216 Parachute Signals Squadron Guestbook |
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216 Parachute Signal Squadron Old Comrades Association |
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| Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Very sad to report a message from John which informed us that, after a painful 2 month battle with bone cancer, Barbara O’Rourke passed away on Friday night. Whilst we await details from John, it would appear that he will be bringing Babs back to UK and will keep us abreast of arrangements. I am sure you will wish to join me in passing our sincere condolences to John and family and to assure him that our thoughts are with him at the devastating time. Tuesday 31 January2012 - Worcs
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| Grumpy Hamilton | grumpy216~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Spotted on the RSA website, "Last Post." WO2 AW “Alfred Bill” Weatherley MM. Died Jan 2012. Served 1937-c59 with Airborne Sigs & SOE. Member of F Boys Coy 1920-41, OCA. Lived in New Zealand. RIP. Sunday 22 January2012 - Shetland
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| Ray (Taff) Duffy | ray~DOT~duffy1~AT~ntlworld~DOT~com |
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I tried to send out an email to members today to inform them of a forthcoming birthday celebration of an ex Sqn member, I was disappointed to get a non-delivery notice back for the majority of addressees due to changes in address. I try my best to keep the records of ex members up to date but it is difficult to do so when members move or change email addresses. If you are in doubt please send me your current details. This will ensure you are kept informed. Thank you.
Thursday 19 January2012 - York
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| Grumpy Hamilton | grumpy216~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Following on from "Jock" McIrwin's tales of kilts & things. Once upon a time, many years ago … It was my first conference after joining a Scottish UOTC as Signals PSI. I was seated at the middle of a long polished table. At either end sat my immediate superiors, both of them distinguished veterans in the Queen’s Own Highlanders. At one end was the Training Major and at the other end was the RSM. At that time I did not know that one was ex-Seaforth Highlanders while the other was ex-Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Having never served with the Scottish Division, I was totally unaware of the centuries of hatred between these two regiments, which had been forcibly amalgamated 16 years previously. The TM went on at some length over various agenda items, then without warning pinned me with his evil-eye, “Sar’nt Major, is the RSM attending this weekend camp?” I thought, “How the f… am I to know, and why don’t you ask him, you’re only 20ft away?” I looked to the RSM and saw he was totally oblivious, writing notes. “Excuse me, Sir,” sez I, “The TM wants to know if you’re coming to the weekend camp.” The RSM looked up, glowered at me, and muttered, “Tell him to f… off!” Gulp. I turned to face the TM, “Sir, the RSM … he’s . not available.” I heard the RSM snigger as the TM scowled, gathered his papers, stood and left the room without a word. The RSM stood, gazed out the window, said, “Never liked them f…ing Seaforths, ye ken,” and marched out. I lit a fag and thought, “Oh bollox, this posting’s gonna be different.” Then I went in search of an explanation for the tribal behaviour I had to overcome to survive! Thursday 12 January2012 - Shetland
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| Grumpy Hamilton | grumpy216~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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It would have made for an “interesting” time on parade if Messrs Jackson & Granitza had decided to wear their fathers’ medals as well as their own …. can you imagine the SSM’s cry, “Staff, what the f…?” One day in Comms Tp office, a large young man asked me whether it was correct that a soldier could wear his father’s medals over the right breast pocket. As I didn’t fancy having to explain to the “head shed” why one of my men was wearing an Iron Cross on Remembrance Parade, said soldier was told to fall out, rather sharply! Wednesday 11 January2012 - Shetland
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| Dave Jackson | davepjackson~AT~btopenworld~DOT~com |
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Just a bit of Jackson History. My grandfather was a Sargeant in the Tsar's Army at the time of the revolution and escaped with my Polish Grandmother to England. My dad joined 6th Airborne Division in WW2 and was wounded 3 times in the Glider Landings in Normandy. He was rescued by a German Medic from the crashed glider and cared for in a German hospital as a POW before being liberated by the Americans. My other Grandfather was in the Navy and met my Maltese grandmother in Malta during the war. I only have one English Grandparent. My original surname is Russian and was changed to Jackson when I was 10 months old. Served 9.5 yrs of my 22 year service in 216. Incidentally Jacky's dad is German and was a POW in UK where he met and married Jacky's Mum. Jacky's family also have Russian connections way back. Small world isn't it. Noddy I think you have started something here
Tuesday 10 January2012 - Aldershot
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| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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Well done Mick, very interesting story that takes the lead so far for me. If I could expand a little on wee Macs comment about me enlisting into a Scottish Regiment. While my dad was in Aden in 56 I made friends with the younger element of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders as there was only about 6 months age difference. I got so involved that I was like a Regimental Mascot and it was at that point I decided I would join the Jocks. On return to u.k. I went to the recruiting office to fulfill my ambition but pressure from the old man and politics at the recruiting office plus my immature inability to fight my corner resulted in me joining the Sigs. I have no regrets as I have had a good life and met some of the best soldiers to receive the Queens shilling but I have to say the amalgamation of some of these great regiments disgusted me especially the Cams with whom I to this day have a strong affinity with. Take care Jock Irwin Tuesday 10 January2012 - Southport
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| Mick Granitza | m216granitza~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Interesting family Airborne history from Noddy. I can't beat it, but how about this - my grandfather was in the Russian Army during WW1 (captured by the Germans). During WW2 my dad served in the German Navy where he was wounded and as a result was transferred to the army and served as a grenadier in Rommel's Panzer Corps (North Africa) and was captured after the defeat of said corp. He was a prisoner in America and Scotland (where he married my Scottish mum). I joined 216 in 1969 and served 16 yrs in the Airborne. I have Russian, German and Scottish blood running through me!!
Monday 9 January2012 - Lossiemouth
Webmaster comments Any more interesting family history out there ? Good to hear from you Jock. Remember our trip to the Isle of Man and then on to Belfast. |
| Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Major General Deane-Drummond - The Follow was message was received from the Commanding Officer 216 Parachute Signals Squadron. Happy New Year to you. I trust you are well and have enjoyed the festive season. Sorry to be the bearer of glum news so early in 2012, but I write to give a short update on Major General Deane-Drummond’s health and his intent for his funeral arrangements. As you maybe already be aware prior to Christmas the General had a number of health problems, however, he seems to have fought through those and is now stable and at a plateau. Whilst it is assessed that he is not in any immediate difficulty, but he is not expected to substantially improve over time. His family have asked that at this time we inform the Airborne Signals community of the General’s intent for his funeral. The General’s request is that there is to be no overt military presence (other than the small number of invited military representatives) at his thanksgiving service after his cremation. He has also asked that there are no flowers and all donations are to be given to the Airborne Forces Security Fund, Registered Charity 206552 controlled by RHQ Parachute Regiment. The current plan is for a full military memorial service, to be held about 6 months after his death. It would seem more likely that this event will be held at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, a fitting location given General’s distinguished service and a location close to his heart. RHQ Royal Signals are in touch with the General’s family, and on their behalf are liaising with the Parachute Regiment Associations and the Special Forces Associations. If you have any questions at this stage, please feel free to get in touch with either myself or with the Secretary of the Airborne Signals Associations Captain Paul Jordan on 01206 815527 or email paul.jordan404@mod.uk. I would be grateful if you could please pass this message of the General’s health and his wishes for this funeral on to your membership. Myself and Paul will endeavour to keep you informed. Certa cito, go to it. Regards Mike Monday 9 January2012 - Worcestershire
Webmaster comments I'm sure the General and his Family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. |
| Wee Mac | macdonald508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Well done the Irwin family! I wonder Nod what would've happened if you had joined that Scottish outfit instead of the Signals? Broke the mould probably! Happy New Year. Wee Mac
Monday 9 January2012 - Scotland
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