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News & Notices

 

This facility has been made available so that we can update readers with any news or changes which affect the "Arborfield & The September 49ers" web site.  It is also available to anybody who would like to pass on news of interest to us all.  The information will be published in good faith and the Editor cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the details supplied.

 

Trevor STUBBERFIELD 52A

 

Published 1st April 2007

 

If you like what you see on site, please tell your friends.

If you don’t, then please send your suggestions for improving the site to The Editor from the link below.

 

Please click on the icon below to contact ‘The Editor’.

 

  Andy Dickson 66B      

 

Contact

 

 

 

 

The website is updated on a “need to” basis on the 1st and 15th day of each month.

 

After using the links below, please Click on your ‘Refresh’ button to ensure you are reading the latest version of the page.

 

 

 

Contents added

Message posted: 15th July 2021

‘CSM. Douglas Huxley MM’.  1951 Photo of Mons Officer Cadet School added to the Tribute page to Douglas Huxley.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st July 2021

The ‘Arborfield Remount Depot’ page has been updated with information and an image linked to a BBC News (South) video of the long awaited unveiling of the Monument to ‘The Arborfield Horses’.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th April 2021

‘HMT Nevasa’. The history of the troopship ‘Nevasa’ has been updated with the addition of another photo relevant to the maiden voyage in 1956 of the second version of the ship.

‘Little California UK’ has been updated with a request for information about an event that took place there in 1954, a long time ago. Fingers crossed.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st April 2021

Site News

1st April 2001 – 1st April 2021, 20 years on air.

 

Arborfield & The September 49ers.

 

(Memories of the Arborfield Army Apprentices School & Beyond.)

 

‘Where are they now?’ A simple question posed by George Millie who joined the Arborfield Intake of 49B as an Army Apprentice. ‘They’ were the boys who joined with George in September 1949. The answers soon came in and, as a meeting point, ‘The September 49ers’ web site came into being on the 1st of April 2001 with George in the post of ‘Chief Clerk’. 20 years have passed and the site has steadily grown whilst retaining the style and presentation format of that initial set up as devised by George. To recognise the contributions made by additional intakes the name changed to ‘The September 49ers & Others’. The Arborfield that we knew has disappeared under acres of concrete, tarmac, bricks and mortar but the memories linger on and the sites, such as this, that keep those memories alive become more valuable as archives of our past. A change to the title was introduced to recognise the wider aspects of the site, so it became ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’. ‘Beyond’ is now a large section and records items from around the world, many being locations where the Arborfielders settled or served. Where to now? I have secured another 2 years of space on the internet which will ensure our presence up to March 2023. As it started, so

it will continue to be ‘open to all, free to view with no registration or sign in needed’.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st February 2021

‘52A Meet Again’.updated with a long lost press cutting of a successful search for a member of 52A.

It was Kelvin ‘Bob’ Roberts. Sadly it was brought to light with the news of the Recall to H.Q. of Kelvin who died on the 11th February 2021.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st December 2020

Admin News.

The site ‘Domain Name Registration’ has been secured for a further two year period, taking it up to December 2022.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th November 2020

January 1945 photograph added to the ‘Pipe Band’ section.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 8th November 2020

‘Remembrance 2020’ added.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st November 2020

 Blackbushe Air Trooping’.  has been updated with a report on ‘Operation Encompass’. 1956 and troops were flown to the Cyprus emergency in stripped out Avro Shackleton aircraft of Coastal Command. If it flew, it would do.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st September 2020

‘Burma Star and Chindit Memorials’  Additional photos and information available, including a link to the BBC News Report of the Remembrance and Commemoration Service at the National Memorial Arboretum on 15th August 2020, ‘VJ Day’ + 75Years.

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th August 2020

‘VJ Day’ 15th August 1945 to ‘VJ Day’ + 75Years 15th August 2020.

To commemorate ‘VJ’ Day + 75, several more relevant photos have been added to the new page published at the previous site update. Even today, as through the years, the efforts of the ‘Forgotten Army’ have been quietly pushed to one side. Not here. There is to be another ceremony at the Burma Star and Chindits Memorials at the National Memorial Arboretum on ‘VJ Day’ + 75Years 15th August 2020. If available, I will add a link to any BBC Video coverage of the event which will be attended by H.R.H. Prince Charles.

Latest additional page updates available at  ‘Burma Star and Chindit Memorials’

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st August 2020

‘VJ Day’ + 75 years will be commemorated on 15th August 2020. ‘VJ’ Day marked the defeat and surrender of the Japanese forces and the end of WW 2.

The date is the same as the next site update, but already interest in the information we have on site about the Burma Campaign is attracting visitors. To keep the information relevant I have added another page containing several old photos and those taken at the National Memorial Arboretum when the ‘Chindits Memorial’ was enhanced with a bronze bust of a ‘Chinthe’, the mythical creature from which The Chindits took their title.

There has been many a debate about the wording of the Kohima Epitaph. Does it say ‘for their tomorrow’ or ‘for your tomorrow’? The answer lies in the photos of two of the first Memorials at Kohima. Or does it? Maybe they are both correct. ?. You decide.

Available from the ‘Burma Star and Chindit Memorials’ article.

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th July 2020

‘D Day’ + 75 years. On June 6th 2019, the MV Boudicca took Normandy Veterans back to France to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D Day. On board was the late John Wintle (October 1939). A number of photos have been added to the ‘Remembrance’ section of John’s Photo Album.

The ‘Arborfield Remount Depot’ page has been updated with a second link to a video showing the sculptor Amy Goodman at work on the Memorial to the horses that passed through the unit.

On the same page there were two defunct links to the article ‘Stampede on the Barkham Road’ and ‘The Wokingham Paper’. They had been nullified by a virus attack on the web site of the paper. Mike Churcher, editor of the paper has now got the paper back up and running again and, from previous experience, here on the 49ers site, we know just how much time and effort that takes. Many thanks to Mike.

 

 Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st July 2020

Two photos have been added to the album of John Wintle (October 1939). One is available from the ‘Service Life’ section showing John practising his rifle skills. The second is available from the ‘Remembrance’ section and shows the Dedication of the new Normandy Veterans Association Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire.

Both sections can be accessed from the ‘Photo Album Index Page’.

A further selection of John’s photos, kindly contributed by Susan Preece, John’s daughter, are undergoing preparation and will be available soon.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st June 2020

Sadly a new page is added to our ‘In Memoriam’ section for John Wintle (October 1939).

One new flag added to the VISITOR FLAGS section for Greenland.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 19th May 2020

I have received the very sad news of the ‘Recall to H.Q.’ of John Wintle (October 1939)’.at the age of 96. John was a very recognisable character at the Arborfield Old Boys events and will be known to many of the readers of this web site.  I am preparing an ‘In Memoriam’ tribute page for John and if anybody would like to add some words to it, then please contact me from the link above.

John generously contributed his photos and memories to the site.  They can be accessed from ‘HERE’.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th May 2020

The ‘Liberation of the Channel Islands’ article has been updated with a 1940’s photo which features the ‘Officers & Senior Ranks’ of the Army Technical School (Boys), Jersey, believed to have been taken just before the evacuation of the military personnel.  Available from ‘HERE’.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 9th May 2020

9th May 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the ‘Liberation of the Channel Islands’.  The German occupation of the Islands started on the 30th June 1940 following the mass evacuation of British troops and those civilians who wished to leave.  Amongst the troops were many Army Apprentices who were training at the Army Technical School on Jersey with the R.A.S.C.  Many transferred to our Arborfield Army Technical School to continue their training.  On site there is an eye witness account of the evacuation, kindly contributed by Marc Yates, Historian for the islands, available from ‘HERE’.

A number of those boys have contributed their recollections of the event to our site and they can be accessed from the relevant Menu from ‘HERE’.  All part and parcel of the history of Arborfield.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st May 2020

Blackbushe Air Trooping’.  1958.  Photo of N.A.A.F.I. volunteer staff en-route to Cyprus.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st April 2020

One new flag added to the VISITOR FLAGS section for Curacao.  The site has now been accessed from 176 countries.

 

Site News

1st April 2001 – 1st April 2020, 19 years on air.

 

Arborfield & The September 49ers.

 

(Memories of the Arborfield Army Apprentices School & Beyond.)

 

From the original site, ‘The September 49ers’, through ‘The September 49ers & Others’, to today’s site ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’, the basic principal still applies.  Open to all, free to view with no registration or sign in required.  The format is the same as it was when it was set up in 2001 by George Millie as a ‘Where are they now?’ base for members of his Arborfield Intake, 49B, the September 1949 Intake.  The scope of the site has widened but a guesstimated 95% of the contents can still be linked in some way, however tenuously, to the Arborfield Army Apprentice’s School and those who passed through its gates.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th February 2020

‘H.M.T. Nevasa’ (1913 – 1948). Scrappage photo and press cuttings added to the page.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th January 2020

 

News Flash.

Unfortunately, the U.K. release of the new James Bond film ‘No Time To Die’ has been delayed until November 2020.  Whilst waiting, you could look at the photographs contributed by Tony Burton of the equipment used in the making of ‘No Time To Die’, the 49ers 1958 version that is.  What goes round, comes around, eh?

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st December 2019

Jan. 1954, 1st Bn. H.L.I. weigh in for a flight to Cyprus.  See Blackbushe Air Trooping’.  Photo andText added but it incorporates some guesswork.  Looking for more information.

 

Admin News.

Thank you to those who voiced an opinion on the future of the web site.  Those thoughts were taken into account, resulting in no change to the management of the site.  It remains a fully independent web site and the long held declaration of intent remains very valid………

 

The ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ web site is open to all, free to use and no registration or sign in is required.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 7th November 2019

‘Remembrance 2019’ has been added.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st November 2019

Although ‘dormant’ for a while, there have been minor corrections and additions made during the break to keep the site readable.  With no new contributions for publication there was no need of any updates. Reports that the site is defunct can be classed as ‘fake news’, Donald style.  We will be ‘on air’ to at least March 2021 with options to extend the contracts.  Much can happen before that decision needs to be made.  For now there are one or two items which need reporting.

The first is the very sad news of the Recall to H.Q. of Terry Reddin (52A).  Terry died on the 1st of September 2019.  The news has been made available to the relevant offices of the A.O.B.A.

Terry was a very good friend of this site, contributing to it for many years.  His memoirs and photos can be found throughout the site in many sections.  He will be sadly missed by those who knew him, especially his contemporaries of the early 50s.  The younger apprentices may well remember him from the time he returned to the college as an Instructor, whilst sharing his love of photography and fishing with the lads.

Our sympathy and thoughts go out to his widow Barbara.

The second item is covered in the Admin News section below.  If you have an opinion or suggestion which is relevant, then please do share it with ‘The Editor’.  No need for names or identities, ‘Anon’ is quite acceptable and it will not be made available for public consumption, but it will all help me to formulate the future of the web site.

 

Admin News.

First a reminder of the two statements which determine how the site is presented and run.

The first is simple and available from the opening page of the site and reads thus.....

 

The ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ web site is open to all, free to use and no registration or sign in is required, therefore….

No personal information is recorded or held by this site.

 

To avoid any accusations of misrepresentation, the second statement is sent to anybody who want to share their memories and photos with us for the first time…..

 

Please note that the……

‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ web site is a stand-alone, totally independent, site and has no official connection to, nor is it endorsed or supported financially, by the ’Arborfield Old Boy’s Association’. or REME Association. 

Whatever material is submitted to this site remains, and is acknowledged as, the property of the contributor and nothing precludes the material being placed on any other web sites.

 

Out of the blue a proposal has been received from the A.O.B.A. that they should take over the ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ web site to manage it, incorporate it into their web site, and house it on their servers.  Annexation might be an apt description of intent.

The 49ers site is now in its 18th year on the internet and I have had the privilege of running it for the last 13 years.  Obviously I have an opinion on the subject which I will keep to myself for now.  I would like to hear what you think.  You may be a contributor to the site, a regular or occasional visitor, or just tripped over it whilst looking for something to read to while away some time.  Search engines regularly provide snippets of information which may attract your attention, especially if you searched for Arborfield where we can be found alongside news of the only other Arborfield that I can find.  It’s in Saskatchewan, Canada, and is very different to our version of the village.

However, more importantly, there is the question of material that has been shared by our many contributors from the four corners of the globe.  Many have no connection to Arborfield but have kindly added articles which are of interest, and do have relevance to our readers.  They maintain ownership of their items but may not want them displayed in other areas of the web.  That is just one of the many potential problems that could arise and it could affect their decision as to whether to remove it from our site.

If you have thoughts on the subject please share them with me as Anon or A N Other.  No details will be made available on this site or anywhere else. They will be crucial to any decision that has to be made regarding the future of the site.

 

Please contact ‘The Editor’.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st June 2019

The ‘Acknowledgement’ page records the contributions which help to keep the site running, made by two of our long term sponsors.  A big vote of thanks to them from ‘The Editor’.

 

Admin News.

Unfortunately, minimal interest shown in sponsoring the site has led to a review of the value of the site.

Currently the unavoidable combined fees for the Domain Name renewal and the Web Hosting Services stand at £137.01 for the 2 year contracts and are only likely to rise, making the site unviable.

The site will remain available until the first contract expires, at which point, like an old soldier, it will quietly fade away.  However, up to the point of departure, it will be kept on a minimum maintenance basis only, just to ensure that the site is on air during the paid up period.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 8th May 2019

Korea 1952-53.  Three photos added to the album of Don Thurgar (47B).  Any information that can be added to the photos would be greatly appreciated by Don’s son Michael.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th April 2019

Report of the presentation of the ‘Elizabeth Cross’ to the family of George Cassells (49B).

 

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st April 2019

1953 New Year’s Eve in London.  Photo added to the album of George Peacock (52A).

 

Site News

1st April 2001 – 1st April 2019, 18 years on air.

From the original site, ‘The September 49ers’, through ‘The September 49ers & Others’, to today’s site ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’, the basic principal still applies.  Open to all, free to view with no registration or sign in required.  The format is the same as it was when it was set up in 2001 by George Millie as a ‘Where are they now?’ base for members of Arborfield Intake 49B, the September 1949 Intake.  The scope of the site has widened but an estimated 95% of the contents can still be linked in some way, however tenuously, to the Arborfield Army Apprentice’s School and those who passed through its gates.

 

Admin News.

Unfortunately, running the web site incurs unavoidable costs.  These escalate with each new biennial contract secured.  Financial support from individual private sponsors has enabled the site to remain secure, totally independent, and free from commercial advertising for many years now.  If you are U.K. based and could be interested in helping to keep the site running, please contact ‘The Editor’ for further information.  Be assured that an enquiry will place you under no obligation whatsoever. 

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th March 2019

1954, Blackbushe to Singapore’.  9,000 miles in three days by the flying troopship.  Press release announcing the inaugural flight.  (Scroll down to the bottom of the article).

 

Admin News.

The contract, which bought space on the Internet to display the web site through 2017 – 2019, expired on March 13th.  With the Arborfield school and garrison no longer in operation, all we have left are our memories.  Understandably, contributions of new material to the site have diminished.  However, the number of visitors to the site has remained at a healthy level, increasing in recent months.  With that in mind, I have purchased a new two year contract which will keep the site ‘on air’ until March 2021.  At that point it will celebrate 20 years of availability on the internet.  Beyond that date, it would not be wise to speculate.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 8th February 2019

‘Army Technical School’ Jersey C.I.  Contributed by Marc Yates, Jersey resident and Military Historian, an unusual eye witness account of the evacuation of all Army Apprentices, Military Personnel and many of the  Civilian Population from the Channel Islands prior to the invasion by Germany in 1940.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th January 2019

One new flag added to the VISITOR FLAGS section for the Syrian Arab Republic.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 8th November 2018

‘Remembrance 2018’ added.

 

Admin News.

The web site Domain Name ‘arborfield-september49ers.co.uk’ has been secured for a further two year period taking it up to the 3rd December 2020.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th October 2018

‘Project Nominal Roll Call’.  Several names added and corrections to various sections.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st October 2018

‘Arborfield Radio Club (G3HOS)’.  In the ‘Burmese Apprentices’ section, a 1953 photo revised and information added.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st September 2018

A redistribution of photos between the ‘Photo Album’ and ‘Libyan Memories’ of Max Warwick (49B) plus several new additions.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th August 2018

‘Oil search in Libya 1957’ is a silent Pathe News clip showing landmine clearance in the desert before the search for oil could take place.  A link has been placed on the relevant page ‘Libya Scenic 03’.

Small corrections and minor alterations made to several pages to improve readability.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st August 2018

The ‘Sunday Ghibli’ pages have been completely revised and new pages added.  The full paper is now displayed.

Several contemporary Tripoli publications added.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th July 2018

Pages 7 & 8 added to the ‘Sunday Ghibli’

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st July 2018

Contemporary publications from Libya in the 1950s by John Doggett, R.E.  The ‘Sunday Ghibli’ features.  More will follow soon, preparation of the pages is continuing.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th June 2018

‘Military Moments’ in Libya. Photos contributed by John Doggett, R.E.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th May 2018

Gialo Barracks & Beyond’. More photos of the area surrounding Gialo Barracks by John Doggett, R.E.

To facilitate access to the additional Libya contributions by readers, a ‘Supplementary Index’ has been added with direct links to the various collections.

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st May 2018

‘1957, Gialo Barracks floods’.  B/W photos of the event contributed by John Doggett, R.E.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th April 2018

Several names added and corrections made to the ‘Nominal Rolls Project’.

Several names added to the ‘College Groups’ photos by Alan Walker (75C)

‘Tripoli City’ in colour slides contributed by John Doggett of the R.E. who was stationed at Gialo barracks.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st April 2018

Another collection of colour slides featuring the Roman city of Sabratha contributed by David Croton.

One new flag added to the VISITOR FLAGS section for Tanzania.

‘Detmold 1962’.  Two group photos may be of interest to Arborfield Air Corps members.  Contributed by Tom Baker of R.E.M.E.  Names and information would be appreciated.

These items had been prepared prior to the suspension of updates as explained below.

 

Admin News.

Unfortunately, due to the indisposition of ‘The Editor’ for a few weeks, updating of the web site was suspended.

My apologies to anybody waiting for a reply to their e-mail.  I will send an answer A.S.A.P.

 

SITREP.

1st April 2001 – 1st April 2018.

Today marks the completion of a 17 year presence of the ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ web site on the internet.  There have been two minor alterations to the name since George Millie (49B) first set up the site as a meeting point for members of intake 49B, the ‘September 49ers’.  The changes were made to reflect the widening scope of topics, driven by the contributions of ex Arborfield Apprentices, plus some welcome guest writers.  The site continues, thanks to the financial backing of some private individuals, the ongoing contributions from people who have relevant stories to share and, of course, the readers of the material.  Without visitors, there would be no point in continuing.  Thanks to one and all.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 15th February 2018

Another ‘Recreational Excursion’ in Libya.  Destination unrecorded but a mixed selection of local views.

‘Arborfield Remount Stables’ refurbished.  Video clip from BBC News Berkshire, (External Site).  Please note that the clip is the Copyright © of BBC News, and may be restricted to UK access only.

A photo and link has been added to the ‘Remount Depot’ page.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted: 1st February 2018

Several names added and corrections made to the ‘Nominal Rolls Project’.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  22nd January 2018

An edition of the school magazine ‘The Arborfield Apprentice, July 1952’ has been added.  It is very relevant to this web site as it covers the September 49ers (Intake 49B) in 6 Division which included George Millie who set up the site in 2001, through to the February 52ers (Intake 52A) as the junior division in H.Q. Company which included the current Editor of the site in 2018.  The magazine is printed in its entirety and includes the adverts of the day which enhance the memories of the time spent there.  It is the only edition of the 1950s era that we have.  It has been made possible by the generosity of Alan Jones (61B) who supplied the hard copy of the edition for copying to the site.  Many thanks Alan.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st December 2017

Extra photos and a new page added to the ‘Recreational Excursion’ to the Qasar al Haj in Libya.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th November 2017

Photos of an extended ‘Recreational Excursion’ to the Qasar al Haj in Libya.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  8th November 2017

‘Remembrance 2017’ added.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st November 2017

Several photos added to the ‘Arborfield Pipe Band’ section.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th October 2017

Two RMP Land Rover photos added to a revised page in the ‘Memories of Libya 1956-59’ article.  They mark the change from 10th Arm’d Div to Tripolitania District in1957.

A new follow on page accommodates some of the photos from the revised page.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st October 2017

A variety of photos added to a page in the ‘Memories of Libya 1956-59’ article.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th September 2017

Several more ‘Libyan’ photos added from the David Croton R.E.M.E collection which include……….

A selection of views of the Tarhuna Waterfall’ in the Tripolitania District of Libya.  Also………

Two revised group photos and several of a ‘Scammell Explorer Wrecker’ belonging to the L.A.D. attached to 1 Coy. R.A.S.C. which was still with 10th Arm’d Division before it was disbanded.  An additional motor cycle ‘trials’ photo on the same page.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st September 2017

Tony Burton REME has added 3 photos to the ‘Memories of Libya 1956-59’ article.

David Croton REME has contributed another large collection of photos of Libya which will be added to his pages over the coming weeks.  The first two are available from his link.

REME visit the USAF Wheelus Air Base. Photo added.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th August 2017

Photos of the 2017 AOBA Reunion and the Annual Joint Apprentice Reunion Weekend have been contributed by Max Warwick (49B).  The pages should be viewed as ‘works in progress’ and details will be added as they become available.

‘Crosses of Remembrance’ have been added to the relevant pages for Brian Charlwood (May 1939) and Derek Breeze (53B).

The name of Gilbert Brunsdon (1939) has been added to the 1939 ‘E’ Company photo previously contributed by Stanley Piggott (1939) who is also in the photograph.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st August 2017

Stephen Beviere (72C) has added information to the College ‘Passing Out Parades’ section.

Stephen has also added a Photo of ‘J’ Coy. ‘B’ Squad 72C to the College ‘Groups’ section plus names to other photos.  He has also updated the relevant sections of the Nominal Roll Project 1971-1975.

Photos 132 & 133 added to the ‘61B’ Reunion Page.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th July 2017

2 Documents added to the 61B ‘J’ Company Photos page.

 

Admin News.

To maintain the independence of the web site, no advertising or endorsement of commercial products is normally accepted, although requests are often received.

However, the badge below will be of interest to those of us who wore it as Army Apprentices, and we are now a finite number.  The use of the ‘Poppy’ symbol as the background has been sanctioned by the ‘Royal British Legion’ who benefit financially from each purchase and, as a charity, they support ex-service personnel and families in their time of need.  This is not an endorsement of the product, just an announcement of something that will be of interest to our readers.  Should anybody want further information then just………...

 

Click on the Badge.

 

‘Page 13’ (currently).

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st July 2017

Photo ‘Pipes & Drums 1962’ added to the Arborfield Bands, Pipe Band section.

A number of added photos relating to ‘Intake 61B’ are available from the ‘61B Index Page’.

Minor alterations include corrections and names added to a variety of articles on site.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th June 2017

Colonel F A H Magee, Commandant of the Arborfield Army Apprentices School 1953 – 55, remembered.

 

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st June 2017

Photo added to the ‘Docs & Photos General’ section. Viewed on e-bay. A.T.S. apprentices receiving instruction in electroplating.  Much more information needed to turn it into a record of the moment.

Photo added to ‘Memories of Libya 1956-59’ of a Morris Commercial wireless car in operation.

More names added to the ‘Project Nominal Rolls’ section.

 

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th May 2017

A sincere thank you to our sponsors who are recognised in our ‘Acknowledgements’ page.

Photos have been added to the Photo Album of Brian Paton (52A).

Various interlinks have been added to pages which are related by contributor or subject.

Several individual names have been added to the ‘Project Nominal Rolls’ section.

 

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st May 2017

David Pilcher (52B) highlighted an Obituary for Major John Sim MC, one time Company Commander of ‘C’ Company in the early 1970s.

Tony Burton REME has added photos to the ‘Memories of Libya 1956-59’ article.

Three photos have been added to the Military Memories section of the ‘Memories of Libya 1956-59’ article.

An ‘Additional Index‘ has been provided to the Libya article to gather together some of the extra contributions which are scattered around in the main web site.

Tom Owen (72C) has provided a photo of the 1973 College Rugby XV. With names.

Tom Owen (72C) has also furnished missing names to a photo in the College Groups section.

The information relating to Niel Taylor (69C) and Ralph Taylor (October 39) has been withdrawn from this web site by the contributor.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Admin News.                                                                                                            Message posted:  1st May 2017

A special thank you for the generous financial offers of sponsorship made by the very few which enable the site to continue for the benefit of the very many.

An appreciation will appear in the ‘Acknowledgements’ page once details are finalized.

Normal service can be resumed today and the site will be ‘on air’ until March 2019.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Admin News.                                                                                                            Message posted:  15th March 2017

The lack of sponsors means that as of the 11th March 2017, the ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ web site has been placed on a ‘care and maintenance only’ program.  No new material will be added nor will any revisions or corrections be made.  It will revert to a purely ‘Archival Status’

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Admin News.

Message posted:  1st March 2017

Site Sponsorship 2017 – 2019.

Whilst the site attracts a steady flow of visitors, unfortunately it doesn’t attract enough potential sponsors with just one expression of interest received.  So, although on one really exceptional day last week, there were 1,343 page turns, there comes the realisation that the site has reached the end of the line.  Over the next few days a decision will be made on whether or not it is possible to carry on in some form or another. 

Time to express sincere thanks to those who, over the last 16 years, have contributed their photos, documents and personal memories of life at Arborfield and beyond.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th February 2017

Photo added to the album of the late  Eric Wearmouth (52B).

Photo of Saracen 82-BA-65 added to the Memories of Libya 1956-59 article.

 

Admin News. (first posted 15th January 2017)

Site Sponsorship 2017 – 2019.

In common with many independent web sites, the ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ incurs unavoidable costs, the main, and only one for which funding is sought, being the purchase of space on the internet on which to display the site.  The current contract for 2015 – 17 is rapidly coming to an end (11th March 2017).

To stay ‘on air’ for a further two year period, 2017 – 19, I have to seek financial backing from private, individual sponsors. This has been possible over the last ten years but sadly a number of our regular backers have been recalled to H.Q. so I’m hoping that some new names will be added to our ‘Acknowledgements’ page.

If you would like details of the site, and how you could help to keep it alive, please contact ‘The Editor’. It will place you under no obligation whatsoever.

 

 

 Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st February 2017

Photo contributed by Bill Gibson (52A). 1955 Military Tattoo at Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen.

 

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th January 2017

The ongoing search for the missing ‘Apprentice Awards Boards’ is updated by Alan Jones (61B).

Alan Calder (REME) has added some of his photos to the ‘Memories of Libya 1956-59’ article.

 

 

 Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th December 2016

No apologies for self-indulgence by ‘The Editor’ but ‘Some days are Diamonds’.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st December 2016

Do you remember the ‘2007 AOBA Reunion’ when Arborfield was cut off by unprecedented flooding?

Not widely reported but, in July of 2016, Arborfield was once again under water.  There are links below to two reports of the disaster.  Both are external web sites so please use ‘Right Click’ to return here.

‘Arborfield Floods 2016 (1)’.               ‘Arborfield Floods 2016 (2)’.

 

One new flag added to the VISITOR FLAGS section for Swaziland.

 

  Admin News.

Today marks the 10th Anniversary on the internet of the ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ under its revised title, and with the ‘Temporary Editor’ behind the desk.  Early next year, if  funding is forthcoming, the site will mark up 16 years during which time our contributors have furnished a remarkable collection of items which record life as it was experienced by the Apprentices at Arborfield and on into the big man’s army.  Looking back at the very early days of the site one can see that the original format has stood the test of time, a tribute to the founder George Millie (49B).

Hopefully the site will continue through years 17 and 18 but, as mentioned previously, its fate is in the hands of our sponsors.  More details will follow after we have all enjoyed the coming festivities.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Admin News.

Message posted:  22nd November 2016

The domain name of the ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’ archive web site has been renewed.  This time, the registration has been purchased for a two year period and will run until the 3rd of December 2018.  This brings it more in line with the biennial renewal of the contract for the web hosting service.  This is due to be renewed early in 2017.  This will, of course, depend on the ability to raise the necessary finance to purchase the web space on which to display the site.  If successful the site will remain available up to the 3rd of March 2019.  If unsuccessful, the site will be deleted from the www and backed up on various media against the time that it may become possible to reinstate it.

Watch this space for further news.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  8th November 2016

‘Remembrance 2016’ added.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st November 2016

Two photos have been added to the album of Bill Gibson (52A).  Bill Hesleton (59A) is featured.

A report of the ‘61B P.O.P.’ has been added to their section.

The ‘Web Links’ section is being revised.  Many sites have vanished from the internet, or their U.R.L.s have been changed, which makes our links null and void.  Other internal links continue to be added to ease the path between related subjects.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th October 2016

A number of photos have been added to various collections of the ‘61B Section’.

Details of the liner ‘SS Citta di Tripoli’ added to the ‘Memories of Libya 1956-57’ article.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st October 2016

Sadly a new page is added to our ‘In Memoriam’ section for Derek Breeze (53B).

Another update to the ‘Remount Depot’ to include some relevant Corps Badges.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th September 2016

The ‘Remount Depot’ was the start of the Arborfield Garrison.  Revised links and information from a local press article added.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st September 2016

Some text and several photos added to the ‘2016 A.O.B.A. Reunion’. 

Bob Askey (72C) has added some names and information to the ‘College Groups’ section.

Remembered by many, more family history has been added to the article on ‘Fred Silver’. RP,  KRRC.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th August 2016

A ‘draft’ look at the ‘2016 A.O.B.A. Reunion’.  It will be a ‘work in progress’ for several weeks to come.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st August 2016

A ‘Cross of Remembrance’ has been added to the ‘In Memoriam’ page for John Cassells (49B).

A ‘Cross of Remembrance’ has been added to the ‘Photo Album’ of Tom Spurs (53B).

A ‘career path’ for Brian Charlwood (May 1939) has been added.

2016 AOBA Reunion. A dozen rough cut photos added on a temporary page which will be deleted when a fuller report is made available.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th July 2016

A ‘Photo Album’ has been opened for Niel Taylor (69C).

Corrections and revisions made to the memoire of Niel Taylor (69C).

A 1930 postcard of an Italian barracks in Homs, Libya, has been added to Max Warwick’s ‘Photo Album’

The Army Apprentice National Memorial web site is temporarily off air.  Meanwhile, photos of the latest gathering at Alrewas can be viewed from the ‘3rd Joint Annual Remembrance’ weekend here on site.  Pending the reappearance of the AANM site, please share the link with anybody who you may feel would be interested in the event.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  7th July 2016

An unscheduled update to make some space in the ‘In’ & ‘Pending’ trays.

A photo has been added to the memoire of Niel Taylor (69C)

A photo has been added to the memoire of Ralph Taylor (October 39)

An ex Arborfield lad is identified in photo 191 in Max Warwick’s Libyan section of his ‘Photo Album’

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st July 2016

Some detail added to the photos of the ‘3rd Joint Annual Remembrance’ weekend.

Alan Jones has contributed two photos of missing ‘Apprentice Awards Boards’ which have been located.

A ‘career path’ for Niel Taylor (69C) has been added.

Two new flags added to the VISITOR FLAGS section for Cape Verde and Lesotho.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th June 2016

A gap has been filled in the ‘1939 Roll Call’ with the name of Ralph William Taylor, (October 39).

A ‘career path’ for Ralph Taylor (October 39) has been added.

Photos of the ‘3rd Joint Annual Remembrance’ weekend at Alrewas added.  (Initial draft pages).

3 RHA in Libya 1956-7. Two pages of photos added to the ‘Photo Album’ of Max Warwick (49B)

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st June 2016

Several more added photographs and revised text are available from the ‘61B Index Page’.

A copy of a photo in 49er Dick Wright’s photo album has been added to the ‘Sporting Awards’ section.

One new flag added to the VISITOR FLAGS section for Cuba.

The flag for Myanmar (Burma) has been updated.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st May 2016

Sadly, a page has been added to the ‘In Memoriam’ section for ‘September 49er’ John Cassells.

Several added photographs and revised text are available from the ‘61B Index Page’.

 

   Admin News.

A large number of pages have been reloaded to the host server and hopefully they will take better care of them this time.  The search goes on for any more gremlins hiding on the site and causing damage.  As defective pages are identified, they will be reloaded A.S.A.P.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Admin News.

Message posted:  15th April 2016

Regrettably, a major, unidentified, glitch is affecting the web site.  Photos, and other image files, are not displaying correctly.  The effect is random throughout the pages.  Some are unaffected whilst others have several photos missing and the worst case shows a blank page.  I am reloading the affected pages to the host’s server as I identify them but, with in excess of 1,000 pages and many thousands of photos, it will be months rather than days before the site is back to full working order.  I can reassure contributors that no photos, some unique to this site, have been lost, they are safely backed up away from the computer on various forms of media.

I can but offer my sincere apologies for this failure along with my assurances that I will work to repair the damage as soon as possible.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st April 2016

1961 ‘J’ Coy, 1962 ‘C’ Coy and 1963 ‘C’ Coy photos available from the ‘Company Photos’ index page.

The final page of the ‘Arborfield Garrison Closure’ saga has been writ.  No more entries will be added.

 

Admin News.

1st April 2001 – 1st April 2016.

Today marks the completion of a 15 year presence of the web site on the internet.

From the ‘September 49ers’, through the ‘September 49ers & Others’ to the current title ‘Arborfield & The September 49ers’, the site operates on the original basis of being ‘open to all, free to view, with no registration or sign in required to access the pages’.  No personal details are recorded but, currently, visitors to the site have come from 173 countries and, to date, have 1,166 pages to browse through.  That number will increase as, when and if, more contributions are received for publication.  Thanks to our individual financial sponsors, the site will be ‘on air’ up to March 2017.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th March 2016

Another section has been added to the new 61B Collection.    Available from the ‘61B Index Page’.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st March 2016

Even more photos added to the new 61B Collection.  Available from the ‘61B Index Page’.

More to come.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th February 2016

More photos added to the new 61B Collection.  Available from the ‘61B Index Page’.

A quantity of 61B photos are still undergoing preparation prior to adding to the site.  ‘Watch this space’.

 

  Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st February 2016

A collection of photos added, recording the days of Intake 61B.  Available from the ‘61B Index Page’.

It is a ‘Work in Progress’ so drop in now and then to keep up with the additions.

 

Admin News.

Once again a vote of thanks to Max Warwick (49B) who has ensured that we retain our Domain Name for a further 12 month period.  Much appreciated Max.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  22nd January 2016

An unscheduled update to make a correction and add news to the Leslie ‘Les’ Deacon (61C). Photo Album.

Alan Jones (61B) has updated his search for the ‘Arborfield Apprentice School Award Boards’.

 

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  15th January 2016

A ‘Photo Album’ has been opened for Leslie ‘Les’ Deacon (61C).

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Contents added

Message posted:  1st January 2016

Photos have been added as a reminder of ‘Air Trooping from Blackbushe in the 1950s.

‘Variations of Lilliburlero, the R.E.M.E. Corps Quick March, can be listened to and compared.

One new flag added to the VISITOR FLAGS section for Kyrgyzstan.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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Please Note:

 

The earlier messages, dated from the 1st of January 2014 through to the 1st of December 2016, have been removed and safely archived.  This will save valuable space on the web site and should mean that the News and Notices page will load a little quicker.

 

Trevor 52A Editor

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