21st Signal Regiment (Air Support)
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GB75AFS
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GB75AFS
GB75AFS the Special Event amateur radio station (licensed for operations from 5th July to 1st August) was well in evidence at the Regimental Open Day/40th Anniversary on Saturday 10th July 1999 at Azimghur Barracks, Colerne. The event was open to families, serving and ex-members of the Regiment and also to the general public. In addition to marking 40 years as a Regiment and 75 years of Air Formation Signals it was the 60th anniversary of 81 Signal Squadron (Volunteers) who left for 2 Signal Brigade in September 1999. In addition to the military display stands the Royal Signals "WHITE HELMETS" were there and gave their usual exciting Display. There were reunion events on the evenings of Friday 9th July and Saturday 10th July and an informal Service in Colerne Church at which former Air Formation Signallers joined members of the Regiment. Many of the Regiment were absent from the events as a significant proportion is now deployed on operations in the Balkans, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzogovina, Macedonia and Kosovo.
21st Signal Regiment (Air Formation) was established on 1st September 1959 at RAF Laarbruch in Germany. In 1961, 220 and 221 (Air Formation) Signal Squadrons were added to the Regimental Order of Battle (Orbat) and on the 28th July 1968 RHQ established itself at RAF Wildenrath and, finally, in 1971, the Regiment assumed the title of 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support). In 1992 RAF Wildenrath closed and the Regiment reformed at Azimghur Barracks, Colerne with 220 Signal Squadron, 244 Signal Squadron, 43 (Wessex) Signal Squadron (V) and 81 Signal Squadron (V). Today they provide the tactical ground to air and headquarters communications for the RAF Support Helicopter Force of "Chinook" and "Puma" craft. Royal Signals have been responsible for the provision of communications for the Royal Air Force for almost 75 years and at its peak the Air Formation Signals Organisation consisted of 18 British and 7 Indian Air Formation Signal Regiments. 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support) is now the last.
During the operations of GB75AFS (0900 to 1600 hrs on 10th July 1999) some 117 amateur stations were contacted using SSB and CW modes.
taking a welcome respite from the action.
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY: EXPEDITION AT "TRAINING WING" 24th/28th JULY 2000 - 21 SIGNAL REGIMENT (AS)
By kind permission of the CO Lt Col Peter Gilespie. It is acknowledged that through this cooperation with Major E.C.Dale and all other members of the Regiment this event was only possible. The support of Royal Air Force Amateur Radio Society through its Patron Air Marshal Sir Eric Dunn KBE CB BEM CEng RAF (Ret'd) - G3KED who gave his support to the application (via the RSGB) to the Radiocommunications Agency and the Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society is acknowledged.
Sponsorship for the QSL Cards for both the 1999 and 2000 events came from RSARS & RAFARS.
Many thanks to the RSM (and previous RSM's) at the WO's & Sgts Mess Colerne where "The Crew" were accommodated through the Mess Secretary Ms Carol Rowlands.
- Dennis K Egan. GW4XKE
- Hasso L H Eesemann G4BYJ
- Stan Saines G3RNB
- John H Densem G4KJV
- Gethyn T Jennings GØMJL
- Roy Clark G7FCK
- Peter Fletcher GØRGB
Due to the closure of the 244 Squadron hanger a new location for the operation over the 24th/28th July was required and through Major E.C.Dale we were allocated at the "Training Wing" building. Our thanks to all at this facility which in fact proved to be a first class site from both the operating and aerial site location point of view.
This year we had hoped to operate for an extended period since it was the last time the call sign GB75AFS would be available but it is very much regretted this was not achieved. Unfortunately, on the Tuesday night Dennis GW4XKE had a "flair up" of a medical problem and had to leave quickly in the morning as he might not have been able to drive home at a later stage. After seeing the doctor on arrival home some additional tablets were prescribed and by the Wednesday evening matters improved and a return to Colerne on Thursday was made, however it had been decided to close down that day after lunch.
Prior to close down Peter GØRGB managed to nearly equal the 1999 event by "working" a "pile up" on 40 meters which was interrupted for a "Photo Call" of the "Crew".
In the 1999 thrash 609 stations were worked though this time (July 2000) the figure dropped to 564 as the station closed on Thursday just after lunch. All the QSL cards have been sent have been sent via the RSARS/RAFARS/RNARS QSL Bureaux and others through the RSGB.
Very many thanks to Hasso G4BYJ and all the "Crew" together with all all those called the station and SWL's who have sent cards. It is hoped to activate GB4AFS in July 2001 Dennis GW4XKE RSARS/1916. RAFARS/2115
19, Sycamore Close,Longmeadow, Dinas Powis, Vale of Glamorgan. CF64 4TG.
RICHARD WINTERS