We now have a confirmed 40 people attending for the Sword Presentation for Mick and John.
I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday. It will be a mixture of sad regret about why we are there, but also an opportunity for us to have a mini-reunion, if only for a short while.
Huge effort from Bill Griffiths flying in from Dublin, and Bob Beesley flying in from Geneva. And Bill Martin coming down from Scotland. A big thanks to the three of you.
I would also like to mention NORTH EAST BRANCH of the RGJ Association. Great response with 4 members attending. 2 personal friends of the two guys, and Malc and John Donnison officially representing North East Branch. Again, thanks guys.
I know everyone else is also making a great effort to attend and for almost everyone, it will mean an early start. Thank you all.
We may well now have 3 Buglers attending (!) and I know Arish Turle would want me to mention a word of thanks to 2 Rifles for their Bugler and the two Swords that will be presented. (The Bn is in the middle of training for deployment to Afghanistan)
Lastly, I would like to put on record, my personal thanks to Arish Turle for organising and funding the whole project. A great gesture, from a great Company Commander.
PS: If anyone else not connected to John and Mick or that 1968/69 A Company, would like to attend, you would be most welcome.
Super effort from all concerned to get the Memorial for John and Mick organised especially Major Tearles brilliant commison of the two swords.
I was privaleged to go to Johns funeral with a few other A Coy guys to represent the Battalion, it was a occassion that will stay with me forever , both great green jackets in their own different ways.
I am again privaleged to once again remember John and Mick together with their familys , friends and fellow Greenjackets.
I will be staying over on tuesday evening close to the venue and would be pleased to hear from anyone doing the same , so we may enjoy a beer or to on tuesday evening.
I can be contacted by e-mail bobbeesley@yahoo.com, or my mobile on tuesday morning 07875 492502 dont call before 11.00 hrs as it will cost lots.
