tom 12 ex sigs plt

[Dai 55]

Members very sad news but Tom 12 ex sigs plt passed away today no further information at this time,my heart goes out to Toms family and friends at this very sad time RIP TOM a true royal Welch man xx

[Gwyn Nicholas]

This is the saddest possible news. Elwyn was without doubt the kindest, most thoughtful person I have ever had the privilege to meet and to call friend. His advice and guidance made all the difference to my service and I will be eternally grateful to him for that and his friendship. He was a first class instructor, knowledgable, patient and at all times approachable whether inside or outside the classroom and remained as such regardless of the rank he attained. It is said very often but Tom 12, was a legend in his own time, truly a one-off, irreplacable Gentle-man the like of whom we are rarely privileged to meet. His passing will be deeply felt by many. God bless you Elwyn till we meet again.

[benney]

So sad what a great man and i think what gwyn says about covers it all a true royal welchman and will be sadly missed by every one who had the privaliege to meet him rip my friend

[Dai72]

What a sad loss, Tom looked after me from the time I completed my first Sigs Course in Tidworth when he found out I was from Maesteg like him. Throughout his career in the Royal Welch he would also look out for me.

When I finally joined the Signals he put on the right path until I left to join Bravo's, though we would still meet up for a pint now and again when we were both home in the valley.

That's two from the Platoon this month hopefully no more soon.

I hope I can get to the funeral to pay my respects to such a great man.

At least you have a great mate in 80 to keep you company.

RIP 12. God Bless.

[hoppy41]

very sad news RIP tom

[nick sigallias]

lovely bloke tom 12, very funny but so on top of his job. great times in the sigs cadres, great teacher. rip mate

[Rog Ball 01]

Very sad news regarding Elwyn (Tom 12). Without doubt he was a star, and when with people like Fred Dargie he was even better.

[Ianto 10]

I endorse every word Gwyn's tribute to Elwyn, Elwyn was a lovely bloke and a true friend to me, I have not seen him since leaving the Army but never forgot him, he will be sadly missed by those who were close to him. I and Jan send our deepest condolences to Elwyn's family and friends on this sad occasion. RIP Old mate, until we meet again.

[Radar]

I joined the Sigs platoon in Tidworth like Dai 72 and Tom was a guiding light, he had the patience of a saint and when I couldn't get my head around SG levels in battery acid he, together with Corky (you old fella's must remember him) sat me down and went through each step. I never ever saw him lose his rag. Real Gent, god rest.

[john slack]

So sorry to hear the sad news.Tom was a great character and nobody had a bad word about him. our heartfelt sympathies go to his family and friends. God Bless RIP Tom.

[Rob12]

This is indeed very sad news and wish to pass on condolences to all family and friends from myself and all members of The Denbigh and District Branch of The Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association. RIP Tom12

[mikedonnelly]

RIP Tom a true gentleman.

[evans70]

Elwyn and I were Recruits together and good friends, we lost touch over the years and used to get in touch through his mother in Maesteg. Very sad news condolences to the family.

[Mike Salway]

So many memories, so many laughs,it was a privilege and a pleasure to have got to know Tom so well during the last 5/6 years of his service.Never yo be forgotten.RIP TOM.

[Thom15]

Goodness me! such sad news, Elwyn was a special bloke and they broke the mold never to replace such a wonderful character. We had some fantastic times in the Red Dragon as well as in the Sig's Plt. He did not play rugby but supported the Bn team like the true fan of the game he was. RIP pal, never to be forgotten.

[Gerrycc943]

Oh dear, another notification of a very very sad passing. Tom was one of the most larger than life Battalion characters who grew on you and you couldn't help liking him and enjoying his presence, be it social or service. On his climb through the ranks, he never changed and remained "Tom 12". Gwyn and fellow Sigs Pl chums have paid a fitting tribute on behalf of all of us and I can think of very little more to add.

Deepest condolences to family, friends and comrades from all at London Branch RWFCA.

Gerry 43
Branch Secretary

[tony.t.corbett]

How very sad and what a shock? I had'nt seen Elwyn for a number of years, a great collegue and friend who will be missed by all who knew and met him, especially those of us from Signal Platoon fraternity God Bless?and goodbye old friend. Condolence to the Family.

Tony and Carol

[Chris Sanders 98]

sad news rip tom

[Paul Davies 701]

Does anyone have Tom's funeral details yet?

[Dennis Goldsworthy farmer]

Pembrokeshire Branch pass on our condolences to Toms family and Friends.....

[A&SRHQ]

For the funeral of Thom 12, (which we think will probably be week commencing 9 July) we are looking for 6 pall bearers, ideally ex-signals platoon - anyone wishing to carry out this task, could you please contact Des at RHQ - 01978 316188 or 07545 243513

The funeral will take place in Maesteg Chapel of Rest, then Margam Crematorium

[jungle1810]

Hello,
The Bridgend & District branch Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association offer their condolences to al Tom's family and friends.
Jungle1810 pp Bridgend RWFCA

[Bob Lloyd]

So sorry to hear this sad news that Tom 12 had passed away. I have many fond memories of service with him. In 1972 he was B Coys signals NCO and lived in 4pl lines. He introduced us all to Max Boyce when he returned from leave with a copy of Max's first LP recorded in Pontadawe (Max Boyce in Session). Kept us amused for many hours and added to the hireath we felt serving in Londonderry many miles away from family in Wales. He was also of course a true professional as a Regimental Signaller and I endorse all that those who worked closely with him have written in this thread. But he was more than a good signaller. In 1978 he was selected as the Ops WO on our 4 month Londonderry tour. I was Ops Offr at the time and knew I could rely on Tom 100% to do all that was required. Utterly reliable he was an excellent briefer and was complemented many times by the Bde staff. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. With deepest sympathy, Bob

[richie264]

He was a funny & lovely man.

[George Badham]

tom was a great friend and character never a dull moment around tom but a true professional to the end long will he be remembered R.I.P. TOM 12 another of the old guard gone to the last parade (sad news)

[Bricoates]

Very sad news, Tom 12 was a friend and part of the Recce/Sigs "Family" in the old days, all at the Caernarfon Branch Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association send our deepest sympathy to Family and friends at this sad time

[Brian Robert Dexter Dando]

I have very fond Memories of time served with Thom 12 from 1969 to 1987, in the Jungle in Malaya, Hong Kong etc. He was and outstanding member of the signal platoon and was very well respected by all the served with him. He followed me as Signals WO and then as TQMS I don't know what he did after that as I left the Bn to take over 28 cadet training team in Chester and I never saw him again but I will never forget him a great man. I have already told Des at RHQ that I will be willing to be a Pall Bearer and I look forward to meeting up with all his friends at the Funeral. Brian RDD

[Jones 24]

12, was one of the best.Thirty six years ago last tuesday he was my best man at my wedding. You could not have met a nicer person.Since i joined the sigs in honiton Tom became a friend he was either borrowing money off me or peeing over me hence his other nickname 'ramrod'. He was 100% genuine a true professional who would give you the world.My condolences to his family. A great loss to us all he's one that we will never forget. There will be plenty of TOM 12 stories at the wake. Good night and god bless 12. R.I.P A very true friend Jones 24.

[SHAUN MCCORMACK]

Very sad news. R.I.P Tom. Our condolences to Tom's family and friends.

Sue and Shaun

[Bob Bacon]

I first met Tom in late 1966 when I joined the Signals Platoon in Minden. He was the most caring person you would ever meet; an inspiring big brother, the fair-minded police officer and he would do anything to help someone else.

He was one of life's characters. Everybody knew him and everybody loved him. He never ceased to make people laugh - it was one of his greatest gifts. He was a team player in the truest sense. I have rarely seen a man give more for those around him, or a commander care more deeply for his men. It was never 'I', it was always 'us'.

He was unique, one in a million, a battalion personality through and through. He thrived on the friendship of many, and was generous to a fault in the friendship he gave in return. Indeed this was the very essence of the man; always putting others first, and taking huge enjoyment in making others smile and laugh, no matter how difficult the circumstances. No matter what happened, where we were at, even if we were sleeping in the field getting a torrential downpour rained on us, he'd always make it funny - but when it came time to seek help for him, he became humble.

The tributes paid by those on the forum speak volumes about the kind of soldier he was - a valued comrade and a trusted friend to many. Our thoughts and sympathies lie with his loved ones at this most difficult of times.

[Alun Cleaver]

Just heard the tragic news about Tom 12 and I’m totally shocked. Everybody who served with him, especially those in the sigs platoon, will mourn his passing.He was a great friend and the wonderful memories I have of him will stay with me always. `Gone but not forgotten’, was written for the Tom 12s of this world. Deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time and I hope all these tributes to a wonderful man help in some small way. Alun Cleaver.

[keith may]

what can you say more about tom 12 a really wonderful gent another one whos gone but WILL never BE forgotten R.I.P TOM from keith and all at CARDIFF RWFCA.

[Barry69]

I can only endorse the comments of fellow members especially Bob who has described Tom to a Tee, I always looked up to Tom and respected him for his qualities as a human-being and fellow soldier, I met Tom in Tidworth and really got to know Tom on Snow Queen in Lemgo, where he was know as Mr A to B for his direct approach to Skiing, such a great two weeks were Toms humour played an major role, I will like all miss Tom, but like us old soldier I am sure he will keep us a chair in Pronto s Bar with our many lost comrades! RIP mate.

[BennytheBall]

Our deepest condolences go out to Elwyn Thomas 12's family, friends and fellow comrades' at this very sad time.
TOM 12 may you RIP.
From All at the Shotton and Deeside Branch RWFCA

[Owen W]

What sad news. A Royal Welchman who achieved so much in his time and who was so willing to help others benefit from his wisdom.

A real loss. My thoughts go to his family and close friends.

Owen

[Ken Barrow]

Sad News what a great guy RIP Tom.

[A&SRHQ]

The funeral details for Thom 12 have now been confirmed - 1100hrs 11 Jul 12, Zoar Chapel of Rest, Maesteg, Mid Glam CF34 9TU, then Margam Crematorium at 1200hrs.

A reminder, would anyone who'd like to act as pallbearer please contact Des on 01978 316188 or 07545 243513

[wally15]

tom was one of the best ther was rest in peace tom

[Alun Cleaver]

For those of you going to the funeral of Tom 12 and using a sat/nav to find your way, the correct post code is CF34 9UP.

[nasher546]

Elwyn Thomas 12. What a true Royal Welchman and indeed a friend. Tom borrowed me a fiver in Tidworth in '74. I paid him back at the beginning of the month, but by the end of the month I was skint again and asked him again for the sub of a fiver. Each month I paid Tom back, and at the end of each month I would borrow the fiver back again. It took till the middle of '75 to actually pay Tom back the fiver. That's the sort of guy 12 was. I was with Tom on R&R in Gibraltar in '76 and those others with us will remember what a time we had.

Rest in peace my friend and God Bless.

[Jinx 56]

From 1965 to 1988 , I had the priviege , to have known him , a true friend and a Gentleman , our condolences to all his family .
Roland and Kathy...