Message Board

Comments

1. What a great board - wonderful to see names from the past spring up, tho cannot identify the faces - you chaps must be growing up!

   Pete LeGallez, John Ratel I remember, and seeing Butch Laycocks name brought back the sound of the cornet - it was he who first stirred my interest in music, along with Rimington, who introduced me to Gilbert & Sullivan.

   I spoke to Nabi Khan when he was in the US just before he died, also Rocky Stormont used to call me at Christmas - Chopper Chubb still does.

   I would love to hear from old friends _ I will be in Cannes December to March if anyone travels in that direction, then sailing my boat back from Turkey until June, when I return to the US, hopefully to sell the house and retire somewhere more civilised - not a bad place here really, except for the natives.

   I met Ginger Braim and Hamilton once, years ago in Cardiff, just after being invalided from the RAF, I was marking time in 21st. SAS and the HAC, before going back into the regular army.

   Very sad to see the list of Absent Friends - their faces are so familiar, across the years. Mick House and Gag Wilson (his cymbal solo in 'Washington Post ' springs to mind), dear old Thud - such a nice man.

   One remembers Thompson, RNZAF, so gentle, kind and popular, an example to us all - aint that the truth Cocky?!!

   Regards to you all,

   David Duffy

   (Posted on 2009-11-28 22:57:00 by David Duffy)

2. date:

   2009-09-04

   Subject: Pete Le Gallez (Gallais ??)

   Brousing your web site, I was delighted to find a photo of Pete at one of your reunions. I recall Pete very well. As a newly arrived apprentice (77th) I was thrilled when this tall and imposing member of THE senior entry came into our room (Blk 10 Room 2, I(A) Wing) and asked "was anyone here from the Channel Islands?" I replied with pride "Yes me.... I'm from Jersey.".... Good! said Pete, I'm in 13 -6 you can bring me a breakfast in bed in the morning... thus began a short period as a 'bull boy' .. but Pete was more than generous, and my duties 'light ' to say the least ,and not of long standing... quite an introduction to Halton life. I recall the 71st passing out parade vividly. FSAA Thompson had a most commanding voice.. who knew then that he'd become an AVM with the RNZAF. Best wishes to all the 71st. John Ratel (SAA 77th -& Colour Bearer for our passing out. April 1957)

   (Posted on 2009-09-26 12:41:00 by John Ratel)

3. Good luck for your move. Give me a shout when you're setteled. Geoff Munge

   (Posted on 2009-08-03 10:26:00 by brat704)

4. Great site Ray. Sorry that I could'nt make it to the Reunion due to previous Motorcycle racing commitments, but, God willing I am looking forward to next Sept.

   (Posted on 2009-08-02 07:52:00 by Hector Gordon)

5. Well done Ray at 2009 Reunion . Photographs great. Look forward to next Reunion.

   (Posted on 2009-04-26 09:03:00 by ian7169)

6. Well done, The work is much appreciated, Ken Fox

   (Posted on 2009-03-02 16:16:00 by Ken Fox)

7. Yes I got in!. Well done Ray looking good. See you in April.

   (Posted on 2009-02-11 20:07:00 by Geoff Munge)

8. I thought that I would take advantage of the good work done by Ray and say hello to everyone.

   I look forward to seeing some of you soon.

   Derek Bottomer

   (Posted on 2009-02-07 12:33:00 by Derek Bottomer)

9. Superb Ray. I would like to think that members of the 71st that have lost contact will now be able to come back into the fold!

   (Posted on 2009-02-02 15:16:00 by Peter Cunningham)

10. Hi all, great to see an entry site at last.Will have to contact a fewlong lost bods.

    (Posted on 2009-01-27 04:00:00 by Bob Lainson)

11. Well done Ray, see you at the reuniun

    (Posted on 2009-01-26 16:07:00 by pete le gallez)

12. Hi Ray - looking good!. Well done.

    (Posted on 2009-01-24 09:43:00 by Steve Davidson)

13. Ray - I think the whole layout is superb - congratulations - Geoff

    (Posted on 2009-01-23 11:16:00 by Geoffrey Payne)