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30th
ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISBANDMENT OF 260 SIGNAL SQUADRON (SAM)
On the Eve of the Corps Reunion 260 Signal Squadron
(SAM) Association held it's Annual Squadron Dinner in the Crown Hotel Blandford
Forum. This years Dinner was smaller in number than in previous years but
despite the fact there were fewer people that in no way dampened our spirits.
Pete Thomas once again pulled out all the stops and arranged everything
except the bill. The evening began with drinks at the bar. Hilda & I
arrived to find Goldie and Deborah parked in their familiar corner and as we
chatted everyone else began turning up. Those attending this years Dinner
included Steve and Shirley Barron, Steve and Ulla Freeman-Pannett, Roy and Pat
Andrews, Les Harrison, Brian Shipton and ofcourse our Host for the evening Pete
Thomas accompanied by his Niece Sarah. John and Evelyne Townson arrived just
before the meal to announce that Sam Sahota's wife Helen was unwell and that
was the reason for their late arrival. Pete's daughter Heidi was held back at
work and missed dinner completely but arrived in time to take Pete and Sarah
home. Dave Blundell who had hoped to attend the meal didn't make it either as
he was called into hospital.
The meal at the Crown was up to it's usual
high standard and soon the Port made an appearance. The now customary toast's
out of the way we paused for a moment to remember Lis Thomas who did so much to
organised the Squadron Dinner in previous years. Les Harrison then offered a
toast to the future of our Squadron Association before we all retired to the
bar to wind up another excellent evening. Well done Peter.
Once in the
Bar I found myself agreeing to carry the Squadron Standard during the Sunset
Ceremony the following afternoon. I am not sure if Pete Thomas had got wind of
the weather forecast for just at the moment I got on parade down came the rain
in such a torrent I was soaked through to my unmentionables. What is it with
the Blandford weather these days. |
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260
SIGNAL SQUADRON (SAM) ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION ON PARADE
ROYAL
SIGNALS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REUNION BLANDFORD CAMP - 30 JUN-1 JUL
2007
Nearly 1,000 members, including family and friends,
attended the 2007 RSA reunion, which was held at Blandford Camp over the
weekend 30 Jun-1 July. The reunion had the 25th anniversary of the Falklands
Campaign as its theme. Officers and soldiers of 11 Sig Regt took part in the
now traditional Princess Royal Day Parade in the morning.
Despite the
damp conditions, they all performed admirably. The parade was commanded by Maj
Ian Carter. The CO, Lt Col James Langley, escorted Gen Sir Sam Cowan KCB CBE
Master of Signals as he inspected the troops.
Mr Len Melling (formerly
of the LAD at Blandford) organized his usual splendid display of old military
and civilian vehicles. Maj Dann (OC Deployed Systems Group) kindly put on a
display of modern equipment for our members to enjoy. Military Leadership Group
again ran the indoor range, which was a huge success with all the details fully
manned.
At 1200 hrs, Brig John Thomas MBE ADC, SO in C(A) and a
Falklands Veteran, held a reception for around 30 fellow veterans in the
Museum. Shortly after this, the SO in C(A), Master of Signals, CO and RSM 11
Sig Regt, plus over 700 RSA members enjoyed an All ranks lunch in the Soldiers
Restaurant, well prepared by Mr Neil Taylor and his staff.
Despite
being on 14 days notice to deploy on operational duties, the Corps Band managed
to start the afternoon arena display. They, the Northern Band and the Corps
Pipes and Drums coped remarkably well in the intermittent light showers and
only the Band Sgt Major noticed the few bum notes, caused by the wet
instruments. Unfortunately the Corps Free Fall Parachute Display Team could not
jump because of the low cloud base. The White Helmets put on a brave display in
the wet and completed a full programme without mishap. We were fortunate to
have 90 year old Chelsea In-Pensioner Wally Offord (himself a former White
Helmet) to take the salute from the Display Team.
Our thanks go to
Corps RSM WO1 Craig Bruce for conducting the standard bearers competition,
which was won by Bill McNamara of our Glasgow Branch. Runner up was John
Mumford (Reading Branch) and the other finalists were; Billy Howes (Norfolk),
Christine Doe (Exmouth), Fred Bridges (Aldershot) and Brian Calladine (East
Kent). The Glasgow Branch now keeps the cup until next year.
The
rain, which had kept to a slight drizzle, turned to a downpour during the last
part of the Retreat Ceremony that closed the arena display. The Sgts Mess was
the centre for the evening entertainment, when over 350 members stayed on to
enjoy the company of the serving SNCOs and WOs. Maj Ronnie Sampson (a former
deputy Governor of the Falklands) then gave a presentation on the Falklands
then and now to a packed audience in the garrison cinema.
The Sunday
proved a much drier day, with the sun actually shining during the Drum Head
Service conducted on Hawke Square by Senior Garrison Chaplain Andrew Cooper,
assisted by the Hon Chaplain of the RSA the Rev Peter Clemmet. The Venerable
Stephen Robbins QHC, Archdeacon to the Army and Deputy Chaplain General gave an
enjoyable and amusing address to the congregation. A contingent from the units
that took part in the Falklands campaign (30 Sig Regt, 216 Para Sig Sqn, 14 Sig
Regt & 18 Sig Regt) were present to lay wreaths during the service. The
lessons were read by Falklands veterans; Col Keith Butler (OC 5 Inf Bde Sig Sqn
at that time) and Col Roger Thompson (CO 30 Sig Regt at that time). Capt Gordon
Mather MM led the Collect of the Royal Corps of Signals.
The whole
weekend was rounded off at midday by the March Past, organized by the Corps
RSM. General Sir Sam Cowan took the salute from; Falklands Veterans, Standard
Bearers, serving members of 11 Sig Regt and RSA members as they gave an eyes
right at the dais. . |
