IT ALL STARTS HERE
Click Here for a 1954 Recruiting Brochure for the 6 (Boys) Training Regiment at Beverley as a PDF document
Click Here for a PDF document with a copy of the WIRE magazine entries for 1956
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in HIGHLIGHTS 1955-1956
1955
16 Sep 55
Junior Wing intake approx 45
Monday 19th September 1955
Beverley Boys return from leave as Denbury Boys
Wednesday 7th December 1955
Major-General K Bayley CB, CBE the Director of Boys Training was the Inspecting Officer at the first Presentation Parade
All members of staff removed from the parade ground and boys received rapid promotions
Boy RSM P Johnson – Parade Commander – Lt Col
Boy SSM Laine – Adjutant – Capt
Boy Sgt T Sharpe – Squadron Commander – Major
Boy Sgt Smith – Squadron Commander – Major
Boy Sgt P Gray – Squadron Commander – Major
Boy Sgt M Galloway – RSM
Boy Sgt B Alsford – Capt
Boy Sgt Help – Capt
Boy Sgt R Jackman – Capt
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
Boy RSM P Johnson
Boy SSM Laine
Boy Sgt B Alsford – A Troop
Boy Sgt M Galloway – B Troop
Boy Sgt Help – G Troop
Boy Sgt P Grey – ? Troop
Boy Sgt R Jackman – ? Troop
Boy Sgt T Sharpe – ? Troop
Boy Sgt Smith – ? Troop
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
SO in C’s Senior Trophy – Champion Senior Troop – G Troop
SO in C’s Junior Trophy – Champion Junior Troop – F Troop
Hebdon Sword – Best Squadron – 1 Sqn
Commandant STB Trophy – Boy Sgt Help – G Troop
Best Recruit – Boy Goodmen
Inter-Troop Soccer – B Troop
Inter-Troop Basketball – L Troop
Inter-Troop Cross Country – F Troop
Best Individual Cross Country – Boy Knight – M Troop
9 Dec 55
End of term
1956
Thanks to the Mid Devon Advertiser for the following extract from 1956
In Training at Denbury Camp
On Saturday I was shown over Denbury Camp, which is now the home of the Royal Signals Boys Training Regiment. And “home” is not a bad word to use, for the lengths to which the Commanding Office, Lt-Col RA Connor, and his staff go to ensure the well-being of the young soldiers would make “Colonel Blimp” turn in his grave
In one hut I even saw young soldiers playing with model trains! In another they were making model aircraft; others proudly showed me their Redwing sailing yacht and the canoes which they had made themselves. These are some of the hobbies that form part of their education
But it would be wrong to suggest that the boy soldiers are in any way mollycoddled. They do in fact, have long working days, seldom finish before seven o’clock in the evening
Their programme also includes strenuous hours in the gymnasium, sleeping out on the moor with only sleeping bags and long periods of drilling
Their proficiency in the last item was amply illustrated by their “showpiece” an elaborate drill which is an exact replica of Trooping the Colour by the Guards
LIKE PUBLIC SCHOOL
In fact the Boy Soldiers enjoy a similar sort of life, except, of course, there is a marked emphasis on the Officer Training Corps. There is one other great difference; instead of paying fees the boys are paid. Their pay is not exorbitant, but they are allowed to take some £20 home on leave when they go three times a year. They are only allowed modest pocket money during the “term”
There are about 250 boys at Denbury. There are aged between fourteen and a half and sixteen when they arrive, and stay until they are about eighteen, when they go on to serve for six years in the regular army. Thus all boys in the regiment are “regulars,” although there are a number of national service men as instructors or on the permanent staff at Denbury
As soon as the boy arrives at Newton station, he has a sample of the sort of care that awaits him. He is met by and officer and NCO, who at once takes him – in true British style – to the waiting room for a cup of tea. He is then taken back to camp and given another cup of tea before being interviewed
“BUFFER” UNIT
At this interview, the officer who conducts it takes a note of the boy’s background and personality, and he is given a bed beside a boy of a similar type. He enters a “buffer unit” and serves in this section until the beginning of the term following his arrival. This is arranged so all boys start a new term as nearly as possible on the same footing, and it also serves to separate the newcomers from the “old stagers”
Capt H Witt, who commands the “buffer” unit, told me that everything is done to help a boy who feels homesick. He is encouraged to write letters home regularly, and if the parents or guardians do not reply, they are asked to do so. But a boy is not as a general rule allowed to go home at weekends, even if he lives nearby. This is because it may cause discontent among the boys who live in the north of England or Ireland and unable to go home. On the other hand parents are encouraged to visit the boys in camp. There are regular visiting days, and the boys are allowed to take their relatives around on their own
CHARACTER BUILDING
When a boy starts the new “term” proper, his curriculum includes:
Further general educational training
Basic military training
Character building and initiative training with a view to their becoming regular NCO’s and warrant officers in the Royal Corps of Signals
Preliminary trade training in the use of radios, line construction and motor transport
Further trade training is given at Catterick or Ripon after leaving the boys regiment
Religious instruction and games, sport and P.T.
I was struck by the pride with which the officers showed the newspaper men around the camp. They were obviously very much aware that their responsibility was more exacting than that of the average army officer, in that they where in charge of impressionable youths rather than mature men. It was equally obvious they were sincerely determined to do their very best for youngsters in their charge. In fact, the C.O. and his officers reminded me very much of a headmaster and his house masters
READING ROOM
A recent innovation at Denbury is a reading and writing room; this is run by the WVS. This is a most comfortably furnished, warm and quite, with a brightly-coloured carpet on the floor. There is a good stock of up-to-date magazines and newspapers available, and writing materials. The club is run by Miss Roome, of the WVS, who lives in a caravan on the camp. She told me that her club room is rapidly gaining in popularity. She runs a gramophone record club
The pleasing chapel building, the Rev GD Bolton told me that 80 per cent, of the regiment have either been Confirmed or are in preparation for Confirmation. As a rule, 200 soldiers attended service on Sundays. Mr Bolton combines the duties of padre with those of welfare officer, and he told me that the young soldiers often bring their personal problems to him for advice. Although he wore the three “pips” of a captain, he said he never used his army rank, but preferred to be known as the Rev GD Bolton
As stated previously, a great deal of attention is paid to hobbies, and a number of rooms are set aside for this purpose. There is a model aircraft room, and a printing room, among others. Proper instruction is given in each of the hobbies, and the soldiers are allowed to practice the one of their choice
BARRACK BLOCKS
Perhaps the least cheerful rooms were the barrack blocks themselves, where steel furniture, while being very efficient, did little to improve the atmosphere
But it was pointed out that the unit has not yet hand time to refit the camp as they intended to. Improvements will begin soon
CHOICE OF DINNERS
In the cookhouse, Staff-Sergeant Milnes had a choice of dinners ready for the boys which looked appetizing enough. The CO told the reporters that the staff-sergeant had been dissatisfied with the interior decoration of the cookhouse, so without waiting for professional assistance he and his staff had it decorated it themselves
The boys regiment came to Denbury in August of last year from Beverley, in Yorkshire, where they had outgrown their camp
The Royal Corps of Signals already has connections in the west. Its depot has been in Devon for a number of years, and the annual corps reunion of Old Comrades (retired members) for the Westcounty has been held here in recent years
A number of the boys and instructors come from various parts of Devon, and some are playing rugby and soccer for local teams
Lt-Col Conner said that the regiment was looking forward to its future in the Westcountry
Second-in-command at Denbury is Major H Leece, and the adjutant is Capt D Higgins
Jan 56
Start of team with the coldest weather for 30 years
Mar 56
Caning was no longer permissible previously had been administered by the RSM or SSM after an award by the Commanding Officer or by a Squadron Commander
Tuesday 3rd April 1956
Major-General MS Wheatley, CB, CBE, the Signal Officer in Chief was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade
Boy SSM B Alsford – Parade Commander
Boy SSM R Jackman
Boy Sgt M Scowen – A Troop
Boy Sgt M Galloway – B Troop
Boy Sgt Clarke – ? Troop
Boy Drum Major Lewer
Help needed with missing names here
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
SO in C’s Senior Trophy – Champion Senior Troop – H Troop
SO in C’s Junior Trophy – Champion Junior Troop – F Troop
Commandant STB Trophy – Boy SSM R Jackman
Best Recruit – Boy Burn
Drill Competition – L Troop
Shooting Competition – H Troop
Best Individual Shot – Boy Coker
Inter-Troop Soccer – A Troop
Inter-Troop Rugby – B Troop
Inter-Troop Basketball – G Troop
Inter-Troop Hockey – K Troop
May 56
Output 46
May 56
Lt Col RG Baker OBE takes over as Commanding Officer from Lt Col RA Connor on retirement
Jul 56
Brigadier GB Bell, CBE, CSO Southern Command was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade
44 Junior Leaders graduated
Boy RSM B Alsford – Parade Commander
Boy SSM Clarke – 1 Sqn
Boy Sgt M Scowen – A Troop
Boy Sgt M Galloway – B Troop
Boy Sgt R Milne – ? Troop
Help needed with missing names here
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
SO in C’s Senior Trophy – Champion Senior Troop – A Troop
SO in C’s Junior Trophy – Champion Junior Troop – F Troop
Commandant STB Trophy – Boy SSM Clarke
Victor Ludorum Trophy – Boy LCpl Poingdestre
Sep 56
Junior Wing intake 18
Dec 56
Brigadier KCO Bastyan, CBE was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade that was held indoors
The two winning troops were paraded in the Gymnasium
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
Boy RSM M Scowen
Boy SSM R Milne
Boy Sgt M Galloway – A Troop
Boy Sgt Jones – B Troop
Boy Sgt C Markie – G Troop
Boy Sgt Ayres – ? Troop
Help needed with missing names here
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
SO in C’s Senior Trophy – Champion Senior Troop – G Troop
SO in C’s Junior Trophy – Champion Junior Troop – A Troop
Commandant STB Trophy – Boy Sgt C Markie
Senior appointments for 1955-6
Commanding Officer – Lt Col RA Connor Royal Signals
from May 56 – Lt Col RG Baker OBE Royal Signals
Second-in-Command & Chief Instructor – Maj HA Leece Royal Signals
Adjutant – Capt P Davis Royal Signals
from late 55 – Capt DE Higgins – Royal Signals
Regimental Sergeant Major – WOI Thompson
Drum Major & Provost Sergeant – Sgt AJ Yates
No 1 Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj Hill Royal Signals
from late 56 – Maj TGH Jackson MBE Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Holt
A Troop – Lt Hussey Royal Signals
later Capt D Ranftt – Royal Signals
Sgt DF Leighton
B Troop – Capt N Richardson Royal Signals
later Lt Phillip Royal Signals
D Troop – Lt WJ Robinson Royal Signals
Sgt Izod
F Troop – 2Lt A Johnson Royal Signals
G Troop – 2Lt I McClure Royal Signals
Sgt Eric George later Sgt Clarke
No 2 Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj F Williams Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Routledge
H Troop – Capt TP Canham Royal Signals
J Troop – ?
K Troop – Lt Mawdsley Royal Signals
later Lt Jones Royal Signals
L Troop – Lt Simms-Reeve Royal Signals
SSgt Shipcott – Sgt Scott
M Troop – ?
R Troop – Lt Riding Royal Signals
from early 56 Capt Scott Royal Signals
SSgt Oakley – Sgt Smith
Buffer Unit – Capt H Witt
Education Wing
Capt PA Easton RAEC – Bandmaster
WOII P Wheatley
SSgt Craddock
Sgt Graham
Sgt Morris
HQ Squadron
Officer Commanding – Capt Silk Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – ?
QM – Capt JAG Stokoe Royal Signals
RQMS – WO II Bennett
Medical Officer – Brig (Retd) Pruett
Chaplin – Rev GD Bolton CF
WVS – Miss Elsie Room
Gymnasium – WOII Vernon
Cookhouse – SSgt Milne ACC
Capt Heyes
Lt M Panton
2Lt MA Spence
SSgt A Bowman – SSgt White
Sgt Calow – Sgt Doucth – Sgt Evans – Sgt Robinson – Sgt Tatham – Sgt Taylor
1957
Click Here for a pdf document with a copy of the Wire magazine entries for 1957
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in HIGHLIGHTS 1957
11 Mar 57
The Army Outward Bound School opens at Trawsfynydd
Renamed from 6 (Boys) Training Regiment to Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Signals exact date unknown
Thursday 4th April 1957
Major-General MS Wheatley, CB, CBE, MIEE, was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JRSM M Galloway – Parade Commander
JSSM C Markie
JSgt Bagley
JSgt French
JSgt Jones
JSgt Mason
JSgt McNorton
JSgt Christie
JSgt Hamilton
Help needed with missing names/troops here
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
SO in C’s Senior Trophy – Champion Senior Troop – H Troop
SO in C’s Junior Trophy – Champion Junior Troop – F Troop
Commandant STB Trophy – JCpl B Wigfield
Metcalfe Trophy – Best Boxing Performance – JLCpl Steel
7 May 57
Junior Wing intake
Jun 57
Click Here for the Regimental Photo with all Junior Leaders and Staff
Tuesday 30th July 1957
General Sir George Erskine, GCB, KBE, DSO, ADC, C in C Southern Command was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JRSM C Markie – Parade Commander
JSSM French – 1 Sqn
JSgt Hopkins – D Troop
JSgt B Wigfield – F Troop
JSgt Bagley
JSgt Jones
JSgt Mason
JSgt McNorton
JSgt Christie
JSgt Hamilton
JSgt DSJ Wootten
Help needed with missing names/troops here
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
SO in C’s Senior Trophy – Champion SeniorTroop – A Troop
SO in C’s Junior Trophy – Champion Junior Troop – D Troop
Commandant STB Trophy – JSgt French
Best Recruit – JSig Home
Dec 57
… was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade – can anybody help?
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JSSM French – Parade Commander
JSSM DSJ Wootten – 2 Sqn
JSgt J Francis – R Tp
Help needed with missing names here
Senior appointments for 1957
Commanding Officer – Lt Col RG Baker OBE Royal Signals
Second-in-Command & Chief Instructor – Maj HA Leece Royal Signals
from Aug 57 – Maj SF Dunkley Royal Signals
Adjutant – Capt DE Higgins – Royal Signals
Regimental Sergeant Major – WOI Thompson MBE
Drum Major & Provost Sergeant – Sgt AJ Yates
No 1 Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj TGH Jackson MBE Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Irving
A Troop – Capt D Ranftt – Royal Signals
B Troop – Lt Philip Royal Signals
Sgt Biggs
D Troop – Lt WJ Robinson Royal Signals
SSgt Izod
F Troop – ?
G Troop – ?
Sgt Clarke
No 2 Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj SF Dunkley Royal Signals
from late 57 – Maj PD Parker Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WO II Simpson
Later WOII Routledge
H Troop – Capt TP Canham Royal Signals
from Apr 57 – Capt JW Joyner Royal Signals
Sgt Hough
J Troop – ?
K Troop – ?
L Troop – Lt P Riding Royal Signals
Sgt Watson
M Troop – ?
R Troop – Capt Scott Royal Signals
Sgt Eric George – Sgt G Biggs
Education Wing
Capt PA Easton – RAEC
WOI Braithwaite
WOII Bailey – WOII P Wheatley
HQ Squadron
Officer Commanding – Capt Silk Royal Signals
from mid 57 – Capt DFL James
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII J Cox
QM – Capt JAG Stokoe Royal Signals
RQMS – WO II Bennett
SQMS – SSgt Humphries BEM
SSgt Browne
MT – Sgt EW Osborne
Bursar/PRI – Lt Col (Retd) CM Townsend
Medical Officer – Brig (Retd) Pruett
Chaplin – Rev GD Bolton CF
WVS – Miss Elsie Room
Gymnasium – WOII Vernon
Cookhouse – SSgt Milne MBE ACC
SSgt Routledge
Capt VS Smith Royal Signals
Lt EW Hunt Royal Signals
2Lt Dawdswell Royal Signals
SSgt Howe – SSgt Thwaites – SSgt J White – SSgt Wood
Sgt Batty – Sgt Cunningham – Sgt Dobbin – Sgt Gill – Sgt Goodall
Sgt Greenwood – Sgt Hopkins – Sgt Innes – Sgt Keany – Sgt McClure
Sgt Mills – Sgt Penberthy – Sgt Simpson – Sgt K Taylor – Sgt Tearse
Sgt Turner – Sgt Watkins – Sgt Wingate
1958
Click Here for a pdf document with a copy of the WIRE Magazine entries for 1958
Click Here for a pdf document with photos in HIGHLIGHTS 1958
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in SPORT 1958
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in BAND 1958
Apr 58
The Army Outward Bound School moves to Towyn from Trawsfynydd
Apr 58
… was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade – can anybody help?
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JRSM DSJ Wootten – Parade Commander
JSSM J Francis
JSgt C Bryant – F Troop
Help needed with missing names here
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
SO in C’s Senior Trophy – Champion Senior Troop – F Troop
SO in C’s Junior Trophy – Champion Junior Troop – M Troop
May 58
Major General RFH Nalder, CB, OBE, Representative Colonel Commandant visited the unit and a Regimental Parade was held
Miss E Roome, WVS was presented with the BEM
12-13 Jul 58
Annual Parent’s Day with Trooping the Regimental Standard
Aug 58
Reported over the last three months 117 new recruits
Aug 58
First edition of Junior Mercury 8 page duplicated paper 130 copies within the Regiment
Editor – JLCpl BF Marriott
Sub Editor – JSig Creek
Staff – JLCpl Loftus – JLCpl Oliver – JLCpl Tonfield
Artist – JSig MW Wellington
Click Here for a PDF document of this First Edition Junior Mercury
Aug 58
Major General ES Cole CBE, Director of Telecommunications was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade
32 Junior Leaders graduated
Regimental Strength now 350
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JRSM J Francis – Parade Commander
JSgt C Bryant – F Troop
JSgt Bennett – ? Troop
JSgt D Jackman – ? Troop
Help needed with missing names here
Sep 58
Capt Robinson takes a party of Junior Leaders to visit Norway
Sep 58
WOI FJ Pavey the new RSM arrives
24 Sep 58
Junior Wing intake
29 Oct 58
Junior Wing intake
Oct 58
Regimental strength now 441 establishment now 480 boys
Nov 58
Regimental Bus collected from the Dorset and Wilts Bus Company by Sig Brooks
Dec 58
… was the Inspecting Officer at the Presentation Parade – can anybody help?
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JSSM D Jackman – 1 Squadron
JSSM Bennett – 2 Squadron
JSgt Hopkins – D Troop
JSgt C Bryant – F Troop
JSgt R Norcross – F Troop
JSgt BJ Cole – H Troop
JSgt G Thorpe – J Troop
JSgt Robson – B Troop
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
SO in C’s Senior Trophy – Champion Senior Troop – J Troop
SO in C’s Junior Trophy – Champion Junior Troop – M Troop
Senior appointments for 1958
Commanding Officer – Lt Col RG Baker OBE Royal Signals
Second-in-Command & Chief Instructor – Maj SF Dunkley Royal Signals
Senior Education Officer – Maj RW Nye RAEC
Adjutant – Capt later Maj DE Higgins – Royal Signals
from mid 58 – Capt PS Davis – Royal Signals
Regimental Sergeant Major – WOI Thompson MBE
from Sep 58 – WOI FJ Pavey
Drum Major & Provost Sergeant – Sgt AJ Yates
No 1 Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj TGH Jackson MBE Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Irving
A Troop – 2Lt M Buckett Royal Signals
B Troop – ?
D Troop – 2Lt RJ Greene Royal Signals
Sgt RA Peake
F Troop – Capt WJ Robinson Royal Signals
later Sgt RA Peake
G Troop – ?
No 2 Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj PD Parker Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Simpson
from Nov 58 – WOII P Chilvers
H Troop – ?
Sgt Hough
later – Sgt FM Young
J Troop – Capt JW Joyner Royal Signals
K Troop – Capt JN Hancock Royal Signals
SSgt DAW Nicholls
L Troop – Lt P Riding Royal Signals
M Troop – Lt E Hunt Royal Signals
Sgt DM Eldridge
R Troop – Capt D Ranftt – Royal Signals
Sgt Eric George – Sgt G Biggs – Sgt Gray
from Oct SSgt Wood
later Sgt DM Eldridge
Education Wing
Capt PA Easton RAEC
WOI Braithwaite
WOII Bailey – WOII P Wheatley
SSgt Foster
SSgt Twaithes
HQ Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj DFL James Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII J Cox
QM – Capt JAG Stokoe Royal Signals
RQMS – WO II Bennett
SSgt Humphries BEM
Bursar/PRI – Lt Col (Retd) CM Townsend
Chief Clerk – Sgt TC Pilkington
later WOII Chandler
MTO – 2Lt K Horne Royal Signals
Sgt EW Osborne
Chaplin – Rev Bolton CF
WVS – Miss Elsie Room BEM
Medical Officer – Maj Morgan RAMC
Dental Officer – Lt S Robb RADC
Catering Officer – 2Lt P Hunt ACC
SSgt Routledge
Gymnasium – WOII Vernon APTC
later Sgt EW Osborne
later Sgt Johnson APTC
Capt MAT Hartnett Royal Signals – Capt EW Hunt Royal Signals
Capt H Mitchell Royal Signals – Capt P Robins Royal Signals
Capt VS Smith Royal Signals
Lt PDE Gregory Royal Signals – Lt R Hunt Royal Signals
2Lt Dawdswell Royal Signals – 2Lt M Goddard Royal Signals
SSgt Howe – SSgt Izod – SSgt White
Sgt Batty – Sgt J Baxter – Sgt H Chitticks – Sgt Cunningham
Sgt DA Curley – Sgt Dobbin – Sgt Doucth – Sgt Gill – Sgt Goodall – Sgt BE Greenwood
Sgt Hopkins – Sgt Innes – Sgt T Keany – Sgt McClure – Sgt B Nicholson – Sgt Penberthy
Sgt JB Rose – Sgt Saxby – Sgt PF Simmonds – Sgt Simpson – Sgt S Tearse
Sgt B Turner – Sgt Watkins – Sgt Wingate
1959
Click Here of a list of Junior Mercury Newspapers available to download
Click Here for a PDF document with photos and details of the visit of HRH The Princess Royal June 1959
Click Here for a PDF document with a copy of the WIRE magazine entries for 1959
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in HIGHLIGHTS 1959
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in SPORT 1959
Click Here for a PDF document with photos in BAND 1959
Jan 59
Due to the large R Troop intakes in Sep and Oct last year a number of new cadre staff were posted in
G Troop reforms in 1 Squadron and L Troop reforms in 2 Squadron
Jan 59
Junior Wing Intake
3 Feb 59
Junior Wing intake
Mar 59
Capt Robinson took a party of Junior Leaders to the Norwegian School of Signals at Lillehammer
Monday 27th April 1959
Major General RJ Moberly, CB, OBE, the Signal Officer in Chief was the Reviewing Officer at the Presentation Parade
450 Junior Leaders on parade
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JSSM C Bryant – 1 Squadron
JSSM BJ Cole – 2 Squadron
JSgt Parry – ? Troop
Help needed with missing names here
Drum Major – JSig J Fisher – A Troop
Trumpet Major – JSig Catley
Presentation of Trophies and Awards
Best Junior Leader – JSSM C Bryant
Joint Champion Senior Troop – J + F Troop
SO in C’s Cup Competition – 2 Squadron – Leading troop – K Tp
29 April 59
Junior Wing intake of 26
1 May 59
Lt Col LHM Gregory MBE takes over as Commanding Officer from Lt Col RE Baker OBE on retirement after three years with the Regiment that has expanded from 120 to over 450
1 Jun 59
The Unit newspaper Junior Mercury changes format to a eight-sheet printed edition produced by Junior Leaders under the supervision of WOII (SSM) PM Wheatley RAEC
Editor – JLCpl Oliver
Sports Editor – JLCpl Evans
Reporters – JSig Murray – JSig Mant – JSig Smith 561 – JSig Craggs
Click Here of a list of Junior Mercury Newspapers available to download
Jun 59
Junior Wing intake
5 Jun 59
Beating of Retreat – Extract from the Junior Mercury – Jul 59
“The first Ceremonial Guard Mounting Parade took place at 1800 hours, followed by “Beating of Retreat” by the Corps of Drums; it is now a Friday feature in the Regiment. One and Two Squadrons take it in turns to provide the Guard from the Senior Troops, and the smartest member is selected weekly as the Commanding Officer’s Stick Orderly
The Corps of Drums march on playing; a fanfare, JLCpl Humphries then plays a solo “Advance” followed by the drums only advancing in Review Order, and the Drum solos. Then comes the “Troop” in slow time, two more fanfares and the “Retreat” Whilst the “Retreat” is being played all within earshot stand to attention and the Regimental Police lower the flag. The Parade ends with the Advance in Review Order, and then Drum Major Fisher requests permission to march the band off”
Jun 59
Scottish Dancing classes start and plans are put in place for the formation of a Pipe Band who will wear the tartan Clan Grant by permission of the Countess of Seafield
Jun 59
The Regiment that belongs to other Regiments of the Corps – Extract from the Junior Mercury – Jul 59
“READERS not in the Junior Leaders Regiment, Royal Signals, stand fast; Junior Leaders, sound off!” Our Drum Major has never given this order, but we want to give it now. For we feel that those in other Signals Regiments and potential recruits do not know much about us here. Since by the nature of our job, we belong to all Regiments of the Royal Corps of Signals, we want to rectify this situation so: “Junior Leaders. Sound Off!”
The Romans beat us to Denbury as a campsite and their view from the top of the hill was greater than ours at its foot. Even so our view of the edge of Dartmoor is magnificent. The hutted camp was built just before the war, and the Devonshire Regiment promptly mobilised some of its battalions here in 1939. It was left to the Americans to add some of its distinctive features when they took it over as a hospital. To them can be attributed the central heating, the covered ways, and the ramps leading into the spiders. Whilst the depot of the Corps, the camp attempted to burst its seams, but from 1955, when 6th (Boys) Training Regiment, as we were then, moved in, numbers have been more reasonable.
We were geared to take 480 boys between the ages of 15 to 17 and a half, and at present we are 441. They are allocated to two squadrons of five troops each, and an intake troop. HQ Squadron has about 180 instructors and men so that by the time. Officers are counted, the numbers hover around the 700 mark. Each troop is commanded by a Captain or Subaltern who looks after it as it progresses through the Regiment.
A Junior Leader normally stays in the Regiment about 6 terms, during which his military education will include trade training, educational training, physical training, and initiative and leadership training, each streamed to suit his ability. Each of these facets of his work has a contribution to make to the Outward Bound schemes, for each satisfies some aspect of that imaginative style of training, and luckily our position within easy reach of Dartmoor, several rivers and the sea, makes concocting interesting and valuable schemes comparatively simple. The Junior Leaders’ military, spiritual, and social training combine to make him a potential leader in his future requirements. It aims to make him able and willing to lead a wireless detachment, a radio-relay crew, or to fill other junior posts with confidence, giving others the knowledge, above all, that he would not let the side down.
Determined to foster good relationships with the Regular Regiments of the Corps, Lt Col Gregory has written to ten of them inviting them to adopt a troop, and suggesting that the purchase price of our gay new head-dress, coloured Balaclava helmet in troop colours, should be the price affiliation.
A typical reply came from a Regiment in Bielefeld, “We will certainly co-operate taking a troop under our wing.” This Regiment has already shown its enthusiasm by forwarding the affiliation fee! The Colonel of another Regiment stationed in Essen wrote. “I think you have a very good idea, and would like to assist you by adopting one of your Troops. I would like the Troop to be known as ‘X’ (Bruno) Troop. Bruno being…the name of our regimental mascot – The Berlin Cable Bear.”
Other Regiments in this country and abroad have responded with replies like, “A first-class idea, you can count on full support from this Regiment, and myself,” and ” the idea seems a very good one.” Yet another reply has extended an invitation to a Troop to attend a forthcoming Regimental weekend.
These, and other enthusiastic replies make us look forward to the links being forged between Regiment and Troop, not a complicated official affiliation, but a warm mutual interest as an Act of Friendship.
This is our organisation, and these our aims. Junior Leaders, “Stand at Ease, Stand Easy!”
12 Jun 59
Visit by HRH The Princess Royal (Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary) Dowager Countess of Harewood, CI, GCVO, GBE, ED, RRC, DCL and Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Signals taking the post in 1935 and promoted to the Honorary rank of General on 23 Nov 56
Click Here for a PDF document with photos and details of the visit
The last visit of the Princess Royal was in July 1954 when the unit was the 6 Boys Training Regiment in Beverley, Yorkshire
369 Junior Leaders on parade taken by JRSM BJ Cole
13 Jun 59
Regimental Queens Birthday Parade – Extract from the Junior Mercury – Jul 59
“The Junior Leaders Regiment, Royal Signals, paraded at Rawlinson Barracks on 13th June to celebrate the official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. The ten troops formed up independently on the parade ground with their troop officers and sergeants in command, and with the Second in Command, Major Dunkley, as the Parade Commander. The Corps of Drums were smartly clad in Number One Dress, as was the “Colour” and His Escort (J/Sgt Henderson with JSig Coope and JSig Pickens) and once again we were blessed with brilliant sunshine.
The Commanding Officer, Lt Col LHM Gregory, MBE, inspected, and later made a congratulatory speech in which he praised the previous day’s Parade given in honour of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, and said, “I am proud to be a member of the Regiment to which all of you belong.”
The troops then advanced in Review Order, presented arms and gave the Royal Salute, at which the Union Jack was raised. The silence of Denbury was then split by three rousing cheers for the Queen. Thus did we pay Our Homage!”
27 Jun 59
Denbury Fair included an exhibition of Hobbies and Military Equipment, including teleprinters, an armoury display and a model railway. Sideshows included darts, tin knocking, skittles and a Kiddies Playground. A dance was organised by the WO’s and Sergeants and the evening ended with a floodlight Beating of Retreat by the Corps of Drums and at one point lit their instruments with lights. When the retreat was over the choir sang “Land of Hope and Glory” this was their first public appearance
Jul 59
Regimental Undress – Extract from the Junior Mercury – Aug 59
As most people know, Regimental Undress is now official. Orders have been placed with Gieves Ltd., the famous naval and military tailors, for blue Blazers and Cord Trousers, shirts and shoes etc., on behalf of 118 Junior Leaders. More Boys are waiting to be measured and the results of the relaxation in the style of civilian clothes is eagerly awaited. Of all the footwear offered brown suede ‘Chukka’ boots are most highly recommended, and are proving the most popular.
‘R’ Troop have responded with 100% orders, which is very encouraging as they are the Junior Leaders of the future, and it is hoped that they will be seen resplendent in this new dress by the time this issue of Junior Mercury is in your hands.
For the remainder of the Regiment, Regimental Undress comes into effect on September 1st. The cost of the new outfit as a whole will come to between £13 and £20, depending on the choice of material chosen by the individual, and can be paid for over a period of ten to twelve months.
Jul 59
Balaclavas – Extract from the Junior Mercury – Aug 59
“It has been decided that Balaclavas will replace SD hats, which are uncomfortable and hard to keep on in a gust of wind, this makes them unsuitable for Outward Bound training. The Regiment will therefore he appearing in gay, colourful Balaclavas, the Troops in individually coloured ones, and the Officers in white Balaclavas with Troop coloured Toories (Pom Poms). These will be worn for normal training around the camp and for Outward Bound, whilst retaining Service Dress hats for all Parades and Ceremonial occasions.
Balaclavas therefore, will prove comfortable to wear and bright to gaze upon, but there will also be a deeper significance to their wear by Junior Leaders of this Regiment. Most people know that this head-dress derives its name from the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854, with its immortal charge of the Light Brigade.
History tells us of a wrongly delivered message, which caused six hundred gallant cavalry men to charge knowingly to their deaths, led by Lord Cardigan. Only one hundred and ninety five men, all maimed and wounded, emerged from that charge. The remainder perished, obeying unquestionably orders they knew to be wrong.
As a Signals Unit we must always bear in mind that a message must be delivered correctly, and the wearing of Balaclavas will serve as a permanent reminder to that effect.”
Jul 59
Seal of Friendship – Extract from the Junior Mercury – Aug 59
It has been decided that each troop in the Regiment will be adopted and named by a Signal Regiment, and that the parent Regiment will supply its adopted Troop with Balaclava Helmets in the troop colours. The Commanding Officer despatched letters to Regiments and the answers received are very promising.
The first reply came from the 1st Corps Regiment (7 Signals Regiment) who will adopt Recruit Troop, whose name will changed to the ‘White Spear Troop,’ being the formation sign of the First Corps, as the spearhead of the Rhine Army. The troop will wear pink Balaclavas with white Toories (Pom Pom).
The second reply came from 18 Army Signals Regiment (10 Signals Regiment) and was very enthusiastic about the idea. They will adopt ‘B’ Troop, which will now be known as ‘Bruno Troop’. The colour of Balaclava will be blue and yellow (the colours of the Stadt Essen, where the Regiment is stationed). This combination of can be arranged but not without difficulty*. In addition a statuette of Bruno has been promised on behalf of Bruno Troop.
Another letter that promised full support came from 19 Army Group Signals Regiment. They are to adopt the late ‘F’ Troop, the name of which will be changed to ‘Francisca Troop’. It appears that the origin of this name from the Northern Army Group sign, which carries the Francisca Battle Axe. This was the throwing axe used by the Franks forming the centre of the Allied Army which defeated Attila and his Mongol Army in AD 451, and as such, is the symbol of the Allied Armies under NATO in this part of Europe. Francisca Troop will wear bright yellow Balaclava helmets.
The fourth reply came from the 1st Division Signals Regiment, and were invited to send a representative body from the Regiment as guests to their Regimental week-end on the 11th-12th July. ‘G’ Troop was sent and have been adopted by 1 Division Signals Regiment and are now known as ‘Anzio Troop’. This is to commorate the landing of the Regiment on the Anzio Beaches; they will wear blue Balaclava helmets with white Toories.
The next reply came from 3 Divisional Signals Regiment, the Commanding Officer of which promptly visited the Regiment and spent the morning with ‘H’ Troop. This Troop has since been adopted by 3 Divisional Signals Regiment. They will wear purple Balaclava helmets.
A letter was received from the Commanding Officer, 4 Divisional Signals Regiment, who was enthusiastic about the idea. He suggested that the Regiment might like to consider some form of Trophy as a troop ‘Household’ God which Divisional Signals Regiment would be prepared to present.
A reply from 2 Divisional Signals Regiment showed they were keen on the idea of adopting a troop but not so enthusiastic about the subject of Balaclavas. A similar note was struck by 5 Divisional Signals Regiment but it is hoped that photographs showing Junior Leaders wearing Balaclava helmets will help to persuade the last named Regiments.
The Troops earmarked for 2 and 5 Divisional Regiments are ‘M’ Troop, who will wear orange Balaclavas and ‘L’ Troop, who will wear dark green Balaclavas.
A telephone call was received from 90 Signals Regiment who agreed to adopt the ‘White Swan Troop’. This Troop was originally known as ‘K’ Troop and will wear black Balaclavas with white Toories.
The Commanding Officer of the Gurkha Regiment queried the benefit to his Regiment, as that Regiment only needs a small number of OR’s, but Lt Col LHM Gregory, MBE, has replied pointing out that they can bring their reputation to launch Junior Leaders to other Regiments, and that this adoption could lead to the training of Gurkha boys as Junior Leaders. Thus we realise that far from being an isolated Regiment on the fringes of Dartmoor this Regiment is becoming a real part of the British Army with associations over the entire World.
*Bruno Troop later received brown balaclavas and 90 Signals Regiment later renumbered 30
Jul 59
Summer Camp at St Anthony’s Head – J Troop a week early to prepare the camp
Jul 59
The Nijmegen March – Extract from the Junior Mercury – Sep 59
“The Nijmegen march consisted of four daily circular tours of twenty-five miles each, with an eleven hour time limit. The Regiment entered four parties, a Cadre group under Sgt Diggle and Sgt Morrall and thirty-six Junior Leaders split into three groups under Sgt Young, Captain Hartnett and Sgt Greenwood, and the Commanding Officer respectively. Other entries included a contingent from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, with a representative from each NATO country. The Second Queen’s Own Canadian Guards, and a smart contingent of Israeli girls. A team from the RAOC Junior Leaders’ Unit went round the shorter Youth’s course.
Features of the march were the interest that our Balaclavas aroused, our friendship with the Canadian Guards, which culminated in us giving them a Balaclava battle photograph in exchange for their pennant, and our singing, which gradually improved when the Colonel became choirmaster. These things will be remembered whenever the marchers wear the Nijmegen medal.
Whilst the Cadre party went direct to Nijmegen, the Junior Lenders, whether they arrived by sea, or were lifted by the RAF, toured Signal Regiments in Germany. Each treated the party like kings. First 28th Signal Regiment showed them Rhine Army HQ, then a visit to Herford to 1 Corps Signal Regiment and 1 Divisional Signal Regiment followed. Church at 2 Signal Regiment preceded the journey to Nijmegen via Arnhem. Following the march, 10th Signal Regiment conducted them around Essen and surprised them by the presentation of a delightful statuette of Bruno for their adopted troop”.
All four teams completed the course successfully
Jul 59
HQ Squadron consists of over 120 under the rank of sergeant
Jul 59
The Gymnastic Display Team lead by SSI Johnson put on a performance in the grounds of Digby Hospital in Exeter
4 Jul 59
Corps of Drums plays at Lustleigh Fete
7 Jul 59
Corps of Drums plays at a Carnival through Hasting and St Leonards
8 Jul 59
Corps of Drums comes fourth in a band competition in Hastings
10-11 Jul 59
Corps of Drums and a party from G Troop went to visit 1 Div Sig Regt in Colchester for their Regimental weekend
11 Jul 59
A confirmation service for 35 Junior Leaders and 2 Cadre was held at St Georges Church taken by the Bishop of Maidstone
Tuesday 28th July 1959
Major General Sir Hubert Rance, GCMG, GBE, CB, was the Reviewing Officer at the Presentation Parade and Parents Day
441 Junior Leaders on parade
48 Junior Leaders graduated
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JRSM BJ Cole
JSSM Parry
JSgt Cunningham – A Troop
JSgt Henderson – B Troop
JSgt A Home – D Troop
JSgt Walker – F Troop
JSgt TM Tracey – G Troop
JSgt P Willoughby – H Troop
JSgt Mellor – J Troop
JSgt Worral – K Troop
JSgt P Doherty – L Troop
JSgt RP Dawes – M Troop
Drum Major – JSig J Fisher – A Troop
Trumpet Major – JSig T Mack – F Troop
Joint Champion Senior Troop – J + F Troop
Champion Junior Troop – K Troop
The Cobb Memorial Trophy was presented to the regiment, the two foot tall silver Mercury and commemorates the service of Lt Col FR Cobb MC, OC F Coy, the original Boys Company
Ceremonial Mace for the Band was presented by the Old Comrades of 42 (Lancashire) Divisional Signal Regiment (TA). The Drum Major’s Mace has been part of their Regiment since its inception in 1921
The troop system now changes no longer senior and junior troops all now have an intake from R Troop to replace those who graduate to man service
J Troop (black flashes) the senior troop in 2 Sqn is disbanded and replaced with the complete R Troop intake of 32 is briefly known as J Troop (pink flashes) later White Spear Troop
K Troop (previously light blue flashes) now have black flashes under the new system later White Swan Troop
29 Jul to 11 Aug 59
A Combined Cycling and Canoe trip took place through Belgium, Holland and Germany.
Two parties of 14 Junior Leaders set out separately the first under 2Lt R Greene from the Hook of Holland on bicycles and the second under 2Lt P Hunt from Ostend in four canoes meeting at Dendermonde changing over modes of transportation there before returning
In the party were Junior Leaders JSgt Dai Dawes and JCpl Mike Wellington and were given the task to deliver a tankard to a Dr Karl Heinz in Aachen Germany…the story as told by Mike in 2006!
“At some stage toward the end of the canoe stage, Dai Dawes and I found ourselves separated from canoes and bicycles and undertaking a side trip via Eupen into Germany where our task was to present an inscribed tankard to Doctor Karl Heinz a friend of the CO Lt Col Gregory. They were apparently old friends probably from the good colonel’s sojourn in Germany after the war. Remember of course that 1959 was not too long after the war either and signs of the war were everywhere. On locating Monheimsallee in Aachen, the upper class street in which the doctor and his charming wife resided, the signs of the war were everywhere with hardly a window or doorway without bullet or shrapnel marks scarring the surrounding masonry. I still don’t know how Dai Dawes and I made the trip and I recall that we ended up having to hitchhike from some place outside the frontier station (Zoll) inside Germany.
I suspect it may have been because we’d spent the money we’d been given for public transport on good German beer. We were an absolute disgrace to look at, although we had taken jeans and a sports shirt for ‘walking out’ purposes, on arrival at Dr Heinz’s rather grand house it was pelting down with rain and had been for quite a long time. We were turned out in anorak trousers and jacket, heavy-duty pullovers, boots and cap comforters. Very impressive and wondering what the local Polizei thought of us? Anyway we had been briefed on how to address the good doctor in German and thereafter we enjoyed a thoroughly good night before turn in time. Not so special perhaps but to Dai and myself, a real experience. The following morning, still virtually penniless and having turned down an offer of financial help from the doctor we hitchhiked on to meet up with the rest of the team. The bicycle trip, which took up the second half of the expedition, was pretty good but in no way matched the first half.”
Now the doctor’s story…
ENGLISH INVASION The following is an extract from a letter received by Dr R Midgley of Hawkmoor from Dr Karl Heinz of Aachen Germany and forwarded on to the Regiment and published in the Junior Mercury Feb 60. The letter is printed exactly as written.
…Last night I was in bed with one leg already and outside it was raining cats and dogs as the bell rang. As I opened the door there stood two brave soldiers of your Majesty the Queen, wet like a sailor in front of the mast Daws and Wellington were their names but the latter was not the Duke. We gave them a neat “Steinhaager” something to eat and a few jugs of Beer. Slowly they came back to life. They brought Greetings to us from the Colonel, and your glorious tankard. Heartily thanks for your trouble. Three cheers for the Colonel! After we had put the “English invasion on the Continent” in our double-couch, we were convinced we had raised the fighting spirit of the NATO Alliance. This morning they had a continental breakfast, but as they did not like our tea, our coffee seemed to have accelerated their spirit of life. We gave them companie as far as the Road to Krefeld, their destination was Hunch (Westf). The sun was laughing and so were the two valiant soldiers…
During the course of the 14-day trip which was financed by a War Office grant the Junior Leaders saw the Atomium at the World Fair Exhibition in Brussels
15 Aug 59
Rawlinson Barracks is 20 years young and renamed Denbury Camp
2 Sep 59
Junior Wing intake
6 Sep 59
Part of the United Sates Marine Corps stationed at the American Embassy in London began a two stay at Denbury, they had come to the area to pay the Newton Abbot “All Whites” at Rugby
Sep 59
The new Self Loading Rifle (SLR) starts to be introduced to the Regiment
Sep 59
The Corps of Drums play at Rackerhays for the United States Marines, at Clennon Valley for the Easton Cup Final, at Newton Abbot Shopping Week, as well as weekly Reveille and Retreat on Mondays and Fridays a new version of Beating the Retreat has come into being, differing by an eight trumpet fanfare before the march on and wheeling outwards on reaching the center of the square
Sep 59
Bagpipes are expected to arrive in October and already groups of Junior Leaders are practising with chanters
Sep 59
16 Junior Leaders from G Troop accompany A Troop 1 Signal Regiment who were on exercise with 5 Wireless trucks and 3 Landrovers around the mid Devon countryside to practice with the sets
Sep 59
A New Book for Dartmoor – Recently Capt JW Joyner took some Junior Leaders out to Fur Tor, south of Cranmere Pool and discovered that the Visitors Book was in a tatty condition. It was decided that it should be replaced by the Regiment when the Norwegians and their British hosts were going in that direction
So together with Lt Col LMH Gregory, Maj R Nye and Capt JW Joyner, they all tramped across the rugged countryside, fully loaded with camping equipment and carrying the new book
Sep 59
Capt H Rothwell arranges a three-week visit by party Capt Magne Spilde and seven young Norwegian Signal Corps apprentices
Sep 59
The Ten Tors idea – Extract from the Junior Mercury – Nov 59
“Still through Chaos works on the ancient plan
And two things have altered not since first the world began
The beauty of the wild green earth
And the bravery of man.
P.P. Cameron Wilson.
To the average man or woman, Dartmoor lures up a picture of a bleak, dismal, mysterious moorland inhabited by mischievous pixies, escaped convicts and perpetual mists. To us at Denbury it is a happy training ground and a friendly opponent for the bold in spirit.
Over 1,000 Junior Leaders have had the fortune to roam among its lovely hills and valleys, its streams and woodlands and watch the ageless, timeless Mother Nature dressed according to her seasonal mood in wistful submission or breathtaking splendour.
Three hundred square miles of moss, peat and heather over which is inscribed in hard granite the facts of self-reliance, initiative and leadership; the pattern of the will that never falters and the determination that survives when all but the mind is exhausted. And underlaying it all in an seamless tapestry of silver, the singing streams of the Tavey and the Dart emphasize in music the importance of these things in the quest for peace.
On a still night in September when the inscrutable face of Dartmoor lay hidden under the mesmeric splendour of a starlit sky a small patrol of Junior Leaders moved silently across the moor towards their camp. The magic of the elements lay about them and the glory of God’s creation filled each mind. It was then that the idea was born:
“TEN TORS”
“Dartmoor has so much to give,” said one of them” everyone should experience this. Why not an international adventure over the moors for Junior Leaders and Junior Ladies? Call it a competition, a challenge, a youth congress anything you like – but the purpose remains the same; a date with Dartmoor and all the loveliness she has to offer.”
It has been the talk of Denbury ever since. Wars from now in the early days of September patrols from all over the world might be busy packing their bags and organizing themselves for Denbury and the “Ten Tors” What a vision, and if only it could be realised, the great love that heats in the heart of the Junior Leaders Regiment of Royal Signals for its dearest and closest friend will not beat in vain and YOUTH will come to Dartmoor, the home of the Young.
It takes time to appreciate the magnificence of Dartmoor and its value as a training ground. Like good wine its bouquet cannot be forced but emerges naturally with time, filling the mind with admiration and the heart with affection.
The details of the proposed adventure are simple enough. Patrols of ten between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years will set off from Hay Tor and cover a course of ten tors in thirty-six hours. A new route will be chosen each year and will not be disclosed to the competitors until the adventure is actually underway. The aim of “Ten Tors” will be the application of lessons learned on outward bound training, and for a team to prove successful a high standard of map reading will be necessary combined with endurance, fitness and initiative.
Dartmoor has many tors meaning peaks or summits the highest being Yes Tor, over 2,000 feet above sea level. The best known is North Hessary Tor overlooking Princetown and the situation of the B.B.C.’s Television transmitter to the West of England. The tors provide a wealth of picturesque history and though it is easy to see how such names as Vixen Tor, Fox Tor, Hawks Tor, Hen Tor or Sheep Tor got their names, the imagination is intrigued by the appearance of Great Miss Tor or Little Miss Tor.
Perhaps the spirits of these remarkable ladies still haunt those places!
To the ordinary down-to-earth youth who believes in keeping fit, or even to the occasional Junior Leader who has to be driven out on to the Moors for the good of his soul, each tor is a challenge and presents the occasion for a real sense of achievement. A little extra effort is always required to get to a summit, but having scrambled up the peak and placed one’s feet firmly on its crown brings a reward that few experiences can rival.
As a prize for the winning patrol of the “Ten Tors” what could be better than a replica of a grand model of Fur Tor (Queen of the Tors, so named by junior Leaders Regiment of Royal Signals), standing three feet square at its base and rising two and a half feet tall? This model could be held for one-year by the winning team, and it may be possible to provide miniatures of Fur Tor for permanent retention.
At the conclusion of the Ten Tors a youth jamboree would be held to mark the end of this international gathering. Round an open camp fire youth from many nations will sit together linked by a common purpose, sinking their national songs around an old fashioned barbecue and dancing their own traditional dances.
Such then is the vision!
The first of these meetings could take place in the Autumn of 1960 and who knows where this may lead? Will it succeed as Nijmegen has done and find its place as an equal partner? Will it flop into the dust of yesterday’s enthusiasm? Who knows? Even the “nuts and bolts man” may be touched by the idea and join with us in looking outward from Denbury and beyond Hay Tor; always safe, always friendly and ever enduring.”
Oct 59
Regimental Cross County – 418 take part
1. McKay (J) 2. Bentham (H) 3. Keenan (F) 4. Ledger (A) 5. Davis (D)
6. Leggatt (B) 7. Fisher (F) 8. Court (K) 9. Terras (M)
The winning troop was F Troop
12/13 Oct 59
Brigadier PMP Hobson, DSO, Commander Training Brigade made his first visit to the Regiment
Nov 59
The Regimental Cross Country wins the second team race against the RAC JLCpl Bentham 1st and JSig McKay 5th
5 Nov 59
Bonfire Night with a bonfire 30 feet high and £40 worth of fireworks with inter troop guy competition won by F Troop following at 8 pm the theatre was filled for the “Do it Yourself Show” arranged by Capt DG Rowe at 09.45 the concert ended and the result of the “Grand Draw” was given the top prize of £100 went to a young lady outside the Regiment the majority of the profits were to go to a under privileged children’s party and Christmas
Dec 59
Regimental Boxing Team lead by Capt S Robb RADC and SSI Johnson APTC wins the Junior Leaders Team Championships at Blandford beating the REME by 11 bouts to 4 the team consisted of JLCpl Naisbit, JSig Barratt, JSig Crowe, JSig Gooding, JSig Inguanez, JSig Keenan (Snr), JSig Lycett, JSig Peterson, JSig Russell, JSig Sharman, JSig Stanger, JSig Tucker, JSig Wooler
In the first round defeated the RA by 9 bouts to 6 and the semi-final the RAOC by 8 bouts to 7
Regimental Rugby team played 14 games and won 13, lost 1, points for 234 and points against 38
Dec 59
Major General RJ Moberley, CB, OBE, Signal Officer in Chief approves the adoption of each of the ten troops of Junior Leaders by a Regular Regiment of the Corps
1 Squadron
4th Signal Regiment – Quadrant (Late A Troop) – Red Flash – White Torrie
10th Signal Regiment – Bruno (Late B troop) – Brown Flash – White Torrie
17th (Gurkha) Signal Regiment – Kukri (Late D Troop) – Turquoise Flash – White Torrie
28th Signal Regiment – Francisca (Late F Troop) – Yellow Flash – Blue Torrie
1st Signal Regiment – Anzio (Late G Troop) – Blue Flash – White Torrie
2 Squadron
3rd Signal Regiment – Iron (Late H Troop) – Mauve Flash – White Torrie
7th Signal Regiment – White Spear (Late J Troop) – Pink Flash – White Torrie
30th Signal Regiment – White Swan (Late K Troop) – Black Flash – White Torrie
5th Signal Regiment – Jerboa (Late L Troop) – Green Flash – White Torrie
2nd Signal Regiment – Kohima (Late M Troop) – Orange Flash – White Torrie
Monday 14th December 1959
Major General RJ Moberly, CB, OBE, Signal Officer in Chief was the Reviewing Officer at the Presentation Parade also present were retired officers Major General Sir William Scott and Brigadier WVC Galway and local dignitaries
First time with Troop Officers and Troop Sergeants on parade with RAEC Sergeants
471 Junior Leaders on parade
31 Junior Leaders graduated
The Parade was commanded by Maj F Dunkley Royal Signals
Junior appointments for the Presentation Parade
JSSM Henderson – 1 Squadron
JSSM P Willoughby – 2 Squadron
JSSgt FE Worrall – White Swan Troop – Champion Troop
JSgt Cunningham – Quadrant Troop
JSgt RJ Butcher – Bruno Troop
JSgt P Tams – Kukri Troop
JSgt Walker – Francisca Troop
JSgt TM Tracey – Anzio Troop
JSgt M Wellington – Iron Troop
JSgt DG Edmond – White Spear Troop – Champion Troop runners up
JSgt P Doherty – Jerboa Troop
JSgt RP Dawes – Kohima Troop – carried Regimental Standard
Drum Major – JSig KW Ramsey – Iron Troop
Trumpet Major – JSig D Clarke – Francisca Troop
Senior appointments for 1959
Commanding Officer – Lt Col RG Baker Royal Signals
from May Lt Col LMH Gregory MBE Royal Signals
Second-in-Command & Chief Instructor – Maj SF Dunkley Royal Signals
Senior Education Officer – Maj RW Nye RAEC
Adjutant – Capt PS Davies Royal Signals
Regimental Sergeant Major – WOI FJ Pavey
Drum Major & Provost Sergeant – Sgt AJ Yates BEM
No 1 Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj TGH Jackson MBE
from Feb Capt MAT Harnett Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Irving later SSgt Snell
A later Quadrant Troop – 2Lt M Buckett Royal Signals
Sgt G Greaves and from Aug Sgt H Meekings
B later Bruno Troop – 2Lt DA Carter Royal Signals later Capt MR Wagstaff RAEC
Sgt RA Peake and Sgt BE Greenwood
D later Kukri Troop – 2Lt RJ Greene Royal Signals – Sgt RE Tamlyn
F later Francisca Troop – Capt WJ Robinson Royal Signals
later Capt PG Rogers Royal Signals
SSgt DA Curley and Sgt JA Angel
G later Anzio Troop – Lt PDE Gregory Royal Signals – Sgt S Jasper
No 2 Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj PD Parker Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII Chilvers later WOII Routledge
H later Iron Troop – Capt PDE Chase Royal Signals
Sgt FM Young and Sgt RG Osborne
J Troop Jan to Jul – Capt JW Joyner Royal Signals
J later White Spear Troop – Lt DC Whitehead Royal Signals
Sgt S Tearse and Sgt A Walters
K later White Swan Troop – Lt later Capt JN Hancock Royal Signals
Sgt RG Osborne later SSgt DAW Nicholls and Sgt JB Rose
L later Jerboa Troop – from Nov Capt H Rothwell MBE Royal Signals
2Lt KLG Sheppard Royal Signals
Sgt GA Aven and from Oct Sgt T Martin
M later Kohima Troop – Capt JM Hewson Royal Signals
Sgt J Baxter and Sgt W Easter
R Troop
Officer Commanding – Capt JH Lane Royal Signals
SSgt Wood – Sgt Doucth – Sgt Grey
from Apr – Lt DC Whitehead Royal Signals – Sgt S Tearse
Adventure Training and Sports Wing
Officer Commanding – from Sep Capt JW Joyner Royal Signals
Academic Wing
Capt Chown RAEC
Capt PA Easton RAEC
Capt J Meyrick RAEC
Capt G Mitchell RAEC
Capt DG Rowe RAEC
WOI Braithwaite – WOII PM Wheatley
SSgt Foster – Sgt Foulds
Sgt H Morrall – Sgt Spur
HQ Squadron
Officer Commanding – Maj DL James Royal Signals
Squadron Sergeant Major – WOII J Cox
QM – Capt JAG Stokoe Royal Signals later Lt J Worsley MBE Royal Signals
RQMS – WOII Bennett later WOII Chivers
SQMS – SSgt NJ Shipcott later SSgt M Watkins
Ration Store – SSgt W Watson
Armoury – Sgt Creek REME
MTO – 2Lt P Hunt
Sgt EW Osborne
from Feb Sgt H Meekings
later Sgt Roberston
Admin Officer – Lt Col (Retd) WGM Bartholomew MBE
Bursar/PRI – Lt Col (Retd) CM Townsend
Chief Clerk – WOII Chandler
Chaplin – Rev Holmes CF
WVS – Mrs Kay Callington
Medical Officer – Maj Morgan RAMC
Dental Officer – Capt S Robb RADC
Catering Officer – 2Lt P Hunt later 2Lt J Miller ACC – WOII Hales – Sgt V Lockyer
Gymnasium – WOII H Pictor – SSgt Johnson
Capt WG Robinson Royal Signals – Capt EW Hunt Royal Signals
2Lt M Goddard Royal Signals – 2Lt A Sproul Royal Signals
SSgt Thwaites – Sgt later SSgt Ash – Sgt Baxter
Sgt Chitticks – Sgt DM Eldridge – Sgt B Hough
Sgt T Keaney – Sgt Moss – Sgt Saxby – Sgt Segal
Sgt PF Simmonds – Sgt B Turner – Sgt Wingate