216 Parachute Signals Squadron Guestbook |
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216 Parachute Signal Squadron Old Comrades Association |
| Guest Book |
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| Tom Whiting | tomwhiting~AT~tiscali~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Sorry to hear of Ron & Ray passing. Both were great guys. Condolencies to both families
Friday 27 March2020 - Croydon
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| ralph porter | ralph~DOT~porter~AT~216parasigs~DOT~org~DOT~uk |
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Chis and I raised a glass to two airborne warriors rest in peace Ray and Ron you will be missed
Friday 27 March2020 - uk
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| Peter Whitehead | peter~DOT~whitehead48~AT~live~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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I spoke to Carol this morning and she confirmed that Ray's funeral would be restricted to close family only with numbers set at a maximum of five mourners only. So sad for her. However, she is keen to have a Memorial service at some stage later this year.
Monday 23 March2020 - Bredon, Worcestershire
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| Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Ray Duffy's Funeral - Please be advised that Ray's funeral will be limited to close family. A memorial service is plan for October. Details will be confirmed nearer the time.
Sunday 22 March2020 - Worcrstershire
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| Ian Kendall | Iankendall~AT~sky~DOT~com |
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What is the latest update on Taff Duffy's funeral, are we still allowed to attend due to the current circumstances
Saturday 21 March2020
Webmaster comments Good question Ian, we will try and find out. You may have noted quite a few of us have call-off due to the Coronavirus. |
| Peter Whitehead | peter~DOT~whitehead48~AT~live~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Having carefully considered the current situation I feel it would be foolhardy for me to attend Ray's funeral in York on 27 March. I have written to Carol and explained. I have taken this decision with a heavy heart and I hope his family will understand.
Saturday 21 March2020 - Bredon, Worcestershire
Webmaster comments I am sure both Ray and Carol will understand we need to be sensible in these troubled times. Perhaps we could all take a minutes silence at midday on the 27th to reflect on Ray & Ron and all our good friends that have died in recent times. |
| Bob Howell | bobhowellcdt~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Sorry to hear that Ray has passed away. He was a good comrade and he will be missed by all. Condolences to his family. Bob and Josie Howell.
Wednesday 18 March2020 - Stoke on-Trent
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| Keith Weller for | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Dear Comrades Due to the coronavirus and the government’s recent recommendations it has been decided that the Reunion will be cancelled for this year. The health and safety of our members and guests is a priority and it was felt that there was no choice. However, I have managed to secure the weekend of 4/5 June 2021. The hotel has agreed to give us the same prices for the meal (the same menu) and hotel rooms. Don’t worry if you forget what you have ordered to eat because that will be on your table. There is no need for anyone to cancel their rooms if they have booked into the Holiday Inn these will be carried forward to 2021. Those of you who have booked into the IBIS will need to cancel your rooms personally, sooner rather than later would probably be better and then you will have to rebook next year. If anyone requires a refund of the payment they have made for their meal please contact me with your bank account details – account number and sort code and the money will be paid into your account. Obviously if you decide you want your money back you will have to make a payment again next year. This is going out to all of those who have sent proformas in to attend this year and also it will be on the website. For those of you who were unable to attend this year and would like to attend in 2021 proformas will be sent out to you at the end of this year once the country is back to some normality. Just all of you keep safe and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Regards Stan Wednesday 18 March2020 - Worcrstershire
Webmaster comments Sad news but a wise decision - Can I urge you to use the website in these troubled times, its good to stay in contact. |
| Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Due to age and this bloody Corona nonsense I have been sensible for the first time in my life. It is with great regret that I will not be going to Rays funeral. My thought will of course be with Carol on this very sad day. Just as an aside how secure is the Reunion. lets hope we are over the worst of it by then.
Tuesday 17 March2020 - High on a Hill in the Land of Song
Webmaster comments I think many of us find ourselves in the same situation, I am sure Ray and Carol will understand. Reunion - Stan will be updating us very soon. |
| Dave Jackson | davejack2169~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Hi folks. Someone has to ask the question. In view of the current situation regarding the Coronavirus, and the very good chance many of us will be in lockdown, is the reunion going ahead as planned. Dave
Tuesday 17 March2020 - Aldershot
Webmaster comments Stan will be updating very soon. |
| Bob O'Hara | bobnmau~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Corona won, we will now be attending Ray's funeral. RIP Ray.
Monday 16 March2020 - lincoln
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| Alex wilson | agw216~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Due to this present virus and most of our members are 70 plus are we considering a postponement or cancellation to this years reunion?
Monday 16 March2020 - Lesta
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| Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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The funeral of Ron Hart will be on 27th March at Blyth Crematorium Cowpen Road NE24 5SZ at 1215.
Sunday 15 March2020 - Ryton
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| Terry Brown | terryvivbrown~AT~virginmedia~DOT~com |
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Sorry to hear the news regarding Ray and Ron. Both of you, rest in peace.
Saturday 14 March2020 - Whitley Bay
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| Gus Emery | kenemery~AT~btopenworld~DOT~com |
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So sorry to hear of the passing of Ron and Ray. I also served with Ron in the 50/60s and we became friends. He also liked Country Music with Marty Robbins and Frankie Lane his favourites. Ray of course was the mainstay of our connection with the Royal British Legion and our branch of Weston on the Green. Both will be sadly missed. R.I.P
Friday 13 March2020 - Hampshire
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| Bob O'Hara | bobnmau~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Sadly we are unable to attend the Funeral of Ray as we will be in the Canary Islands, Corona willing. please pass on our deepest condolences to Carol and the Family. Bob & Maureen
Friday 13 March2020 - lincoln
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| Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Ray Duffy - The funeral arrangements for Ray are as follows. Cremation Service to be held at 1220hrs Friday 27th March 2020, York Crematorium, Bishopthorpe Road, York. YO23 2QD. Drinks afterwards at the “Winning Post” pub, 127 Bishopthorpe Road, York. YO23 1NZ. If you are able to attend please let John Aspinall know so he can pass the numbers attending onto the family. Thursday 12 March2020 - Worcrstershire
Webmaster comments Please contact John direct or on secretary@216parasigs.org.uk |
| Gwyneth and Taff Finn | finngm~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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So so sad that Ray (Taff) Duffy has sadly passed. Our hearts go out to you Carole and your family, RIP Taff , love Gwyn & Mick Finn Thursday 12 March2020
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| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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So very sorry to hear about Ray and Ron. Two really nice men and enjoyed their company immensely. Sincere condolences to both families at this very sad time.
Wednesday 11 March2020 - Southport
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| Pete Bibby | Peter-pambibby~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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So sad to hear that Ron has passed away, I served with Ron in the late 50s and early 60s and have many fond memories of those times. Our condolences to Carol and all the family at this sad time. RIP old friend. Pete and Pam.
Wednesday 11 March2020 - Essex
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| Jimmy Campbell | jjc216~AT~talk21~DOT~com |
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So very sad to hear the news about 2 more of our brothers heading of to the final RV. Ron was in the Squadron for a short time after I arrived and was one of the guys we looked up to for guidance which was always given willingly by Ron. A lovely guy who will be sadly missed. Ray was more in my time and was always one of the lads during our younger days, before Carol sorted him out :) We had some great fun doing the auctions at the reunions and I am not sure how we will fill the gap that Ray will leave. Love to Carol and family we will all be thinking of you at this very sad time. RIP Ray and Ron. Airborne
Tuesday 10 March2020 - Burton on Trent
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| Pete Bibby | Peter-pambibby~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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So sorry to hear of Ray passing, he will be sadly missed RIP.
Monday 9 March2020 - Essex
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| ERIC RICHARDS | erichards1~AT~sky~DOT~com |
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So sorry to hear that Ray has gone from us such a good guy who will be greatly missed RIP Ray our thoughts are with Carol and families
Monday 9 March2020 - Tamworth
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| Rex Couch | rexcouch~AT~talktalk~DOT~net |
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So very sorry to hear that Ron Hart has passed. He was my first detachment commander in Bahrain in 1961 and what a great guy he was to. would do anything for anybody. Condolences to Carol and family. RIP Ron
Monday 9 March2020 - Birmingham
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| IAN Kendall | iankendall1048~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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So sorry to hear about Taff Duffy. RIP mate
Monday 9 March2020 - UK
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| Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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I have just been informed that Ron Hart who served in the Squadron late 50s and 60s died last night. RIP Ron.
Monday 9 March2020 - Ryton. Tyne&Wear
Webmaster comments More sad news - Another Gentleman and good Operator has passed on. RIP Ron. |
| Bob Mills |
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Really sorry to read about Ray. He will be missed. A real gentleman. Had many laughs during our time at Aldershot.
Monday 9 March2020
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| Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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So sorry to hear of the death of Ray. He was so supportive to me during my little Deb's illness. My condolences to Carol and all of Rays family. Chris
Monday 9 March2020 - Llanelly Hill
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| Billy Haslam | haslam216~AT~icloud~DOT~com |
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Thoughts are with Carol and Ray's family. A central cog on all things 216 for decades. Thanks for the memories. Enjoy the company in Valhalla.
Sunday 8 March2020 - Northampton
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| Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Sorry to hear about the death of Ray.RIP
Sunday 8 March2020 - Ryton. Tyne&Wear
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| John Bailey | Baileylynn874~AT~aol~DOT~com |
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Dear Carol & Family. So sorry to hear your sad news of Ray passing. You’re in our thoughts and we send heartfelt condolences to you all. R.I.P. Ray. Lynn & John
Sunday 8 March2020 - Hereford
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| Keith Weller for Stan + Deanna | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Both Deanna and I are sorry to hear about Ray. Such a lovely man. Our thoughts are with Carol and family at such a sad time. RIP Ray. Saturday 7 March2020 - Worcrstershire
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| Gary Denham | garydenham06~AT~icloud~DOT~com |
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So very sad to hear of the passing of Taff . a great and larger than life character with a wonderful sense of humour and who was never lost for a humorous response. Ray will be sorely missed by many . condolences to the family for their loss.
Saturday 7 March2020
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| Gus Hartley | Gushartley~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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So sorry to hear of the passing of Ray ‘Taff” Duffy, a good man who will be sorely missed, condolences to his family, Gus
Saturday 7 March2020 - Darwen
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| Rex couch | rexcouch~AT~talktalk~DOT~net |
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So sad to hear of Ray's passing. Condolences to his family. RIP Ray
Saturday 7 March2020 - Birmingham
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| Dave Finer | davefiner216~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Sad to hear of the passing of our stalwart Airborne Brother Ray.He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.RIP Ray
Saturday 7 March2020 - Hart Village Hartlepool
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| Ricky Richardson | george291~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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I was very proud to have served with Ray. He was a big part of the Squadron Brotherhood. RIP Taff. My thoughts are with Carol and the Family.
Saturday 7 March2020 - Peterborough
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| Dave Jackson | davejack2169~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Very sad to learn that Ray has passed away. A real gentleman and a great airborne brother. You will be greatly missed Ray. Sincerest condolences go out to Carol and her family. RIP Ray.
Saturday 7 March2020 - Aldershot
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| Peter Whitehead | peter~DOT~whitehead48~AT~live~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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I am really sad to hear of Ray's death and my thoughts go out to Carol and their family at this time. Ray was part of the fabric when I served in Aldershot and I know many people will mourn his passing. God speed Ray.
Saturday 7 March2020 - Bredon, Worcestershire
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| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Sad to hear about Ray. RIP mate
Saturday 7 March2020 - Pateley Bridge
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| Jim Turner | jim~DOT~turner~AT~talk21~DOT~com |
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Sad to hear of Ray’s passing, a real gentleman who will be sadly missed by us all. RIP Ray
Friday 6 March2020 - Kingsclere, Hants
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| Sid James | garybirgit~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Very sad to hear the passing of Taff. My condolences to all his family and friends. RIP mate.
Friday 6 March2020 - Cider Country
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| Bernie McDonough | bbgonebiking~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Ray Duffy . Another Airborne stalwart gone. RIP
Friday 6 March2020 - Horsham West Sussex
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| Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Ray Duffy – It is with deep regret we inform you of the death of Ray. Ray died in hospital last night. We have no other details at present, but they will appear on the website when known. Our thoughts are with Carol and her family at this sad time. Ray was a character and a valued secretary of the OCA for many years. R.I.P. Ray we will miss you. Friday 6 March2020 - Worcrstershire
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| Terry Brown | terryvivbrown~AT~virginmedia~DOT~com |
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A good discussion. I recall quite a long time ago at the Police Training Centre in Dishforth, a certain Chief Constable in a students dining in at the end of their course,said with tongue in cheek that in his opinion all females should be PPPP, pleasantly plump and permantley pregnant. He also said that females had smaller feet so they could stand closer to the kitchen sink. You can imagine it did not go down well with all the female students. Hope everybody is surviving the winter and floods.
Wednesday 26 February2020 - WHITLEY BAY
Webmaster comments Good to hear from you Terry - not very PC ! |
| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Good go talk yesterday Bill. Again I agree entirely re the likelyhood of men running to the aid of an injured woman, though I do wonder how that squares with gay men (either as casualty or rescuer). I think we are agreed that women should not be in the front line. But there are those who are suggesting that P company is the only measure of the required qualities and that perhaps a pass for this RHA lady was maybe a fix, or that she only passed because the standard is lower - so my point is simply about that and that there are a fair number of girls who would pass the original course if they chose to give it a go. There are many tough people out there, men and women, who just don't fancy a career in the forces. Anyway, good to talk mate
Monday 24 February2020 - Pateley Bridge
Webmaster comments I think we have agreement from an older generation that we would not want to see women in the front line. I wonder what the younger generation or women think of this point of view. |
| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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Thank you for your interesting comments Alan. I dont think I made my first post very clear. This is not about man v woman, its about females fighting alongside men. I am sure some are capable but that's not the issue, women in battle is not ethical nor acceptable. A female blown up or shot in combat would bring soldiers along side her to a standstill which is a normal human reaction and this alone would compromise the situation. I have spoken to many senior officers on this matter and nearly all agree it would be wrong. Alan spoke of a 54kg girl who would breeze 'P' Coy. The difference of a beasting over a couple of days under your own steam is so different to being screamed at under extreme physical pressure especially when carrying a heavy load. In my 5 years at Depot I never found one soldier who crawled through, even the fittest best prepared soldier was totally done in because they work to their maximum. Like bum holes we all have our opinions and that is healthy. Enjoyed the telecon Alan Endex.
Monday 24 February2020 - Southport
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| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Agree with you Nod re the social and health issues, not a good idea - Montgomery didn't even want married men in the Army. On the physical side however some of the ladies are beginning to outstrip most men in the stamina department, in long distance mountain running for example Victoria Wilkinson, Nicky Spinks and Jasmin Paris are beating all of the men. There is also a girl in Harrogate who did the Bob Graham round unassisted (the men all have big teams doing their pacing, map reading and feeding). I also used to train in contact Karate with a girl who was as feminine as they come but, at 52kg wet through she could punch a hole in any man, and she would have breezed through the old version of P company (probably with the girl who has just passed in her bergen). I think the current national obsession with the various mud plugging challenges is bringing a lot of talent out of the woodwork.
Saturday 22 February2020 - Pateley Bridge
Webmaster comments Thanks Alan - anymore comments. |
| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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Dodgy subject so I will keep it short. The following is only my opinion. I don't agree that female soldiers should fight along side front line troops (all infantry) as this lowers morale and a Regiments fighting efficiency. Field conditions are not conducive to female sanitation requirements. The SAS, Para's and Royal Marines have always been very proud of their respective units and to have only a couple of females in these units to satisfy the establishment would be wrong. I am not a sexist and think the women in the armed forces have always done sterling work and I respect that. With regard to the young officer who completed selection "great achievement" and without taking anything away from her success "P" Coy has changed. It is not the same course as the 50's 60's and 70's and thats a fact, although it is still a high standard. This is only my opinion and not intended to hurt anyone's feelings. Thursday 20 February2020 - Southport
Webmaster comments Noddy was a well respected PTI who took P Coy for many years and saw service with the Parachute Battalions. Interesting subject, anymore views out there ? |
| Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Subject: BBC News: British Army officer becomes first woman to pass brutal Para course I noticed this in the papers yesterday, I believe the lady in question has been posted to 7 RHA. Do we have any Ex P Coy instructors who might like to comment - over to you Noddy. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51553815 Thursday 20 February2020 - Worcrstershire
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