216 Parachute Signals Squadron Guestbook |
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216 Parachute Signal Squadron Old Comrades Association |
Guest Book |
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Dick Hudd | dickhudd~AT~outlook~DOT~com |
The funeral of Tony Blake will take place at 12.00 hrs on Tuesday 17th April at Easthampstead Park Crematorium, South Road, Bracknell,RG40 3DN. Any one wishing or able to attend please phone Nigel Blake on 07768 040278
Friday 30 March2018 - Sidcup Kent
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Alan hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
For those of you who use BBC IPLAYER I would recommend that you see the episodes of "The Young Offenders" - language is a bit ripe but generally it's bloody hilarious
Saturday 24 March2018 - Pateley Bridge
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Lynn & John Bailey | Baileylynn874~AT~aol~DOT~com |
We’re still using keep going. X
Wednesday 21 March2018 - Hereford
Webmaster comments I hope young John is now retired !!! |
Dave Ramsay | daveramsay~AT~aol~DOT~com |
Very sad news, Tony has been unwell for some time and has not been able to attend our reunions over the last few years. I served with Tony in the squadron in 1955 and we were flown to Cyprus (In Shackleton bombers) as part of the Brigade HQ advance party in January 1956. We shared a 6 man tent and attempted to establish a link to the Squadron in Aldershot via a 52 set until the Brigade and the rest of the Squadron arrived in August 1956. Tony was part of our group that dropped at El Gamil in November 1956 and was a keen supporter of our 3 Para Group -El Gamil 56 Association. He liked and enjoyed the Caythorpe reunions and will be sadly missed by all of us. RIP Tony (scabby) Blake Tony, a Corporal had previously served in the Korean War, he was one of the best operators - wireless and line, if not the best in the Squadron. During his time in Cyprus he obtained his GPO Amateur wireless licence - Call sign: ZC4TB Sunday 18 March2018 - hythe kent
Webmaster comments Sounds like a good man - in amateur talk 73's Tony R.I.P SK VA |
Bill Braniff | william~DOT~braniff~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
So So sorry to hear of Tony Blake's death. They don't make many operators like him. RIP Tony, you will be missed.
Sunday 18 March2018 - Great Yarmouth
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Wally Dinsdale | wallyd~AT~ntlworld~DOT~com |
Tony was a Harrogate Apprentice and a great wireless operator. The Navy Lads complimented Tony on his work as he was Batt HQ to HMS Tyne during the Suez farce An avid HAM and a great Mate. Most units abroad had their own shop (we always had special name for it ) and it wouldn't be long before Tony had made contact with Indian owners and had many a good Curryl Sunday 18 March2018 - Teesside
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Dick Hudd | dickhudd~AT~outlook~DOT~com |
It's with great sorrow that I have to report the death of Tony Blake. Tony was in the Squadron in the 16th Independent days.Tony took part in the last operational drop at El Gamil in November 1956.A true friend. RIP
Saturday 17 March2018 - Sidcup Kent
Webmaster comments Sad news once again - further details to follow. RIP Tony |
Bob Mills | bobsuemills~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
Stan please send proforma via email. Sorry ageism. Saturday 10 March2018 - dorchester
Webmaster comments Ageish Bob - a young lad like you !!! |
Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
I would just like to state the OCA website is not getting used a great deal.You know what the saying is Use it or Lose it. Just saying.
Tuesday 6 March2018 - Ryton. Tyne&Wear
Webmaster comments Appreciate your concerns Brain - hopefully we can last a little longer. |
Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
Can we help this ex-pat. Hope you can help or point me in the right direction. I am an ex-pat living in New Zealand, and I am proud to own an ex-military Land Rover 110 Defender (Tithomous). FFR Hard Top 12/24V Army registration 59-KK-59 I inquired with the MoD about the vehicles history and they kindly gave me the units served with records. Pleased to say that the vehicle served with the Squadron between July 1993 to June 1998, believed to have been based out of Colchester. That's all they have. I wondered if you could ask your members or advise who I should contact to find out if any other records are around, where deployed, any photos in service, or any recollections. I have kept her in Army spec and would love to put her back into how she looked in service, that includes buying the clansman gear to go back in. So any help is much appreciated. Alan Russell Monday 5 March2018 - Worcestershire
Webmaster comments Could be an interesting story - how a ex British Army L/R found it's way to New Zealand |
Stan Stanley | stan216~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
Just a reminder all those wishing to attend the reunion could you please send proformas and cheques as soon as possible. The deadline for these will be Friday 11th May 2018. If you have lost your proforma please do not hesitate to contact me and I will get one out to you. Regards looking forward to seeing you all.
Sunday 25 February2018 - Hereford
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John duffy | Annejohnduffy~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
Last night I was in Merville bks as 2 para hosted the 4 scots (Highlanders) in the quarter finals of the Army major units boxing comp. Of the scheduled 8 bouts, The Jocks withdrew 2 boxers, giving 2 para a walkover 2 fight lead. The remaining 6 bouts were shared 3 bouts each. The boxing was outstanding, as was the banter between both sets of supporters, the jocks singing "flower of Scotland" with 2 para chanting "we pay your benefits" "we pay your benefits"!! After we returned to 2 para officers mess for the mess curry supper & drinks. So 2 para March on to the semi finals, leaving the jocks with the long journey back to Catterick camp. A journey which rings a bell for many of us!! Friday 23 February2018 - Clacton-on-sea Essex
Webmaster comments They made up for in the Rugby !!! |
Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
Hi Brian, have got one email address for Chalky, not sure if valid. Will email
Sunday 4 February2018 - Pateley Bridge
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Craig Treeby | craig~DOT~treeby001~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
I've just heard from Dave Harris, message as follows: "Things are progressing, all be it slowly. We are still fighting with the insurance people but this will eventually be resolved. The work on restoring the house is already underway and we feel enough has been done that Gail and I will be able to camp in the house whilst the rest is done. We are actually moving back to Tortola on Saturday 10 February . The islands as a whole still need a lot of work, it will take a few years. 3 billionaires, including Branson, have all offered to put up US$1 billion each if the UK Government will match the funding. So far no response from the UK on this. But the UK has given US$400 million in funding so far on the strict ruling that the funds are controlled by the Governor, not the local politicians. We will see what develops. Yes, Gail and I will be at the reunion. Not sure yet whether we will arrive on the Friday or the Saturday. See you there" All sounds pretty positive, I'm sure we will have a chance to catch up more on their story in May. Friday 2 February2018 - Abingdon
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Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
Does anyone know the up to date e mail address of Chalky Lloyd.
Thursday 25 January2018 - Ryton. Tyne&Wear
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RON HART | r~DOT~hart640~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
MESSAGE TO JOHN BYRNE ISLE OF MAN,JOHN LOST YOUR NUMBER DURING THE BYPASS PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL
Sunday 31 December2017 - geordieland
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barry wilbor | barrywilbor~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
All the best for this coming year, may you have a good one. Barry
Friday 29 December2017 - on my backside
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John Parsons | john~AT~pinelands~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
Good afternoon Stan Stanley Just seen your message re my whereabouts and would like to confirm I am alive and well! I served in 16 Para Signals Squadron 1956-7. I am living in Battle, East Sussex. My address is Red Gables, 43 Hastings Road, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0TF. Thursday 28 December2017 - Battle, UK
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Bernie McDonough | bbgonebiking~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
A peaceful Christmas and a happy healthy New Year. Look forward to seeing you all in 2018
Saturday 23 December2017 - Horsham West Sussex
Webmaster comments Seasons Greetings Bernie |
RON HART | r~DOT~hart640~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
Merry Christmas and a healthy 2018 to all airborne signals young and old
Saturday 23 December2017 - geordieland
Webmaster comments Good to hear from you Ron - Merry Christmas |
Norman Horton | norman~DOT~horton3~AT~ntlworld~DOT~com |
A very merry Xmas and a happy and healthy New Year to one and all from Norman (Norrie) and Mavis. Ho ho ho!
Tuesday 19 December2017 - Darlington
Webmaster comments I hope Father Christmas is good to you - Ho Ho Ho |
Ray Duffy | ray~DOT~duffy84~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
A Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year to all current and former members of 216 and their families.
Monday 18 December2017 - York
Webmaster comments Best Wishes to you Ray |
Norrie Clanachan | John~DOT~clanahan~AT~gmai~DOT~com |
I would like to wish everyone a happy and merry Christmas and happy New Year Sunday 17 December2017 - Coleraine N Irland
Webmaster comments Thank you Norrie |
Dave Jackson | davejack2169~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and joyful new year. Very best wishes. Dave(Jacko)
Wednesday 13 December2017 - Aldershot
Webmaster comments Remember the Moorhen - Take Care Jacko |
Lin Cardwell | lin~DOT~cardwell~AT~outlook~DOT~com |
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.
Tuesday 12 December2017 - Bridgwater, Somerset
Webmaster comments Nice to hear from you Lin - Seasons Greetings |
Terence John Brown | terryvivbrown~AT~virginmedia~DOT~com |
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.
Monday 11 December2017 - Whitley Bay
Webmaster comments Good to hear from you Terry |
Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
I would just like to wish all our readers a Very Merry Christmas ans a Happy and Healthy New Year
Monday 11 December2017 - Ryton. Tyne&Wear
Webmaster comments Seasons Greetings Brian |
Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
Dates for the Caythorpe weekend for next year 2018 has been is on the Sqn. FB page.It is from 31st Aug. to the 2ndSept. That means that there is no excuse for anyone saying they could not attend due to lack of time to arrange the weekend. A very Happy Christmas and New Year to you all. Chris + Deb's
Friday 8 December2017 - High on a very snowy Hill in the Land of Song
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Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
Louis a legend RIP
Sunday 5 November2017 - Ryton Tyne&Wear
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William Braniff | william~DOT~braniff~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
Just read about Louis Golden's death and his obit in Times. What a guy, he was one of last Arnhem survivors. I look forward to his Military obit.
Saturday 4 November2017 - Great Yarmouth
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Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
Louis Golden Many of you may remember Louis from the Caythorpe reunions. Louis (pronounced Lewis) Golden has just died. He has been an enormously generous benefactor of good causes around Petworth and further afield including, among many others, the British Legion. He was one of the earliest red beret signals officers in WW2 and I believe was involved in Sicily and at Arnhem His obit can be found on the following link : https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lewis-golden-obituary-22w79zp8p?shareToken=4aeadf68ad54ac2b14812198a0c570e3 Additional note : Private family funeral in London; memorial service at Petworth in due course. Saturday 4 November2017 - Worcestershire
Webmaster comments Yet, another sad entry - you will need to copy and paste the link to your browser. |
Wee Mac | macdonald508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
So sorry to hear of Scouse Beswick's passing I enjoyed his company at thw last few meetings he attended. RIP
Wednesday 11 October2017 - Scotland
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Billy Irwin |
Details of Frank Beswick Funeral arrangements,St Bartholomew Church Rainhill Liverpool at 11AM Tuesday 17th October. Further information contact Mick Godfrey on 0161 4277701 .Regards to all Billy Irwin.
Wednesday 11 October2017 - southport
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Dave Jackson | davejack2169~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
Rest in peace Frank. You will be in the company of some very good friends. Jacko
Tuesday 10 October2017 - Aldershot
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Geoff Guy | Geoffguy~DOT~gg~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
Have received a message from a 2 Para mate of mine that a David Emmess has passed away. He is thought to be ex Airborne Signals, does anyone on this site have confirmation of this being the case.
Monday 9 October2017 - Bradford
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Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
RIP Frank
Monday 9 October2017 - Ryton Tyne&Wear
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Gfteglife | drga5gf0i~AT~aol~DOT~com |
Superb Web site, Keep up the beneficial work. Thanks for your time!
Monday 9 October2017 - Burkina Faso
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Georgina Thompson | itsGeorginaOx518~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
Im trying to find some friends of my nana & grandad Edith Wilkey And Anthony "Tony" Wilkey from the paras Gibbo, Alen , Skelly, Radar, Blakie there are lots more names but my mam can't remember them my nana and grandad Ran the globetrotter the Alexandra and the unicorn all between 1974 to the 80s just wondering if anyone can help
Sunday 8 October2017 - England
Webmaster comments Brings back memories.... |
Ralph Porter | ralph~DOT~porter~AT~216parasigs~DOT~org~DOT~uk |
It is deep regret that I have to inform you all that Frank Beswick has died no details as yet. I first met Frank in Ellis Barracks he always attended the Airborne weekend. Rest in peace Mate
Saturday 7 October2017 - United Kingdom
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Peter Whitehead | peter~DOT~whitehead48~AT~live~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
Craig, Very many thanks for the update. I have now sent a note to David's business e-mail in the hope I can make contact. Peter
Wednesday 4 October2017 - Bredon, Worcestershire
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craig treeby | craig~DOT~treeby001~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
Further to my last, just received the following from Doug Laing, "My sister and husband are safe in Toronto after getting to Puerto Rica by boat. Very tearful but grateful to the Puerto Ricans who have been brilliant. Everything wrecked no electricity, only cash as no electronics for purchases. Island devastated, difficult to see how they can overcome disaster of this magnitude. Apparently Britain say we cannot use £13 billion Overseas Aid as they don't qualify!!" Hopefully they can now start getting their lives back together. Thursday 14 September2017 - Abingdon
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Craig Treeby | craig~DOT~treeby001~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
I have received news from Doug Laing that David and Gail are safe but lost 50% of their house. A day ago I was told they were trying to get to Puerto Rico and fly to Toronto to join their daughter.
Wednesday 13 September2017 - Abingdon
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Peter Whitehead | peter~DOT~whitehead48~AT~live~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
Has anyone heard from David & Gail Harris? Many will be aware that they live in the British Virgin Islands an area that was badly affected by the recent hurricane. I have tried to contact them via email but I suspect given the damage to the island's infrastructure it may be many months before we hear. If anyone has any news please will they let me know.
Tuesday 12 September2017 - Bredon, Worcestershire
Webmaster comments I understand both David & Gail are well but their house was destroyed. |
Norman Horton | norman~DOT~horton3~AT~ntlworld~DOT~com |
Looks like it wasn't meant to be this year. We missed Caythorpe Gutted ! What with getting our weekends mixed up, my sister going into hospital with suspected encyphalitis, Me doing a lousey "front left" landing on one of our pavements near here. The pavement won. Am now battered and aching all over. Not a good start to September. Mavis really gutted./ She was looking forwards all year. Anyway we hope you all had a great weekend and drunk the pubs dry! Looking forwards to the next one, and thanks to Margaret who was concerned about our absence. All the best to all, Norman and Mavis
Thursday 7 September2017 - Darlington
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Bernie McDonough | bbgonebiking~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
Gents thanks for your assistance regarding the cap badge. I have now sourced one and am awaiting delivery.
Tuesday 5 September2017 - Horsham West Sussex
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Mick Granitza | m216granitza~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
I had a great time at Caythorpe, I would like to thank John Aspinall and Ray Duffy for the work they put in on our behalf. Also all 216 personnel involved, with a special thanks to Capt Graham Lancaster.
Monday 4 September2017 - Scotland
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Jimmy Campbell | jjc216~AT~talk21~DOT~com |
Lovely to catch up with everyone at Caythorpe. Special place. Next on the horizon is Armictice at the NMA on Sunday 12th November. Bit special this year as I understand John Aspinall would like to 'dedicate the bench' which is now in place by our tree. As always we will have a nice lunch after the events at the NMA which is another opportunity for a catch up with Airborne pals. Please email me ASAP and let me know if are planning to attend and if you want to be included in the lunch. Jimmy
Monday 4 September2017 - Burton on Trent
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Brian Earl | bribety~AT~talktalk~DOT~net |
I have a couple that belonged to Eric Rose problem is when would I see you to give you one I don't think Eric would have minded
Monday 4 September2017 - Ryton Tyne & Wear
Webmaster comments Hello Bernie, I guess this one is for you. |
Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
Margaret WATSON runs the Sqn PRI sells everything you may want and more. 01206815238.
Monday 4 September2017 - Llanelly Hill
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Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
Hi Bernie, seems to be a few badges available on EBAY
Saturday 2 September2017 - Yorkshire
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