AIRBORNE ENGINEERS - Key Persons
We are now back on an even keel and sights firmly set on the future albeit still not as strong in spirit since the calling of Bill Rudd to the great DZ in the sky.
Like all other branches in the association, I'm sure we are already looking forward to this years AGM and function in Chatham. If it matches the Aldershot spring lunch which Emma and I attended again this year, it will be fabulous. Dave Leibrick produced yet another outstanding event which I fear is becoming an annual tradition in it's own right within the association. Before that though we have the annual pilgrimage to Arnhem in Sep which Davy Grimbley has admirably taken on, which is always a hit amongst attendees however this year is another big anniversary. If you haven't booked already it will be a struggle to get in for accommodation now I'm sure.
Sadly Malcolm (Barney) Barnwell lost his beloved Myra in March this year. Myra was a staunch supporter herself of all branch meetings and functions with Barney and will be a great loss to us all.
It is fair to say that as we grow older as a branch, so do our members - no different to any of the other branches in the association. That is why new blood is so vital to our survival. So please search out all your ex Sqn comrades in your relevant areas and let's keep it strong.
As you are all well aware now, the Yorkshire branch suffered a devastating blow with the untimely death of our President nee Chairman Bill Rudd in January this year. Bill has had problems with his legs for many a year but soldiered on with his left ankle fused. He started to get pains in his right leg and in sum had it amputated. He then had extreme complications and had his left leg amputated above the knee also. His body couldn't handle the shock and he sadly passed away on 27 Jan 17.
That left the branch with a great hole to fill and some hard decision making regarding our future, after all Bill was a founder and the backbone. I jokingly used to call it the Bill Rudd Appreciation Society as many members were associated owing to Bill's friendship with them over the years. Our biggest problem was keeping that attendance and active membership flourishing after his departure. Fortunately at the first meeting without Bill all the Troops rallied around and we reached a workable future solution: Dave Mellors has been care taking the secretary's job since Mike Pallott retired but at 80+ years of age he deserves a break. So with huge gratitude for his support, Dave has now handed over to Mick Wallace - Secretary. Mick has been replaced by Ron Hadden, who very kindly stepped up as Treasurer. I remain as Chairman and had intended asking Mike Pallott to care take the President's position. Mike then magnanimously accepted the office on a permanent basis, which I was very grateful for indeed. So our new committee is as follows:
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President of the Executive Committee
Unlike the summer edition these notes will not be full of our social events. Obviously since the COVID restrictions and like other parts of UK we have had all our events cancelled. This has meant communication primarily by phone and the odd visit to friends. Key players have been able to meet for the odd "Bacon Butty" a Brew and a chat but in reality we have realised planning ahead for events was never going to work especially with the current conditions as they are. The National AGM held by zoom I thought was an excellent event and perhaps it's something to consider for the future, alongside the actual meeting allowing members who are unable to attend the meeting to view and comment. Well done to the National Branch in organising it.
I am sure like many others we have tried to keep ourselves busy, the first lock down seems a long time away and I am sure like Lin and myself we have all tried to find some sort of routine. Walking appears to be popular although when we go out now there are not so many people about as there were. Tim vd K has taken it to heart and has basically been carrying out a "pre para" and has lost a lot of weight and got fitter. Admittedly the weather was fantastic during the first phase and really helped. Rearranging the garden was popular with Lin and I found myself shifting more earth than the tunnels at Colditz. My hidey holes in the Garage, Attic and small cellar all got a good dig out with a few visits to the local refuse collection area. I still have lots more "useful items" to go but have not quite got the heart to get rid of them. They are unfortunately on Mrs B's hit list. The latest fad is redecorating so it's on with the overalls and splash around the magnolia.
The Branch with friends did manage to conduct a small event in August when the South Atlantic Medal Association - Ride of Respect 2020 - visited us in Medway to pay their respect at the Headstone of Cpl Andy Mcillvenny. Andy served with 4 Troop, 9 Para Sqn, and was tragically killed on the RFA Sir Galahad during the Falklands conflict.
Considering the restrictions it was a very good turn out on a really hot day. Fantastic commitment by the riders and their support team for this memorable ride. Hats off to Charley McColgan, Ginge Moore and the many others for their support and determination to push his through. The photos attached are of the Riders and attendees on the day.
Well where do we start, 2020 will be another of those years which I am sure people will be talking about for some time. Unfortunately, as I write this, we are into the 4th week of isolation and lock down. Those words themselves give me an uncomfortable feeling. The full outcome of this virus is yet to be understood and it will be many years before it can be accurately measured. I am sure my grandchildren will have something about it in their school exams for many years.
Hello to all AEA members from the Medway area and I do hope that you have had a fun summer. I must admit that I do feel a bit of a fraud this year, due to commitments over the summer period I have not been around the patch as much as I hoped to be. However, one or two members have made it to the many events that have occurred especially the Arnhem celebrations, well done to all those making the effort. The great power of Social media makes me feel even more guilty and slightly envious when you see individuals getting together and paying their respects at the sacrifice made by our predecessors. The Chatham branch continues to "tab" along, but we, like many other small organisations, are struggling for membership. We have lost a number of members recently to the final DZ in the last few years, reducing our membership considerably. But there is no shortage of enthusiasm or determination from the existing members, nor attendance at events, these are always outstandingly supported by members their families, widows, partners and friends. What the worry for all is where we will be in 10 years' time. This may well be an issue that the new chairman and president address during their tenure. We as a branch shall continue to provide a DZ for all Airborne Engineers who drift into in this part of the world and continue to pro vide events, such as the John Rock dinner etc. for all.
The Branch has had a bad start to the year with the loss of two key members to the branch, Bob seaman and Mick (Gurney) Fisher. With the small size of our team the loss of 2 members is quite significant and as great characters they have both left a large void in our lives. We obviously send our heartfelt sympathies to their families and friends.
This year it is slightly less hectic than last year. With the focus on last year being the AEA AGM & Reunion Gala Dinner, it almost feels like an anti-climax that we are back to a steady state of normal events.
Along with many others a number of the branch members attended the annual Armistice Parade at the Cenotaph in London, very poignant as it was of course the people's parade in memory of 100 years since end of the First World War.
The Christmas Dinner as always was a bumper success with members and their extended families in attendance enjoying the family event at the King Charles.
It is a week after the Annual AEA AGM & Reunion Gala Dinner and I thought this may be a good time to dash a few words down while I am in a good mood and on a roll. The usual branch events have occurred this year and have been supported well by various members of the branch. It always amazes me how members find the time and commitment to attend the various functions, parades and ceremonies around and about. At pretty well all of these we see our President John and Pat Lee and our Chairman JJ and Sandra Ferry, as always leading from the front. It is great to see their friendly faces and we at the Chatham branch really appreciate their commitment to attending our functions.
The year 2017 finished with a cracking Christmas Lunch and a real bumper turn out with members and families pushing the numbers to 90 attending. It really is a great opportunity for the Branch to get together with families and friends for this occasion. As always, a big thank you for the stalwart members, wives and partners working hard to organise these events and making them a success.
The summer season as expected was busy but fun. This summer involved a number of events with an element of support from the branch at them all. Of course the Falklands 35th Anniversary had a number of engagements and I and Tim VDK with wives attended the small ceremony conducted by Col Chris Davies at the Aldershot cemetery on the 18th June. Other members with wives joined us and afterwards retired for a pub lunch.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Membership Secretary
More excellent news is that our Normandy veteran, Bob Sullivan has been accepted as an 'In Pensioner' at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Bob joined their grand ranks on Monday 13th May. At the tender age of 97 years, Bob said that it will make a pleasant change having someone to prepare his meals and other privileges. We wish him well and hope to visit him once he's got his feet 'under the table'.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chairman & Acting Secretary
Cromwell Lock. This year being the 45th anniversary of this tragic event was due to take place on Sunday 27th September 2020 but unfortunately was cancelled due to restrictions by HM Government. This will now take place in September 2021. Wreaths and flowers were laid by some members and from 131 Commando Squadron RE who should have provided the guard of Honour. Planning that had been undertaken will carry over to 2021.
Cromwell Lock. Several members attended Cromwell Lock on the 28th September (on the actual date of the tragic accident) to remember those whose lives were lost some 44 years ago. Newark PRA branch do a fantastic job each
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
- Webmaster
Similar to other branches, since the dreaded coronavirus struck we too have been forced to cancel all meetings together with our Spring lunch, annual BBQ and social gatherings.
Our August Bank Holiday BBQ held in the garden of Fred & Betty Gray, was once again an enjoyable event. Obviously the favourable weather and an excellent selection from the BBQ provided by master chef Tony Manley and a varying range of salad dishes provided by the ladies was most appreciated. For many years our hosts have opened their garden and home to branch members and it is most appreciated by all concerned.
Hosting the October AGM/Reunion in Banbury being some 100 miles from Aldershot produced a few communication problems and more than a few last minute amendments to the accommodation and gala seating plan. However, much of the stress was alleviated by Lisa, the extremely competent hotel manager.
Taking up the gauntlet for the organisation of the grand raffle, Dave Leibrick, ably assisted by wife Lorna and Billy Morris really came up trumps. Dave persuaded several civilian companies to make generous donations, affording us to offer star prizes of a 40" colour TV, 2 children's bicycles, £100 cash prize and a complimentary 4-ball golf round. These were further boosted by a vast collection of prizes donated by association members.
During the AGM it was voted that the raffle proceeds be donated to Combat Stress. The sum raised was further boosted thanks to the ‘sales patter' of Mark Desborough and also from the Crazy Golf competition organised by Billy Morris. In total, the sum of £1,915 was donated to the worthy cause of "Combat Stress".
Since our last branch contribution into the Journal, we have suffered both good and bad occurrences.
On the negative side we have suffered the loss of a further two stalwart members. Harold Covington, a WWII veteran sadly passed away in January. Harold had been a regular attendee at our meetings, AEA reunions and he particularly enjoyed the BBQ's hosted by Fred & Betty Gray. However, in recent months prior to his passing, ill health prevented his attendance. A fitting tribute to Harold is posted in the obituary pages of this issue.
Our second loss was that of Stevie Stephenson. Stevie had suffered a decline in health over the past two years, which
led to his passing on the 25th February 2019. Having been a member of the branch for a number of years we all thought that we knew him really well. His service years were originally with 9 Sqn and for a considerable number of years with 22 SAS. It was during the celebration of his life in a church near his home in Durrington, that we were to learn of his extraordinary service career from his former 'B' Sqn 22 SAS commander that took us all by surprise. Many of the 300 plus seated in the church were truly amazed by the service history of this wonderful character, fondly referred to as 'Little Stevie'. He, together with Harold will be sadly missed by all that had the pleasure of their company. Stevie's obituary is posted within this issue.
Since our last report we sadly lost one of the branch stalwart member, Phil Eccleston. Phil passed away in August having suffered a severe relapse following major surgery. More positive news is included further into our report.
Our annual BBQ, once again hosted by Betty & Fred Gray, was held on Sunday 26th August (the Bank Holiday weekend).
Some may recall that the south of England has been experiencing glorious sunny weather week after week. And so it was on the Saturday and again on the Monday - but - on the scheduled day of our BBQ it started to rain about 10:00 am. By midday it was absolutely pouring down. But with Bulldog spirit the event went ahead. It was most surprising that each and every one who had booked to attend duly arrived, dashing from their cars into the small marquees and tents erected in Fred's garden. Overhead protection was also provided for Chef Tony Manley and me, so we too managed to remain completely dry. Of course some, having studied the forecast, came fully prepared. Chris & Jenny Davies were taking no chances as shown in the photo.
The raffle receipts, (£160) as previously agreed, were donated to the Phyllis Tuckwell hospice in Farnham.
The members had decided a couple of years ago to forgo meetings during January and February when inclement
weather is usually at its worst. A hasty show of hands at the December meeting, the members opted for Sunday 11th March, however as we approached that particular date it was suddenly realized that this would clash with 'Mothering Sunday' - and so our meeting was postponed until the following Sunday.
Nobody warned us that the 'Beast from the East' would dump some 6" of snow onto the Aldershot and surrounding areas on Saturday evening making travel the following morning almost impossible for many of our members. More frantic phone calls and the March meeting was delayed yet again. We finally held a very successful re-scheduled meeting on Sunday 25th March.
Our Spring lunch held on Saturday 8th April at the Oak Park Golf club was organized by our entertain ments member, Dave Leibrick. Working quietly behind the scenes he planned and coordinated an extremely well executed event. He had developed a good working relationship with the 'Clubs events manager who in turn set out the dining room, table plan and place names.
With many commemoration events held throughout the summer and autumn months many of our members have traveled near and far to attend these gatherings.
The Falklands 35th Anniversary commemoration was held in Aldershot during the weekend 17-18 June. Being on our doorstep, many branch members joined in with the commemorations, taking the opportunity to meet and greet former colleagues and friends. The local pubs and bars on Saturday were crowded with Falkland veterans and serving representatives from 23 Para Engr Regt, the Parachute Regiment and many other units and associations. It was all reminiscent of an 'Airborne Forces weekend' of yesteryear.
The Sunday program commenced in the morning with a Drumhead Service held in the Aldershot Cemetery. Later in the early afternoon, serving units, veterans and other associations formed up in front of the Aldershot Princess Hall before stepping off, led be the band of the Parachute Regiment, through the main streets of the town. Thousands of spectators lined the route and gave a rousing rounds of applause as each of the units marched past.
Job Titles:
- Member of Committee
- Membership
Since ‘Lockdown' we have all been keeping in contact with each other and happily none of our members, including wives/partners have been infected by Coronavirus - long may that continue.
In June we had a new member join our branch. He is Robert Stewart and served with 9 Para Sqn 2005-2008. We welcome him to our branch and look forward to meeting up with him in the near future.
On 12th June 2020 one of our members, Mick Walker, visited the Edinburgh Eastern Cemetery and attended the grave of Scott Wilson. (KIA Falklands 1982). Scott was killed during the battle for Mount Longdon whilst serving with 9 Para Sqn RE. Mick paid his respects on the behalf of the AEA Scotland members.
Due to the Coronavirus and in consultation with our members, it was felt prudent to cancel our Annual Lunch due to be held at Saturday 5th September at the Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh.
Some members and their wives attended the annual P.R.A. Lothian Branch Christmas Dinner Dance, on Friday 6th December 2019 at The Royal British Legion, 33 Rodney Street, Edinburgh. They had a wonderful time and were successful with the raffle prizes.
On Friday 13th December 2019 some members attended the funeral service of a PRA Lothian member at Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh
Some branch members attended the funeral of an ex 1 Para. Member who served in Suez, Aden & Cyprus, and his funeral was held on Thursday 16th January 2020 at Falkirk Crematorium. His death was brought to our attention via Andy Nelson, a new member, who received a communication from The Royal British Legion Branch, Grangemouth.
On Thursday 27th February 2020 the funeral was held for "Jinty" Murray the wife of the late Frank Murray, who was a member of AEA Scotland .The funeral was held at Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh and some members, with wives, attended. "Jinty" had been ill for a couple of years.
Wednesday the 12th June saw branch members attend a memorial service for Scott Wilson. Scott was a member of 9 Sqn. who, tragically, was killed whilst attacking Mount Longdon during The Falklands Campaign. Some of Scott's ex colleagues and friends, Paul Moore and Charlie McColgan, as well as other friends, were in attendance at The Guards Club after the memorial service as their train was delayed at Newcastle, due to a fatality on the line just outside Newcastle. We managed to raise a glass or two in Scott's memory.
Our Chairman, Gordon McLeod, was invited by the P.R.A. Lothian Branch to attend the unveiling of the new memorial
to Airborne Forces. This event took place on Saturday 6th July at Aldershot which was the home of Airborne Forces for 50 years before the move to Colchester. The new memorial is a life sized statue of The Airborne Soldier in jump order and mounted on a stone block from The Falkland Islands. Gordon had a wonderful time and felt privileged to be invited to attend on behalf of A.E.A. Scotland.
We had a "Future Development" meeting on Wednesday 8th August 2019 at The Guards Club, Edinburgh to look at ways that we can keep the branch alive and kicking. This meeting was well attended. We had a very good meeting with some interesting points being raised. The Committee are still looking into some of these matters and will report back to the branch members in due course. Our branch Secretary has been in contact with our colleagues from "South of the Border" and is pleased with the response he has had. Full details will be available to all members.
On Saturday 23rd June 2018, members attended a memorial service in memory of Cpl Scott Wilson, in Edinburgh East Cemetery, who was tragically killed at the battle for Mount Longdon during The Falklands Conflict in 1982. Scott was a member of 9 Sqn attached to 3 Para at this time. We were also joined by John Ferry and his wife Sandra as well as Paul Moore. John and Paul served beside Scott Wilson. After the ceremony we all retired to The Guards Club where we had a nice finger buffet and a few drinks in memory of Scott. Some of our members travelled a round trip of 250 miles to attend this ceremony. This does not take into account the fact that John Ferry travelled from Aldershot and Paul Moore from Durham. Member's wives were also in attendance. This is a ceremony that we, at AEA Scotland, feel very privileged to be able to attend and will continue to do so.
An Armed Forces Day Parade was held in Edinburgh on Saturday 30th June 2018, where some of our members met up with our PRA Lothian Branch colleagues. This was an enjoyable day especially the free food and drink that was on offer after the parade.
After our OGM on Sunday 15th July we attended an informal presentation on the exercise, held in 1974, at Kiel Canal where members of XV Para were killed. This was a presentation of the reports submitted by The British Army Officials and the Representatives from other countries (mainly German) who were involved. We found it very informative and educational as well as a good demonstration of "covering your back" techniques.
Saturday 1st September our branch held our annual lunch at The Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh, which was well attended. As usual the ladies were very well turned and we all had a good time.
We finished off 2017 by attending the P.R.A. Lothian Branch, Christmas Dinner Dance held at Royal British Legion, Rodney Street, Edinburgh on Friday 8th December 2017 where we all (ladies included) had a very good time. As usual we won a few raffle prizes.
2018 has seen the start of a New Year and before we knew it we had our first meeting in January.
Unfortunately we had to cancel our March meeting due to severe weather conditions, which was rescheduled for 15th April 2018.
On 20th May 2018 after our regular meeting we were treated to a presentation, by Lt Col. Chris Warhurst (Airborne Engineers) Army HQ Andover, of his time in Afghanistan coupled with the current equipment and capability of The Royal Engineers. He presented some airborne vignettes on Herrick 4 and also spoke about the future of The Corps.
On the 12th June 2017 members attended a memorial/wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of Corporal Scott Wilson (Ex 9 Squadron) who was tragically killed at the battle for Mount Longdon during the Falklands campaign. Paul Moore and Charlie McColgan travelled up from Durham to pay their respects as they had fought alongside Scott during this battle. The ceremony was held at The Eastern Cemetery, Edinburgh at 1300hrs. We then retired to The Guards Club where we toasted the memory of all the fallen service personnel. Paul and Charlie presented our Chairman, Douglas Archibald, with a photo montage regarding Scott Wilson which was gratefully received and will be hung at our meeting place of RBL Rodney Street, Edinburgh. "
Job Titles:
- Joe Davidson Ex 9 Sqn Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
- Shop Manager
Kevin Lambeth made a donation of £250.00 into the branch funds in exchange for one of his paintings that should have been auctioned but unfortunately was not. Thanks Kevin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
- Association Archivist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
- Welfare Advisor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Treasurer of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- President
- Chairman, Dick Brown
- Our President
Our president, Sir Donald Spiers, using the prize won at our Spring lunch, made good his promise by attending an indoor skydive experience in Basing stoke. What surprised him most was that his instructor had never actually made a parachute descent!
Branch Meetings. Like all branches, due to the national lockdown, the branch ceased to hold meetings after March of this year. However, the branch was able to re-start our meetings on Wednesday 5th August 2020 while following strict protocols of social distancing and the use of sanitizer stations within the venue. The branch felt that we should hold the meetings as a more social side as there are some members who live alone and the meetings gives a chance to socialise. We have been fortunate enough to continue holding the meetings and will do so until they need to cease. Due to the fact that there was little branch or National business to discuss and being a more social gathering it was suggested that the branch subsidise a supper at the meetings with the result that a Pie and Chip supper was duly supplied with thanks to Roger Howies and Bob Dorrell for sorting this out. The attendance has been fairly good with an average of 20 members attending.
Welfare. The branch has been fortunate not to have any casualties from Covid 19 during these past months. However, some members have been taken ill, a member had to be hospitalised through Pneumonia, one member had cancer of the tongue, the cancer was removed and he is now recovering well, Our Chairman was also rushed into hospital but is
now fit and well, another member is waiting for a Cardiologist appointment, another member has gone into Hospice care and another member has had a serious fall.
Branch members have been encouraged to keep in contact with other members for a chat and a catch up. This proved very successful and the contact worked very well and gave support to members.
Unfortunately the Birmingham branch missed the deadline for the June issue. For this reason we will endeavour to bring the Journal up to date the on the important items that the branch has been involved with.
At the Branch AGM in April the Chairman at the time John Phillips reported to the meeting that he had not received any nominations from members for the posts of those committee members who were wishing to stand down. This left the branch having to fill the necessary posts of Chairman and Secretary. These posts, at the close of the AGM and OGM had failed to be filled so members went away to consider the future of the Branch.
The remainder of the committee remained in post Vice Chairman: Neville Collins remains.
The Christmas Branch dinner was held on the first Saturday of December 2017 which was once again very well attended and was a very pleasant evening. The food was very good and the wine better although the drinks prices were a little high even with a discount on the beers. There was a good turnout from other associations within the Birmingham area and also further a field in return of the branch supporting other associations within the area. The evening's entertainment was a very good all round singer who sang songs from different eras and got the dance floor bouncing, this was supplemented by the usual heads and tails and a raffle which raised a decent sum for the branch funds. A resounding success and even better that the cost was negotiated to be less than previous years. A vote of thanks went to Tom and Ann Smith with Roger Howells for organising the event. The 2018 Christmas dinner will be held on the 8th December 2018.
January, February and March. Was a fairly quiet period except for a branch Curry evening on the 21st March 2018 and attended by 23 members and partners. This was a successful evening with the purpose of getting the branch members and partners together for a sociable evening and seems to work rather well. Hopefully more to follow.
In April we held our branch AGM/OGM at which there was a new committee voted in. The current Chair John Phillips said that he would stay in post for another year so long as this was agreeable with the branch. Neville Collins volunteered to stand in as Vice Chair and this was accepted. Tom Smith has taken up the post of Treasurer after Elsie Barrett decided to step aside for personal reasons. Mike Holdsworth was standing down as Secretary due to him taking up a post with a local Rotary Club. No nominations for Secretary were forthcoming.
Steve Brown volunteered, again, for the post on a basis of one year appointment to keep the branch ticking over. The post of Welfare officer was put on hold until this post can be resolved as the current member; Tony Higgins was unable to attend. Eamon Smyth volunteered to take up the post of Membership officer. Tom Smith and Roger Howells stay on as entertainments officers. The remainder of the committee remained mostly the same.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- New Chairman
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Vice Chairman
- Member of Committee