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23230450 Bdr Edwards R.K. 1955 TO 1958

I joined 49 Battery in July 1955 after doing training at Oswestry, Rhyl and a short period at Woolwich, I joined the Battery at EL BALLAH, EGYPT.  During my short time in Egypt the Battery was called upon to do detached duties, during September / October 1955, we were dispatched to Bitter Lakes area for 1 months guard duties to an ammunition dump EL SUWEIS.

November / December 1955, we were again dispatched to TEL EL KEBIR the largest R.O.A.C. depot in Egypt for further guard duties as troops were being sent back to England and other postings.  The area was so large that the set up was, we had to go to the flat roof on top of a water tower.  There was a plan of the whole camp, the camp was patrolled by armoured vehicles.  When there was a break in, the patrol would fire flairs, we on the tower watch would ring the guardroom who would turn out the guard to that area.

Other duties were to ride shot gun on the trains taking military store to the docks at PORT SAID to be shipped back home.

The Battery with 23 Field Regiment returned home to ENGLAND late December 1955, on the troop ship "Lancastrian", landing at LIVERPOOL docks.  The Regiment went straight on disembarkation leave from Liverpool.  The Royal Artillery band played on the pier to welcome us home.

After leave we returned to our new camp at BARTON STACY, HAMPSHIRE.

49 Battery undertook some detached duties at the R.A.C. Training area at CASTLE MARTIN, SOUTH WALES as permanent staff for 6 months for TA and Reservist Training in 1956.  It was the largest assortment of vehicles I have seen, I think I drove everything they had there.

I completed a four weeks Junior N.C.O. Signals course at the R.S.A, LARKHILL.

Some of the Battery visited private schools in the HAMPSHIRE area as a recruiting exercise.

We continued on training and exercise and Internal Security training up until I left the Battery in 1958

Roy Edwards.

24073919 Terry ( Nick)O'Sullivan  1966 to 1970

I joined  49 Inkerman Battery in LIPPSTADT  in 1966, and then moved with the Battery to DEVIZES in 1969.  Attended Course of Instruction at Outward Bound Centre NORWAY, in 1967  (Graded 'C').   Completed the following courses, Drivers BII, Signallers BIII and trained as a TARA II, while also passing a practical map reading course.  I also completed a  JNCO's cadre course.  Discharged from the army in 1970 after serving 4 years and 172 days.

Nick O'Sullivan

23899608 Dave Parker  1965 to 1973

I joined 49 (Inkerman) Bty, then stationed at  Churchill Barracks, LIPPSTADT, WEST GERMANY in late February 1965 from Junior Leaders Regt R.A. at BRAMCOTE, NUNEATON.  Though I actually joined 42 Medium Regt in January, as 49 Bty were away on exercise, I was temporarily attached to 94 (New Zealand) Bty for Skiing at BODENFELT for 6 weeks.  Upon joining the Bty I was immediately placed in the Signals Sect, being a qualified B2 Signaller, and stayed in that job for most of  my service.

I was, predominately, a Command Post Signaller through that was interspersed with various stints at the OP and, for a short time, I became the BC's Driver/Op.  I attained my B1 Sigs and went on to do a Junior Signals Instructor Course at the School of Artillery at LARKHILL, after which I became involved in running B3 Signals Courses, within the Bty, and assisting in higher grade courses in the Regiment.  I further attended an Army Outward Bound course in NORWAY, attaining my Bronze ASA and Life Saving Awards (would have gone on to gain Silver but couldn't swim on my back).  I completed a J/NCO Cadre course in 1967.

During this time the Bty converted from 5.5 inch, towed guns to 155mm, M109, SP guns.  We were involved in numerous NATO exercises as, during this time, we were front line troops at the height of the Cold War.

In 1969 we re-deployed back to the UK, to DEVIZES and reverted to the 5.5 inch gun.  Not too long after settling in, the "Troubles" in NORTHERN IRELAND began with the Civil Rights Movement and we found ourselves involved, increasingly, in an Internal Security role.  We soon learned that this was totally alien to our normal Gunner Profession and had to learn new skills very quickly and adapt to, ever changing, situations.  We also learned to "improvise" kit as most of it was not suitable for the task required (For instance, we soon learned to protect our shins using pieces of plastic drainpipe!).  It was during this period that the Bty took its first N.I. casualties.  The violence escalated during each and every successive tour we did until, in late 1971, we were, once more, sent to GERMANY.  This time to FALLINGBOSTEL.

Once again we were re-tasked, this time as a Heavy Bty and we re-equipped with the 175mm, M107, SP Gun.  Once again our main role was to delay any incursions into NATO front line by the Soviet "Red Hoards".  This didn't, unfortunately, relieve us of our N.I. commitments and we continued to provide troops for that "Police" action.  Fortunately for me, in that instance, I left the Bty for an ERE posting to the Army Air Corps in MUNSTER.  Shortly after I joined the Squadron domestic circumstances dictated an emergency return to the UK (to the depot at WOOLWICH) and, sadly, my involvement with the Bty, came to an, abrupt end.  I left the Army, reluctantly, in 1974.

Dave Parker

24589311 Roy Scott 1980 to 1994

I joined the Battery in GUTERSLOGH in October 1981 after passing out of JLRRA, the Battery was then part of 47 Field Regiment and had Abbotts I started on the guns, but moved into signals and moved on to the command post team.  My first exercise was being part of an umpire team.  I completed basic guns then went on an advance guns course.  The Battery moved to LIPPSTADT and became part of 27 Field Regiment in 1982, I carried out various live firing exercises as a CP signaller.  in 1983 I passed basic OP assistant course and moved on to the OP party and then a 6 week stint at LARKHILL to complete and pass Advance Signals course.

On return to GERMANY I was sent as part of a Regimental exchange, to be attached to HMS ZULU a navel frigate for 3 months.  This was in 1983 I returned to LIPPSTADT late 1983 and joined the Battery on exercise at HOHNE.  The Battery then went to CANADA to BATUS to do battle group training.

In 1984 I was attached to 'F' Battery 7 RHA and did a 6 month tour of BELIZE.  In April 1985 I rejoined the Battery who were preparing to go to CANADA again.  In November 1985 the Battery deployed to the Maze Prison NORTHERN IRELAND as the guard force.

In 1986 the Battery moved with 27 Field Regiment as part of the arms plot to TOPCLIFFE, and the Battery changed to FH70.  The Battery was used to guard Cruise Missiles while deployed on SALISBURY PLAIN.  February 1987 saw the Battery deploy to ST ANGELO Camp in NORTHERN IRELAND, I was part of the search team, it was a busy tour.  In 1988 I completed a protection dog handlers course and then went on detachment to the Army Dog Unit in BALLYKELLY, where I then completed an Arms Explosive Search dogs handlers course and moved to EBRINGTON BKS in LONDONDERRY.  I worked with various different units in this role.  I rejoined the Battery in 1991 in DORTMOND, GERMANY, they were not long back from the first Gulf War.  In 1992 the Battery deployed to NORTHERN IRELAND to ST ANGELO Camp and various check point locations to act as convoy protection in a major rebuild and strengthen of all the check points, again this was a busy tour.

On return from NORTHERN IRELAND the Regiment and Battery were told that they were to be disbanded and redesigned, December 1992 was the disbandment parade, and I joined 14 Field Regiment in LARKHILL.  Where I took over the Regimental dog section.  In 1994 as part of options for change I took redundancy and left the Army.

Roy Scott 

22859490 Bdr Arthur Bramham 1953 to 1955

Commenced National Service on 19th March 1953 when I reported to Park Hall Camp, Oswestry.  I had asked to be in the Pay Corps but found myself in the RA.  When I got there I asked that I be trained as a clerk.  No luck - I was put on TARA training.  After the initial training I was sent to 23 Field Regiment at Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth where I was given further training to be a Tech Ack.  I qualified as TARA grade 3 and was sent from RHQ training to 49 Battery.

Immediately I was told to report to the cookhouse where I progressed from tin bashing to the bread store.  I was still in the cookhouse when the Regiment went to Otterburn but I was in the party left behind.  I was detailed to report to the CO's wife (Lt Col Trevor) as batman.  When I got down to the house I found that being batman meant washing down all the paintwork and cleaning.  Mrs Trevor was an extremely nice person and it was a very pleasant time I spent at the house.

The Regiment came back and I had returned to the cookhouse.  The next day I was told to report to the CO.  Nearly a case of brown underpants as I was not told what it was about.  Fortunately I had done a guard duty so kit was ok.  I was then inspected by the RSM who then marched me in.  That was when I got a pleasant surprise - the RSM left and Col Trevor told me to sit down.  I had apparently behaved myself down the house and he asked what I was doing.  Cookhouse I told him and he asked what I had wanted to do during my National Service so I told him Pay Corps and clerical.  The next day I again had to do a smart change and report to the BC Major Arthur.  That was when I got the job as Battery pay clerk.  I had a small office next to the Battery office and was told to get on with it.  I had to start right from scratch without much handover.  This was the start of an enjoyable time especially as being a Battery clerk I was excused any more guard duties.

Later all the various Pay Clerks were brought into one office under the RAPC Sgt Weaver.  I got my first tape on 1st December 1953 and the second one 1st June 1954.  By now the Regiment had gone to Gordon Camp, El Ballah by the Suez Canal.  Again I missed the firing scheme being left at camp and only going out to do the pay parade.

Whilst there I had a few days priv-leave at the camp at Lake Timsah, Ismailia.  In November the Battery celebrated the centenary of the Battle of Inkerman and we were taken down to Moascar garrison for the celebrations which culminated in food at the NAAFI Club.  Even that was provided out of PRI funds (unfortunately due to family commitments I was unable to attend the 150th)

February came and I was beginning to get a little worried when no orders had been received for my return for demob.  After enquiring a whole batch of us were given short notice to get all kit ect ready as we been forgotten and now had to go by truck to Fayid airport where we were flown to Stanstead after a refuelling stop in Malta.  I was demobbed from Woolwich on the 17th March 1955.

Whilst we were doing National Service it was a bind but looking back I don't think it did us any harm.  It made us independent and mature.

I did return to the Canal Zone and whilst I did not get to the actual camp we passed the road going up to it.  What a change - where there had been sand it had been irrigated and there were crops.  Even the sweet water  Canal had been widened and cleaned up, but I still would not have touched the water.

I am really pleased that the Battery is still in being and we have to thank Terry and Wes for all the hard work keeping the Battery history alive.  I have managed to restore contact with one of the Battery clerks who did a lot of work typing out the history from oddments  of records.  I think that it is some of this work that Wes has managed to uncover.

Arthur Bramham

403720 Major Leonard Weaver R.A. 1947 to 1981

Joined the army on conscription  3rd July 1947 and retired 10th August 1981.  I served in 49 Inkerman Battery as BK from August 1960 to August 1962 in Cyprus and August 1962 to April 1963 at Pembrooke Dock.  I also served as second in command of 42 Regiment R.A. from January 1966 to April 1968 in Lippstadt, Germany with 49 Battery as one of the Batteries within the Regiment.

Leonard Weaver

23957488 WO1 Dave Blackburn. 1963 to 1990

I Joined the Army 8th August 1963 and carried out my training at 17 Training Regiment, Oswestry, I was posted to 42 Regiment on the 1st Febuary 1964. and served in HQ Bty, Pembrooke Dock, 18/68 Bty, Lippstadt, 49 Bty, Devizes and 94 Bty, Fallingbostel. On the disbandment of 42 Regiment in 1977  joined 5 Regiment.  Discharged from the Army 2nd July 1992.

Dave Blackburn

24182593 Gnr Howard (Buch) Briggs. 1969 to 1975

Joined the Army on 11th August 1969 served with the Bty in Devizes and Fallingbostel.  My main job in the Bty was Signals but also drove HGV.  While I steered clear of the noisy guns if possible. My brother also served in the Bty Bob Howard  (better known as Billy) in Devizes.  While serving in the Bty I was married to wife Claudette and now have 4 sons.  I was demobbed on the 10th August 1975 and now live in Towcester, Northamptonshire.

Howard (Butch) Briggs

23001817 L/Bdr Glaslyn Bowen. 1954 to 1956

Joined theArmy in March 1954 as a National Serviceman.  Went tp Parkhall Camp, Oswestry to Intake Regiment, then to 17 Training Regiment in the same camp, I did my training with Officer recruits as a TARA where I throught they were trying to kill me.  Joined the Battery in Tidworth.  Sailed to the Canal Zone with the Regiment on the Empire Ken.  Settled in Gordon Camp, El Ballah.  BC was Major Fryer, BSM was WO2 Gibbons.  Attached to Army Education Corps, played in goal for the Regiment, finished up in the sports store.  Sailed back to Liverpool on the HMT Lancaster to be greeted by four inches of snow.  Then went to Barton Stracey from where I was demobbed.

Glaslyn Bowen 

24234729 Bdr Graham Leeson 1971 to 1980

I Joined the Battery in Devises in the summer of 1971 July to be exact where I joined 42 Regiment R.A. to which 49 was part, I joined the MT Section under Sgt Ken Meffin.

We stayed in Devises till the November, the Regiment was posted to Fallingbostel, BAOR  to become a heavy Regiment with the M107.  there I continued my qualification courses as a driving instructor on both wheeled and tracked vehicles.

In July 1973 was my first tour of Northern Ireland which was Belfast, returning to Germany in the November where things returned to normal until November 1975 when another tour of Northern Ireland came about. I was promoted to L/Bdr and served in Londonderry where we lost some comrades, so a lot of sadness on our return to Germany in March 1976.

In June 1976 I had a spell home in Bovington (Now home of the tank museum) were I did a J.D.M.I Course, this lasted a month so a few visits to see the family were in order.

Back to Germany to continue with Regimental life, along with the disbandment of 42 Regiment.  The Battery moved to 40 Regiment in Gutersloh, were after a spell in camp I got a flat out in Avenvader where my wife Jane joined me along with my daughter Zoe .

Once again yet another course this time on the Centurion Tank, as at the time they were being issued to the Battery as OP Vehicles to support tank Regiments.  On return to camp was promoted to Bdr.

September 1977 brought yet one more Northern Ireland Tour returning back in time for Christmas.  1978 was a busy time yet another course in the UK, this time on the new fuel carrying system (P.O.D.S) the course was held with the Royal Engineers at Poole in Dorset.  also in April that year saw the birth of my second daughter Heidi.  In August that year we also went to Canada as part of Battle Group training.  the rest of my time remaining in Gutersloh until I left the Army in June 1980.

Graham Leeson

24348759 Sgt Jan (Scouse) Bukowski 1975 to 1994

I Joined the Battery from depot Regiment on the 27th July 1975 in Fallingbostel just in time to start training for Northern Ireland.  I was nicknamed Scouse by established members of the Battery, to this day I have no idea why.  I suspect Christie Abbott a true scouser scratched his head a few times also.

We arrived in Londonderry in November 1975, Strand road area, as this was my first tour I kept my head down, listened and learnt from the older hands, sadly the Regiment lost 3 men including our own Joe Ashford.

We returned to Fallingbostel in March 1976, after leave I attended a basic guns course on the M107 175mm, on completion I was attached to C sub as the loader my No 1 was the late Dave Quinn a man I had total respect for.  To this day I'm  still in awe of the 107's size and fire power.

In January 1977 we arrived in Gutersloh to become part of 40 Fld Regiment.  I became the driver of C sub Geordie Stanton was the No1, after practice camp we started training for Northern Ireland again.

The Battery arrived in Belfast September 1977 and took over the duties in the New Lodge road area, it was a routine tour, with the highlight being the fire fighters were on strike.

We returned to Germany in January 1978, after leave I retrained to signals and drove R3 OP vehicle a 432 I stayed there until we returned from Canada in September 1979.  I again retrained and drove the Pod vehicle, I drove the BSM WOII Huntington for 1 exercise he did not like my cooking so I went and drove a Stalwart instead.

In December 1981 I was posted to RAGTE as the Sig's staff car driver, I remained there until August 1984.

In August 1984 I was seconded to "THE 1st BN WELSH GUARDS" I transfered to them in December 1984, during my time with the Guards I served in Germany, Canada, USA, Belise, West Belfast, Saudi Arabia and London.

January 1992 saw me attend The Schools Instructors Cardre at Bovington in Dorset, on completion I was posted to The Infantry Wing in Bordon Hants as an Instructor, I taught on the 432 and Warrior CVRT.

I left the army in 1994, I live in Bordon with my wife Cindy those who use to frequent Club X in Walsrode should know her, my two daughters are now adults and I have two grandchildren I myself work on a Paramedic Unit in Hampshire.

Jan (Scouse) Bukowski

Gnr Chris Dunham 1965 to 1969

Joined the RA in December 1965, arrived Oswestry January 1966 but having served 3 years in the TA army life was not new to me, therefore bulling boots ect was easy and am I glad, always gave the new lads a hand with the ironing ect.  I volunteered for 7 Para so spent a while in Aldershot, found out the hard way that I was terrified of heights so was RTU'D.  When I arrived at Woolwich was told I was going to Lippstadt in Germany to join 42 Regiment, so arrived there June I think and was allocated to 94 Battery (no jokes lads I enjoyed it) served as a signaller grade 2 and then when posted September 1968 to 49 Battery was told that they had enough signallers so was drafted in as a Tara.  Like everybody else was posted to Devizes in 1969 and arrived bloody freezing and was driven to my quarter  to find the fire had gone out, so the house was like an igloo.  Went to Woolwich for the Queens Parade, came back and applied for discharge by purchase, stayed on rear party with Pete Shaunassy until my papers came through, was away before the Battery came back from Cyprus.  Returned for a visit when the Regiment had an opening day.  Been to numerous reunions for both Regiment and 49/94/68 Battery ones, always have a good time and looking forward to the next ones.

Chris Dunham

Anthony Claydon (Lt Col )

24268668 WO2 Tony (WURZEL) Norman 1974 to 1996

Joined 94 New Zealand Battery, 42 Heavy Regiment R.A. at Fallingbostel in January1974 with Pete Featherstone and Jack Paton from JTR Rhyl.

After 6 months and one signal course later posted to HQ Battery along with Jack Paton (who promptly went AWOL and joined the French Foreign Legion).

Met and married Gabriela in 1976.

On disbandment of 42 Regiment in 1977 joined 49 Battery, 40 Field Regiment in Guterloh, employed in the MT as a Stalwart driver.  Done the normal exercises to Hohne & BATUS, carried on doing MT courses DMI MT doc’s ect.

40 Field change with 47 Regt, 49 Battery stayed in Gutersloh.  The Battery was moved to Lippstadt, carried on doing MT courses RI’s at Bovington in1983.  Promoted to MT Sgt to replace Paddy Hill.  Posted to Bovington as an instructor in April 1984.

 After 3 years at Bovington posted back to 49 Battery as MT Sgt again but this time in Topcliff.  Exercises in Canada and Larkhill as normal.  Stayed with the battery for two year’s on the MT.

Posted and Promoted back to Bovington once again, stayed there for the remainder of my service. Left the Army  February 1996 as a WO2.

Tony Norman