Alan Hodges
11 August 2003

Who are those very ugly men in uniform ie. Hoss Woolley BEM, Pete Jones and a very ugly Corky Cormack obviously pretending they were working in BATUS  and really organising R & R in Edmonton!!!!! See Utd managed to keep their legs JUST against the dirty cocknees.  Pity about young Jimmy Davis, he was such a lovely young lad and what a terrible waste, he was such a fast little git on the wing. Anyway, regards to all and roll on September.

Keith Birch
11 August 2003

I am about to move to Abu Dhabi to open a branch office. I hope to take over my flat on 1st October 2003. Anybody who wants a holiday out in a country with sun, sea and Shopping all year long let me know. See you all at the re-union. I have had to change my personal email address to birch0978@fsmail.net but you can still contact me on my work email keith.birch@fsi.co.uk.

Alan Smith
6 August 2003

I thought it right to let it be known that I bumped into Bev Young, wife of Pete Young (ex of B Squadron) who informed me that, sadly, Pete had a coronary attack in January last year. He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary but had a brain haemorrhage and died the following day. Whilst I realise this is a very late hour to be posting this information, I understand from Bev that the Regiment are unaware of Pete's passing, and wished to inform those who knew and worked with Pete of the sad news. Pete was a great mate of mine and many others from the Regiment, and I wish Bev all that is good for the future. I am sure he will be greatly missed.

Mike Kemble
6 August 2003

Talk about a small world! Today I was in work and in walked Simon Prior. He works for Curzon, a Business Consultancy and he was there to see our Chief Exec. He says he is coming to Scarborough for the 10th Anniv but hasn't booked yet. Paul Take note eh?

Mike Kemble
31 July 2003

Paul Ramsay
27 July 2003

Paul Ramsay, 26 Lee Moor Road Stanley Wakefield West Yorkshire WF3 4EG

Mobile is 07717456203

House Number 01924 820476
 

Dave Henderson
26 July 2003

Just browsing and saw the contact from Dave “boy” Barras, he did not leave a email address but when you see him ask him about the bicycle trip in Denmark in 67, we didn’t get caught. As always your page is tops, I visit it regular and the thought of missing the Sept. do is getting to me. I will be in Ireland and the UK at the end of August but cant afford to be away from the business too long. I still might go ABBO. I’ve had a couple of emails from people and its great to hear how the lads have got on since leaving the regiment, they all say that it was down to the time spent in the regt. that has helped in the respective careers, that’s good eh!. I hope to watch the lads whilst I’m in the UK, we play Rotherham at Sunderland on the 6^th of Sept. We will be back. Once again well done on the PAGE, we are all grateful out here. (Thanks Dave - appreciated - mk)

Gordon Farrell
26 July 2003

The virus arrives with the subject 'I think you might find this amusing,' and a file called logan6.exe.

If you receive it, do not open the attachment - and keep your anti-virus software up to date.

Bob Jones
25 July 2003

Dear Mike. I was very sorry to hear about Derek Wapshott's death. He was my veh cmdr in A Sqn in Herford in 1978. Very laid back and unflappable as I recall, even when I crushed a ZB298 GSRS with a Spartan. As I recall, he said that would be expensive and it was, just ask Steve Bailey, our operator. When I see you at Scarborough I will pass on some photos. I served with your brother Steve in A Sqn Asslt Tp. You can remind him of the patrol when we were coming into Belleek when "1 shot" had a pop at us. Dinger and Dave Henley were the other recipients of "1 shots" attention that night. I will be unbooking from Perry Court as Paul has me booked into Peasholme Court. Cracking web site by the way, keep up the excellent work. Was speaking to a bobby the other day, he was one of gods chosen few, an ex-tankie. I gave him the site and he gave me a site (Site does not exist as you wrote it down  - mike)  See you at Scarborough in your trendy T Shirt!

Graham Collins
25 July 2003

You may or may not remember me, I was in the 1st Royal Tanks from April 1973 through to April 1986. I started in Command Troop in Omagh in September 1973 that at the time contained such characters as John Patterson, 'Beakey' Hempson, 'Dusty' Millar and so on. When the regiment left Ulster I was posted to 6Tp 'B' Sqn who as we know initially were posted to Pergermos in the Eastern SBA in Cyprus. From there to Tidworth where we carried out user trials on CVR(W) Fox. In July 1976 the Squadron joined up with the rest of the regiment in Herford, BAOR.  During my six and a half years out there I was involved in two 'Op Banner' tours, Londonderry 1977 and HMP Maze 1981. I was also fortunate enough to go  Batus twice as well as the exchange trip to El Paso, Texas.  As Armoured Regiments and eventually Infantry Battalions got their Recce troops back 'B' Sqn and the regiment was re-organised and the three remaining Close Recce Troops were distributed between the three Sqn's, mine, 4 troop, was sent to 'A' Sqn for the remaining eighteen months or so of the regiments stay in Herford. With the rest of the squadron I was posted to Bovington when the regiment took on it's RAC Centre role. Hildesheim was my final posting where once again I was in Recce Troop until I left the regiment inOctober 1985 and served my final six months in the Army where I had started, Bovington. I was in the JLR between May 1971 and April 1973. Eventually I joined the Dorset Police and have been there ever since, currently working and living at Blandford. I have logged onto your site on a number of occasions and consequently the memories have come flooding back, especially the images of once very familiar faces. As like others I have a number of my own and will endeavour to send them on so that others may enjoy them, some of which contain the unmistakable shape of 'Woppy'. Like others, I was most upset at the loss of one of the regiments most endearing characters.  I count myself as being most fortunate in that I served in the same troop as the big man on two separate occasions. The first being 1 Trp 'B'Sqn whilst in Londonderry in 1977 the second was again in 1 Tp in 1979, during which time the troop was the Recce Troop for the 5 DG battlegroup. At this point I think I can help by naming the majority of the 1 Troop photograph taken in Derry, the image of which is found on the top left hand side of the 'B' Sqn page.

They are from left to right, back row; 'Woppy, Lt Chrisford, John Collins('Collo the elder'). Third row;' Tiny'Hart, 'Moody' McKenzie, Chris Smith, Ralph Coates, Paul 'Jack' Frost, 'Mac' McCardle, Paul Massey. Second Row; Frank Murden, Steph Gredziak, Jimmy Dunne, 'RSM' Roberts, ? Saunderson, Paddy ?, Marty ?, Kev 'Madman' Madden. Front Row; Brian Sands, Eddie Short, Steve Lewington, me ('Collo the younger'), Steve 'Kraut' Cummins, Steve Laycock, John Robinson: Apologies to those whose full names I cannot recall and to those whose names I might have spelt wrong. That's about it for now, I'll E-mail again soon, hopefully with some images and some recollections of the dear departed 'Woppy'.

Dave Barras
24 July 2003

Just a couple of intro words and to ask you if you can  put me on the 1st RTR web page. My name is Dave Barras ( Bazzer ) in my Tankie day's 24086684 L/Cpl. I joined the army on the 12 Sep 1966 and completed my training at Catterick Camp Dec 1966 and stayed there until I was posted  with Paul Aspin from the begining of Jan 1967 until 1969 to Berlin where A Sqdn 1st RTR had gone via Aden. We then moved down to Osnabruck and joined up with the rest of the regiment.There I stayed until we were told we were to be posted to Ireland. Over the 5 years I had a lot of friends and some I still keep in touch with, but I will be going to Scarborough this September and I hope to meet up with a lot of friends that I haven't seen or heard of since 1971. Would it be possible to let my old friends in the regiment that I will be going I have attached a photo of me and my wife of 30 years (see Images 2) so I hope this reminds some of my old mates. Best wishes and the web site is brill. Many Thanks Dave (Bazzer) Barras

Mike Kemble
10 July 2003

Gary Wapshott
10 July 2003

My name is Gary Wapshott, and I am the youngest son of Derek Wapshott. My sister, Catherine Conchie, rang me up today to tell me about your website on 1RTR and the messages that had been posted with regards to my father. I have to say that I have rarely been moved to tears in such a way as as when I read those messages on your web site. I am glad that All of you remember him as fondly as I do, and I know that many of you share my grief for the loss of my father. I loved him dearly, and the stories that are told on the message board remind me of the tims when we used to go out drinking together and he used to tell me stories of his exploits with his mates in 1RTR. He was a great father to me and he has schooled me well in how to live and enjoy life, and I for one, will allways remember him with tears of joy, but mostly those of sadness as I truly miss and grieve for my father, who was also my "Best mate". I hope that we may be able to keep in contact, as I would love to hear further stories and learn more of my fathers life in the army as I will shortly be undertaking research into my families history. Best regards and take care

Phil Harrison
7 July 2003

My son wanted to see reminders of Hildesheim as we were there from '83-89. He searched on Tofrek Kaserne and got your web site. It was nice to see some photos of 1RTR. I am ex 3RTR ('67-74') and was the RSM 1 Regt AAC '83-86', then QM(T) until I was posted to UK. I remember Geoff Lyman and Paddy O'Sullivan. I still treasure my leaving present of a "Tank Gunner" see attachment. (Photos in images gallery 2)

Paul Danisz
4 July 2003

I remembered that you showed an interest in the idea of a bumper sticker, therefore I got our graphics department to produce the attached. Thought Paul could use them to raise funds for the reunion. What do you think? Paul if you are interested I will get about 300 printed and bring them to Scarborough with me. Click on Image to see full size.

Edit: 5 Aug 03. Just had word from Paul that the stickers have been produced and he will be bringing them to Scarborough with him. How's about an advance copy Paul, for "appraisal" ?? Will they stick on the inside of the window? If left outside, it will weathered or get nicked!

Mike Kemble
3 July 2003

Mary O'Sullivan
2 July 2003

Woppy not remembered------ never. I'll never forget Derek Wapshott and all the laughs we had coming home from the Sgt's Mess in Omagh. Derek, Ron Hornby and Paddy were promoted to Sgt's at the same time in Omagh (1973) we all attended our first mess dinner, (Carole Hornby and I in dresses purchased from a bomb damage sale in Johnson's) he had a very dry sense of humour and made what could have been a harrowing night into great fun. His daughter use to baby sit for my eldest son Robert. Both myself and my sons send our condolences to Derek's family at this sad time. Best regards Mary

Pete Rason & John Butler
2 July 2003

How very sad me and John Butler are to hear of the death of  Derek Woppy Wapshot . His daughter says "If anyone remembers him"  she could'nt be farther from the truth, we talk with fondness and respect about the days we spent in 5 Troop Bsqn under the leadership of Woppy on a regular basis, especially Cyprus in 1974-75.  We have plenty of stories, here are but a few. Turks had invaded Cyprus, we as a Troop were sent to guard a greek village and protect the fleeing occupants from any reprisals from the Turkish Soldiers. Early one morning a Turkish  Infantry Platoon arrived in the village led by a Irish Mercenary Officer waving a  silver swagger stick around. Woppy cool as a cucumber ordered JB to jump in the Saladin and if they came too close then swing the turret around and close the breach. The officer approached Woppy flanked by 30+ soldiers and crossed the de-markation line . One word from Woppy "OK Butler "  the gun traversed around with one big "CLUNK" and all the Turkish Troops either legged it back into village or dived into the nearest ditch leaving one very red faced officer swearing under his breath to disappear back into the village alone. The only comments from Woppy "right what's  for breakfast?"  The Troops never did come back. Patrolling key points in Episkopi, we had a night off and went to the RAF Naafi bar for a drink. Being the first Troop to go there they has never seen soldiers in Black Demims and Red Scarves before, so we attracted a lot of interest. If my memory serves me well, we became the 27th Penal Regiment and we all had  just been let out of prison to fight the Turks.  We made a fortune selling Red Scarves and Cap Badges till Woppy couldnt take any more and came clean. Everyone saw the funny side of it and we still had free drinks all night.
Woppy will be sadly missed and I for one regret not seeing him again to talk about the good times we had in 5 Troop.  I hope this and other messages can be be passed onto his daughter so she is aware that her father was not , and never will be forgotten!  Pete Rason & John Butler .   

Paul Ramsay
1 July 2003

Just been reading your message board - do you have a contact for John Harkan - was it john Pope by any chance?? wants a return message from me - message is get in touch ok!!. Shirts still on sale via Ray. Glynn Buckleys birthday bash this weekend in Ross on Wye - open invitation for anyone that knows him. Nearly full up on the ticket front. My Party is at Leeds Uniteds Ground in the South Stand gaol (right spelling there Paul haha!) line restaurant on Saturday 2nd August - all hands are invited - the big 50 I'm afraid. Sorry to hear about Woppy - good man

To Cathy From Tiny Hart. Cannot reach you by email, it won't send to you

1 July 2003

Cathy: From Mike, please send me a good email address

I am very sorry to hear of the sad death of your father. I had the privilege of serving in A Sqn with ' Woppy' in Herford and had the honour of being in his troop during the tour with B Sqn in Londonderry in 1977. I don't think I can ever recall him losing his temper or ever getting excited or getting in a flap about anything. He was unflappable, he always got the job done but his calm approach to everything was amazing and I was one young Lance Corporal who learned a lot from him. He earned everyone's respect in Londonderry because he was 'getting on a bit' then but was still on the streets,  'on the front line' with the lads, leading from the front.  We used to tease him about his age when we had to patrol one particular area of Derry. This patrol always required a 30 or 40 yard sprint over open ground to a main road and then another 30 or 40 yard sprint on the other side before we made the safety of cover in a housing estate.  Woppy always ran never stopped or walked but was invariably the last one in and then required a rest for about 10 minutes before we could continue. But I tell you this, WE WERE ALL out of breath and very grateful that the 'old man' needed time to recover. Very often we got called out as standby  section just to be kept  waiting for 30 minutes before being told where to go,  but on one memorable occasion we saw Woppy running   like the wind ' for him'  and we were loaded up and ready to go in the blink of an eye.  If Woppy was running then we knew it was serious.  Your father was  the nicest, friendliest person you could hope to meet and I liked him immensely. I hope my memories of him bring you some comfort during this obviously very sad time for you and your family. You said that you realise that there were not many people who would remember him, you could not be more mistaken, there are hundreds of ex tankies out there who today like me will be thinking of him and finding that despite the sadness a smile cannot help but appear on the face, such is our memories of him. yours Tiny Hart 

Cathy Coochie
1 July 2003

Received a message today from this lady who wishes to inform ex members of the death of her father, Derek Wapshott "Woppy" as he was known. Sorry Cathy, to hear this sad news. Her message is in the guestbook.

Tony Sturgeon
30 June 2003

I served in A Sqn, 2 Troop & HQ Troop during 1984-1988. The site is great and has bought back some good memories.Tiny was my troop cpl when i first arrived at Hildesheim before he landed the job as Provost Sgt at Colchester. Dave Beattie was my loader on the OC's tank when i left in 88.

Mike Kemble
22 June 03

Paul Ramsay
22 June 2003

Just a couple of things - Tickets are at the 270 mark now so they are moving fast again, lots of new faces are going to be there this year - a few nice surprises but they will be revealed on the weekend so if people want to know who they are -  they will turn up. Polo shirts - Ray Crellin is taking orders right up to the end of August for the polo shirts so get your orders in to him now,  The dress for friday night will be polo shirts with names on so other people will know who you are!!!!  Will have a new contact address for you shortly as I will be leaving Ramsay Towers soon but not going to Benidorm just yet.  Got a 3 bedroomed 17th floor apartment with views to die for but it will not be ready till the end of February.  Renting to start with then I will get a villa or something if I like it over ther if not it will be a caravan in Scarborough on my return!!

Pedro Eberbach
15 May 03

Howdy all. I know it's trivia, but I couldn't resist commenting about the dress standards. Hey, down here in Oz we allow people to play golf in bathers, and gee there are some pretty smart women on the courses in bikini's. That of course is mostly in Queensland where it's hot most of the year. Down south here in Victoria, most clubs allow shorts, T shirts - but then again we are far more relaxed about our sport. Sorry Gordon I can't make the game, it's a bit far away for a one day play. Ciao Pedro. (Pedro refers to the Golf News posted on the 2003 Page from Gordon)

Alan Rigby
13 May 03

Thought your info on HMS Fearless was good. Here's a blast from the past. In 1966, HMS Fearless on her maiden voyage called at Aden and a few of us from C Sqn.spent a week on board. We did a beach landing with Ferrets and generally had a good time.The ship was brand new at the time.I don't know if we were the first armoured regiment to excercise on her and unfortunately I have no photos of that time. It will be interesting to see if any one else has. Thanks for a brilliant Web site

Paul Ramsay
12 May 03

News for you all:
1. Scarborough is past the 200 mark now so send the word out - filling up rapid.
2. Found a Regimental march ringtone for mobiles if anyone interested!!  was in the tank mag.
3. Eddie Kirwan is 60 on Saturday and is throwing a swaree in the CLAYTON CONSERVATIVE CLUB on Saturday night.  Everyone will be most welcome.
4. Got plenty of accommodation in Scarborough if required - Dave and Ruth have vested interests and seeing as they always looked after us only fair to ply their trade for them - contact me again.
5.  Sold my house and looking to move to Benidorm sometime in the next couple of months but as far as Scarborough is concerned, no change, I will still be running it.
6. Lots of new faces for this year, coming from Germany, Southern Ireland Northern Ireland and of cours all over the UK, Spain, France etc etc looking good
7. Sponsored walk is now the 14 June letter to follow to put on here ok mate - still need some volunteers
8. Still looking for volunteers for the Its a Knockout Comp in July.

Mike Kemble
5 May 03

I am working on Hildesheim page 3 at present and it is quite a daunting task as there is so much to wade through; so if you should spot something "missing" it is more than likely it is in the preparation stages and will be online as soon as I have finished that particular section. Have faith! I hope to add images later on as I either find them on the net or scan them from Gary Binns' mass of paperwork! If anyone reading those pages when online have a photo that is particularly relevant to a section please send it on and I will place it into the text accordingly. Some of the pages already online will be amended and added to as I filter through everything.

Pete Haywood
01 May 03
 

Dunno if you remember me, I was a clerk for 4 years in Hildesheim 85-88 mostly in C Sqn.  It's a cracking site that you've got here.  Hope you're keeping well.

Paul Danisz. 18/03/03. At last I have stopped long enough to use my one finger typing skills. Great site through which I have managed to contact some great old dodgers, Once my son has shown me the ins and outs, I will forward you some clips from my rogues gallery to add to your collection. best wishes to all the young old gits out there, hope to see you in Scarborough.

Dave Whitter. 15/03/03. Great site just want to say hello to everyone who knows me. Was with the Regiment from 85-94. Dave Whitter (Riffraff).

A big hello to Spider Webb (11/03/03) Best known as either Bernie or Spider Webb. ex B & C Squadrons. served 1963 to 1975 in Hohne, Hong Kong, N.Ireland, Catterick and Osnabruck. Finished the last three years in Catterick as a Sergeant Gunnery Instructor. Hope to make it to the reunion this year if possible.

From Mike Kemble. 11/03/03. I am getting the following returned failure message. If any of you know what is wrong with these email addresses, can you tell me - otherwise they will have to be deleted from the address book?

Message from  yahoo.com.
Unable to deliver message to the following address(es).

<marcus@mschless.freeserve.co.uk>:
Sorry, I couldn't find any host named mschless.freeserve.co.uk. (#5.1.2)

<trevor.gray4@btinternet.com>:
194.73.73.82 does not like recipient.
Remote host said: 550 Unknown local part trevor.gray4 in trevor.gray4@btinternet.com

Ex 1 RTR. 01/03/03. You don't know me but i had the great privilege of being a part of 1RTR for 4 years 97- 01 and would like to say what an excellent web-site you have, i've looked at 1RTR's and i'm quite disappointed.  I could see no mention of us being put onto fuchs N.B.C. recce vehs (please no gas,gas,gas jokes) and the fact that all but 1 Sqn remains on tanks. yours with great respect Tpr AOB.

Mike Kemble. 24/02/03. A big welcome to Graham Smethurst who contacted me tonight. Great to hear from you again!

Dave "Nobby" Clarke. 23/02/03. Alright Mike,Nobby here, got round to seeing your site, brought back some memories. Will dig out some photos and pass them on to you. Interested in going to the reunion also do they still have a monthly meeting in Bootle? Tried to get in contact with Davie Holt using his e mail address but got the message returned. Civvy since 83, living in N.Ireland, still support Everton. All for now, over and out. Nobby.

Stan Baxter. 20/02/03. Where is Da(mong) Burgess(Bugrest). I know your out there cabling it up somewhere, drop me a line, (excuse the pun). You will find my email address on the email page of this site. I also want to hear from Yozzer Hughes and Ollinshead.

Allan Byrom. 17/02/03. Just a quick message to everyone. Blast from the past on the web site, in touch with a few guys Wilky, Dave Floyd, Macca, Blue Nose Git, and Jimmy Bennett, and not forgetting Ruddock, luck forward to the next reunion, and meeting up with some of you old guy's, see you all soon. Any one know where Mark Howath and Russ Kirbitson are, get in touch with me, take care all, photo's on way.

Allan Wilkinson. 14/02/03. Just want say hello to you all, picked up on the site from Tankie Macca.(The Veg) Although he was a REME bod  he was affiliated  to the Regimentbecause of his footballing attributes and the fact he could screw a cookhouse like any other Tankie. I  tend to come across  ex Tankies quite a lot these days namely; Chrisy Barrett, Alan Byrom, Tony Ruddock (still turns up at daft hours) Dave Floyd, Pete Severs, Dave  Paratrooper Mellor. Jimmy Bennett Jnr and Snr. I get together with Floydy and Macca when poss and have a good laugh about the Old days. I must say it's always nice to see everyone. I am Still living near to Liverpool with Donna and my two Lads and have a cushy little number, Just purchased a place in Cyprus, which we Rent out through the year to anyone who lines my pockets. It can be found on the web under:  Cyprusholidayrentals .com  access Limassol and Rita B apartments. It's right on the beach and you will be well looked after by my Greek friends! I travel  all over the country and keep meaning to call into see the faces still in service but always get tied up with work. Notice Al Hodges is on the site (Manc)  only messing Al  despite what Ruddock say's you were the best keeper I ever saw.  Have you heard from SLAB JAW?. Hi to Chris Young (DEL BOY) still  wheeling and dealing mate.?, We had some laughs up there at HASSADE. Anyway if your out there drop me a line it would be nice to hear from you! Take Care Wilkie.

Carl, Tankie (jnr) Brandwood. 04/03/02. - Bloody 'ell ! few blasts from the past and good memories. Me woz in t' Regiment from '84 - ' 90, where the rat left the sinking ship to transfer to RE, Where I qualified as a diver, finishing up with EOD regt near Saffron Walden, Essex. I got out in '96 (ish) settling in Cambridge where I now live and work as a copper (3yrs now )  in Haverhill, Saaaarfalk ! living in separation with wife n 2 boys ( having cake AND eating it ! ) Got myself well back into the 'scooter scene' buying a vespapx last year !  Please 'lob' this on ure message board would be nice to get in touch wiv old mates ( pete C , Smudge etc ) look forward to going on t'piss at next reunion :-) (Fm: Mike - another bloody copper! And trying to type in a southern accent too!!)

Alan Hodges: 04/03/02. Just to let you know I picked up a signed Man Utd shirt from Carrington training ground this morning It will go on Auction at the GATHERING in Sep 03 - NO SCOUSER NOR SHEEP CAN BID! Only joking - if Snaky Robinson or Fatty Ramsay see this!!

Scouse Humphries. 03/02/03. Hi Pete, I was with boys squadron from 55-57, I was in dettington troop, I passed out in 57 and went to 2 troop "A"sqadron just before they went to Hong Kong.

Smudge Smith 040. 02/02/03. Hi mike I would be gratefull if you would post my email address on the 1RTR website as I bumped into Mike O'Sullivan in Rawtenstall today. I served with regiment from 1983 to 1994 with most squadrons. It would be great to hear from anyone who'll remember me.

Pete Edwards. 02/02/03. Hi. I was in the boy's army 55 to 58 and am looking for Tiny Samuels who was there 58 to 60 I noticed one of your lads was there at the same time unfortunatley the  email was u/s can you put me on the right track - email started linda.morris?

Tankie Brandwood. 01/02/03. Please add me to your list otherwise known as tankie Brandwood the original not my little brother. Served 1968 -1980 Berlin Osnabruck, Hong Kong, Herford. Will try and make 2003 reunion in Scarborough. Alive and well living in Wiltshire. All the best. Mike Brandwood.

Harry Birkner. 31/01/03. I have been attempting to rejoin the association but with no success as yet. Is there a North West branch that I mat be able to contact for details? Mail me (Mike) with the address please, I can't find anything on the net.

Mike Kemble 30/01/03. I emailed the Army asking about the 1 RTR website and why was it so out of date? This is their reply. "Sorry, Don't think anyone is editing these pages. 2 RTR are editing their site but no one from 1 RTR has come forward to take it on. Thanks. Sgt Dale Jefferies Directorate of Corporate Communication (Army) Webmaster". I volunteered to take it on myself and asked them for the details. They said I need to speak to the Regiment. Serving members please contact me as your current location appears to be known - to nobody! Every so often I drag out an updating newsletter letting people know whats happening on the site and elsewhere. If you don't receive one its because your not on the distribution list........

Pedro Eberbach. 29/01/03. Gudday Mike. You probably don't remember me but I was the fortunate Ozzie exchange Sergeant, from Ist Armoured Regiment -Royal Australian Armoured Corps, who was posted to C Squadron 1985/86. I have recently been given your website by Harry 'H' Robinson, and thought I had better see who is still around. I still remember some of those good times at Hildersheim, particularly with H and Winnie. Please include my email address on the site as I would be pleased to contact old retired or serving members. H tells me that some of the guys in my old troop eg. SSGT McMenamin are still around.

Mike Kemble. 28/01/03. Ray Steele has sent me loads of stuff on C Sqn. Getting them online as and when, already started. In fact, Ray has sent me so much stuff, I have started a seperate page!! Will be online when ready - thanks Ray.

Scouse Humphries. 25/01/03. I was surfing the web when I came across your web site, so I am e-mailing to see if anyone remembers me from Hong Kong 1957-1960, I was in 2 troop A squadron, My tank comander was Dusty Corbin, my name is Scouse Humphries, please drop me a line if you remember me,   keep up the good work.

Sarah Duffin 21/01/03. Your probably don't know me but I'm sure you remember my dad Sgt Bill (Dusty) Duffin or I hope you do. Dad died back in March 1995 he had bowel cancer. Im looking for pictures of Catterick, as I was born there and returned a couple of years ago to be greatly disappointed that Mennin Lines (the street we lived on ) was no longer there and the hospital I was born in has also been knocked down. I have lots of pictures of dad's that I would love to send to you for your web site, and I'm hoping someone can help me with my search too. If you have any information that would help me I would love to hear from you, I have been to the Library in Catterick, but unfortunately they couldn't help me. I look forward to hearing from you. Best Regards Sarah Duffin

Mick Redfern. 21/01/03. Just to let the old sweats know, my son, god bless his little socks!, has completed his first week in basic training. He should join the "REGIMENT" in April-May ish, all being well and all that. (Oh No! Another Redfern in the ranks!!).

Mike Kemble. 18/01/03. For some weird reason the index page on this site lost all its graphics and background. Thanks to Mick Redfern for pointing it out. Its now been fixed, hopefully.

Phil Devine. 14/01/03. Was in Herford Germany with 1 RTR when they had Scorpions and Scimitars; please could you help me ,what dates were 1 RTR in Herford around about 1980 I think and do you know were I can find any good pictures of scorpions.

Ray Steele. 14/01/03. And a note from Ray. Hi Mike, just to let you know that there was six of us turned up at his funeral, Derek Atherton, Dave Barras, Alan Rigby, Mick Shearing, Alan Walby & Myself. Dave asked the family if we could carry his coffin into the chapel they thought it would have been what he would have wanted. After the service there was a small wake at the Rosegrove unity club.The only disapointment was that there was not a rep from his old unit there or even a wreath. (From Mike: Maybe the Regt did not know in time; but the six of you made up for that?).

Gordon Farrell. 13/01/03. The Funeral service in Burnley was attended by Derek Atherton, Mick Shearing, Alan Rigby, Sooty Steele, Dave Barrass and Alan Walby, They  carried his coffin into the Crematorium.    This was a really thoughtful send off from the Regimental Family, which his family and friends really appreciated.   Well done lads that was a really nice tribute to an old Tanky friend. From Mike: Anyone got an image of Ginge Taylor?

Mike Kemble. 12/01/ 03. Found this url last night:  http://www.crownofficechambers.com/cv/edwards-stuart.html

Gordon Farrell. 09/01/03.   For all those who knew him It is with great sadness that another old friend and a great Tankie character has passed away long before his time. Ralph Taylor better known as Ginge was our Pol Storeman in Paphos, Polemedia, Tidworth and Omagh. He was full of life and still had a great sense of humour when I last met him a couple of years ago in Burnley Unity club.He Passed away last Saturday and will be cremated at Burnley Crematorium at 1330 Monday 13 Jan 03. He was only about 56 years of age a really sad loss to his family his friends and his old mates.

http://members.aol.com/petecogs/ Pete Corrigan has his own site with a load of 1 RTR images on; which, incidently, he neglected to send to me *wink* Click on the url to go visit it for yourself!

Harry Birkner. 01/01/03. I served with 1RTR  5 Troop B Squadron 1969-1971 before moving off to the AAC first on an ERE posting and then transferring in 1973. B Squadron seemed to follow me around, Canada, Cyprus, N Ireland and it was great to keep in touch. I notice you had an e-mail from Roger Stevens, is he the same Roger who was my troop sergeant for two years? I contacted Ricky Scott earlier this year, he still remembers me. Anyway too much rambling, great site, keep it up!!

Roger Stevens. 28/12/02. Update on Aden Chieftain Trials. There were only 2 chieftains on the trial, I was the trials sgt 1 and 2 crews had to go back to bovvie in July to do a conversion course;  got back to find the tanks there were good fun, had a great time on the trials,  had 2 great crews Macfarlane was my Corporal, Paddy Dunne was my driver. Near the end of the trial got both tanks bogged in the salt flats outside Falaise.  Danny Lewis was sent out to recover us, never stopped swearing, had to lug winch cable 150 yards to make up a 2-1 pull we never stopped laughing all the time he was out there. When we got back to England had to go to Chobham for a debrief, waste of time all they wanted to know "Was the water from the air-contioned unit (which was on my tank of course) was suitable for drinking" Oh by the way Aggy Clarke,  you were my driver in A Sqn with Mike Seymour Troop Leader.  O'Brien (the killer) was our gunner. Any other memories of that period would be nice have plenty especially the films in the Sgts Mess with Bert French as the projectionist and Snowy Evans( Bless him) was the RSM.

Gordon Farrell. 18 Dec 2002. First time I've been able to check out your site in detail, and I must say that it's excellent, full of really interesting topics, Links and contacts. keep up the hard work and if anyone would like to contact me then drop me a note via the email page. I would like to hear from Ricky Scott in Canada.  I have emailed him but no reply to date. Anyone else  in contact with him? I should like also to thank Paul Ramsay for orgainsing another excellent reunion weekend in September. it was great to see a lot of new OLD faces again.  RAMBO told me he's off to Benidorm on Christmas Eve for a week. so if anyone is there during his holiday he'd be delighted to see you and have a swift ten pints with you. Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year to you all  I  hope to see you all again In my new home town of Scarborough 25-27 Sept 2003. Gordon Farrell. ( From Me: I cannot contact Ricky Scott either - his mails are "undeliverable" - All of you - see top of mail page for current undeliverables!)

Mike Hellier. 12 Dec 02. Only recently did I think of browsing for lost contacts, hence coming apon your dedicated and excellent site.  Hello all ex-tankies everywhere, met Joe Dale last weekend and Al Hodges (1st time since 94), GREAT to see them both again.  I will definately be going to the 10th Aniversary.

Chris Young. 23/11/02. Hello Mike, I have finally got myself into the 21st century and got my own PC. I admit to still being a Nig in this field but believe it can only get better. It's good to see so many people using the site and since I last viewed it in Jan this year it has certainly grown. We are still living in Hiltown and frequently see old members of the Regt. about town. Tony Romps not been too well but now looking fitter than ever.Have freq contact with Paul Edwards, now dad of two and very happy. His mum and dad, Tony and Mave weren't displeased either. Note to Tony: I finally got there!Got a couple of pics here will scan and send you, Joecon with Don Revie in Cyprus 75, Peggy (who sends her regards to to all who visited her during UN 75). Also got a couple of Davy Steele during Classic Malts Scottish Folk Festivals during my days with Asbach, (Oh happy days!). Regards to all, feel free to get in touch.

Tony Wardle 20/11/02. I'm trying to find the email address of Dee Phillips (279) ,  an old friend of my from school in Hong Kong in the mid 70s and afterwards as we both joined up.  He went into Junior Leaders in Bovington in 77? and I joined the REME in 78. I last saw Dee at Herford (82?), if I recall rightly he was married to Anke and he been up and down the ranks (something about skateboarding behind a rover !) Typical !