The Junior Mercury Newspaper was produced from June 1959 to January/February 1966 around 840 pages of life at Denbury
Click Here for a list of Junior Mercury Newspapers available to download
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in HIGHLIGHTS 1962
Click Here for a PDF document with a copy of the WIRE magazine entries for 1962
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in TEN TORS 1962
Click Here for a PDF document with a copy of the TEN TORS 1962 brochure
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in BAND 1962
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in SPORT 1962
1962
Extract from the Junior Mercury explaining the Trade Training Wing at Denbury in 1962
“At present within the Corps there is a revision of the trade structure taking place, to bring it up to date with all the new equipment on issue to the Regular Army. Basically there are three types of tradesmen and briefly, they are these
On the top we have our Technicians. At present the technicians are split up into six groups
1. Electronic – 2. Line – 3. Radio (Heavy) – 4. Radio (Light) – 5. Radio Relay – 6. Telegraph
These are highly skilled trades demanding a good standard of education, concentration on one’s course, and responsibility of valuable and complicated equipment. Two courses at Catterick are longer than for other trades, lasting up to six months or more. The big advantage of a technical trade is the higher pay. Further, the trades are recognized by the trade unions, and are extremely useful to the man himself when he comes to leave the Army
Secondly, we have two “A” trades, both operating either as a Special Operator or a Telegraph Operator. The former trains at Loughborough, and the primary difference is that the speed of operating must be very much higher than of a Telegraph Operator
Finally, we have the largest group of trades the “B” trades, all of which are equally important in maintaining the Corps tradition of always remaining “THROUGH” These trades are as follows:
Cipher Jointer – Cipher Operator – Clerk Technical – Draughtsman Royal Signals
Communication Centre Operator – Driver Royal Signals – Lineman – Electrician Driver
Radio Operator – Radio Relayman – Staff Operator
This is a wide choice of trades, covering a large field of activities, and all are interesting and important trades. Some of these trades, eg Cable Jointer and Lineman, are also now recognized by the GPO and trade unions. The same opportunities exist for promotion to senior NCOs as in the other trades. It is in every single soldier’s interest to reach the top in his trade as early as he can in his service. He then has no problems towards promotion as far as his trade is concerned
Now we will show what we try to cover here in the Regiment towards trade qualifications. Ultimately, and it is hoped the day is not too far distant, it is hoped that every boy leaving the Regiment will have passed his Class III trade test before entering man’s service
At present it is the aim within the Wing to give a broader outlook on trade training, only concentrating on the boy’s particular trade during his output term. Our aim is for every boy to obtain at least an “A” trade, and over recent terms over 50 per cent regularly attain this aim. With this in mind, the emphasis is on radio and teleprinter training. Briefly, we try to cover the following
BASICS – Nearly every trade in the Corps has a need for some elementary knowledge of electricity. During the first two terms all the boys spend a certain time on Basics. In the final term, approximately 30 periods are spent on Basics. During this time they learn about such things as electronics, theory, current, cells, magnetism and Ohms law. During his second term, boys spend up to ten periods on Basics, during which time they learn elementary knowledge of circuits, bells, and telephones
RADIO – No matter what trade a boy finishes up taking, a basic knowledge of radio procedure is always of use. In the Radio Wing the boys spend a considerable time learning and practising the Morse Code. Many are already up to the Class III trade test standard before they leave the Regiment. In their third term half their military training is in this work, after mastering his voice and telegraph procedure. The boys then can take part in larger exercises on field wireless sets. Up-to-date wireless equipment is used for those exercises, and they are often sent out into the country, where each station is controlled by more senior boys
TELEPRINTER WING – In this Wing the boys learn to type during the third term. When he completes his fourth term, he has mastered the typewriter keyboard and is capable of moving on to a teleprinter. By the time they have reached output, many boys are typing at or above 20 words per minute. Practice is given in typing messages and cipher traffic. Besides learning the teleprinter, he also learns the elementary organization and working of a Signal Centre, so that he is well trained for an eventual trade of Communication Centre Operator. Already results have proved the usefulness of our training here in the Regiment. When the boys reach Catterick for trade training, many of them do not have to do the first 4-8 weeks basic trade training. Let us hope before long they will reach Catterick already possessing their Class III trade”
4 Jan 62
Spring Term starts
9 Jan 62
Junior Wing Alamein intake of 72 click Here for a PDF document with photos
21Jan 62
Visit of Chaplain General to the Forces, the Venerable Archdeacon ID Neil OBE, QHC, MA for the Dedication of St George’s Church, also present was the Master of Signals, Maj-Gen Sir William Scott, KCMG, CB, CBE
1 Feb 62
Inter Troop Cross Country won by Quadrant Troop
2. Jerboa 3. White Swan
1st was JSig Kemp with a time of 23mins 32secs
Feb 62
A film was made by Anvil Films entitled “Follow my lead” this is a documentary film designed to be shown to boys in their last term at school and undecided as to which career to follow
“A shot rang out. Captain Rogers clapped his hands to his stomach, rolled his eyes, and dropped, mortally wounded. Although there were plenty of witnesses, no one will be court-martialled, because this bandit was brought down by one of JRSM Wraith’s security forces patrol in the interests of recruiting. On a film of course.
The story of the film, in which the JRSM played the leading role, is of a corporal in Malaya who has been ordered to dig out a band of terrorists who are known to be hiding up in a certain area. The patrol goes a certain distance by helicopter, and then prepares to set off through the jungle (Denbury Wood). As the corporal sets his map, his mind goes back to the time when he was a Junior Leader out on a map-reading exercise. The leader of his patrol argued and was undecided, so he took over the responsibility of “getting there” as he was doing today.
These thoughts are shown as flashbacks, and by means of these the life of the corporal as a Junior Leader is portrayed as the story unfolds. The patrol finds the terrorists, and after a series of setbacks and uncomfortable moments, it manages to account for a few of them itself and then the corporal, in order to recall the helicopters to finish the job, has to trek back to camp with one of his patrol. As he climbs a mountain on his way back, he recalls his Outward Bound course in Wales and, to shoot this and other scenes, JRSM Wraith was sent to the Army Outward Bound School at Tonfanau for a couple of weeks.
The parts of the rest of the security force patrol were played by JSgt Sharman (who had to carry a radio as well as all his kit, and couldn’t keep the aerial from becoming entwined around branches and brambles) JLCpl Greenwood, in place of JSig Vivien, who had damaged his foot somehow, JSgt Locke and JCpl Kynaston. The “Baddies” were Capt Rogers, Lt Rowntree, JLCpl Farr (a “natural”) and JSig Brumfield.”
2 Mar 62
Army Junior Cross Country Championships at Aldershot
6 Mar 62
Annual Administrative Inspection carried out by Brig HW le Patourel VC with the whole Regiment on parade including Senior and Junior Wings
Saturday 10th March 1962
During the evening a tragic fire occurred in the camp that started in the drying room of White Spear/Francisca Troop accommodation and within minutes the whole block was ablaze. The Regiment was paraded on the square and a roll called it was found that JSig Albiston and JSig Ball of White Spear Troop were missing. It was subsequently discovered that they had died in the fire. They had been guarding outward-bound equipment left in the drying room and had died from carbon monoxide poisoning
JSig Albiston was buried with full military honours at Wolborough Cemetery, Newton Abbot and JSig Ball was buried privately at Oundle near Peterborough where a contingent from the Regiment attended the funeral
Click Here for a PDF document with photos and more details
12 Mar 62
The Choir gave a concert for the blind in Newton Abbot
18 Mar 62
Memorial Service held in St George’s Church – Rev ROR Wood MA, CF and Rev EJ Blythe
23 Mar 62
Commonwealth Trophy competition was held the troops raced by patrols over six different routes, one patrol of each troop taking route one, the next route two and so on. The idea was to reach a “casualty area” until a hidden stretcher was found, and then to report to a check point about a mile and a half from the finish at Okement Hill, where a “casualty” was nominated, who from there onwards, remainded trussed up and lying on the stretcher, was carried by the rest of the patrol.
The patrols were marked on three counts – time, kit lost and casualty handling. The final result:
Quadrant 68. Jerboa and Romulus 60. Francisca 58. Kohima and White Swan 46.
Kukri 37. Iron 27. White Spear 20. Javelin minus 27
24 Mar 62
JCpl R Chisholm and JLCpl L Ward played football for Devon against Dorset in the South-West Counties Federation competition at Lyme Regis – JLCpl L Ward is the Regimental Football team captain and newly-qualified referee
26 Mar to 14 Apr 62
Capt Swindells took party Junior Leaders to the Norwegian School of Signals at Lillehammer – JLCpl Parkinson, JLCpl Waugh, JLCpl Wathen, JLCpl Stephens
JSig Thompson, JSig Hadrick and JSig Cooper
31 Mar 62
Inter Troop Canoe Race at Totnes was won by Kukri, 2nd Iron, 3rd Quadrant and 4th Kohima
Apr 62
Regimental Strength 540 above the establishment of 480 a proposal was made to transfer 175 Junior Leaders from the All Arms Junior Leaders at Tonfanau to Denbury in Jan 63
Apr 62
Sailing Club launched with three Enterprise sailing dinghies, two Redwing sailing dinghies and the use of a 20-ton ketch “Nell” of Shaldon together with a 32-foot converted RNLI life-boat. The ketch “Nell” has been offered for Regimental use by Major Gregson of Shaldon on condition that members of the sailing club help maintain and crew her
Saturday 7th April 1962
General Sir Richard Hull, GCB, DSO, ADC, Chief of the Imperial General Staff was the Reviewing Officer at the Graduation Parade
First time in No 2 Dress – 550 uniforms prepared – the first Junior Leaders Regiment to be issued
540 Junior Leaders on parade
43 Junior Leaders graduated
The Parade was commanded by Maj MD Scott Royal Signals
PDF document nominal roll of who graduated to Colour Service available on request
Click Here for a PDF copy Programme
Junior appointments for the Graduation Parade
JRSM JA Wraith – Iron Troop
JSSM JW Brister – Francisca Troop – Alexander Squadron
JSSM CH Hollander – White Swan Troop – Slim Squadron
JSSM JS Beaumount – Kukri Troop – Junior Wing
JSSgt FO Wilson – Kohima Troop
JSgt A Lock – Quadrant Troop
JSgt JA Sharman – Romulus Troop
JSgt JM Smith – Kukri Troop – Champion Troop
JSgt JN Wooler – Francisca Troop
JSgt DS Smith – Javelin Troop
JSgt RE Cousins – Iron Troop
JSgt TS Rayson – White Spear Troop
JSgt RON Wolley – White Swan Troop – Trumpet Major
JSgt J Isherwood – Jerboa Troop
Drum Major – JSig RF Wellington – White Swan Troop
Pipe Major – JSig JWH Bowie – Francisca Troop
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
Commanding Officer’s Trophy – JRSM JA Wraith
Commandant Training Brigade’s Trophy – Best Junior Leader – ?
Cobb Memorial Trophy and 7 Sig Regt Shield – Champion Troop
Kukri Troop – JSgt JM Smith
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Senior Trophy – Runners up Champion Troop – ?
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Junior Trophy – Runners up Senior Trophy – ?
1st Commonwealth Division Trophy – Adventure Training – ?
Gregory Pennant – Best patrol in the Regiment – ?
Junior Award – Best Recruit of Junior Wing – ?
17 Apr 62
Sig (former JRSM) JA Wraith was on the ITV “Rendezous” programme receives “Award of the month” for his conduct on the night of the fire at Denbury
2 May 62
Junior Wing intake click Here for a PDF document with photos
3 May 62
130 of the Regiment with the Corps of Drums and Scottish Dancers represented the Regiment on parade at Ashburton Recreation Ground when the Chairman of Ashburton Council presented a Pipe Banner
5 May 62
Bantham Surf Life-Saving Club starts 24 volunteers (12 per Squadron) are required to join the club membership is 2/6d per annum. A weekend patrol of 6 Junior Leaders + an Officer or SNCO they will leave Denbury on Saturday and stay at Bantham near Kingsbridge overnight returning Sunday evening
13 May 62
200 of the Regiment with the Corps of Drums represented the Regiment on parade at Chudleigh Recreation Ground when the Chairman of Newton Abbot Rural Council presented a Pipe Banner
May 62
Lt Gen A Richardson, CB, CBE, DSO, the Director General of Military Training visited the Regiment
31 May 62
Annual Triangular Athletics Meeting with Newton Abbot and Totnes Grammar Schools the Regiment had a narrow win
31 May to 3 Jun 62
The Regimental Band consisting of 46 went to France for performance at SHAPE
Jun 62
Draft proposal sent to War Office the suggested establishment was four squadrons with three troops in each squadron
9-10 Jun 62
3rd Annual Ten Tors Expedition took place 225 teams comprising 1350 men, women and youths competed 683 finished that included 83 patrols and 49 part patrols
15 Jun 62
The former Commanding Officer Lt Col LHM Gregory MBE after lunch with the Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants finally left Denbury by the South Gate his specially prepared Standard Vanguard pulled by Junior Leaders this was the launch of his Commonwealth Far East Tour
21 Jun 62
The Regimental Band plays at the United Fire Services Display in Paignton
23 Jun 62
Inter Troop Canoe Race at Totnes was won by Kukri, 2nd Iron
27 Jun 62
Regimental team come 1st in the Wessex District Junior Athletic Championships – Preliminary Round
Jul 62
Regimental team come 2nd in Army Junior Athletic Championships at Aldershot – Finals and JSig T Smith is chosen to represent the Army in the first Inter-Services Junior Championships
Jul 62
Inter Troop Cross Country won by Quadrant Troop
1st was JCpl Gue who set a new record of 22 minutes 49 seconds
2. White Swan – 3. Jerboa – 4. Iron – 5. White Spear – 6. Kukri
7. Javelin – 8. Kohima – 9. Francisca – 10. Romulus – 11. Junior Wing
27 Jul 62
The regiment provided a Guard of Honour at Totnes Quay on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visit to the West Country. The Guard of Honour was commanded by the Regimental 2IC Maj MD Scott. Capt Haw, Lt Pickup, WOII Womball, SSgt Hammond, Sgt Livermore, Sgt Webster, JSSM FO Wilson and 95 Junior leaders formed the guard
29 Jul 62
During the morning service the memorial paint “Christ on the cross” is unveiled in St Georges Church
Click Here for a PDF document with photos and more details
Tuesday 31st July 1962
Major General AMW Whistler CBE, Signal Officer in Chief was the Reviewing Officer at the Graduation Parade
76 Junior Leaders graduated
The Parade was commanded by Maj MD Scott Royal Signals
PDF document nominal roll of who graduated to Colour Service available on request
Click Here for a PDF copy Programme
Junior appointments for the Graduation Parade
JRSM JS Beaumount – Kukri Troop
JSSM JN Wooler – Francisca Troop – Alexander Squadron
JSSM FO Wilson – Kohima Troop – Slim Squadron
JSgt RW Hyde – Quadrant Troop
JSgt AL Hawkins – Romulus Troop
JSgt B Sharpe – Kukri Troop – Champion Troop
JSgt PJ Mills – Francisca Troop
JSgt DS Smith – Javelin Troop
JSgt RE Cousins – Iron Troop
JSgt AJ McArthur – White Spear Troop
JSgt RA Jakins – White Spear Troop – Junior Wing
JSgt RON Wolley – White Swan Troop – runners up Champion Troop
JSgt J Isherwood – Jerboa Troop
JSgt E Tai – Jerboa Troop – Junior Squadron
JSgt R Porter – Kohima Troop
JLCpl RF Wellington – White Swan Troop – Drum Major
JLCpl R Fisher – Kukri Troop – Trumpet Major
JLCpl JWH Bowie – Francisca Troop – Pipe Major
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
Commanding Officer’s Trophy – JRSM JS Beaumount
Commandant Training Brigade’s Trophy – Best Junior Leader – JSSM JN Wooler
Cobb Memorial Trophy and 7 Sig Regt Shield – Champion Troop
Kukri Troop – JSgt B Sharpe
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Senior Trophy – Runners up Champion Troop
White Swan Troop
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Junior Trophy – Runners up Senior Trophy
Quadrant Troop
1st Commonwealth Division Trophy – Adventure Training
Jerboa Troop
Gregory Pennant – Best patrol in the Regiment – Bell Jerboa Troop
Junior Award – Best Recruit of Junior Wing – JSig Beck
Victor Ludorum Trophy – Best all round in Athletics – JSig T Smith
Aug 62
The Commanding Officer is informed that the Regiment will probably move to Taunton in 1966 for two years while the camp is rebuilt
11 Sep 62
Junior Wing intake of 80 click Here for a PDF document with photos
Sep 62
New Junior Mercury Staff
Editorial: Peter Whapham – John Fletcher
Sub-Editors: WOII Reg Rodriguez – Sgt Den O’Connor
Pictures: Major Jack Woodcock
Reporters: J/Signalmen Rod Mawer – Nigel Oakley – Roy Wilson
Phil Weightman – Frank Taylor – Dave Gilchrist – Mike Castle
Sep 62
Extract from the Junior Mercury – Oct 62
DUKE OF EDINBURGH SILVER EXPEDITION
“THE AIM….
Having arrived back at Denbury from their summer vacation. 68 Junior Leaders volunteered to tackle the Second Series (Silver) Expedition of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award. Only candidates who had completed vigorous preliminary training exercises were permitted to compete. These included long-distance marching, camping, map reading, first-aid and cooking. The task set was an expedition on foot, to include two nights in the open or in bivouac, in campsites not less than five miles apart and covering not less than a total of 30 miles.
Each patrol of four or five young soldiers had a purpose outside the journey itself. This ranged from the study of places of historical interest including churches, stone crosses, ancient ruins, and old bridges. To the detailed observation of wildlife, the collection of plants, crop surveys, and a study of local names. In this way, physical achievements and skills were married to cultural interests. Each candidate was required to keep a full and detailed log of the journey, which was subsequently written up, illustrated with sketches and photographs, and presented for assessment. On returning to camp, work really started. Plants needed to be pressed and labelled, zoological specimens mounted and fixed, pieces of rock from geological surveys catalogued in small boxes, photographs printed, sketches drawn.
….AND THE EXPERIENCE
The expedition was organized by Maj WC Rogers, our new Senior Education Officer, who is vice-chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Committee for Buckinghamshire. It started on Monday September 10, with preparation in camp. Patrols were issued with a 1-inch-to-1-mile map of the Mortonhampstead area and given two map references: points at which they could either start or finish. They had to plan their route and mark possible camping sites on the first day, as this information was required by the members of the Staff who were to act as checkers (no adults accompanied the patrols).
After an early breakfast the next morning the groups moved out in military transport for their start points. The day was cool but dry. It must have been midnight that night and everyone bivouacked down before the gale blew up. Only emergency roping and pegging prevented many patrols on exposed sites from passing a sleepless night, but eyes were clear on the Wednesday and the gathering of information and record keeping continued in earnest. The first patrols arrived at the finishing points at eleven on Thursday morning and began to prepare their final meal. By four in the afternoon the last patrol was in and being driven back to Denbury.
LEADERSHIP FROM WITHIN
“Leadership will come from within the group and adults will not accompany the group” Thus the directive reads, and the main interest of the supervisory staff was in watching the development of leadership and to observe its illusive qualities. The natural leader on the campsite was not the same Junior Leader who supervised the gathering of information on the subject pursuit. The most efficient map-reader planned the route; the most nimble tended to take the lead over rough country; the less shy asked for permission to camp; while the more reticent wrote up the log.
The area of Mortonhampstead was chosen by Maj Rogers, as it is a well-inhabited fringe area of the Moor, ideal in helping lo maintain good social relations with our neighbourhood and developing good manners and human contact. The kindness and co-operation of local people, and the way they spoke well of us, was perhaps the most heartening experience of the exercise.
Of all the camping sites chosen, two must receive special mention for their great natural beauty: Bridford Wood, chosen by Group 5 of White Spear (JLCpl Tub Robertson, JSigs Brian Unwin, Mel Mullin, Tony Cooke), where the Teign, having gathered strength and breadth from its moor land streams, is flanked by magnificent beech and oak and the delightful ancient Fingle Bridge, chosen by Group 2 of Francisca. The routes included some of the loveliest villages in South Devon: Gidleigh, Drewsteignton. Cheriton Bishop, Manaton, Lustleigh and the queen of them all North Bovey.
Group 9 (“The Pilgrims”), a mixed patrol of Kohimans and Jerboans (JLCpl Mike Clafton, JSigs Vic Crossby, Stan Berry, Derek Buckman), were so successful with their social relations that they received tea in bed when the morning eggs arrived from the farm. Their lips are sealed, but ‘Junior Mercury’ has established that the farmer’s daughter is as pretty and wholesome as the reader imagines.
Buildings of historical interest visited included Blackaton Manor, Prestonbury Castle, Cranbrook Castle, Grimspound. Numerous churches, and (Staff only) the Three Crowns at Chagford. Botanical specimens gathered by Group 10 of Iron Troop (JSigs Nigel Oakley, Keith Berrington, Andy Noble, Norm Bailey) ranged from the tiny sedges of the open moorland to the lush greenery and wild gladioli of the Teign Valley. Kestrels were spotted, stone crosses photographed, a grass snake was caught then lost. Large meals were consumed, ranging from damson omelette to all-in stew. Monday night howled about our heads. Tuesday was calm and still, broken only occasionally by the dry coughing of cattle, new term at Denbury had begun and we were back in Devon.”
Sep 62
Party of Junior Leaders sent to London to help at Earls Court Radio Show
JRSM Wilson, JSSM Hawkins, JSgt Mills, JLCpl Allison, JSig Cook, JSig Farrell
and JSig Woodhead
Sep 62
Regimental Soccer Team beat Junior Leaders Regiment RASC 5-1 in the Army Cup Quarter Finals and go on to the Semi Finals beating the RAC Junior Leaders at Bovington 6-1 team as follows: Lyth – Douglas – Campbell – Wicks – Nelson M – Sheil – Prior – Nelson G – Chisholm – Farquhar – Walker 500
11 Sep 62
The Director of Training for Junior Leader Regiments and Army Apprentice Schools Brig Ashworth visits Denbury
8 Oct 62
A parade was held to mark the first visit of the new SO-in-C Major General FJ Swainson OBE
Sgt R Peake was presented with his BEM on this occasion
17 Oct 62
Regimental Rugby team beat Junior Leaders RASC 16-6 at Taunton
Regimental Cross Country team beat Junior Leaders RASC at Taunton
Oct 62
Inter Troop Cross Country won by Francisca Troop
1st was JCpl Gue with a time of 24 minutes 10 seconds
2. Quadrant – 3. Kukri – 4. White Swan – 5. White Spear – 6. Romulus
7. Javelin – 8. Jerboa – 9. Iron – 10. Junior Wing – 11. Kohima
5 Nov 62
Firelight Fantasy
8 Nov 62
The Nuffield Trust presents a new Regimental coach
14 Nov 62
A deputation from South Devon visited the War Office to present a petition that the regiment be not moved from Denbury during the proposed rebuilding, a statement was issued by the War Department as follows:
“The Minister explained that the first architectural appreciation by Sir Donald Gibson and his staff had indicated clearly that the amount of suitable building land on the site, which was hilly and wooded, was disappointingly small. The Junior Leaders Regiment is big and needed a lot of facilities and therefore a lot of land. The only obvious course was to knock down the existing camp and rebuild on the site. It was indeed difficult lo draw any other conclusion. However, the new buildings could not be erected for another five years, since there were many more urgent items in the Army building programme.”
The statement went on: “There might he changes affecting the unit over those five years, and in any case the architect commissioned to design the new buildings in, say, three or four years, would be instructed, as part of his brief, to see whether it would not in fact be a practical proposition to rebuild within the site, perhaps using some additional land, but leaving the unit to carry on in the present huts during the rebuilding. There were administrative and financial problems, and it would not be possible to decide finally about such a possibility until the architect had carried out a full study.”
17 Nov 62
Major TGH Jackson MBE presented the Pipe Banner of 2 Signal Regiment to the Regiment
26 Nov 62
The Regiment provided the Guard of Honour on the occasion of the Naval C-in-C, Vice Admiral Sir Nigel Henderson KCB, OBE on an official visit to Comd 2 Inf Bde in Plymouth. The Guard of Honour was commanded by Capt W Simpson
2 Dec 62
Confirmation Service in Totnes and 39 Junior Leaders were confirmed
4 Dec 62
Regimental Boxing Team beats beat Junior Leaders RASC at Denbury 25-23
Saturday 8th December 1962
Field-Marshall The Viscount Slim of Yarralumla and Bishopston KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, MC was the Reviewing Officer at the Graduation Parade
Change of junior rank chevrons from white on khaki to black on red and from white belts to web belts
67 Junior Leaders graduated
The Parade was commanded by Maj DM Scott Royal Signals
PDF document nominal roll of who graduated to Colour Service available on request
Programme – does anybody have one?
Junior appointments for the Graduation Parade
JRSM FO Wilson – Kohima Troop
JSSM AL Hawkins – Romulus Troop – Alexander Squadron
JSSM RA Jakins – White Spear Troop – Slim Squadron
JSSgt AJ McArthur – White Spear Troop – Junior Wing
JSgt RD Brunton – Quadrant Troop
JSgt R Greenwood – Romulus Troop
JSgt M Campbell – Kukri Troop
JSgt PJ Mills – Francisca Troop
JSgt MJ Tivenan – Javelin Troop
JSgt MG Healey – Javelin Troop – Junior Wing
JSgt RCW Chisholm – Iron Troop
JSgt AP Salter – White Spear Troop
JSgt R Hails – White Swan Troop
JSgt WHB McLeod – Jerboa Troop
JSgt DJ Douglas – Kohima Troop
JLCpl RF Wellington – White Swan Troop – Drum Major
JLCpl R Fisher – Kukri Troop – Trumpet Major
JSig I Smith – Jerboa Troop – Pipe Major
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
Commanding Officer’s Trophy – JRSM FO Wilson
Commandant Training Brigade’s Trophy – Best Junior Leader – JSSM AL Hawkins
Cobb Memorial Trophy and 7th Signal Regiment Shield – Champion Troop
Kukri Troop – JSgt M Campbell
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Senior Trophy – Sport and Activities
White Spear Troop – JSgt AP Salter
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Junior Trophy – Runners Up
Romulus Troop – JSgt R Greenwood
1st Commonwealth Division Trophy – Adventure Training
Quadrant Troop – JSgt RD Brunton
Gregory Pennant – Best patrol in Regiment – Assegai
White Spear Troop – JLCpl TJ Ellison
Junior Award – Best Recruit of Junior Wing – JSig M Waterworth
Education – Senior Examination – JSig J Nunns
Most improved Radio Operators – JSig PJ Salloway & JSig JH Tovey
Most improved Comcen Operator – JSig K Doe & JSig SK Swallow
Commanding Officers Stick Orderly – JLCpl MJ Emmott
Inter Troop Cross Country – Francisca Troop – JLCpl Bennett
Individuals 1st – JCpl Gue. 2nd – JCpl Thomson. 3rd – JSig Glossop
Inter Troop Boxing – Jerboa Troop – JLCpl Cook
Best individual – JLCpl Cook
Inter Troop Canoe Race – Quadrant Troop – JSgt RD Bruton
Inter Troop Pigeon Race – Francisca Troop – JSig MJ Collinson
Most improved Highland Dancing – JSig LC Peters
Dec 62
End of term pantomine “Babies in the Moor”
13 Dec 62
Capt E Pickup, Sgt Markham and six Junior Leaders went to Scotland skiing for a week
Senior appointments for 1962
Commanding Officer – Lt Col DA Holifield MC Royal Signals
Second-in-Command & Chief Instructor – Maj MD Scott – Royal Signals
Senior Education Officer – Maj RW Nye RAEC
from Aug Maj WC Rogers RAEC MC MBE
Adjutant – Capt MAT Harnett Royal Signals
from Mar Capt BO Haw Royal Signals
Regimental Sergeant Major – WOI SG Pavey
Drum Major & Provost Sergeant – SSgt AJ Yates BEM
Alexander Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj WJ Clapp Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII C Palmer
later WOII DF Leighton
Quadrant Troop – Capt BO Haw Royal Signals
from Mar Capt KSH Allwright Royal Signals
Sgt T Martin from Apr Sgt H Meekings
Kukri Troop – Capt PR Rogers Royal Signals
from Apr Capt J Westlake Royal Signals
Sgt J Maher
Romulus Troop – Capt MRC Weiner Royal Signals
Sgt O’Connor – later Sgt ETA Webster
Javelin Troop – Lt PJ Hodges Royal Signals
from May Capt W Simpson Royal Signals
Sgt C Batten
Francisca Troop – Capt MFH Coleman Royal Signals
Sgt Angel – later Sgt A Markham
Slim Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj H Rothwell MBE Royal Signals
from Oct Maj JK Heyes Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII W RJ Wombell
Kohima Troop – Capt JM Hewson Royal Signals
later Capt Coates Royal Signals
SSgt Hammond later Sgt CN Lightfoot
White Spear Troop – Capt JW Swindells Royal Signals
Sgt D Livermore
White Swan Troop – Capt BJ Burke Royal Signals
from Nov Lt MR Adams Royal Signals
Sgt McHale later Sgt Mathieson
Jerboa Troop – Lt E Pickup Royal Signals
SSgt GA Aven
Iron Troop – 2Lt LA Rowntree Royal Signals
Sgt Burnham later Sgt G Young
Junior Squadron
Officer Commanding – Capt DR Beadon Royal Signals
from May Capt CRC Bunce Royal Signals
Second in Command – Lt PG McMahon RAEC
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Hopson RAEC
Group Sergeants – Sgt Brown – Sgt KO Davis
Sgt RA Peake – Sgt A Walters – Sgt F Worrall
HQ Squadron
Officer Commanding – from May Capt DC Sidney Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Rodriguez
Trade Training Officer – Capt MRC Weiner Royal Signals
2 I/C – Lt PJ Hodges Royal Signals
Comcen – Sgt M Hall – Sgt Greaves
Radio – Sgt J Akehurst – Sgt A Jamieson
Morse – Sgt R Simmonds
? – Sgt F Rogers
Weapons Training – Sgt D Price
Adventure Training and Sports Officer – Capt JW Joyner Royal Signals
Academic Wing
Officer Commanding – Capt JA Constable RAEC
Capt later Maj GW Davies RAEC – from Nov Capt DH Hodson RAEC
Lt KR Knowles RAEC – Lt DW Lang RAEC
Lt PG McMahon RAEC – Lt MR Wagstaff RAEC
from Sep Lt J Cuthill RAEC
from Dec Lt CC Pearce RAEC
Mr A Cooksley – Mr M Grant – Mr J Griffiths – Mr J Fletcher
Mr H Price – Mr P Tysoe – Mr P Whapham
WOI P Taylor
WOII M Irvine – WOII de Lacey – WOII P Wheatley – WOII Philip
SSgt Foster – SSgt Philling – SSgt Smith – SSgt Wilson – SSgt Vallack
Sgt Martin
QM – Capt J Worsley Royal Signals
from Mar Lt GB Symonds MC MBE Royal Signals
RQMS – WOII P Chilvers from Dec WOII RWT Hammerton
SSgt Robertson – SSgt Sweeney
Armoury Sgt – Sgt Harper REME
MT Sgt – Sgt Dobson
Admin Officer – Lt Col (Retd) WGM Bartholomew MBE
RHQ Chief Clerk – WOII WHC Chandler BEM
Paymaster – Capt EJF Rockett RAPC also OC HQ Sqn until May
Medical Officer – Maj ER Smith-Owen RAMC
Sgt D Taylor
Dental Officer – Capt JBW Walker RADC
Chaplin – Rev ROR Wood MA CF
WVS – Miss Eve Davidson
Catering Officer – 2Lt CJ Stacey ACC
WOII Hales – Sgt R Hendley – Sgt Hill – Sgt Jordan
Gymnasium – WOII HK Pictor – Sgt J Hendley – Sgt TP Tyler
Click Here of a list of Junior Mercury Newspapers available to download
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in HIGHLIGHTS 1963
Click Here for a PDF document with a copy of the WIRE magazine entries for 1963
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in TEN TORS 1963
Click Here for a PDF document with a copy of the TEN TORS 1963 brochure
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in BAND 1963
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in SPORT 1963
1963
Jan 63
The Commanding Officer receives a reply to his letter as follows:
“To: Field-Marshal The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, KG, GCB, DSO, DL.
I am writing as Commanding Officer of the Junior Leaders Regiment, Royal Signals. My Regiment is stationed at Denbury, near Newton Abbot, Devon, and has the responsibility of training young soldiers between the ages of 15 and 17 1/2, to fit them to become the future senior NCOs and Warrant Officers of Royal Signals.
The Regiment is composed of two Junior Leader Squadrons, each of over 210 boys and a Recruit Squadron of 100. The Regiment is to be expanded at Easter, 1963 to hold a further 150 boys and in order to do this a third Junior Leader Squadron is to be formed. My two existing Junior Leader Squadrons are named after military commanders of the 1939/45 War and I am writing to ask whether you would grant my Regiment permission to name the new squadron after yourself. I would be very happy indeed if you would grant this honour and I know that your name would be a source of inspiration and pride to all who serve in the Squadron.
May I also express the hope, if you are able to meet our request, that you may also find time to follow the progress of Montgomery Squadron and perhaps, some time in the future, to honour us by paying a visit to Denbury.
Lt Col A Hollfield MC, Royal Signals.
From: Field-Marshal The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, KG, GCB, DSO.
Of course I am delighted that you should name your new squadron after me. I hope the boys in it do well. Please keep me in touch with their progress.
Montgomery of Alamein”
The Commanding Officer notes
Raincoats – New raincoats will be issued as soon as the QM’s Department receives them
Sports Store – The new sports store will be ready soon at the cost of £600
Nuffield Trust – Money has been available from the Nuffield Trust for the purchase of Judo Mats and equipment for the Radio Club
12 Jan 63
Maj WC Rogers RAEC, Sgt Batten and Sgt Mathieson with volunteers from Javelin and White Swan Troops set out to assist three Dartmoor farmers in feeding flocks of sheep stranded on the moor
15 Jan 63
Junior Squadron intake of 79 click Here for a PDF document with photos
16 Jan 63
Lt Col AJ Woodrow MBE presented the Pipe Banner of 1 Signal Regiment to the Regiment
29-30 Jan 63
Southern Command Junior Individual Boxing Championships at Aldershot
Winners – JCpl Hargreaves – JSig Simpson – JSig Powell
Runners Up – JSig James – JSig Henry – JSig Le Page
30 Jan 63
A parade was held for the presentation to the Regiment of the Graham-Jones Memorial Skean Dhu by Potter & Co in memory of Miss Graham Jones a member of staff who died in a car accident and had been responsible for equipping the Regimental Pipe Band
13 Feb 63
St Valentine’s Dance was held in the Social Club with disc-jockey “Charlie” of Javelin Troop and the first appearance this term of the “Downbeats” with new members “Spud” Wellington and Frank McDonough along with founder members Adrian Mead and Paul Wicks
Tuesday 9th April 1963
Mr James Ramsden MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for War was the Reviewing Officer at the Graduation Parade
537 Junior Leaders on parade
72 Junior Leaders graduated
PDF document nominal roll of who graduated to Colour Service available on request
Programme – does anybody have one?
Junior appointments for the Graduation Parade
JRSM RA Jakins – White Spear Troop
JSSM R Greenwood – Romulus Troop – Alexander Squadron
JSSM R Hails – White Swan Troop – Junior Squadron
JSSgt WHB McLeod – Jerboa Troop – Slim Squadron
JSgt MT Gue – Quadrant Troop
JSgt MW Nelson – Romulus Troop
JSgt GT Nelson – Romulus Troop
JSgt RJ Joy – Kukri Troop
JSgt GM Keogh – Francisca Troop
JSgt MJ Tivenan – Javelin Troop
JSgt BJ Barnard – Javelin Troop – Junior Squadron
JSgt JW Reid – Iron Troop
JSgt LM Hewson – White Spear Troop
JSgt ME Castle – White Swan Troop
JSgt LG Laming – Jerboa Troop
JSgt MR Clafton – Kohima Troop
JLCpl D Hopkins – Jerboa Troop – Drum Major
JLCpl R Fisher – Kukri Troop – Trumpet Major
JSig I Smith – Jerboa Troop – Pipe Major
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
Commanding Officer’s Trophy – JRSM RA Jakins
Commandant Training Brigade’s Trophy – Best Junior Leader – JSSM R Greenwood
Cobb Memorial Trophy and 7 Sig Regt Shield – Champion Troop – Kukri Troop
JSgt RJ Joy
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Senior Trophy – Runners up Champion Troop – ?
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Junior Trophy – Runners up Senior Trophy – ?
1st Commonwealth Division Trophy – Adventure Training – Francisca Troop
JCpl R Spree
Gregory Pennant – Best patrol in the Regiment – ?
Junior Award – Best Recruit of Junior Wing – ?
Education – Best Result Senior Examination – JSig P Morritt
Intermediate – JSig KD Chambler – Junior Xmas Term – JSig MP Waterworth
Trade Training – Most progress Radio Operators – JSig Boizot – JLCpl MA Mullin
Comcen Operators – JSig S McKechnie – JSig MA Woodcock
Pollard Cup – Inter Squadron Hockey – Alexander Squadron – JCpl MM Raybould
Inter Troop Cross Country – White Spear Troop – JSgt LM Hewson
Individuals 1st – JSgt Gue. 2nd – JSig Glossop. 3rd – JSig Glennon
London Bridge Royal Signals Association Cup – Inter Squadron Rugby
Alexander Squadron
Glossop Cup – Inter Troop Rugby – Kohima Troop – JSgt MR Clafton
Commonwealth Division Cup – Inter Troop Shooting – Romulus Troop
JSgt GT Nelson
Best Shot – JSig EM Lee – Runner Up – JSig I Tiplady
Most improved Highland Dancing – JSig MJ Wood
Army Arts and Crafts Competition 1962 – Sculpture & Wood Carving – JSig Agrell
Commanding Officers Stick Orderly – JSig GD Wood
Piping – Graham-Jones Memorial Skean Dhu – JSig I Smith
10 Apr 63
Montgomery Squadron the third squadron forms at Denbury along with new Beaufighter and Lion Troops
Apr 63
Sgt John Akehurst G30AZ obtains a transmitting licence for the Denbury Radio Club G3PYZ (The Voice of Denbury)
Apr 63
Gymnastic Club starts from scratch
30 Apr 63
Junior Squadron intake of 85 click Here for a PDF document with photos
6-11 May 63
A team of Her Majesty’s Inspectors from the Ministry of Education visit the Regiment
Click Here for a PDF copy of the report with permission of HM Stationary Office
11 May 63
Regimental Cricket Team play at Aldershot in the 1st round of the Army Cup
Junior Tradesmen’s Regiment ACC 46 (JSgt Emmott 4 for 17) (JSgt Wicks 3 for 17)
Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Signals 48 for 8 (JSgt Raybould 19)
15 May 63
Regimental Band and Choir the Scottish Dancers and the Downbeats give a performance at St Mary’s Hall Newton Abbot
May 63
Circulation of the Regimental Magazine “Junior Mercury” reaches a record 4000 copies
Editor Mr PR Whapham
Chief Reporter and Editor of “Jimmy’s Rag” the Denbury Wall Newspaper – JLCpl Dave Lawrence
May 63
New Academic Wing built of prefabricated wood buildings taken into use containing 24 classrooms and a science laboratory
May 63
Canoe Club receive eight new Viking Canoes
1-2 Jun 63
4th Annual Ten Tors Expedition took place 1596 people started 1102 finished which included 148 teams out of 266 which entered was started by Vice Admiral Sir Nigel Henderson, the Regimental Troop teams who completed the 50-mile course were:
Quadrant – Romulus – Kukri – Javelin – Francisca – White Swan – White Spear – Iron – Kohima – Lion Beaufighter – plus 3 individuals from Jerboa
22 Jun 63
The Regimental Band played at the Plymouth Army Exhibition
Jun 63
The Commanding Officer notes
Air Crew Selection – suitable Junior Leaders will be given the opportunity of taking tests at Denbury
Champion Squadron Trophy – the Officers Mess purchases a large silver Bengal Tiger and will be mounted on a wooden plinth and will be awarded each term to the Champion Squadron
Radio Detachments – 12 mobile radio stations have been authorised on the new establishment
Ambulance – a new civilian type ambulance is being issued shortly to replace the heavy WD model
12 Jul 63
First Junior Leaders take Trade Training Tests as Radio and Comcen Operator BIII standard – 8 passed
23-28 Jul 63
83 Junior Leaders from Junior Squadron lead by SSI R Hendley APTC gave a Display of Physical Training accompanied by the Corps of Drums 60 strong at the Bath Tattoo
23-26 Jul 63
Capt Joyner, Lt Gray and Sgt Leslie and 45 Junior Leaders completed the 100-mile Nijmegen March in 3 teams; the march in on the last day was in No 2 dress with the new black leather belts
Jul 63
Regimental Cricket Team play at Denbury in the 2nd round of the Army Cup
Army Apprentices School Arborfield 77 (JSgt Emmott 5 for 30) (JSgt Wicks 3 for 17)
Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Signals 48 for 8 (JSgt Raybould 19)
Tuesday 30th July 1963
Major General FJ Swainson OBE, Signal Officer in Chief was the Reviewing Officer at the Graduation Parade
Change from web belt to black leather belt
530 Junior Leaders on parade
73 Junior Leaders graduated
PDF document nominal roll of who graduated to Colour Service available on request
Click Here for a PDF copy Programme
The Parade was commanded by Maj WJ Clapp Royal Signals
Junior appointments for the Graduation Parade
JRSM R Hails – White Swan Troop
JSSM MT Gue – Quadrant Troop – Alexander Squadron
JSSM MR Clafton – Kohima Troop – Slim Squadron
JSSM MJ Tivenan – Javelin Troop – Montgomery Squadron
JSSM GT Nelson – Romulus Troop – Junior Squadron
JSSgt MW Nelson – Romulus + Beaufighter Troop
JSgt R Elliot – Beaufighter Troop – Junior Squadron
JSgt BE Williams – Romulus Troop
JSgt TJ Crook – Quadrant Troop
JSgt RWF Wathen – Kukri Troop
JSgt TJ Ellison – White Spear Troop
JSgt DE Moss – Kohima Troop
JSgt JW Groves – White Swan Troop
JSgt PW Wicks – White Swan Troop – Junior Squadron
JSgt J Nunns – White Swan – Lion Troop
JSgt MJ Emmott – Francisca Troop
JSgt MM Raybould – Javelin Troop
JSgt JT Nichols – Jerboa Troop
JSgt JW Reid – Iron Troop
JLCpl D Hopkins – Jerboa Troop – Drum Major
JCpl R Fisher – Kukri Troop – Trumpet Major
JSig I Smith – Jerboa Troop – Pipe Major
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
Commanding Officers Trophy – JRSM R Hails
Commandant Training Brigade Trophy – Best Junior Leader – JSSM MJ Tivenan
Cobb Memorial Trophy – Champion Troop – Iron Troop – JSgt JW Reid
The 7th Signal Regiment Shield – Runners Up – Francisca Troop – JSgt MJ Emmott
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Senior Trophy – Sport and Activities – White Spear Troop
JSgt TJ Ellison
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Junior Trophy – Runners Up – Kukri Troop
JSgt RWF Wathen
The Bengal Tiger – Champion Squadron – Montgomery Squadron – JSgt JT Nichols
1st Commonwealth Division Trophy – Adventure Training – White Spear Troop
JCpl R Goffett
Gregory Pennant – Best patrol in the Regiment – Mons – Iron Troop – JCpl I Turner
Junior Award – Best Recruit of Junior Squadron – JSig K Wells
Presentation of Prizes
Victor Ludorum Trophy – best all round in Athletics – JSSM MT Gue
Inter Troop Athletics – Jerboa Troop – JSgt JT Nichols
Inter Troop Cross Country – Iron Troop – JSgt JW Reid
Individual 1st – JSig AR Drew – 2nd – JLCpl NM Humphries – 3rd JSig TJ Taylor
Commonwealth Division Cup – Inter Troop Shooting – Beaufighter Troop
JSgt MW Nelson
Best Shot – JSig MJ Collinson – Runner up – JSSM MJ Tivenan
District Junior Championship – Tennis – JCpl JW Hamer
Inter Troop Canoe Race – White Spear Troop – JSig WM Mackie
Education – Senior Test – JLCpl RG Woodford – Intermediate – JLCpl KW Hall
Junior – JSig DK Hartrey
Military Training prize for first BIII at Denbury – JLCpl MAG Beesley
Military Training prize for first Comcen Op BIII at Denbury – JSgt DE Moss
Most progress in Radio Operator Trade Test – JSSM MJ Tivenan & JLCpl JV Le Page
Most progress in Comcen Operator Trade Test – JCpl M Cooper & JSig PM Watson
Most improved Highland Dancer – JCpl DA Hand
Commanding Officers Stick Orderly – JLCpl AH Connolly
1 Aug 63
Summer Term ends
TRADE TRAINING IN THE REGIMENT
– The First Tradesmen from Denbury
Extract from the September 1963 Junior Mercury by Capt MRC Weiner Royal Signals
“Two years ago it was not the aim of the Regiment to produce tradesmen at the end of a Junior Leader’s stay in the unit. In those days all boys were given a general background to trades within the Corps. This had certain advantages in that it gave each boy an insight into the primary skills, that is morse and teleprinting. A Junior Leader would alternate each term between the two skills. The training was intended more as an attempt to get each Junior Leader up to a similar standard to that of an infantry signaller, rather than fit him to a particular trade within the Corps.
The big disadvantage of this training was seen when the Junior Leader graduated to man service. At his trade training regiment, whilst he was well ahead in his military attributes, he was no more than an equal, in his trade, compared with the normal regular enlistment. It was primarily with the aim of helping Junior Leaders overcome this inferiority that it was decided to aim at training every Junior Leader up to Class III trade standard one of two trades, whilst still at Denbury.
The two trades to be taught were to be those of Radio and Communication Centre operator. However, although only two trades could be taught at Denbury every Junior Leader still had an equal opportunity at the end of his training to go for an A or T trade. In other words it is hoped that many of the Radio Operators will go on to become Telegraph Operators, Special Operators or Staff Operators. Comcen Operators could become Telegraph Operators or Staff Operators. At the same lime certain selected Junior Leaders, suitably qualified by passing their Senior Education Test could opt for technician training. At the other end of the scale certain Junior Leaders would not make the grade on either of the skills and would leave here as potential linemen, radio relaymen, electrician driver, etc.
The new trade-training syllabus came into effect in the Summer term 1962. The syllabus was based on that used by 24 Signal Regiment at Catterick. Due to the fact that Education, Games, etc., were also taking place, the syllabus was spread over five terms. This meant the first Junior Leaders to complete the syllabus would do so in December 1963. The first two terms were not easy. Frequent frustration was met by lack of equipment, classrooms and instructors. It speaks highly for the few instructors last year that the standard of training remained high and kept up to schedule. This period also saw a steady stream of instructors spending a short time in Military Training Wing before moving on to fill up an urgent Sergeant vacancy in a troop. This in turn led to a better understanding in the requirement of each others job and a clear liaison between instructors and troops, several becoming affiliated lo troops and helping on Adventure Training Days, etc.
Starting in the Easter 1963 term a new venture was taken on in the Regiment. Up to then the output would consist of up lo a dozen potential technicians. With the increasing improvement in the education results it was anticipated that the number of technicians might increase. In order to give them a better start on their courses at 8 Signal Regiment it was decided to start special technician training. The Commanding Officer of 8 Signal Regiment generously loaned us an instructor for this new venture and so a few more Junior Leaders were able to gain further benefit from their trade training at Denbury.
It is worth pointing out that not only Junior Leaders benefited from the increased trade training in the Regiment. With the instructors of the new trade structure in the Corps, many permanent staff found they needed lo convert or re-classify. Here again Training Wing ran courses, so many hours a week, in order that the staff should not lose out by being in a Junior Leaders Regiment.
It was the Easter 1963 term when events began to move faster. Equipment, classrooms, and instructors were at last materialising and visits were also arranged to Southern Command Signal Centre to see a Communications Centre in action. It was during this period that Capt. Weiner, the OC Training Wing, began to live in the Quartermasters’ pocket. It is fortunate that we have such a long suffering QM and an excellent staff. No matter what the request, it was promptly dealt with. From this time on the QM’s yard could be seen bulging at the seams as teleprinters, reperforators and exchanges arrived. Even the arrival of tons of equipment on Graduation Day only caused slight mutterings on the part of a certain SQMS. It is also understood that a TC 10 exchange passed through.
In the Summer 1963 term, after months of asking by the Commanding Officer, release notes began arriving for the issue of mobile radio stations. With these, the training can take on a far more practical outlook. It is of the utmost importance that tradesmen leaving Denbury should be good field, not classroom, operators. To date we have the radios, batteries and trailers released. It is to be hoped that before very long we shall have the vehicles.
The Summer 1963 term turned out to be a historic term for Denbury. Mainly through the perseverance and enthusiasm shown by the instructors, plus an extra effort by certain Junior Leaders it became possible to hold a trade board at Denbury in July. It should it should be noted that this is one complete term ahead of expectation. It was decided to allow all Junior Leaders in the senior classes, who had passed their respective skills during the term, to have an attempt at the Trade Test.
The Trade Board was held on the 10th, 11th and 12th of July. Although all those sitting had managed to read the least speeds on morse and teleprinter earlier, test nerves led to many failures. Those that failed need not worry unduly. That they were considered suitable to sit the Trade Board is all credit in themselves. In fact, by the end of the Trade Test we had seven Radio Operators and one Comcen Operator who were successful. A special congratulations to Beesley of Kukri Troop who was the only one to pass without a retest in any subject.
Much was learnt from the Trade Board both by those who sat it, and the Training Wing itself. With this experience and a hard term’s work by the Xmas output, our results in December should be much better.
In closing, thanks are given to the following for all their assistance in helping us reach our goal. They include the Training Brigade, Inspectorate of Trade Training, 8 Signal Regiment, 24 Signal Regiment, Major Skeen and Major Shaver of War Office. Within our own Regiment those who gave much assistance were the QM department and all ex-Training Wing staff. Finally to the present Training Wing Instructors seriously you’re all doing a grand job.”
1-12 Aug 63
The Corps of Drums, Pipers and Highland Dancers carried out a tour of Royal Signals Units in BAOR, 78 junior leaders and staff visited 16 Sig Regt, 7 Sig Regt, 4 Sig Regt, 1 Sig Regt and 2 Sig Regt
Junior Drum Major JLCpl D Hopkins – Junior Pipe Major – JSig I Smith – Leading Dancer JCpl D Hand
11 Aug 63
Lt MR Adams organises a party from White Swan travel to Tangier in pairs, travel is arranged across the English Channel thereafter it becomes a test of initiative to find their way there and back
7-21 Sep 63
Regiment goes on Summer Camp to Penhale in Cornwell included surfing at St Ives and Penhale and rock climbing at Bosigran in the area frequently used by Sir John Hunt and Sir Edmund Hilary
10 Sep 63
Junior Squadron intake of 120 click Here for a PDF document with photos
11 Sep 63
JLCpl Saunders and JSig Beresford from Iron Troop go on exercise with 3 Div Sig Regt to Torbruk in North Africa
24 Sep 63
Inter Troop Boxing Finals won by Javelin Troop with 15 points
2nd Jerboa – 14. 3rd Kukri – 14. 4th Iron – 13. 5th Romulus – 9. 6th Kohima – 7. 7th Francisca – 7.
8th White Swan – 6. 9th Beaufighter 5. 10th Quadrant – 5. 11th Lion – 5. 12th White Spear – 3.
Oct 63
Junior Squadron goes on camp to Churston Cove
17 Oct 63
Kukri Troop on behalf or the Regiment took over a Pyrenean mountain dog named “Laddie” weight 10 stone presented by the Torquay Branch of the RSPCA
Nov 63
Regiment receives 12 new FFR Land Rovers and trailers and Driver Training is introduced into the military training curriculum for the first time
Dec 63
8 Junior Leaders pass the BIII Trade Test
17 Nov 63
The Assistant Chaplin-General the Rev BDM Price, OBE, QHC, BA, CF dedicated a stained glass window unveiled in St Georges Church Denbury Camp it was designed and constructed by Mr Tysoe a civilian lecturer. A picture of “Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane” by Hoffman was hung in the Church dedicated to Derek John Miller a boy soldier from 6 (Boys) Training Regiment Royal Signals who died in 1953 after an accident while playing rugby at Beverely
23 Nov 63
Presentation by 16 Sig Regt of a set of four lances to Junior Squadron which now becomes affiliated to 16 Sig Regt
4 Dec 63
The whole Regiment spent a day collecting for the Freedom from Hunger Campaign and Lion troop receive a special trophy for social and charitable work from Councillor Shute of Newton Abbot UDC the Regiment raised £302
Saturday 7th December 1963
Major General Sir William A Scott, KCMG, CB, CBE, Master of Signals was the Reviewing Officer at the Graduation Parade
approx 600 Junior Leaders on parade
49 Junior Leaders graduated
PDF document nominal roll of who graduated to Colour Service available on request
Click Here for a PDF copy Programme
The Parade was commanded by Maj WJ Clapp Royal Signals
Junior appointments for the Graduation Parade
JRSM GT Nelson – Romulus Troop
JSSM MW Nelson – Romulus + Beaufighter Troop – Alexander Squadron
JSSM MJ Emmott – Francisca Troop – Montgomery Squadron
JSSM J Nunns – White Swan + Lion Troop – Slim Squadron
JSgt NL Siggs – Beaufighter Troop
JSgt M Cooper – Quadrant Troop
JSgt TJ Crook – Quadrant Troop – Junior Squadron
JSgt BE Williams – Romulus Troop
JSgt KW Hall – Kukri Troop
JSgt TJ Ellison – White Spear Troop
JSgt WN Woodhead – Kohima Troop
JSgt NM Humphries – White Swan Troop
JSgt J Bonnett – White Spear + Lion Troop
JSgt JAC Knell – Kohima + Lion Troop – Junior Squadron
JSgt JEPP Telford – Francisca Troop
JSgt R Barratt – Javelin Troop
JSgt RJ Waight – Jerboa Troop
JSgt JF Le Page – Iron Troop
JSgt ID Turner – Iron Troop
JLCpl D Hopkins – Jerboa Troop – Drum Major
JLCpl MA Mullins – White Spear + Lion Troop – Trumpet Major
JSig DG Young – Kohima Troop – Pipe Major
Presentation of Trophies and Awards by Lady Scott
Commanding Officers Trophy – JRSM GT Nelson
Commandant Training Brigade Trophy – Best Junior Leader – JSSM MW Nelson
Cobb Memorial Trophy – Champion Troop – Iron Troop – JSgt JF Le Page
The 7th Signal Regiment Shield – Runners Up – White Spear Troop – JSgt TJ Ellison
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Senior Trophy – Sport and Activities – Kohima Troop
JSgt WN Woodhead
Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Junior Trophy – Runners Up – Quadrant Troop
JSgt M Cooper
The Bengal Tiger – Champion Squadron – Alexander Squadron – JSgt KW Hall
1st Commonwealth Division Trophy – Adventure Training – White Spear Troop
JCpl JW Hamer
Gregory Pennant – Best patrol in the Regiment – Mons – Iron Troop – JSig PW Walker
Junior Award – Best Recruit of Junior Squadron – JSig AC Doane
Presentation of prizes
Inter Troop Shooting – Quadrant Troop – JLCpl M Waterworth
Best Shot – JSig EM Lee – Runner Up – JLCpl G Coates
Inter Troop Cross Country – Iron Troop – JCpl VC Crudge
Inter Troop Canoe Race – White Spear Troop – JLCpl IW Tyler
Education – Senior Test – JSgt J Nunns – Intermediate – JLCpl K Kay
Junior – JSig TR Jenkinson
Radio Operator – JCpl JF Simpson & JCpl VC Crudge
Comcen Operator – JLCpl MW Swain & JSig P McCable
Piping – Competition Winner – JSig DG Young
Piping – Commanding Officer’s Skean Dhu – JSig JA Topping
Highland Dancing – most progress – JSig JH Waugh
Commanding Officers Stick Orderly – JSig JW Orman
Presentation of Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
WOII (YofS) JD Heard
8 Dec 63
The Bishop of Maidstone Chaplin General to the Forces took a Confirmation Service and 31 Junior Leaders were confirmed
Senior appointments for 1963
Commanding Officer – Lt Col DA Holifield MC Royal Signals
Second-in-Command – Maj MD Scott Royal Signals
Later – Maj WJ Clapp Royal Signals
Chief Instructor – Maj H McI Paterson Royal Signals
later – Maj RM Wright Royal Signals
Senior Education Officer – Maj WC Rodgers MBE MC RAEC
Adjutant – Capt BO Haw Royal Signals
from Jan Capt W Simpson Royal Signals
from Jun Capt JW Swindells Royal Signals
Regimental Sergeant Major – WOI SG Pavey
from May – WOI D Haughney Royal Signals
Drum Major & Provost Sergeant – SSgt AJ Yates BEM
Alexander Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj WJ Clapp Royal Signals
later Capt J Westlake Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII DF Leighton
Beaufighter Troop – Lt GA Maude Royal Signals
Sgt R Arnold
from Apr Lt I Graham Royal Signals
Quadrant Troop – Capt KSH Allwright Royal Signals
from May Lt JD Bromley Royal Signals
Sgt H Meekings later Sgt AT Wright
Romulus Troop – Capt MR Wagstaff RAEC
Sgt TA Webster
Kukri Troop – Capt J Westlake Royal Signals
later Capt AL Watson Royal Signals
Sgt J Maher later Sgt L Burnham
Slim Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj JK Heyes Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII W Salter
Kohima Troop – Lt MJL Bygrave Royal Signals
Sgt CN Lightfoot
White Spear Troop – Capt JW Swindells Royal Signals
from Apr Lt GA Maude Royal Signals
Sgt D Livermore
White Swan Troop – Lt MR Adams Royal Signals
Sgt R Mathieson
Lion Troop – Lt JM Gray Royal Signals
later 2Lt HJ Des Forges Royal Signals
Sgt White later Sgt F Mortimore
Montgomery Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj RM Wright Royal Signals
later Maj H McI Paterson Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII SC Stuckey
Francisca Troop – Capt MFH Coleman Royal Signals
Sgt Bumby
Javelin Troop – Capt W Simpson Royal Signals
from Mar Capt AJ Field Royal Signals
Sgt Jones later Sgt C Batten
Jerboa Troop – Capt E Pickup Royal Signals
from May Capt CS Ward Royal Signals
later Lt CT Garton Royal Signals
Sgt Young later Sgt Block
Iron Troop – Lt LA Rowntree Royal Signals
from Mar Lt ACM Prince Royal Signals
Sgt Leslie
Junior Squadron
Officer Commanding – Capt CRC Bunce Royal Signals
later Capt CS Ward Royal Signals
Second in Command – Capt DH Hodson RAEC
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII RWJ Hammerton
SSgt Brown – Sgt C Batten – Sgt TH Dobson
Sgt J Kelly – Sgt FJ Loveday – Sgt JTE Evans
HQ Squadron
Officer Commanding – Capt DC Sidney Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – ?
Military Training – Capt MRC Weiner Royal Signals
2 I/C – Lt PJ Hodges Royal Signals
Adventure Training – Capt JW Joyner Royal Signals
Trade Training – WOII (YofS) JD Heard
Comcen – Sgt M Hall – Sgt F Rogers
Radio – Sgt J Akehurst
Sgt Bird – Sgt Blay – Sgt KO Davis
Weapons Training – Sgt D Price
Driver Training – Mr CG Robinson
Royal Signals Warrant Officers
WOII AW Bird – WOII CH Surch
Academic Wing
Officer Commanding – Capt JA Constable RAEC
Capt DH Hodson RAEC – Capt WA Finch RAEC – Capt SJ Walters RAEC
Lt JA Cuthill RAEC – Lt DW Lang RAEC – Lt PG McMahon RAEC
Lt KR Knowles RAEC – 2Lt CC Pearce RAEC
Mr A Cooksley – Mr M Grant – Mr J Fletcher
Mr HRA Price – Mr P Tysoe – Mr P Whapham
from Jan Mr W Salter
until Feb WOII de Lacey – SSgt Philling – SSgt Vallack
the last RAEC warrant officer & SNCOs
QM – Capt GB Symonds MBE Royal Signals
RQMS – WOII RJ Wombell
Admin Officer – Lt Col (Retd) WGM Bartholomew MBE
Paymaster – Capt EJF Rockett RAPC
Medical Officer – Maj ER Smith-Owen RAMC – Sgt Taylor
Dental Officer – Capt JBW Walker RADC until May
Chaplin – Rev J Thistle CF
WVS – Miss Eve Davidson
Catering Officer – Lt CJ Stacey ACC – WOII Hale
Gymnasium – WOII Pictor APTC – Sgt R Hendley APTC