Published March 2009
Calling all ex B Squadron 48th RTR
Were you a member of B Squadron of the 48th and if so do you remember 'B LINE' magazine that was produced by Geoffery Thomson and Alan Gilmore between 1942-45, whilst they were serving in Scotland, North africa and Italy? Ollie Kay, who is the late Geoffey Thomson's grandson would very much like to hear from you. He is currently in the third year of a Graphic Design (BA) course at Bristol University and is very keen to contact anyone who may have had first hand experience of the magazine. There were in total 28 issues and approx 100 copies per issue. There was als a special souvenir edition printed post war in the Uk.
Anyone who can help Ollie should write to
Mr O Kay, 61, British Road Bedminster Bristol S3 3BU or ring him on 0780 95505533.
Did you serve in 1 RTR in 1945
Trooper Rodney E Collins, late of A Sqn 1 RTR is hoping to contact old comrades who served in the First in 1945.
contact him via the following e-mail address: m.collins@talktalk.net
65th Anniversary of the Battle of the Hitler Line
The veterans of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division (WW2) will commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Battle for the Hitler Line (80 miles south east of Rome) in May 2009. The event will include a plaque unveiling at Pontecorvo on 23 May in honour of Canadian and supporting British troops (51st RTR and 142nd Regt RAC).
anyone wishing to take part should contact the Editor for further details.
Can you help Aaron Simmons ex17/21 L?
Phil Reeve is trying to help his grandfather, ex Tpr Aaron Simmons (knownas Simmo) who served with the 17/21 Lancers in N Africa in 1943, to find out what happened to Lt Peacock and Cpl McKintosh (late RTR) who saved his life near Fonduk Pass. Does anyone know anybody who served in this campaign?
His contact e-mail is phil_reeve_2007@yahoo.co.uk
Ex 3 RTR Old Comrade seeks copies of Tank
Do you ahve any spare copies of TANK for the period 1974-80? Roger Anderson whoes e-mail address is roger.anderson1@ntlworld.com is seeking copies. He was involved in an accident in 1980 and was in a coma for 3 weeks and now suffers from partial memory loss. He was in Australia for a few years, but is now back in the UK and would like to make contact with old comrades with whom he served. If you can help please contact him.
Can you help Gillian Johnson
Gillian is trying to trace the history of her father who served in 5 RTR 1943-45.
if you remember him please contact gillianjohnson1@hotmail.com
Jake Wardrop's Diary
I am delighted to say That I have at long last got a publisher interested in combining the missing part of Jake's evocative diary (from landing in UK at the end of 1943, to his death in Germany in April 1945) with the original Tanks Across The Desert. Naturally I will need all the help I can get from those remaining wartime members of the Fifth who will lend me photographs, send me anecdotes about Jake etc etc.
Pleasr write to me ( George Forty) at Barn Cottage, 5 Briantspuddle, Dorchester, DT2 7HS
e-mail grgfor@aol.com
22774600 Sergeant Brian Douglas Bedford
Does anyone know anything about the above, he served with 3 RTR enlisting in 1943 and finally leaving in 1967 having spent his last 5 years in the Tech Stores at Bovington. If you know anything about Brian, especially any photos please contact the Regimental Secretary Colin Hepburn on 01929 403331 or regsec@rtr.org.uk
Brian Morris
Does anyone know of Brian Morris who was in a Tank Regiment stationed in Tidworth in 1968, he has a daughter who he does not know about who wants to contact him.if you know of him please contact the Regimental Secretary Colin Hepburn at regsec@rtr.org.uk
65th Anniversary Year Return to Roosendaal
An invitation has been received for veterans of the 9th Battalion Royal Tank Regiment to return to Roosendaal from Friday 30th October to Monday 2nd November inclusive to mark the 65th anniversary year of the liberation of that town from Nazi tyranny. The invitation includes an itinerary of memorable visits to places of emotional interest
The cost of the visit, which includes all meals and accommodation, will be borne by the Town Council. This applies to veterans, spouses, partners, friends (a total of two persons each only).
Travel costs will have to be borne by all wishing to attend. Your attention is drawn to Heroes Return 2, from which, providing you have not already received a grant, you could be eligible to make an application for one. For further information, contact RHQ.