Notice Board

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

Help is need. I have had an email off someone trying to source a 29 Stable belt. If anyone know where to source one can you drop an email over. Thanks

Hi Neil, I run the 3BAS Crewroom site, in conjunction with Jim Dresner's Flying Marines site. Next year is the 100th anniversary of a Bootneck gaining his wings, well ahead of Crab Air. There is going to be a gathering at Yeovilton open to all who served with 3 BAS RM. Many of your gunners worked with us as drivers, mechanics and handlers, plus of course many pilots on secondment from the AAC. The details are on the sites linked below; I would appreciate it if you would place a thread on your site informing your group about next year. Thank you, Rob Parry. (Former Sgt pilot 3 BAS) http://crewroom.proboards.com/index.cgi http://www.flyingmarines.com/=

Hopefully I'm on the way to organising the Mini bus run to Plymouth. for the Yomp .Could you put the following on the website please:

Memorial Stone Yomp, Scottish regroup 12 Seater Minibus from Arbroath to Plymouth . Depart a.m. Fri 27 Aug return a.m. Mon 30 Aug, Costs approx £60 per head. Names to Dave Matthews soonest, need minimum of 10 ,first come first served. Dave's email matthewsdc@yahoo.co.uk or dave.matthews@guidedogs.org.uk . Confirmation details will be forwarded once numbers are in.

Thanks

United we Conquer

Dave Matthews

Could the following book please be advertised on the Notice Board.

Mick (Ginge) Tyler ex Gunner Para, SAS and Gunner Commando has written a book about his life, this is not one of those kiss and tell books, its a very personal account of his life, from living off the land as a kid in Kent after the war right up to the present day.

A lot of us will remember him from his days as an Adventure Training Instructor at the Junior Leaders Regimental Adventure Training cottage in North Wales and his mountain marathon teams.

The publisher has produced it as written, costing £10 and in paperback it follows Mick through his childhood, to his first three square meals a day when signing up, boy soldiers, fox troop, 32 Para Lt Regt RA, 29 Field Regt, D Sqn - SAS, 29 Cdo Lt Regt RA - 20 Bty (now 148 Bty) and through to running his own survival business (Breakaway Survival).

Its titled "A Survival Story" and published by Password Publishing, if you would like an interesting read then you can contact Mick (Ginge) direct on 01432 267097 for a copy.

Much obliged, keep up the good work with the website.

Cheers,

Jed Stone.

(145/HQ)

HELP URGENTLY REQUIRED

Help is required by the Regiment in regards to the memorial, locating families of some of the fallen. This message has been received from Major Paul Greene. If anyone can help in any way please send information into me ASAP & I'll pass it over to the Regiment.

Message as follows:

All the names are being transferred from the guardroom 'Roll of Honour' onto the new memorial and of course the Regiment wants to be in a position to invite all families & friends of our fallen along for the Dedication. This is where the Regroup Website could help. I'm after tracking down the families of the following so that I can keep them fully updated on the memorial progress and send out a formal invite for the Dedication (date TBC):

BDR J T    DANE         145 BTY     ADEN PROTECTORATE - 2 JUN 1966
GNR M J   MARTIN    ATT SAS    OMAN                                  - 05 MAY 1972
GNR R S   CUTTING   7 BTY        NORTHERN IRELAND      - 3 SEP 1972 - Family contacted
SGT I W   SWAIN        8 BTY        NORTHERN IRELAND       - 23 MAR 1973 - Family contacted

MORE ASSISTANCE REQUIRED

We are looking for people who remember their time on the Antrim, during operation Paraquat. We have been I touch with Maj Gen Chris Brown (Capt. at the time) But would still like to hear from other members of 29 Commando, probably 148 Bty. They a can send their stories etc by visiting our web site, & clicking on 'contact us' it will come straight thro' to me.

Many thanks in advance
'Mac' McDermott HMS ANTRIM ASSOCIATION
Web address : www.hmsantrim.org.uk

Hi Randy,

I was wondering if you would be able to help me again, by putting this on the Commando Gunner Regroup website. I have sent it to the Gunner Magazine and they will be publishing it in the next edition. We did not get many replies last time we put something in the Gunner so it would really be appreciated if you could put it on the site.

COMMANDO GUNNER DATABASE

It has become apparent that the Commando Gunner Database is in need of a complete update. The database is to record all ex members and serving members of the Commando Gunners regardless of cap badge and will only be used to contact you reference Commando Gunner matters. The details that you supply will not be passed on to anyone else. As we approach the 50th Anniversary there will be a need to keep as many people informed as to what is happening, if we do not hold your contact details we cannot do this. For information on details required please send an email to cdognr@virginmedia.com.

Hope all is well with you.

Thanking you in anticipation of your assistance once again.

Best Wishes,

Dave Cussell

Hi all,

My wife had been trying to find out information for ages about her uncle Geoff Ince, known as Ken, who was killed whilst on night manoeuvres between Greenhead and Haltwhistle in 1965 prior to going out to Singapore. I spotted the Last Roll Call and believe I have found him. Does anyone have any more details on what happened if the Ken on the Last Roll Call is Geoff? He was from Colwall in Herefordshire, in 95 Commando, Service no. 23822570. Stationed at the Citadel he got married a week before he died.

Any information would be gratefully received by all the family.

Best regards and keep up the good work.

Dave Harford

Might be of interest, it seems a good idea in practice. Only time will tell.....

Veterans' ID cards 'will offer priority NHS treatment'

Can anyone help with the following?

Thank you for adding Sgt Elliot to the list of those killed in the Sembawang Road RTA. Perhaps someone with a better memory than mine can recall the details of two other members of 95 Cdo Lt Regt RA who died before the unit’s deployment to Singapore in 1965. Both were members of 8 (Alma) Bty:

In late 1964 I think – an 8 Bty Sgt (name not recalled, but ex 33 Para Lt Regt RA) who died while receiving routine dental treatment in Plymouth.

Mid 1965 I think – an 8 Bty Gnr (name not recalled) killed on the first day of an 8 Bty adventure training exercise – walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Walking with his team down the verge of the A69 near Haltwhistle, Northumberland, he was killed by a hit and run driver. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the locals closed ranks and the driver was exonerated.

Both very sad and unnecessary losses

Mike Jackson

couple of photos from the recent remembrance
service at Spean Bridge, the Scottish Commando regroup were represented
by 3 x REME :Andy Byers, Tommo Thompson and Maj Dave Burnett, Gunner
Reps were myself , my son Jock Hosner,
Nozzer Holt M.M. ,Paddy Hunter, Flicker Fletcher, Bones, John? Lo
Lawson, Dudley Smith (not in picture).

I've also attached a picture of Mick Smiths memorial plaque.

There were no 2 minute guns this year as the lads are in Afghanistan, we
remembered the lads who had fallen then raised a glass or 3 to them in
the Commando bar after the ceremony.

United we Conquer.

Dave Matthews

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.

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

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 7^th !!!

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 25^th 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!

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)

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 would like to inform you that my father passed away on the 11^th 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

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

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