Evenin'

I'm sure 46 Bty were in Hildesheim with the M107 175mm gun!
32 Hvy Regt Nov 1965 - Oct 1968 then moved to 94 Loc.

Well done monty, the site looks alot beter then the last one, hope every one will use it more? i'll download the few pictures i took at the last reuoion in beesdon. take care winne

Well done Monty in doing this new site.
Prefered the old one. LOL

I joined 46 Bty in April 68 and we did have m107s until we moved to Bulford in 72. There we had 105 packs and were part of the air mobile force. I remember going to Libya as part of that battle group. We had a spell of R&R at a place called Tamimi. We were told by the BC that
there was a sunken Roman Town just of the coast and he organised a competition to see who could recover the best Roman artefact. The prize was a crate of tenant’s larger. The one with the picture of a girl on it. Midge Alber got first prize for his piece of pot with a chip in the edge of it. He described it as a ROMAN ASHTRAY!!

Monty great job revamping the site.

Hi Monty just to let you know me and jardine will be at the mem service at St. Pauls next wed 10th sept applied for tickets and was surprised to receive them will let you know how it goes rock on 46 bty

Did a good job on the new site - did you have help? No dates for Re-union yet ?

Or has the organiser gone AWOL ?

Been in touch with Tiny Rawlins and Danny Shadbolt for the first time in 28 Years,
Danny getting in touch soon

Hi Bill
You must have put a few hours work into this
but it was worth it. Well done you! The site is a lot clearer and easier to read especially for those of us who now have to wear glasses to read!!x

Hi Bob. I’m doing fine. Married with a son in the old regiment. He is over in Afghanistan at the moment. Those exercises were great fun when you think of them now but at the time they were murder! we must have been out of our skulls!

Kev
where the hell did you see Danny Shadbolt??? next time you get in touch give him my regards cheeeeeeers mate

Hi Art
yep you 2 mate i was 50 last year but dont feel a day over 49 1/2 lol age eh mate it dont come alone my knees are F**ked and my back but still feel 21

i joined 46 bty in 90 munster,and was introduced to danny sharp,daz beacs,baz eckie and bcame dutch hollands plaything....lol.am new 2 this so hope u get it,keep it up,proper cheered me up,nice one.

Hi Eric,
You still over in the Bearsden area bud? Your back and knees were alway f**ked, but hey, whose weren't, they weren't poxy little rifles we were slinging about. Seeing the photos of you at the reunion I thought it was Tom Jones and he's 90. Good to hear from ya.
Art

Just come across the new website a couple of weeks ago Monty,well impressed with the new layout,nice one!
Bick have tried on a few occasions to contact you about room availability for the re-union,but they keep bouncing back.Could you let me know if there are any available? If not, could you recommend any within reasonable staggering distance.
Cheers,Tommy.

I was attached to 46 Battery from HQ on the Libya trip in 69. I was with the late Jock McEwan in the signal vehicle.I remember the blue shorts we all wore on Talavera day....Chuddy Cambell has a lot to answer for! The jocks (KOSB) were all whistling at us on the march past... red neck!!
I Cogy, Midge, I remember too, also Jock McKay the medic. What about the queue for the "Dunny" and Mick Green (Officers Mess) was the only guy in the whole of "Chattem Camp" friggen tent area who was consipated!!
Allan.

Liked the old site, will reserve judgemement on this one (give it time)
Hi to all the `oldies (Art etc)
I finally made the big time, I`m on the RAA posters!!!
Colin (Jim)

Nice to see some old names on here , Eric, Art, Tommy, hope see you all at the re-union

If I should die, think only this of me:
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's, breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

Well said Eric!!
"Everything we have and are is ours,and still exists,by the grace and courage of the soldiers.They are the men of the century,because without them we should no longer be numbering it's years,or numbering them only to curse the wretchedness of our survival in it"
A Year Of Space.
Eric Linklater(1953)
We will remember them.

Hello
Will be atending my 1st re-union at Doncaster this year. I was in 46 for a short while from 1974 working with 'Blossom' and crew in the OP as 'Ack'. I then went into 74 BAC within 32 Regt. Trained as Swingfire operator, then went to Larkhill flying model aircraft (MATS A) for aif defenc training?. Will be glad to try and recall some of the better times.
TTFN
PAKI

HI Lads enjoyed meeting everyone,A bleeding long time to be out of contact,will see all of you at the next reunion,and hopefully some others.Thanx to Kev,for getting in touch through others,well done Daz nice one,Dan

thats a first, a reunion that i havent flaked on! great time, see you all next year, best wishes hez

Did Hes go home or back to the lap dancing club for one last dance??? Another great w/end heres to the next one.

Lots of old friends there i see chaps!!

Life was never the same after leaving 46, just ran more i think! bugger me most of the names there are whom i used to make the extra MARK for babysitting (Wes).

PS 46,7bty,148,? and still finished me time back with 2nd field guys in Germany

Photographs were sent to Monty today
28th Nov, so should be on the Site soon.
Another Good Weekend away, nice to see Danny Shad, Steve Rawlins, Paki, and knowing that Monty is still alive !!

Hopefully Stoke on Trent next Year, will keep you posted

Stay Safe

Well done Bicks great reunion, look forward to next years, Great to see Danny Shad and all the others except Hess just like a kid in a sweet shop i think he just needs a good shag.(ps took me a week to recover)

Wishing all Talaverans a merry Christmas and a happy new year!!

Merry Xmas and a happy new year to everybody.

Big thanks to Daz for the reunion. Roll on next year!!

Happy Christmas to everyone and all the best for the coming new year !!

HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND WISH ALL 46 EX AND SERVING A HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL THE BEST FOR 2009 DAN

Here's wishing all of you a Happy and Peaceful 2009.

Always TALAVERA

OZ

A few names i remember here!
Was in 46Bty from 1988 until it's untimely demise.
Still in regular contact with Charlie Roberts and Rob Kelly.
I wish you all a great 2009.
Darren
(Jacko the Grinstead Reaper!)

Hi All
The existing Mailing list as it stands, for the OCA is out of date

Please can everybody send an initial mail address to kpenny004@btinternet.com and I will try to rebuild, ready for the Oct 09 re-union

Thanks all

nice to see site up again. sorry missed this years piss up didn't now it was on ! so scumsdale u stll alive ha ha and survived 29 !

Kev, what happened to Nottingham ? and apart from this boozer which i take it you will curl up in the snug in, is there any other life in the village for those of us without white hair ?

Wes

Don,t know if they have any Gays in the Village, but I can enquire for you !!
Thats one of the reasons we have laid on a Mini Bus to shuttle people to Bath or Bristol. Seemed to good an offer, after the hotel said we could have exclusive use for the weekend. You will enjoy it, even though it might be a little blurred come late Friday Night.

Bill.

I do believe that was a personal reference towards you - as I still have all mine.

Can someone add me to the members list not sure if you have my E-mail address cheers

Hi everyone no ive not disapeared again i will be attending the next reunion busy at work and planning a month trip to usa ps all you ULTRA BLONDS take it easy kev i will buz you in the week

joined 46 talavera when it was medium 5.5s regiment then changed to 175 and the stalwarts happy days in 1966 through to 71 posted to 5 light use to box with sandy mc mahone not kept in touch site looks good met up with them during 1st gulf war while working out there with mrl would like to get to the next reunion take care

just found site where do i sign up

Can anyone tell me if BSM Jock Campbell went to Libya with 46 Battery in 1969?

Regards
Alan ex REME

For Alan Yates
Yes Jock Cambell was the BSM in Libya. He was the one who made us wear those crappie blue shorts that got all the wolf whistles from the KSOB.
Paul Coglan (cogy)

A very sad piece of news...Jay McMinn passed away on Friday 17th just gone. My condolences go to all his family at this sad time.
He was a smashing lad and a great laugh and will be missed by all those that knew him!!
R.I.P. Mac,you mutant!

Unfortunately Cat, i don't have access to those details to give out. Madds posted the news on facebook But if you check out the 46 Bty site on facebook you'll probably find them there at some stage.I'll contact Madds and see if he can find out the details, and post them on here.
Good to hear from you, just wish the circumstances were different.
Tom

Hi all, Jay McMinn will be cremated on Monday 27th April at 12:40 at Carlisle Crematurium. This is all I know at the moment.

Mads.

P.S. Cat, get hold of me on facebook you Leeds nugget!!!!!

Hi all, I am gutted to hear about Mc, he was my room mate for three years. R.I.P mate.....

KP where do i send the cheque for the reunion? will the staff allow you out of the home without a zimmer frame and a rusk, when you have to pay it in!!!

hi monty,kev,and all talaverans oh and you sye goodness eric you still on about them knees taff carr

three knee ops later Taff and still bollicks but hey ho.

I was in 46/32regt with the 5.5s from 1956-58 stationed at Carlisle but the Redesdale firing ranges during the summer months. Thought we were on the moon being stationed up there in those days.Only one little local club which sold beer.
The train ride at 1am from Manchester to Newcastle took forever. The we caught an old bus which delivered newpapers and stopped at Otterburn.
Walked the rest of the way and arrived in camp to find out you were on a 24 guard duty. Happy Days???? 28shilling a week!! One shell blew the barrel off a 5.5 and killed a couple of guys

This is a great site. I saw a lot of the old boys in here. Any please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what is going on.

Take care lads

Billy.

I,as travelling REME Bod to Talavera took the photo in Gallery2, titled
Talavera Monument.

Can anyone tell me the names of the guys shown in the photo?

I have recently been to Hidesheim and was able to take a good aerial shot of Richthofen Str quarters area.
Anyone who wants a copy sending on?

Please dig out my email address listed under Members List.

Thanks Alan Yates (Reme 1967 - 1971)

Another old boy returns to the fold!
Great to hear from you Scully lad.

Tom.

I've got a plant pot, perhaps we could hold it there next time (LOL!). See you in October!!
Tom.

You might like to read this letter to the editor ~ ever notice how some people just seem to know how to write a letter?..

This one sure does!

This was written by an American woman, but oh how it also applies to the Canada, U.K. and Australia



THIS ONE PACKS A FIRM PUNCH


Written by a housewife in New York , to her local newspaper. This is one ticked off lady.


'Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001 and have continually threatened to do so since?


Were people from all over the world, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac from the nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania ?


Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?

And I'm supposed to care that a few Taliban were claiming to be tortured by a justice system of the nation they come from and are fighting against in a brutal insurgency.


I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.


I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere belief of which is a crime punishable by beheading in Afghanistan ..

I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.


I'll care when the cowardly so-called 'insurgents' in Afghanistan come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques and behind women and children.



I'll care when the mindless zealots who blows themselves up in search of
nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.

I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their freedom of speech on stories is more important than the lives of the soldiers on the ground or their families waiting at home to hear about them when something happens.

In the meantime, when I hear a story about an AMERICAN soldier roughing up an Insurgent terrorist to obtain information, know this:

I don't care.

When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank:

I don't care.

When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and 'fed special' food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being 'mishandled,' you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts:

I don't care.

And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled 'Koran' and other times 'Quran.' Well, Jim my Crack Corn you guessed it,

I don't care!!

If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to all your E-mail friends. Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior!

If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button.. Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great Country! And may I add:

'Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Soldiers don't have that problem.'


I have another quote that I would like to add, AND.........I hope you forward all this.

One last thought for the day:

Only five defining forces have ever offered to die for you:

1. Jesus Christ

2. The British Soldier.

3. The Canadian Soldier.

4. The US Soldier, and

5. The Australian Soldier

One died for your soul, the other 4 for your freedom.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON, AS MANY SEEM TO FORGET ALL OF THEM.

AMEN!

A big thanks Bill I am very happy both with the cost and location. I'll see you there mate. You can buy the first beer in the George in Amesbury. I know that will be difficult for you mate and they might not take those white £5 notes.

Spoogle,
It's being held at Larkhill with the bty...If you go to the home page on this site you'll find all the details there. Monty's done a smashing job of arranging it all so "hurrah"! for him. Excellent to hear your still tootling around dear boy!!
Tally ho!...Tommy.

If you can make it, it would be great to see you there! Don't worry about accommodation because we will always make room for one of our own if you get my drift? We'll be staying in Amesbury and then mini bussing it to the bash, so plenty of quaffing and sandbag pulling will ensue i'm sure!!

"You want this don't you young Skywalker?"
Tom.

Hi Guys,
I was with 32 Store Section from '65 to 68.
We made it harder for you to get stuff than from Malcy Balls that ran the FAMTO, Sorry chaps,under the watchful eye of 'Andy Capp' Capt Caplin the TQ.
I remember Jock McKay, Geordie Tennant, Pat Robinson,'Chinky' Miles,'Trigger' Sear the Provo with his 2i/c Bdr Boyde.
'Chubby' Cambell, I ran in to him again when I was posted to 94 Loc.
There are several more I can 'picture' but not recall the names, probably an age thing!!
I have read through the site and remember a Jimmy Forsythe, in fact he now lives just round the corner from me but cannot remember any of the other names on here, perhaps someone remembers me?

Nice to hear from you Dai! Yeah it was a real surprise when Spoog turned up on here and excellent to hear from him. Speaking of strangers, good to hear that all is ok with you! Did you ever get your ID card sorted out? As good as the stick drawing was, i don't think it was a very good likeness. Mind you they did let you through passport control at Gutersloh if memory serves, so perhaps it was better than i remember(LOL!)
All the best...Tom.

Hello Folk's
Sorry that i cant make his year hopefully next time. Hope all goes well . Would have liked to vist the old haunts in Amesbry and Larkhill alas not to be . Have a good time and keep Wilky away from the barhe is getting old now LOL. TTFN Paki

Great to see so many of you yesterday and glad you enjoyed it so much.

I will of course pass on all the words of appreciation and thanks to my soldiers who gave up their Saturday - they will be getting a Long Weekend as a reward.

Please feel free to pass on any thoughts or ideas that you may have for the 2010 gathering or anything else in general.

All the very best for now

Billy

well done to all involved with the re-union. Excellent job glad i attended and a really good turn out,
will do my best to get there again next year

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them...

Hi Phil/Scouse,
The Boys don't seem to remember the 'attachees' do they ?

Phil and Eddy...The problem is that after 79 the Bty went through many changes to it's role and personnel, so many of the chaps you knew may have moved on or left the army, and are not aware of this site or the fact that the OCA exists. So please don't be offended if you don't get a response from those that never knew you. That said, we have a very strong OCA and all ex members (attached inc) are more than welcome to join. As you will i'm sure be aware through the posts on here, we get together every year for our annual reunion, and these are great events and worth a visit should you wish to come. They are a chance to pull up a sandbag and swing the lamp with old mates you served with, and to meet fellow Talaverans you didn't. Monty is the main instigator of events and will i'm sure welcome you both with open arms, but no kisses. Sometime in the new year the details will appear on here and you can arrange to come to the next event should you wish to? We're a good bunch so do yourself a favour and join the association proper by contacting Monty.
If you know of any others, then tell them of our existence, the more the merrier!!
All the best and Welcome!!
Tom.

To all you Talaverans out there, have a great festive season with lashings of your favourite tipple...Enjoy!!!

got this sent from my brother,thought you would like a laugh :

Latest Terror Threat Levels Around The World:

The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588 when threatened by the Spanish Armada.

The Scots raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards". They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

It's not only the French who are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."

The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose".

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Americans meanwhile and as usual are carrying out pre-emptive strikes, on all of their allies, just in case.

And in the southern hemisphere...

New Zealand has also raised its security levels - from "baaa" to "BAAAA!".
Due to continuing defense cutbacks (the air force being a squadron of spotty teenagers flying paper aeroplanes and the navy some toy boats in the Prime Minister's bath – their words not mine), New Zealand only has one more level of escalation, which is "I hope Australia will come and rescue us".

Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, mate". Three more escalation levels remain: "Crikey!', "I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend" and "The barbie is canceled". So far no situation has ever warranted use of the final escalation level.

Good to hear you lads are in touch. I was L Nery bty, Munster. Particularly remember, Baggy, Chod, Sy henew, Chris Barton from op banner N.I. Plus a site guard or two. Regards "AKI". jigsawlandscapes@sky.com

Further to my last, just enter 46 (Talavera) AD Bty and it should take you straight there. Apologies to any steamies, torch bearers or present day model aicraft enthusiasts (LOL), but i'm sure you can appreciate the AD reference, I am after all an old Cloudpuncher!!!

ATB...Tom

Many thanks Monty, for putting it on here, it's where it should be! Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you feel it was worth the effort. Hopefully, others will feel the same and perhaps add to it in the future. Our history stands comparison alongside anyones, and surpasses many others!!...For now though, that's my bit done.

ATB...Tom

Reference my search for information on the Bty. Monty sent me a link to a page about 3rd Field Regiment RA, which was very interesting indeed (Well done Monty). However, when i contacted the poster he was able to verify that the man whose story it was, had been a former member of our Bty during WW2. 46 Bty was then titled 18/62 Bty, so he may well be the oldest Talaveran alive 90+...I shall update any information, as and when i receive it!

ATB...Tom.

To anyone out there who remembers
BILLY CONNOLLY
FAMILIES OFFICER
2 FIELD REGT RA
MUNSTER


Billy passed away on SAT 24 TH APRIL
HIS FUNNERAL WILL BE HELD ON MON 10TH MAY AT 11-00 IN STAFFORD

OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS SAD TIME

FROM FRIENDS

sorry to here you are standing down monty, you are to be congratulated on all the hard work you have put in to get the association where it is today. i hope some one will be brave enough to take on the task. hope your health improves and we meet up again in the near future best wishes jeff wilkinson

wow! just seen some names and faces that bring tears to my eyes with laughter.has phill carr put that fire out yet or is that his socks still smelling?

Sorry you are not feeling to well Monty.You take it easy and put your feet up just like you used to do back in the Regiment LOL.Hope to still meet up at the Reunions. Take care pal

Paki

Hi all trying to find out about the 2010 reunion, anyone got any info e-mail me at j_thompson56@hotmail.com.Many thanks, and best wishes to all

Monty, i honestly believe it should be kept alive. As can be seen from previous posts it's ideal for passing specific Bty news or information. You've done a great job in setting it up, and it is very much appreciated by us, even though we may not use it as much as we could. Keep it going mate!...If you need any help with funds, just let me know and i'll divi up my share, as i'm sure will others.

ATB...Tom

Spoog,
I'm sure Rob is currently in Telgte?
He is available on facebook if memory serves, as is the 46 (Talavera) Bty Old Comrades site. Join it, and you will see all the details of up coming reunions etc. Plus a shed load of photo's from those days of yore, and many other names you may wish to hear from.

Good to hear all is fine with you...Tom

I would like to see the site remain open i dont write much but like to check how the other members are getting on and like to read the crack and adventures of old comrades. keep up the good work bod.

Yeah Spoog,
At the last reunion, Billy Alexander volunteered and was duly voted. He is in the process of organising the next reunion, which will be held in Sunderland i think? As you say mate, it would be a sorry event if it disappeared. Any chance Mrs Schmitler will let you come out to play at the next one? Keep your eye on the site, details will appear quite soon i hope?

"It rubs the lotion into it's skin"

Hi Tommy,
Just to let you all know Mrs Schmitler left me back in 95 when we went to 12Regt in Dortmund. I was on a course in Larkhill, when i got back she was gone, kids gone and quarter empty. She took the lot! F*****G BITCH!. Been divorced now for over 10 years. Hooray!.
I have not re-married but have a long standing girlfriend now. She is from Scotland and her name is June. Spoke to Rob curtis the other day on the phone and we are looking to meet up at the end of July.

Good idea to keeep the site open. You can make use of the RAA web site,as I do & Monty.

Hi Tommy Spoogle ere, Met up with Rob Curtis(satan) and Glen Powell friday night in Telgte. I couldn't find the old City Saloon bar. We went out to Warendorf and found an Irish bar. Full of Gothics so we only stayed for 1 beer. Then went into another bar but didnt realise it at first untill we noticed it was full of men. So me pissed up started singing "I wanna take you to a GAY bar". Got some funny looks. We got a taxi back to Robs singing "frigging in the wrigging". Taxi dvr was doing 200 kph to get us back quick. I got to bed at 4 o clock saturday morning SMASHED! A good night and a good laugh by all.

So everyone when and where is the next reunion