As
it's the 25th anniversary of the Commando Forces Band South Atlantic
Tour, I thought that some of the band might like to see what they
looked like then.
My wife Jan and I were due to get married on the 21st of May but as
we were all called back from leave we had to get a special licence
(separation pay?)
We got married on the 7th of April but as the Band were on stand-by
the only musician who attended was Clem Cocker who had to leave immediately
after the ceremony to catch a train to Ipswich. We went to the bandroom
and had a photo taken with members of the Band who were not in the
NAAFI at the time.
I believe we actually sailed on the Canberra on the 9th and I shared
my honeymoon suite with B/cpl Martin Dale, (for any bootnecks reading
"the sax player") Musn. George Tate (South Atlantic duff
eating champion) and Musn.Tug Wilson (now Police Sgt.) for the next
3 months. A finer bunch you could not wish to spend your honeymoon
with. For those that remember I am still in touch with George the
Argie prisoner. It was an incredible experience.
I have attached the original wedding photo taken in the bandroom at
Stonehouse together with a WCR reunion photo 2007 (apologies to Mac
Mcarthy and George Latham) with l/r Al White, Colin Crossman, Andy
Clarkson, Martin Dale and Gary Pumford, also a photo taken at our
25th wedding anniversary at home in Wales with a PTI "pose"
with George Tate, Sam Goldsworthy and Billy Walker, Tug and Jan both
had gigs and couldn't make it.
Best wishes to all and hope to see you at reunion 2007 at Portsmouth.
Taff H
