Last Post .. we will remember them

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

Unless you specify otherwise your email address will be included in the entry (in an encrypted format to deter spammers) so that comrades or colleagues can get in touch with you.

SHARP, Terrence William Robert

Terry passed away on the 2nd of October 2016 in Tasmania.

Terry was an ex-Beverley boy of 6(BTR). He served in Cyprus and Aden and served with the Federal Regular Army of South Arabia.

Left the Corps in 1965 and went to Australia.

He held the GSM for Cyprus, Aden Peninsular and also South Arabia.


From Peter Johnson 11/12/16                   Email: Peter Johnson

STENNING, Colin (Lt. Col.)

Lt Col Colin Stenning, who was OC (Princess Louise's Kensington) Signal Squadron (V) and later CO 31 (City of London) Signal Regiment died on 8 November 2016.

He started his career with 47 Signal Regiment as a Signalman in 1962, was commissioned in 1965, and was 2Lt when the Regiment was amalgamated with others to form 31 Signal Regiment in 1967. He was CO between 1985 and 1988. His last posting was Deputy Commander of 11 Signal Brigade. He was then briefly the Commandant of Cornwall Army Cadet Force.


From Steve Bland 24/11/16                   Email: Steve Bland

FROGGETT Staff Sergeant Kevin A (In memoriam)

I was on duty as an RUC officer the night Staff Sgt Froggett was murdered in Coalisland. Always remembered at this time of year.


From Jim Hardy 08/11/16                   Email: Jim Hardy

GARRATTY, Steven (Alf)

It is with deep regret that I must inform you of the death of Steven (Alf) Garratty on the 15th October 2016 aged 55.

Steve served with the Corps as a Combat Radioman. He was a good soldier and a fine friend. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.

My thoughts are with his wife Kerry and daughter Emily.

The world will come to an end,
as I say goodbye to my friend.
But I know I'll pull through this pain,
because I know we'll meet again.

Goodbye.


From Allan Chapman 25/10/16                   Email: Allan Chapman

WILLIAMS, James George

Jim joined AAC Harrogate in intake 66C. He served in 2 Div, 255 Sig Sqn (Bahrain and RAF Salalah), HMS Fearless and 2 tours in British Honduras (Belize) back-to-back: one with 633 Sig Trp and the other with 14 Sig Regt (D/E Tp).

Jim was a good soldier and tradesman (RTG) but in 1974 he bought himself out to follow his dream of becoming a professional Deep Sea Diver, which he achieved with distinction. He operated initially in the North Sea and then globally from his home in Miri, Malaysia.

Jim passed away on 12th September 2016. Condolences to his loving wife Coerry Su, to his son Germaine, daughters Alexis and Marcia, Jim's brother John and daughter Emma.

It's been an honour and privilege to have known you. RIP Jim.


From Keith Kenworthy-Jones 16/10/16                   Email: Keith Kenworthy-Jones

PHIN, James Thom (Mick)

James passed away on Tuesday September 27, 2016 at the age of 85 with his family by his side.

He was born in Dundee, Scotland on September 28, 1930. He served in the British Army for 25 years and was also a Korean veteran. He moved to Canada with his family in 1973. He is predeceased by his sister Norma, also his son Stuart in March 2015.

James will be greatly missed by Joy, his loving wife of 61 years, his sister Margret of Dundee, Scotland, his daughters Alison Price (Andy) of Port Colborne, Diane Pratt (Steve) of Grimsby, England, his son Carl Phin (Kim) of Edmonton, AB. He will also be missed by 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

At the family's request, cremation has taken place, and there will be a private family interment at a later date. For anyone wishing to pay their respects, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers. Arrangements entrusted to the DAVIDSON FUNERAL HOME 135 Clarence St. Port Colborne. Online guest register and condolences available at Davidson Funeral Home


From Joy "Rusty" Phin 03/10/16                   Email: Joy "Rusty" Phin

MANSON, Allan

Allan Manson, who was a TG Op with 211 Signal Squadron in Minden during the 1960's, passed away on Sunday 14th August.

During his time in Minden he played rugby for the BAOR team. After leaving the Army he had a Police career and was an Inspector in Newcastle when he retired due to ill health.

His funeral is on Wednesday 23rd August in Sunderland. If anyone can make it then email me for details.

RIP Allan.


From Jim Young 17/08/16                   Email: James Young

Sad to read of the passing of Allan. We were boys together for 3 years at Harrogate, 1958-61. A larger than life character who loved his jazz music, particularly Ella Fitzgerald. I'm pleased that he had a good career in the police, and I'm quite sure he gave it his all. Stand easy mate!


From Ken Backett 23/08/16                   Email: Ken Backett

WADE, John (Jake);
JOHNSON, Martin;
OLDS, Keith

Known ex-229 Signal Squadron members who served in Berlin during the period late 1950's early 60's who have passed away in recent times.

They are missed and we will remember them.


From Frank Thornley 23/06/16                   Email: Francis Thornley

BUSH, Bernard O.

Bernard passed away in December 2013 after a long illness. A great mate, sadly missed


From Frank Thornley 19/06/16                   Email: Francis Thornley

HUNTER, William (Tab)

Bill (Tab) Hunter died peacefully on Monday 30th May 2016.

Bill joined The Royal Signals in 1965 until leaving the Army in 1977. During this time he served with 210 Sig Sqn (Aden, 621 Sig Tp, 3 Div HQ & Sig Regt, 14 Sig Regt, 16 Sig Regt and 37 Sig Regt.

Bill was the instigator and a mainstay of the hugely successful 14 Sig Regt Reunions.

He was a good soldier and a great mate to many. RIP


From Orph Mable 02/06/16                   Email: Orph Mable

HYDE, Thomas (Paddy)

Paddy Hyde passed away on 13th May 2016.

I served with Paddy (22776032) in many locations and he was a lifelong friend right from our days in Beverley until he left the Corps in 1977, and then throughout our civilian life. He lived at Pimperne near Blandford and his daughter Angela was married to a Royal Signals officer until her husband's tragic death.

Paddy was always an accomplished sportsman excelling in Corps hockey and cricket.

Paddy was an excellent technician too, especially on automatic telephone exchanges. We were not only together serving in Catterick on a number of occasions, but he also served in Singapore at the same time as me, plus in Oman, Cyprus, and Iraq.

I for one will miss his friendship and comradeship.

Our condolences to Gloria, Angela and Tony.

Paddy, you will be sorely missed.


From John (Nobby) Hill 31/05/16                   Email: John Hill

WINNING, John

Sadly my father passed away on Thursday 12th May 2016.

Dad served from 1950 - 1975 and left as a WO1 (MTWO). He served all around the world in Singapore, Aden, Cyprus, and Germany.

He was affectionately known as Egg on Legs which was given to him when he was SSM in 2 Div, Bunde.

His sudden death has left us all stunned.


From Michael Winning 29/05/16                   Email: Michael Winning

DRUMMOND, John

Served in 1 Corp Signals in Germany between 1950 and 1952 as part of his National Service.

Passed away 10 May 2015.

Dearly loved Husband, Dad, Grandad and Father-in-law.

Missed every day.


From Debbie Marshall 19/05/16                   Email: Debbie Marshall

RAE, Andrew

Staff Sergeant Andrew Rae, 22170656, passed away on 22 April 2016, aged 84.

He served in the Royal Signals from the age of 18 and left in November 1983, having been posted to Germany, Singapore, Brussels and various bases in the UK.

He finished his career in the forces in Glasgow, where he enjoyed his retirement watching his beloved Glasgow Rangers and playing golf.

He is survived by his wife and five children.

He will be sadly missed.


From Pauline Selmes 05/05/16                   Email: Pauline Selmes

BOYLE, Malcolm Brian (Mick)

It is our sad duty to announce the death of Mick Boyle, a Liney and Rad Op, who served in Borneo, NI and Germany.

He served with the Corps during the 60s and early 70s before moving on serve 30 years at GCHQ as a rigger.

A short battle with cancer ended on Friday 29/04/2016 following a very swift chest infection.

He will be missed by all who encountered him.

RIP Dad!


From David Boyle 03/05/16                   Email: David Boyle

JAKES, Allan Herbert

Signalman Jakes, 2602820. Born 24/07/1925, Died 15/04/2016. Special Communications Unit No.3, Royal Signals, 1945 to 1946.

In 1943 he reported to SCU3 at Arkley near Barnet and was one of four dispatch riders collecting intercepts from all War Office locations and taking them to Bletchley Park.

He was very proud of his time with the Royal Signals and of his medals, including the Bletchley Park Commemorative Medal.

Sadly missed by his wife and family.


From Liz Reed 20/04/16                   Email: Liz Reed

GRAY, Martin

I have just heard the sad news of the death of Martin Gray.

Martin and I served together at 225 Signal Squadron, Langeleben, between 1969 and 1971. We were next door neighbours in private hirings in Wolfenbuettel. Martin was a R Sigs Technician, and as well as serving at Langeleben I know he was also in Singapore, having been posted there direct from AAC Harrogate (probably around 1967). Martin finished his Army career as a Sergeant and left the Army, probably around 1976.

Martin was a person who was always able to look on the bright side and find positives. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

RIP old chum. Certa Cito.


From Terry Brenchley 19/04/16                   Email: Terry Brenchley

REES, Michael (Mike)

Mike served in the Corps between 1964-1987.

I served with Mike in both 200 and 244 Signal Squadrons. I will remember him for his great sense of humour and his willingness to help and guide me.

I can remember an incident when, whilst refueling a Mk 1 432, a can of petrol caught light. The new sprog threw the can away, which unfortunately landed in the back of the P.O.L. truck. I and many others ran! Not Mike: he calmly climbed into the truck and drove it away to a safe distance. Climbed out and proceded to put the fire out. During his efforts his NBC suit became a charred mess. After this he stripped what was left of his suit off and went to report the incident. Unfortunately on his way to see the O.C he was seen by the SSM who tore a strip off him for being incorrectly dressed!

Mike did not boast of his heroics nor make excuses he simply, and with great dignity, handed the remnants of the suit to the SSM and said, "Mine as been burned, Sir. I will replace it at the SQMS."

But that was Mike. He did not make a fuss or a song and dance about a situation. He quietly got on with the job and did it well.

My thoughts go to Thelma and his family.

Stand Easy my old friend.


From Allan Chapman 14/04/16                   Email: Allan Chapman

LEGGOTT, Derek Howard

Derek passed away today after a long illness and is remembered by his son Rory and daughter Annette.


From Leo Kane 29/03/16                   Email: Leo Kane

OVENDEN, Percy Henry

Born 24 February 1921 in Wood Green, North London, son of Henry and Nellie. Died 2nd February 2007 at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey. Buried at St Mary's Church, Horsell, Woking.

Rank in WWII: Private. No: 2381709. Served in North Africa 21.1.1943-1.10.1944, Italy 6.10.1944-2.1.1945 and Greece 5.1.1945-20.8.1946.

Occupation: lorry driver then Post Office Clerk.

Much loved husband of Eileen Joyce Ovenden (nee Dench) and father of Anne and Martin. A keen bowls player and lovely family man.


From Anne Tutt (nee Ovenden) 29/03/16                   Email: Anne Tutt

BHIDE, Col. G.B.

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the demise of my beloved father Col G B Bhide.

Col Bhide was commissioned in the Royal Signals (INDIA) in 1944 well before India's Independence. He served in the Indian Army Signals thereafter and retired in 1969.

He left for the heavenly abode on 14th March 2016 at the ripe age of 94.


From Arundhati Rattnaparkhi 14/03/16                   Email: Arundhati Rattnaparkhi

HOBSTER, Joyce

Joyce died peacefully aged 93 on 27/02/16. She served in Malaya, Canal Zone, Germany, Cyprus and Edinburgh and reached the rank of Sergeant Major. Thank you for your 25 years of service for Queen and country.

Sadly missed by her nephews, niece, sister-in-laws and friends. You were a special person and we will always remember you.

Funeral to be held at Liverpool Springwood Crematorium on Monday 07th March at 10:30


From Gordon Hobster 05/03/16                   Email: Gordon Hobster

SENIOR, Eric

It is with deepest sadness that I have to inform fellow Comrades of the death of my brother, Sig Eric Senior. Eric died peacefully in hospital in Fort William, Scotland, aged 57 on 16th January 2016.

Originally from Liverpool, Eric joined the Junior Leaders at AAC Harrogate in 1974, served in West Germany at 2nd Armd Div HQ and Signal Regt, Bunde, then served a 6 month tour in Northern Ireland before leaving the Corps in 1979.

Eric moved to Fort William 6 years ago. He leaves behind 3 children, 2 stepchildren and 13 grandchildren.

Eric's funeral will take place on Friday 29th January 2016 at 1.45pm at Walton Parish Church on the Hill in Liverpool. Sadly missed by all.


From Colin Senior 24/01/16                   Email: Colin Senior

WOOD, John

Corporal John Wood, who served in the 1970s, passed away at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on 13th January 2016. He is survived by his wife Carol, sons Peter and James and grandson Rupert. He was 67.


From Peter Wood 23/01/16                   Email: Peter Wood

HOWES, Dennis William McLellan

22288400 RQMS Royal Signals (UK) 1949-1971, P45806 Warrant Officer Class Two, RNZEME 1971-1986.

Of Paraparaumu. Peacefully at Millvale House, Waikanae on Sunday, 17 January 2016. Aged 84 years.

Loved husband of Morag. Loved father and father-in-law of Della and Mustafa, and Lorraine and John. Loved Grandfather of Terry (dec), Tristan and Tina, Jamie, and Kenan. Great Grandfather of Clara.

Thanks to the staff of Millvale Lindale and Millvale Waikanae for the excellent care given to Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand would be appreciated and may be left at the service.

A Service for Dennis will be held at the Funeral Home Chapel, 9-11 Hinemoa Street, Paraparaumu on Thursday, 21 January 2016, at 2.30pm, to be followed by private cremation. Messages to Apt 39, Summerset Village, Paraparaumu.

Kapiti Coast Funeral Home.

Published in the Dominion Post from Jan. 19 to Jan. 20, 2016


From Nobby Lowe 20/01/16                   Email: Nobby Lowe

DALE, Keith (Geordie)

Sadly my dad passed away on the 5th of January after his year long battle with cancer. He was still a fighter and was still my hero until the end. He leaves behind his loving wife Alma, his eldest daughter Melanie and husband Andy, and youngest daughter Melissa and her husband Alan and Keith's only granddaughter Katie Anna.

My dad joined the armed forces in 1965 and served in a few different places, starting off in RAF Laarbruch, W.Germany around 1972, RAF Rheindahlen, 259 Sigs and 262 Sigs in Cyprus from 1979-81, 11 Sigs and 28 Sigs in St. Tonis, W.Germany from 1983-87.

He retired from his 16 years of being a continental coach driver, which was in his blood, 4 years ago.

Anyone who knew of him or my mum please don't hesitate to get in touch.


From Melanie (Mel) Jolly (nee Dale) 16/01/16                   Email: Melanie Jolly

LYTHABY, Arthur

I regret to inform friends and comrades of the sudden death of Arthur Lythaby on the 14th January 2016. No other details are known at this time.

Arthur spent a lot of time with 21 Sigs and will be well remembered from friends there.

Our condolences go to his wife Laila and children Peter and Marianne.

RIP old friend.


From Arthur Smith 15/01/16                   Email: Arthur Smith

HAYLES, Christopher Robert

Chris passed away on the 3rd of January 2016


From Martin Hatch 13/01/16                   Email: Martin Hatch