Welcome to our Website. Here you can find information about our Re-unions and short history of the Regt.
Members can submit any written items or photos about the Reunion for publication on this site. You can also send in any relevant information you would like published
You can send your info in any form ie Email, Snailmail, CD or DVD. My email address usn@metronet.co.uk Home address: 39 Old Park Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands, WS10 9JG. .
If photos are submitted by snail mail I will scan them and return them if you so wish, please enclose stamped addressed envelope for this purpose.
WEBMASTER - Geoff West Email:- usn@metronet.co.uk
NEW ADDITIONS
 Xmas Dinner Hong Kong?
 In the Jungle
 On the beach
 On Parade
Mr West
My Name is Graeme Lazell, Pete and
Sylvia's son.
I live in Brisbane Australia with my wife Tina and our
two kids James (13) and Elizabeth (10).
I just wanted to pass my
appreciation to you for maintaining the web site and let you know that its
being looked at not just by the members of the Regiment but by their kids
too.
Each year I check out the 4th RA re
union Web Site looking for names and some up to date photos of the Regimental
Family that I was bought up in, ( some of which had the dubious pleasure of baby
sitting my sister Anita and myself when Dad was stationed in
Germany)
The list of names that you have
provided of the attendees this year and of past years also brings back memories
of my life growing up as an Army Brat and the people which were part of the
community I was brought up in.
If you are in contact with some of
these members can you please pass on my regards?
Anne Hatton's family
lived in the same street as us in Munster Lager and I think I spent more time
playing with her kids than I did in our own house and getting into
trouble
John "Dolly" Dolphin also from my Munster Lager
Memories.
"Steak" who refused to Baby sit me any more because I
was too much trouble. .
Kenny Macdonald one of my early child hood memories is
of being in the MacDonald's car and Mr. Macdonald letting me put the handbrake
on in his car when we stopped at the lights I think I must have been about 5
back then and My Dad taking me round the MacDonald's house at Christmas time in
the snow .
Colin and Vicky Rogers and their eldest two boys
especially Tony as we went to the same school in Catterick and Aldershot .I
remember going to The Vickers house after the 1976-77 Army show with some
gruesome make up injuries trying to convince his mum he had a compound fracture
of the wrist .
Steve Champs and his two lads both of which joined the
Navy, Tony who served in the Falklands conflict and survived his ship being
bombed invited our family on board his ship HMS Naiad when it was docked in
London and we
watched the Lord Mayors fireworks from the ships Deck. Mum was well into the
OO's and AAhs with the fireworks and got some of the crew to join in. Dad kept
his back against the wall of the ship as we were escorted around," you know what
these Navy boys were like" just to wind Tony up.
Alec & Lilian Livingstone who popped in and
visited us in London when Dad worked for Kensington
Council.
Paul and Claire Martin and their two Daughters .I went
to 3 schools with Jane including The Wavell School in North Camp before dad left
the Army in 1982.
Lots of names are familiar to me and these are but a
few.
I have tried to convince Dad and Mum to buy a computer
,but so far they have resisted strongly, Dad does not even own a Mobile phone
as he's always said he knows how radio waves and magnetic field work and he
doesn't want his brain fried. Unlike his Liver when he and I get
together.
Well I hope you all keep safe for another
year.
I have attached an image of a photo I have in my lounge
of Mum and dad all dressed up for the Sergeants mess in Aldershot. (the Before Shot) .It would be lovely to see
some similar photos of the members in their younger days on the web site or
with the wives and kids or even Grandkids as the Regiment always made me feel
welcome and I felt proud that my Dad was a Gunner in the flying 4th
.
Anyone requiring Graeme's email please contact me
Dear Geoff,
I enlisted in December 1950
and after basic training at Oswestry was posted to the 4th Regiment RHA in the first week in April 1951. The Regiment was then stationed in Campbell Barracks Hohne and had been so since March 1951. Up until this time they had been stationed at Alma Barracks Blackdown and whilst there they had been engaged on internal security guard details on RAF Stations in East Anglia, These bases had been turned over to the USAF Strategic Air Command and planes were loaded and unloaded with atomic munitions behind huge screens. To those who have been to Hohne since then I will point out that in early 1951 there were only two regiments based there. The 4th RHA at one end and the 5th RTR at the other with a sort of ghost town of empty barracks in between. That is until,to honour a NATO commitment, part of the Canadian Brigade was stationed in the middle. But that is another story. Of course in 1951 RAGTE did not exist either.
I will refer to another historical connection between the 4th Regiment RHA and 33rd Para Light Regt RA. For when 4th were selected to provide the Guard of Honour for the Re-Dedication of The RA Memorial Hyde Park 33rd provided logistic support.
I served in N Bty(The Eagle Troop) RHA from 1951 to 1953 when I left to join 42nd Field Regiment RA for their tour of duty in Korea and Hong Kong. During my time with Eagles I was a TARA as OPA and CPOA, in the Battery CP. As a side line I was the Bty Pay Clerk and NCO i/c TARA Store.
Went on to be regimental survey sergeant of 42nd. But left after the debacle of Suez at Christmas 1956.
Regards
Geoffrey Ferguson
Message received from Joe Walker.
Dear Geoff,
Nice to find your site, I will post my personal info on the
site later, however, I am writing to inform as many ex members, of the sad
demise of RICK GILL, his funeral is on 16th Jun 09 in
Rotherham!
The only details I have is that the cortege leaves from the
home at:
66 Washington Drive
Goldthorpe
Rotherham
Regards
Joe Walker
Ex 97 & 29 Bty
 NEW SITE
For HQ Battery
Exmembers
Please visit and help out with any Info you may have
Just click on image to be taken to the site
 This is a new Site for 88 Bty members You should all have a look at this it is very interesting for Ex Arracan also Ex 4th. The site is run by Dave Fitzgerald.
Just click this banner
Thanks to Eric Needham
Here is a couple of photos sent in by Dave Gates of 97 Bty Hong Kong days
Thanks Dave.
*********************
Geoff West,
My name is Roy Budgen and I've just had a brief look through this sight and I must admit, it’s had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. I only spent just over two years with 4th regiment, but seeing some of the names on this sight took me back over thirty years to when I first joined up.
I went to Catterick in 1976 after attempting and failing the selection course at ‘29 Commando’s’ in Plymouth, and once there I did a tour of N.I. in Sam McComiskey’s section - three-two-bravo. After that we went to Aldershot and from there I went to the Royal School of Artillery in Larkhill, which took me to 1979 when my three year signing ended.
What brought me to this sight in the first place was that I have been writing a book for the last two-and-a-half years about my time in the army and I had been looking at the regimental history as part of my research. It was this what brought me to your site, and looking at the people I remember serving with made me want to investigate further.
Only being with the regiment for a short while probably means that many of the blokes I served with will not remember me, but I’d still like to go to the next re-union to see them.
Here is a list of some of those I remember: Jamie Forteath, BSM; Sam McComiskey, Bdr; George Spencer, Bdr; Bob Cairns, Bdr; Andy McGill (can’t remember, but he took me on my driving course); John Sinclair, L/Bdr; Stuart Eaton, (promoted to Sergeant but handed it back about two weeks later). Then the Gunners I remember are: Eaton, Crossley, Wardle, O’Neill, Garret, Tulip, Carson, Malcolm and Fleming.
I will leave it at this, but if anybody remembers me they can get in touch via my e-mail address which is: ia my e-mail address which is: roy.budgen@btinternet.com.
****************
Hi Geoff,
Just a bit info for your web site, me and the lads attended a reunion at the Roker Hotel Sunderland on Friday 29 August 08 which was held by the Regiment as they had come over for the week, they had a Freedom Parade through the City of Sunderland on Thursday 28 August 08, a reception evening with the Lord Mayor that night, and a reunion on the Friday night (photo included).
4th Regiment RA will be posted back to Topcliffe, all will be in station by November 08.
The Commanding Officer is very keen to host a reunion at Topcliffe once settled in, as well as the Sunderland visits.
There is also a 4th Reunion every year in the Companions club Sunderland about June time, Ken White now runs the club.
So there is 3 reunions people can take a pick from with the Walsal one.
Best Wishes
Ernie Dobson MBE
Left to right SNCO 4th, Ernie Dobson MBE, Ray Kibble, Geordie Reynolds
Commanding Officer 4th, Steve Sproston, Frank Dobson, Micky Backwood
Borneo Medal Info, go to Information Miscellaneous
Unlike the infantry regiments of the line, the Artillery has no Regimental Colours - its colours are the guns themselves.
Nor does the Artillery have battle honours - its single battle honour is the word UBIQUE (EVERYWHERE)
UBIQUE, = Everywhere
QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT = Where Right and Glory Lead
HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE
Evil to him who evil thinks
Added to bottom of this page: List of persons attending Re-union
Hi Geoff
Can you put onto the web page the sad loss off Johnny Lockwood who died from a Heart attack during March?
Johnny had not been ill and was active right up to the minute he died.
Eddie Cryer
*****************************************
The 23st Re-union of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery took place at the County Hotel Walsall on Saturday 24th October 2009. Being well organised by Mick Avery and Pete Lazell.
The early birds arrived on Friday the 23th and met in the bar of The County in the evening to get the latest info, tell war stories and try to drink the bar dry. Some of the more lively one's went to the local karaoke.
Saturday saw the arrival of the remainder of those attending and this then made the number sitting down to dinner 91 in total.
I understand that some people may not have been able to afford to come. If this is the case then we may be able to help those who would like to attend but are having financial problems. Please contact Mick Avery in confidence for more details
Not all those attending are in the 50 to 75 age group as there are a number of members son's and daughter's along with some younger members are now getting the message that this is the place to be.
The evening started with the usual drinks at the bar and at 7.0pm we sat down to wine and dine.
Proceeds from the raffle are used to offset the costs of the administration ie. paper, envelopes, menu cards, name cards, flowers on the table etc and a big thankyou must go out to the donators and the organisers.
*******************************************
The 24th Reunion will be on Saturday October 30th 2010 and will take place in Walsall West Midlands (just off Junction 9 M6)
Place - The County Hotel, Birmingham Road. Walsall, West Midlands WS1 2NG
Time - 6.30pm for 7pm sit down.
Cost - £?.00 per head
Please note.
The Walsall illuminations have been cancelled for the next 2 years.
Booking - Please all book early to give Mick a chance to get the organising done. ***For those that did not get a snail mail form send the following details to Mick at Jasmine Cottage, 20 Lower Street, Kingweston, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6EB
Note:- The forms are usually sent out July/August time
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I (your name) Require (nos) Tickets @£? per ticket Total £
My Guest is(name of Lady)
Please make cheques payable to 4th Regiment RA Reunion and enclose a SAE
Name of any other Guest (name)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organiser
Re-union organiser is Mick Avery. Tel 01458 223177 or 07725 462573
Jasmine Cottage, 20 Lower Street, Kingweston, Somerton, Somerset,
TA11 6BA
email: mick.m.avery@btopenworld .com who is helped by Pete Lazell Tel 01623 722594
Payment
The payment covers the cost of the dinner with wine for toasts and the music only. The other costs of rooms and other drinks are not included, and you will need to make your own booking arrangements.
Hotel Locations
The County Hotel, Birmingham road, Walsall. Tel 01922 632323.
This is where the Dinner and music take place and where those that arrive on the Friday gather to tell war stories on that evening.(Not compulsory).
The Boundary Hotel, Birmingham Road, Walsall. Tel 01922 633555.
This is about another 5 minutes further down the road from The County.
The Beverley Hotel, 58 Lichfield Road, Walsall. Tel 01922 622999 / 614967.
This Hotel is a bit further out and is a Taxi or drive job.
The Bestcot, Bestcot Road, Walsall. Tel 01922 622447.
This hotel is just off the motorway junction 9.
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Evens Neil
McComiskey Sam Molly
McGill Andy
Johnson Brian
Darby Tony Pat
Wilford Barry Maureen
Adams Ray Pauline
Maynard Howard
Waite Sid Pam
Hatton Anne
Kibble Ray
Forteath Jamie
Davin Tony Gina
Livingstone Alec Lilian
Dolphin John Susan
Partridge John Eve
Case Sam Irene
Handley Ron
Deadman Gerry
Johnson Gary
McCue John Catherine
Scott Ian Pauline Cooper
Arden Mick
Lazell Peter Sylvia
Cockerall Tony
Lucas Paul Dawn Des & Heather
Dowling Scottie Alice
Maxwell Reg
Cairns Bob
Avery Mick Tania Family members
Sinclair John
Flynn John Anne Brian Stephenson Edna
Longhorn Ralph Paulette Coulson
Herity Dot
Rodgers Colin Vicky
Melvin George
Macdonald Ken Betty Carrie Scott
Powis Taff
Pring Steve
Turner Wilf Loretta Hughes
Spicer Martin
Carter Mal
MacMahon May Gillian Williamson
Law Syd
West Geoff
Vickers Richard Janet
Morris Mike
Richards Jim Lady friend
Frost Pete Mary
Champs Steve
Hatch Bill Mo
Fearns Edith Maria
Reynolds George Hazel
Tony & Gina Davin
John & Anne Flynn
John Sinclair
Ian Scott, Pauline Cooper
Sam & Molly McComiskey
John & Catherine McCue
Richard & Karen Gill
Sam Case, Irene Macrea
Ann Hatton
Sid & Pam Waite
Arthur Jewkes
Steve Jones
Neil Evens
Paul Lucas, Dawn George
Reg Maxwell
Mick Avery, Tania Chinnock, Mark Avery, Stephen, and Liz Avery
May McMahon, Gillian Williamson
Jamie Forteath
Barry & Maureen Wilford
Tony & Pat Darby
Derek Bender
Joe Jamison
Wilf Turner, Lorreta Hughes, Laura Turner
Steve Champs
Ralph Longhorn, Paulette Coulson
John & Susan Dolphin
Paul & Claire Martin
Eric & Beryl Needham, Mark & Donna Needham, Jason & Gillian Reay
John & Eve Partridge
Ken & Betty Macdonald
Steve Pring
Pete & Sylvia Lazell
Colin & Vicky Rodgers
Ian Gemmell
Andy McGill
Martin Spicer
Tony Cockerill
Ray Kibble
Andy & Dorothy Owen
Roy & Shelly Budgen
Brian Shaw
Jim Richards
Brian & Alice Dowling
Richard & Janet Vickers
George Reynolds
Pete & Mary Frost
List of members and guests attending Reunion 2007
Titmus Dennis.
Pring Steve.
Pugh John, Linda Hutton
Rodgers Colin, Vicky
Flight Bill.
Scott Ian, Pauline
Baynes Ron
Partridge John, Eve
Vickers Richard, Janet Vickers
McCue John, Catherine
Cairns Bob.
Maxwell Reg.
Lucas Paul, Dawn
Avery Mick, Tania, Ste & Liz,Mark
Burden Fred, Anne
Macdonald Ken, Betty
Dugdale Mike.
McGill Andy.
Martin Paul, Claire
Cockerill Tony.
Spicer Martin.
Swetnam Phil.
Rankin John.
Dowling Brian, Alice
Dolphin John, Susan
Duffield Tony, Jan
Gary Johnson.
Gerry Deadman.
Kibble Ray.
West Geoff.
Lazell Pete, Sylvia
Sinclair John.
Fearns Edie, Karren
Mackenzie Mac.
Jewkes Arthur.
List of members and guests attending
Reunion Attendance 2006
29 McGill Andy
97 Sinclair John
29 Avery Mick Tania Mark& Debbie, Ste &Liz
HQ Burden Fred Annie Burden
97 Case Sam Irene MacRae
Champs Steve
88 Darby Tony Patricia
Davies Peter
29 Davin Tony Gina
29 Dolphin John Susan
Edwards Pat
97 Evans Raymond
97 Flynn John Anne Flynn
97 Forteath Jamie
88 Hatton Anne
Johnson Brian Gary Johnson Gerry Deadman
Jones Steve
Kibble Ray
97 Lazell Pete Sylvia
88 Longhorn Ralph Paulette Coulson
HQ Macdonald Ken Betty
29 Maple Phil Christine
88 Martin Paul Claire
97 McBride Robert
88 McComiskey Sam Molly
29 McCue John Catherine McCue
29 McMahon May Gillian Williamson Andy Crouch
88 Owen Taff Margaret
29 Partridge John Eve
29 Pring Stephen Jackie
Rodgers Colin Vicky
Scott Ian
Stephen Bill Margaret
29 Swetnam Phil
Vickers Richard Janet Vickers
97 West Geoff
29 Whatley John Carole
29 Wilford Barry Maureen
Fearns Ede Karen Fearns
Baynes Ron
Maxwell Reg
29 Reynolds George
Durward Mary
29 Dowling Brian Alice
29 Lucas Paul Dawn George
29 Richards Jim
Gemmell Ian
Bowering Roy Sandra
Stevens Hamish
29 Cockerill Tony Loriane Samantha & Rob Davies
19 Re-union 2005
List of members and guests attending
29Bty Mick Avery & Tania
John Birch
97Bty Douglas Buchanan
97Bty Sam Case & Irene MacRae
29Bty Tony Cockerill & Lorriane Guests Samantha & Rob
97Bty Tony Darby & Pat
29Bty John Dolphin & Susan
29Bty Brian Dowling & Alice
97Bty John Flynn & Anne
97Bty Jamie Forteath
Ray Kibble
29Bty Ian Gemmell
97Bty Anne Hatton
97Bty Dot Herity (Allard)
HQBty Tom Huntley & Sylvia Guests Terry & Jane Stephenson, Dusty Miller
88Bty Steve Jones
97Bty Pete Lazell & Sylvia
88Bty Alex Livingstone & Lilian
29Bty Paul Lucas & Dawn George Guests Gavin & Sheena
29Bty Phil Maple & Christine
97Bty Paul Martin & Claire
97Bty Reg Maxwell
97Bty Sam McComiskey & Molly
29Bty John McCue
29Bty May MaMahon & Gillian Williamon
29Bty John Partridge & Eve
29Bty Jim Richards
97Bty Colin Rodgers & Vicky
Ian Scott
29Bty Brian Shaw & Russell
97Bty Bill Stephen
29Bty Wilf Turner & Loretta Hughes
29Bty Sid Waite
97Bty Geoff West
29Bty Barry Wilford & Maureen
29Bty Phil Swetnam
29Bty George Reynolds & Hazel Guests Andrew & Joanne Reynolds
97Bty Bill Hewitt
HQBty Derek Hagger
29Bty Eady Ferns
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