410 Independant Plant Troop RE

CRE song from utube

2012-02-08T15:31:00.000Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=uZiUnmRta-E

Links to other Military Web Sites

2012-02-04T12:52:00.004Z

Dave Davies ex RE has made up these links and has kindly given permission for me to publish them

Copy of advert in Thetford Times

2012-01-15T14:36:00.000Z

A copy of an advert placed in the Thetford Times by Ian H fetched good results, we now have Flash (Bob) Reynolds among our friends.

Welcome Bob

Welcome Old Friends 2012

2012-01-14T19:31:00.000Z

Bob (Flash) Reynolds, can anybody give me the name of the other guy leaning on the back of the D4.? ' Got it now didnt recognise you at first Dave West'

A warm welcome to our new found Comrades

Jim (Jock) Macauley

Norman Ford

Bob (Flash) Reynolds

Happy New Year to All and hope we have a good gathering at this 2012 reunion in coventry

Reunion 2012 Confirmation List

2011-11-23T12:07:00.006Z

Reunion Holiday Inn Coventry 1/3 June 2012

The Reunion for next year 2012, will be held at the Holiday Inn Coventry from 1 to 3 June. I have provisionally booked 15 rooms and the cost for the weekend will be £109 this will include double or twin room, breakfast Sat and Sun and Dinner Saturday night.
Dinner for the Friday night is optional and will be £10 per head, this is the same as we had last year with 11sqn but this year we will not have 11sqn with us.

We have decided to have it at the above as it is central and we have everything in the same hotel as opposed to the proposed Travel Lodge which would not have been suitable for our needs.

You can start making your booking after Christmas preferably by ringing 02476587420 and ask for Natale Traylor, as she has a lot of reunions next year make sure she gets the right dates.

Update 18 November 2011

Reunion Confirmation List 2012

To reiterate our conversation I can confirm that I have an allocation of twenty rooms (15 double & 5 twin) on hold for the 1st & 2nd June 2012.
These have been reserved at the reunion rate of £109.00 based on a two night stay including Breakfast both mornings and Dinner on the Saturday night
We cannot guarentee that this dinner will be a carvery due to the limited number of people attending however we will advise closer to the date what the menu will be.
Friday night dinner will be offered at a discounted rate of £10.00 per person, and again this menu will be sent closer to the date for your perusal
The £109.00 stated will be prepaid however we are flexible with all of our reunions and in the event of cancellation we will offer a refund
If anyone only requires the Saturday night this will be at the rate of £75.00 inclusive of Breakfast and Dinner
As this is an allocation, all unsold rooms will be released 4 weeks prior to arrival
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me
Natalie Trailor | Reservations Shift Leader
Holiday Inn Coventry M6 J2 | Hinckley Road, Walsgrave, Coventry, CV2 2HP, United Kingdom
Direct Tel: +44 (0) 2476 587 420
Hotel Tel: +44 (0) 871 942 9021
Fax: +44 (0) 2476 587404
Email: Reservations-coventrym6@ihg.com

The following have confirmed and paid for Room

John Dinger Bell and Margaret
Dave Cowel and Sister
Jim Macauley and Anne
John(Toots)Toase and Lynda
Bill (Legs) Kent and Celia
Jim (Brummie) Randle and Diana

410 Plt Trp Members(Update)

2011-11-09T22:42:00.000Z

Julian(Jim)Loach
John(Dinger)Bell 1960-62
John(Tootsie)Toase
Mick(Scouse)Ramsay1960-62
Trev(TrevTrev)Greene
Mick Malloy (Deceased 2010)
Ian Hoskins
Walter(Walt)Dixon
Bill(Legs)Kent
Jim(Brummie)Randle
George Champos 1957-59
Terry Davies 1955-57
Morris Eley 1955-56
Ron Hayhurse 1956-58
Ronald Tobin 1960-62
Ben Davidson 1960-62 Scotland)
Jim Howells 1960-62 (Canada)
Bran (Taffy) Stephens 1959-62 (Australia)
Dave Cowel 1959-63
Mike (Brummie) Milward 1959-62
Mike Hutchinson 1953-56
Peter Burleigh 1954-57
Clive Wooding 1960 - 63
Mike Leutchford 1960-63
Dave West
Jim Leeks 1952-?
Keith Orrell
Colin Brice 1955-57
Peter Tennant 1956-57
Tony Hart 1956-57
Jim Pearce
Peter (Percy)Warneck 1960-63
Olly Ollyat 1957-1960
Norman Ford 1959-62
Jim (Ochle) Macauley
Bob (Flash) Reynolds 1960-63

WANTED drunk or Alive

2011-07-14T09:51:00.000+01:00

We can Officially wear the PJM

2011-06-24T18:34:00.001+01:00

It has now been tested by lawers. Click the title to see the document

Reunion 2011 Coventry

2011-06-07T12:40:00.004+01:00

Left-Right . Jim Loach, Jim Howels,Trev Green, Brian(Taff) Stevens, Jim(Brummie) Randell, John(Dinger) Bell, John(Toots)Toase, Peter (Percy) Warnick, Mick(Brummie) Milward.

Left to Right. Olly Olliet, Dave Cowel, Jim Loach, Taff Stevens, Jim Randle, Percy Warnick, Dinger Bell, Mick (Scouse) Ramsey, Mick Milward,Trev Green, John Toase

Left to Right. Di Stevens, Joan Ramsay, Mary Loach, Margaret Bell, Pat Green, Margaret Milward, Diana Randle, Lynne Toase

Please Click on the above Photos to Zoom in or out

Troop Photo Penang 1962

2011-06-05T14:31:00.000+01:00

Some of these names may not be correct apologies to all

My Blackpool 10k Fun Run in aid of Help4Heroes 2011

2011-05-10T11:08:00.002+01:00

Completed in 63m45s

The Malaysian Confrontation 1962-66

2011-05-02T11:22:00.002+01:00

Area of main operations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia-Malaysia_confrontation

Nuclear Weapons Tests Medals Award

2011-04-18T09:06:00.000+01:00

For anyone who worked on any of these projects in Australia Christmas Island between 1952 and 1967.
here is the link:

http://www.awardmedals.com/nuclear-weapons-tests-medal-p-693.html

Military Plant Foremen

2011-02-22T12:42:00.000Z

I have just been sent this photo maybe many of you will remember them as sappers and JNCO's.
Sadly many have recently passed away.

A couple more photos

2011-02-18T12:48:00.002Z

Peter (Percy) Warneck and Bob Stott with Plant troop dog

Paddy (Minstral) Pluncket and Ron (Taff) Lawrence

Old Codgers playing in the snow

2010-12-29T12:34:00.000Z

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1821703981210&saved

Merry Christmass 2010

2010-12-24T12:46:00.001Z

John (Dinger) and Margaret would like to wish Everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY, HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR for 2011.

A Poem For Christmass

2010-12-03T10:12:00.000Z

T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE, MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY, WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO, IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES, OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT, CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR, IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED, A TRUE BRITISH SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO, OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALISED THE FAMILIES, THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS, WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE, A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM, EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER, HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE, IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT, A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES, AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED, AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS...."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL,
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED, FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE, ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR, SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

Plant Troop 410 Butterworth 1961

2010-11-12T17:26:00.002Z

Plant Troop 1961 from Ian Hoskins photo album

PJM Presentation Dave Cowell

2010-11-12T10:48:00.000Z

Dave Cowell receiving his PJM: 'At long last!!!! Ron Tobin also received his at the same time'.

Badges and Logos

2010-10-31T17:03:00.001Z

If anyone needs to purchase Blazer Badges or Embroidered logo clothing I can recommend Blackpool logos. Their Link is on the sidebar under Military embroidered clothing, very reasonable prices.

Provisional Attendence list for 410/11 Sqn Reunion

2010-10-31T16:52:00.013Z

The following have shown interest in attending the 2011 Reunion to be held at the Holiday Hotel Coventry.

Bill and Cecilia Kent. Booked
Dave and Margrit Cowell Booked
Dave WestNot Coming
Brian and Diane Stephens Booked
Jim and Mary LoachBooked
John and Lynne Toase Booked
Mick and Joan Ramsey Booked
Trev and Pat Greene Booked
Ian and Pam Hoskins Booked
Mick and Margaret MilwardBooked
John and Margaret Bell Booked
Ben Davidson Can,t make it
Ron and Wife TobinNot Coming
Jim and Diana RandleBooked
Jim Howells Booked . Jim is now unable to come.
Peter(Percy)Warneck Booked
Clive Wooding + WifeBooked

Olly Ollyat Booked

We should have 26 with Wifes/Partners

410 REUNION 2011

2010-10-25T10:28:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

We have decided that due to the high cost of Hotel charges for a venue in the Cardiff area that we hold our next reunion at the Holiday hotel in Coventry, as this is central for most people, the date we set 20th of May to 22nd of May clashes with the 11 Sqn reunion, after speaking to Hank Lawrence we have agreed to combine the reunion as most 410 members worked with 11 sqn sometime in there service, the details are as follows.

I will try to phone everyone with these details. Please let me know when you have booked.

Cheers Dinger.

410 Indep Plant Troop RE
Coventry Reunion 2011
Holiday Inn M6 Jct2
Hinckley road CV2 2HP

Booking Details

Dear Friends
The reunion will take place as proposed starting on the Friday 20th May at 14 Hrs until the morning of the 22nd May at the Holiday Inn M6 JCT2 again.
You must book and pay for your rooms direct with the hotel using this phone number 02476587420 asking for Natalie Trailor who is managing our bookings, stating 410 Indipendent Plant Troop RE( I have block booked twenty rooms). Please try and book on a week day, as Natalie does not work weekends.
To anyone who has not stayed at a Holiday Inn the rooms are a good size, clean and comfortable with twin or double beds and a good-sized bathroom, and every room has Tea & Coffee making facilities, Satellite T.V. and morning papers delivered to your room.
They do allow dogs to stay in your room for a small extra charge
The package price this year is again only £105.00 per room; Single rooms are the same price so share with a friend and share the cost as most did last year.
This rate is fully pre-paid and will require a credit/debit card in order to reserve the room, although I do believe some people paid by cheque last year!
This covers you for two people in the room for two nights, and will include breakfast on both mornings and the three course carvery dinner on the Saturday evening. Can you please tell the hotel at your time of booking of any dietary requirements?
There will not be a seating plan, just sit with your friends; this seems to work very well.
As well as being to able use the main lounge; they have agreed again to let us have the adjoining upper lounge exclusive for our use. They will also increase the seating in this area again.On the price of drinks the hotel has agreed to increase the discount on all beverages to 20% for the duration of the event, again you will have to use your name badge as a form of ID.

On the Friday evening dinner we have agreed with the hotel to change the menu from a curry evening to what we think is a better selection of menus ideas details of which we will send out at a later date.
This dinner is not included in the weekend package and again is at a cost of £10.00 per person for main course and desert for anyone who wants it (Payable on the night or booked to your room).
Hopefully this will encourage people to stay in the hotel on the Friday rather than go out for meals as this defeats the object of having a reunion!
Alternatively people can choose from the Ala Ca-rte Menu which is priced separately.
If you don’t intend to stay in on the Friday please let us know when you inform us of your booking, this is important so we can inform the hotel of the numbers for the Friday catering.

Can you please tell the hotel at time of booking if you are a member of Holiday Inn priority club to receive your points?
This reunion is totally informal, just a gathering of old friends and comrades from a very special and unique unit to talk over old times.
Again if you wish please wear your medals on the Saturday evening
Included in the price is the use of the hotels large indoor swimming pool, Sauna and whirlpool spas so if you want to use them don’t forget your costumes, towels are supplied.
Please can everyone inform me when they have booked, also if your wife or partner will be with you and names please, this is important to me as it saves having to phone people up to check, Thank you.

will be on the weekend of May 20th 21st 22nd

Boat Accident

2010-09-05T16:26:00.000+01:00

For those who didnt see the clip here is the link to it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3p5U_VNons

Any Ideas for next Reunion

2010-07-15T20:30:00.000+01:00

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for our next reunion or if anybody has anything interesting to post please email me.

Blackpool Fun Run 2010

2010-05-09T15:21:00.002+01:00

10k fun run 2010 Finish time 65 minutes

Thanks to all the people who donated we raised £200 plus £34.69 Gift aid for Help4Heroes and I didn't get any blisters?

My Army Days 2

2010-04-18T14:14:00.001+01:00

My Army Days 2

Mick Ramsays Photo Album

2010-04-17T20:33:00.000+01:00

Mick Ramsays Photos

Reunion 2010 Blackpool

2010-04-16T14:58:00.000+01:00

The 2010 reunion was held in Blackpool this year. We had a total of 29 attended this included wifes and relatives this was double our last year total. The feedback I have had indicates everyone enjoyed themselves and the weather although a little chilly held out for us. I would like some ideas for our next years venue and itinerary. Thanks for supporting my H4H sponsorship, the winner of the scratch card was J Loach and he kindly donated the prize to the charity, so they got £42+£12 and the group photo auction raised £5 making a total of £63.20 with tax rebate for the H4H charity a good effort.
Dinger.

Reunion 2010 Blackpool 13-14 April

2010-04-15T15:48:00.005+01:00

Front row left John Toase, Mick Milward, John Bell, Jim Randle, Back row left Ian Hoskins, Mick Ramsay, Dave West, Ron Tobin, Keith Orrell, Dave Cowel, Bill Kent.

2010 Reunion Members and Wifes Blackpool

Keith Orrell's Photo Album

2010-04-15T15:47:00.003+01:00

From Keith Orrell

Jim Loach, Keith Orrell

Mike Milward's Photo Album

2010-04-15T15:15:00.000+01:00

2010_04_13

Jim(Timber)Woods BEM

2010-03-25T19:30:00.003Z

I have just heard that Jim (Timber)Woods passed away on the 4 March, He had not been well for some time I spoke to his wife last September and he was in hospital then. I got the news through Hank Lawence's web site he was a great man and well respected in both 11sqn and 410 plant troop. RIP Jim

Changing Times

2010-02-26T16:57:00.005Z

John (Dinger) 2010

Young John(Dinger) 1959

Brian (Taff) Stephens Album

2010-02-25T11:57:00.006Z

Click on the above title to view the album

Brian (Taffy) Stephens Photos

2010-02-16T12:04:00.002Z

Mick Higgins? Jock D.... Danny Delaney. Me (Taffy).Occles G..?

Ray. Me. Archie. Tony Evans.Occles B...?

Major Pike(L) Geordie(Rubberlips?)Chalky White Best man@wedding

Gang of us in NAFFI inc: Me arm up. Scouse Ramsay (backL). with Legs Kent. Dennis Orielly (C). Ginger Walker (FR).

At NAFFI. Ray Carter(L).Jock Fairley.Me. 'Natio'Yorky Jennings.Billy Rose.

From Left Jock McItteric,Benny Mctae, Taffy Stephens,Robbie?,Geordie?,

Danny?,N/K?.

Brummy?, Ray Carter, Tony Evans.

From Left standing. Joe Nelson.Ray Carter.
Smudge Smithers.Jock Webster
Kneeling. Taffy Stephens.Tony Evans.

From left Mick(Higgy)Higgins.Taffy Stephens.
Mick Malloy.Billy Brown.Walt Dixon.

From left rear Jock Webster. Tony Evans.Don Davidson.
Vince Monaghan.Front right Paddy Hutchinson.
Paddy(Bulker)Orielly.Jock(Ting)Watson.Dickie Bird.Walt Dixon .

Ron (Gus) Blake

2010-01-25T11:38:00.004Z

I recieved the following email today from David the son of Ron Blake who passed away in 1999. If anyone would like to get in touch with David about Ron please email me.

Dear John

I was interested to see your 410 blog because my father, Ron Blake - or Gus as he was known - was a member and appears in your list. Unfortunately he pased away in 1999 and my mum, Jean passed away in 2007.

We lived in Penang from 1959 to 1962, came back to the UK and than went to Hameln in Germany for a couple of years before Dad left the Army after 25 years service. Dad then worked for Hampshire County Council, Somerset County Council and Suffolk County Council before he retired.

I've been doing some research on our family history and would love to hear anything you can remember about Dad's time in 410, if your paths crossed. I've recently started sorting boxes of family photographs and there are a good number of army photographs from Malaya - it would be great if you could identify some of the events or people if I can send you copies. Or if you have any which include Dad, I'd love to get copies, I've looked through your video on the website but can't see any pictures of Dad.

Do you know if the records of 410 are held somewhere, possibly in the Royal Engineers Museum?

Regards

David Blake

OBITUARIES

2010-01-22T14:35:00.009Z

I have been informed that the following ex troop members have passed away.

Not Forgotten.

Michael Higgins (Plant Op)
Ken Orrel (OC)
Ron Jarvis (Trp Sgt)
Vincent Monaghan (Armourer)
Steve Hall (Plant Op)
Don Davidson (Plant Op)
Ron (Gus) Blake (MPF)
Major Pike (OC)
Mick Malloy (Fitter/Plant Op)
Jim Woods MBE (Quartermaster)

Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM)

2010-01-16T21:45:00.006Z

Dave Cowel has sent me the link for the application form for all those who have not yet applied for their medal click the above title for the link

About the Pingat Jasa Malaysia

The Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) is a special medal of service to
eligible United Kingdom Service personnel who served from Independence
until the end of Confrontation in the security of Malaysia, during the
period 31 August 1957 and 12 August 1966 inclusive.

Ian Hoskins Reunion Photos

2009-12-15T23:00:00.003Z

Ian Hoskins Reunion Photos

Dave Cowels Album

2009-12-15T13:51:00.001Z

Dave Cowels Photos

New Found Members

2009-12-13T19:48:00.009Z

Dave Cowel, Jim (Jock) Brown, Dickie Bird.

Mike (Brummie) Milward 1959-62
Mike Hutchinson 1953-56
Peter Burleigh 1954-57
Mike Leutchford 1960-63
Keith OrrellColin Brice 1955-57
Peter Tennant 1956-57
Tony Hart 1956-57

My daughters Birthday Present

2009-11-30T12:14:00.004Z

Got to show them how it's done

Dinger Flying High

The Final Inspection

2009-11-13T20:43:00.000Z

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

‘Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?’

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
‘No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.

I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

‘Step forward now, you soldier,
You’ve borne your burdens well..
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.’

Terry Davis's Photo Album

2009-11-12T15:29:00.006Z

Click on Above Title to see Album

Dingers 10k Help for Heroes

2009-11-11T20:05:00.011Z

I am running in the next Blackpool 10k fun run on the 9 May 2011, to raise money for our lads who have been injured in recent conflicts. I did this last year and raised £274 in total with all your help. We all know how cash conscious the MOD is when it comes to paying for equipment but if you look at the H4H site you will see what they are doing with sponsors money for our comrades, its mind boggling. If you click on the above title it should take you to my Giving page where you can safely donate if you please to.

Finish of the Ennis Rotary Polkafest run. Ennis City Texas USA

Cheers Dinger

The Average british soldier

2009-11-08T12:25:00.001Z

Forces Reunited

2009-10-25T16:15:00.000Z

Email contact

2009-10-25T10:36:00.002Z

If anyone requires a members email address or telephone number please contact me.

Dinger

Message

2009-10-18T16:16:00.004+01:00

Email received from Jim Loach

Hi, Dinger,

what a first class bit of work you've done there. I am so pleased you've done it because there was something special about 410. After having served 22 yrs. 410 is always the unit that stands out in my mind as being the best unit I served in, where I learned such a lot and I think grew up too.

I spoke to Walt Dixon the other day and he said he would ring back as he was just going out but I have had nothing yet. Trev Trev rang me ther day and told me he found Ian Hoskins. The name is familiar but I can't place him. Trev is coming down to Gloucester to meet him and hopefully I'll go up to see them both as well.

I've had no luck in contacting Joe Nelson although a guy called Joe Worsnip, who knows him, said he had passed my details on to him. I think probably the email address is incorrect. I'll persevere anyway. Any Info I get now I'll pass on to you now and again well done for setting up the site.

Best regards to Margret and yourself,

Jim

Dinger,
How nice to hear from you after so many years. I recently contacted Hank Lawrence
concerning an article I intend writing for a professional journal, Plant and Equipment
Professional, PEP, which can be accessed on www.operc.com

When we were both serving in Thailand I heard a wonderful 410 story from the late, Harry Dyer.
he told me about the incident where, he? got himself stuck under a grader moulboard
and had to be extricated by local tribesmen. I wondered if any other 410 members could throw any light on the topic.

Sadly Harry died at Xmas 1999 after suffering respiratory problems for many years. I called in
to his home on spec early in 2000 only to hear he had died some weeks prior. He was a great
guy.

I have been on the website and you have done a cracking job. I look foward maybe to seeing
Ron Tobin or Olly Olyatt popping up ! Wally Boldock did a historical on either 410 or 411 plant tro ops.
I´ll drop him a line.

I am now in regular contact with ex 54 Jack Firth who lives and works in Thailand. I will copy
you in on the next round robin I email and you can trawl through the names. Sadly many ex
54 have passed on, Steve Oakley, and Mick Dunne, though many are on email. Wonder what
happened to, Charlie Hankinson, Spooky Martin, Mick Belair, Ron Dreager, Scouse Bates,
Albert Finney, etc etc.

Regards to your good lady and family,
Mick
PS I am in Gran Canaria until 6 October. Live in Wakefield.

From: Taff Stephens New South Wales

I have been trying to find members of the 410 for years ever since we have had a computer.
I was in Malaya with 410 from 1959 to 1962.
I remember you 'Dinger". I got this address from Jim Howells who is in Canad.
I emigrated to NSW Australia in 1981 with wife

Di & Bri Stephens
to me

show details 7:14 AM (15 hours ago)

Jim Howells sent me your Blog Address and this email address.
Hope it gets to you.

I am Brian (Taffy) Stephens from Newbridge South Wales when I was in th Engineers from 1958 - 1964
I was in 410 Ind Plant Troop in Malaya from 1959 - 1962 when I went back to Ripon Yorks.
Got married in 1963 and left the army in July 1964.
Emigrated to NSW Australia in 1981.
Good to see some familiar names on your site.
Keep up the good work.
I have been looking for Ray Carter for years on this computer.

Ray, Joe Nelson and Tony Evans. I knew a Jim Roach whose wife Mary and son Andrew came to visit me in Newvridge S.Wales after I left the army. His son was a baby in 1964.
There was a "Smudger" Smithers, Paddy Arnold and Paddy Hutchinson.
Has anyone heard from any of them to your Knowledge.
I will keep in touch on the blog.
Had the shock of my life todau when I got email from Jim Howells saying he had found your Blog.

Keep in touch.
Regards
Brian (Taffy) Stephens

Always a Sapper.

Email received 25/01/2010 reference Ron(Gus)Blake

David Blake
to me

show details 9:53 PM (13 hours ago)

Dear John

I was interested to see your 410 blog because my father, Ron Blake - or Gus as he was known - was a member and appears in your list. Unfortunately he pased away in 1999 and my mum, Jean passed away in 2007.

We lived in Penang from 1959 to 1962, came back to the UK and than went to Hameln in Germany for a couple of years before Dad left the Army after 22 years service. Dad then worked for Hampshire County Council, Somerset County Council and Suffolk County Council before he retired.

I've been doing some research on our family history and would love to hear anything you can remember about Dad's time in 410, if your paths crossed. I've recently started sorting boxes of family photographs and there are a good number of army photographs from Malaya - it would be great if you could identify some of the events or people if I can send you copies. Or if you have any which include Dad, I'd love to get copies, I've looked through your video on the website but can't see any pictures of Dad.

Do you know if the records of 410 are held somewhere, possibly in the Royal Engineers Museum?

If you'd like to give me a ring, my number is (Contact Dinger) I'm there most of the time at the moment.

Regards

David Blake

54 Corps Fld Prk Sqn RE Singapore

2009-10-08T11:35:00.003+01:00

I have been looking for any website for 54 as they amalgamated with 410 in 1962. I would be grateful if anyone can point me to such a site then I can link it to this site, as we continued working under the 410 troop banner in Borneo for quite a while after amalgamation.

Looking for 410 ex members

2009-10-06T14:56:00.018+01:00

Can anyone pass on any information or contacts for the following:

Vince Monaghan - Armourer
Olly Olliat - Plant
Brummie Millward - Plant Op Found
Bob Stott - Plant Op
Percy Warnick - Fitter(Found)
Chippey Carpenter -Chief Clerk
Flash Reynolds - Plant Op
Jim (Jock) Brown - Fitter
Bill Skelt - Driver
Denis Orielly - (Bulker) Plant Op
Mick Molt - Plant Op
Norman Ford - Fitter
Jim Watson - (Ting) Fitter
Paddy Plunket - Plant Op
Mick Norseworthy - MT
Brian(Taffy)Stephens - MT (Found)
Jim Howells - Plant (Found)
Dick Elson - MT
Ron (Gus) Blake - MPF
Spud Taylor - Plant Op
John Frazer - Plant Op
Taff Lawrence - MT
Taff Evans - Plant
Taff Roberts - Plant
Jim Powell - Plant Cpl
Ray Jacks - Plant Op
Bill Stevenson - Plant Cpl
Dickie Bird - Fitt/Turner
Wally Ferguson - Pay Clerk
Capt Leutchford 2i/c
Rodger Timlin - Plant Op
Clive Wooding - Plant
Ron Jarvis - Troop Sgt
Paddy Arnold -Plant Op
Paddy Hutchinson - MT
Bill Brown - Plant OP
Joe Nelson - MT
Ray Carter - MT
Smudge Smithers - MT
Tony Evans - MT

Trev Green and Wife Pat + his Photos 2009

2009-10-05T18:18:00.004+01:00

From the Top
Trev Green And Pat
John Toase and Lyn
Mick Ramsay and Jim Loach
John Bell and Margaret

Looking for comrades

2009-09-16T09:57:00.001+01:00

Hello

I am sending this email on behalf of my dad George Champos who served in the royal engineers 410 from 1957 to 1959 in MALAYA he is looking for any comrades especially one called John Green born in Hull can you help do you remember my dad ??he was cypriot.

look forward to hearing from you

Rebecca

Reunion 2010 Blackpool 13-14 April With guest List

2009-09-10T16:29:00.030+01:00

I have now confirmed with the hotel that we will be holding our reunion there. The manager Rosemary has kindly reserved the whole of the hotel for us until 31 January, hopefully we will know total numbers by then.

Address is Windsor and Westmoreland Hotel

www.windsorwestmorland.co.UK

256-258 Queens Promenade

Blackpool FY2 9HB.

01253 351 907

There is no single room supplement charged, the prices are confirmed at £18.50B&B per person and evening meal is £5 buffet type , £8.50 sit down 3 course dinner with coffee cheese & biscuits. I have provisionally ordered a buffet for the 13 and a sit down meal for the 14.

The buffet is the usual salad and cold meats with a curry and rice. The sit down meal is waiter service for starters & sweet and help yourself at the carvery with a choice of roast meat, the coffee cheese and biscuits is normally extra but she is including it for us.

There are 11 car parking bays at the front of the hotel and parking on one side of the streets either side of the hotel.

The manager prefers that everyone books directly with her (Rosemary) quoting RE reunion so she can take individual requirements. She will require a £10 per room deposit on booking. 01253 351 907

Confirmed coming so far are:
(PAID)=Deposits paid

Mick Ramsey and Joan (Paid)
John Toase and Lynn (Paid)
Myself (Dinger) and Margaret (Paid)
Ian Hoskins and Pam (Paid)
Trev Green and Pat (Paid)
Jim Loach and Mary (Paid)
Jim Randle and Diana (Paid)
Bill Kent and Cecilia (Paid)
Dave West (Paid)
Mick (Brummie)Milward (Paid)
Dave Cowell and Margrit (Paid)
Ron Tobin (Paid)
Ben Davidson and Mrs (Paid)
Son Of Ben Davidson (Paid)
Keith Orrell and Karen(Keiths Daughter) (Paid)
Mark Strickland (Keiths Orrell's Grandson) Buffet meal only

Not confirmed:

George Champos

Hi all, It would be helpful if everyone who has already booked accommodation at the Westmoreland Hotel for this years reunion would confirm it on this blogs comment box below,
Cheers Dinger.

410 History Hong Kong

2009-08-31T10:15:00.001+01:00

Hong Kong - 1945-97

The proclamation of the Communist Chinese Peoples Republic (CCP) in 1949 led to a flood of refugees into the British colony of Hong Kong and the likelihood of a CCP Red Army invasion. Reinforcements (40 Infantry Division) were deployed to Hong Kong to assist to secure the border between China and the colony.

The engineer units deployed were:

* 1 Independent Field Squadron RE (transferred from Malaya)
* 50 Field Squadron RE (deployed from the UK)
* 24 Field Regiment (25, 37, 39 Field Squadron RE and 46 Field Park Squadron RE - later renumbered 54, 56, 11 and 15 respectively)
* 41 CRE Works
* 410 Plant Troop RE
* 40 Infantry Division Postal Unit RE
* Transportation Supervisory Unit

On their arrival in the engineers were tasked with strengthening the borders between China and Hong Kong. To do this they repaired mine fields, thickened the wire, and constructed gun emplacements, observation (OP) and command posts (CP) along the northern border of the New Territories. They also laid a 12 mile water pipeline, built camps and constructed a 24-foot class 70 all-weather road to link the villages of Tsun Wan and Sek Kong (known as Twisk or TWSK). The road was completed in May 1953.

In early 1950 67 and 68 Field Squadron (Gurkha) RE arrived in Hong Kong from Malaya. At the same time the other engineer units operated as Infantry, tasked with protecting the north eastern borders of the New Territories.

The Hong Kong Squadron RE was formed in July 1952, from locally recruited Hong Kong Chinese. The redesigned 82 Independent (Hong Kong) Squadron RE in 1982.

Reunion 2009

2009-08-15T11:35:00.004+01:00

From the left Jim(Brummie)Randle. Mick(Scouse)Ramsay. Ian Hoskins. Julian(Jim)Loach. John(Dinger)Bell. Trevelin(TrevTrev)Green. Bill(Legs)Kent. John(Tootsie)Toase.

Upload Photos to web album

2009-08-07T15:10:00.002+01:00

1. Open a Picasa account at http://picasaweb.google.com/
2. Click the settings link in the top right-hand corner.
3. On the general tab, in the 'Upload photos by email section', check the box next to allow me to upload photos by email.
4. Enter a secret word,6-15 characters long. As you enter the word, an email address appears .
5. Click the save changes button.
6. To email your photos. Just attach them to an email message and send it to the newly-created address.

Use the subject line to add captions or to include the photos in a specific album. If the email subject line matches an existing online album title(IE: 410 Reunion 2009 Birdlip). your photos will be uploaded to that album. Otherwise the subject line will instead be added as a caption and the photos will be placed in the Drop box album.

My Album is - 410 Reunion 2009 Birdlip

Reunion 2009

2009-08-06T17:04:00.012+01:00

My Army Days with audio

2009-08-01T21:03:00.004+01:00

Terendack Today showing Airstrip

2009-07-30T12:58:00.002+01:00

John Dinger 1963 and 2009

2009-07-10T16:40:00.006+01:00

Then
Now

Dingers Photo Album

2009-07-07T16:57:00.010+01:00

My Army Days

Click photo to open album

Posting comments

2009-07-05T23:35:00.004+01:00

If you want to post a comment- In the 'comment as box' select a name ie; your own name or nickname. Could you also email me your email address if you have not already given it

Any ex 410 plt trp RE Around

2009-07-01T19:08:00.002+01:00

If you served in the Unit please contact me. A reunion is being organised.
Dinger Bell

2009-07-01T16:02:00.000+01:00

Hi I have created this blog to try to bring together ex 410 personal who served in the Far East until the Troop was disbanded in 1962