Click here if you know of any ex-corps members who have passed away.

Unless you specify otherwise your email address will be included in the entry (in an encrypted format to deter spammers) so that comrades or colleagues can get in touch with you.

It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn from 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battlegroup, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday, 21 December 2010.

Corporal Dunn deployed to Afghanistan on 19 September 2010 as part of 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battlegroup (2 PARA).He was based at Patrol Base 2, in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand Province.

On 21 December 2010 he was working with 2 PARA Patrols Platoon on a deliberate operation to interdict insurgents in the Bowri desert. He was travelling in a Jackal vehicle which hit an improvised explosive device at 1722 hours local time.

Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn

Corporal Dunn was born on 4 October 1983 in Gateshead where he grew up and attended Saint Joseph's School, Hebburn. On joining the Army in September 2004, he successfully completed Basic and Trade Training before serving with 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron as a Communications System Operator. Following a brief spell at 2nd Signal Regiment, he returned to 216 and to the environment in which he felt most comfortable.

With a tour in Iraq and two previous tours of Afghanistan already under his belt, he relished the opportunity to deploy again on Op HERRICK 13. He thrived in the challenging role of providing communication support at battlegroup level and was in his element when deployed forward on the ground with his infantry counterparts. He led by example and was a rock to his Rear Link Detachment.

Corporal Dunn's future was bright and he was already earmarked as a man that would return to 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron as he promoted through the ranks.

His passion for Newcastle United FC knew no bounds and his thirst and excitement for life was apparent in everything he did. Thoroughly dedicated to his family, his job and to those he served with, this potent blend won him the highest accolades and the respect of all.

He leaves behind his wife Cheryl and daughter Emily.

The Family of Corporal Dunn have made the following statement:

"Steven was a loving husband to Cheryl, son to Vicky, and doting dad to Emily. He has left a huge hole in the lives of those he has left behind including his brothers Christopher and Michael. He will also be sorely missed by Kevin, an important person in his life and all his aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

"He lived for the Army especially 216 Parachute (Signal) Squadron and worked hard to get his wings of which he was very proud, it was his first love after Cheryl and Newcastle United.

"We are all immensely proud of all that he achieved in his short life. He died doing a job he loved and excelled at."

Major Alistair Fawcett, Officer Commanding 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron said:

"Corporal Steven Dunn died doing a job he loved while supporting 2 PARA Battle Group, a unit he had already served alongside on a previous Op HERRICK tour. 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron was a richer place for his presence and he is missed deeply already.

"At every turn he strove to improve the lot of his men. He was always in the thick of it and his time in Afghanistan was no exception; with a spark in his eye and his devilish Geordie sense of humour, he tackled his work with a sense of purpose and in the pursuit of making a difference.

"His support of the 'Magpies' was equally potent - a good man to share a beer with and an excellent barometer of unit life.

"He will be sorely missed and he leaves a void that will be extremely challenging to fill. His untimely passing marks a black day in 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron's proud history but he was not the timid type or one to shy away from the challenges that our profession presents.

"We have lost a gifted soldier and a son of the Squadron and, although this loss cuts extremely deep, we remember him with the utmost fondness, as the courageous and professional signaller he was.

"Our loss will be nothing compared to that of his family; at this extremely difficult time, the thoughts of the entire Squadron go to his new bride Cheryl, his young daughter Emily, and his family and close friends. Certa Cito."

From: MOD Uk Defence News    23-12-2010

I served with Tony as his TP OC in 3 Sqn 11 Sigs. Tony was a dedicated and professional NCO and it was an honour to serve with him, as will all who did will agree. A true gentleman.

From: Jim Maclean    18-12-2010                   Email: Jim Maclean

We were both Cpls together at both Ouston, and 11 Sigs, and friends after I left the army in 1988. He, like most Corps members, had an interesting career.

He was Captain Mark Phillips driver/op while at Sandhurst.

He survived a hit and run incident while on Ex in Hildesheim where it was touch and go if he would live.

He also survived an accident while on duty at Ouston. While driving a Rover patrol round the airfield he managed to run into the only pile of sand in the camp!

He was also a patron [drinker] of the Scotton Club here in Catterick Garrison.

We lost touch, and I am very sorry for that, my thoughts to his family.

From: Andy Munroe    12-01-2011                   Email:Andy Munroe

Derek died in October 2009 at Ross on Wye. I knew Derek through amateur radio, his callsign G3LCK. Derek served as an instructor at Loughborough in the 1950s during his National Service. Derek was very active in training radio amateurs in both theory and Morse for many years.

He was head of Science at Sir Simon Langton Boys School in Canterbury prior to his retirement.

From: Antony Roskilly    19-11-2010                   Email: Antony Roskilly

Derek was my chemistry teacher at the Langton c.a 1980. I went onto read Chemistry at University, and remember fondly his maverick ways. He was a wonderful story teller, and brought science alive in the classroom. He was head and shoulders above any other teacher there, Thanks Derek RIP

From: Mark Wilkinson    12-01-2011                   Email: Mark Wilkinson

Tony passed away in hospital on 10th November. He had been in hospital for 9 weeks with heart failure. He was a soldier to the very end and will be sorely missed by us all.

From: Hilary Hodge    12-11-2010                   Email: Hilary Hodge

Received from the late Peter Hardwick's wife Elizabeth on 8th November 2010 regarding the earlier obituary to her husband Peter which can be found here.

It has been brought to my attention that there is an [incomplete] obituary for my late husband Peter. As I know he would be very upset that the latter years of his life had been [missed] out; he would want me to put the record straight, as he was very proud and happy with his new family and second career.

My husband Peter joined the 244 Royal Signals Air Support in July 1958 and retired in July 1980 as a Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant. He often spoke of his time in Cyprus, Aden, Germany, Harrogate and Blandford. I didn't know Peter during his army years, but have heard stories of how frightened new recruits were of him, and his famous 'bark'; and how they later came to discover to their surprise, that he was a very decent, fair and honest man underneath the tough exterior.

Happily, after having left the army, whilst still a 'tough' man, his softer side was much more evident. I so wish he could read those stories now, he would be so amused!

Peter was in regular contact with his army friend Les Didlick until just before his death.

Upon leaving the army in 1980, he had a major car accident; resulting in multiple serious injuries, that permanently damaged his lungs and vocal chords (losing his famous 'bark').

Not only did he recover, but went on to become a police dog handler with the U.K.A.E.A in Dorset, a job he loved until he retired in 2004.

He had lung fibrosis for many years, but it did not stop him from working on his allotment and walking our assortment of dogs, (six in all). He loved living in Dorset, but we still enjoyed visiting his family together, at his old home in South Yorkshire.

He was a man with a very strong sense of duty and responsibility in his working and personal life. His first wife was a good deal older than Peter, yet he looked after her until her death in a rest home in 2005. She was 91 years old when she passed away.

He had been my partner since 1995, and as he and his first wife had no children, he took great pleasure in becoming "adopted step-dad" and "Grandad Peter" to my children and our subsequent four grandchildren.

We were finally able to marry in April 2005, and were hoping to have very many happy years together. Sadly he developed pneumonia, complicated by his lung fibrosis, and he died in hospital in May 2007, at just 66 years of age.

He is loved and missed every day, by his family and friends.

From: Elizabeth Hardwick    08-11-2010                   Email: Elizabeth Hardwick.

My brother John served 9 years in the Corps as a Terminal Equipment Technician. He left as a Sergeant.

John had a heart attack on 3rd Sept 2005. At the time he was living in Albox, Almeria, Spain.

He is dearly missed.

From: Steve Parkinson    23-10-2010                   Email: Steve Parkinson

Former member of the White Helmets

From: Jeanette Carroll    21-10-2010                   Email: Jeanette Carroll

Cyril Mason passed away on 5th October 2010 aged 91. He served in the Royal Signals during WW2 on the island of St Helena. His son (Terry) is contacting the record office to find his full service history. I have no other information except that I believe he was a L/Cpl served in St Helena and may have spent 6 months in South Africa. He married in 1944 in Sheffield but his Service Dress does not appear to have chevrons. If anybody has any information about the unit's role or any other interesting snippets please fell free to contact me. He will be cremated at Cambridge Crematorium on Tuesday 19th October.

From: Terry Mason (ex RGJ)    12-10-2010                   Email: Terry Mason

Served in Egypt 1952-1954 15 Tp Royal Signals. Suez Troop 2 Squadron 3 L of C Signal Regiment. Electrician/Signalman. Died 31st July 2008

From: Russell Hayley    12-10-2010                   Email: Russell Hayley

Have only recently heard the sad news, served with him in several places. A gentleman.

From: Mike O'Brien    12-10-2010                   Email: Mike O'Brien

Roy and I served with 204 Signal Squadron in the 60's. Great guy, very sorry to hear of his passing.

From: Peter Grimshaw    12-10-2010                   Email: Peter Grimshaw

My father passed away in 1999.

I would like to contact anyone who knew my father, Alfred "Red" Henshaw or has information about his activities during the war. I know he landed on D-day+1 and was active in Northern Europe.

From: Tony Henshaw    12-10-2010                   Email: Tony Henshaw

RIP Paul "Taffy" Silver ex Cpl tele mech 259 Signal Squadron attached to RAF Akrotria, Cyprus 1986/1988 and a further tour to same dates unknown.
Died after long illness fighting lung cancer 2008

From: Dave Welch    01-10-2010                   Email: Dave Welch

My father Percival "Percy" Green passed away on September 14th 2010.
His funeral was held at Bedford Crem on Monday 27th September 2010, at 15:15.
He was with the Royal Signals just after the war and based at Schonbraun Palace.

From: Brian Green    27-09-2010                   Email: Brian Green

My dad passed away on 22nd August 2008 aged 78.
I have found one photo posted by a David Hicks which has my dad in it and I was so happy to see it.
We have quite a lot of my dads photos which I will post on the site as I know he would have loved that.
He was in 7 Medium Wireless Troop and is in the photo of the men and the jeep.
If anyone reads this and knew my dad it would be lovely to hear from you..

From: Alison Stevenson    21-09-2010                   Email: Alison Stevenson

David was a radio tech who served in 3 Div Bulford.
262 Signal Squadron in Cyprus and 7th Armoured Brigade in Soest Germany.
David died in July 2010 after a battle with cancer. Sleep tight old friend free from pain ..

From: Raymond Cank    21-09-2010                   Email: Raymond Cank

My Father Dennis Gordon Spear Deceased 30/5/2003. May God rest his Soul

He served June 1962 - June 1965 with 237 Signals Squadron based in Singapore.

Also served in Malaya May 1950 to Oct 1952. Mentioned in Despatches Oct 1951 while attached to Malayan Scouts.

Also served at Terendak, Malaya in 1969 with Royal Signals.

From: Stephen Spear    13-09-2010                   Email: Stephen Spear

I was with John at 211 Signal Squadron, Minden from 63-67.

A great friend and comrade he died in South Africa in a car accident.

I think of him everyday even now. Very badly missed. You couldn't help but like him.

From: Jack Denny    25-08-2010                   Email: Jack Denny

Shot by accident by an RAOC clerk just a few weeks after the birth of his first child

From: Billy Taggart    23-08-2010                   Email: Billy Taggart

My uncle Ken was born on 26th July 1936 in Gosport, Hampshire.
He enlisted in to the British Army on 20th January 1955, and upon completing his basic training he went onto complete his specialist training at the Royal Signals training depot.V My uncle served in Egypt and Cyprus as well as in the UK.
On the 4th November 1956 during the Cyprus Emergency, Ken's vehicle was ambushed during terorist activity and, sadly he died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Ken is burried in Wayne's Keep Military Cemetary, Nicosia and commemorated on the British Cyprus Memorial in the Old British Cemetary, Kyrenia and at the National Memorail Arboretum.

From: Lisa Spragg    22-08-2010                   Email: Lisa Spragg

Signalman 22084676 Victor Charles Pearce was in the Royal Signals from 1948-1962.He sadly lost his life in 1980 after a battle with Cancer.....

From: Tracy Elliott    29-07-2010                   Email: Tracy Elliot

"Bill" Billam my father was a well known member of the White Helmets his name was Walter Joseph BILLAM known as Bill.

Sadly dad passed away on the 4th October 1996 which i only found out last year 2009 i would be very grateful if anyone out there would have any photos of dad in which i would most greatly appreciate very much.

My email address cab be found below. Thank you

So sadly missed

From: Samantha Billam    13-08-2010                   Email: Samantha Billam

Garry served from 1977 to 1990.
He started his career at the junior training school in Harrogate.
His postings included 30 Sigs, 254 Signal squadron, 233 Signal squadron, 4 Div, Belize and finally Colchester.
I had met up with him on a few occasions recently and although not in the best of health he was still high spirited.
He passed away peacefully at home on saturday 31st July

From: Paul Goulding    11-08-2010                   Email: Paul Goulding

Barry has now died from cancer after a long battle.

Age 73. Royal Signals at Bulford Camp Wilts.

From: Norman Hands    29-07-2010                   Email: Norman Hands

Jack died about 6 years ago he never got over his beloved Betty predeascing him a couple of years before.
Jack served in the corps circa 1971-1978 as an electrician. He served in Tidworth then 2 postings in Germany the latter being j troop 21 Signal Regiment at Gütersloh.

From: John MacCrimmon    29-07-2010                   Email: John MacCrimmon

My elder Brother Thomas Francis Logan aka Frank died on the 25th June 2010.
He joined the Corps in Boys Service at Beverley in 1950 and served until 1968. 22515517 Sig/Man.
He served in the UK, Germany, Korea, Cyprus, Egypt, and Japan and back to Germany.
He will be sadly missed by his two brothers, who also served as National Servicemen in the Corps.

From: Bill Logan    28-07-2010                   Email: Bill Logan
Apologies to Bill and Family for not adding this message earlier.

My father George Emmerson passed away on the 15th July 2010 aged 63.
He served in the Royal Signals from 1962- 1976 there abouts.
I know he was in Singapore in 1971 for 2 years and that is about it.

From: Jonathan Emmerson    21-07-2010                   Email: Jonathan Emmerson

I knew Tommy very well during our posting at Bunde in the 60's. He was our regimental goalie and he was very good.
I last spoke to Tommy in 1979 in Bournemouth and he was working as a barman which he was also very very good at.
Rest in Peace Tommy.

From: William Lamb    17-07-2010                   Email: William Lamb

My good friend WO2 Dave Witheridge passed away in Bournemouth General Hospital on 7th July 2010 of cancer.
He Joined the service at the age of 16.
He served 22 years until 1984. His main postings were 7 Signals Regt and School of Signals.
He was due to become a grandparent soon.

From: Colin Marshall    17-07-2010                   Email: Colin Marshall

Jim Pipp died on the 6 July 2010 from complications after suffering a stroke last year.
He spent 5 years in the Royal Signals during the mid 60s before emigrating to australia in 1972.
He was a good mate of mine, even though he was a pongo, a good neighbor and a good bloke.he was 64.
He will be missed by us all here in OZ. RIP Jim

From: Tom Hankin    09-07-2010                   Email: Tom Hankin

John was a member of the East London Branch of the RSA.
On the Thursday evening his wife Teresa went to the East London Branch Meeting and gave a report about he had to give up work and was bedridden
he died on Tuesday 29th June 2010
RIP John.

From: Alan Turner    29-06-2010                   Email: Alan Turner

Brian was a member of the East London Branch of the RSA.
He tragically died in a cycling accident whilst out riding his bike. On the 17th June 2010
He leaves his wife Barbara behind. RIP Brian

From: Alan Turner    18-06-2010                   Email: Alan Turner

I have just found out that John Marriner passed away in April we served together in Cyprus 1969 70 71 REST IN PIECE mate one of the best .

From: Dave Woodward    14-06-2010                   Email: Dave Woodward

My father passed away 4 yrs ago he joined the Royal Signals at the age of 16 in 1951.
He served for around 20 yrs.
I would like to know if any of his friends who served with him could tell me a little bit about his army days as i dont have a lot to go on.
Thank you.

From: Elizabeth Wallace    14-06-2010                   Email: Elizabeth Wallace

Len was a Life Member of the Royal Signals Association having enrolled on 13 Feb 1986 (HQ Office ser num 30849)
He died after a short illness on 02 June 2010

From: Paul Young    14-06-2010                   Email: Paul Young

John was a long standing member of the East London Branch of the RSA. And a past member of 36 Signal Regiment TA.
He died after a short illness on the 29th May 2010
RIP John

From: Alan Turner    14-06-2010                   Email: Alan Turner

It is with deep sadness that I have to report the passing of my father SSgt Tom Steele who served in the Corps for 20 years (1956 to 1976)
He Died aged 70. He left the Army in 1976 and settled in Sunderland with his wife Joan and four children Tony, Tracy, Mark and Gary.
After a lengthy period of illness he passed away peacefully on Thursday 3rd June 2010 at home with his family beside him.
He was a dear husband and a great Dad, we all love him dearly and he will always be in out hearts and minds.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday 10th June 2010 at the Sunderland Crematorium starting at 1030hrs.
Family flowers only though if you wish to make a donation then please feel free to donate to St Benedicts Hospice who cared for my father in the last months of his life!

Always look on the Bright side of Life!

Certa Cito..........

From: Tommy Steel    07-06-2010                   Email: Tommy Steel

Remembering my dad Michael Barker who served in the 11 Signal Brigade from approx 1952. Rank no 22569680. Would love to hear from anyone that knew him.
He was a very special man who touched all our hearts.
We all miss him so very much. A soldier to the end dad x. RIP

From: Michelle Barker    03-06-2010                   Email: Michelle Barker

My Grandfather, Stephen James Henry Fudgell 1917-2008. Served with the Royal Signals during WWII. He reached the rank of Warrant Officer II class (TBC).
I believe he was stationed in or around Longfield Kent during the war? I would like to hear from any one who remembers him, RIP

From: Alex James Fudgell.    14-05-2010                   Email: Alex James Fudgell

Cpl Len Spring: 1939-1945
India, China, Burma, Japan (Occ Force), S.E.A.C. Command, Royal Signals
Born 1909 Died 1972
Enfield, Middlesex UK

From: Terry Litton    22-04-2010                   Email: Terry Litton

John 'Jack' Norman died 16th November 2009
Don Pottle 23rd March 2010
Dennis Chambers died on 9th February 2010
Thay all served with 237 Signal Squadron. RIP lads

From: Peter Buckley    14-04-2010                   Email: Peter Buckley

It was deep regret to hear that Fritz had passed away. (See 2009 Pages)
I had the privilege of serving with Fritz attached to 36 Engineer Regt, Maidstone (1973-4).
A great sense of humour and great mate. Always ready for a good curry. God Bless and keep you.

From: Jim Jobling    14-04-2010                   Email: Jim Jobling

Sadly Tim died 9 august 2005 leaving his Thai wife of many years Chompee and his daughter Anita. R I P Tim you are missed.

From: Taff Morris    14-04-2010                   Email: Taff Morris

Peter was one of the world's gentlemen.
A fair honeset and loyal friend who will be missed by many in the Corps. I feel proud to have known Peter,
who sadly passed away on Tuesday 6th April 2010.

From: Bob Waller    06-04-2010                   Email: Bob Waller

22305368 SSgt enlisted on 14 Nov 1949 and left 1 Sep 1968.
Served in Egypt from 1950 to 1953.
Then Catterick as an instructor from 1953 to 1957.
Cyprus from 1957 to 1959.
Rheindahlen at the White House from 1959 to 1964 which included being in Liege whilst working in the caves at Tongren.
Then spent time as Acting WO2 at 37 Signal Regt, Horfield and 39 Signal Regt in London.
He died in the RDE Hospital in Exeter on 23rd June 2003. .

From: Stephen Jones    06-04-2010                   Email: Stephen Jones

Pat was a Signalman his number was 23699798 he joined for National Service in 1959.
He was at Aldershot at this time, he was also posted to Cheltenham, and then he was posted in Germany in 1963.
He originally came from Glasgow although lived in Manchester during and after his army career.
He lost all contact with his family in the 80's
The Salvation Army were unable to trace him.
We only learned of his death via a search of death certificates. He died in Cheltenham in 1991.
We would love to hear from anyone who knew him or was in contact with him in the last years of his life.
It would mean a great deal to me his daughter and his surviving sister as we have searched for him for many years..

From: Sandra Westgate    25-03-2010                   Email: Sandra Westgate

My dad ben sadly passed away 9th March 2010, he collapsed on the first of March
He was in a coma and had suffered a brain stem stroke.
He was very proud to have served in the Royal Signals in Burma, Singapore, Malyasia in the early 1960s.
He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends .

From: Carol Buttle    25-03-2010                   Email: Carol Buttle

Mick collapsed at Newcastle Airport on Saturday 6th March 2010 after coming back from holiday with his Lady Friend Mary.
He had a massive heart attack and was taken to the coronary unit at Newcastle Freeman Hospital they tried all they could.
But sadly on Thursday 11th March the Life Support Machine was switched off at 1845hrs but Mick fought until 1210hrs Friday 12th March.
Mick was a former Denbury Boy 64-66 and we were in the same troop and have met again at several Newton Abbot reunions.
Mick served the corps from 1964 to 1988. Among his many postings he served at Denbury. 229 Signal Squadron (Berlin).1964 1967.
Northag Air Support Signal Squadron. 1967 1970. 3 Div HQ & Signal Squadron 1070 1973. 255 Signal Squadron 1970 1970.
Another 8 postings follwed these.
He retired last year from the Civil Service. RIP Mick .

From: Steve Wright    22-03-2010                   Email: Steve Wright

John passed away on 24th February 2010 after a long illness.
He served with the Royal Signals in the Rawalpindi area from late 1940 through to mid 1946, at peace now.

From: Barry Hughes    10-03-2010                   Email: Barry Hughes

With regret need to inform you that Spike Morris passed away at home on 18 Feb 10 after suffering with a brain tumor for the last 2 years.
He joined Denbury at 16 years old in Jan 65 graduating Apr 66 passing his B3 Radio Op and went to Catterick to train as TG Op.
I understand he did 6 years service then went on to the prision service

From: Steve Wright    01-03-2010                   Email: Steve Wright

I have just received the sad news of the passing this morning of Terry Palmer
A dear friend of 38 years
His last position was as SSM Training at Catterick prior to its move to pastures new.
His two main passions in life being family, his wonderful wife Marion his two daughters and grandchildren and his golf.
I watched a young soldier arrive at 7 Sigs and become a credit to the Corps.
I am honoured to have had his friendship.
RIP dear friend

From: Jim Smith    13-02-2010                   Email: Jim Smith

Dennis was a neighbour of ours. we have recently found a range of letters he wrote to his wife during 1945/46.
We remember him with much love..

From: Graham Lloyd    05-02-2010                   Email: Graham Lloyd

Jonny died in January 2009 after a long struggle with various forms of cancer.
He was a great footballer and mate during our stay in 262 in Cyprus in the mid 60's.
I managed to visit him in late 2008 after a message from Paddy McMurrary-Taylor via the 262 grapevine that he was ill.
We spent a couple of hours going through old photos, stories and most of all laughing.

From: Barry Ellershaw    05-02-2010                   Email: Barry Ellershaw

Recently discovered that ex Cpl Ian 'Wince' Winstanley who served in 2 Sqn, 2 Div Sig Regt, Bunde in the late 70s, passed away last year (2009).
An all round good egg, and a fine NCO and mate. RIP Wince.

From: Mick Tait.    28-01-2010                   Email: Mick Tait

In loving memory from all loving friends serving with 234 Signal Squadron Malta may you rest in peace.

From: Joe Camilleri    22-01-2010                   Email: Joe Camilleri

You've been gone 15 years now Cpl. Jack..... Still think about you pal.

From all the guys at 3 DIV SIGS - the 70's reunion group.

From: Pete Line    15-01-2010                   Email: Pete Line

Doug passed away peacefully in his sleep ex Royal Signals P.O.W. in Auschwitz

From: Raymond Padget    06-01-2010                   Email: Raymond Padget

Dennis passed away around Nov 09.
I first met him in 21 Sig (AS) Regt in Wildenrath during January of 1981, he was the RHQ Ord Cpl. He became a very good and close friend of mine over the next 20 odd years.
I moved to the US and regret not knowing about or being able to help at that time.

From: Adrian Rose    06-01-2010                   Email: Adrian Rose