Click here if you know of any ex-corps members who have passed away.

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Major Mike WH Cooper, OC 211 Signal Squadron, Minden, from 1966 - 1968, passed away in August 2012 (taken from the RSA Last Post page). 

My Dad served with the Royal Signals from 30th January 1958 to 12th June 1980. Staff Sergeant Kenneth (Ken) Lister, army number 22544183. He served in Aden, BAOR, Cyprus, N. Ireland, Radfan, Home.

Dad was born on 26th December 1938 and sadly passed away suddenly in 2005. He had an exemplary conduct and long service with the Royal Signals. I do have photos of Dad serving etc.

Sadly missed 

WO2 Sam Rollings
Served in the Corps 1951-74
Died in November 2012

I had the honour to be one of Sam's "lads" in 216 Para Sigs Sqn during the early 1970's.

None of us could forget that wee red-faced character, a soldier's soldier, who had seen more bullets, blanco, and bullshit than the rest of us put together. How could we fail to remember his frequent cries of "mah lads, ammaright-or-ammawrong" and "fer fook's sake gees it ere" all delivered in broad Yorkshire?

Sam had forgotten more about soldiering than most of us had ever learned, and he was always keen to pass on "noogets of wisdom", usually laced with colourful expletives. In his earlier years he had been a first class Radio Operator/Telegraphist, and his Morse "hand" was a wonder to hear. On a daily basis, he bollocked us, coaxed & cajoled, shouted & swore, teased us mercilessly, praised us, supported us, fought for our rights, and was without question, the leader of the pack.

I was absolutely delighted to meet him at the 2010 Reunion, where I shook his hand and basked in the glow of his wee red smiley face - at the bar, of course. We had some "reet good fun" in the old days when Sam had taken a dram, or three.

Along with many others, I will miss Sam, but I'll never forget his character, his style, his voice, and his leadership. I'm proud that I was one of his "lads".

RIP Sam Rollings, Airborne Signaller, par excellence!

For all those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom and justice in the world, and for my father, a Corporal in the Phantom Squad WWII. Born September 10th, 1917 died April 14th, 1968. A heartfelt thank you and God bless you all.

Still miss you Dad. After everything. See you later.

So sorry that I never ever got to know you.

I have just found out that you were killed at a fire in the Newton Abbot barracks in 1962 age 16. Your memory will always live on. RIP.

From your cousin Phil

18 Jul 1906 to 15 Nov 2012. (Yes 106) Len was a founder member of The RSA Peterborough Branch. He joined the Corps (2599073)in Jun 1941 to Feb 1943 (2A/A Div: Sigs: 2 Coy(?). Then went to OCTU at Newark, Notts. Lt in Jul 1943 and served in the Pioneer Corps (ncl Normandy Landings) until Feb 1945. Then with 1st Bn Yorks & Lancs Regt in Germany until 1946. He received The Special Constabulary Long Service Award (15 yrs), and The Scout Assoc Medal of Merit having being involved since 1918. His Funeral will be on 6 Dec at 1100 at the New England Salvation Army Citadal in Peterborough.

A real good friend and collegue

R.I.P. George

My husband Chris Newby died suddenly on 7 November in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, aged 55. Chris served with the Royal Signals for 20 years before taking early retirement in 1992. During his career he was based in Northern Ireland, Belgium, Germany and Oman. He had a successful career in local politics after he left the army but always spoke fondly of his time with the Royal Signals.

My father passed away on Sunday, 21/10/12, after suffering a stroke. John, better known to friends as Cliff, came from Leigh in Lancashire ancs and was stationed in COMCAN, Nairobi, Kenya in 1956. I'm wondering if anyone remembers him. Please email me with any information. Thanks. Alan

My father, John MacKinnon, also known as Jock, sadly passed away last year. He was in 22 Signal Regiment and served in Singapore during the Malay Emergency in the 1950s and 1960s and also served in Lipstadt. He was also in the Paras.

He was originally from Benbecula in the outer Hebrides. If anyone knew him from his army days or has pictures it would be lovely to hear from them. Thank you.

Just been informed by Ian Buckley MBE that Roger Harris, who was the boy RSM of my intake at Harrogate (59C), passed away last week.

Danny Flanagan died last week, and was a great friend back in 261 Sigs where he was a line Sgt.

Danny served 1954 – 77 and was awarded his 50 Badge in 2005.

His funeral service is at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium 1200 hrs on Thursday 20 September 2012.

24364652 Tom McCormack, 8 Sigs, 4 Div Sig Regt, 5 AB, 216 Sig Sqn passed away in 2008 after suffering from cancer. He never complained, never forgot his sense of humour, and never forgot his army service. Rest in peace.

My brother-in-law, Ronnie, passed away in Warrington Hospital on 4 Aug 2012 after a brave battle against cancer.

Ronnie joined as a National Serviceman in 1958 and decided to soldier on as a regular until 1972 seeing service in Cyprus, Germany, Singapore and the UK.

A keen footballer, who was hampered by poor eyesight, he was a life long supporter of his beloved Liverpool and at one time managed to wangle a job on the turnstiles at Anfield.

A man who had an innate ability to find humour in just about anything, he will be sorely missed by his family and friends. RIP Ronnie.

Dick passed peacefully in his sleep on 13th August at Halton View Care Home, Widnes, aged 91.

He served in Burma and Singapore during WW2 but only ever spoke of his experience in later life. Although not a member of any associations he proudly wore the Royal Signals badge on his jacket pocket along with a lapel badge 'HM Armed Forces Veteran'.

Funeral on Thursday 23rd August.

Rest in peace old soldier.

Sgt Gordon (Jim) Howse, BEM, Royal Signals, passed away peacefully on 3rd August 2012 aged 85. Enlisted at Tholthorpe, September 1946. Discharged Blandford 1970. Will be greatly missed by all friends and family.

WO2 Perran Thomas was one of three soldiers killed in Afghanistan on 1 July 2012. He died with 2 Welsh Guardsmen: Craig Roderick and Apete Tuisovurua.

Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Thomas deployed to Afghanistan on 17 February 2012 as the Military Stabilisation Support Team (MSST) operator attached to Combined Force Burma.

He was born on 8 August 1967 and was from Ross-on-Wye. He enlisted into the Army in 1990, aged 23. On completion of training he joined the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and deployed on Operation GRANBY to Kuwait and Iraq the same year.

He later transferred to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, finishing his regular service in 2005. Much of his career was spent with the Reconnaissance Platoon and he served with distinction whilst in Northern Ireland.

As a career soldier he joined the Reserve Forces, continuing his career with 37 Signal Regiment (Volunteers). More recently he held a Full Time Reserve Service appointment in Headquarters Army where he continued supporting operations in the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device area.

WO2 Thomas was in the twilight of an exemplary military career. This was his final operational tour and he was looking forward to spending time pursuing his passion for the outdoors and spending time with his long-term partner Rachel and his mother Sylvia.

Being a family member, I can honestly say he was one of life's great adventurers and you couldn't meet a nicer guy. Perran was part of our large but very close family. He will be sorely missed by us all. Our condolences go to his mum Sylvia, partner Rachel, and younger brother Tristan.

His life was the Royal Signals. He served from 1937 to 1953 in Singapore, Africa and Malaya. He died in the Military Hospital, Oxford. Still missed by his family.

My father was based in Bloodhound Camp, Cyprus, whilst on National Service, 1959-1961 (I those were his dates). He always talked fondly about his time out there and went back many times on holiday. I have been unable to locate any old comrades. He passed away on 9th July 2012 peacefully with his family by his side.

Died peacefully at home (Carlisle). Served in Alexandria, Cairo, Gold Beach Normandy, Holland (Arnhem), Northern France (Lens). 1939 to 1946.

I met Derek in Berlin in 1962. He was well liked by all and it is a pity that his illness won out in the end. So all that remember him should spare a thought for yet another comrade who has fallen out for the last time. RIP.

Frank's final posting was as RSM of 39 (COL) Signal Regt (V) where I was the RQMS at the time. As two Lancastrians, we got on like a house on fire. It was fair to say the Londoners never quite knew how to take us and we had many a laugh at their expense. He came to us from N.I. and was in 22 Signal Regt before that. He was an ex boy soldier, but I can't remember where he did his basic training.

When he completed his 22 years in 1982 he managed to get the very prestigious job as security manager at The Royal Albert Hall. Still don't know how he managed to blag that one!

Last time I saw Frank was in 1984 when he was in his usual form relating stories about the so called stars he had come across while working in his job.

Like many ex soldiers we drifted apart after that and I only found this obituary by accident whilst surfing the net in the last few days.

Donald Holt died on Saturday 5th May aged 91 years after a long and very brave battle with ill-health. Donald proudly served with the Royal Signals in the Second World War, primarily in Burma and India then in Italy. He was a soldier to the very last moment of his life. All family and friends will remember him with much love, admiration and true pride.

My father, a Dunkirk veteran, died on 16th April 2012 at the age of 93.

204 (Iserlohn) and 252 (Hong Kong) Sig Squadrons in the 60's. Sadly passed away 2011 in Sydney Australia. Sleep well, brother.

Eric Charles Arthur Allen joined the British Army Boys Service, aged 16, on 1st February, 1951. He served until 23rd January, 1976, and was released from his last posting which was 4 Div HQ and Signal Regt, Herford in Germany, as a Corporal Combat Radioman, which he had been for most of his service.

He was a staunch member of the RAOB which he often represented in the UK. He was a also member of the GB Club in Minden where you would often find him on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings.

He was a highly respected member of Minden's ex-pat fraternity and will be sadly missed. He passed away on 9th April 2012.

Certa Cito and Rest in Peace, Eric

My father sadly passed away on 28 March 2012, aged 65. He served in the Royal Signals from 1963-1971 and re-enlisted 1974-1984, serving in Cyprus, Germany and the UK.

Together with Cpl Fred Darlow, we became great friends at ACC, Harrogate (Bradley Sqn, 72C). Whilst Fred and I were serving at SHAPE, in Casteau, Mons in the early 80's, we learnt that Paul was killed/murdered during the troubles in Ireland.

It is only fairly recently that I found some details of his death, and that he died aged 23 on 3rd November 1980 and is buried at the Wilford Cemetery in Nottingham.

RIP friend, my belated thoughts and condolences are with you and your family.

Bob Marsh was born in 1927 and joined the Royal Corps of Signals as a boy soldier at the age of fourteen and a half years in 1942. He served in the ranks from May 1945 until July 1952 attaining the rank of WO1 whilst serving in Catterick, the Carribean and Woolwich in London.

In 1952 he was commisioned Lieutenant (T.O.T.). He served as an officer in Scottish Command where he worked on the Edinburgh Tattoo 1956-1959. In 1961 he was seconded to the Malaysian military forces living in Kuala Lumpur serving there until 1964 when he returned to serve in BAOR.

He was awarded the MBE in 1964.

Bob finished his army career serving at HQ Command SHAPE (BAE)in Belgium from 1967 to his retiremant in 1969 as Major (T.O.T.). He then went on to work as an RO2 at SHAPE for many years.

He was a keen rugby player in his youth though his real passion was golf. In his retiremant he settled at Erbisoeul near The Royal Hainault golf club and played there for many years as both Captain and secretary.

Bob died on the 19th December 2011 after a short illness, he is survived by his wife Mony and his son Robert and daughter Chantal and their families.

He is much missed and always remembered

I have just found out a very good friend, Gary Stratton, passed away in 2007 after leaving the Corps and joining the New Zealand Air Force. Gary and I met on a tour in Belize and became good friends there and while serving in Verden with 1 ADSR.

I left the Corps in 1992 and, as you do, we lost contact.

My thoughts and condolences go to Lucy his wife and children. My life was enriched through knowing you Gary. God bless. Your mate, Sean

Anyone who played most sports will know Ches. Unfortunately Liz left us about 15 yrs since and Ches on 12th January 2012. A great guy and an inspiration to many.

Brian Radwell, 1962-1969, passed away on 22nd February 2012. Was known to the boys as Radish

Passed away on Friday 17th February 2012 in St Michael's Hospice Harrogate.

Ron will be sadly missed by friends and all at Ripon City Golf Club. He was always a true gentleman to the end.

Former members of the Royal Corps of Signals who served in the 1939/45 war will be sorry to learn of the passing of Corporal Samuel Stanley Globe of Liverpool who died aged 83 on July 31st 2003.

My Father sadly passed away on the 16th January 2012. He served with the Royal Signals as part of his National Service between 1953-1955.

Captain Alan Pearce, 1929-2011, served with the Royal Corps of Signals from 1947 until 1974. He joined Boys Service, rising up through the ranks, to Commissioned officer. One of his most memorable postings was when he was appointed RSM of 211 Signal Squadron, 11 Infantry Brigade HQ & Signal Squadron, in Minden, Germany.

He gave the lads short shrift if wrong and praise when right. He was an avid supporter of ALL the Squadrons sportsmen which ever team or sport that they played and was always seen on the touch lines supporting when he had the chance. He himself was a Hockey player and this had been his sport for some years.

When he left the squadron to get commissioned the squadron gave him a farewell party to thank him for all he had done to make the squadrone the Best in BAOR.

In later years some of the lads started to hold a re-union every year at the Union Jack Club in London and when he heard of this he sent a donation to the 'Drinks' fund which was very much appreciated. When the lads had a sweatshirt commissioned to wear at the re-unions they sent him one as a souvenir, which he had framed and put on the wall of his house.

Alan passed away on the 10th December 2011 and his funeral was on the 5th January 2012. In attendance were 12 Ex Members of 211 Squadron from all parts of the UK and Germany to say their Last Farewell to a much respected RSM. Picture can be found Capt Alan Pearce, RIP

RIP Alan Pearce

Members who attended: Dave McGurk, Ian Chapman, Joe Parks, Phil Pearce, Billy Freeman, Billy Ridley, Jim Young, Ronni Turaga, Fred Alexander, John Leroy, Banzi Bradley and Paul Barlow (photo here)

My father, Ken Fielding JP, served in the Royal Signals during the Second World War, 14th Army Formation, The Burma Campaign. He sadly died on Sunday 22nd January aged 89. I know he was wounded in action but little of his service history with the "Forgotten Army". A hard fought war that was with him all his life, he now rests in peace,

Bernard Reginald Prowse, 88, of Gosport, Hampshire UK, sadly passed away Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, after a diagnosis of primary liver cancer in June. He died at Countess Mountbatten House, Southampton, Hampshire UK and he will be sadly missed.

Bern was enlisted into the Royal Corps of Signals in 1942 at the age of 19. He was posted to North Africa, Sicily and Austria. Bern played a critical role for the installation of the communications infrastructure for the Military Government in Austria.

His details were 14386539 Corporal Bernard Reginald Prowse, R Sigs. He was de-mobbed on his return from Vienna - I am not sure of the date.

Bob died on 19th January 2012. He will be missed by all 237 Sig Sqn reunion crowd.

I would like to pay tribute to, and record for posterity, the service of my grand-father at a time when the Royal Corps of Signals did not exist.

RE 288271 Sapper William Henry Bird (WHB) served in the Royal Engineers as a signaler with the British Expeditionary Force in France and Belgium during WW1.

Prior to enlisting WHB was a Telegraphist in the Post Office. His skills and knowledge were soon put into good effect in the front line trenches where he and others intercepted German landline comms using an 'earth return' system. Their intercept was, in some cases, read by female linguists who it is suspected also served in the trenches. (This suspicion is not widely known).

After WW1, WHB returned to the Post Office and worked for them until some time in the 50's. During WW2 he worked at Dollis Hill Post Office Research Station where some of the development of Bletchley Park's Geheim Schreiber (decoding of German wartime teleprinter traffic) was done. I do not know if he was personally involved at that time. All my enquiries have drawn a blank.

My father Brian Nichols did his National Service in the Royal Signals between 1956-1958. He had just completed his apprenticeship as an electrical fitter - and got married - when he was called up.

We don't know much about his time at Catterick, but we have a proficency certificate showing that he was the best rifle shot in 2 Squadron, 7 Training Regiment in April 1956. We also know that he was a lance corporal when he left the army.

After de-mob, he returned to Portsmouth Naval Base where he spent most of his working life as a civilian electrician.

Dad passed away peacefully on 17 December 2011.

We would be delighted to hear from anyone who remembers Brian Nichols from his brief spell with Royal Signals.

My father served from 1939 to 1946 with the corps as a Sgt dispatch rider. Sadly, he passed away yesterday evening in his sleep, at the Calow Royal Hospital Chesterfield, aged 89. He will be sorely missed.