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.

It is with deep sadness that I notify members of the Corps of the death of Maj (Retd) Gus Boag. An exemplary soldier, excellent leader and first class instructor. I first met Gus when he was my SSM at Scott Sqn, AAC Harrogate in 1974. He was an example to all of us redarses, but had a human side tinged with a laconic Scottish sense of humour. A great man and a legend in the Royal Signals. RIP Sir.

Entered by Mike Graham (Site Admin) from the ARRSE website 18/12/19

Lieutenant-Colonel William "Paddy" Ernest Lyske (Ret), Royal Corps of Signals, OC 216 Parachute Signals Squadron, of Brixton, London, passed away at around 1:30pm on Tuesday, 6 November, 2019 in the presence of family, having lived 98 years on this earth.

William, known as "Paddy" among friends, was born in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland on 21 April, 1921, just two weeks before partition. His father, Wiliam Ernest, Sr., was a cabinet maker. His mother, Isabella, was a school teacher. Paddy was their only child.

Paddy enlisted in the Army in 1939, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Signals. He was posted with the Home Guard in Putney, London at the onset of the Blitz. Paddy then volunteered to join the newly forming 1st Parachute Regiment under Major Tony Dean-Drummond, becoming only the second qualified paratrooper in the British Army.

Paddy saw action in North Africa, France, Italy, and Greece. Postbellum, Paddy served in Palestine alongside the Jerusalem constabulary and was mentioned in despatches. He retired Lieutenant Colonel in 1968.

Paddy met his first wife, Louise, during wartime in London while attached to the Home Guard and she as a WRN. They married in August 1945 and went on to have three children: Anne, Richard, and Derek. His Army service saw the family stationed in London, Jerusalem, Germany, Kenya, and the United States. Upon his retirement, Paddy and Louise moved to Commack, Long Island, New York, where they lived happily until her death in 1980.

Paddy later married Rosalie Banks in 1983. They moved to Santa Ana, California, where they lived together until 2017. Upon Rosie's death that year, Paddy returned to London to spend his final years near his grandchildren. His only dying wish was not to be alone when the time came. He passed to the sounds of a grandchild playing.

Paddy is preceded in death by his first wife, Louise (1980), his second wife, Rosie (2017), and his son, Derek (1999). He is survived by his daughter, Anne, and his son, Richard; his grandchildren, Joe, Sophie, Anne, and Rachel; and his great-grandchildren, Ayla, Liliana, Ophelia, and Tobias.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Church on Friday, 22 November, 2019. Paddy was laid to rest at Putney Vale Cemetery and Crematorium.

A great friend, ex WO2 (SSM) Alex Kubu, passed away on November 11th 2019.

I served with Alex at 7 Signal Regt in the mid to late 1960s where Alex was an integral part of the all conquering 7 Signal Regt rugby team alongside his fellow Fijians.

Alex was well known throughout the Corps at 7 and 16 Signal Regiments, and was a very successful SSM at the Army Apprentice College, Harrogate.

The funeral will take place at St. Roberts Church, Robert Street, Harrogate on Friday 29th November at 14.00hrs and afterwards at Oakdale Golf Club.

A true gentleman: he will be sadly missed.

SSgt D Smith BEM served in the Royal Signals and never really settled in civvy street. He died in 1994.

Colonel PETER JOHN LONGTHORNE WICKES

Passed away peacefully at Kenwith Castle Nursing Home on Monday 7th October aged 94 years.

Peter was born near Godalming, Surrey in 1925 to Alfred and Lisa Wickes. He went to school at Sutton Valence in Kent. In his last years of school war began. He had vivid memories of watching the fighter plane dog-fights during the Battle of Britain. At school he was also part of the cadet force. He told us one of the weapons they prepared for a German invasion were 44 gallon drums filled with tar to be pushed down the hill at any advancing tanks. On leaving school he was determined to immediately join the army, but his father insisted he have at least six months experience working in a job so that he would have a career to come back to. He accepted his father's advice and worked at the Bank of England. Exactly six months later he joined the army. His first memories of army life was being sent to Scotland for training and being bedded down with 500 others in a whisky distillery – perhaps this is why whisky became his favoured tipple.

The war had just ended when he finished training but Peter decided to stay in the army. He joined the Dragoon Guards and took transport to join his regiment in Palestine. In Palestine his regiment was part of the British force trying to keep the peace before the state of Israel was formed. He was in charge of a squadron of armoured cars and enjoyed seeing the various biblical sights, such as the Lake of Galilee, while motoring around. He had a lucky escape as he was hospitalised with an injured hand. On that day the King David Hotel, where he had been staying on leave, was blown up.

Peter met his future wife Hilda when he returned to the UK and had an operation at her hospital where she was the sister in charge. They were married after a whirlwind romance of 6 weeks, due mainly to Hilda being in immediate "danger" of being posted to Hong Kong which did not suit Peter at all. Unfortunately this did not suit his colonel's rule that no officer could get married before their 25th birthday. Peter had to leave the regiment, but fortunately for him the Royal Signals was just being formed, and he was invited to join this new unit, in which he stayed for the rest of his army career.

Between stints in Britain, Peter served in the occupation army of Germany. He also served in Ghana, West Africa, training the Ghanaian Army before independence. Additionally, he served in France with NATO. His last placement was in northern France in charge of an underground communications base. Peter's career took a new twist when he became Military Attaché in the British Embassies in Morocco and Brazil.

On retiring from the Army he briefly became a farmer on their small farm in West Putford, Devon. They then moved to Bideford when Peter was hired as CEO of Torridge Training which he set up from scratch starting with just a desk and a phone. He undertook this job until he officially retired at 65. He was involved in the Manpower Services Commission and helped setup the community archive which is still running well today.

Peter was very much involved in the local church – West Putford, Northam and Westward Ho parishes. He was church treasurer and church warden in Northam for a number of years. Additionally, he always loved helping with the Remembrance Day Service. He was also part of the choir for a number of years, and took the Matins service regularly. He established The Friends of St Margaret's and was the chairman of the North Devon Historic Churches Trust for a number of years.

He was the beloved, devoted husband of Hilda who died in August; loving father of David and Patricia; Michael (deceased) and Rosie; Peter and Mary; caring grandfather to Tracey, Mark, Hannah, Victoria, Sarah, Grace, Sienna and Rowan.

Lovingly remembered by family and friends.

Brian and the late John "Eggo" Eggleton

I'm sorry to report the death of Brian Streetly, founder of this website, who passed away on 8th October 2019

Brian joined the Corps in 1961 when he did his basic training in 11 Sigs followed by trade training (lineman) in 8 Sigs.

Following this Brian was posted to 614 Sig Troop (Park) in Bracht, Germany, in 1962. In his list of postings on this website Brian said, "Without any doubt in my mind I have to say that this had to be the best posting that anyone could have asked for." The Troop was disbanded in April 1965 and immediately reformed at 608 Sig Troop in Viersen.

Having had enough of the high-life in BAOR, Brian was then posted to the punishment posting of 18 Sig Regt in Singapore in 1968. Once again from his entry on this site, Brian said, "I had a really brilliant time in Singapore. Got involved in doing all sorts of things that I had never dreamed of doing before." Perhaps in light of that last sentence we should draw a veil over further comments.

After his tour in the Far East Brian was posted back to Europe, this time to SHAPE in Mons, Belgium, in 1969 where he describes himself as the only Brit with 16 Yank linemen.

In 1970 Brian left the army and settled in civvy street where he worked for BT

Brian married his wife Jo in August 1990 and they settled in Benfleet in Essex. Brian became a staunch member of the Royal Signals Association East London Branch, and was a regular at the Corps Reunions in Blandford for many years.

Brian was an early adopter of the world wide web and produced several websites which he managed over the years. As well as his home church site in the Parish of Thundersley, where he and Jo were Deputy Churchwardens, Brian started this website, https://royal-signals.org.uk where, in the days before FaceBook and other "social media" sites, former and serving Corps members could find comrades whom they would like to contact again and other miscellaneous Royal Signals information.

After running this site for several years sadly ill-health meant that Brian was unable to give it the full attention it deserved and so handed it over to the present site administrator, Mike Graham, in 2010.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to Jo and his wider family at this time. Funeral arrangements, when known, will be postd in the Comcen.

John (Geordie) Moor joined the Royal Signals in 1977 and served at 7th Signal Regiment, Herford, BAOR, with 'Kilo Army'.

My elder brother Mike Ridlington died in August 2014. He served from 1964-1994 and was Commandant at 8th Signal Regiment in the early 90s, OC 259 Signal Squadron (early 80s).

Terry joined the Signals in 1960, spent 6 years in Germany, then 3 in Cyprus before coming back to the UK in 1973, where he was an instructor at RMA Sandhurst with the rank of acting sergeant. He also did tours of Libya (where his colleagues might remember him "hitting the only bloody tree in the desert" whilst on night patrol), and Northern Ireland. His final posting was to Harestock, Hants, before leaving the army in 1976.

He worked as an HGV driver for many years, before retiring. Sadly Terry suffered a long illness with dementia and Parkinsons disease, finishing his days in a care home on 12th September 2019.

Bill passed away on March 30th 2019. He was a member of the White Helmets in the mid 1970s and was in 4 Squadron, 7 Sigs from 1977. I remember he had some great friends there.

He will be so missed by his children Colin, Mark, Angela and Lee and nine grandchildren.

Sweet dreams to my soulmate. Love Margaret xxx

I was his son. Throughout my life he always spoke with genuine affection about his time with the Signals. He was there in the 1950s and was very proud of being a Signalman. His morse code training never left him. In our house, we would laugh at his party piece of translating morse code during war movies. Sometimes it was a bit quick, in which case he'd claim that it didn't make sense and was made up! Most of the time he got it though.

God bless you Dad; gone but never forgotten. xx

Major Peter John Frederick White (retired) passed away on Sunday 4th August 2019.

He was a member of Royal Signals from 1953 - 1983 including postings to Singapore, Germany, London and Catterick. After leaving the Corps he became headmaster of Bury's Court School from 1983 - 2013.

Sadly missed by his wife Kathleen White and family. Funeral to be St. Bartholomew's Church, Leigh, Surrey on 22nd August 2.30pm.

Bob 'Taff' Wathen joined the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Signals, Denbury Camp, Newton Abbot, South Devon on the 12th Jun 1961. After basic training he was awarded Best Recruit, joined Kukri Troop and graduated on 30th July 1963 as a Junior Sergeant. He was then posted to 8 Signal Regiment, Catterick to train as Lineman and was so successful that he remained there to complete his BII straight after his BIII.

Taff was posted to 7 Sig Regt in Herford, Germany and quickly promoted to full corporal. Following this he was posted to 19 Sig Regt, Singapore and detached to RAF Gan. At some point he trained as a Tele Mech (not sure when), then later he was posted to the UN in Cyprus as a sergeant.

He was then posted to Gibraltar where he met is late wife Jenny, a WRAC sergeant. They were married in Gibraltar and he was later posted to 21 Sig Regt, RAF Laarbruch Germany, and later to 28 Sig Regt, St Tonis near Krefeld Germany. On passing his Staff Sergeants course at Catterick he was sent to the Army Apprentice College, Harrogate to assist with weapon training instruction for the junior soldiers.

Bob would clearly have been a full career soldier, however the MOD in their wisdom started redundancies for senior ranks and officers. Bob received 'the brown envelope' and took up a civilian career with British Telecom.

If you knew Bob and wish to leave a message for Bob's nearest and dearest please get in touch on the link below.

Sadly Mac passed away on the 12th June 2019 whilst away on a EOD civilian contract leaving behind his loving wife Denise and two girls Courtney and Iona. His funeral was held in Leslie, Scotland and was well represented by the Corp (rtd).

He was the best mate, solider and colleague that you could ever want to have.

He will be forever missed but he will never be forgotten.

My dad served in the Royal Signals for 22 years from 1963 to 1985. He was a sergeant for the last ten years of his service.

He enlisted at Liverpool and did his training at Catterick Camp, North Yorkshire. His postings were BAOR, Cyprus, Malta, Berlin, The Netherlands and Blandford.

Dad spent his career in office management and progressed to Chief Clerk.

My dad passed away on 20th June 2019 and I am heart broken. I looked up to this man all my life. He was my dad and my friend and I will truly miss him.

Love you always. Paula xx

Peter Raymond Lumb, 70, of Pownal, USA died on November 5th 2018 from complications due to blood cancer.

Peter was born in Bury, England, and after schooling joined the British Army in the Royal Corps of Signals. He met his American military wife Bonnie while stationed at S.H.A.P.E. in Europe.

Peter's military career spanned 22 years and brought him and his family to Singapore, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and England.

Loving husband of Ilsemarie, beloved father of Ralph (dec) and Martin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday 8th May 2019 at Clayton Church Homes, Magill, South Australia.

Geoff (Taff) Lewis sadly passed away this month.

A friend and fellow footballer from 21 Signal Regiment, RAF Wildenrath 1975-78.

Les served in the Royal Signals as a Tele Mech before entering civilian life as a Project Manager (sorry I do not have exact dates). He passed away on the 6th April 2019 with complications due to Motor Neurone Disease. He leaves behind Pam, his wife, and 5 children: Natasha, Daniel, Jake, Ross and Zak.

Les served in Blandford, Catterick and Cyprus (amongst others places) and also worked in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Saudi, Belgium (as a civilian).

His funeral will take place on 26th April 2019 at Surfleet Crematorium, Lincolnshire at 10am. If you knew Les and would like to pay your respects, despite the years, then please do come along and help us celebrate a life that was taken from us at such a young age of 54.

I hope that this get through to some ex-colleagues

Jacque (his sister)

In memory of my mother Brenda Phillips who passed away on 20/08/2018

Miss Phillips was stationed in Western Command, Chester and also in The Cabinet Rooms in Whitehall.

Bill sadly passed away on 21st December 2018. He was an old soldier of the old school.

He retired as a SSgt (SQMS). He was an ex-Wireless Op and a D-Day veteran who took part in Operation Market Garden. We served together in 33 Sig Regt (V) from 1970 to 1972 and remained true friends until the end.

Sadly missed by his family and friends.

18/09/1948 - 16/10/2012

RIP

Bert slipped away peacefully on 15th February 2019.

National Serviceman in the Corps in the 1950s - and sometime English goalkeeper!

Rest in peace, Gordon. Certa Cito!

Died at home in Kyrenia, 3rd February 2019. With deepest sympathy to Jacqueline.

A greatfriend, ex S/Sgt Tony Mifsud of 234 Signal Squadron, Malta, passed away on 26/01/2019. A true gentleman and always an honour to meet up with him over the years.