So sorry to hear the sad news. My condolences to his family

Rest easy Johnny and thanks for your time and service. Condolences to the Family.

Very sad, especially at this time of year. My thoughts and prayers with his Family, Comrades, Loved Ones and Friends.

Rest In Peace "Johnny"

MAJOR D A WHITTLESTONE
10th ROYAL HUSSARS (PWO) 1938 – 1969, ROYAL HUSSARS (PWO) 1969 - 1970
It is with sadness that we inform you of the death Major Don Whittlestone, who passed away on Saturday 14 October, aged 98.
The funeral and cremation service took place on the 13 November.
Don is survived by his son Tony, who’s address, , should you wish to write, the address is available from HHQ (01962 828539)”
Our thanks to Steve Penkethman HHQ for the information
Alot of us would have crossed his path at lulworth.

I stand corrected as I have just found out from his book that he was a Bay. I owe you a pint Bob Brain

OK Charlie I won't forget. Have a good festive period and a prosperous New Year.

WOW !! did I start something!
It's good to hear so many of you contributing.
Shall we talk about flowers now!
Bert

Email sent to me by Ron Baker with an update on Paddy's and Anne's situation.

Good Evening Ron

I’m Anne Jennings the eldest daughter of Bill and Ann Kavanagh.

Your letter arrived and I told Mam I’d let you know how they both are, she was delighted to hear from you.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year Ron which started with Mam’s heart attack last Christmas. Her pneumonia in early June caused her health to deteriorate further and she’s in a care home near me in County Kildare about 20 miles from Dublin. Physically she’s not great but as you could probably tell after talking to her there’s nothing wrong with her mental abilities, she’s as sharp and glamourous as ever.

Dad’s mental state nosedived after she went into hospital in June causing his Alzheimer’s to escalate to the extent he was in serious danger. He’s in a really poor state having had surgery last week for pressure sore tissue damage. We’re not sure he recognises who we are but physically he’s not in bad shape. He’s bedbound but that may change as he’s now eating and drinking for the staff. He’s also in the same care home but on the dementia wing. It’s so sad to see his deterioration and at such a rapid pace.

If there’s any update Ron I’ll drop you a line, it was really interesting to see that when Dad was struggling with day to day memories his recollection of his army days and friends was crystal clear.

Regards and best wishes

Anne

Dear Anne,
My thoughts and prayers for You and your Mammy and Daddy.
I pray also that you will find the strength and faith to bear your burden. God's will seems very cruel sometimes but everything is done for a reason. It is always worse for those who have to sit, watch and wait. Your Dear Daddy is thankfully unaware so you have to bear the pain instead of him. May God Bless you and your Family.

Kind regards and Best Wishes,
Johnboy

Google is a great provider for the info when we are stumped!

Copy of a bit about Les Dawson

When National Service time arrived he joined the army to get away from his frustrations in electrics. He became a gunner in the tank regiment.
Les was thrown in the guard house for being drunk and disorderly, but got out as there was no one else to play the piano in The Sergeants' Mess.

Good on 'yer Charlie.
As you were the "Oracle" last year, are we getting a pay rise on our pensions ???

I have heard that it's 3%. I hope that I have heard correctly. State pension is also going up by 3%