon Camp, Singapore

b.  Deployment of 8 (Alma) Cdo lt Bty RA to First Division Sarawak to relieve 79 (Kirkee) Cdo Lt Bty RA (of 29 Regt of course)

c.  Deployment of 7 (Sphinx) Cdo Lt Bty RA to First Division Sarawak to relieve “Black Eight”

I’d be very grateful - it will help me to date photographs.

Thanks

Mike Jackson

(Tp Comd in both gun batteries of 95 Cdo Lt Regt RA 1964-67).

**And here are the Answers below**

95 deployed to Nee Soon in September 1965. I do not know the dates for 8 Bty but 7 Bty did a curtailed tour in 1966 - do not know dates but I wangled the early morning stag in the Command Post at Gunan Gajak so I could listen to the World Cup Final on an A13 set. It must have been around this time of year in 1966. Hope this helps - Terry Philp

A more in depth reply here:

Mike Jackson posed the following questions;
 
 a.  Air move of 95 Cdo Lt Regt RA Main Body from the Royal Citadel to Nee Soon Camp, Singapore
 
My AB 108 Certificate Of Service says transfer from home to Singapore was 14/09/65

b.  Deployment of 8 (Alma) Cdo lt Bty RA to First Division Sarawak to relieve 79 (Kirkee) Cdo Lt Bty RA (of 29 Regt of course)

My AB 108 Certificate Of Service says 24/11/65

c.  Deployment of 7 (Sphinx) Cdo Lt Bty RA to First Division Sarawak to relieve “Black Eight”

My AB 108 Certificate Of Service says 03/05/66

I hope that this helps.

James (Jim, Jimmy) Walton

Ex Lord Alma's Own

 

**Just received this one and thought I'd share it, good to know that the site is appreciated.**

As an ex Intelligence Analyst, I can unequivocally say that this is the best site for ex-members of any Corps or Regiment.  But then, we were always a bit different, weren't we?  I met many members of 29 who transferred or moved to other regiments during my 22 years, and other soldiers always referred to us as the “29 Mafia” as we had contacts all over the Army and always “knew a man who does.” 

We were “Just doing it!” long before Nike even started making trainers!!!

Best

Ron

**More positive feedback!!! This from Jimmy Walton:**

You asked for feedback on who we have met through the site.
 
After 32 years of not having talked to anyone from the old unit (8/95) 1965 to 71, I got in
contact with Franny (who I did my commando course with, he was not always so round).
 
This led to contact with over forty ex Black VIII members from Dave (W----r) Millward in the USA,
Ray Norvasier in Australia, Naico in Germany and many many more. Your site is doing a
great job, and has enabled the piecing together of an important part of my life that my family
knew nothing about.
 
This led to a re group in Cheshire for 30 + old men, sadly you have
taken the photos off the site.
 
James (Jimmy) Waltonn't forget to let us know if you have managed to contact old comrades through the site. **
Dear Notice Board,
 
Daughters Laura and Louise wish to thank Commando Gunner Notice Board for the much appreciated expressions of condolence following the tragic death of their father Alan Mackie after a long illness.
 
The presence at the funeral of Dave Matthews (Arbroath) together with a strong party of Commando Gunner colleagues was quietly appreciated by Laura and Louise and Family who thank them dearly for laying the Green Beret and Gunner Cap badge upon the floral tributes on their father's coffin.
 
Ian Mackie (Uncle)
For those who served in the Falklands you may be interested in supporting a new web site follow this link for more details:  www.falklands1982.com

This handy bit of information has been sent in by Pete McGrady, thanks Pete

A little bit of info for older members.  It seems prior to about 1976 servicemen were having about 10% of pay set aside for pensions.  This is fine if you received a pension, however for those who served less than 22 or came out before 76 it means losing a lot of money for no return.

An organisation is being set up to try and get pro-rata pensions for people who did 9&3 etc.
INTERESTED? contact Mr.D.G. ROBSON 34 RAYNES RD. LEE-ON -THE -SOLENT HAMPSHIRE PO13 9AL
or access www.caffuk.org.uk
I hope this information is useful.

Here's a link to the BFBS site if you want to send a message of encouragement or support to anybody overseas. Especially during the current climate.

George Smith sent us this one as he thought it maybe of interest...Got a E:mail from a friend and he gave me this website Lest we forget they sell umbrellas in the form off a poppy. I don't know if you know about it . but it seems a great idea to me. See if you can put it on the notice board. Best wishes. Scouse Smith

SAMA

We have received the following communication and I thought it needed to be left in full for all to read.

It would be terrific if the notice board could carry something about SAMA(82), the association formed by comrades from all three services for all of us who served in the Task Force of 1982 to restore Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands to Her Majesty and the British Government. Website can be found at:

Please click here for the website:- SAMA

The Association has been in existence for 5 years, and now numbers around 2,000 members. Sadly, there seems to be very little representation from the Gunner contingent, particularly 29. I have paraded with the association at the Whitehall Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday for the past 4 years, and to date I have been the only green beret'd gunner on parade! There are a small number of Booties, but far too many Para's, and we all know how they love to perpetuate the malicious rumour that they retook the Islands single-handed! There are also a small number of NCT gunners (air defenders and the like - necessary to the final outcome, but hardly representative of the majority of gunners who were there!) So come on guys, it's time to stand up and be counted.

You might be interested to know that there is a pilgrimage being organised by SAMA to take 200 or so Corporate Vets back to the islands this coming November. There are still a very small number of places available, pilgrims are asked to contribute £900 (or find sponsorship from the ABF, regimental PRI or wherever - help is available for those that need it.) Membership is open to those still serving as well as those of us that have been promoted to "Civvie"! and it only costs £10 for life membership. The association exists to provide a source of support and comradeship for those of us that sailed south to an uncertain and daring adventure and returned victorious and also to remind the politicians of both nations that it was for the purpose of democracy and freedom of choice, lest they should ever consider altering the outcome of our efforts.

The other gathering of the Association is at Twickenham for the AGM, which is cunningly planned to coincide with the Army vs. Navy match!

This is not an association that seeks to replace the regimental ones such as our own Commando Gunner association, but rather to reinforce them, especially for those of us that were there in 1982.

I hope this note will inspire at least a few of you to get in touch with the Association Secretary, Denzil Connick (an ex-Para, but a pretty good sort for all that!) and put your names down for membership. I look forward (hopefully) to seeing this letter (or whatever the Editor chooses to include from it) on the Excellent new Commando Gunner Website in the near future. Keep up the good work lads, it's a superb site and has the promise of being even greater as people contribute more of their own to it over time.

Regards and Best Wishes

Andy Tattersall (148 and 7 Bty - 1974 to 1988)

commandogunner@aol.com