Dear friends,

I have just heard from Jeff Young's wife that he sadly crossed the bar in Maidstone hospital at 2130 yesterday.
I have no further info at this moment.

RIP Shipmate.

I was sad to see that Jim Syder has crossed the Bar, He was a young Bugle Sergeant in Lympstone and a most inoffensive young chap as I recall.

So many of us are near our end of life, but to read of someone much younger than I makes me wonder why I am still around.......

Yours aye

Bill.

PS. That picture of my wife and I with the PDM makes me look like Mr. Pastry! Thanks to my guest photographer!

I went over to Deal yesterday to meet up with my oldest friend, Hugh Heatherwick. During our conversation he told me that Eddie Claxton (euph and 'cello) had died more than a year ago...apparently in his sleep. His passing has not been recorded on any RMB sites. Eddie was 86 and will be known to a few who read these posts.

Dickie, I too am saddened by the passing of our squaddie Charlie Laws and I had intended to write in sooner.

Charlie and I had a very occasional contact up until a few years ago. Sad to say that contact was not kept up.

With Bill Hartland's number X3050 and mine X3051 now that Charles has passed at X3057, I wonder just how many of the 42 of us who joined together on the 21st October 1952 are left.. Now that date in itself was a date that in those days was instilled in us to remember as one of the many in the Corps 300 year history.

My condolences to Charles' family.

Eric.

Sadly, I reflect on the passing of one of our intake of October 1952, when I came into contact with Charlie Laws. We shared a bed space in L 12 Barrack Room, and, we got on like a Cat and Dog! He being from Birkenhead and I being from the Black Country!

It is sad that no other one appears to mention his passing, so on behalf of Eric and I, may his Family and friends forgive us for not showing our feelings until now.

R.I.P. Charlie.

Yours aye

Bill and Eric.

Hi all,

Update on Jeff Young.

As of the 7th November the medics had brought him out of the induced coma, although he had a tube down his throat and was unable to speak. ( Obviously) .
It's going to be a long job and as of now we have no idea as to when he and his wife will return home.

Best wishes to all,

Mike

Glad to hear that Jock Brown is still going strong, missed him at the Deal Gatherings as I've not been able to attend this year. Look forward to seeing him in 25.. Michael.

I walk along the Folkestone Leas regularly and always look to see if there is any activity from within Jock Brown's flat. Today I saw him and frantically waved to him. He recognised me and we had a few words together. He looks amazing for 93.

Morning all,

Jeff Young. Cornet and Violin.

I had a message from Jeff's wife yesterday to say that he has had a stroke whilst on holiday in Turkey.

He is in an induced coma and the medics are hoping to bring round on Monday.

I am sure that we all wish Hilary and Jeff the very best of luck and that we will be thinking of them at this difficult time.

Mike

Bill, you beat me to the punch. Seventy Two Years. The Aches and pains are about the same now as when first on North barracks parade in our underwear or when running along the beach to the amusement of PTIs.

Only seems like yesterday. I know Charlie Laws is still trying to swim but as for others who were with us.. Who Knows?

My best to you.

And of course if you are reading this Dickie, my very best to you too.

Cheers from Down Under.

Eric.