THE ARMED SERVICES

The BRITISH ARMY were first on parade and are entrenched on the Web whilst the ROYAL NAVY found it plain sailing after their original web launch, rumours were however flying around like confetti in a gale that the the ROYAL AIR FORCE had not got off the ground but they are plainly visible!

The Official ARMY CADET FORCE website is where you may learn more about the Army Cadet Force and the Combined Cadet Force.

ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY SANDHURST (RMAS) was formed in 1947. It was descended from two older institutions, the Royal Military Academy (RMA)(1741) and the Royal Military College (RMC)(1800).
"Officers must be the embodiment of leadership, character and the Army’s Core Values. They must be dedicated to the essential qualities of courage, selfless commitment and self-sacrifice that are enshrined in the Ethos of the Army and which foster mutual trust."
Officer Cadets at Sandhurst are taught to use all the current VHF radio equipment. This vital communication skill, so necessary to the maintenance of tempo on the battlefield, is employed on all Sandhurst field exercises. Communication is a core activity for any successful leader.
The full detail and fascinating history are here - including the 132 page PDF document "The Queen's Commission" - an invaluable guide.

The Royal Signals Association (RSA) was formed in 1920 at the birth of the Corps from the Royal Engineers.
The objects of The Association are:

The Address for all Royal Signals Association matters is:
The General Secretary, Royal Signals Association, RHQ Royal Signals, Blandford Camp, DORSET DT11 8RH
Tel: 01258 482090 (Membership matters)
Tel: 01258 482089 (Welfare matters)
Fax: 01258 482084
Email: rsa@rsignals.net

A small group of ex-members of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals got together in Kingston on the 24th of October 1979 to commemorate the birthday of the Corps. . "Why not do this more often?" was the consensus. Some aims were formulated on the spot - to renew old acquaintances, maintain esprit de corps, get to meet every now and then on a social basis, maintain liaison with the modern-day version of the Corps and perhaps in some small way assist ex-Sigs types who may not have been as lucky as the rest of us. The first meeting of the new club was held in March 1980. From the original 18 who attended that first meeting to a current membership of 700 this trans-Canada Club also has members in the USA, England, Ireland, Australia, and Singapore. They also have "members who are on UN Peacekeeping duties.
The purpose of the Signallers Club of Canada is:
To serve as a social focus and a means of mutual assistance to club members;
To keep alive the spirit and camaraderie of military Communications.

The "NATO Veterans Organization" the first in Canada to honour their Armed Forces who have served in the past in Europe and the Balkans and are still serving now in Afghanistan under NATO.
"The serving in Afghanistan has kind of stirred us up, as they are not recognized any where in Canada but they should be. This NATO Veterans Organization is also the first in Canada that is coming together and is a group of all NATO Vets be they have served in the Navy at Sea, Army in Germany, Bosnia Afghanistan, Air Force in France and there are even more places."

* BFBS Radio on DAB Digital Radio in the UK! *
For the first time in their 65-year history, BFBS Radio is available across the United Kingdom. A trial on DAB Digital Radio across Great Britain has been launched, in addition to their FM and AM services in Northern Ireland which means that, for the first time, BFBS is able to reach out to British Forces and their families stationed right across the UK and around the world!
An absolute wealth of more material, radio, TV, links and facilities is available on the website BFBS RADIO and you can listen online too.

Not only is the well-known SOLDIER MAGAZINE of tremendous interest to ex-Army personnel as well as those currently serving but it carries an excellent Reunions and Comrades Search board.

MoD Oracle is an extensive military information resource (including considerable pertinent news items) for those interested in finding out more about the military generally, and keeping very much up-to-date with their profession and careers within the UK Ministry of Defence.
MoD Oracle is wholly independent of the UK Ministry of Defence. They have liaised closely with groups and associated outside agencies to ensure that MoD Oracle is a relevant and useful resource. This liaison is a permanent feature of MoD Oracle.

MoD reunited
The "safe secure way to contact friends and colleagues"

The NATIONAL SERVICE (RAF) ASSOCIATION was formed in 2000 by a few ex-RAF National Servicemen who thought that the era when National Service was common to all, was being forgotten - allied to that was the time factor which makes it necessary for this Association to be active now before it is too late for many of us...
The site is dedicated to the 'RAF National Service years', it has a comprehensive gallery, "Where are they now?" section, news of local meetings and AGMs, and members' profiles along with articles on the RAF National Service years and much more.

A new web site for finding old service/ex-service friends - but one with a difference! Robin Stott's ARMED FORCES FRIENDS works in a different way to most other sites in that the users create their own service history profile and publish it. Then when they view each of their postings a list of all other members at that posting at that time are listed below. Better to look at the site to get an idea of how it works - there's little doubt you will want to take the opportunity of registering (it's FREE!) and finding all those old pals.

The website of Bill, G4KKI is dedicated to the JUNIOR LEADERS REGIMENT, Royal Corps of Signals, which was based at Rawlinson Barracks (more commonly known as Denbury Camp). He was there from January 1964 to May 1966 and passed out as a BIII Radio Operator then posted to 257 Signal Squadron in BAOR. The website contains many photographs from as early as the late 1950's to closure.(in 1967) and they also have an email group hosted by Yahoo and have over 100 members consisting of ex-Boys and also a few ex-staff. They welcome anyone who served at Denbury.

We are extremely sad to inform all Beachley Boys & Staff that all MOD Army Apprentice Colleges are now closed. Beachley closed in 1994 & most recently Arborfield in 2000. However all is not lost for BOBA is online which virtually reunites the participants of yore and of more recent times.

AIR FORMATION SIGNALS appear here - their Association was originally formed in 1985 on an 'ad hoc' basis for a number of members of 15th Air Formation Signals who met in Nottingham (and later, Crewe) for annual dinners. In 1993 the majority of those members voted not to continue due to their 'advancing years'! However three stalwarts set about recruiting new members, initially those who had served in 12th, 15th and 18th Air Formation Signals but quickly extended to welcome those who had served in other Air Formation Signal units. An inaugural dinner of the revived Association was held in Bath in October 1994 and reunion dinners have been held each year ever since. although the venue has since moved to a more central location. By mid 2002 there were over 200 names on the membership list. A newsletter is published two or three times each year and its editor Mr Paul Quinn of 32, Windsor Way, Polegate, East Sussex BN26 6QD always welcomes items for publication.
The Association takes a stand at the Regimental Open Days which are arranged by 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support) at Colerne (a few miles North-East of Bath) every other year. A number of members are keen radio amateurs (notably GW4XKE/RSARS) who operate a Special Event radio station at the same time. 21st Signal Regiment now has both Air Formation and Air Support roles and the Commanding Officer of the Regiment is also President of the Association.

260 Signal Squadron (SAM) was formed on the 1st April 1968 at Horseshoe Barracks, Shoeburyness, Essex. It was formed when the two existing Heavy Air Defence Regiments, 36 and 37, were amalgamated to form a the new 36 Heavy Air Defence Regiment, Royal Artillery.
The new website of 260 Signal Squadron has been set up to provide a Virtual Reunion for its former members and those of 654 and 655 Signal Troop (SAM) and attached personnel: it may also be of interest to former members of 36 & 37 Heavy Air Defence Regiment Royal Artillery, 8th US Signal Battalion as well as members of the Royal Corps of Signals.

The Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel on the Web is a virtual tour and contains other relevant information.
There was a Remembrance Service on 24th June 2001 and further details can be obtained from Mrs Angela Perry Secretary to the Trustees ... 01869 233092

The History of British Military conflicts from 1945 to 1992 website covers "India, Palestine, Malaya, Korea, Suez Canal Zone, Kenya, Cyprus, Suez Borneo, Vietnam, Aden, Radfan, Oman, Dhofar Northern Ireland, The Falklands War and The Gulf War."
Most people have heard of Britain's involvement in military conflicts in the latter part of the 20th century, such as the Falklands War and the Gulf War. What the younger generation does not realize is that British soldiers, airmen and sailors and members of the Commonwealth have been fighting small wars defending Britain's shrinking Empire since the end of WWII. From the insect-ridden jungles of Malaya to the frozen hills of Korea, in the back streets of Aden and Cyprus, from the African bush of Kenya to the rain-soaked hills of the Falklands, young National Servicemen and regular British soldiers have been defending the British Empire and her allies for the last forty years. This is their story.

The Gallipoli Association's objective (and encouraged by their website) is to preserve the memory of the men who served in and commemorate the events of the Great War campaign on the Gallipoli peninsula Turkey that took place between April 1915 and January 1916.
The Association has members worldwide. They range from veterans of the campaign itself, authors, specialists and amateur historians, to relatives of those who served and those who simply have a desire to remember.

If you have ever served in the Armed Forces, whether you are a veteran of the World Wars, Korea, National Service, Northern Ireland, the Falklands or Gulf Campaigns, Bosnia, a peace-time Regular, a Volunteer Reservist or a dependant then THE VETERANS' ADVICE UNIT of the Ministry of Defence is available to assist. The VAU is a telephone Help Line offering advice to individuals on where and how to obtain expert help and it is staffed by fully trained Warrant Officers. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 0900 to 1700 and there is an Answering Service outside of those times. Areas with which the VAU can help include disability compensation, war pensions claims, Services Old Comrades' Associations, Service Medals, and can put enquirers onto other Organisations. All calls to the VAU are at 'local call rates' - the number is 08456 02 03 02 if you are ringing from within the United Kingdom. Callers from outside the UK need to ring 0171 218 9000 and ask specifically for VAU.

Lost Comm's is the site for helping you "Find Your Forces Friends" from the Army, Navy, Marines and RAF. The site is a helping hand for you to find and re-establish communications with lost call signs and forces friends from the Army, Navy, Marines, RAF and other associated areas of the forces. Find family friends after losing touch, leaving the Army, Navy, Marines or RAF, or getting posted and finding you've lost your forces friends contact details. If you cannot find the Army, Navy, Marines, RAF forces friend who your looking for, please leave your details as your old Army, Navy, Marines and RAF forces friends may be trying to find you. Why not let your comrades know about this site, they maybe able to find their Army, Navy, Marines or RAF forces friends too.
As Bill Brown, the proprietor says: "The site is designed to allow persons from HM Forces, UN and Nato forces the possibility of contacting old comrades and friends from all three services and affiliated agencies by posting their details, also reunion functions and get-togethers can also be advertised for FREE. The site provides links to official service sites and is not full of garbage. Good Luck in your search."

RON SMITH'S CONTACTS PAGE details Corps members seeking information on the whereabouts of other Corps members. Search by name, unit or location using the Topic Finder. Any relevant information may be sent to the Ron for publication, or for forwarding as appropriate.

Visit MILITARY RESOURCE UK and you will probably stay a long time. Perhaps "Sign on for 21" will take on a different meaning!! A formidable collection which could only have been derived from much hard work. Visitors Information: "The main aim of Military Resource UK is to provide visitors to the site with complete access to information on HM Forces, the site is intended to provide information to serving and former members of the UK's Armed Forces with special sections containing useful information to Veterans, we also provide a complete set of links to voluntary organisations and services that may be able to assist serving and ex-service members." so goes their preamble. The pictures take a while to show but the navigation has been worked out very nicely. We have arranged reciprocal links of course. An update took place on 30th October 1999 introducing several new Information Sections which are already proving very useful. You can contact them by e-mail for further information.

If you require details of British Army Service Records, Medals and other information then visit MINISTRY of DEFENCE who also have pages devoted to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force. They have no e-mail facilities for the public at the moment but are "working on it". There are many points of contact listed in these pages and the parent Home Pages of MoD.

THE NATIONAL SERVICE VETERANS ALLIANCE (NSVA) has grown out of an ever-increasing ground swell of opinion held by former National Servicemen “not to be forgotten”. During the period 1945 to 1963 some 2,200,000 of the country’s youth were conscripted to serve for 2 years in the Armed Forces and helped to maintain peace. Membership is available on payment of a fee and full details of aims and objectives, benefits of membership and Newsletters are available from:- NSVA, Robin Cottage, 220 Kingsground, Eltham, London SE9 5EW,

On the scene is the ROYAL ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION Radio Branch whom we welcome to these pages.

Ron McKeon's web site dedicated to the Unsung Heroes of 624 RAF (Special Duties) Squadron begs a visit - there you will find the full story of the Squadron (formerly 1575 Flight) based at Blida Algeria 1943 - 44.
There are also many links to other related pages including The British Military History Webring, USAAF, RCAF, Jedburgh Teams, The Stirling Pages, The Wellington Museum and many more.

THE FLEET AIR ARM OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION have a Web Site and details of the FAA Memorial are included. The Memorial Committee have announced that the design has been completed, planning permission has been granted, and work on the construction of the Memorial is now in progress. The unveiling will take place in June 2000 on the site in Victoria Embankment Gardens, Whitehall Extension, London SW1. An appeal for donations to the Trust has been launched (Charity Number 1060009) and contact can be made at 4 St. James's Square, London, SW1Y 4JU (Tel: 0171 930 7722).

SEARCH MILITARY results are awesome! On a first visit we entered "Radio Equipment" in the search box. Over 500 detailed entries came up. In response to "US Signal Corps" some 200 documents were revealed. And all available at the click of a mouse button. The Site contains "Now over 900,000 military pages indexed and ranked in order of popularity." That should be enough to keep interested parties online for a long time, but do remember when you get carried away with reading these fascinating pages - you may be paying telephone connection charges, so download and save the page first or at least go off line and leave your browser on the page!

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN SIGNALS (RASIGS) seem to have disappeared from cyberspace: we have scouts and search parties out for them in the Outback and as soon as we can we will create a link. If any visitor should come across them we'd be pleased to know.

A footnote to the above comes to us by e-mail on 10th October 2000 and whilst we still have no evidence of a web presence of Royal Australian Signals per se we are delighted to direct you to the following very kindly supplied by Robert Fellows who earns our eternal gratitude:- "Here are some of the sites that are available for RA Sigs veterans:-
This site is for 108 Sig Sqn one of our A Reserve units with links to other sites -
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~richard.108.htm
This site is for the 75th anniversary of our Corps and shows the many functions that will take place or have taken place this year -
http:// www.ceracito75.asn.au
This one is just a general Sigs site set up by a single person -
http://www.tortuga.com.au/budda/sigs_vietnam_vets_assn.htm
This one is for 104 Sig Sqn for service in Vietnam - http://www.powerup.com.au/~dhare/104sigs.html
This one is for 103 Sig Sqn based in Townsville, North Queensland and also based on the Unit's service in Vietnam -
http://www.loftuse_20@hotmail.com
or
http://www.pjcunno@iinet.net.au
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