Born in 1926 in Belfast Frank served in the Forces during National Service in early 50's and was in 1 Para in Palestine.  A brilliant comedian who rose to fame in the 60's on Oppotunity Knocks. Frank made so many people laugh and was a highly repsected man even on both sides of the divide in Northern Ireland. He had bee suffering with Cancer since 2009 but never sherked attending the reunion and boy did he make us laugh. Frank Died at home  Yesterday 22nd Feb 2012.

'It's the way I tell em.'

I was aware Franks was unwell and like most were hoping against hope. he was a great guy, a real warrior and although busy always had a charitable aspect. In addition when we formed the Reunion Club he jumped at the chance to become a member. Now Frank is TRULY AIRBORNE, God Bless you Frank an when you get there remember to do a stag before taking over God;s Mic. We will Remember Him.

Rest In Peace.

ABN: Sad News Col Peter Field MC

Dear All,

Very sad news indeed; Col Peter Field died this morning Friday 20^th January. He had endured COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)with great courage and dignity for many years. There will be a family funeral on Friday 3^rd February and a memorial service at 1200 Thurs 15^th March at Holy Trinity Church, Bowerchaike. Condolences to Mrs Diana Field at an address available from me soon.

Peter Field was born in 1931 and commissioned into the Queens in 1951. He was DA Baghdad 1972-3, CO 1 PARA 1973-76, and retired in 1983. He was awarded the MC in 1957 as a result of operations in Cyprus.

Rest In Peace

Dez Boden

It is with deep regret that Dave informs us after fighting ilness for some time now his Dad Dez died in his sleer Monday 9th January 2012

Those who visit the forums will know that he has been ill for some time and would loved to have been able to get to the Reunion. Alas it is not to be. Many of us have fond memories of Dez during our service and will know what a great bloke he was to work with and never a dull moment. Here are some comments from his old pals:

...I was in the MMG's with Des Boden, good bloke to serve with, great sense of humour and he more than pulled his weight when there was any serious tabbing to be done. I am sorry to hear that Des is struggling at the moment, but if it is about attitude, Des had plenty when I knew him. We did a night drop in the Cornwall area followed by 3 or 4 days of cross country stuff. Managed a shower and headed out to a local village hop, we were smocks, faceveil, denims and CWW boots (smart or what). Half dead and half pi**ed rock and roll music came on, Des jumped up, rocked across the floor, rolled up the walls, and across the ceiling, even Fram and Aspbey were gobsmacked. Great character Des, happy memories, and I wish him and his family well. Wig Shambley..................

....he was my first Plt Sgt in JPC. Steve Barker.......

...He was my full screw when I was in Junior Para and a great sarge in 1 Para. I will always rate him as a first class soldier and friend.My best regards to a good man. Bill Donaldson...........

...I was lucky enough to be at PCAU at the same time as Des, just the bloke you need for keeping up morale, a laugh-a-minute and bags of energy. Les Cliff....................

...Des was my Cpl when I joined JPC in Sep 67.  He and Chippy Carpenter and Mick Bramley used to scare us to death but what a cracking NCO and all round good bloke.  When I went back to train recruits I tried to keep in mind how Dec Bowden treated us and got the best out of us. Scotty....

Delighted to see that picture; Des was my Cpl when I joined JPC in Sep 67.  He and Chippy Carpenter and Mick Bramley used to scare us to death but what a cracking NCO and all round good bloke.  When I went back to train recruits I tried to keep in mind how Dec Bowden treated us and got the best out of us. Scotty ..................

I am very proud of him and even more proud to have served with him as an AIRBORNE soldier ..........Dave Boden Dez'z Son

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN

AND IN THE MORNING

WE WILL REMEMBER HIM

REST IN PEACE

It's with great sadness to inform all comrades I have just heard Len Sara passed away peacefully in his  sleep on Monday 19th December 2011.  Many will know Len from the 50's to the 80's and most who knew him will recall his great character and his Airborne Spirit. Many will know him from the MT with Bob Myers in the 50's, 1 Para in the 60's,70's,1 Para, Palace Barracks . CQMS Depot Para under Jack Hobbs .

What a player  Life and Soul of any party . Airborne through and through . Len did his 22, was presented to HRH on his last day in the Army . The Photograph appeared in Lennies Pub that night ,the handshake with Prince Charles . It made his day . A Hard man, a Royalist , legions of friends . Larger than life . Watch out Angels............. Lennie is on his way.

It is indeed a shock at such a time when we are all thinking of celebrating during the festivities. I had been made aware  on another site he was not tip top but didnt expect this. Like so many who knew Len he was always ready to have a laugh, get the job done and a true Airborne character.

To Len's Family and Friends we send our sincere condolences. He will be sadly missed.

R.I.P Len.

We will Remember Him

I got back from Arnhem today and found the following sad news in my email.

Dear Sir,

I wanted to let you know of the death of one of your honorary members. I am unable to log on to the webpage because I do not know the password that my husband used. I am writing from Pueblo Colorado, USA and my husband often corresponded with members of your group. His name was Joe "Doc" Kralich and he served with the 101st and other units in Vietnam. He received Rugby shirts, etc from someone in your organization and wore them proudly.

Joe passed away on May 9th from heart and lung disease. Before he died he was trying to get in touch with friends and I do not know if he succeeded in your direction. He is buried at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas where he received his medics training. I have attached a photo of his marker.

Please thank all who corresponded with Joe. It meant so very much to him. I especially remember John Penman and his wife. I know John has passed on, and if his wife is still in contact with you, please send her my love. I appreciate all of your support. It is good to feel that another Band of Brothers is just across the sea.

Sincerely,

Milli Goodman Kralich

WE WILL REMEMBER HIM

Charlie De Ville 

It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that my old pal Charlie passed away at 7 o-clock last night.

Rest easy 'Old Buddie' we will remember you.

Charlie served 1964 - 67 with 1 Para was in Bahrain and was 10 Pl D Coy. He was a forceful man and they tell me he was a bit of a player on the football field. Not in goal I suspect as you drive a coach and pair through the old bandy legs.

It's been a long 2 and half years of battle against Cancer which in the main Charlie took on the chin. One he couldnt win but never gave up trying. Our thoughts this morning are with his wife Val and his family and friends. Val can take solace in the knowledge that she did all she could to get him home but in the end such matters are dictated by fate. Charlie never gave up and will be in the final RV sorting out bed spaces for us all.

Charlie Funeral will take place at 

1.20pm on Monday 5th September 2011 at

Rotherham Crematorium

Ridgeway 

Rotherham, 
South Yorkshire 
S65 3NN
    
Tele:
01709 850 344

His wife Val sounds a little better today and say she would welcome anyone who wishes to attend and for a wet afterwards.

It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of GEORGE KAY at the age of 91 on Wed 3 Aug in St Christopher's Hospice in South London. George was at Arnhem with C Company, 3 PARA and was captured right at the end of the battle. After the war he was one of the first volunteers to form 21 SAS (Artists). In thhe early 60s he moved to Southern Rhodesia and took part in much of the fierce fighting against the ANC. He was the Sgt Major of Rhodesian Special Forces during this time. He was forced to move with his family to South Africa, where he joined the SADF and was the WO1 of 44 PARA Bde in the South African Army.



On his return from Africa, he fought tirelessly for servicemen's rights, chaining himself to the railings of Buckingham Palace was one of his more minor adventures. He was fiercely patriotic and I don't think George had a negative thought throughout his whole life, he was still badgering me to get him a tandem jump with the Red Devils even though he was desperately ill with the disease that killed him. His funeral was held at the Hither Green Crematorium on Tues 23 Aug 2011 at 1245 hrs.

 Many will know Big Fred who help many a man out over the years especially down in Brecon. The below was the confirmation regarding Fred's demise.
It is with a sad heart that I would like to inform you that Big Fred MacFarlane passed away on 13 July 2011 after a long illness. With your permission would it be possible to pass on the sad news to all his friends and Ex 3Para who knew him through to the PRA Branches.

It is with great sadness that we learn of Terry's demise. His son Neville contacted me to inform me of his died suddenly on 9th June 2011 and request I place it on the forums. Terry will be remembered by so many during his 22 years service.

Terry served with the Airborne from 1958 to 1980 most in not all in 1 PARA. I member was in 1 Para mortars when I and sveral others joined in early 1967 before our jaunt out to Aden. One of my long lasting memories of him is his ability to roll fags with one hand. He was a quiet unasuming man but like most of us got a bit chopsy at times in true Airnborne Spirit.

Our sincere condolences go out to Nevile and Terry's family at their sad Loss. As Terry moves to the fianlk RV his funeral and service will be at The Garden of England Iwade Bobbing Kent on the 27th June  

                                                          WE WILL REMEMBER HIM

If you remember him please post your condolences in the forums by clicking the link below.

http://www.1parareunionclub.co.uk/upload/viewtopic.php?pid=24009#p24009

A call from Spain from the wife of Alan Parry ex A.C.C who served with 1Para from 1970-1976 he was known as Wimpy and worked alongside Chick Kyle, Sharky and the Hendry brothers.He died this morning suddenly,I dont have any details of the funeral as yet, I will let you know when I find out.

Alan was just 60,me and the wife were in Spain two weeks ago for his 60th and I
bought him a 1 Para jacket,he never had a chance to wear it alive but his wife
Julie has promised me he will be wearing it at last post.Alan was so very proud
to have been attached to 1Para and his only regret was that he was a CRAP
HAT,(his words).Alan came to the 2010 reunion but couldn't make it this year.

He lived in Torrox costa del sol.

Alan 'Wimpy' Parry was a good man and cook as many of the attached arms were,
and called wimpy after the cartoon character in Popeye. It is with great sadness
that he will be included on the site memorial page not may I add because he was
always willing to 'pay you back on Tuesday'.

Our hearts to gout to Al's
wife and family at their sad loss but I am sure he will be up there in whites
and his 1 Para top knocking out the breakfast for all those in the final RV.
Gone but not forgotten.

It is with great regret to tell you brothers we lost 1 of our remaining Arnham vets, Thomas James Little who lived in Carlisle and was a member of the Cumbria Branch.
Thomas was burried at Carlisle Crematorium on the 15th April 2011 aged 88yrs.
There was a good turnout of red berets over 20 and 2 Standards 1 para reg and 1 British Legeon.
          R.I.P. Thomas

We have also learned of the death on 10th January 2011 of Thomas "Nutty" STEPHENSON late of the 13th Parachute Battalion, after a long illness.

"Nutty" was a member of "HQ" Company Mortar Platoon and completed 21 years service. After his Parachute Regiment service he transferred to Military Police. Our condolences to his widow Irene and family

We have just received news of the death on 15th April 2011 of Major Freddie SCOTT MC of the 52nd (Ox & Bucks).

We believe that he retired from the Army in 1946 or 1947 and finally settled in Bognor Regis.

A notice will appear in the Guardian and Daily Telegraph in due course. We believe that the funeral will be held in Chichester.

Lt Gen Sir Mike Gray KCB OBE

Sir Mike was born in 1932 and after enlisting into the Royal Artillery transferred to the Parchute Regiment in 1955. He served in many theatres including, Cyprus, Suez, Jordan, Greece, Bahrain, Aden and eventually as C.O. 1 Para in Northern Ireland.

He went on to become Brigade Commander 16 Para Brigade and later became Col Commandant of the Parachute Regiment. He was a long time supporter of the PRA and in particular as President of the Yorkshire Region of the PRA. He will be sadly missed both in The UK and Normandy where he has strong ties with the Normandy Trust and the RNLI.

R.I.P. Sir Mike

Jim Street Glider pilot Regiment and arnhem vet died yesterday morning Sunday 27th Feb 2011, aged 94 yrs.

Sadly we have lost another man.

We have just been informed of the death on 15th February 2011 of ex 8th Battalion Para, George SANDLE.

I am sure we all extend our sympathy to his widow Doris and family at this sad time.

George regularly attended the commemorations in Normandy.

We are informed that Doris and family would like to come to Normandy this year to scatter Georges ashes. We will send further information on this at a later date.

 Kind Regards

Bern & Fay

 Keith Bromiley R.I.P.

I am writing to inform you of the sad death of a former 1 Para Sgt, Keith Bromley. I did not know Keith when I was in 1 Para, but met him occasionally when I was  PJI with 16, and latterly 5th Airborne Brigades.I know little of Keiths history and we bumped in to each other in Bolton shortly after he left  the Army some 15 years or more ago. Some of you blokes may have known Keith. His family posted a notice in the local paper thanking the British Legion and (I am glad to say) 'the Parachute Regiment' for their support and help.  Wig Shambley

I,d just like to say how sorry I am that he has gone. Kieth and his big mate Bob Kirk were in my section for over a year in Palace. They were with me during all the crap we went throughincluding internment and all the riots and I could not have had better men by my side. At other times, we, like many others, spent many hours sat waiting in the back of pigsbecause hats downtown had the jitters, only to eventually drive back up to Holywood, not having been deployed.  Though a waste of operational time, I remember the banter, fun and total crap we all talked while we ate  fish and chips and waited for something to happen. All those memories are golden and I cherish them dearly. 

Rest In Peace Keith

Tony Walker

Many of you will know Tony who was a long time member of the Orderly room and while he may well have had your name included on CO's orders, he also helped many with there entitlements also. Sadly

Tony lost his wife last year and recently became ill himself and his condition deterioratedto the point where he was recently admitted to Hospital in Bradford where he lived. Yesterday I received a call from Gnasher informing me that Tony had finally passed away.  He leaves a daughter Louise, and our hearts go out to her and Tony's family at this very sad time.  We Will Remember Him

Oldest living member of Easy Company dies in Omaha at 94; unit portrayed in 'Band of Brothers'

I posted the details of the death of Captain Dick Winters last week and sadly Ned has sent me the below report of one of Dick's buddies. A quite man who did his job, lived and wanted no praise.

Quote, "OMAHA, Neb. - A member of the "Band of Brothers" who fought in some of World War II's fiercest European battles, Ed Mauser shunned the limelight and kept his service with the Army unit a secret, even from some of his family." unquote.

God Bless you Ed Mauser Long may you rest in peace with you easy company buddies.

Full story

http://beta.ca.news.yahoo.com/oldest-living-member-easy-company-dies-omaha-94-20110122-125639-296.html#

For those of you that have not heard our old pall George Gaskin died on Thursday 21st October 2010 in Hearne Bay Kent. Many will remember George who was a member of D Patrol Coy and regular attendee of the Reunion gang. I recall him as a SP Coy colour man and then Serjeant Major before posting to 2 Para. He eventually made WOI with one of the TA Units. A Good man and will be sadly missed.

Our sincere condolences to Pauline and family.

The funeral Service will took place on Tuesday 2nd Nov 2010

Rest in Peace George

This tribute has been removed following information gained by a fellow Airborne warrior informing me that Jim Stone was a Walter.

I am sorry to have to inform you that the gentleman referred to above was expelled from The Parachute Regimental Association in October 1991 for bringing the Association into disrepute. He was a member of the Hull Branch at the time. .................  The Branch has informed the Pegasus Journal of this matter. We await their comments.

There's nothing to be gained by taking this any further. As you say, the man is dead. Regards. TC.

In the inquiry it was found that Jim was not what he seemed to be.

Quote, "By wearing campaign medals ie 1939/45 Star, the France and Germany Star, and the GSM Palestine, to which you have no entitlement, contrary to the Army Act 1955 Section 197. (The Association has verified your entitlement to wear medals with the Army Medal Office  and they have informed us in writing that you were not awarded them and according to their records had no operational service at all during the 1939-1945 World War). " unquote.  

This will remain her for a short period so members are aware then it will be removed.

For those who have fought for it, FREEDOM has a flavour the protected will never know.....

Long May They Rest in Peace

Lance Corporal Tommy Brown killed in Afghanistan

 Lance Corporal Tommy Brown from The Parachute Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 22 December 2009.

L/Cpl Tommy Brown 
[Picture: via MOD]

Lance Corporal Brown died as a result of a suspected Improvised Explosive Device while on a foot patrol about 1km south of Sangin, central Helmand Province, Tuesday afternoon.

Lance Corporal Tommy Brown was a dynamic, optimistic and talented soldier and sportsman for whom no challenge was too great.

He relished responsibility, and was never found wanting. In all that he did, he displayed the easy confidence of a natural leader.

He was enthused by soldiering and proved time and again able to inspire those he commanded to emulate his own rigorous professional standards.

His cheeky grin and easy wit were never far from the surface, especially when things were tough. He died as he lived, leading from the front; the only place that someone like Tommy knew.

A spokesman for the regiment said:

“He gave his life for his comrades and the Parachute Regiment, both of which meant so much to him. His passing is a sad day for us, but every member of the Unit is privileged to have known such a likeable, grounded and utterly professional man. We are deeply honoured to have served alongside him.

''Our thoughts and prayers now turn to his family and friends at this most difficult time. We hope that in the midst of their profound loss, they can draw strength from the fond memories that we all share of this fine man.”

  R.I.P.

Col Peter 'Crazy Horse' Fields MC CO 1 Para 1973-76 - 81 years 1931 to 20th January 2012

Dez Boden 1 Para - died Monday 9th January 2012

Major John Timothy MC x 3, born July 5 1914, died October 24 2011

Charlie De Ville 10 Pl  D Coy  1Para - 24th August 2011

 Alan Parry ex A.C.C - 1Para from 1970-1976 - Died 19.05.2011

Lt Gen Sir Mike Gray, C.O. 1 Para 1969 - 1971 - 1932 to 13th Mar 2011

Jim Street 94 yrs, Glider Pilot Regiment and Arnhem vet - 27th Feb 2011. 

 Pte Bertie Gray, A Coy 1 Para - Killed  up Country Radfan 1965

Pte Dusty Alexander, C Coy 1 Para - Killed  up Country Radfan 1965

Sgt Keith Bromiley - 1 Para & Vig 69 to late 70's

WO I Tony Walker - 1 Para BOR - Died 01.02.2011.

Wally Evans, Acoy 1Para 1956 /59 Passed away 21st Dec 2010

Sgt Peter Frazer, Sp Coy A/Tks - 23rd October 2010.

George Gaskin died on Thursday 21st October 2010 in Hearne Bay Kent

Andrew Skrypskoviak alias Polish Jonesie - (murdered in 1987 during Afhganistan v USSR war)

Ozzie Fotheringham 1 Para - Died 15th May 2010

Jim Ritchie -D day Veteran on 23.04.2010

L/Cpl Tommy Brown 1 Para - Afghanistan 22. 12.2009.

 Cpl Chick Kyle, Airborne ACC, att 1 Para, 8.11.2009

Suez Veteran John Ronald Granthan, 76 years, 03.11.2009

Arnhem Veteran Phil Thomas, 84 years, 19.10.2009

Corporal John Harrison,29years, 9 September 2009

Corporal Kevin Mulligan, 26years, 06.08.2009

Lance Corporal Dale Thomas Hopkins, 23years, 06.08.2009

Private Kyle Adams, 21years, 06.08.2009

L/Corporal dave Jones, 23 years,  17 March 1978

__________________________________________________

Maj Dick Stevens MC 3 Para - 1st Dec 2011

SgT Clem KEEBLE, Veteran of the 8th Battalion. 

Joe "Doc" Kralich 101st Medic and Vietnam Vet  -  May 9th 2011

George 'Ginge' Kay 3 Para Arnhem Vet - 3rd August 2011

 Big Fred MacFarlane - 3 Para & Brecon passed away on 13 July 2011

Thomas James Little, Arnhem Veteran  - 15th April 2011 aged 88yrs.

Major Jack Watson - 13th (Lancs) Bn Parachute Regiment - 12th April 2011

Jim Street 94 yrs, Glider Pilot Regiment and Arnhem vet - 27th Feb 2011.

 WOII Colin Beckett - 3 Para - Afghanistan 5th Feb 2011.

Pte Martin S G Bell, 24 years,  Para - Afghanistan - 25th Jan 2011 

Ed Mauser 94 years - Easy Coy, 506 Bn 18.12.1916-16.01.2011

Cpl Steve Dunn - 216 Sigs Para  Sqn 21 December 2010 Afghanistan

Frederick James Stone - 1st Parachute Brigade 84 years  09.02.1926 -01.01.2011

Jack EASBY of HQ Company, 5th Brigade. died Feb 2010

Canon John Vaughan-Jones, 92 yrs who died on 19.04.2010

Capt Alan Jefferson War Time veteran, 89yrs, 20.03.1921, to 9 04.2010

Peter Boyle, Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur Wartime Glider Pilot - 86 yrs 9.9.1923 - 5.2.2010

Capt Richard Todd OBE - 7 Para Normandy 90 years 05.12.2009

'Harry' Patch, 111 years, 25.07.09 

Henry  Allingham 113 years WWI veteran - 18.07.2009

Darrell 'Shifty' Powers 101st Airborne - 17.06.2009

"Hammy" O'keane ex 1 Para, A Coy. - 2nd November 2010