A Letter From Northern Ireland

[Barry69]

Great Story of present and past Ken glad you met with Kathleen Gillespie, widow of Patsie, as previously mentioned we knew Patsie "Paddy" from our 86 tour, The Civi workers they allways had the hardest life, trying to earn a crust living amongst the fear.

The feeling must be strange, as it was for me returning to Londonderry for a court case later with Roddy Porter (Brig), Baz Vale. no protection or weapons you feel very vunrable, as everyone at the court house in the Rosemount knows you are army.

Look forward to the next book, lets have some more Royal Welch entries come on swing that lamp!

[Rog Ball 01]

Barry

Was that the Cara Cara tour in 86?

[Clive Rees (08)]

The letter brings back many poignant memories.

During one of the tours there I bought a record called 'Soldier' by a singer called Harvey Andrews. It describes a soldiers story and his sad ending by laying on a bomb and saving the lives of women and children, says it all really.

I wonder if any one else has a copy.

I'm just wondering if Ken has ever heard it.

Regards

Clive

[nasher546]

Rog,

The Cara Cara tour was 86.

[Bob Bacon]

The letter brings back many poignant memories.

During one of the tours there I bought a record called 'Soldier' by a singer called Harvey Andrews. It describes a soldiers story and his sad ending by laying on a bomb and saving the lives of women and children, says it all really.

I wonder if any one else has a copy.

I'm just wondering if Ken has ever heard it.

I have uploaded the song in question, which can now be found in our Video Section

[Clive Rees (08)]

Thanks Bob, very thoughtful of you.

Clive

[Clive Rees (08)]

i have uploaded the song in question, which can now be found in our video section

well worth a listen

[kenny]

Guys

Many, many thanks for all your kind words on my 'travelogue' It was an interesting weekend to say the least. The following is what happened on the Creggan which I didn't put in the letter from NI.

"As I said, the Creggan was the most intimidating. As you know, it was the Parachute Regiment who carried out the shootings on 'Bloody Sunday' and they are still reviled in Derry. The guy who was watching us by the betting shop said to us 'What are ye boys doing ?' George just said that we were taking photos and he asked: 'Would ye be soldiers by any chance?' George said yes and the guy's face darkened and he then demanded 'Are ye ****in' Paratroopers ?' It was only when we said no, that he relaxed, shook George's hand and nodded to the other two. When he walked away, they went inside the shop again and we relaxed."

For those who have asked; I am ex-Jackets but with Welsh family background. My maternal Granddad was from the valleys and was called George Edward Wilde. It is true that the first book has many RRW lads in there and only the odd RWF; ditto the second book. You RWF lads can put that right for the third book. Over to you.

Nec Aspera Terrent. We were just 'Swift and Bold'

[Rog Ball 01]

Thanks for the letters and info Ken. Were you 1, 2 or 3 RGJ?

Chris and I have just listened to 'The Soldier', it still brings back sad memories for us both.

The loss of friends and people I had got to know and for some like ourselves sons or daughters.

[kenny]

Ball401. 1st and best. I have about 60 pics of the weekend; if you want them as condensed files just let me know at ken_wharton @hotmail.com

Warmest best wishes