Testimonials

"Again, congratulations on your ever updated Website - splendid piece of work."

--- Clive Copestake (ex A Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from ?????? in January 2012.

"I must congratulate you upon your website! It's interesting, informative, entertaining --- and certainly brings back memories!"

--- Peter Ling (ex B Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Grange Moor, nr Wakefield, West Yorkshire in January 2012.

"I retired from teaching in 2009, and now I wonder how I ever found the time to go to work! I see your website is going from strength to strength & that you've asked for anecdotes and pictures: I therefore attach a few donations for your readership!" (These will all be gratefully 'posted' in due course! JAO)

"Really enjoyed browsing through your excellent site. Regarding suggestions to better it - Leave it as it is!"

"I was looking at the AAS Harrogate section of your site and found a picture of my Grand-dad, Danny Evans (RSM Evans late of the Welsh Guards, to you!) He's well and currently 85 years of age. Any other photo's of him would be most welcome."

"--- just wanted to thank you for the photo' of Richmond Avenue Primary School. Three old friends from Senior School are on there!"

--- Malcolm Hitchcott MBE (ex Wolseley House, DYRMS 1955 - '60) from Preston, Lancashire in March 2011.

"Whilst recovering from a really bad bout of flu recently I spent some time looking over your website, viewing the photos displayed there. Among them is the cast of 'Androcles and the Lion' ... for which you are searching for missing names. I have discovered the 'Yorkist' issue from Feb 1963 which includes an article (see link) on this 1962 performance, written by none other than our own Nigel 'Ben' Johnson! It includes the complete cast listing so hopefully this may be of interest to all readers of 'Dukie' occurrences from those days. Keep up the good work."

--- Mike Hoare (ex Clive House, DYRMS 1955 - '62) from Preston, Lancashire in February 2011.

"... thanking you for a great website. I have visited it many times since first finding it and always look forward to your updates. It is really good to view the photographs and remember the names of some of the faces, especially since I well recall most of the 'Personalities' mentioned. Also, I once lived in Hockley [Essex], not very far from Shoebury where you grew up."

"... mind you; I haven't a clue as to how you get such a 'fab' website! Do you have your own Server?!"

--- Charles Train (ex Intake 56B @ AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) 1956 - 1971, in January 2011.

"I found your website while searching for information for a University project. I wanted to know more about about my Grand-dad's career -- Colonel John P North. I hadn't seen the photograph at Harrogate before so that was a nice surprise. This is to advise you that he died in April 1997."

--- Rosie North (via hotmail email address) in January 2011.

"Regarding Hildebrand Barracks and my Great Grandfather .... I was just surfing the net, came across your website again and noticed the links to my article about him are out of date as my own website has moved; the new link being

http://www.cunninghamplace.net/Brigadier-General-ABR-Hildebrand.php

I really enjoyed looking at the various photos on your website and on The Association of Harrogate Apprentices website."

--- Richard Hildebrand from Bakewell, Peak District, Derbyshire in January 2011.

"The guy who drove my Ferret Scout Car in the QOH in West Germany in the 1960s, one Ian Gerring (An Intake in '62 or '63) who was transferred to AAS Harrogate from AAS Chepstow (Beachley), is residing on our Isle! I enjoyed your Site."

--- Geoff Martin (ex Intake 54B, AAS Chepstow) from the Isle of Wight in December 2010.

"Thanks for the website as it certainly brought back memories - mostly good ones - and that is what nostalgia is all about. When reading both the Personalities & this Testimonials page I saw many names I recognised too. Thoroughly enjoyed the site as well as other readers' comments about it."

--- Peter Flanigan (ex B Coy, Intake 62C, AAS Harrogate) from Kiev, Ukraine in December 2010.

"You never cease to amaze me; must be Magic! I was doing my regular tour through the updated Harrogate site and came across my photo; many thanks. It is nice to hear the included music and also the photos. I am always walking down memory (or should I say, Penny Pot!) lane when there. Many, many thanks for your very innovative efforts. Outstanding! Your site just gets better and better."

--- Bill Fry (ex C Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate) from Northallerton, North Yorkshire in October 2010.

"Your own site is marvellous as well as vast. I always recommend it to others. In fact (and you'll appreciate that I love this!) the quickest way into it is to Google 'mick 61c' !!"

--- Mick Wells (ex B Coy, Intake 61C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Cheshire in June 2010.

"Thanks to Ben Childs (1990s era), I’ve been scadding around your site for the past half an hour; not a bad job you’ve done of it either. Congratulations."

--- Art Cockerill (ex Kitchener House , DYRMS 1939 - '43) from Cobourg, Ontario, Canada in June 2010.

--- Peter Allison (ex Intake 60B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Manila, the Philippines in June 2010.

--- Alan Lafferty (ex Intake 60C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Bude, Cornwall in June 2010.

--- Charles Train (ex Intake 56B @ AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) 1956 - 1971, in May 2010.

"As a Dukie, your site certainly revived memories. Unable to suggest an improvement. I'm only up to page 145 but you are doing alright so far! Your descriptive wordings that I have read to date are - dare I use the word? - Magic! Keep up the good work - no, that's wrong - keep up the brilliant work!"

--- Brian Marley (ex Kitchener House, DYRMS, 1949 - '53) from Melbourne, Australia in May 2010.

"Great site. Liked everything on the DYRMS -- particularly the move to Dover and your recollections on entry. You could try and get the impressions of the first girls into the School and how they viewed coming into a military, boys' school."

--- Arthur Harold (ex Kitchener House, DYRMS 1948 - '56) from Carterton, Oxfordshire in February 2010.

"You started the ball rolling John. I think it is up to us to help you make this site a masterpiece of Royal Signals history. I've just watched the clip of the young lass on 'U Tube' who passed off at Blandford; she was talking last year[2008] about how she had changed and how she felt about her mates. We are now doing similar 40-50 years later! Well done John and good luck to her generation."

--- Mick Birney (ex C Coy, Intake 63B, fellow Recruit Leader to 'rooks' of 63C! @ AAS Harrogate; also late Royal Signals) from Workington, Cumbria in December 2009.

"... found my way to your great, nostalgic site by discovering your recollection of Gordon Raku at 7th Signal Regt, Herford in 1972. I thank you for your public documentation, a fantastic reminiscent jigsaw puzzle, of such a [military] life because it also strikes so many chords with those of us who have tagged along on similar journeys."

--- Dr. Mark Le Dan (who, as a child, lived in Bad Salzuflen, Germany) from Australia in November 2009

--- Jim McPhee (ex A/T SSM of Penney Squadron, Intake 63A, AAC Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Harrogate in November 2009

--- Ron Chatburn (Magician & ex National Service Sapper) from Dover, Kent in August 2009

--- Michael Glencross (ex School Prefect, Marlborough, DYRMS 1949 - '58) from Johannesburg, South Africa in August 2009

"Great memories John; will dig out some photo's for your site. I remember all the posted names on this Guestmap."

--- Mick Birney (ex C Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate) from Workington, Cumbria in July 2009.

--- Sid Buglas (ex B Coy, Intake 62C, AAS Harrogate [Pipe Band Drummer!] & late Royal Signals) from Newcastle upon Tyne in July 2009

"Excellent. I really enjoyed your website, especially the AAS Harrogate and Royal Signals sections. It all brought back some happy memories."

--- Jim Mustard (ex A/T Sgt of Penney Sqn, Intake 63A, AAS Harrogate) from Seaham, Co. Durham in June 2009

"I have enjoyed your website, so many memories after looking at the Harrogate days again ---"

--- John Haytree (ex B Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Lincoln in March 2009

"Have been going through your site. Great memories flooding back; really enjoyed the 'trip' back. Will there be any more reunion dinners? ... would like to attend if possible."

--- Roger Barnett (ex Haig & Marlborough? Houses, DYRMS 1955 - '63) in February 2009

"Great website; brought back a lot of memories. Am still looking for Bill Donnelly from 22 Sig Regt days. Anyone any ideas please?"

--- John Coultish (ex Intake 61C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) in February 2009

"I was in Publishing for 20 years so am most impressed by your writing style ... and that's not just concerning 'the Raid' either. You've captured the ethos of that era just right!"

--- Jack Hobbs (ex Drum Major & later Chief School Prefect [CSP], Marlborough House, DYRMS 1952 - '59) from Harrogate, North Yorkshire in February 2009

"For more nostalgia, I suggest that you visit the relevant section in John's site which contains loads of photos and description of our school days. Excellent work."

--- Mike Hoare (ex Clive House, DYRMS 1955 - '62) from Preston, Lancashire in February 2009

"Perusing your website and seeing all those black and white photos (1955-1963) was quite unnerving but fascinating!"

--- Tony Willman (ex Wellington, DYRMS 1954 - '62) from Alton, Hampshire in January 2009

"You have done a splendid job putting together your award-winning Web site. Your writings have brought back memories of wonderful years in our lives. "

--- Hubert ('Bert') Taylor (ex D Coy, Intake 63A, AAS Harrogate .... one of our Recruit Leaders! .... and late Royal Signals) in January 2009

"I also want to more closely study your glorious and FASCINATING website: what a remarkable and varied life you have led!"

--- Robbie Macnab (Member of The Magic Circle, Theatrical Agent & Actor) from West Norwood, London in January 2009

"Be interested to see your recollections of the 1959 'Mutiny' though. I still think of that episode as quite an achievement - getting all those boys into Dover and back yet only two caught!"

"It was great to read your comments and recollections of DYRMS on your excellent website. There is so much there I will have to re-visit I'm sure. Great memories coming out and brilliant photos."

--- Bill Hill (ex Marlborough, DYRMS) from Burnham on Crouch, Essex in January 2009

"Just enjoyed a pleasant hour avoiding doing my Open University homework by visiting your site again. With the Internet being so wonderful in this task of researching and reviving memories, I'm sure I've said before that your reminiscences move me in a most pleasant and nostalgic manner."

--- Ian Underhill (ex B Coy, Intake 63C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) in November 2008

"Nicely done John. Saw the photo of Sgt Freeman and it brought back memories of my time in Recruit Company, Penny Pot Lane. Seasons' Greetings to you and your family as well as any other ex-Brats who read this."

--- Rab Murray (ex D Coy, Intake 62C, AAS Harrogate ... transferred to AAS Arborfield in 1963) in November 2008

"Once again I find myself looking at your updated pages. In particular 63B. Seeing all those faces brings back lots of memories."

--- Malcolm Collins (ex B Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) in October 2008

--- Pat Marley (ex Kitchener, DYRMS, 1952 - '54) from Victoria, Australia in July 2008

"What a fantastic collection of memoirs you so vividly laid out in your very excellent web site. It was like a very good book - couldn't put it down. Also, the army humour can only really be appreciated by one who has 'been thru the mill' like you. I was a Harrogate brat - intake 49B so I know the routine."

--- Peter Foy (former National Service Member of Royal Signals) from Ontario, Canada in May 2008

"Very Good. Just a sprog. I really enjoy popping back to visit your site regularly. The new features and updates are great."

--- Geoff Taylor (ex Intake 63C/63B, AAS Harrogate) from Ajax, Canada in May 2008

--- Bill Dickens (ex Kitchener & Roberts, DYRMS) from Mallorytown, Ontario, Canada in February 2008

--- John Humphries (ex Intake 50A, AAS Harrogate) San Francisco, California in October 2007

"Just been reading your reminiscences of time spent in Lippstadt with 22 Signal Regiment; brought back loads of happy memories for me."

--- Dennis Bradley (ex Intake 61A, AAS Harrogate) from Maidenhead, Berkshire in June 2007

"Fantastic. Takes me back! Through this site have discovered what happened to ex A/T pals who served with me at 6 Armoured Brigade. Just keep updating."

--- Eugene Dullaghan (ex Intake 61C, Scott Squadron, AAS Harrogate) Perth, Western Australia in May 2007

--- John G. Jones (ex Intake 60C, AAS Harrogate) Portsmouth, Hants in April 2007

"Nice web site. Congratulations; will make a link to your site on the School history site."

--- Art Cockerill (ex Kitchener , DYRMS 1939 - '43) from Cobourg, Ontario, Canada in April 2007

"Great Photos & thanks for reminiscences of Harrogate, Catterick & 7th Signal Regiment."

--- Paul Brinklow (ex D Coy, Intake 60A, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Camberley, Surrey in April 2007

"My Gawd! What a memory!! How do you do it? Your website served to bring back a few of my own ... and I think that is just scratching the surface."

--- Pat Hodgkinson (ex C Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Oakland Park, Florida, USA in September 2006.

--- Chris Harper (ex B Coy, Intake 61C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Houston, Texas, USA in July 2006.

--- Bob O'Brien (ex A/T Drum Major [Pipes & Drums] of C Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from St Clair Shores, Michigan, USA in April 2006.

--- Allen Tingey (ex Wellington [E25], DYRMS 1955 - '60) from Sydney, Australia in March 2006.

--- Roger Everest (ex A/T of Rawson Squadron, Intake 63C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Simmerath, Germany in November 2005.

"Have spent most of my night going through your website. A lot of work and effort gone into it. Very nice presentation and the list of names brought memories flooding back. Even found photo of me on the gallery site!"

--- Pete Murphy (ex B Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) September 2005.

--- Clive Copestake (ex A Coy, Intake 63B, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Paderborn, Germany in August 2005.

--- Des Coulam (ex 64C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Neuilly sur Seine, France in July 2005.

"Outstanding site. I was in the AAS Brass Band too of course. Happy memories."

--- Dave Villers (ex 63B, D Coy, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada in November 2004.

"Great to read about the early times at Duke of York's. Thanks for sharing those 'pearls of wisdom'!."

--- Mike Vince (ex Clive House, DYRMS 1955 - '63; retired Chief Inspector. Currently Colonel Commandant with Buckinghamshire ACF) from Buckingham, Buckinghamshire in July 2004.

--- Petra Henderson (late Royal Signals) from Frankfurt Main, Germany in February 2004.

--- Neil Bristow (ex C Coy, Intake 61A, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Swindon, Wiltshire in January 2004.

--- Geoff Barden (ex B Coy, Intake 63C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Paderborn, Germany in January 2004.

--- another John Oakley - this one from Little Rock, Arkansas, USA in December 2003!

--- David Smith (ex A/T of Intake 61C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Vancouver, Canada in December 2003.

--- Dave Waterhouse (ex A/T Sgt of Phillips Squadron, Intake 61C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals, REME and RAEC!) from Market Harborough, Leics. in July 2003.

--- Pat Whelan (ex DYRMS & A/T CSM of C Coy, Intake 61C [Upgraded to 61B], AAS Harrogate and late Royal Signals) from County Durham in July 2002.

"Some work gone in there - congratulations! Great site & some of the personalities from Harrogate certainly brought back a few 'fond' memories !"

--- Paul Friend (ex Intake 62C, AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) , in March 2001.

--- Major Lou Kinsey (Salvation Army, ex AAS Harrogate & late Royal Signals) from Catterick Garrison, North Yorks. in January 2001.

--- Stephen Strefford (late Royal Signals) from Catterick Garrison, North Yorks in December 2000.

( You may recognise the singer here; it's Sammy King --- singer/songwriter from Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire --- who also wrote the hit Roy Orbison song 'Penny Arcade'. Here, he's singing his 1980 ballad, "Where Do You Go From Here.)