SHOW YOUR  SUPPORT FOR THE

DaggerREGIMENTDagger

As we know the Regiment is deep into the Afghanistan deployment. During the last deployment I opened a page so we could show our support for the guys out there, this proved very popular. Send in your messages & I'll post them up. 

Be you still serving, ex member, family, friends or well wisher, feel free to show your support. So come on get your thoughts in, show the guys how proud we are of them & that the the Commando spirit lives on in all of us. Once that beret is earned, its for life!

Neil (Randy) Randall

Use this email to send your messages: commandogunner@aol.com

Here is one for the boys

It my seam the norm as we go about our lives hear in civvy street and think the boys are doing well in Afghanistan. For sure thy are but it would not go amiss for those back home to put it in words and let them know it........support the boys......lets just do just do that and put it in writing so all can see that we are with them all the time not just the beginning and the end of their tour so come on you old sweats out there let us see you add something to this message.......as thy say .......( just do it ) keep well all be good.

Days my be long out there and minds my be thinking of home and rightly so, but don't take your eye off the ball just yet, keep focused all the way to the end and there will be a welcome home for all after your good work.

 
 P S.....see if you can bring one of them  r*g h**ds back home as I am looking for someone to do the gardening.
 
                   Brian (Spider) Webster  Ex Alma
TO ALL THE LADS OF 29 THINKING OF YOU. COME HOME SAFE.
FROM BEN SKINNER.  EX 145 MAIWAND BTY. 1962 1965
 

Keep your head's down lads. We think of you all.

Regards
Paddy & June Baker
 

Cannot say much more than has already been written.

Two truths... The commando spirit will never, ever, be broken.  Second, those of our family that have paid the ultimate sacrifice will never, ever, be forgotten.
Every commando, past and present, are with you boys. Stay safe.

So sorry to hear of the Regiment's latest losses. My thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the families, friends and comrades of these fine young men. I am so proud to have been part of a great regiment, and my pride lives on with all ranks of the regiment now. Hope you all make it safely home. Colin Oldfield (ex 7bty 95/29)

Once again the Commando have lost 2 members of the family.  My condolences go to Capt Sawyer's Wife and family and also to all those in Condor/Arbroath who mourn.  You will not be forgotten.

 
 Bruce Saunderson  (Ex BSM 7 Bty)
 

To all ranks 29 Cdo Regt RA.

 
Our thoughts are with you and your families every day but, more so at this very sad time when we have lost another one of our own.
Best wishes for a safe return.
Willie McOwan
Ex 8/95, 8/HQ/289/29 (1969-1991).

Another sad loss to the best regiment in the Army, RIP Capt. Sawyers R.A. a brave man.

My families thoughts are with your family and friends.

Regards

James Walton CERP1

So sorry to hear the news of another loss to the finest regiment going.  Keep up the good work lads and remember we are all with you in thought now and any time you are away doing what you do best.
 
Tom Tippett.  79,  HQ and 8 Bty

Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of another fine young officer in Tom Sawyer. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends and let us pray for the safe return of the rest of the regiment "Paddy" Ravenhill Ex 95 and 29 

RIP Sir.
The Regiment, Serving and Retired Commandos shall never forget you.
Condolences to Captain Sawyers family.
Ken Rae

What can I say to the lads in Afghanistan, another sad loss. What was it we used to say, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". Grit it out and know you are among the best.

The those families left behind, we will always remember our brothers and be proud that we knew them.

Bob Johnson ex 29 Cdo, Black 8, REME LAD

Captain Tom Sawyer RA and Corporal Danny Winter RM , Commando's always.
I am humbled by the Commando's continued determination to do their duty and so proud of how  they face adversity . Nothing can replace loved ones ,my heart goes out to the family, friends and oppo's of these brave men. To all our service personnel, be assured that we former Commando's may not be with you at the front line but we have your backs back here in Blighty. Look after your buddies.
United we Conquer.
Dave Matthews. Alma/Sphinx/Kirkee .Arbroath

So sorry to hear another one of the family pays the final sacrifice. I know all the members and past members of 95 & 29 will offer their condolences to family members.
    Steve Irons ex 8 Bty

Sadly we learn today that one of the Regt has fallen in Afghanistan. please pass on my sincere condolences to Tom Sawer's family. Bernie Burnett.

All that has to be written about the loss of one of our own as been written, but once again we put the loss of a young man in his prime in the paper.
Never can you get used to hearing of yet another member of 29 that has sadly lost his life serving out there in Afghanistan serving his country and been in what can only be the best Regiment in the army. As for his family a great loss of a loved one,  in time I hope they can hold their heads up high and say ......yes my boy was the best of the best....and with some comfort look back on his life in the knowledge that all former members and serving members are with them in their grieving. May he rest in peace and god be with him

               Brian ( spider ) Webster    x Alma

I know that I speak on behalf of the whole Commando Gunner Association when I offer my condolences to the Regiment as a whole and the family and friends of those directly concerned in the recent tragic incident.  The price that the soldiers of today are being asked to pay really humbles us and engenders huge pride in our links to what will always be a truly great family Regiment.  Keep up the good work and accept our prayers for a safe and speedy return.

"Janner" Lambert-Gorwyn

The loss of another brave Commando Soldier from the Regiment adds to the already deep sense of loss the men and families must be undergoing. In this desperate time, I offer, I am sure, as do all Commando Gunners past and present, everlasting support and condolences to the 'fallen', their families and those still in the danger areas. Your example gives Britain its pride and in turn we are extremely proud of you all. Also condolences to the Royal Marines for their losses. (R.I.P.)
 
Harry('Jacko)Jackson

What can I say - yet another member of 29 makes the ultimate sacrifice,  So tragic,  so sad.  Deepest sympathies to all family, loved ones and friends.
Lorraine

Unfortunately, once again one of our brothers has paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our peace. I don’t know the name of this hero but my sympathy goes out to his family and friends, RIP.

James (Jim or Jimmy) Walton ex Black VIII

Please pass this onto the Regiment.

 

Just heard about the Regiments sad loss on the news.  You are all constantly in the thoughts of those back home.  Stay focussed and carry on in the professional 29 Cdo way.  We are all immensely proud of each and everyone of you.

 

Best wishes for a safe return.

 

Bill (Willie Mac) McOwan

Ex 95/8, 29/8/HQ/289 - 1969-1991

Just heard of the sad news of one of 29 men in Afghanistan and would want to pass my deepest regrets onto the Regiment. But most of all sincerest condolences to his family 

Brian (Spider) Webster

wishing all the boy's out in Afghanistan the very best for the coming festive season and hope you all return safe to your loved one's From Bernie Burnett Former Gunner (79 Kirkee) and Master Chef (92)

Members of the regiment it is my proud duty to send an email to you all thanking you for up holding the true spirit and professionalism of the regiment in another hard tour of Afghanistan, I as an old 7bty boy know what you are going through especially at this time of the year, and really appreciate the determination and effort you will be putting in keeping the Taliban at bay and fulfilling your mission, so thanks once again and please take care and come home safe.

Lee finch 7 battery 90-94

Hi Lads, Remember we stand with you and give our support and best wishes. Your efforts are noted and will not be forgotten. Ex Gunner . Royal Artillery.

Sorry to hear that we have lost another of our increasing family, in combat in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayer's go out to his family and loved ones.  Bill and Lorraine Herbert.

My condolences to the family, friends and the Regiment to the lost of a Comrade in Arms, never to be forgotten

Deepest regards & sorrow   Fred Gardner.

Bad news travels to fast to all corners of the world. My condolences to the friends and family of another member of The Best Regiment, who has lost his life doing an almost impossible job many miles from home, so we and our families can all be safer in our homes with our almost meaningless jobs.
Some of us may have left 29 Commando Regiment a long time ago, but our thoughts are always with the guys that are still serving on the front line in these very difficult times.

I wish you all the very best for the rest of the tour.

Ken Rae
29 Commando Regiment R.A.
79, 7 & 8 1973-1988

Sadly another loss to the Regiment, and of course to all who knew this courageous man.  Please remember that all ages and serving or ex-members of the Commando Gunners are with you in mind and spirit in this testing time.  Our sympathy to family, friends and fellow serving members of the regiment.  Martyn (Matt) Matthews, (Ex Black V111)

As an ex member of Black 8, and also been on operations over this time of the year, in Borneo and also Aden and N/Ireland.

I know you all must miss your families, but this little note is to let you know that we back here haven't forgotten you, you are all in our thoughts and if I may say so, prayers that you remain, safe and well and return to your loved ones back in the UK, I wish you all the best of the seasons greetings, and will drink a pint in the Crowns to you all.

Thinking of you all,

Pete Reid ex 29 1963-1973 

Just a quick message of support:

With the financial confusion back here, and people worrying about their jobs and all the rest, you might think nobody was thinking much about you guys and what you're doing. Well even though the media don't cover the campaign as they should - only dipping in when there's a headline, there's a lot of ordinary people over here who do remember that you're out there, and will remember you all as they eat Christmas dinner and drink too much at the pub. I know I will - as will many of my civvie friends who've got nothing to do with the Army.

There are quite a few who wonder why you're out there, but they all know you do a great job, and even the most anti people who want you out, do so because they want you to come back safely. I find their views stem from poor media coverage - so they don't understand what it's all about.... I try to
do my best to put them right...

Anyway,  just a few words of appreciation from a former Commando Gunner. You're doing a really great job, which I'm sure will make a very big difference. I know you'll keep on doing it and I know you'll be doing it as it should be done. It's the hard school; but that's how its always been  in 29. The best place to be.

All best,
Hugh McManners

I read with great sadness the announcement of the loss of Lt Aaron Lewis. Once more the Rgt has paid the price for it's professionalism and commitment to the task in Afghanistan. My deepest sympathies to his family at this trying time. 

I would like you to know that not a day goes by when I don't think of you all serving in Helmand. As a Rgt, 29 Commando has no equal, this is down to the men who serve in her with honour and utmost bravery. You are, I know, up to any task that may come your way and I'm sure all ex members will wish to join with me in thanking you for your role in protecting our great Nation. I am proud of each and every one of you and pray for your wellbeing and wish you all a safe return.

Tony (Porky) Watson
Ex Kirkee, Maiwand  & LAD

As so many have already said, it came as a shock to learn that yet  another of the brave members of our Regiment has been struck down whilst on active service.  I too did not know the man, though I feel  that in many ways I perhaps did; we share much in common through the simple act of being members of the same unique unit, albeit separated by many years - my service was over a while ago!  

So, I offer my sincere condolences to the family of this fallen warrior, and also to his serving comrades for whom I am sure this will have made a difficult time even harder.  Of one thing I am certain though, the spirit that is instilled in each of us that has earned the right and privilege to wear the green beret and to serve in the best regiment will see you through; let your loss strengthen your determination to finish the job.  

If it is deemed necessary to serve in such a forsaken outpost, be resolved to do it in the best tradition of our regiment.  Be sure of this, those of us left back here think of you constantly and with enormous pride.  Doing a difficult job, in the most difficult of conditions would seem to be part of our creed, keep up the good work, and come home safe.
Andy
148 and 7 Battery

To all the lads out there in Afghanistan - as an ex member, I know that you are performing to the tasks in hand.

 My thoughts go out to the loss of a member of our regiment and deepest condolences to next of kin and family.

 I and my family will raise our glasses and toast you guys on Xmas day knowing how you may feel being away from family and friends.

 Keep safe lads you are all in our thoughts every day and  we look forward to your safe return.

 

TONY & JOYCE DEASY

 

EX  SGT- 29 CDO - BLACK EIGHT

I was saddened to hear that another member of 29 Commando has paid the ultimate price.  My sympathies and condolences goes to his family, friends and the regiment.   

 

Les Bishop

Ex 79 (kirkee) and 7 (Sphinx) - 1970 to 1976

 

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death in Afghanistan of Lt Aaron Lewis.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, his Troop and all Commando Gunners.

Commando Gunners of the 1960s could not have imagined what life would be like on operations for their counterparts today.  I admire you all.

Mike Jackson

95 Cdo Lt Regt RA 1963-67

It is of great sadness to read of the death of Aaron Lewis, KIA near Gereshk in Afghanistan .  As the Regiment loses another member of its ever growing family, THE FAMILY, old and new send their condolences to all those who knew and loved Aaron.  The Commando Spirit will always live on and you will never be forgotten as all those that have left THE FAMILY will never be forgotten.

Bruce Saunderson

Ex BSM 7 Bty

Sorry guys for your loss, keep alert and come home safe

Ingy

So sad to hear of the loss of another brave member of the Regiment. Saying that we are proud of each and everyone of you seems such a small thing to say, but we really are. Thinking of you all and your families at this sad time.
 
Harry Jackson
 
Ex 95/29 (7,8,79)

Keep those guns going, lads.  Nothing more welcome for your friends fighting with you and nothing more frightening for the Taliban than the sound of 79´s guns joining the battle.

Ron Potter, 79 Bty 1967-74

Devastated by the sad loss of Lt Aaron Lewis. My Thoughts are with his Family,  F Troop, 79 Kirkee Commando Battery and the rest of the Regiment. Keep your heads up, stay focused and carry on doing what 29 do best.

Stan Rendell

Rest in Peace Commando soldier, your now in good company with the Heroes who have gave their all. My thoughts are with your family and friends. Thank you and your Commando colleagues for doing your duty and ensuring the world is a safer place for my children and grandchildren.

To say I'm proud of you doesn't seem to be enough, but I am so proud of you all. Look after your buddies.

United we Conquer.

Dave Matthews former Alma, Sphinx and Kirkee old boy

We were gutted to hear the latest lose to the Regt.Think you guys are doing a great job out there.Keep your heads down and come home safe and sound.Good luck all.

Jan & Brian Astall.

 ex 145 Maiwand  62-68.

To all members of 29 Cdo.

 

Another brave man has made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom and my sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. My thoughts are always with you and hope you all return home safe and sound

 

from

Geordie Peel ex 95 and 29 8 alma Bty.

I had a bit of a sleepless  night.  To be without a loved one during the Christmas period is hard.  In some ways I was fortunate in that my late husband, Peter, had already done his time with 29/95 when I met him in 1971.  We spent every Christmas together after that until he died early in 2007.  So yes, I understand.  He was always very proud to be associated with The Regiment and they were the most important years he spent during his long army career. 
On a lighter note, I had thought about sending Thornton's chocolates (not many men admit to it but they do like them) but Afghanistan, the heat and sand, well may be not such a good idea.  Then I thought, Ice cold beer (is that allowed?), glass of wine (again,  is it allowed?).
The only thing I could come up with is a Christmas greeting - Peace on earth, Goodwill to ALL men.  Won't someone P L E A S E  tell the Taliban that it's Christmas (Oh, that's right, they don't celebrate Christmas do they).
A safe return to all in the New Year
Best wishes
Lorraine Walls

Hey up guys

 

You should know that you are never far from our thoughts, especially at this time of year. 

 

I must say though, you are not missing much...its cold, people are miserable (civvies), credit crunch etc etc.

 

Always happy to catch up with young and old (sweats), even if its just to whinge.

 

Be safe.

 

Regards

 

Grant 'Kenny' Evatt

Black 8

84-94

Sorry to hear of the sad loss of such a young Officer. My thoughts are with all the friends and families of all soldiers serving over there and of course not forgetting the men of 29 Commando Regiment RA.
Have a safe trip lads, and i will see you upon my return from Iraq soon for a beer.

Gareth Tichopad

Sorry to hear the sad news that one more of the lads has lost his life, condolences to the family,
very proud of all the lads doing a very hard job

Kenneth Dickson

Another hero from the regiment gone but not forgotten.
Rest in Peace
Stand Easy

Sincere condolences to the family.

Dave Jones

All the best to the lads in 29 this Christmas. 

True heroes fight in distant terrain
Out of earshot from their home
But in the wake of daily deeds
forever changes this Earthly breeze
for deeds are done in quiet refrain
from boast or brag or brash distain
for Britain's heroes are noble, silent
Brave echoes cast into the future
Valour built on noble heritage
of those who fell to keep us free
you give 'em the greatest dignity.

Leon Jenner

Sorry to hear about the loss of another member of 29 Commando.  My condolences go out to his friends and family.
 
Keep up the good work guys, we are so very proud of you back home.

Whilst I am saddened by the news of any serviceman's death it is closer to home within the brigade and even closer when its 29ers.My thoughts are with the family, friends and comrades of Lt Aaron Lewis R.A.

Bill Dalziel.

Sorry to hear about the loss of another member of 29 Commando.  My condolences go out to his friends and family.
 
Keep up the good work guys, we are so very proud of you back home.
 
Paddy Boyd  

My most deepest, condolences, to a fallen comrade, "stand down friend"

 

 I will wait for you.........knowing that we will never meet again..... I will wait for you..

 

Adrian "RAFF" Rafferty 8 Bty, 1985-1990 ,29 CDO 1985 -????

Was devasted to hear about Aaron Lewis losing his life, my heart goes out to everyone still out there! I've heard that other guys have been injured too which is such a tragedy. I wish you all the very best of luck out there and a safe return home. Give 'em hell fellas. P Tyler

Please wish all ranks serving in theatre a safe and peaceful Christmas. my thoughts are with you all, especially, those of you in 79 Bty.

Keep up the good work and stay safe.

John Blanchard

Ex RQMS.

From Den Smith and John Bathe. Spain.
Once again the Regiment we are so proud of is in the thick of the action alongside The Royal Marines, this time in Helman Province. 
How sad we were to learn of the death of Lt. Aaron Lewis. KIA against the Taliban.
We as a group with other 'old boys', were lucky enough to attend this years MOTN and regimental reunion. We are not ashamed to say that tears were shed when a list of regimental fatalities were displayed during the playing of Sunset and Last Post.
We were proud to win and wear The Green Beret. 29 Commando Royal Artillery is always in the forefront of our minds.
Our thoughts are with Aaron, his family, colleagues and of course The Regiment.

Yours aye.


John and Jan Bathe.
Den and Ann Smith
Ex HQ.95 Commando and Black VIII 29 Commando

It is not that the British soldier is braver than other soldiers.
He is not, but he is braver for a little longer. Endurance is
the very fibre of his courage and his character. He stays
where he is until he has won.


Keep up the great work lads, we're all proud of the professional job your doing, your never far from our thoughts, have the best Christmas possible.  Watch out for each other and come home safely.

 

Brian (Bubs/lofty) Collins ex 20 Bty /LAD


I heard of the sad news of another one of the family, of 29 Commando's men in Afghanistan and would want to pass my deepest regrets onto the Regiment. But most of all sincerest condolences to his family. We are with you in are thoughts. Keep your heads down lads.

George (Scouse) Smith Ex 8 & HQ.

Hi guys,

I don't usually get involved with these message sending thingies, but just had to add my voice to what I'm sure is a long and growing list.
As a Plymothian (well not really, but I have lived here for 40 years :-)  ), I am one of the many other Plymouthians,  proud to call 29 Commando 'Our regiment'.

Your successes are your successes, but your losses are shared by all of us.

Hope you all have a happy and safe Christmas, and a safe return to Plymouth in the not too distant future.

All the best,

Pete Chapman

My very warmest regards to everyone in the Regiment during these trying times.

 

May everyone stay safe and look after each other in the true commando spirit. Keep your heads down guys and may all of you return to the Citadel very soon.

 

Warmest regards,

 

Bernie Watters ex 95/29


Myself and Charlie Boulter were sorry to hear that another member of the Regiment had paid the final price - our condolences to all his friends and family. We are always thinking of you especially at Christmas and the fantastic work that you all do and under typical "NW Frontier" conditions. No doubt our fathers, serving in the old Indian Army, fought against the grandfathers of those who you are pitching your wits against. We hope you will have the chance of a celebration at Christmas and a save return in spring 09. Keep up the good and professional work

Best wishes - Ali Harvey and Charlie Boulter

THIS IS JUST A QUICK NOTE TO WISH ALL YOU GUYS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL BACK SAFELY NEXT YEAR GOD BLESS AND KEEP SAFE.

 JACKIE  TAILORESS 29 CDO REGT RA

It is with regret to hear of another brave soldier losing his life in Afghanistan. As an ex 29/79 Kirkee member and 148 Bty. My sympathies go to the family and to the unit he belonged to. Gone but never to be forgot

Roger Collins

Hold the line fellas.. you're doing a great job.  To all those deployed on Ops, enjoy your Christmas, in anyway you can, and safe return to the UK in 09.
God bless and keep you all (past and present), Commando Gunners (and matelots) safe.

Larry W (ex 148)



Message form Tommo, Buzz and Jim  (Ex 145 Maiwand/ Air Troop 1962-1971)

 

Hi Guy's

Just sending you this heartfelt message and wishing you all the very best out there in Afghanistan.  Not the best of places to be at Crimbo, but we are all thinking of you back here in 'Blighty'.

The lads (Ex-29) recently had a good week-end at the 'Re-group' 'Music of the Night in Plymouth, back in July and met up with a few of the lads.  It was a Good Show and a Great night, in the 'Fisherman's, Commercial and Barbican.

I have attached a little history note which I thought you might think of as a good read.  I wonder if the guys out there in Afghanistan in 1842 wondered if we would be out there in 2008, 166 years later!!   I was only a lad then!!

You'll all be in our thoughts and will lift a glass to you!

Merry Christmas and Safe Return to all!

Tommo

 

PastHistory 1              .PastHistory 2

Sorry to hear the news that another member of a Great Regiment has been lost

Dean Corbett

Gutted for you Fella’s, but as usual, I know you will all step up to the mark and fight through,

Gook Williams

 
Obviously his loss of life serving his country has saddened me, but I feel pride that our successors in the regiment are carrying out such a professional job in what is probably the most dangerous area of operations encountered by 29 since its formation.
 
Last week I passed on as many details as I could at that time to Loughborough University where Lt Lewis studied so his former colleagues there could also pay their respects.

 

His family made a moving and very poignant  statement which I have extracted from the article:

 

In a statement, Lt Lewis’s family – including his parents Barry and Helen – said: “Aaron was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend and uncle and the feeling of loss will never leave us. But our proud memories of him will live on forever.
“Aaron will rest peacefully knowing that he was helping others and saving lives so that other families will not have to go through what we, as a family, are at this time.
“Aaron constantly achieved everything that he set out to do and in joining the Army, committed everything he had to a cause that he truly believed in.
“We are so proud of Aaron as a person and an officer and he knew how much his family loved him even though we couldn’t be there to help when he needed us most.
“His loss will always be a painful memory but, in time, we will celebrate his strengths and that he will be remembered as a hero. We only hope that people will recognise the selfless act that our soldiers undertake to protect our country, so that future generations don’t have to suffer.” 
  

RIP
 
George Martin

Keep up the good work.  There are many of us in Plymouth who are thinking of you all and wish you well in your very difficult duties.  Good on you lads!  MP =

Hi to you all,
As you can guess, It is easy for me to say, as I sit here in Plymouth UK, words of support.
However, Please be assured as an ex-service man that these words of support are heart felt.
I watch the news every day with my wife and we are very, very proud of everyone out there doing a terrific job. 
You are always in our thoughts.
Please keep safe and out of harms way.
God Bless and Merry Christmas to you all.
 
Chris & Debs

Hi there Lads and Lasses,

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Enjoy the day as best you can. Whatever the right or wrong of these current conflicts, you are doing as so many young men have done for centuries. The call to arms came, and you responded. Mistakes have been made, but I believe the majority of you have given of your best and try not to do anything which will dishonour crown and country. As a soldier's daughter (my late father served with the Devon& Dorset's in Burma and India), and close friend of a veteran of a controversial 20th century action    ( Darrell, who resides in Fremantle, Australia) served with the Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam, I appreciate something of the challenges you must face, both there in the combat zone and on returning home. May 2009 bring us a step nearer a successful and honourable resolution of matters, so that you all may at last come home, all of you.

Cheers
Mary Coombs (Plymouth)

       

    Extremely sorry to hear of the KIA of Aaron Lewis, stick together men
    and make sure he did not die in vain. Condolences to his family , colleagues
    and friends.
 
   Pat Roberts ex 29 & 95