Wednesday

NOTICE BOARD

1st Sept 2010
I am hoping that people will join this site so please get in touch to add your name to the roll call. Also give us your stories from your time in 54.
Best wishes to you all
Contact Me  Tomo Tomlinson
I joined in May 1966
Morris Lines
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57 comments:

  1. Hi
    My name is Paul strobridge
    I served with 11 Indep Sqn in Malaya from March 1968 - Dec 1969, my good friend Ian Burrows and I came down to Singapore, on a B11 Course (Storeman tech)f and billeted with 54 (Morris Lines)or about 6 weeks.
    When the 11 was disbanded, I came home but Ian was posted to 54, I wonder if you remember anything,
    I am in contact with Hank, and he said to try you.
    any information would be appreciated.
    Best Regards
    Paul
    E-Mail :pdstrob@yahoo.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Paul, yes, I remember Ian Burrows, from 11 Sqn and 54. Me and my two brothers, Mick and Dave Batterley left 11 Sqn together and Ian, from what I remember came down to Singer's at the same time. Sorry it's not much help but I do at least remember him

      Regards

      Stuart

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  2. Hi Howard
    My name is John(Dinger)Bell I was originally with 410 and was attached to 54 in Kota Belud 62, when I returned to Singapore my unit 410 had been absorbed into 54 I was then sent to Brunei and Sarrawak then UK for 18 months then back to 54 from 65 to 68 I was a plantie. I have a 410 web site with lots of photos that you are welcome to download if you wish for your site.

    Hope the site flourishes

    Dinger

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  3. Hello Sappers
    I arrived October 1966 done 3 tours in Thailand with some great blokes, done some good work out there and returned to Europe May 1969. Good luck with the site. I have photos on my site click view all in photos section and all will be revealed.

    Frank

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  4. Keith Tullett

    HI All ex 54 lads
    I joined 54 in 1966 to 69 as a joiner and worked in the joiners shop in morris lines and yacht club.
    Done 2 tours of crown and also showed the films at crown and up at Hong Kong camp, dodging the tiger cans if the film broke.HA!!
    Done a B2 joiners course in Klung and spent a bit of time at the JWS School bulding dog kennels and other accomdation.

    Regards Keith
    Returned to uk 1969 to 34 sqn Tidworth

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    Replies
    1. Hi Keith, I must have taken over from you. I too was in the joiners shop having come down from 11 Sqn. I also finished up at the sailing club. What with running the darts team, football and the sailing club I didn't have time to do any soldiering. great time though.
      Regards

      Stuart

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  5. Hi
    Iserved in 11ind fd sqn& made a few friends in54 on my trips to singas can anybody put me in touch with Gordon King & Brian young or send me their contact details.my details are www.carbo.crowford@tesco.net
    Bob Crowford.

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  6. Hallo there,
    I'm Brian 'Topper' Brown. I was posted to 54 In April '67 as a Plant Op Mech and found myself on Post Op Crown with 11 Sqn from July to December that year. Luckily I returned to Sgp. before 54 took over the job. The remainder of my time in the sqn was spent being seconded to either the SES or GEs. Happy times.

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  7. Hello there i am john brummy lawton served in 11 indep fld sqn 68-70 was on the same plant course as some of the lads from 54 at Kluang sweed eals barry prior trev clough marty hobbs the photo view no 59 was taken new years eve at Kluang shows my wife and myself with the guys mentioned any one who knows me drop us a line impy023@talktalk.net all the best

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  8. Tony Rountree, AKA (Robertson-Bruce,) still about and playing a flute

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  9. Merry Christmas to all. Tony Rountree

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  10. Hiya I am Andy Armitage and served in 54 from 63 to 66 in Singapore,I had a good friend Topper Brown from Yorkshire,if anyone has any info please speak

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  11. Hi Andy, contact me on Tomlinson5000@Tomlinson5000>Karoo.Co.UK for more info on 54 Squadron lads.

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  12. Hi Guys, I served with 54 Ind Fd Sqn HK Tai Lam,was MT Troop, then to S/pore to join up with 410 plant to become 54 Corps Fd Pk Sqn, Tour of Brunei, back to S/pore Morris Lines, was C/Os driver when I left in 64 then to 38 in Ripon, RHQ Driver.If your on F/Book look in 54 Ind Fd Sqn Group on there. Good Luck Gordon Dunnell. gordunne@btinternet.com

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  13. This is Dave Youdle here. I joined 54 in June 63 and was put in the workshops as a blacksmith, after the Squadron came back from Sarawak. I worked with John Atkinson, the other 'smith, until I moved to the MT as they were short of drivers and I had been on the MT at Hameln prior to Singapore. Stayed on MT until I went home December 65. I was the Pad's wagon driver for Sembawang Hills Estate for quite a while as I lived there. 54 was a great Squadron to be in, with a great bunch of lads.

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  14. Tomo asks, could David (dai) West please get back in touch with e mail address

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  15. Hi Lads,
    I am Ray Elliott - Historian for 59 Sqn / 59 Indep Cdo Sqn.
    Now Historian for 24 Cdo Engr Regiment, which includes 54/56/59 Sqns.

    Looking for History on 24 Regt/54 & 56 Sqns.
    I have written the Op. Crown Story, now lodged with Hank Lawrence.
    54 Sqn after Op. Crown 1969 through to 2008, this history I would like to research.

    Anyone who can help, or put me in touch with others, I would appreciate it.

    Ray.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ray,

      I served with 24 Field Engineer Regiment RE in Hong Kong from early 1956 to December 1959.
      I was originally posted to 56 Field Squadron at Tai Lam and then when 24 was moved back to blighty I moved down the road to 54 Ind. where I worked in the office as Shipping and Air movements clerk.
      I have been looking for many years for mates of the regiment, I have found a few but am still looking.
      Might be of interest to you I have a large number of photo's of Hong Kong and when I was up in Korea attatched to the Royal Sussex Regiment.
      Give me a buzz, my Email is:

      bill.purcell@yahoo.co.uk

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    2. Ray,

      I am currently serving with 54 and have been tasked to research our history. Give me an email if you want and we can share any information we have.

      jonathanmarkberman@gmail.com

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    3. hi i served in 54 69/72 with great names in touch with pete stevenson mt chalky white mack chatman finngers rainsford brummy benion x23 x59 was on the building off the run way for big exersise BASATU PADU still got the shield REguards scouse YEOMANS E MAIL ADD kSAPPER1'AOL.COM

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  16. Wayne Tarmey April 4th 2012 3.00pm
    Hi everyone,I arrived at 54 on 2nd January 1969 and left on 27th March 1971
    I was a plant op and worked at Bukit Mendai,Kulai,Hong Kong and many other small jobs that they would let me loose on.It was me that was sent for my Leprosy jab by the lads when I was working at Woodford Leprosy colony.....The rest is history. I am still in touch with a few of the plant troop lads to this day.
    e-mail wayntarm@aol.com

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  17. I'm Pete Currie,served in 54 from 65 to 68 ? Was in G1098 stores,played drums inthe band.Done two tours in Post Crown.Had a great time with the SQN.After 54 went to sunny Tidworth then civvy st.Reenlisted in 72 and transfered to the paras,good times all round.Like all of us i,m now an oap and enjoing life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hello Pete Currie, I have been trying to find you for years now, although someone told me you had passed away as well as Tony (yorkie) Handcock. I have several photos of you on my website www.54squadronsre.blogspot.com. Look at the 'nominal roll' and let me know who you remember and are in touch with. I have found Taff Howells and Theakston. I actually went back to 3 Div Engrs at Tidworth in 1968, strange world this. Are you on 'Skype' ?

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    2. Pete, please contact me on Tomlinson5000@Tomlinson5000.Karoo.Co.UK letting me know youe Email address, where you are now and who, if anybody from 54 Sqn you are in contact with.

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    3. Hi Pete, Tony Rountree is still alive and kicking. Have you got a copy of the "At Home" program? I'd love a copy for myself. Are there any other members of the band still useing up oxigen?

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  18. Hi, I served in 54 in 72/73 but got casavacced after being attacked in Lai Chi Kok road just outside the police station. My email address is auhtrueblue@yaho.com
    Peter

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  19. Hello Peter, thanks for contacting me as its nice to hear from people who have served in the same unit. I have tried to send you an email but it has been rejected, can you please confirm your correct email address.

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  20. Does anyone know of a Brian Faulkner and his whereabouts, he served with 56 Fld Sqn at Tai Lam New Territories and then moved up to 54 Ind Sqn in 58 until the latter end of 59 when him and I departed for Blighty on the Oxfordshire. I last had contact with him on MOD Oracle several years ago. Have a lot of photos I want to send to him. Anyone know the guy?. Appreciate anything. My Email is bill.purcell@yahoo.co.uk Cheers Bill

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  21. Hi
    My Uncle John Dougla Pugh who served with the 54 passed away on 30/01/2014. I will tryto collate and send throuh some of the pictures we are finding of him and others. One looks like a paticularly fun pyjama party!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bernadette, I have just read about your uncle John and I am very sorry for your loss. It sounds as though he served in Hong Kong & Singapore and I would be very happy to add his photos to my website as I believe photos actually make the site. I am sure a lot of the 'old lads' would be very happy to see them and when you send them to me I can pass them on to them. I will be very grateful to receive as much info as you have about his service with 54 Sqn, ie what was his trade etc.

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  22. Served with 54 Ind Fd Sdn Aug 69 to June 62 at Tia Lam Chung and Bornio.
    Colin (yorky) Turner yorkyt@adam.com.au

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  23. Tony Robertson-Bruce aka RountreeMay 26, 2014 at 1:17 PM

    Any news on the reunion in September down Nottingham way

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    Replies
    1. Tony, I don't know anything about a reunion in September in Nottingham. Is it just a rumour or have you heard anything definite plus who is organising it, love to hear more.

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  24. Must have been someone messing about, I have'nt heard any more about it but the hotel in Nottingham were taking bookings for it? Tony

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  25. Just found out who it was that called a get together, Hank Laurence, in the Holiday Inn in September.

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  26. Hi all, here is a copy of my post in one of the Face Book groups for those of you that didn't see it:
    It is with great sadness that I have to inform you all of the death of my friend of 50 years, Barry (Baz) Sumner. Barry had a second stroke last Saturday which badly affected the other side of his brain that was damaged from his first stroke. I was only playing Dominoes with him on the 5th of this month while we were on holiday in the UK and he seemed so much better than when we last saw him in February. He was a 'one off' guy, whose attitude and sense of humour never changed - I will miss him very much.
    Alan

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  27. Hi Tommo,
    I joined 54 Plant troop Sep 1966 and was RHE'd to the UK, Mar 1969. The late Sid Tynan and i went out, and back, the same days. Spent most of my far east tour in Thailand with 54 Plant troop with 21 months in total on either the airfield or road projects. Took part in the Bukit Mendhi project when it first started with my old favourite, the 99H grader. Took part in the Asahan tunnelling project with the 54 Independent Troop RE hand digging tunnels for the RAAF to get a direct hit on with their 1,000 pounders, after we spent god knows how long digging them out. Sadly many of my 54 contemporaries have passed on, Steve Oakley, Mick Dunne, Harry Dyer, Tony Hancock, Albert Finney and many more besides. Jock Cameron, Charlie Hankinson, Geordie Sidey, Ray Thorpe, Jock Cross, Trev Lumby, Charlie Quinn, Mick Belair, Martin Lewis, Keith Polson, Jack Firth, Yakka Yeates, Jeff Griffiths, Fred Manning, Trev Clough, Barry Prior, Dinger Bell, Wayne Tarmey, Colin Mackenzie and a few more ,still contactable. Additionally, I'm still in contact with EBW fitters Ned Needham, Mick Hull and Pete Williams. I wonder where all the others are?

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  28. Hello lads and in particular Frank Topham. Lots of you did not like the OC Major Driscoll and his strange ways particularly Frank's tale of his on parade astride a white horse and the tales of Albert Finney on yet another charge and telling Driscoll 'you can't jail Albert'. Heard from Mick Norton that Maj Driscoll passed away August 2016.

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  29. hi my name is billy marshall served with 54 71/72 mt captian pucke was in charge then posted to 28 ind fld troop singapore i remember p marren he was attacked wit a machette

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  30. You may find the following Ref From Johnathan Gordon on
    54 Commando Squadron History of interest.
    For anyone that is interested, after serving as OC 54 I thought it appropriate to pull together a consolidated document covering the varied 117 year history of 54 Commando Squadron (in all its forms and roles). I have placed a copy in the RE Museum should you wish to have a look, alternatively let me know and I can send you an e-copy. Extracted from https://www.facebook.com/groups/415846245454101/ Royal Engineers Historical Society post
    From Johnathan Gordon The 54th Fd Coy was raised in Chatham in Mar 1900 and soon moved to Curragh, Dublin. In 1905 it was despatched to South Africa as a reinforcement Coy in sp of the Boer War. Only after 12 years in SA did it get invloved in WW1. It was interesting to see that even then it served alongside 59. I am not entirely sure where 59's origin was but I would not be suprised if it was also around 1900. I have historical evidence of 54 and 59 working together in WW1 and on Op CROWN in Thailand in 1963 onwards. . Extracted from https://www.facebook.com/groups/415846245454101/ Royal Engineers Historical Society post

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  31. Hi my name is Dave Inman and I have enjoyed reading your comments reference 54 field sqd I joined the 54th in april 1950 having travelled out on the Empire Trooper, that managed to break down in the Indian Ocean for two days, having arrived in HK I found we were all living in tents out side the village of Yuen Long, after a short time with HQ I was transferred to B troop and became the OCs driver and we spent a lot of time with a Ford willys jeep scouring the country for butteflies,in 1952 we re-joined the squadron and moved into proper barracks at Fan Ling, with promotion to L/Cpl I travelled to Singapore to complete an MT course, returning to HK and the 54th and within afew months I returned to the UK 0n the Empire Fowey in 1953 following 3 enjoyable years on return to the uk with only 9 months to do , I was posted to Ripon as an MT Cpl only to find they had covered the vacancy the week before my arrival,Instead I found myself looking after RE plant equipment for the last 9 months of my service commitment and settled down to civi live, I don't suppose there are many of my old comrades left ,I am 87 years old now, but good health to all you ex Sappers.

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  32. Hello ex 54 (FARELF) Support Sqn RE guys, has anyone got group photos of both Plant Tp & MT Tp that they could let me have, many thanks.

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  33. Hello all you ex 54 (FARELF) Support Sqn RE guys. For all those who served around 1966-69 ish and remember the SSM Smith's Clerk John (Jock) Adamson who was from Annan. I had been searching for him for many a year and unfortunately discovered that he passed away in 1992 of a heart attack aged 49 yrs. They always take the good ones early it seems.

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  34. It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of an ex 54 (FARELF) Support Sqn RE lad John (Tony) Hancock. He sadly passed away on 31st Jan 2021 at home in Stoke on Trent. Funeral to be held on 22nd Feb 2021. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Brenda & daughter Jacks.

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  35. Hi Howard, Bill Purcell out of 56 and 54 Ind Fld Sqn's. I am asking if I may copy 3 of the photos that are in the Hong Kong section. Photo looking down on Tai Lam camp. Double photo I think might have been taken in Gordon camp and is it Bill Andrews on Guard?..I would like to add them to my album of the time I was in Hong Kong.

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  36. Just heard from Mick Norton that a good friend Ron Tobin (Plant Tp) has passed away, our condolences to his family.

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  37. Just heard from Mick Norton that an old ex 54 Sqn (Plt Tp) member, Trevor Clough who lived in Canada has passed away in June 2022, out deepest condolences go to his family.

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  38. Hi Tomo
    Just been to the Malaysian Embassy to collect my Pingat medal for my time in Borneo gig t know about it until my mate Lofty Stone told me had a great day regards Swede Lambert

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  39. Anyone know of the whereabouts of Bill Ford John (doc ) Hyde both in 54 sqd in 66 to 69 regards Swede Lambert

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  40. Hi Tomo. I was wondering if your site is still up and running As my 410 site has been dormant since start of covid and I don't want to close it.

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    Replies
    1. Hello john, I must look at this/my site more often but yes the site is still ongoing and 410 site is still ongoing.

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  41. Hello, I wonder if anyone remembers Peter Davidson, he was in Thailand in the late 60’s.

    I have photos of Fife & Drums and 56 Squadron from around this time and my Grandad is definitely there, he come back to the UK in 1973 and was based at 36 Engineer regiment in Maidstone as a WO1.

    Any information or photos people may have of him would be greatly appreciated.

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    1. Hello Max, all who served in 54 sqn in Singapore remember Pete who was the SSM. There are numerous photos of him & comments from the Squadron members. Please look up the photos & download them.

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  42. Just heard from Mick Norton that another ex 54 SqnRE lad has now passed away, Dave (Barney)Barnes 1966-69 (MT Troop).

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  43. Has anyone come into contact or knows the whereabouts of either Nigel Day or Capt JT Stokes.

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