216 Parachute Signals Squadron Guestbook |
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216 Parachute Signal Squadron Old Comrades Association |
| Guest Book |
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| Dave Jackson | davepjackson~AT~btopenworld~DOT~com |
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Absolutely gutted to hear that Jess has passed away. I remember Jess when I first joined the squadron as a young solder and when Jess returned to the squadron as RSM and I was the FOS. We shared a room at the old bloodhound camp in Cyprus on exercise. My snoring kept Jess awake so one night he reset my alarm to 0400hrs. I was up and dressed by 0415 and wondering why no one else was up. Jess, your one of the best and will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. Rest in peace airborne brother. Jacko
Thursday 1 December2016 - Aldershot
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| Brian Earl | bribety~AT~talktalk~DOT~net |
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Never Knew Jess but condolences to the family RIP Jess
Thursday 1 December2016 - Ryton Tyne & Wear
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| Gus Hartley | gushartley~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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So sorry to hear this news, Jess was a great guy and good friend. My very sincere condolences to the family.
Thursday 1 December2016 - Darwen
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| Jimmy Campbell | jjc216~AT~talk21~DOT~com |
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Such sad news about Jess. Shared pain of P Coy with him, Alex and Saki. Happy days with a truly lovely guy. Thoughts with Carol , Samantha and family. RIP Airborne buddy.
Thursday 1 December2016 - Burton on Trent
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| Sid James | garybirgit~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Very saddened to hear the news of Jess. A great bloke lots of memories of him at the "shot". My condolences to Carol and the rest of his family. Thursday 1 December2016 - Cider Country
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| Dave Finer | davefiner216~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Such sad news about Jess Harper.Only seems like yesterday that we were all stood in Dodger Greens office on our return from Abingdon. Condolences to the family, RIP Jess, one of the best! Saki
Thursday 1 December2016 - Hartlepool
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| Alex Wilson | agw216~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Received the sad news of Jess Harpers passing this morning, a great guy and friend since our days in Iron troop, boy service. Deepest condolences to Carol and all his family. R.I.P. Mate.
Thursday 1 December2016 - Leicester
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| Bernie Mcdonough | Bbgonebiking~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Absolutely shaken by the news of Jess Harpers passing. I knew him since boy service. Another Airborne Warrior gone. What a year!
Thursday 1 December2016 - Horsham West Sussex
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| Phil Kirk | philkirk~AT~me~DOT~com |
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Samantha the daughter of Jess Harper has just advised me that he passed away last night. I am so gutted. A fantastic guy in everyway. RIP Jess
Thursday 1 December2016 - Rustington
Webmaster comments So very sad, another good man leaves us - my thoughts are with Carol, Samantha and his family. RIP Jess. |
| Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Hi Neil, My research indicates T.E Lawrence was posted to RAF Farnborough for a photographic course. It is thought he lived in Farnborough for six weeks. Nothing to say he was stationed at Ellis but not less a person then Tom Moorhouse is of the same opinion as you and who are we to argue with that. T.E. Lawrence was killed in a motor cycle RTC at Bovington Camp and is buried in a very small churchyard at Morton in Dorset. The last time I visited his grave was when Ray Walton and Val came over from New Zealand and stayed with Deb's and I at our home in Christchurch on the grand tour of Dorset I took them to T.E. Lawrences grave at Morton Wednesday 30 November2016 - Llanelly Hill
Webmaster comments Some interesting stuff coming in, anything before Waterloo. |
| William Goss | william-goss~AT~sky~DOT~com |
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I was at Waterloo Bks with SSM Ernie Summers then on to Barrosa with Joe Doonan. Marcel said he was from Seychelles.
Wednesday 30 November2016 - HERTFORSHIRE
Webmaster comments Good to hear from you William, are you a member of the OCA - would you like to join us. |
| Wee Mac | macdonald508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Back then the Squadron was 16th Independant Parachute Signal Squadron. Wireless Troop evolved into Radio Troop at Elles Bks. then Comms Troop at Arnhem Bks. By the way Elles Bks were originally RAF and its rumoured that Cpl ??? (Lawrence of Arabia) lived in one of the palestines. Not a lot of people know that !!!!!!
Wednesday 30 November2016 - Scotland
Webmaster comments Do you have any more "Gems" young man. |
| barry wilbor | barrywilbor~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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So sorry to hear of 2 more lads going to the bar in the sky, hope they keep buying the beer for us when we get there. Rest in peace lads
Wednesday 30 November2016 - home
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| Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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South Camp Were built following the Barracks Act of 1890 at a cost of £163,000. Known as Stanhope Lines consisted of Albuhera.Barossa,Corunna, Gibralter,Maida, Bullar,Mandora and Mcgriger Barracks. Montgomery Lines were built on the original site of Corunna,Barossa and Albuhera Barracks. Tuesday 29 November2016 - Llanelly Hill
Webmaster comments Thanks Chris |
| Wee Mac | macdonald 508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Barrossa in 59 was cold but no as bad as Catterick or Newark! Joe Doonan was SSM JK Elliot was Yos, Vic Kelly was Wireless Troop S/Sgt, Sammy Rollins and Bert Bowes were Cpls. Major Peat was OC, Capt Benjamin was troop OC Jock Paxton was Troop Sgt. Can't think of any others.
Tuesday 29 November2016 - Scotland
Webmaster comments Not bad for an old man - when did Wireless Tp become Comms Tp. |
| Brian Earl | bribety~AT~talktalk~DOT~net |
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Keith it was not too long ago I joined the Squadron at Barossa in late 1959.
Tuesday 29 November2016 - Ryton Tyne & Wear
Webmaster comments Not too... long ago Brian. For those of us that don't know where was Barossa in relation to Arnhem. |
| RON HART | r~DOT~hart640~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Sorry to hear about ROY AND JOHN two great brothers gone but never forgotten.Reading all the mail has cheered me up as i joined 1959 at BARROSA with BIG JOE and Remember MARCEL very well. Thanks for the memories, as I am in to finish the work on the BYPASS tomorrow morning. Take care all.
Tuesday 29 November2016 - freeman hospital
Webmaster comments Good to hear from you Ron and good luck for tomorrow, will be thinking of you mate. Perhaps we can dig up a bit more on Barrosa. Was Barrosa the first home of 216 in Aldershot, who was the OC and I think we have the name of the SSM (Joe Doonan) but what about the YOS...... |
| Billy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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You are right Brian it was a hell hole with Joe Doonan as S.S.M remember getting out of a taxi reporting for pre para and he made me go all the way back to Aldershot station with F.M.S.O.must have been 10 stone wet through
Monday 28 November2016 - Southport
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| Brian Earl | bribety~AT~talktalk~DOT~net |
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Chris if you think Ellis was bad you should have started off where I did, Barrossa Bks in Aldershot, it was a bloody cold shithole. Pete, I remember Marcel he was never the sharpest tool in the box even for a part Frenchman. Wonder where he is now?
Monday 28 November2016 - Ryton Tyne & Wear
Webmaster comments How many more out there remember Barrossa - is Brian the only one going back that far!!! |
| Peter Pritchard | pritch087~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Does anyone remember Marcel Pothin. A national serviceman who signed on for the extra year and at the end of his 3 years turned up at Jack Turners office to tell that was it. He was then reminded that one had to give 6 months notice before your time was up, failure to do so added another 3 year tour. P must have been the longest serving national serviceman in the army. But then he was French
Sunday 27 November2016 - Malta
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| Wee Mac | macdonald508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Hey Hey Steady on Noswin you know you were in MT , different palestine. Huts were designed as the name suggests for warmer climes certainly didn't keep the cold out !! favourite story. Jack Turner (SQMS)issued 5 gallons of red cardinal polish for the floor we lifted the floor and stuck 90% down below! no more polishing floors !! But it Wsnae Me !!!!
Sunday 27 November2016 - Scotland, Home of Tennis
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| Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Rex, I can remember clearly that your bed space was opposite mine in the corner near to the door out to the Cpls bunks and the ablutions. I can remember someone said something and you slammed your locker door and shouted, "Don't say that to me on the 12th" I can remember thinking. "What the F###K has the 12th got to do with it". Innocent Londoner as I was. Anyone remember Sabo Hay the Cpl that had one of the Cpl's bunks.Chris
Sunday 27 November2016 - Llanelly Hill
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| Billy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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I didn't use hot water bottles just climbed in with one of the lads mostly wee Mac there was more room.
Saturday 26 November2016 - Southport
Webmaster comments Interesting - Does Wee Mac remember these liaisons !!! |
| Rex Couch | rexcouch~AT~talktalk~DOT~net |
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Chris, I remember you were in my hut in Ellis where there was a pot belled stove in the middle of the room and we would keep stoking it up with coke until the chimney, which was metal that went from the top of the stove and out through the roof glowed red. Also we used to fill our met water bottles with hot water and put them in our beds to heat those freezing issued cotton sheets before climbing in. Those were the days when men were men and sheep were frightened.
Saturday 26 November2016 - Birmingham
Webmaster comments So you had Central Heating !!! |
| Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Noddy, I joined the Sqn. in 1962 when the Sqn were based in Ellis Bk's. There is an extra bond between us that shared those wooden palistines (Huts)that were freezing during the winter and boiling during the summer. Great times which were lost when we moved down the road to Arnhem Bk's. Chris
Saturday 26 November2016 - Llannelly Hill
Webmaster comments Hard but Good times Chris - any more out there remember Ellis. |
| Jake Wade | robertwade16~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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Only just heard of Roy Koto's passing. Fond memories of the Big Man. We did a canoe race on the Thames in a K7. At one weir instead of portering as required Roy said "keep your paddle out of the water" and with that we shot down the weir. We came second only because of our steering breaking. A true gentleman and a Wonderful Airborne Worrior R.I.P Roy
Friday 25 November2016 - Walsall
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| Billy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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So sorry to hear of Roy Koto's passing a really nice gentleman. Remember one Christmas in Jake's quarter with Tom Morrell and Roy and Jake pulled out a kitchen knife and said it's now time to become blood brothers, we were supposed to cut our arm and mingle the blood I managed a scratch but Jake did a good one I felt my bottle go a bit and the lads were in bulk laughing but I noticed no one else came forward. Does any one else remember that year circa 63.
Thursday 24 November2016 - Southport
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| Norman/Norrie Horton | norman~DOT~horton3~AT~ntlworld~DOT~com |
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Don't think I ever met Roy Koto. Seemed like a nice guy. My Condolences to his family RIP Airborne brother
Tuesday 22 November2016 - Darlington
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| Anthony Barker | dogsy216~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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I just found this out so I copy and paste it "I am sorry to announce that Major Tony McBean passed away yesterday after a long and brave battle with motor neurone disease. 30th Signal Regiment is supporting his family at this most difficult of times. Funeral details will be distributed shortly."
Tuesday 22 November2016 - UK
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| Dave Finer | davefiner216~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Just got back from Roy Koto's funeral in Middlesbrough. Myself and Ralph Porter represented the Sqn. Lots of our Figian Brothers present who gave him a good send off over a few beers and songs at Middlesborough Rugby Club. RIP Roy. We will Remember. Saki
Monday 21 November2016 - Hartlepool
Webmaster comments Glad you guys made it - Roy deserved a good send-off. |
| Ian Campbell | iansue216~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Sorry to hear the sad news of the deaths of another two Airborne brothers, John McDonald and Roy Koto. Two of the nicest most gentlemanly warriors you could ever hope to meet. Our thoughts are with their families.
Thursday 17 November2016 - Scotland
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| Jess harper | jessharper47~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Very sorry to hear of Roy Kotos passing RIP Roy
Thursday 17 November2016 - England
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| Paul Richardson | francolab~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Dear All, I am seeking the help of anyone with experience of the Normandy Landings and battlefield tours of the type offered in the travel sections of weekend rags. My son, who is keen on WWll history wants to take his 16 year old nephew (my grand-son) on such a tour next spring and has asked me along for support. If any of you have any tips on the best way to 'do' the sites and museums I would be grateful. For instance, is it necessary to take an all-in guided tour or is a do-it-yourself tour possible with bought in add-ons? We will have the car so will be able to get around under our own steam. If you can help please drop me an email. Paul. 1958-63
Thursday 17 November2016 - Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire
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| Dave Finer | davefiner216~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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For those who didn't see the details on facebook: Funeral of Roy Koto 21 st November 1100 Hrs. Teesside Crematorium Acklam Road, Middlesbrough TS5 7HD After service refreshments will be at Middlesbrough Rugby Club Acklam Park Green Lane Middlesbrough TS5 7SL Thursday 17 November2016 - Hartlepool
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| Jim Flockhart | j~DOT~flockhart~AT~aol~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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So sad to hear of the passing of Roy he was a lovely person in real life and a warrior rugby player for the squadron, RIP
Thursday 17 November2016 - Glasgow
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| Norrie Clanachan | john~DOT~clanachan~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Msg for Sid James I note that you live in Wellington Taunton I will be in Wellington visitng my son from Dec 21 - 28 maybe we could meet up for drink or two Wednesday 16 November2016 - Coleraine N Irland
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| Jinx Jenkins | jinx2387caz~AT~yahoo~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Just heard of Roy Koto passing. I also remember him fishing with that spear in Alderney and thought he was having me over. But lo and behold he caught a big fish, could not believe it and never forgot. RIP
Wednesday 16 November2016 - Merseyside
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| peter pritchard | pritch087~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Sorry to hear of the passing of Roy Koto.One of the stalwarts of Elles Bks. Top Man. R.I.P Roy
Tuesday 15 November2016 - malta
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| Mick Granitza | m216granitza~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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I only knew Roy briefly when I joined the Sqn in 1969. RIP Roy
Monday 14 November2016 - Scotland
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| Sid James | garybirgit~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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For Rob W. Re your message of 11th re ex 216 chap. His name is Ted Lofts. Ted did not serve with 216 but was attached (I believe) to 13th Battlion. I was also at Vivary Park and ex 216 myself.
Monday 14 November2016 - Cider Country
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| Jimmy Campbell | jjc216~AT~talk21~DOT~com |
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Very sad news about Roy.Lovely gentle man. RIP mate.
Monday 14 November2016 - Burton on Trent
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| Alex Wilson | agw216~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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so sad to hear of Roys passing,i remember summer camp in a field at catterick,we decided to have a bonfire/bbq,we all went gathering wood for the fire,Roy was gone for ages then coming over the horizon came Roy carrying a massive log,it took 3 of us to throw it on the fire.R.I.P.Big fella.
Monday 14 November2016 - Leicester
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| Bernie McDonough | bbgonebiking~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Very sad to hear Roy Kotos' passing. Last time I saw him was in the 70s at the Royal Tournament. A real gent!
Sunday 13 November2016 - Horsham West Sussex
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| David Parker | watcot~AT~aim~DOT~com |
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Sorry to hear of Roy Koto's passing. My lasting memory of him was at summer camp in Alderney - Roy standing on a rock in his shorts at entrance to the harbour at low tide poised with a spear catching cod. RIP Roy
Saturday 12 November2016 - Yorkshire
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| pete bibby | peter-pambibby~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Sad to hear of Roys passing I remember him arriving in squadron from day one, a really nice man. RIP Roy.
Friday 11 November2016 - essex
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| rob w |
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in Taunton today I noticed an ex 216 member on parade representing the sqn perhaps it would be good to know who was where representing 216 ?
Friday 11 November2016 - taunton
Webmaster comments Hello Rob W, it would be nice to have your name and email address - were/are you in 216 - Thanks |
| Gus Emery | kenemery~AT~btopenworld~DOT~com |
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How Sad. The nicest man you could ever wish to meet. No wonder he was known as the gentle giant. R.I.P. Roy. Gus
Friday 11 November2016 - Hampshire
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| Sid James | garybirgit~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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May I add my condolences to Roy's family and friends. A Great Friendly Giant who would always help anyone out. RIP Roy.
Friday 11 November2016 - Cider Country
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| Chris White | chri~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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RIP Roy KOTO. One of those wonderful Fijians that join us in the sixties at Ellis Barracks. Who can remember their parties with them drinking their home made white looking brew from the fire bucket. Chris
Friday 11 November2016 - Lanelly Hill
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| Dave Jackson | davepjackson~AT~btopenworld~DOT~com |
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Very sad to hear Roy Koto has passed away. Knew Roy as a very gentle guy with a passion for wood carving. Rest in peace airborne brother.
Thursday 10 November2016 - Aldershot
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