Changes In Duties and Composition of Military Forces and Amendments to the Corps Warrant
ELIZABETH R.
WHEREAS WE have deemed it expedient to make certain changes in the duties of Our Corps of Royal Engineers, Our Royal Army Service Corps, Our Royal Army Ordnance Corps and Our Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers;
AND WHEREAS for the purposes of these changes it is necessary that certain officers of these corps shall be transferred from the corps from which they are at present serving to others of these corps;
AND WHEREAS by reason of these changes We have determined to change the designation of Our Royal Army Service Corps;
OUR WILL AND PLEASURE is that the transfer of officers necessitated by the said changes shall be effected by 15th July 1965, and that with effect from that date Our Royal Army Service Corps shall be designated the Royal Corps of Transport.
Accordingly with effect from 15th July 1965 the amendment contained in the Schedule hereto shall be made to the Schedule of Our Warrant dated 22nd December 1961 declaring what bodies of Our Military forces shall be Corps for the purposes of the Army Act, 1955.
Given at Our Court at St. James’s, this 26th day of March 1965, in the 14th Year of Our Reign.
By Her Majesty’s Command,
DENIS HEALEY
ADDRESS
BY
FIELD MARSHAL SIR RICHARD HULL, GCB, DSO Chief of the General Staff
AT THE ROYAL CORPS OF TRANSPORT FORMATION PARADE, ALDERSHOT
ON 15TH JULY 1965
The following message has been received today by your Representative Colonel Commandant from your Colonel-in-Chief, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester:
“On this historic day, from which date it has been decreed by Her Majesty The Queen that the Royal Army Service Corps shall be designated the Royal Corps of Transport, I send best wishes to all ranks of the Royal Corps of Transport wherever they may be serving. In so doing, I wish to take this opportunity to say goodbye to those officers and men of the Royal Army Service Corps who have been transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and to welcome those of the Corps of Royal Engineers who have today joined the Royal Corps of Transport.”
Continued from Page 2
This is indeed an historic day.
As many of you will know, during the past few years we have given a lot of careful thought to the reorganisation of the Army’s logistic services, and we have taken many important decisions. These decisions affect most of the major logistic corps in one way or another. But the decision to establish one corps – the Royal Corps of Transport to be solely responsible for all the transport support of the Army – this was the most far-reaching decision of all.
The resulting changes have meant that a number of officers and men have had to transfer from one corps to another, in particular from the Royal Engineers to the Royal Corps of Transport, and from the Royal Army Service Corps to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. I know well that no one likes changing his cap badge, and many are doing this after long and loyal service to their parent corps. But these changes are inevitable if the new Corps is to have a proper balance of skills and is to achieve maximum efficiency with the greatest possible economy of manpower.
Those of you on parade here today symbolise the two corps which together provide the officers and the men to form the Royal Corps of Transport. Some of you have been proud to belong to the Royal Engineers, a corps with many great traditions. Others have been no less proud to belong to the Royal Army Service Corps which traces its history back to the Royal Waggoners of 1794. You are now members of one and the same corps.
Because the new Corps is to be called the Royal Corps of Transport, and because the Royal Army Service Corps has provided such a large proportion of its ranks, it is appropriate that today’s ceremony should be held in Aldershot, its regimental home. Throughout the world, however, similar ceremonies to mark this occasion are taking place: I hope that what I say will be taken as being addressed to the Royal Corps of Transport wherever it may be serving.
To you then, who now belong to the Royal Corps of Transport, I would stress two things. First, in all the careful planning which has led to today’s ceremony to mark the formation of the Royal Corps of Transport, there has, I know, been the greatest spirit of goodwill and co-operation between the two corps concerned. I am sure that this spirit will continue into the future and that everyone will have an overriding determination to establish your Corps as one of the finest – loyal, efficient and dedicated to its task. Second, while you can look back, with pride, on the great traditions of the two corps from whose ranks the Royal Corps of Transport has been made up, it is of far greater importance that you should, all of you, look ahead to your future partnership and to the opportunities which it gives. You are now the transport corps of the Army, and the Army will count on you for every form of transport support, by land, sea and air. To achieve this, you will have to operate in peace and war a very wide range of vehicles, rail transport, vessels, light aircraft – and animal transport.
Your task in war was best summed up by Sir Winston Churchill. He always took a critical interest in the size of the Army’s logistic support: yet, more than most he recognised the need for an efficient transport organisation. His words were:
“Victory is the beautiful, bright-coloured flower. Transport is the stem without which it could never have blossomed”.
This picture is one to remember: it offers a tremendous challenge to the Royal Corps of Transport. I have every confidence that you will prove yourselves worthy of the trust the Army places in you.
President of the RASC & RCT Council
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Colonel Nigel Gilbert on his award of an MBE in the recent King’s Birthday Honours List. I am sure that all will agree that it would be difficult to think of a more deserving person to receive national recognition for the support he has given to veterans over many years, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and as Chairman of the RASC and RCT Association. I know that we all very much appreciate his quite outstanding contribution.
In the last edition of the Waggoner, I reflected on the background to the formation of the RCT on 15 July 1965 following a comprehensive review of logistic services.
At the formation parade in Aldershot, Field Marshal Sir Richard Hull GCB DSO, Chief of the General Staff, confirmed that establishing the RCT to be solely responsible for the land, sea and air transport support to the Army, was the most far-reaching decision within the reorganisation of the Army’s logistic services, involving the transfer of officers and soldiers from the Royal Army Service Corps and Royal Engineers to the RCT. He emphasised that the task given to the Corps was best summed up in the words written by Sir Winston Churchill, highlighted on the front cover:
“Victory is the beautiful, bright-coloured flower. Transport is the stem without which it could never have blossomed.”
We all know these words to be true, reinforced time and time again during numerous operational deployments throughout the history of the Corps, including Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia, the Gulf, the
Falklands and during the Cold War. In addition, the Corps was deployed on many occasions to support civil authorities within the UK. The peacetime role of the Corps to support troops stationed around the world was both constant and demanding.
I have absolutely no doubt that all who served in the RCT will have a deep sense of pride in their service and of their individual and collective contributions to the success of the Corps and the reputation the Corps rightly enjoyed within the Army. In that regard, we should not underestimate the legacy the RCT received from the RASC, particularly from those who continued to serve with great pride and commitment in the RCT. We must therefore remember that, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the formation of the RCT, RASC officers and soldiers were required to rebadge and transfer to the RCT and RAOC.
We will have very fond memories of the units within which we served, the countries where we served, the barracks and quarters within which we lived. We also remember our various roles supporting the Army, and increasing the other Services, in both peacetime and when deployed on operational duties. I would, however, suggest that our special memories will be of those who we served with, the friendships we formed and the opportunity, privilege and pleasure of command at whatever level. Let us never forget the contribution of our families and the resilience of our children. They were subjected to frequent periods of separation, the constant packing and moving and the numerous changes of schools. Who can forget the art of erecting and dismantling MFO boxes.
After 60 years this is precisely why we continue to come together to renew friendships, reminisce, embellish war stories, relive great sporting achievements and celebrate our service with the RCT, not forgetting the pride we still feel when we hear our famous and infectious Corps march, Wait for the Waggon.
At one minute before midnight on Saturday 4 April 1993, the RCT Headquarters Sergeant Mess proudly lowered the RCT flag in Buller Barracks for the last time. The next day The Royal Logistic Corps, no less proudly, raised the RLC flag in Deepcut. All can be very proud of the legacy handed to the RLC, including the officers and soldiers transferred to The RLC. Over the past 32 years, The RLC itself has established an equally impressive and professional reputation within the Army in peacetime and in support of a great many very challenging operations.
Brigadier Paul Evans OBE DL
“The Future of the Association is on a firm footing and remains bright.
Chairman RASC & RCT Association
I would like to begin my report by thanking so many friends and colleagues for the very many emails, cards, letters and phone calls congratulating me on my award of the MBE for services to veterans in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Needless to say, it was a total surprise, and I was notified by a letter from the Cabinet Office at the beginning of May. The letter made it clear that the award was in the strictest confidence and was not to be divulged until the official publication on 14th June. This was not easy, particularly as I was attending the RASC & RCT Council Meeting on the 10th June and the RASC & RCT London Lunch in the RAG the following day, however I managed to keep a straight face and kept schtum. The whole experience has been both overwhelming and humbling and I count myself very fortunate to have had the support of Maureen throughout the many years that I have been involved with the Association.
2025 marked the 80th Anniversaries of both VE and VJ days, however it also marked the 60th Anniversary of the RCT. As the years pass, fewer of our veterans served prior to 1965 in the RASC, and no doubt many reading this were either teenagers or younger in 1965.
Now that I am an octogenarian, I can recall the date very clearly. I was a Second Lieutenant and was a Platoon Commander in 23 Tk Tptr Coy RASC about to be 23 Tk Tptr Sqn RCT, in Sennelager. Little did I know then that eighteen years later I would return to command 7 Tk Tptr Regt RCT and meet up with many from the 1960s.
The major event celebrating the 60th Anniversary was Corps Weekend on the 12th and 13th July, which is recorded in a separate article. It was a privilege for the Association members attending to be joined on the Sunday by Mrs Joy Carrington and Mrs Valerie Wills both of whom were so supportive to the Association when Major General Colin and Lieutenant Colonel Roger were President and Chairman respectively over many years.
Throughout the past four months, several Regional AGMs have been held, to which either myself or our Secretary, or indeed both, have attended. They give us the opportunity to hear from the grass roots what is uppermost in the minds of the membership and allay any fears about our future. In addition, Regional Chairmen attended the 137th Committee of Management meeting held on 9th April in Worthy Down. I was pleased to welcome Major Tony Igoe, the newly appointed Chairman of the Scottish Region, to his first meeting as well as Mr Kevin Marshallsay, Vice-Chairman of Southwest Region, who was standing in for Major Mark Corthine.
The future of the Association is on a firm footing and remains bright. The membership is steady at around 5,000, and despite the inevitable loss of a number of older members, it is good to record that new members are joining each week, and it is hoped that many will join our Regional Branches, along with veterans of The RLC who at long last have been made aware of the locations of all the Forming Corps Branches. We are also encouraging all Forming Corps veterans to join our branches should they wish.
2Lt Gilbert, B Pl Comd, 23 Tk Tptr Coy RASC, Sennelager, 15 July 1965
Chairman RASC & RCT Association
On the subject of branches, many of you will know that the RASC and RCT Retired Warrant Officers and SNCO’s Club has been running for many years. However, following recent work between the Association Secretary and the Club committee, I would like to welcome them as our newest Branch of the Association. We look forward to working with the Branch who have recently updated their constitution to enable former WO and SNCOs of The RLC to join them.
Migration to The RLC is still a number of years away, and The RLC Association is looking at its future structure to enable it to look after its own fraternity needs as well as those of the Forming Corps in the longer term. Looking to the future, our Association reaches its centenary 1st October 2027. That is a significant milestone and your Committee of Management will be putting on ‘their thinking caps’ to see in realistic terms how we celebrate the occasion.
On 21st April, Maureen and I were guests at the Retford Tank Transporter Reunion. Retford was the original home of 19 Tk Tptr Coy RASC, based in Ranby Camp which is now a prison! There were some seventy attendees, and it was particularly good to meet up with Paul Moreton, Pete Shields, Keith Meakin and their wives after many years. My thanks go to Kenny Mintram and Bob Morrison for making all the arrangements.
I attended the Norton Manor Group Junior Leaders Battalion RASC Annual Reunion on 21st June in Coventry, organised by Mike Mason. It was a great occasion, with much laughter, including being invited to replace RASC pocket badges with RCT and RAOC badges on two volunteers.
On 26th July, Maureen and I were guests at the Southwest Region Dinner in Taunton. It was a well organised event, hosted by Major Mark Corthine, the Regional Chairman. Amongst the guests was Brigadier Stephen Rayson, currently Deputy Commander Home Command, and a Colonel Commandant of The RLC. We were delighted to meet up with Major Barry Etheridge and his wife Brenda
who we had not seen since 1979 when he was RSM 8 Regiment RCT in Munster and I was OC 5 Sqn. It was also good to meet up with Mick Davis who I served with in the 1960s.
Nobody is quite sure what Colonel Nigel said to Major Mark Corthine on the dance floor at the Southwest Region Dinner
Finally, and on a sad note, Maureen and I attended the funeral of Colonel Mark Baker in Devizes on 26th June. He had suffered for many years with prostate cancer. We were good friends over decades and, as well as being Regimental Colonel of The RLC, he was a Captain of Invalids at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, where we overlapped for six months.
He was Chairman of the London Region of the Association for eight years and was a major contributor on the Committee of Management. The attendance of hundreds at his funeral was testament to his years of service and a fitting tribute by his many friends. May he rest in peace.
Colonel Nigel Gilbert MBE
Secretary RASC & RCT Officers’ Club
This year’s Officers’ Club Over 90s Lunch took place in the Officers’ Mess, Regent’s Park Barracks on 14th August, where the Chairman of the RASC & RCT Officers’ Club, Brigadier PAD Evans OBE DL, hosted seven officers who were in their nineties. Accompanied by their families and including a hosting party, twenty-eight people enjoyed a delicious formal lunch in a memorable setting. The attentive Mess staff clearly enjoyed meeting the guests and presenting this unique officers’ mess splendidly. The Officers’ Club Over 90s Lunch is open to all members who celebrate their ninetieth birthday in this calendar year, or who are already ninety years old. It is advertised annually in The Waggon Master, those wishing to attend should contact the Secretary.
In March the Worthy Down Museum Visit and Curry Lunch was once again very popular. The Museum opened a little earlier at 11 o’clock which gave visitors more time to appreciate the displays. Over seventy people enjoyed a delicious starter followed by an ‘old school curry,’ with a selection of sweets to follow. Looking forward, on 5th October the curry lunch will have an added extra celebration. There will be a tree-planting ceremony of ‘The Appleyard Oak.’ Some 20 years ago Major (Retd) Marco Ciotti, a keen battlefield tour guide, gathered four acorns from Monte Cassino Commonwealth War Cemetery. These lay in front of the slab that lists those with no known grave - specifically Maj JG Appleyard RASC DSO MC and Bar, one of the original SAS officers. The fourth oak, which is now over seven feet high, will be sited beside the route between the Officers’
Mess and the Officers’ Training Wing.
The Officers’ Club was once again well represented at the Annual Service of Rededication and Thanksgiving which took place during Corps weekend on Sunday 13th July at The Cathedral Church of St Michael and St George, Aldershot and afterwards at a curry lunch at the Village Hotel, Farnborough. The families of the officers who had died in the preceding year, and who attended to view the Memorial Tablets in the RASC & RCT Chapel, were extremely grateful to have been hosted so graciously and attentively by the members.
The RASC & RCT Luncheon Club’s summer event for 2025 took place on 11th June and was, as usual, very well attended. The Club celebrated the 75th anniversary of its foundation, for which a special commemorative menu card and historical booklet were produced. The final Officers’ Club event this year will be the annual Black Tie Dinner, which will be held once again at The Village Hotel, Farnborough on Friday 24th October. The meal will be accompanied by the Bagshot Concert Band whose rousing rendition of ‘Wait for the Waggon’ at the end of the meal last year was unforgettable. The hotel’s facilities include a gym, a heated indoor swimming pool and a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, so members who are attending should remember to pack their swimming essentials! Those wishing to attend should contact the Secretary.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Duncan rasc-rctcouncilsec@rhqtherlc.org.uk
The Over 90s and hosts at Regent’s Park Barracks Officers’ Mess
Secretary RASC & RCT Association
I must start my notes by adding my own personal congratulations to Colonel Nigel on his welldeserved award of the MBE. In this role I see first-hand the hard work, commitment and leadership that he provides to the Association, as well as many hours travelling to and supporting events across the country. He does so with huge enthusiasm and is also so well supported by Maureen. Colonel Nigel… We are immensely proud of you. Well done!
As we celebrate RCT 60 I have tried to provide a flavour of the events and members’ own memories of the formation of the RCT on 15th July 1965. I am sorry that I have not been able to include all of those that were submitted to me. I do think it’s also important to remember that for some this is also about commemorating 60 years since the dissolution of the RASC, with which so many of our members had strong connections. For them 15th July 1965 was a sad day as overnight they ‘lost’ comrades who could not remain with the RASC and were transferred to the RAOC. I have also included some of their personal accounts. I must also thank John Phillips for all his help with artwork, notably with the commemorative badge on the inner front cover.
I am very grateful to Lt Col Robin Moore, my predecessor in this role, who as an accomplished artist accepted my invite to produce a picture commemorating 60 years of the RCT. His task was challenging, as it’s impossible to include all of the range of trades in the Corps. However, I am sure you will agree that the result is a stunning montage of typical scenes which we will all be able to relate to in some way. Details are in this publication.
I would like to bring to your attention the new RLC App. This is a fantastic development, led by the Master General Logistics. Members are encouraged to use and embrace the App and importantly to join the RASC & RCT Association Group. Those who do will immediately see how it will connect and inform all members of the wider Corps family. There is a real opportunity for branches to report on events that have taken place and to advertise forthcoming events and invite others (both RASC/RCT, RLC and
other Forming Corps members) to attend. This in turn will attract those in their local area to the fact that they have a local branch that they can join.
Please join the App and remember to also join the RASC & RCT Association Group. My aim is to have more members of our Group than The RLC and other Forming Corps. There is a little friendly competition amongst the RLC and Forming Corps Secretaries, so please help me to achieve this. See the RLC App article for further details.
Please could I once again remind members about the Benevolence support that is available. Details are on the website (https://www.royallogisticcorps. co.uk/community/benevolence-fund/) and I have published more details in previous publications.
I have been asked recently about support to families following the death of a member. Funeral expenses are a legitimate and proper charge to the estate of the deceased. If the estate of the deceased serviceman/woman or spouse is likely to be insufficient to meet the funeral costs and close relatives are unable to contribute, the Benevolence Fund will consider reasonable assistance in cases where real need is established and usually only after Social Fund (Department for Work & Pensions - DWP) help has been sought and the response recorded. Help cannot be given towards the costs of headstones or other memorials. The RLC Benevolence team are amazing and will do their best to help and support, so if you are not sure or think that someone you know may need help please ask.
I have been asked by a member to help him find a lost friend. Details are in the box below. I am considering including a ‘Lost Friends’ feature in a forthcoming edition. Please contact me if you would like to have an entry included.
Finally, I am continuing to encourage members to ‘go digital’ and receive the Waggoner by email. If you would like a digital copy only, please email me and I will amend your record on the database.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hick rascrctsec@rhqtherlc.org.uk
Lost Friend
I’m looking for a lad, Peter “Bonny” Prosser, who I went through basic training with at Buller Barracks in 1983. We were very close and helped each other and also took responsibility to help others, as I was one of the oldest at 20. After driver training, I was posted to 36 Sqn,10 Regt and Bonny was posted to 35 Sqn, 3 Div, along with lads like Nigel Pitt. I would be grateful to hear from anyone who can help.
Alan McNamara (Chairman, Glasgow Branch & Treasurer Riders’ Branch) jtm355@hotmail.com
ROYAL CORPS OF
TRANSPORT
60TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE PICTURE
Former Association Secretary, RCT veteran and accomplished artist, Lt Col Robin Moore, was commissioned to produce a painting to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the formation of the RCT.
This stunning artwork was unveiled at Corps Weekend. Robin kindly donated number 1, of a limited-edition run of 200 signed prints, for the raffle. Prints are now available in A2 size for £20 (inc postage and packing to UK addresses). If you would like one of these prints, please contact Robin at the following email address: robin.rct60@gmail.com
RCT Golf Society
The RCT Golf Society held its first event for several years at Tidworth Garrison Golf Club on Tuesday 19th August. The opposition was the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Golf Society.
After a hard-fought but friendly match between two teams of ten golfers, the result was a worthy draw. Further matches are planned against the RAOC Golf Society, the ACC Golf Society and the Transport Golf Society. Paul Duncan
Pictured (left to right): Bill Bailey, Philip Brown, Ian Lamble, Ian Griffiths, James Ferrier, Paul Duncan, Ian Alexander, Robin Moore, Billy Thompson, Mike Lake
VE Day 80th Anniversary Commemorations
Branches around the Country commemorated and celebrated VE Day 80. Many branches held dinners to celebrate the day. The Association is delighted to be able to provide grants for these events and to see so many members being able to enjoy the day and benefit from Association membership.
Members of London Branch enjoyed the VE Day Concert at Horse Guards Parade on 8th May. IP Arthur English was in full voice
Ayrshire Branch taking the lead on the VE Day Parade in Irvine and lighting the beacon. The parade was led by Branch Chairman Ian Muir
Trevor Evans once again paraded in Bideford where he placed a wreath for A G Balkwill, a Driver in the RASC who gave his life on 6th October 1943, age 33
Branch members in the Memorial Garden at Litherland British Legion
On 15th July 1965, as a young Captain, I had just arrived at the All Arms Junior Tradesmen’s Regiment in Troon, Scotland, having spent the previous three years in the Gurkha ASC in Hong Kong. I took over as Assistant Chief Instructor from Captain Michael Young (RASC/RCT) and was responsible for the training of young recruits as Driver/Radio Operators, Drivers or Clerks. JTR Troon was similar in some ways to a boarding school in that there were three terms in the year and evening extra-mural activities were encouraged. Outside work I trained the athletics and cross-country teams for Scottish and Army competitions.”
Lt Col Tony Skipper
Sefton
VJ Day 80th Anniversary Commemorations
On 15th August 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced the Japanese surrender to the Allies. It also brought an end to the Second World War.
On the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day, numerous events were held throughout the country to remember the sacrifices of so many. These included those who fell or served in uniform; civilians who had been interned by the Japanese; and in particular those who had been either prisoners of war or forced labour of the Japanese; or indeed both.
All who had served in the Far East Theatre suffered privations; the enemy, climate, disease and topography all of which combined to make this theatre so tough. It was particularly savage for prisoners of war and civilian internees, who were, without any consideration of the Geneva Conventions, compelled into forced labour. Their many stories of great fortitude, comradeship and perseverance in the horrors of their barbarous treatment makes both painful reading and engenders our universal and long-lasting admiration of them.
I was fortunate to be in the congregation at Norwich Cathedral on 15th August 2025 for the Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance on the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day, organised by the National FEPOW Fellowship Association. The Cathedral was packed to its 1,200 seat capacity. HRH The Duke of Gloucester and the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk were present, together with Civic and Cathedral Foundation dignitaries. General Lord Dannatt represented the Armed Forces.
The service was a solemn reminder of all of the great sacrifices made. The rousing hymns, the eloquent readings, coupled with a very thoughtful
and reflective Sermon from Right Reverend Peter Eagles (lately QHC), combined to make the service a very fitting tribute to all of those who contributed to victory over Japan; and a sedate memorial to all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
For my part, the service was a way to remember and pay tribute to my own Father who served in the 14th Army; firstly in the Royal Indian Army Service Corps as Indian Army representative in the Admiralty Department of Miscellaneous Weapons Development; and secondly in the Corps of Indian Engineers, reconnoitring and constructing forward airfields ahead of the front line.
Ed Colquhoun
I had the honour of being right at the centre of Liverpool VJ Day Celebrations. My wife Maggie and I were on the MS Queen Anne on a cruise around Iceland. Her last port of call was Liverpool where she took part in the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of VJ day. I attended the memorial service which was held on the pier head at the Repatriation Memorial, where the Captain laid a wreath on behalf of Cunard. At noon, I was given the unique honour of being on the bridge and sounding the Queen Anne’s whistle to mark the start of the two minutes silence and all the ships on the Mersey sounded their ships whistles to mark the end of the two minutes.
John Phillips
General Lord Dannatt arrives at Norwich Cathedral
The Pier Head Memorial Plaque
John on the bridge of MS Queen Anne
RASC & RCT Newsletter
On Friday 15th August several members of Fife Branch attended 2 parades in Fife to Mark the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day. One parade was held at Sky Broadcasting HQ in Dunfermline and the other parade at the Kirkcaldy War Memorial.
George Redpath
I was serving in July 1965 as 2Lt White, a troop commander in 17 Coy RASC who provided 2nd line support to 7Arty Bde who were an AD brigade. We were an independent company and we held our own parade on, I think, 16th July.
The photograph shows the OC, Maj Mike Webster, SSM Lisle and TCO Captain Bob Hastings inspecting, I am almost obscured in front of my troop!
Maj Gen Sir Martin White KCVO, CB, CBE, CStJ
Eastbourne Branch
Eastbourne Branch made the tough decision to close this year. With only a few members remaining, it was felt that it was the right time to close and lay up the Branch Standard. Before doing so, David Harding paraded the Standard for the last time at the local Anzac Day parade. The Standard was then laid up in the Corps Church at Corps Weekend.
Branch members after the parade at Sky HQ
George Entwhistle, Andy Wells, Willie Miller & George Redpath after the VJ parade in Kirkcaldy
David Harding (second from left) parading the Eastbourne Standard for the last time.
On 15th July 1965 I was stationed at Kempstone Barracks, Bedford. The oldest member was chosen to lower the RASC flag and I, as the youngest member, raised the RCT flag.
Michael Arthur Cope
The Ranby Camp Retford Tank Transporter Reunion 2025
The Retford reunion is something that we all look forward to each year and rightly so, because as you get older you need something to look forward to and it helps to keep you focused on what’s important in life. Before we go any further, I would just like to remind readers about the history relating to Ranby Camp where the tank transporters were based.
Ranby Camp was situated on the main A60 Road, three miles from Retford and five miles from Worksop in Nottinghamshire. Suttons Farm, commissioned in 1918, was home to No. 186 Sqn and known as “RAF Retford”. Pilots were trained for nighttime fighter operations for home and abroad in Avro 504ks and Camels.
After the RAF departed, 366 Company RASC reformed in 1950 under the title of 19 Tank Transporter Company RASC. The 366/19 Company and later 19 Sqn RCT had a 27-year association with tank transporting in Ranby. The soldiers/drivers were considered a rare breed of men that were in the last squadron to serve in Ranby Camp before leaving for pastures new in 1969.
This year our reunion was held over two days24th to 25th April. Various events were planned to keep members busy and, in some cases, stretching muscles they had forgotten they had! As was mentioned earlier this rare breed of men, accompanied by their wives and friends, began to arrive at the Best Western Hotel Retford, which has been used as our reunion venue for several years and I would hope for many years to come.
On Thursday evening we all gathered at the Babworth Road Sports and Social Club for what has become the traditional meet and greet and where last year’s conversations continued as if it was yesterday. The lamps started to swing as drag stories took on a few new and somewhat exaggerated recollections
of events! Part of the evening was taken up with the raffle which is always well supported with members bringing along a variety of prizes. All monies raised are donated to our chosen charity.
As ever the buffet provided was excellent and well received by all attending. Our thanks also to the club staff for their welcome and hospitality throughout the evening. Transport back to the hotel was provided, with people either retiring to bed or going to the bar to carry on with continuation training.
On Friday morning, after a good breakfast, Kenny Mintram (event organiser) had arranged for a DT and Trailer to go to the old driver training area at Gamston Airfield, where those who wanted had the opportunity to drive the vehicle after a few words of tutoring from the owner. Most people wanted to have a cabbie; however, some were out of practice with lots of music coming from the gearbox! For some, due to bad knees and other ailments, they were not able to climb up into the cab, but overall, a good fun morning was had by all, with smiles and laughs in abundance. For those not going to Gamston, there were visits to spas and shopping in the local town and market area.
The main event on Friday was our gala dinner, which took place in the beautifully decorated main function room. Tables were set to a very high standard and at times it felt like we were being wined and dined in Downton Abbey. The menu selection was pre-ordered so no delays in being served, the food was of excellent quality both in taste and quantity. The service provided by the staff was first class throughout the evening and our thanks plus a monetary collection of our appreciation was given to the hotel manager and her team. The opening welcome speech this year was given by Bill Robertson who provided an insight into when and how the ‘Retford Reunions’ began, the first being held in the old officer’s mess opposite the camp and
Retford Reunion 25 attendees
organised by Bill Wright, father of Tersa Morton. Two further events were held in the mess, but it became too small to accommodate the numbers attending. The venue then changed to Sheffield and then to Liverpool and the rest is history. Bill then introduced our guests of honour Colonel Nigel and Mrs Maureen Gilbert.
As the Chairman of the RASC & RCT Association, Colonel Gilbert is no stranger to the unique world of tank transporting. He told us that he had many happy memories of his time in 7 Regiment when he was a Subaltern in the mid 1960s and then as CO in the 1980s. He recalled his only visit to 19 Coy RASC, Ranby Camp was when he attended a Young Officers’ course in 1964. In closing, he stressed the need to maintain the reunions in all forms but would like to see more support to the main Annual Tank Transporter Reunion where it is all inclusive of
The Waggoner
squadrons and cap badges. Kenny Blest gave the absent friends toast, which is important, but sad for members who have already lost friends this year. He asked for members to contact him with names of those passed before the next reunion in order that their names can be read out at the dinner.
Dispersal day for most was Saturday, however some stayed longer at the same negotiated rate if required. Special thanks must go to Kenny Mintram for all his hard work in organising the event.
Thanks also to Max Shepherdson, DT owner and Elizabeth Tracey who spent both evenings and Saturday morning on location in Gamston taking photographs of all attending to provide more happy memories. Lastly thanks to all who attended, it wouldn’t be the same without you.
Mick Shepherd
Tyneside Branch
Celebrating Generosity and Community Spirit
At our June Branch meeting in North Shields, we proudly presented cheques to the Tynemouth Scouts and Guides. These donations, totalling £700, were a testament to the incredible generosity of our Association community. £450 was raised through raffles and bingo during our annual Charity and Social evening in December last year, with an additional £250 contributed by the family of our late Chairman, George Johnson Snr, in lieu of flowers at his funeral.
Although the presentation was delayed until June due to scheduling conflicts, the moment was no less special. The Tynemouth Scouts and Guides have become a cherished part of our November Remembrance Parade, marching with us to the Tynemouth Cenotaph every year since the 100th anniversary of the ending of WW1. Also joining us for the parade last year was the Reserve contingent from 216 Sqn RLC (V), marking their first official participation.
In memory of George Johnson, a further £250 was donated by his family to the local Eights and Aces motorcycle group.
The group honoured George with a heartfelt and thunderous motorcycle salute as they escorted his hearse to the crematorium, ensuring his final journey was as remarkable as his contributions to our veterans’ community. Let’s continue to celebrate and support the young members of our community who inspire us with their dedication and spirit.
Malcom Cowen
Members gather after driver training
Mike Dyer - Scout representative and Col Varn Jassal - Branch President
Liverpool Sefton Branch
Annual Commemoration Service Held in Honour of Richard George Masters VC
The legacy of Richard George Masters VC, a native of Lancashire and the only member of the Royal Army Service Corps to receive the Victoria Cross during the First World War, was remembered with deep respect during the annual commemoration service held at St Cuthberts Church, Southport.
Marking the anniversary of his death on 4th April 1963, the service drew around 40 attendees including military personnel, veterans, association members, and descendants of the esteemed war hero.
This year’s event was organised by Major A Sandle, 2IC of 156 Regiment RLC and was attended by the Commanding Officer, Regimental Sergeant Major, and Padre of the Regiment. They were joined by eight members of the Sefton Branch and four members of the Birkenhead Branch of the RASC and RCT Association. Local veterans representing the Royal British Legion, along with members of the Masters family, also paid tribute to the fallen soldier.
The ceremony included prayers led by the Regimental Padre, a wreath-laying, and a moment of silence, honouring Masters’ gallantry and lifetime of service.
Born on 30 March 1877, Richard George Masters was awarded the Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery on 9th April 1918 during the German spring offensive in France. Serving as a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps, Masters volunteered to drive an ambulance under relentless shellfire and machine-gun attack. With the roads destroyed and wounded men stranded behind the lines near Bethune, he made multiple trips over four hours, rescuing more than 200 soldiers. His official citation praises his “magnificent pluck and endurance,” stating that “his devotion to duty was beyond all praise.”
Masters’ courageous actions stand as a powerful reminder of the crucial roles played by service and support corps during wartime, and his memory continues to inspire both current and former members of The RLC and its predecessor corps.
Following the ceremony, attendees gathered informally to share memories, stories and reflections, ensuring that the heroism of Richard George Masters VC remains a living part of the community’s heritage.
Some of our branch members gathered in April, with their gardening tools, to get our memorial garden ready for VE Day. The garden is located in the grounds of 238 Sqn RLC (V) and was built by Jaguar Cars for our Association. There are three plaques dedicated to the RASC, RCT & RLC. The Squadron had cancelled the gardening contract and cannot find a replacement, so a number of members stepped in to sort the garden out. These included our new President, Eric Milne; Chairman, Bob Carter; our Secretary, Phil Keating; Yozzer Hughes with his petrol lawnmower; Bob Withe for his expert polishing, T Kelly and J Catterall. A great job was done by all.
Memorial Garden Renovation
Richard George Masters VC
Members of 156 Regt RLC, RASC and RCT Association members and family of RG Masters at his grave following the service
Members hard at work in the memorial garden
RCT 60 Celebrations
We held a 60th Anniversary of the RCT function in partnership with 238 Squadron RLC on 28th June 2025, with over 60 attendees including Mayor of Sefton Councillor June Burns. It was a great afternoon with a guest singer, disco, buffet and a wellstocked bar.
We also held our annual branch church parade on 6th July 2025. We had 30 members and partners for the service and then headed across the road to the Litherland British Legion which has been refurbished. A great couple of events in our social calendar and time for everyone to catch up and relax.
Keelan and Bob Carter
Our Standard Bearer, Billy Rothwell, who received a certificate presented by the branch Chairman, Bobby Carter, for long and meritorious service to the branch
Inadvertently I was probably the last soldier to achieve the crossover from the RASC. As a Staff Clerk in the (Old) War Office in the rank of corporal, I was administered by HQ London District. During late 1964 on one of my monthly admin visits, I was told the RASC would be disbanded in 1965 and Staff Clerks would join the RAOC. Time passed and in early August 1965 I ventured over to London District where I was apprehended by an officer who enquired as to whose Army I was in, to which I replied “the British Army”. He pointed out that the RASC uniform I was wearing was no longer applicable and I was to report to RSM Paternoster at Regents Park Bks at 0800 hrs the following day for disciplinary action! I duly reported and received a verbal lashing, told to get to the QM Stores and kit myself out with RAOC buttons and badges and report back the next day for inspection, which I did successfully.
Major Tim Lill
Dave
Members after the church service
250 (Airborne) Coy RASC Memorial
I am attempting to renovate the 250 (Airborne) Company RASC Arnhem memorial, which is situated in the grounds of Longhills Hall, where they were billeted prior to Arnhem. From a number of old Lincolnshire Echo newspaper articles, I have surmised the following:
In 1985 a dozen or so 250 (Airborne) Coy RASC WW2 veterans got together in Heighington, Lincoln. They had all been billeted at Longhills, Branston, prior to Arnhem. Mr James (Jim) Wild of Heighington, got the idea of a reunion when the men, all members of the Arnhem Veterans Association, gathered in Holland in 1984.
Over the period 22nd-24th May 1992, the veterans held their eighth reunion at Branston, with veterans attending from as far away as Canada. Jim and Mabel Wild organised the placing of the memorial, near Longhills Hall, on land now owned by Mr Bentley Nelstrop.
Further reunions were held in May 1994 and May 1995 but, sadly, the May 1995 reunion was the last. Now too old to travel, the veterans decided that the VE Day celebrations, which coincided with their annual reunion, would be the finale. Over 60 people met at the Turks Head pub, in Heighington. Their annual visit always consisted of a visit to Longhills Hall, and the cow sheds the soldiers spent time in, prior to Arnhem. Mr and Mrs Bentley Nelstrop hosted the old soldiers for a lunch at Westfield Farm.
Earlier this year, I contacted Mr Robert Nelstrop, son of Bentley Nelstrop, seeking permission to clean the memorial (it still being located on grounds owned by him). Robert was incredibly supportive of my efforts. When I visited the memorial, however, it was clear other people were visiting it, with a couple of RBL wreaths laid at the memorial. Despite my best efforts though, and the Parish Council’s, we have been unable to identify who placed the wreaths at the Longhills memorial. Mindful that they may have a family connection to Mr & Mrs Wild (or other now sadly passed veterans) I am wary of doing too much to the memorial.
The plaque needs replacing as do some of the slabs and gravel but, until I’m quite sure I’m not treading on anyone’s toes, a full renovation will have to wait.
That said, I did visit on the morning of 13 May 2025 and, with the kind assistance of a Mr Maurice Thacker (who lives near the memorial), I gave it a good clean. I think it’s come up lovely. The Parish council will be placing an article in our local “Sheepwash Times”, I am hoping someone will see the article and get in touch, regarding the full renovation.
John Griffiths (Retired RAF Flight Sergeant)
Longhills Hall
The 250 (Airborne) Coy Memorial Plaque
The Memorial before renovation
The Memorial after renovation
12 Squadron RCT Brotherhood - 2025 Reunion
12 Squadron RASC and RCT veterans gathered in Thornaby-on-Tees in June 2025, for a weekend of camaraderie, remembrance and social activities. This was the second year the event was held at the Don War Memorial Museum and Community Hub, and over 60 veterans and partners gathered over the weekend 6th-8th June 2025. Heavy rain and thunderstorms determined the indoor setting for the Service of Remembrance, organised by Keith Sacre, including a poignant reading of the Squadron roll of honour, prayers and reflection during a minute’s silence and wreath laying. The Standard Bearer from the RASC and RCT Association was Jim Harley of the Chesterfield Branch, who had previously served with 154 Transport Regiment RCT(V). The Bugler was Monika Jefferies, an Army veteran herself. Representatives of the Don War Memorial Museum were also in attendance.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the RASC and RCT, by Ken Wilson and Ron Young (Junior Leaders Regiment RASC 1961 intake) and a special wreath was laid by Mr Gary Liptrot on behalf of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum. Gary laid the wreath in memory of his brother, Mark Liptrot, who had passed away in 1981 aged just 23 years old. Mark had served in 12 Squadron RCT before leaving the Army in 1980. Gary Liptrot is active as a volunteer for the RWF Regimental Museum located at Caernarfon, North Wales, assisting families research their ancestors’ military records and visiting and updating records of military graves around the UK. Through this activity he established links with 12 Squadron Brotherhood members Tom Parry and Neville Vanderputt.
It was especially pleasing to reunite with some Squadron members for the first time in nearly four decades. Mike Kent attended having served in 12 Squadron from 1976 to 1979 at Liebenau and
Munsterlager. He went on to serve in 17 Port & Maritime Regiment, 3 Armoured Field Ambulance, 6 Squadron then 14 Squadron before leaving the Army in 1988. After a long career at Jaguar Landrover in the Midlands it was time to reunite with the Liebenau crowd. Mike reconnected with the group after his wife Rosemarie passed away after a long stay in care with the Royal Star & Garter Homes – a charity providing residential care for veterans and their partners. Mike reported his gratitude for the Royal Star & Garter organisation and recommends them to Veterans in similar circumstances. In addition, Darlington based, Brian “Jock” McKay and his wife Christine were also attending for the first time – outstanding!
The weekend was organised by the 12 Squadron Brotherhood committee, chaired by Geoff Knightley and supported by Keith Sacre, Tom Parry, Mervyn Watson, Ian Hodgson and others. The brotherhood celebrates and promotes the camaraderie of those who served in the RASC and RCT, many serving together in Pinewood Camp, Liebenau; Dennis Barracks, Munsterlager; St Georges Barracks, Minden, Germany and elsewhere.
Chairman Geoff Knightley thanked those attending and commented on the exceptionally attendance and great atmosphere. Julie and her support staff looked after the visitors to an exceptionally high standard, including evening meals and breakfast each day, with suitable refreshments during the weekend. As evident from the healthy attendance, despite the passing of years, the Squadron’s “esprit de corps” is as strong as ever. The group is grateful for the continued support of the RASC and RCT Association, especially the support and advice of the Association Secretary, Lt Col Richard Hick. Next year we plan to meet on 5th to 7th June 2026, in Thornaby-on-Tees.
Mr Alan “Jake” Greenwood, RCT, died 16 March 2025, one name sadly added to the 12 Squadron Roll of Honour in 2024/25
Jim Ferrier
Standard Bearer Jim Harley, with Gary Liptrot, Ken Wilson and Ron Young
Mike Kent enjoying his first Squadron weekend in 4 decades!
I was posted from JTR Rhyl to 15 Coy RASC (HY-GT) in Osnabruck in June 1965 as T/23990666 Driver Bartie. Just a couple of weeks in, I learned that there was to be a rebadging parade held in Dortmund and we would be a part of it. Five days before, we were transported to Dortmund, moved into accommodation, and then began a whirlwind of drill, inspections, boot bulling, inspections, drill, inspections, uniform pressing, more inspections and more drill.
The parade was a similar format to the ones we had all done many times before until there came a point where we were all at the open order and the parade Commander gave the order, “Four Divisional Column Royal Army Service Corps, ground arms!” After we had returned to the position of attention, a party came through the ranks and exchanged our RASC cap badges for the new RCT ones. They also gave us new collar dogs and a new lanyard and relieved us of our old RASC blue and yellow “twisted rope” ones. It had previously been explained to us that the RCT lanyards had not been available in time for the parade so we were given the Royal Signals navy blue one and the dark purple RCT one would be issued when received. We were also told that the new RCT number one dress hat, would be issued when available.
Once we all had our new cap badges fitted, the Parade Commander gave the order, “Four Divisional Regiment Royal Corps of Transport, take up arms,” and we said goodbye to the RASC and hello to the army’s newest Corps. We marched off and a superb celebratory dinner was held in the cookhouse, laid on by the ACC, and the party that followed went on well into the evening.
I was on leave when the new headdress and lanyards arrived and although I was told to collect mine from the stores, I didn’t bother, as I wanted to retain links to my old Corps and see how long it would be before anyone noticed. Several times on inspections, I could see that people were looking at me with an inquisitive look but could find nothing to put their finger on. That honour went to an RSM who, twelve years later on my SMQC course, congratulated me on my escape and evasion and made me change them. Although I had signed on for nine years, I served twentythree years and nine months, proud to have been a member of the Royal Corps of Transport.
Mike Bartie
Glasgow Branch
In 2017, it was announced by the Glasgow Branch committee that the Branch would be closing due to the lack of members and dwindling committee. John Todd was not having this. He felt that the Branch was very worth saving and so put out the call across all the veterans and Army groups he was part of. As a result, John became the Chairman of Glasgow Branch near the end of 2017 and assembled a strong committee to assist him. As a result of the call, the membership quickly increased, and many positive changes were made.
As Chairman, John incorporated The RLC into the Branch, as many of those who came into the membership had only been RLC, they had never served in the RCT. He also made arrangements with 221 Sqn for us to meet in their centre, bringing our members to a well-known (by most) location for our monthly meetings. As a result, we now have strong links with 221 Sqn, working together to support each other in events, and looking towards the longerterm future of the Glasgow Branch by continuing to encourage serving RLC members to join us.
The camaraderie and friendship that exists amongst our membership is thanks to John’s strong leadership, friendship and dedication. John made the decision to step down from the role of Chairman prior to our AGM in February 2025, after having served over seven years.
The RASC, RCT & RLC Glasgow Branch of the RASC & RCT Association is where it is today thanks to John, and we are so thankful to him for bringing us all together.
Hull Branch
Hull Branch recently visited the RLC Museum in Worthy Down. We also managed a visit to the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop.
Both were enjoyed by our members, the oldest 93 years young. We travelled down on Friday 30th May and returned Saturday 31st May. Our friend WO1 Langman RLC sorted our accommodation on camp and drinks in the mess which was superb; a big thank you to Mr Langman for all he did.
RLC Museum brought back a lot of memories for our two RASC guys and the rest of us RCT lads. A fantastic weekend was had by all.
Amanda McNamara
Past Chairman John Todd (left) presented with a frame and personalised glasses by new Chairman Alan McNamara.
The
Craig Metcalfe
Outside the RLC Museum-Ben Rade, Pete Gallagher, Gordon Barker MBE, Ray Hinchliffe, Craig Metcalfe, Steve Webster, Sean Eccles
Outside the Army Flying Museum-Craig Metcalfe, Ray Hincliffe, Steve Webster, Pete Gallagher, Gordon Barker MBE, Sean Eccles, Ben Rade
Edinburgh Branch
The Edinburgh Armed Forces Parade was attended by members of the RASC and RCT Association Edinburgh Branch. Standards were paraded and a fantastic day was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. We are grateful to the Royal British Legion who hosted the event.
The Edinburgh branch held a special function celebrating the RCT 60th anniversary with guests who included Lt Col (retired) Alan Hamilton MBE TD and his wife Margaret and our guest of honour Mr George Ferguson, at 95 years young George is the branch’s senior member. A fantastic night was had by all who attended to support this event.
Five members of Liverpool Bootle Branch remember rebadging parades, L-R Dougie Dunn and Jimmy Short (910 Sqn (V) Liverpool), Norman Blower (2 Sqn, Aden), John Darby (Kempton Barracks, Bedford), John McMillan (St David’s Barracks, Hilton)
Ronnie Thewlis
Branch members after the parade
The Branch Standard on parade
George on the dance floor with a few ‘helpers’
The Branch’s 60th birthday cake
8 Squadron Reunion
On 31st May Alan Forbes and his wife Diane organised the latest 8 Sqn RCT veterans’ reunion in Edinburgh. This was our ninth reunion together since we started in 2014 and our second one in Edinburgh.
We had fourteen ex 8 Sqn RCT members who attended and six wives. We were all posted in 8 Sqn between 1978 – 1985, nine members came from all over the parts of England, four members from Scotland and finally we even had one member, Pete Mace, who flew over from Sweden.
The reunion was held at the Army Reserve Centre and was well attended. On the Friday night it was a casual meet up followed by a curry meal. On Saturday, Alan organised a guided tour around the Scottish Parliament and a visit to Edinburgh Castle. On Saturday evening we had a Regimental style dinner, with the gentlemen wearing blazers, shirts and Corps ties. At the start of the evening, we were piped in which was the start of a brilliant night.
A massive thank you to Captain Jane Chisholm (PSAO) for allowing us to use the Centre, SSgt Stevie Williams (SQMS) for being a fantastic host and finally Cpl Doherty who fed us all. Our final thank you is to Alan and Diane Forbes for all your hard work in organising a brilliant memorable weekend.
Benny Presland
Northeast Region
As Regional Chairman of the Northeast Region it has been a real pleasure to watch - and in a number of cases attend - the events that have been organised by the five very active branches that make up the Region.
The events have included a visit by Hull Branch to both the Corps Museum at Worthy Down and to the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop. Chesterfield Branch took the lead in a wider get together at the Dom Bar Museum earlier in the year and have arranged a weekend trip to the same venue and Whitby for twenty members and their families later in the year.
In June Tyneside hosted Teeside to a great evening of comradeship which included a buffet and entertainment at the Catholic Club in North Shields. It was a real pleasure for me to renew friendships with Col Varne Jassal, President of Tyneside and Malcolm Bowen the mastermind behind the evening and of course the members of both branches.
In a similar vein I have twice been a guest of Doncaster Branch who, under the leadership of Chris Bouttell (Chair) and Mick Gill continue to have a regular Fish and Chip supper evening. The other occasion was a brilliant social evening in June, again complete with a buffet and enjoyable entertainment.
Peter Poole, Chris Boutell with members of Doncaster Branch including Dave Knight, Terry Dimond, Janet Smaldon and her husband. Marion Lewis, Norma Williams, Richard Field, Mick Talbot and Wayne Bishop
Looking to the future, we have all the Christmas events to look forward to but before that the Regional AGM in October.
Lt Colonel (Retd) Peter Poole MBE - Chairman Northeast Region
Southwest Region AGM and Annual Dinner
On 26th July, fifty-eight members and guests gathered at the Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club for our AGM and to enjoy a Ladies Dinner Night to celebrate the RCT’s 60th year, blending our deep rooted RASC & RCT traditions and standards with quality food, new, old and much younger friends and some great music and entertainment.
Members attending the Regional AGM and Ladies Dinner Night
The evening started with the 21 members of the Association, dressed in Black Tie, attending the Regional AGM. These included Colonel Nigel Gilbert the Chairman of the Association, Martin Swallow the very last Chairman of the (now closed) Exeter Branch, Mike Cleaton the Plymouth Branch Chairman, and Regional Vice Chair Kevin Marshallsay, also of the Plymouth Branch. This was the first AGM under a new regional management. The Regional Chairman, Mark Corthine, welcomed Col Nigel to the meeting and thanked him for his attendance. He congratulated him on his award of the MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Kevin Terry, the Regional Treasurer, provided a regional financial overview. The assembled members voted for change within the Taunton Branch; it was decided that we should maintain our ties with the Local Taunton Branch of the RBL, but from now on we should hold separate RASC & RCT Association meetings; with the aim of promoting a strong “Esprit de Corps”. We also agreed that we should meet every three months, the next meeting will be held in October at a time and place to be decided. The meeting went extremely well; on conclusion we moved to the bar to meet our guests for the evening.
Our guests included The Rt Honourable Gideon Amos OBE MP, the MP for Wellington and Taunton. The Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Martin Struss and his Consort Ms Lorrain Newcombe. We also welcomed Brigadier Stephen Rayson and his wife Maria. Brigadier Rayson joined 155 Regt RCT (V) in 1985 as a driver and joined the Association, so he is a member of the Taunton Branch in his own right. The
Brigadier, who lives locally, wants to take an active part in military matters within the Taunton area and what better place to start than cementing his involvement with the Association. We also welcomed our senior association members Barry Etheridge and Mick Davies to our table.
Rear Centre to the right: Col Nigil Gilbert, Gideon Amos, Raye Glossop, David Glossop, Lorrain Newcombe, Brig Stephen Rayson, Maureen Gilbert, Martin Struss, Maria Rayson
At 18:50 hrs a bell was rung, and we were ushered out into the grounds where two photos were taken by our resident photographer and DJ, David Hewton and his wife Caroline. Once these had been taken, we all walked into supper to the strains of the Roast Beef of old England. Our Guest of Honour, Colonel Nigel and his wife Maureen, were escorted into the dining room by the Chairman, to the sounds of the Corps March – Wait for the Waggon. Everyone clapped them to the table. As we had no Reverend, Priest or Celebrant within our company, David Glossop was asked to say Grace and this he did with gusto, his words, translated from the French, brought a smile to everyone attending, bringing the evening off to a great start.
From Left to Right: Mick Davies, Mark Corthine, Virginia (Ginny) Byrne, David Hewton, Sharon Corthine, Barry Etheridge, Brenda Etheridge, Craig Jones and Helen Jones
At 19:00 sharp, table one was the first table to be ushered to the buffet by the Golf Club manager Dean Sharland. His catering team managed by Jonathan, produced a splendid buffet, three choices of meats and a nut roast, followed by an individual choice
of dessert. The service was first class and the staff worked really hard.
Once the supper was over, the tables were cleared and port was served to all six tables, the Chairman rung his bell and Mr Vice (Kevin Marshallsay) returned the resounding call, the stoppers were removed from the port, and it moved to the left. We toasted the King, our Ladies and absent friends. Colonel Nigel then gave a witty and upbeat message of positivity, providing an update on the RLC’s plans for the continuance of the Association. He did mention that there are still some 5,000 members of the Association. He concluded his speech with a toast to the Association.
The lighting was lowered and the music then played until midnight. A raffle was held in the background, and everyone was invited to check their tickets against the winning numbers. Colin Hole, the Vice Chair of the Taunton Branch, deserves praise for a raffle task well organised and executed.
It was a well organised and well attended function with a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout the evening.
66 Squadron Annual Reunion
On Saturday 5th April, 66 Sqn RCT held its 15th reunion in the Kings Arms in Amesbury. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining on the righteous!
There was a fantastic turn out of new as well as old members, including someone who served with 66 in Neinburg in the 70s (thanks Roy Vidler). It was also great to see new members from the late 1970s when the Sqn was reformed in Tidworth. I also learnt a very interesting fact from Dave Edwards that he and Capt Tull designed the phoenix emblem that became the mascot of the Sqn as the rising of the Phoenix back in 1979. Our tradition of raising a glass to members no longer with us was slightly changed this year with a roll of honour list and a photo album to remember our absent colleagues, this was done as always at
six minutes past six! The buffet was then served and yet again a fantastic spread laid on for us the by the staff of the Kings Arms, who yet again surpassed themselves by laying on extra staff to cope with the numbers and to ensure that we were well looked after. As the evening wore on so did the tales of yesteryear and a few sandbags were pulled up and lamp shades swung, but none of us would have it any other way - all in all a fantastic day.
Thanks to the guys who travelled from France, Spain and Gibraltar and from all parts of the UK to be there. Once again, and on behalf of all the 66 Sqn RCT members, I would like to thank the Association for their continued support with our event.
John Butler
Major (Retd) Mark Corthine BEM Chairman Southwest Region
Front Left to Right: Mark Sweet, Sarah Sweet, Paul Wolfe, Liz Roughley, David Lock, Michael O’Connell, Kevin Coles, Karen Coles, Kevin Terry and Catherine Terry
Corps Weekend 2025
Corps Weekend this year celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Corps of Transport. The celebrations commenced with a band concert performed by the RASC and RCT Band Branch in the morning on Saturday 12th July in the Princes Gardens, Aldershot. This was followed by a Drumhead Service led once again by Jennifer Martin, the Honorary Chaplain to Aldershot Branch. Standard Bearers were on parade under the command of Mr Denis West. It was a particularly hot day and I was impressed by the stoicism and professionalism of everyone involved, especially when those enjoying the performance were able to dress more appropriately for the extreme heat.
On Saturday evening, Association members gathered at the Village Hotel, Farnborough, for the annual dinner and dance. Attendance was at capacity. The RASC and RCT Band played a selection of music prior to the meal, after which it was with great pleasure that I presented Mr Denis West with a Certificate of Merit for the major contribution that he has made to Corps events over many years, particularly in his role as Parade Marshall for our Standard Bearers on Corps Sunday. He is often to be seen as a Standard Bearer in his own right and has paraded at various places around the country including the final National Amphibious Branch Reunion in Barnstable and more recently at Colonel Mark Baker’s funeral in Devizes in July. He has always been the first to step forward to help whenever necessary, and is very supportive to three Branches in particular, Salisbury Plain Branch, Harrow Branch and Aldershot Branch. In many ways he is the face of the RCT Association, and on behalf of us all he has my thanks. Following an excellent dinner, we had the inevitable raffle, with the star prize being an RCT 60th Commemorative
Print depicting the RCT’s operations between 1965 and 1993. It was designed by Lieutenant Colonel Robin Moore, who was our Corps Secretary for three years prior to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hick. My thanks go to him, and congratulations to Mr Paul Tugwell of Buller-on-Line Branch for winning the prize. A special thanks also to Chelmsford Branch for running the raffle. My thanks also to Mr John Phillips, Chairman of London and Southeast Region, for producing the commemorative menus both for the dinner and for the lunch on Sunday.
Corps Sunday began with our traditional Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication, conducted by the Very Reverend Nick Gosnell. He always makes our congregation welcome and emphasises that St Michael and St Georges remains our Corps Church,
Standards on parade at the Drumhead Service
Denis West being presented with his National Certificate of Merit
Robin Moore (right) presenting his commemorative print, the star raffle prize, to a delighted Paul Tugwell.
and that those of our predecessors who have died are remembered in prayers daily. The occasion was used to lay up two Branch Standards, Eastbourne and Exeter. It was particularly poignant that Mrs Joy Carrington, the widow of Major General Colin Carrington a former Director General of the RCT and President of the RASC and RCT Association for many years, was in the congregation as she was a member of Exeter Branch. Following the Service, wreaths were laid by Brigadier Paul Evans, President of the Corps Council and by myself on behalf of the Association. Music throughout the Service was provided by members of our Band Branch, and Last Post and Reveille was played by Mr Steve Carringan both for the Act of Remembrance and at the Wreath Laying Ceremony. Curry lunch followed at the Village Hotel, with the Officers’ Club members and the Association dining together. It was an appropriate gathering for us to properly host our widows and their families.
The success of Corps Weekend is very much the result of much forward planning and my thanks in particular go to the RASC and RCT Band Branch for their tremendous support over both days, and to Lieutenant Colonel Paul Duncan and Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hick for their hard work on our behalf.
Colonel Nigel Gilbert MBE
The Corps Chapel
Exeter and Eastbourne Standards being laid up
Standard Bearers lining the steps of the Corps Church
Chelsea Pensioners Steve (Tankie) Allen, Arthur English and Peter Bateup in front of the Corps Memorial
Retired WO & SNCOs’ Branch
The Branch held its 41st AGM, Golf tournament and Gala Dinner over the weekend of 4th to 6th April 2025. It was the last time we would carry out this event as a Club as we are now very pleased to announce that we have received full ascension to the association as a National Branch. With this comes many changes in order to fulfil the requirements to be a fully functioning Branch.
Bob Wade stepped down at the end of the summer of 2024 from the many roles held, after a sterling innings and fantastic work to steer the club to where it is today. We thank him whole heartedly for everything he has done, and we have bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Life Member which comes with many benefits that he should enjoy over the next few years.
With an eye on ascension, the Club created numerous appointments that would enable it to move forward. Lt Col (Retd) Terry Byrne MBE, remains the
President, with Lt Col (Retd) Steve Tinlin assuming the new role of Vice President. Tim Tatler is the new Secretary and Sam Weller has accepted the role of Treasurer. I (Phil Linehan) will be the Chairman. We have a golf member Graham (Ginge) Card and his assistant Russ Gowans.
Our new AGM home is the Village Hotel, Farnborough which has proven to be a great location, close to the M3 motorway, rail links, shopping and of course a Golf course that can tolerate our golfers spinning dits as they dig their way out of sand traps and bunkers. It is fair to say that the Village Hotel pulled out all the stops, providing a curry supper served after the AGM and the Gala Dinner worthy of any WOs and Sgts’ Mess.
It was fantastic to have 110 people sat down for dinner, with our honoured guests and Patron, Maj Gen Sir Martin White KCVO, CB, CBE, CStJ and Lady White. Some of our members were attending for the first time. This year is also the first year that we were joined by RLC veterans that are full members.
As per our constitution, they sit side by side with the not so old but very bold members that have seen this
Our Branch drum and standard
The pre dinner group photo
The management committee: Sam Weller (Treasurer), Phil Linehan (Chairman), Terry Byrne MBE (President), Tim Tatler (Secretary), Steve Tinlin (Vice President)
branch grow from very humble beginnings of RASC/ RCT days to encompass and include equally our comrades of The RLC. We are very lucky to have as an associate member, singer, DJ and all-round good egg the entertainer Mr Steve Whale, who kept the mood happy and the dance floor full for the whole night.
As usual we held the Golf tournament, this year marshalled by Mr Russ Gowans. Nearest the Pin was won by Mr Billy Thomson, Most Golf played was won by Mr Mick Davies and the overall winner of (the first nine holes) ‘the Dave O’Bee Memorial Trophy’, was once again Russ Gowans. So please come next year and knock him off the Golf Champion perch.
Our first dinner was held at the Blue Bell Inn at Liss in 1984, organised by WOII (SSM) Dave O’Bee - 27 people attended. The purpose of our Branch is to build friendship and promote and continue the Esprit de Corps of the WOs and Sgts’ Mess. We are very happy for qualifying members to join us, and we have over 1,000 members over our two Facebook pages. Search for ‘Retired WO & SNCOs’ Branch RASC, RCT & RLC’.
We are happy for you to be solely a member of our Branch or a member of our Branch and others. This venue can hold 250, it would be a great problem to have should we outgrow it. Our next function is the Christmas Bonanza, which will be held in Covent Garden on Dec 5th 2025. Ex WOs and SNCOs are more than welcome to attend this milestone for our club, our first Christmas function.
Next year, the AGM is 17th April 2026. Golf will be the morning of 18th April 2026 and the Gala Dinner in the evening. Those attending have the choice of one event, all three events or any of its constituent parts.
There are many ex-RASC/RCT/RLC members still out there for the Branch to reach out to. Anyone wishing to attend, please send the Secretary, Tim Tatler, an email request to secwossncos@gmail.com. Tim will guide you through the process of joining.
I have an alibi for 15th Jul 1965 - at Sandhurst soon to be commissioned. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II could have confirmed where I was on the 30th of that month.
The members of Sandhurst Intake 35 who became members of the RCT never were in the RASC and went on to be inducted into the Corps in Junior Officers Course 86. There was some controversy at the time - way above the heads of 2Lts as to whether it should have been 1 Junior Officers Course RCT.
Colonel Mark Weatherly
Phil Linehan
Sec Tim Tatler, Golf winner Russ Gowans and Major General White
Golf nearest the pin winner Billy Thompson and Major General White
99th Birthday of Don Feldwicke
Riders’ Branch
Donald Feldwicke, or rather Don as he prefers, is a WW2 RASC veteran who never received his medals, as he thought he had no entitlement. Last year his family after much research managed to get his two medals issued to him. These medals arrived unmounted in the post.
The family asked us if we could arrange a more appropriate presentation. We of course agreed to help, and plans were hatched for a ride out to present Don with his medals, which the family had mounted ready for his 99th birthday celebration. Our link to Don is that Martin (Ginge) Bordley, the current branch Vice Chairman, is also married to Don’s niece. So, the family thought it only fitting that he carried out the presentation with the assistance of his Tiny TROGGinge’s Grandson and the youngest member of the branch. Don is his Great Great Uncle.
Although Don was aware of his birthday gathering, he knew nothing of the RCT Riders’ Branch part to be played on the day. Stanley Kaye a renowned photographer in military circles, became aware of the event and kindly offered to encapsulate the day on both photo and video format.
On the 5th of April 2025, members of the RCT Riders’ Branch and supporters, totalling 14, set out from Gosport to present Don with his newly mounted medals. Don on entering the car park noticed all the bikes and flags, once inside he was led to a chair where we surprised him with a number of presentations.
First we presented him with a new beret including a RASC cap badge, then a new veteran’s pin badge, followed by his medals and an RASC plaque. We
then gave him his RASC and RCT Association membership card and a of course the last few editions of the Waggoner. Don, as a Veteran, took all this in his stride and had a brilliant smile on his face.
All branch members and supporters in attendance were warmly welcomed and embraced by family and friends attending the event. It was a truly humbling experience and a great honour to be part of this memorable celebration.
Branch Visit to The Royal Hospital Chelsea
Ginge was invited to attend the Commando Association’s annual St George’s Day parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Sunday 27th April. This was a last-minute opportunity offered by Stanley who was in attendance on the day as the official photographer. Ginge accepted the offer and even managed to get the invitation extended to include other members of the Branch. An event was created on the Branch Facebook page for all Branch members to see, as he felt if we could show a presence on the day, it would help to create a relationship between the Branch and the Hospital.
It was a nice early start on a surprisingly sunny spring Sunday morning. Due to short notice, it was only a small contingent of five branch members and a single lonely Royal Anglian Association Riders’ Branch member. It was a relaxed steady ride from Gosport to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where we
Martin (Ginge) Bordley presenting Don with his RASC plaque, accompanied by Branch members and Don’s family
Presentation pieces including his RASC beret
were met outside the Barracks by Pat McGurk who is not only one of our own Riders’ Branch members, but also a resident of the Royal Hospital.
Pat very kindly hosted and escorted us all throughout the duration of our visit and took time to tell us all about the history of the Hospital. The sun shone high all day, and we had a lovely visit and were made to feel welcome by everyone we met and spoke with.
It was fantastic to watch the Commando Association, accompanied by Chelsea Pensioners who were proudly wearing their smart scarlet tunics parading for their annual St George’s day parade.
We attended the small church service whilst there and were then invited by the Commando Association to join the photos.
Before our departure we were given a small tour by Pat who was extremely knowledgeable, it was truly a pleasure to listen to him as he showed us around the barracks, bar and museum. This was a great opportunity to network and make contacts for potential future visits and Ginge successfully
achieved his aim on the day with the Hospital keen for us to arrange another visit in the future, with more bikes and members of the Branch.
Salisbury Plain Branch
The Salisbury Plain Branch held a special function on Tuesday 15th July 2025 at the Army Aviation Centre to commemorate and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the formation of The Royal Corps of Transport. The short service included the RCT Collect and a thought-provoking Poem of Remembrance. Two wreaths were laid, the first by Colonel George Vaughan, the founder of the Branch, listing all forty-eight members of the Corps who lost their lives in wars or campaigns. The second wreath listed the soldiers of 60 Squadron, who tragically lost their lives in Aden when they were fired upon by mutinous South Arabian Armed Police. Colonel Nick Beard MBE, the troop commander at the time of the ambush, laid this wreath.
The Branch Standard was carried by Mr Denis West. The Last Post, and Reveille was sounded by Mr Steve Carrigan of the RASC and RCT Association Band Branch. Normally our wreath laying services are carried out at the Memorial to Army Flying, where a number of our Corps members, who were pilots, are listed. Unfortunately, we were unable to use the memorial on this occasion, so we made the best of the grounds of the Officers’
After the Service we retired to the mess for a formal luncheon to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the forming of our Corps. Among the members attending was Major General Graham Ewer CB, CBE, FCILT. The Branch also hosted the ex-mess manager, Mrs Claire Cook, who during our time in Middle Wallop has given tremendous support to the Branch.
John Phillips
BEM, Mrs Sandy Pepperell, Lt Col Steve Thornton, Col Mark Weatherly, Lt Col Bryan Morris, Mrs Caroline Weatherly, Col Jeremy Lucas OBE, Lt Col David Pepperell. Far Right: Lt Col Derek Armitage, Maj Steve Grooby
Phyllis Bordley
Riders’ Branch members with Pat (front left) and fellow In Pensioner
Mess and held the ceremony at the bust of the first OP pilot ashore on D-Day.
The two wreaths at the base of a bust to the first OP pilot ashore on D-Day
Recognisable faces left to right: Lt Col Gary Petty
Bangers and Beans
My first posting was to Aden, to 60 Airportable Company RASC, which was soon to become 60 Airportable Squadron RCT. I had been in Aden for about 15 months, proudly wearing the new RCT cap badge for the past year, and now my second ‘pip’. One morning, working parade over, I was summoned to the OC’s office and scurried across, wondering for what misdemeanour I was about to be castigated. In fact, the OC, Major ‘Teddy’ Penn was in good humour. “You have been in Aden for a while now, time for a break,” he said, scarcely hiding the twinkle in his eye.
He went on to explain that 24 Airportable Brigade, of which 60 Squadron was a part, has been given an interesting humanitarian aid task to go and help out the community of the small, remote town of Al Khamilah which is way up in the North of the Protectorate in some fairly rugged Hadhramaut country.
“You will be under the command of Major Spence, the OC of the Headquarters and Signal Squadron. Your task will be, obviously to provide transport support, but also to set up and operate a drop zone (DZ) for the air resupply. The requirement is for ten mine-plated 3-ton trucks, (or bathtubs as they were known) and my mine-plated Land Rover. The group is to assemble at Brigade HQ at 0800 on Monday next, when you will be briefed more fully. Catering is being organised centrally and so the main requirements for you are your kit, tentage, mosquito nets, personal weapons, ammunition and water.”
I find a soft spot for my Land Rover
Monday morning found our small convoy of Land Rovers and 10 trucks making its way across the causeway that linked Aden to Little Aden, where most of the Brigade was based. The assembled group was a little larger than I had expected and consisted of an RE well-drilling team with their vehicles and kit; a team from the RAMC with six
Land Rovers, a Scammel recovery vehicle complete with REME corporal fitter and driver, a sergeant and section from 1 PWO as escort, a catering team assembled by poaching staff from units across the Brigade, a troop of armoured cars from 4/7 DG, and the Headquarters element of OC, 2ic, SSM, clerks, and two interpreters. In all we were around 70 personnel and 30 vehicles. Almost all the vehicles were equipped with at least two sand channels, plates of perforated steel which could be linked together to make a temporary roadway across wet or soft sand.
At the OC’s briefing we learned that we were not setting off until 0500 the next morning, timed to catch the tide – it will become clear in a minute! We were going to drive eastwards along the Yemeni coast for about 180 miles and then turn north across some fairly difficult terrain for some 90 miles. The rest of the day was spent in making final checks and in loading fuel, rations, tentage, spares and other supplies onto my 3-ton trucks.
If you ‘Google’ the coast road today, you will see it is a four-lane highway with service stations and supermarkets. In 1966 there were no roads and the only way to make progress was to ‘tide-hop’ – at low tide you drove on firm sand for as long as you could, but as the tide came in you retreated above the high-water line and waited for the next ebb. It sounds easy, but not all the sand was firm, and it was not long before we were getting used to unhitching the sand-channels and winch ropes. In the six to eight hours of tide low enough to allow progress, you might make 25 to 35 miles.
On Tuesday morning, we set off on time and drove back across the causeway to Aden itself, past Normandy Lines, our permanent base camp and onto the beach. As we neared Aden the sun was starting to rise immediately ahead of us. It is an amazing sight, a vast orange globe, visibly climbing quickly into the sky. Soon it would be baking down on us and making the day uncomfortable but at this time in the morning, it was a glorious sight.
We made good progress on this first leg of tidehopping and with few problems we reached Zinjibar, a small town on the coast and in a reasonably fertile wadi. From here local traders would trundle cameldrawn carts loaded with watermelons for sale in the Aden markets. Getting round Zinjibar posed something of a problem, as the Wadi Bana, which irrigated the area, emptied into the sea here and the coast route was impassible, so we had to make our way inland for some distance to find a suitable crossing point. Then it was back to the coast road and on with a routine series of tide-hopping and recovery problems for the next 140 miles. The OC had decided that we should make such progress as we
could while it was still daylight and then stop for rest and meals. The days were not that long and by 1800 it was already starting to get dark.
On day four we had reached the Bay of Balhaf, where we were to turn north for the 90 miles to Al Khamilah. The troop of armoured cars waved us good-bye and headed back to Aden. Our maps suggested that there was a road that we could follow much of the way to Al Khamilah, but it must have been in the imagination of the cartographer, for the route ahead was a mixture of rock-strewn wadi beds, wide bands of sand dunes and occasionally some open desert. Those 90 miles took three days to cover with much digging out of soft sand, stripping the head on one of my trucks, and even rigging up an emergency fuel line for the recovery vehicle whose fuel feed had become choked with sand. This we accomplished by adapting a long airline, tapping it through the top of the fuel tank and attaching the other end to the fuel pump. Progress was slow, except over the areas of open desert when we adopted an arrowhead formation so that no vehicle was running into the soft sand churned up by the vehicle in front. There was no point in using the map for navigation and direction was dictated by use of prismatic and sun compasses.
Eventually we arrived at Al Khamilah. It was a dry and desolate looking little town, but with surprisingly substantial buildings of three or four storeys. Even more surprisingly, there was a smart, large house in which lived a young Foreign Office Diplomat. Which presumably was how the need for aid came to light. He was resupplied by the somewhat eccentric process of using an Arab contractor from Mukalla who ferried goods from RAF Riyan on the coast to Al Khamilah. In due course this would be the route in for medical supplies as well as the diplomat’s rations and duty-free. A camel-drawn cart with wide soft tyres, probably made much better progress than we did over this challenging terrain.
We quickly settled into a daily routine, every few days setting up and clearing the DZ of the rations, spares and supplies that had been ordered by radio and were dropped from a low-flying RAF Beverley. The air despatchers came from 16 Air Despatch Squadron RCT, based back in Aden. The well-drillers got drilling and the medics got to business, treating some really appalling sores and ulcers and training some of the locals how to cope in the future. The DZ was usually marked by large flags pegged out on the ground, augmented by smoke grenades, but for some reason best known to themselves, the RAF decided that one of the drops should be at night. This meant that we had to mark the DZ by interlocking Land Rover headlight beams and then pray that the drop hit the target and not our Land Rovers. Then there was the problem of clearing the supplies and parachutes from the DZ in the dark before the local youths could beat us to it.
The time passed quickly, and we made good friends despite the language difficulties. We even managed to raise a football team which got soundly beaten by a team of bare-foot youngsters. After a couple of weeks, it was time for the return journey. On the last day we packed as much as we could for a prompt start the next morning. My section collected the last air drop, which consisted of the rations for the return journey, ‘compo’ this time rather than the mix of tinned and fresh we had been enjoying. After the evening meal that night, the caterers gave away anything surplus to grateful locals.
We loaded up with plenty of water from the newly dug wells and set off on the following morning. It was the same procedure: slow progress, lots of digging and plenty of use of the sand-channels as we moved gradually southward until sunset. That evening the return rations were broached by the caterers and, to their horror, and ours, they discovered that what should have been seven-man packs had been swapped for packs of sausages and beans – every tin in every pack, the same. Whether this was a mistake, a joke or simply the Aden Supply Depot getting rid of one of the less popular items we never knew, but that was our menu for the next week. Over the next few days, we had them hot, we had them cold, we had them curried! As we approached the coast, and
Al Khamilah in 1966
Al Khamilah today
The
Waggoner
the more fertile regions we could buy or barter for fresh watermelons but after three days on beans and bangers, there was something of a rush to find the ‘tools entrenching’.
Ahwar, the first sizeable town along the coast, gave us the opportunity to barter for dates, some large chapatis and even a couple of newly slaughtered goats which the caterers managed to butcher and cook superbly, but there were still at least two days on bangers and beans before we reached Aden. Back in Normandy lines, I don’t recall ever having a more wonderful shower, a cold beer and a proper evening meal in the mess – the denouement to an extraordinary adventure.
‘Teddy’ Penn told me I should write up my experiences and so I have, just 59 years late!
Colonel Howard Stephens
Secretary’s note: Sadly, Howard died on 11th August, after he had submitted this article for publication. He would have wanted it to be published, so we do so as a tribute to him.
RASC & RCT Newsletter
The Officers of 60 Company RASC/ Squadron RCT In Aden, shortly after their rebadging parade. Left to Right. Back: Lts C J Constable, M R Stevens, F A Bush & H V C Stephens. Front: Capt (QM) W Crockett, Capt M F R Thompson, Major W R Ronald (Badged RAOC), Capts’ J Newcombe & W J Horsfall
Colonel Colin Constable
Scottish Region present RLC Standards to Branches
The Scottish Region of the RASC and RCT Association has recently presented RLC Standards to Edinburgh, Perthshire and Fife Branches, to be paraded alongside their current RASC and RCT Association Standards.
Hopefully seeing the Standard will show the partnership the RASC and RCT Association has with the RLC Association and remind RLC veterans in the area that they are welcome to join RASC and RCT Association branches. Glasgow already has an RLC Standard, and it is hoped to present more standards to other branches later in the year.
At Armed Forces Day on 28th June members of the Perthshire Branch paraded for the first time with the RASC & RCT Association Standard and the RLC Standard
Scottish Region Chairman, Major (Retd) Tony Igoe, presenting the RLC Standard to Ian Munro, Perthshire Branch Chairman.
Fife Branch
Members of Fife Branch were delighted to be involved in the recent visit of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Kirkcaldy. This was to commemorate 100 years of the Kirkcaldy War Memorial, which contains the names of 1,500 men from Kirkcaldy who were killed in the two world wars. Members of Fife Branch paraded for this special day after an invite from the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) Kirkaldy Branch. It was a great day, despite the typical Scottish weather.
On Saturday 19th July the Branch held a Dinner Dance to celebrate the 60th Birthday of the RCT. This took place in the RBLS Dunfermline with over 40 people in attendance, with a sit down three course meal including wine. A special birthday cake was made for this occasion by Miss Shona Richardson, whose late father Reg Richardson served in the RCT. Our VIP guest for the evening was Provost of Fife Mr Jim Leishman MBE, former player and manager of Dunfermline Athletic football club. Entertainment was provided by local duo ‘Something Different’. A great night was had by all and we are already looking forward to our Christmas dance in December.
George Redpath
His Majesty King Charles III at the Kirkaldy Memorial
John Ramsay with the Riders’ Branch Standard and Tony Boyle with the Fife Branch Standard
Branch Secretary George Redpath, Vice Chairman David Johnstone and Committee member Allan Robertson in conversation with Veterans Minister Alistair Carns MP
Secretary George Redpath with VIP guest Mr Jim Leishman MBE
Our 60th Birthday cake
Tank Transporter Branch
This year will see a few changes in the Branch as we say farewell and thanks to the Committee who have served us well for a long time under the stewardship of Leigh Williams. Subject to the usual formalities at the AGM, Baz Parker will be taking over as Chairman, and he has been working and liaising hard to form a proposed committee and some objectives. Watch this space.
The AGM will, as usual, form part of the main Branch Reunion in Nottingham, which continues to be a very well supported event. The Branch is the second largest of the Association’s branches, after the Riders’ Branch, and has always been very active in terms of events. Included here are two write-ups from recent events, which include a bit of backstory by way of explanation of our event diversity.
3 Tank Transporter Squadron Sennelager Reunion. The 19th Annual Reunion took place over the weekend of 10th May 2025 at Eastwood Hall Hotel just outside Nottingham. This event started life in Stone in Staffordshire but moved to the current location in 2021. It is open to all cap badges that served with the Squadron in Sennelager. It was another fantastic weekend with over 40 attending with plenty of catching up in the bar on the Friday afternoon.
The traditional group photo at the Bull and Royal–at the rate this event grows, the courtyard will be too small soon!
The highlight of the weekend is the Saturday night dinner and raffle. There were almost more prizes than people, with Micheal ‘Mac’ Macafferty winning 10 prizes including the one he brought - typical Footballer! Overall, we collected £370, and all agreed to donate it to Prostate Cancer, which seems to affect so many today. The hotel gave us a great deal once again and the staff looked after us extremely well. Next year’s event (the 20th iteration) is planned for 15th to 17th May 2026.
The Tank Transporter Summer Gathering. This ever-popular event took place on the weekend of 13th/14th June 2025 at the Bull & Royal pub in Preston City Centre. The concept is simple; come along, meet friends have a drink, something to eat and a good catch up. There’s no formality whatsoever
The summer gathering organiser feeling stressed
and it has been likened to the Friday night of the old Liverpool reunion but now held over two days. Our first Preston summer event took place in the pub next door in 2017. It was originally created for 3 Tank Transporter Squadron personnel with the support of Lee Flannery who at the time ran the pub. That event saw around 40 turning up which prompted the opening up of the event to the wider Tank Transporter family. The next year-numbers doubled.
In 2019 we relocated to the Bull & Royal. We are looked after by the landlord Paul Henderson and his staff who bend over backwards to keep us all fed and watered. The entertainment is second to none as we have adopted a cracking band called Prime Movers Soul Starz who put on a great performance. This year around 160 people attended, some travelled from as far as Canada, Germany and France, plus one of our Chelsea Pensioners - Tanky Allen.
This event is open to members of the Tank Transporter family regardless of cap badge and we fully encourage serving members to come along, however we are aware of their commitments. Next year’s Gathering is 5th/6th June 2026.
In the next Waggoner, we hope to update you on other events such as:
• The Tank Transporter Branch Reunion in Nottingham (previously Liverpool and Sheffield)
• 19 Sqn Ranby Reunion (Nottingham)
• The Amesbury Christmas Gathering (Christmas jumpers are mandatory – you have been warned) We are also aware that there are events developing in Weston-Super-Mare and a possible reunion in Sennelager in summer 2026. Wherever three or four tank transporter drivers are gathered together tall tales will be dispatched and winched on. As always, all cap badges are very welcome to our events. The Tank Transporter website continues to flourish as well as the ever busy and popular Face Book pages – for either the trade or for locations/subunits. We currently have two In-Pensioners at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, “Tanky” Allen and Arthur English, who we hope to have join us at the main reunion event in Nottingham.
Space permitting, it is also hoped to get some coverage of activities with the Historic Vehicle fleet, which regularly attends shows and events in the UK, and the volunteer tradesmen who enjoy the working weekends under the eye of the custodian, Wayne Meadows.
Nazdrowe from the Tank Transporter Family
Sergeant Harold (Monty) Major RASC
I moved to the village of Mareham Le Fen in Lincolnshire in July 2024 and made the acquaintance of Mr Harold (Monty) Major. Monty is a veteran of Normandy who celebrated his 103rd birthday on 25th May this year. He is remarkably fit for his age and is a member of the local bowling club. He attends Remembrance parade proudly wearing his medals and his RASC Beret. I am proud to be able to briefly tell his story, below.
Monty Major was born in Mareham Le Fen on 25th May 1922. His father Bert (also called Monty), had served in WW1 on the Western Front with the 7th Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment and the Royal Engineers Tunnelling Company. By 1939 Monty was working in the village bakery and at the outbreak of war, aged 17, he joined the Horncastle Company of the Home Guard. In 1940 his elder brother Walter, enlisted into the Lincolnshire Regiment and in 1942 Monty was called up for service in the Army. He reported to the Lincolnshire Regimental Depot and wanted to be trained as a Driver. However, the Army were in need of bakers, and he was transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps.
Following basic military training, Monty was posted to a RASC Field Bakery and, in common with many other newly formed units, it concentrated on training with the mobile bakery equipment. His unit was in various parts of the UK including Scotland and Wales and at Rupera Castle in Monmouthshire, which was the site of a Bakery Training Unit. In 1944, in preparation for the invasion of Europe, his unit moved to Barry in South Wales, which at the time was a major port and docks. It was also the location of No. 4 RASC Mobilisation Centre and No. 2 Reserve Supply Depot RASC. It was from Barry that Monty, now a Lance Corporal, was to depart as part of the follow-on force for the beaches of Normandy. Monty states that his
unit was the first mobile bakery to land in Normandy and recalls the visit of Winston Churchill to his bakery near Caen in July 1944. Monty says, “He just walked in, wished us all well and tried my bread, he stayed a while and told us how well we were all doing.”
For the next 12 months Monty and his unit, now part of the British Liberation Army, followed the fighting units through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany. Following the surrender of Germany in May 1945, Monty, now a Sergeant, was in the North of Germany with the British Army of the Rhine. Monty returned to the UK in 1946 and married his wife Biddy who was serving with K Coy ATS at Bicester. They married in Nottingham in April and after the honeymoon Monty returned to Germany until August when he returned to England for demobilisation and discharge.
Monty and Biddy opened a successful bakery and cake shop in Mareham Le Fen and had two children, Ann and Geoffrey. Monty was a member of the Mareham Le Fen Silver Victory Band, playing the B flat base and for many years played lawn bowls and is still active, playing indoor bowls. As part of the VE Day celebrations, he
was interviewed by and appeared on the local BBC TV. When asked about VE Day he said “There were celebrations when we got home, but I went back to the village, and we were back to normal. I had the bakery to run.”
Roy Crowshaw
today, now aged 103
In July 1965 I was a 10 ton driver in 10 Coy RASC, which changed to 40 Sqn RCT, part of 26 Transport Column (Bridging) RASC. On the day of the parade, which was very impressive and awe inspiring, there was a church service in the Barracks, followed by a massive party. A great day for all.
Capt (Retd) Eric Milne, now President of Liverpool Sefton Branch
We returned once again to the Holiday Inn, Coventry for our Annual Reunion and were very well looked after. Attendees also included several members of 26 Transport Regiment RCT (Bridge), formerly 26 Transport Column RASC (Bridge). It was a real privilege to welcome our guest of honour, the Chairman of the RASC & RCT Association, Colonel Nigel Gilbert MBE.
The weekend began with members and accompanying ladies arriving on Friday 20th June and, after a long journey, meeting up with old friends over complimentary teas and coffees provided by the hotel. In the evening we had a casual get together, rekindling old friendships and meeting new ones from more than 60 years ago. After an excellent evening buffet our annual raffle, in aid of BLESMA, was organised by our Deputy Chairman Terry Byrne MBE and which realised a grand total of £570. It was a very enjoyable evening in which new members to our reunions were made very welcome and many memories of times at Norton Manor Camp were revisited.
The gala dinner evening began with a wine reception before taking our places for dinner. Our esteemed guest of honour shared with us the pros and cons of not having a satnav, especially when trying to find a hotel not very well signposted with a car and mobile phone, neither of which had a satnav facility. We were all pleased that despite the absence of modern technology he eventually arrived safely and in good time. We were delighted also to extend our heartiest
congratulations to Colonel Nigel on his well-deserved recent award of the MBE.
As all our members served in the RASC up until rebadging on 15th July 1965 we took the opportunity at our reunion event to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the dissolution of the RASC. In doing so we re-enacted the badge changing ceremony, assisted by Colonel Nigel acting as re-badging officer, ensuring our two volunteers, Terry Byrne and Wal Stopper, were correctly re-badged RCT and RAOC respectively.
RASC & RCT Newsletter
After dinner, we all enjoyed vocal entertainment from Singers and Stringers who regaled us with popular singalong oldies adding a touch of comedy. It was particularly pleasing that at the close of the evening the troupe led us into a specially adapted Junior Leaders version of Auld Lang Syne. Penned by Group member Tom Cooper, a staunch supporter of earlier mini-meets and reunions, sadly no longer able to travel to our events, he has written a version that struck a poignant chord evoking the memories and comradeship of our past. We feel it most appropriate to include here the words Tom had penned:
Should Junior Leaders be Forgot by Tom Cooper (Ford 1962)
Should Junior Leaders be forgot and never brought to mind, I’ll think of all those boys, now men for the sake of auld lang syne
Chorus: For auld lang syne, my friends For auld lang syne
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne.
For the sake of all good times we had for all those times we shared, I remember every one of you and just how much we cared
Repeat Chorus
We all arrived as just wee boys And all departed men And we all have travelled far and wide But still share thoughts of then
Repeat Chorus
We may have parted along the way And seas divide us too But I’ll raise my glass of kindness yet To each and all of you.
Repeat Chorus
We are very grateful to the RASC & RCT Association for the encouragement and support with a grant of funds to help towards our costs in organising our reunion. For many members this is an event they very much look forward to every year, an event which makes possible the meeting of former friends and comrades who would otherwise never meet because of the widely dispersed geographical locations of our members throughout the UK, Europe and yet further afield.
The Waggoner
Farewells on Sunday morning after breakfast were made in the certain knowledge, the good Lord and our health willing, we will get to do it all over again next year. Anyone reading this report of our reunion event and who has previously served as a Junior Leader RASC, or as a member of Permanent Staff, at Norton Manor Camp, during 1961 to 1965 and would like to join the Norton Manor Group please contact the secretary at: mikemason47.mm@gmail.com. Alternatively, if you served at Bordon in Hants before the move to Taunton, we would also like to hear from you.
Where were you on Rebadging Day 15th July 1965?
Several former RASC Junior Leaders have written in with their recollections of that momentous occasion when they were rebadged into the RCT or the RAOC, as was determined by a much higher authority. We were all immensely proud of our RASC heritage. The camaraderie and friendships that had been formed between driver and clerical trades was lost almost overnight after rebadging.
However, with the formation of the Norton Manor Group in 2011 those friendships and camaraderie have been rekindled as drivers and clerks were reunited, and for us 15th July 2025 was a commemoration of the dissolution of the RASC, 60 years ago.
Brunei - Michael Hosie (Pte). In Bolkiah Camp, Brunei under sporadic fire, we held a small parade consisting of a Gurkha Transport unit attached to 22 Coy SAS, Intelligence Corps and yours truly. The Parade was taken By Major P C S Creasy of the 2/7th Gurkha Rifles.
I was serving in
Brigade in Iserlohn, BAOR. We cut off our RASC buttons from our uniforms and took them with our forage caps with badge, buttons and chin strap buttons, additional hat badge, collar dogs, shoulder badges and lanyard to the QMs and were handed the RAOC kit.
Iserlohn - Dave Weyers (Pte).
4 Guards
The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
Maresfield, Sussex – Ian Lennox BEM (LCpl). Another clerk and I were stationed at HQ Int Centre in Maresfield. Our badges and lanyards were presented in a brown envelope to both of us by the Int Corps Chief Clerk - job done! One day RASC next day RAOC!
Munster – Tony Ash (LCpl). I was on the rebadging parade at 5 Coy, 8 Transport Column RASC, Nelson Barracks, Munster Germany, which became 5 Sqn, 8 Regiment RCT. Also included in the photograph is fellow former Junior Leader David Owen.
HQ BAOR – John Regan (LCpl). I cannot remember how and when I changed badge to RAOC. I think it was via a brown envelope from the Supervising Officer in HQ BAOR.
Aldershot – John Leggett (Dvr). I was at HQ 11 Bde on rebadging and all I remember was that there definitely wasn’t a parade or ceremony. There were four of us RASC and the BOWO took us out on a pub crawl to welcome us to the RAOC. Better than any parade.
Gibraltar – Bob Bush (LCpl) and Rod Bush BEM QCB (Pte). On 15th July 1965 myself and my older brother Bob, were serving at Fortress Headquarters Gibraltar. I had been in post just a few months. Prior to 15th July 1965 only one RAOC soldier, the WO Class 1 Fortress Ordnance Warrant Officer, was serving in theatre. On that date the number of RAOC soldiers increased to six. One RASC clerk rebadged to RCT. There was no formal parade, however, the transfer from RASC to RAOC was marked with a formal dinner at the Key and Anchor Club in Main Street Gibraltar. Happy days!
Lubbecke – Wal Stopper (LCpl). For the life of me I cannot remember what happened. I was at HQ 2 Div in Lubbecke and something tells me we had a parade at Bunde where the Tpt Colm was but also the Signals Regt and at that time we were supposed to be integrating with the Signals - it didn’t happen as such.
Fontainebleau, France – Mike Mason (Pte). I was at the British Army Support Unit with AFCENT in Fontainebleau along with other former Junior Leaders Jack Rowley, Ken Clarke and Tom Hughes, but I cannot recall any particular ceremony except for standing on morning parade in three open-order ranks and being presented with our appropriate new cap badge. RAOC caps, forage caps, lanyards, buttons and more cap badges had to be drawn from Quartermaster stores. It was a sad occasion overall as we were unceremoniously drafted into the RAOC and separated by cap badge from our former RASC friends in driver trades and, adding insult to injury, hitherto former friends henceforth referred to us as “blanket stackers”. The ignominy of it all!
Norton Manor Camp/Tywyn Outward Bound Course - Phil Peet (Junior LCpl). Prior to re-badging I was at Tywyn on the Outward Bound Course having travelled in uniform from Norton Manor Camp. There was no rebadging on the course and later I had to return to Norton Manor in civilian clothes to avoid being improperly dressed.
RASCV Abbeville L4041 (Maritime) - Eddie Bell (Dvr (Mariner). I was part of the RASC (Maritime) crew on the RASCV Abbeville L4041, prior to rebadging RCT.
Hounslow, Middlesex – Tom Cooper (Dvr). My rebadging was interesting in as much as it was a bit of a non-event. I was serving with 47 Army Youth Team at HQ Eastern District at Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow. Our unit comprised two drivers, one lance corporal, one sergeant and a lieutenant. Five of us in total. My personal parade consisted of me going to the Q stores and being handed my new RCT badges by the Quartermaster and, after duly signing for them, I went off to the NAAFI wearing my new cap badge and celebrated with a pint of Guinness.
Norton Manor Camp, Taunton - Clive Bell (Junior Pte). I have clear memories of the day. The 15th of
RASC & RCT Newsletter
July is my birthday. The rebadging was the birthday present I did not want, and transferring to the RAOC had no appeal whatsoever to any of us having heard stories of supply mistakes and failures.
Singapore - Geoff Lukins (Dvr). I was with 15 Air Despatch Regiment in Singapore. We had a big parade for the rebadging.
Hameln, Germany - Ken Dyer (LCpl). I recall a big parade at 26 Colm RASC (Bridge). As a L/Cpl I was
The Waggoner
detailed to form up in No 1 Dress to accompany the presenting officer, Brigadier M L Crossthwait MBE, with brand new RCT cap badges for all on parade.
Bielefeld, Germany - Cliff Harris, MBE, BEM (LCpl). I was serving in G Branch, HQ 1 (BR) Corps in Ripon Barracks, Bielefeld. I don’t recollect the day too much other than the staff clerks who were serving in the HQ and transferring into the RAOC, were bussed along to Catterick Barracks close by, there was probably an Ordnance unit there. It was quite a simple parade where we just exchanged cap badges and were then bussed back to Ripon Barracks, short and sharp. The other RASC clerks in the HQ, of which there were only a couple, were transferring into the RCT and just joined the rest of the RASC drivers from 14 Coy RASC, for their rebadging.
Mike Mason
I was serving as a 2Lt at the time, with 566 Sqn RASC (TA) which was based in the TA Centre, Clare Street, Northampton, although I was working in Peterborough. I was at Buller Barracks, on an Officer’s Training Course, which happened to coincide with the RCT formation ceremony. Memories of the day were seeing an impressive drive past of military vehicles and the handing over of the new RCT badges.
Barry Kraushaar
Fife Branch Secretary and his Wife enjoy a ride in Monty’s Staff Car
The main raffle prize at Corps Weekend 2024 was a drive in Monty’s staff car, followed by a private tour of the RLC Museum, guided by Maj (Retd) Simon Walmsley, the Museum Director. The experience included a night at Norton Park Hotel and Spa.
The winners were Fife Branch Secretary, George Redpath and his wife Maureen. After one cancelled visit due to mechanical issues, the trip was rescheduled for 27th May.
The RLC Museum have worked with Richard Hammond’s The Smallest Cog to restore the Rolls Royce Wraith used by Field Marshal Montgomery in Normandy after D-Day. ‘Monty’s Rolls’ has undergone a complete strip and respray to restore the car to its condition in the 1940s, replacing work undertaken on the car in the 1970s.
The vehicle, which was manufactured in 1939, served as Field Marshal Montgomery’s Staff Car in France and Germany, and was the first civilian vehicle to disembark in Normandy after D-Day, landing on Juno Beach. Monty wanted an impressive car that implied reliability, power and leadership.
I was delighted to welcome George and Maureen Redpath to the Museum and for them to be able to enjoy a ride in Monty’s staff car. After an enjoyable stay at the Norton Manor Spa Hotel, they were collected in Monty’s staff car and driven to the Museum.
Once there, they were given a private tour of the Museum by Maj (Retd) Simon Walmsley. Following this, they had time to do a little shopping which included buying the last bottle of RCT labelled port. On completion they were given an extended ride home in the staff car. I am so glad that they both enjoyed the experience.
I must add that it was particularly special for me to welcome George and Maureen, as George was a lance corporal in my first troop in Bunde in 97-99.
Finally, my thanks to Simon Walmsley and Paul who drove Monty’s car so well.
Hick
George and Maureen ready to embark on their ride from the Norton Park Hotel
George and Maureen with Maj Simon Walmsley in front of the DUKW in the Museum
Richard
Website: https://rlcmuseum.com/
Email: information@rlcmuseum.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RLCMuseum
Download it today and join the RASC & RCT Association Group
Launched on 2 Jun 25, the RLC App is a digital community platform for Serving Personnel (Regular & Reservists), Veterans, Cadet Adult Volunteers, partners & families. It will transform the way we can communicate, connect and engage across the entire Corps family including our Forming Corps, with peer support and in-person connection at its heart. Each Forming Corps has their own dedicated group on the App.
The platform combines Groups, Events, Pinboard, Messaging & Chat, Notification, Fundraising and Search & Connect functions. Of particular benefit is the publication of other events (outside of the Corps) across the country, such as breakfast clubs, along with the promotion of key support networks and organisations.
The Association Secretary has administrative access to the App and runs the RASC & RCT Association Group. News/events/ entries are welcome and should be sent to the Association Secretary by email to rascrctsec@rhqtherlc. org.uk. Submissions must be brief, and any photos must be sent as separate documents. At this stage, we are not looking to expand admin access down to branch level and we will not have dedicated sub sections for each branch, just one RASC and RCT Group, which allows everyone to be kept informed of what is happening and for all App users to be able to view. The priority now is to increase the number of users, as the more widely it is used the more informative and beneficial it will be.
Rest assured that the Waggoner will continue, as will the communication of key events via Regional Chairmen to Branches. Thus, some members who struggle with IT will still be kept informed in the usual way.
THE NEW RLC APP
How do I join?
The mobile RLC App is free to download for Apple and Android personal devices from the App Store and on Google Play.
There is also website access from your home computer, laptop or tablet - https://www. royallogisticcorps.co.uk/web-app/
NOTE: If you have downloaded and registered with the mobile app, you can use the same username and password to access the web app.
You will be required to enter the RLC App Group Code (SUSTAIN) and your email address, and you will be sent a 6-digit verification code. Once you have entered it you can then complete the registration process.
As part of this process, you will be asked to create a personal profile. This will include your service type, service number, dates of service and current location.
You can also upload an image of yourself and add a story about your service and contact information.
To protect your personal security, most of the above is hidden from public view or is optional and you can hide your contact information.
The RASC & RCT Association, and other Forming Corps, have their own dedicated group on the App
A huge number of veterans events across the country are promoted on the App
Scan QR Code to download the RLC App on both IOS and Android
My military career started with my arrival at the Junior Leaders Battalion RASC, at Norton Manor Camp, Taunton, Somerset, on my 15th birthday in 1962. Taking charge of a recruit Platoon just over 2 years later, as a Junior Sergeant, was a highlight. With lifetime friendships forged, revisited annually even today with our Norton Manor Group reunions, it was time to move on to “man service”.
My first posting was to 12 Coy RASC in Pinewood Camp in the small village of Liebenau in BAOR. I was quite surprised on arrival to be searching out my best boots and yellow duster to prepare for a massive parade in Sennelager to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s state visit to Germany in May 1965. How history repeats itself that, 12 years later, as a WO2 Master Driver, I was back on that same parade ground with responsibility for our RCT Stalwart contingent on the Queen’s Silver Jubilee parade on 7th July 1977.
I have wonderful memories of my time in Pinewood camp, growing up from boy soldier to an adult soldier and B3 driver. Other (local) qualifications would follow, authorised by the old sweats on the car park and in the Naafi, and included “A” level Amstel drinking and not looking too smart!!
I was very lucky, on arrival in 12 Coy, to join A Platoon, the first complete platoon of 21 Stalwarts in the Corps. New vehicles, new challenges, lots to learn and the best fun, where your Section Commander was “God”. My greatest challenge was my Platoon S/Sgt, Harry Blackburn, a mountain of a man, a Korean war veteran and ex-army boxing champion. He frightened the living daylights out of me, with an old school style of discipline where the threat of being knocked out was always present. Harry was married to a German lady, and they retired to the Mosel area and many years later I had the great honour of having Harry as a special guest at my Sergeants’ Mess when I was RSM in Minden.
Co-located with 12 Coy in Pinewood camp was Battalion HQ with our sister Coy, 66, based in the nearby town of Nienburg where they shared their barracks with the Royal Engineers. Both our Companies came together annually for the “Triangle Parade” and that would prove to be the ideal opportunity to mark the demise of the RASC and the creation of the RCT. On the 15th of July 1965 (ish) we duly paraded and changed our cap badges and lanyards and became Troops and Squadrons. The RCT was born.
Lt Col Terry Byrne MBE
RASC TO RCT (Terry Byrne J/Driver, RASC to Lt Col RLC via RCT)
Promoting and protecting the health and well-being of serving personnel and veterans of the British Armed Forces who have been diagnosed with cancer. We offer support from peers with shared experience of cancer and signposting to other care providers.
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Obituary
WO1 (RSM) Derek Gale RCT
Derek Gale joined the RASC in 1958. During his basic training at Buller Barracks, he was given the nickname “Windy” Gale, by his fellow recruits, a tag that remained with him throughout his life. After successfully completing his square bashing in Aldershot, Derek was posted to 6 Training Battalion RASC in Yeovil to complete trade training.
He then entered the driver training phase, which he took to like a duck to water. On completion, Derek was added to the Permanent Staff and remained at Yeovil for the next three years, during which, he also passed his HGV2, and his motorcycle test on the Army’s newly acquired BSA B40 350. The Battalion’s CO then also promoted him to Lance Corporal.
By 1963, an uprising was taking place out in Aden. Derek was one of the many servicemen dispatched to Aden to secure the area and hopefully prevent any further attacks against British personnel and their families. Initially, Derek was sent to 90 Coy RASC. He drove around in an army Ford Zephyr 6 staff car; in today’s modern world this was comparable to a top range BMW 7 series.
His first senior officer was Brigadier Montenero, an Engineer involved in the 1942 Cockleshell Heroes mission near Bordeaux. His second senior officer was another wartime officer called Brigadier Kyte whose quarter was situated the other side of Aden, and so Derek was moved out of 90 Coy’s wooden huts into the RAF Steamer Point Camp, which had modern brick buildings, “It was absolute luxury”, recalls Derek. “We had hot showers every day and the standard of food in the RAF restaurant, well by right you could not call it a cookhouse, it was like eating in an upperclass bistro back home”.
But Derek soon had a horrific introduction to the violent world in which soldiers sometimes had to exist. He was driving Brigadier Kyte back to his married quarter one afternoon, travelling about 30 metres behind a civilian Land Rover when it exploded. It was after the Brigadier pulled a shocked Derek out of the driver’s seat that he noticed the car was covered in body parts.
Derek left Aden with a strong recommendation for promotion to Corporal. He was posted to 20 Squadron RCT at Regents Park Barracks. Derek and his team of drivers were always busy delivering all sorts of gear for Buckingham Palace, Sandringham House and both Windsor and Balmoral Castles. Late in 1965, Derrick was posted to 62 Squadron in West Berlin, but after three months was promoted to Sergeant and reposted to the Junior Leaders Regiment in Taunton. He was with Ford Troop and oversaw the training and development of many young boys between the ages of 15 and 17, some of whom remained in contact with him to the end. Whilst there, Derek, who had played semi–pro Football for Epsom FC and Hounslow FC, played alongside Corps players like Alec Young, Chris Crowe and Yonkter Yates, who played for Liverpool, Arsenal and QPR.
After yet another great confidential report, Derek was promoted to Staff Sergeant and posted to 31 Port Regiment RCT in Hong Kong from 1972 to 74. He captained the RCT Far East football team against the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines. From 1974 to 1980, Derek was the Troop Staff Sergeant of C Troop 17 Squadron, 10 Regiment RCT in Bielefeld. This included a six-month tour based at Moscow Camp in Belfast. Derek and his troop commander used to visit their drivers in C troop at their various locations spread all over West Belfast.
On promotion to WO2, Derek was posted to the Regimental Training Wing, superintending every driving, promotion and trade training course. His dedication to the job led to him being promoted to WO1 (RSM). He was given a choice; he could go to the sunny island of Cyprus as the GSM of Dhekelia Garrison, or as RSM 151 Transport Regiment RCT based in Croydon. Unbelievably, Derek chose the latter option for reasons best known to himself. He left the Army in December 1982, moved to Southampton and worked as a long-distance lorry driver. After working in his friend’s pub, Derek decided to enter the licencing trade and took over a free house in Woodchester, Gloucestershire, retiring in 2007. He married his beautiful wife June in 2005. Derek passed away peacefully at Basingstoke Hospital on 14th July 2025 after his battle with dementia. He was surrounded by his family.
Bob Wade
Colonel Richard Mark Baker
13 January 1954 – 19 May 2025
Obituary
Richard Mark Baker was born in Malmsbury, North Wiltshire on the 13th of January 1954. Mark attended Devizes Grammar School and at seventeen he went to Welbeck – the Defence Sixth Form College where he excelled at sport from the outset and later became head of his house and head boy of the College, as well as Company Sergeant Major of the Army Cadet Force. He was commissioned in June 1973. His upright stature and bearing stood out to Academy Sergeant Major Huggins. He met Jane just before going to Sandhurst and they got engaged soon after. After attending the Troop Commanders Course, Mark was posted as a Troop Commander to 3 Tank Transporter Squadron based in Sennelager, which included a Northern Ireland tour. An infantry attachment for 6 months followed with 3 Royal Anglian, followed by a rewarding tour at the RCT Junior Leaders Regiment.
A number of postings within Germany followed; as squadron 2IC in 3 Division Transport Regiment, which included a secondment to HQ Northern Ireland as a watchkeeper, he then went to 2 Division Transport Regiment in Bunde. In 1986 Mark was deployed on operations with the United Nations Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai.
In 1987 Mark returned to Sennelager, to be OC 3 Tank Transporter Squadron. He relished managing the special challenges of operating the huge tank transporter vehicles with their exceptional 80-ton loads and leading the robust and highly experienced soldiers that drove and supervised these valuable loads. In 1989 as a grade 2 staff officer he moved
to PB8, the custodian of promotions and postings for RCT officers. The endless visits to regiments and units allowed him to become acquainted with all the officers’ messes and their bars across the RCT. His stamina, advice and candour were widely respected.
An exchange posting to Australia followed, as SO2 Log Ops in the Australian Land Headquarters during which he deployed as part of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1994, he was chosen for regimental command as the first non-Pioneer officer to command 23 Pioneer Regiment, shortly after the formation of The Royal Logistic Corps.
A posting to Turkey followed as the Chief J4 Logistics in the NATO Headquarters where he deployed to Macedonia and Kosovo. In September 2001, he returned to the UK to the Army Personnel Centre Glasgow; as the Staff Officer Grade 1, responsible for all RLC soldiers and trades, close to 20,000 of them. Soon after he was selected to become the Regimental Colonel of The Royal Logistic Corps. He was a very natural fit for the job and excelled at it. He was responsible for hosting and briefing Princess Anne on numerous occasions, in her capacity as Colonel-In-Chief of The Royal Logistic Corps. On retirement from the regular army in July 2009, Mark stayed close to soldiers by becoming a Captain of Invalids at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for eight years. The wellbeing of people was always Mark’s highest priority, and he was totally authentic in the way he cared for those in his charge at Chelsea. Mark’s career completed a profound full circle when Academy Sergeant Major Ray Huggins joined Chelsea Hospital as an In-Pensioner. Mark’s virtues and stature led him to being selected for placement on the waiting list to be one of the Military Knights of Windsor, just before his illness deteriorated. Disappointingly, he was thus unable to pursue this placement.
Mark, with enduring, strong support from Jane, showed boundless generosity and enthusiasm for entertaining guests throughout his 37-year army career and beyond. He was one of those rare people who brought true joy to those he met; it was always a pleasure to bump into him, sit next to him or meet with him and to hear his banter as well as his infectious laugh. Senior, junior or equal, everyone benefitted from his most affable company. His funeral on 26th June, in the small church where he was married fifty years previously, saw over three hundred friends, family and In-Pensioners gather to say farewell to this much-loved and respected officer and gentleman.
Based on input from Mark himself and family members. Subsequently written by Colonel Mike Toms and Lieutenant Colonel Paul Duncan, RASC & RCT Council Secretary
Victor Michael ‘Mike’ Pearson
Obituary
Victor Michael Pearson, known affectionately as Mike, passed away peacefully on 6th February 2025, at the age of 79 after a short time in hospital, with his beloved wife Annie by his side.
Mike served his country with distinction, enlisting into the Royal Army Service Corps before rebadging to the Royal Corps of Transport in 1965. A veteran of operations in Malaya and Borneo, he was stationed with 3 Squadron in Terendak, Malaysia, from 1964 to 1967, and later served in Sennelager as a tank transporter driver. He was awarded the General Service Medal (GSM) with the Malay Peninsula clasp, along with the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal, in recognition of his service. Mike looked back on his Army years with immense pride and enduring fondness.
He is survived by Annie, with whom he shared many happy years. Mike was a devoted father to his daughter Victoria, and a proud grandfather to her
three children. He was also a caring stepfather to Charlotte, and a much-loved step-grandfather to her daughters, Ruby and Sophie.
I first met Mike at a veterans’ parade at Buller Barracks in Aldershot, commemorating the closure of the barracks. Although I only knew Mike for around 12 years, it was a bond rooted in shared experiences of service, and I considered him a true friend. Mike was one of those people everyone liked. He had a quiet kindness and always looked out for those around him - he’d be the first to check in on someone or offer help if he thought they were feeling low. In later years, Mike remained an active and respected member of the veteran community. He served on the Buller Branch committee, returned annually for Corps weekends in Aldershot, and took part in the Remembrance parade in London each year. Every morning began with an inspirational message posted to Facebook, a daily ritual that gathered a loyal following, before heading out for his walk, often in quiet reflection or camaraderie.
Mike’s life was defined by service, not only through his years in uniform, but through the way he lived every day, with warmth, loyalty, and generosity of spirit. He didn’t need to be loud to be heard. He led by example, with patience, compassion, and unwavering decency. You always felt better for having spent time with him.
His funeral was a fitting reflection of the esteem in which he was held, drawing a large turnout of veterans, friends, and family from far and wide. It was a day filled with stories, memories, and a deep sense of gratitude for having known him. Mike will be remembered not only for his military service, but for the life he led, marked by quiet strength, enduring loyalty, and kindness that touched everyone around him.
Jim Titheridge
For those that knew Mick Hutton, who sadly recently passed away after a long fight with cancer, apart from being a quality bloke he was famous for two things.
He always had a fag in his top pocket and also when he arrived at the 6 Sqn reunions or the NIVA parade, Mick always had a box of Poppy merchandise which he would hand out, when asked how much he would say “I have covered it”. He will be sorely missed at our reunions and NIVA parades. We send our condolences to his wife Elaine and his family and friends.
Rest in peace Mike.
Kevin Terry
Mick Hutton
Alexander - On 16 May 2025, Lt Col MCS
Alexander RCT/RLC
Last Post
Allan - On 26 March 2025, Mr D Allan RASC/RCT
Ash - On 2 March 2025, Mr AH Ash RASC/RCT
Baker - On 19 May 2025, Col RM Baker RCT/RLC
Clark - On 7 April 2025, Mr G Clark RASC/RCT
Cockram - On 5 May 2025, Mr WM Cockram
RASC/RAOC
Davidson - On 1 May 2025, Maj A Davidson TD
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Dixon - On 2 February2025, Mrs JJ Dixon
Dugard - On 5 July 2025, Mr A Dugard RCT
Eden - On 31 May 2025, Mr G Eden RCT
Evans - On 3 May 2025, Mr JH Evans RCT
French - On 1 May 2025, Lt Col PI French MBE
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Gale - On 14 July 2025, Mr D Gale RASC/RCT
Garlick - On 12 June 2025, Mr W Garlick RCT
Gordon - On 23 February 2025, Mr J Gordon
RASC/RCT
Griffith - On 14 June 2025, Mr C Griffith RCT
Groutage - On 30 April 2025, Mr R Groutage RCT
Harban - On 4 June 2025, Col BJ Harban MBE
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Hill - On 12 June 2025, Mr D Hill RCT
Howes - On 19 February 2025, Mr W Howes
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Hutchings - On 14 February 2024, Maj RJ
Hutchings RASC/RCT
Hutton - On 13 February 2025, Mrs M Hutton
RCT
Lane - On 6 July 2025, Mr A Lane RCT
Long - On 15 May 2025, Mr BP Long RCT
Madgwick - On 18 May 2025, Mr R Madgwick
RAPC/AGC(SPS)
McLeod - On 1 June 2025, Mr W McLeod RCT
Mears - On 27 September 2023, Col PS Mears
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Muirhead - On 11 April 2025, Capt RH Muirhead
MBE RASC
Mundy - On 8 March 2025, Mr MJ Mundy RCT/ RLC
Norton - On 22 April 2025, Mr R Norton RASC/ RCT
Oliver - On 28 March 2025, Maj (QM) PC Oliver
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Orrell - On 30 June 2025, Maj GW Orrell TD
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Pain - On 19 March 2025, Lt BM Pain CBE QPM
RASC
Paul - On 11 June 2025, Mr MD Paul RASC/RCT
Ratazzi - On 6 June 2025, Brig RE Ratazzi CBE
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Spencer - On 16 June 2025, Mr JH Spencer
RASC/RCT
Stephens - On 11 August 2025, Col HVC
Stephens RASC/RCT/RLC
Stone - On 27June 2025, Mr PR Stone RASC/RCT
Tedstone - On 11 July 2025, Mr N Tedstone
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Thompson - On 29 May 2025, Mr R Thompson
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Vousden - On 5 August 2025, Mr T Vousden
RASC/RCT
DRIVE-PAST OF TRANSPORT
Horse Transport
Landrover
Two Motorcycles
Landrover (¾ ton)
Two Staff cars
Truck (4 ½ tons)
Stalwart
Truck (10 ton)
Truck (4 ½ tons) and Trailer (Bridging)
Truck (10 ton) and Trailer (Bridging)
Tipper
Tractor and Trailer (Airportable)
Tractor (Fourways Conveyor)
Medium Stressed Platform
Standard Supply Platform
D.U.K.W
Heavy Tractor
Heavy Train
Petrol tanker
Ambulance
Missile Carrier
Tank Transporter
Locomotive
Fast Launch
Landrover
From the Ceremonial Parade Programme, Buller Barracks Aldershot 15th July, 1965
