The Monthly Royal Signals Newsletter
To Unite, Trigger Old Memories, and Record Personal History for Posterity
Welcome to the July 2003 edition of the Royal Signals Newsletter.
Readers can now get this newsletter in two ways, either by collection (Downloading a pdf version for off-line reading/printing) from the newsletter distribution service, and from same they will get regular notification of the availability in same by a brief e-mail, or now thanks to the efforts of Keith Drummond this newsletter has also been made available on-line within the main RSO site. Which also resulted in a major redesign of the RSO site being necessary to accommodate full width representation on all pages.
The newsletter distribution service (a Yahoo group) can be subscribed to under http://groups.yahoo.com/group/royal-signals The on-line version can now be found in the RSO site in the newly created Newsletter Archive under… http://www.royal-signals.org.uk/indexes/newsletter_index.html
We will need your participation submissions and feedback, so please send us your stories, concerns and wishes, and please recommend us to your friends and enemies ;-)
This Month's Contents
- Update: "Jimmy le Kermit" was Used on Telegraph forms 200 years ago!!!
- People and Places A BLANDFORD REUNION SPECIAL
- Edgar Weekley reports on his first time at the Reunion
- Brian Streetly also reports on his first visit to the Reunion
- Help Needed to find…: Feedback about Seeking People, (Successes and Failures)
- Memory Joggers (The Wireless Set, No. 22 …)
- New Datasheet info
- Plus our regular details of New RSA and Website Info, Reunions, etc.
I want to say thank you to our readers and our contributors, also in the name of Brian Streetly and Keith Drummond
Mrs. Petra Henderson
(Royal Signals 1971-1976)
Update!
Corps History and Origin of our Jimmy (in military signals)
Datasheet No. 4 "Mechanical Telegraphy" has now been uploaded, which contains details that Jimmy was used as a symbol for the Military Telegraph from at least 80 years (1815), if not as early as a hundred years (1795) before the current suggestion… More details will be found in the newly loaded Datasheet, on Mechanical Telegraphy and Semaphores, including details from an original military signals Telegraph form document.
Cliff Walters (of the Royal Signals Museum) has also informed me that the use of the name Jimmy for our Mercury, has now been traced back to 1904, and so was used in the R.E. Period.
He wrote…
Dear Petra,
I have been reading your articles since you e-mailed Stella. The ones I have read are very interesting and well researched. I would be interested to know where copies of the Military Telegraph Bulletin can be accessed. You mention it in the Mechanical telegraphy datasheet.
You may be interested to now that we have now traced the history of the terminology 'Jimmy' back to about 1904. We have letters in the archive which refer to the band mace being called Jimmy in about 1904. So we now know it pre-dates the Jimmy Emblem era which was debated in the Royal Signals Institution Journal about 15 years ago and goes into the RE era.
I think you may well find Hermes or Mercury being used for communications emblems in early years on a number of occasions. As he was the messenger of the gods this is bound to be the case.
Your find of a military use for it is interesting but I would not say that we need to re-write any Corps history as a result. You may be aware that the original Mercury that was in Beresford's Fathers Garden, which gave rise to the RE Emblem, is now on display in the Museum.
Cliff
Please note the Museum now has a new e-mail address:
Cliff Lord Wrote:
Great article on Mercury. The Greek and Greek Cypriot Signal Corps also have Hermes as their Corps badge. It looks very similar.
Cliff
Here the item concerned that Cliff Lord aptly named "Jimmy le Kermit!"
During my research into the Mech. Telegraphy datasheet, I discovered that the Forms used for communication with Naval Headquarters in Brest (Printed in 1815) had a Flying Jimmy on them. Flying with a Telegraph in one hand, and a caduceus in the other, over the water between Stations on the mainland and an island. Maybe our motto should have been " rapide et sûr "
People and Places (Personal stories).
This Month is a Blandford 2003 Special
Edgar Weekley's first Blandford Reunion
Edgar Wrote:
This being my first time to Blandford, I didn't know what to expect or the routine. We arrived at about 2.30 Friday afternoon entered reception to register, I was handed a badge on which you had to write your name, an inch and a quarter dia, ''and I have to read a name'', a few years ago I might have hit it at 300 yards now if it was the size of a dustbin lid I doubt I'd even see it.
After that went over to the chap dealing with accommodation allocation… problems!! …he couldn't locate our envelope. So of we went for a cuppa, an hour and half later the envelope had since appeared, but there were yet more problems!!
Everyone had a meal ticket but not all had accommodation, eventually got sorted though, arrived at the block, but the door was locked, so returned to the reception and was given the code to unlock the door, this was still no good, so ended up climbing through the window.
Climbing through a WRAC window is one thing, but climbing into the men's block !?!
I think we should have been provided with a map and compass, went down to the Sgts mess that night when I came out took me an hour to find my bunk and then I had to knock someone up to open the door, drinks in the Sgts mess were only four quid a round, I thought the girl had made a mistake and I wasn't about to enlighten her, then back home you'd be lucky to get two pints for that!
Unexpectedly? didn't get thrown out of the mess, but left under my own steam, arrived back at the block [eventually] climbed into bed hoping for a good nights kip… wrong!!, then every door in the block must have been fitted by a sadist, all the doors creaked and groaned and slammed shut, you could follow everyone ''just by sound alone'' going from their rooms to the bog and back again! I think everyone had trouble holding their water that night including yours truly.
Sat morning, eyes like p*** holes in the snow, made my way down to the mess hall, sorry "restaurant", a far cry from the days of the mess tins. Was now feeling a bit more human, so wandered about the camp peering at every badge I came across, had to stop though, got a bit embarrassing wiping my nose on everyone's shirt front.
Then went to the parade square to see the mornings festivities, found myself a seat in the stand and promptly fell asleep!! No it wasn't that bad the lads put on a good show their drill was immaculate.
Sat night back in the mess, all day and not a face did I recognise perhaps tonight , wrong!! gave it up as a bad job concentrated on the drinking.
Sunday attended church parade, don't know why, as I'm and agnostic, paraded with the lads for the March past, we all gave the RSM a bit of stick, he took it quite well I thought, after parade bid farewell and wended my way back home,
Will I return next year…? I'm going to have to, then I still haven't found the ones I was looking for, so be warned!
Thank you Edgar, I am sure this excellent report will help some to decide to attend next year for their first time? Maybe even me? Edgar also has his Photo in among the first set of "Then and now" in the RSO Photos section… (Apparently Edgar was Banished to Land's end!)
More old and new (or actually "then new" and "now old") faces can be found at…"Then and Now" Album 2;
Anyone else willing to put their photo's from their service time and today in the Albums???
Brian Streetly also put a lot of Photos into the RSO site for all to look at, here a very brief selection…
Brian Wrote: I'll give you my quick report of my first time at Blandford.
We (my wife and I) arrived about 1300 on Friday Afternoon booked in to RSA HQ got issued with meal tickets etc. We had by then met up with our friends John & Brenda. We then had a leisurely cup of tea (Freebie) then had chats to various people. One I chatted to was Archie Cairns but unfortunately never met up with him again. We then went over to the museum for about an hour and met up with our other friends Ron and Joyce. Nothing much happens in the evening on Friday so the 6 of us went out for a meal.
Saturday morning we were entertained by almost the whole of 11 Signal Regiment putting on a parade, which I must say, I thought they carried out absolutely immaculately. The Bands were there as well did a wee bit so hum along too. After the parade it was over to the Semaphore Arms for a couple of wet ones and to meet some of the siggies. See additional Photo's under 11 Sigs well some of the piccies anyway...
We then went and had lunch coming out from lunch I met up with Davidvic but again I wasn't allowed a very long chat due to having to get back to take up seats for the afternoon. we were then entertained by the massed bands of the corps. Then all 3 individually.
The corps freefall team then made a descent on to the square, where one of them had to land on his reserve 'chute, scary eh?!!
The of course the finale anyone want to guess who!!! Yep the white Helmets. I haven't seen them for about 5 years but they were still as breathtaking as ever.
We then had a break for an hour or so then Evening meal afterwards a slow poodle down to the Sgt's mess for a couple of drinks meet up with a few guys I knew from the Rotherham and Sheffield Branches. Met them at Chelsea.
Sunday morning was church parade, Saw Selwyn from a distance by the time I got to where he was he had disappeared so never got to chat to him at all. After the Service came the chance to join in the RSAs march round the square. The RSM of 11 Sigs was Brilliant got us all sorted and we had a fabulous march round the Square following the Band.
As soon as they struck up Begone dull care you feel yourself lift that little bit more and try to march with some sort of piss and pomposity but I think at our age we are getting past it. That basically was the end of it all 'cept for going round saying our byes.
div align="center">Figure 14 The Wanted list (left to right) Ted Head, Brian Streetly, John Eggleton, Ron Sale
Many more can be seen under these two links… Album 46 Album 47
I would loved to have met up with more of you but there we are still there is always next year.
Brian Streetly, Owner and Sponsor of the RSO
Help Needed to find… (Successes)
Update: Ref.: Mike Symmonds seeking Information about his father Vince wood wrote:
Dear Petra,
thanks for the e-mail, I have been in touch with Mike Symmonds regarding his fathers photos and yes I did serve with Jeff in the far east, we had a good conversation. So thanks again.
Vince Wood.
Mike Symmonds wrote:
Hi Petra,
Thank you so much for forwarding that e-mail from Vince. I sent him an email and i just wanted to say that i think that you are an angel.
It has already given results as Vince phoned me last night and gave me some stories about my father and of course he told me where the pics were taken and the unit. He was attached to the 14th Field Regiment Royal Artillery in the New Territories, part of H.Q. Company.
Vince also told me there maybe other members going to a reunion at Larkhill, Wilts. I'm hoping now to get in contact with the organisers and get an ad put up for other members of that unit. He also gave me a couple of other sites where i may get members come forward though he hasn't had any yet.
Vince joined my father at the unit in 1953 which was towards the end of his time there. I have promised to send Vince a cd rom of all the pics so that he can see them all as he lost all his during a move.
So you see you are an angel and i could never thank you enough for all your help.
Thank you again so much
Mike Symmonds
So for anyone else who served at the 14th Field Regiment Royal Artillery in the New Territories, BCC Hong Kong, here again the links and info to the Photos of Jeff Symmonds, that his son Mike provided…
Maybe you also know someone from these? or even see your own smiley face shining in amongst them? We now know that some are from Hong Kong (Kowloon) and Korea, but there could also be some other place(s) in there too...
Can you possibly help in identifying any of the people in these photo's? These are pictures of the Service time (1952-1954) of the late Jeffery Alan Symmonds in Hong Kong and Korea.
Send either Brian or I an e-mail at the usual RSO site e-mail addresses...
Help Needed to find… (Failures (unless???))
Bernice Jones is STILL seeking; Information about Andrew Mulholland
Sad to have to admit we have had not much success with this one… Can anyone help??? Please ask around all the Ex-Siggies you know… Maybe at the next RSA meetings, etc.!
Hi, I am looking for anyone of whom has served with my father Andrew Mulholland. he served in 22 armoured brigade (201) signal squadron and 1st division Verden I think. If anyone knows or knew of him I would love to hear from you. Also if anyone should have a picture of him that they could pass on to me I would be extremely grateful.
Thanks
Bernice Jones
If you can help, you can respond to me (Petra) via the RSO e-mail address.
DATASHEET NEWS…
Recently made available on the distribution service and/or Website
Keith recently added an revised overview of the contents of the datasheets, also we have added the Forth part to the (Visual Signalling, Series), called Mechanical Telegraphy .
The entire list of these datasheets can be found in…Datasheet Index
Memory Joggers
The No. 22 Set (Armour and Soft Vehicle mounted Wireless Set)
To stir up memories and hopefully some written recollections from our older readers, not only of the 22 set, but also No. 31, No. 62, etc. and indeed any Wireless or radio set… Do please drop us a line.
The portable transceiver "Wireless Set No. 22" was first developed and manufactured in 1942. It was used as a general purpose low power vehicle and ground station by the Allies in WWII, and afterwards for many years. Typically seen in films mounted in jeeps, it was also used in tanks, other AFVs, etc, but was also used as ground stations, handcarts and even with hand or foot powered generators, as a man or mule carried Radio set.
| Type: | Transceiver, (General appearance resembles the No. 19 Set.) with 10 Valves (Indeed the 19 set, 22 set and 62 set shared many design features) |
| Frequency range: | 2 - 8 MHz in two bands |
| Ranges: | (Ground- wave) 10 miles on speech (AM R/T) and about 20 miles on CW (Morse), between moving vehicles, using a simple 12-foot vertical antenna located on the top of the vehicle. In the Jungle the distances dropped to just 3 to 5 miles respectively. With Dipole or long wire antennae world-wide skips with the low power set are possible as many Hams proved in the late 1950s and even today. |
| Modes: | AM R/T, MCW, CW. |
| Tx output: | R/T 3 W; CW 5 W. |
| Aerials: | vertical 12' - 16' rods; long wires. |
| Power supply: | 12V DC, 4 to 11A. From 75 AH lead-acid battery, charged by separate generator or 28 AH lead-acid battery, charged by vehicle generator.
Battery demand; Rx 2.35 Amp, Rx-(LW) 1 Amp. Note.-On "RECEIVE" all Sender/Receiver valves filaments are "On." On "LISTENING WATCH" the SENDER filaments are switched "Off." Tx (CW) 3.75 Amp, Tx (R/T) 3.5 Amp Used with the PSU (Supply Unit No. 4) wherein a Vibrator and transformer steps-up to an high AC voltage, then Rectifier stack conversion to dc to 300 V, 150 V dc HT and the 12 V LT (Heater current) |
| Man-Pack or Mule-Pack Use: | Battery for the Man - or Pack Animal carried station. Batteries, secondary, portable - 12 volts, 20Ah. with its carrier (Carrier, Battery, Mk. II) was used with the man -carried station, and if the battery was fully charged could give about 4-6 hours normal working on R/T depending upon Tx/Rx usage ratio. These could be charged by a Backpack Carried Generator set which could be folded out to be either a seat for foot pedal operation, or into a triangular stand for hand crank use. When used as a Man-Pack station the complete Wireless Set No. 22 equipment, including batteries, Generator, and aerial equipment is arranged in such a manner that the loading for the three men comprising the station personnel does not exceed 35 lbs per person. |
Reunion Info
German NAAFI staff Reunion Info
| Who, | The Ex-NAAFI staff of Germany |
| When, | Saturday 27th of September 2003. 20:00 Hrs. |
| Where | 'Zum Armen Peter' Benrader Str 198 Krefeld. |
| Details: | Further Info From Jim Bent. Tel: 0049-2151-571811 |
| and Contact details | E Mail Jim Brent Yahoo Groups Ex NAFFI Staff |
UK Signals Reunion Info
| Who, | The Herforder Association
However Jim Sloan says, for this weekend, ANY Signals persons can join us and we are hoping for at least a couple of branches to join us, and if their is anyone out there in the cold they would be welcome, and believe it or not but their are people out there not members of any assn. |
| When, | Weekend March 12th, 2004. |
| Where | Llandudno, Wales |
| Details: | Cost for the weekend will be £89, booking and a £25 deposit is however required now to ensure the HA get a good price. |
| and Contact details | Jim Sloan E Mail and / or Dave Smith E Mail |
If you are planning a reunion, please tell us "who, where, when and the relevant contact info".
Your RSO needs you!
Contact Us
If you have any comments, inputs or events for this Newsletter, please Contact Brian, Keith or myself via the respective royal-signals.org.uk email addresses below.
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