February sapper mag:Layout 1 21/1/09 16:22 Page 63
Half way through the service a NATO war ship
arrived which filled the sea behind the war graves; it pro-
vided a very graphic backdrop to the ceremony. The
“Last Post & Reveille” was played by the Souda Bay
Greek Naval Band Trumpeter, Petty Officer Xenofon. Mr
Frank Menzies-Hearn a former sapper and member of the
REA Bedford branch was present to play the bagpipes
whilst the wreaths were being laid. Frank is a regular vis-
itor to the area during the Remembrance Day period.
The REA would like to thank Keith Bailey for all the
assistance he has provided to ensure that members of the
Corps, who lost their lives or were injured during opera-
tions in Greece, were remembered.
REA Monmouth Branch, Mr L W G Tribute to the fallen at the Souda Bay
Powell, Honorary Secretary Commonwealth War Memorial on Crete.
On Saturday 20th September, on one of the hottest and sunniest days of the summer, the Monmouth branch made a fraternal visit to
Swansea. The delegation was met on the outskirts of the city and the first order of business was to enjoy a delightful lunch in the
Ramada Inn Hotel. Having wined and dined at the Ramada Inn, a tour of the waterside area development took place. It must be said that
anybody who knew old Swansea Docks would be hard pressed to recognise the area now. Having toured the old docklands, the party
moved off to the Gower peninsula. The peninsula is officially designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, and in the warm sunshine
it was easy to see why. The visit finished with a social evening in the Swansea TA Centre, John Chard VC House, where the hospitality
was superb. It was a splendid day out and Monmouth branch look forward to reciprocating in the spring or early summer of next year.
Dedication of the Memorial to the men of 9th Bomb Disposal Coy RE
On October 18th 1940 a team from 9th Bomb Disposal Company RE had removed an unexploded bomb from Coventry City
Centre. They were about to unload the bomb from their vehicle on Whitley Common just outside Coventry when it exploded.
Seven members of the team were killed and their graves are in the London Road Cemetery, Coventry.
After four years of work by the Whitley History Society
whose Secretary is Reg Kimber, a plaque was unveiled near
the spot where the explosion occurred. The plaque was dedi-
cated on 18th October 2008 with a short service led by Rev
Pam Stotes, vicar of Whitley Church.
The team who died that day in 1940 were:
2Lt Alexander Fraser Campbell GC RE, 42
Sgt Michael Gibson GC RE, 34
Spr William Gibson RE, 22
Spr Richard Gilchrest RE, 23
Spr Jack Plumb RE, 25
Unveiling the plaque to the fallen of 9th Bomb Disposal Coy Spr Ronald William Skelton RE, 20
Dvr Ernest Fredrick George Taylor
RASC, 32
In attendance at the service were
Sgt Gibson’s Son, Derek now 76,
The inscription on the plaque grandson Michael 54 and great-grand-
son also Michael 9. The Deputy Lord
Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Jack
Harrison, read out the names and Pete
Markham from Rochester represented
the REA Bomb Disposal Branch. Ten
Standards from local ex service
Organisations were also present.
The REA website has been relocated back to its old place at:
www.reahq.org.uk
Looking for a job? Check out the many vacancies on the Jobs (resettlement) page..
Want to make contact with a lost mate? Send an email with details of the person you
want to contact to: njordan@reahq.org.uk Make the most of your website.
Relatives of Sgt Michael Gibson GC RE - L to R: Son Derek Gibson (76),
grandson Michael (54) and great grandson Michael (9).
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