1 RTR Message Board Page 1

Messages on this page from: 11 Nov 01 through to 5 November 02
I have placed these messages in order of last posted on top, makes it easier to read information.

From Tiny Hart 5 Nov 02	Following the Cambrai function at Bovington on 29 November 2002, there is as usual a get together at the Red Lion pub in Hamworthy (Poole) from 7.30 on Sat 30 November. Joe Dale, Stan Ogden and Alan Hodges are delaying their return journeys to sink a few and of course Bambie Turner & Tommy Cormack will be there (don't let that put you off though) Anyone within travelling distance or beyond travelling distance is of course invited. Just turn up, the more the merrier.
Peter Wood Managing Director Racing Teapots Ltd London, UK Tel: 020 8319 4106 www.racingteapots.com 29 Oct 02	Dear Mike You may be interested to know that the "Old Bill" Tank Teapot is just back in production - after more than 50 years. This teapot is based on the WW1 MkIV tank and was sold from 1918-1952. The lid shows a soldier, complete with tin helmet. Racing Teapots are using the original moulds, glazes, and even the same specification silver-based platinum lustre (from the original supplier). The Tank Teapot can be personalised with a soldier's name, unit, or badge. We will decorate it to your specification, too. You can see a picture of the Tank Teapot by clicking here http://www.racingteapots.com/tanklightblue.html. The Tank Teapot is available in lots of Art Deco colours. Today, after 8 weeks of production, we have been experimenting with camouflague glazes - and we think it looks good. I can send you more photos if you are interested. The Tank teapot is available from us - or from the Tank Museum, Bovington. I'm ex-Reme, so it means a lot to me to be associated with the 'tankies' once again. As soon as we've finished the camouflague version, I promise you'll be the first to get a photo of it. We are selling the Tank Teapot for £60 including postage + packing (this also includes free personalisation - name, rank, number etc). However we have been doing deals with certain organisations where, for each one sold, an organisation gets £5 commision. Is this something we can do with you - such as you displaying some tank teapots, at the RTR reunions? In the meantime, I have enclosed a group photo of the tanks. (If anyone is interested in helping this guy out, please contact him direct.)
James Barclay 29 Oct 02.	Congratulations to James, he's now a dad. Birth of their son Jake Alexander born on Thurs 24 Oct 02. 7lb 8ozs.
Paul Ramsay 16 Oct 02	IMPORTANT NOTICE. We apparently cannot have the Drill Hall until the w/e 25-27 Sept 03. Please adjust your arrangements and travel. More info to follow. Watch this site for news as I get it.
Keith Birch 6 Oct 02	I am about to change job. From 14th October 2002 I will be a Senior Consultant for a software company in London so my email will change from keith.birch@elyo.co.uk to keith.birch@fsi.co.uk could you please advise everybody on the message page. I will be staying with Stan the man Baxter for a while so if anybody wants to contact him they can by sending me an email and I will pass it on.
Mike Taylor 6 Oct 02	Enjoyed the reunion nice to see lots of old friends, if anyone can trace Mick Cahill please email me. Looking forward to 2003. Any old friends from 1RTR 1968 - 1974 spent most time in A sqn i was in Osnabruck/Maze/Omagh would like to hear from you. You may remember me for being the regimental sniper.
Mike Kemble 1 Oct 02	Did anyone see General Walker on Sky TV recently - he is looking his age!! He was talking about the Iraqi business.
Dave Ross 16 Sep 02	My dad Dave Ross was with 1 R T R in the early 70s in N I and with the U N in Cyprus he was also a Gunnery instructor at Catterick if there is anyone out there that remembers him and would like to get in touch with him please email me. Thanks Paul Ross. (Dave was my recruiting Sergeant in Birkenhead ACIO - mike)
Paul Ramsay 16 Sep 02	The dates for next year are 5-6-7-8 Sep with lots of events happening with more details to come. Book early for the accommodation and entry to the drill hall will only on a pre paid admission due to knowing how many will be coming and the limit of which the drill hall will hold. I will be unable to let people pay on the door next year so it will be best to guarentee them a ticket when the letter comes out if you know what I mean. The cricket is on the same weekend so hotel space is at a premium - I know Perry Court is full already!!
Chris McKenna 16 Sep 02	You may not remember me, I was with the regiment from May 1981 to Apr 199, serving in the following sqn's: Nov 82 - C Sqn ( 4 Troop) Hereford Nov 82 - Nov 84 - B Sqn (Tank Troop & CVR(T) Troop Lulworth(I Like the photographs of Fearless, taken on my birthday) Nov 82 - Mar 88 - B Sqn (Hildesheim) Mar 88 - Apr 93 - HQ Sqn (MT Troop and becoming a clerk for the last few years in - RHQ, Command & Support and finishing off as the Trg Clerk. Ged Whitmore, remember him, talked me into being a clerk.
Mike Kemble 16 Sep 02	Sorry about delay in replying to loads of emails, I have just got back from Cornwall. It may take some time to reply to all but those of you who want adding to the contacts list, it is in hand.
Mike Kemble 9 Sept 02	Thanks once again to Paul Ramsay for an excellent weekend. Slightly down in numbers from last year but this is probably because next year is the 10th Anniversary - so a bit special. Ray & Joan Crellin are having some special polo shirts made for next year. They are embroidered with the regimental crest and the owners name and are an absolute bargain at £13 each + £2 p+p. Mail me for Rays address.
Andy Marshall 8 Sept 02	It was nice to see your history of 1 RTR. I was there from 1975 to 1978. I hope you don't mind me adding some detail of that period. I joined A squadron in Cyprus mid '75. I think HQ squadron were with us in the UN while B or C was in Hong Kong. My memory is not too good, after all it is 25 years ago! While in Herford we did 4 months in Londonderry. I was with HQ Squadron then. I have some photos of these times, mostly of vehicles like UN ferrets etc as I was tank mad and still am. You brought some good memories back to me - thanks. I work around the world much of the time but live near Milton Keynes- when I can get home for a while. Keep up the good work even if it makes us feel old!
Tiny Hart 29 August 2002	Can you let everyone know that each year more & more people are staying in Scarborough until Monday to avoid travelling while maybe a little bit ill. We have been meeting in the Lord Nelson to be entertained by the resort's own international jet set Elvis look-alike 'seaside Danny Wilde'. he's crap but he's so crap he's actually really good if you know what I mean. Anyway I was in Scarborough with my kids in August (can't get a good reconnaissance mission out of the system, god I loved Scorpion as much as I hated Chieftain) and it seems that the sex god Danny Wilde has moved to the Lancaster pub which is still on the seafront. If you are staying Sunday night see either me Tommy Cormack or Bambie and ensure the party continues. AG Hart, ex tank commander, incredibly good looking action hero, and unknown now divorced Sex god. P.S. gays need not apply.
BJ Nicolle 22 August 2002	Served between 1985-1988 whilst at Hildeshiem. Keep bumping into Jimbo Barclay but that is the only one I see. Still living in Guernsey, hope to attend reunion next year.
Alan Hodges 22 Aug 2002	To all going to Scarborough! Hows this for a name drop, spoke to SIR ALEX at the reserve game last night , and even though he's put a ban on the players signatures hes's promised to SEND something to Auction at the re-union as long as i do not win it!
Mac McLaren 15 August 2002	Thanks for putting my name on the e-mail list. How are you anyway? Do you remember me? I left in 1989 from D.SQN Hildesheim. There are still many 1RTR left in this area. For example: Myself, Pete Corrigan, Brian (Bobby) Moore, Chris Young, Brian Gibson, Chris Smout, Ernie Rood, John Moore?, Skip Kirk, Eoin Ashford (Jock), Dave Witter, and a number of bandsmen (cant really remember their names). We all try to get together on or about the 20th of november in the Brauhaus Hildesheim to get absolutly shitfaced. Keep up the website and who knows, I might make the reunion one day. My brother Alec McLaren has been a few times and says its well worth it. Thats all for now, keep in touch Mac. I was in Medicine Hat last year and saw Wayne Smith selling cars!
Paul Ramsay 12 Aug 2002	Paul has just phoned me. Just had some bad news. Eddie McDowell has passed away from cancer as has the wife of Vinnie Markland. I think her name was Liz. This was also cancer.
Alan Hodges 8 August 2002	Mick, hope to be in Scarborough this year best to everyone.
Pete Corrigan 7 Aug 2002	I was with 1 Troop and SHQ D Squadron from '85 to '89 and later in the Officers Mess as Mess accountant for 5 years. Your reunion website address was passed on to me by David "Mac" MacLaren and there were certainly a lot of faces I remember . Harry Robinson , Derek Sheridan , The Fallons , The Atkinsons , Rat Reed and many more.
Weaf Humphreys August 2002	Hope you remember this old soak who is still in uniform as an NRPS Ssgt with the Royal Wessex Yeomanry with Pete Leach and Rod Curran ( for anyone who was fortunate to be in Junior Leaders with him) He doesn't e-mail as he gets his long suffering wife to do it for him but if anyone would like to get in touch he'll dictate a reply. He also never gets to Scarborough as he's always swanning around the world on a team squash tour that month
Alex McLaren August 2002	I served from 65 to 78 and have been to Scarborough a few times to the jamboree at the drill hall. I served in the First and my first posting was to A Squadron, your photos of HMS Fearless reminded me of another brush 1 RTR had with this ship. We were in Aden and the plan was to head up the persian gulf with 6 Centurions on board, we were to anchor of the coast of 'Yas' island, near to Bahrain. We duly arrived off shore, with half of the squadron being struck down with exposure en route, and waited for the paras to drop on the island and then at the given word we would off load the cents and move up from the beach to consolidate the landing. True to form, the island had not been recced properly and the paras suffered heavy casualties, broken legs etc, so the exercise was called off and we turned round and headed back to Aden. My abiding memory of the ship was the sheer amount of cockroaches everywhere, in your food, in your bedding, the toilets, and every where else you can think of. The ships crew were totally unperturbed by them, but us lot hated the sight. We were all glad when we got the tanks off loaded and back in Falaise camp. The good old days?
Mike Kemble 2 August 2002	For those of you who have not been on Paul Ramsay's Mailing List and wish to attend Scarborough this or any other year, I have placed a copy of Paul's form on the internet. Locate the button below, print it off, and post it accordingly to Paul. I will not publish his address on here, but if you mail me, I will send it to you direct. Hopefully I shall see you in September, my wife, Sue, and I will probably bimble along sometime Fri pm after a leisurely drift up the M1, across the Dales and down from Whitby Bay.
Mike Kemble July 2002	I have been told about a web site dealing purely with Dave Steele. Here is the url: http://www.mcclellanweb.com/davysteele/ It was sent to me by Adrian Clarke.
Debbie Clarke July 2002	Phil Read's daughter and Nobby Clark's daughter in law sends her best wishes to each and every one of you.
Terry Brocklebank - (July 2002)	I am 23685999 Tpr Terry Brocklebank. Trying to get some photos and info of the lads between, 1957-1962. I would be very happy if you could help me.
Alan Rigby 01 July 02	Hello Mike ,just been brousing thro again its great to see a few more names from 1RTR ,I see Roddy Hepworths still bluffing his way thro life ,Hi Rod,I am fine. Davids not so good he is in hospital, got a few problems hopefully he will be ok .See you Sept.
Rod Hepworth	At last I have found the time to drop you a line to say what a great site this is. I don't know if you remember me, I had the privilege of serving in A Sqn Assault Troop and 5 Troop during the Regiments tour in Omagh.Seeing all those old familiar faces again brought back some great memories,its only when you look back you realise that what ever has taken place in your life since those times that period of your life will remain very special. Stick me on your mailing list Mike and please send me the details of the next reunion as soon as they are available. Thanks again for a great site. Stay lucky Rod.
Ted Holt	Its a small world!! From Mike: Met Ted Holt recently!! His daughter works in same company as me and he arrived to pick her up! I drove up to work to find Ted occupying my "usual" car space. He has been in and surveyed the pages. Nice to see you Ted!
Anthony Booth	I have just come across your web site and it was pleasing to see. I served in the Regiment for most of the 50s leaving to join the 40/41st in 1961. I have been working on two web sites dealing with the regiment I served in during the war the 49th RTR, one site is Canadian on www.49apcr.org and the other in Holland is www.49rtr.tiscaliweb.nl It is good to see details of the Regiment with the interesting photos.
Les Warwick	I served with the Regiment in Hildesheim from Dec 84 to Apr 89. All this time was spent in D Squadron. I still keep in touch with Mick Redfern. I recognised your picture and name but I doubtful that you would know me I knew Derek as Frank Sheridan was my loader for a few years and where you found one you tended to find the other.
John Murray	You probably don't remember me. I served with the Regiment from '76 in Herford (B Sqn) until '92 in Hildesheim (C Sqn), when I left during the first wave of redundancies. I haven't attended a reunion since '98 or '99 which was held in Scarborough. I am interested in meeting up with some old faces and catching up on how things are in the Regiment.
Tony Black	Tony served with 1 RTR from '85 to '89 B Sqn 3 Troop and would like to hear from anyone who knew him.
Alan Rigby	say hello to paddy macann from me thanks paul see you sept 02.
Jim Reeves	Hello Mike I have just found your site by accident, Jim Reeves 1967 - 1973 24103799 i would like to get more info on the site. A few ex tankies live near me Mick Taylor, Mick Gash, I recognise a few friends already on the site which is superb Don Crasswell look out pompi will go down. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Taff Thomas 18 March 02	Taff Thomas sends his regards to everyone. Don "Taff" Thomas' email address is below. He's a newbie to this high tech world so bear with him!!!
Graham Bass 28 Feb 02	For Rat Reed. Can't contact you on your email address; please mail me with details of this years reunion?
Tiny Hart 24Feb 02	Remembering HMS Fearless. A troop of CVR had to stay on board HMS Fearless overnight so Michael Heseltine MP (Minister of Defence)who was also on board could see a 'tactical' or sort of, assault landing at HM Naval Base Portland the next day. All I can remember is how lovely the Wren's looked. They all had black suspenders on ( or so our dirty minds told us) and were obviously captivated by the magnificent site of incredibly good looking tankies ( well me anyway) coming ashore in all their glory.
Roger Stevens	This is just what we need to publicise the reunion weekend at Scarborough, please get in touch all those who know me and would like to chat.
Fred Morpeth 16 Feb 02.	Hi, just roaming around the World via the net and came upon your page. Some of the names brought back memories from way back when. I joined the Regiment in Berlin in 1967, then on to Osnabruck, I left in early 1971, paid the 200 quid. If your interested I still have some photos from Spandau Barracks in Berlin and Soltau on exercise and some shots from a short stay in Libya with mark 5 Centurions. If you would like some copy’s I can easily e-mail you some. I remember a couple of names from your reunion page Jeff Lyman, Tony Dransfield, and I was Nobby Clarks Orderly Sergeant for 6 months before I got out. Great page, brought back good and bad Memories…I have lived for the past 29 years in Australia, but still make the odd trip back home.
Rat Reed	Important Announcement - 14/2/02. All you ex Tankies Remember there is a reunion in Scarborough the first weekend on September if you need details you can E-Mail me and I will let you know the details (see below for email address).
Gus Daniells 25 Feb 02	As I go around I am mentioning the site to all and sundry hence Winnie coming on line, I have found both Stuart 'Streaky Bacon Biff' Bailey in Rawtenstall and big Dave Buck, (Daves early demise was announced by the grapevine a little early as he is alive and well running his own Fish and Chip shop and 'Buckys Restaurant' in Banks) up in Southport. This is one of the off shoots of being an Agricultural and Factories H&S Inspector travelling all over the North West I do tend to bump into a few old faces in the least likely locations, when I do I will endeavour to pass on the site address. I see my old mate Harry Smith(430) is online, good old A Sqn Assault Troop, we might all get online in the end. Hopefully some of these will appear at this years do especially Harry as it must be nearly 30 years since I last saw him when he went off to the medical profession. All the best mate.
John & Inge Cockayne 22 Jan 02	found my site by accident and send greetings to one and all. His email address is not working though.
Ricky Scott 7 Jan 02	I was so happy to find this site and see the reunion pictures. They sure brought back a flood of memories of HOHNE, HONG KONG, OSNABRUCK, OMAGH AND LOTS OF PLACES IN BETWEEN. Hello all you ex 1 R.T.R. people drop me an E-MAIL (below) and lets chat. I'm coming over for the 2002 reunion if there is one. Does anyone have any info on this? If so please let me know, thanks RIKKY SCOTT (SCOTTY).
Adrian Clarke 5 Jan 02.	When my father died a couple of years ago my mother gave me a box which she said had some of "your old army stuff" in it. I've only recently got round to opening it! The box contained many documents I had left at home, and letters I had written to my parents throughout my time with JLR RAC at Bovington and A Squadron 1RTR 1963-68. Amongst them was a series of letters written to my father by 2Lt Mike Seymour who was 3 troop leader A Squadron in Hohne and Aden. He seems to have written to my family more than I did just updating what was going on. Prompted by a sudden rash of nostalgia and a quick search "Mike Seymour 1RTR" and here I am. Made CO did he? Must have remembered everything I taught him!!! I could be termed as "King Maker". Jeff Lyman RSM? Blimey! Close friend and drinking partner to God's right hand man! We were NCO's with 3 troop A Sqn in Berlin 1967-68. Interesting to see his "phosey" at the reunion. Actually I think he still owes me money. The only other person I recall was Bert French. Reminders of great days and some "crap ones", but I consider those times as a massive learning curve, my university. I myself "jacked" it in 1968 to follow what was left of the "hippy trail" of the sixties, and came round somewhere in the seventies! They say if you can remember the sixties you weren't there. I can't so I must have been! I think I married someone, I've got the divorce papers somewhere. Great site! Starting to wonder what happened to Jim Stanley, Roger Lichfield, Willy Couse, Geoff Whatshisname!! Regards Ex Cpl(Acting unpaid) "Sport" Clarke.
John English 5 Jan 02	Had a mail from him today.
Mike Kemble	When in Hildesheim, I think, I had a "1 RTR do it with Tanks" car sticker - anyone remember them? Couldn't put it on then due to the Irish problem. Anyone know where they can be found, if at all. Keith Birch has suggested that we get some made - anyone know who, where etc?
Paul Robinson 18 Dec 01	I'm from Leeds and support the local club. BOWYER used to play for them. My interests are: skiing snow and water, first world war, spend time in Cambrai at Philips hotel, Philip found the first world war tank in 1998 called Deborah 51. If you remember Snow Queen, I also stay at Manfred Gasthof in Hindelang nearly every year, very cheap winter holiday. I am self employed and a partner supplying warehouse handling equipment ie pallet trucks, stacker trucks manual and battery operated. I WILL NEVER FORGET 2 TROOP. Mr Houston, Dave Nimmo, Biff Bailey, Jonesy, Dave Beattie, Al Rowley, Wray Longman, Nicho, Mac McLaughlin, Dusty Binns, Joe Davies, Tiny Hart, Tom McComaskey, Keith Lucas and sadly Chris Lowton who passed away in 1983, while in the regiment. All the best for xmas and new year.
Mouse Kinsella 12 Dec 01	He sends his best to Mushroom Troop, Omagh.
David Higginson, Paul Edwards and Barry Winrow 8 Dec 01	Contacted me today
Alan Rigby 4 Dec 01.	He was 1 RTR from 1963 - 1975
John Stevenson 20 Nov 01.	Just heard from John (59 - 81).
Iain Thompson 11 Nov 01	One from Iain (Thompson) who was there from the amalgamation. (Ex-4 RTR).
Graham Bass 11 Nov 01	Who worked the Int Cell in Omagh.
Paul Robinson	He is another ex Tankie who found my domain by accident! He was in Intake 79/06. From Paul: "Ex 1RTR,1979 to 1984. I remember Ian Hatfield very well. Catterick Feb 79,intake 79/06, same room for 19 weeks. Attached to A squadron 2 troop for 4 years ,before moving to Bovington for my last year."