Jeff Otten RWF - (British Honduras) Belize 1953

[Aled Roberts]

I think Al has supplied you with everything you need for your quest.

The servcie number quoted would have been issued in the early 1950's - so everything is fitting in.

Richard

[ap1]

I've had a good look through Ancestry back to the 1960's. No deaths that standout. Its possible he may still be alive. Of course his name may not be registered as "Otten", perhaps an alternative spelling such as "Oaten" has been used. Regarding the welsh connection, there is currently a large clump of Otten's living in the Swansea area, listed on the 192 site. It may be worth a cold call to one of the older persons listed to see if they recall him.

[mlsander]

Thanks Gentlemen for all your help. I am a member of Ancestry and you've given me additional info to help with my search. I will also checkout the other site you mentioned. If I find anything interesting, I'll let you know.

Regards,
Mike

[chow]

Sorry if this is not appropriate to the thread.

I am sure that when we were in Belize in 74 some one came to the gates at air port camp,
making inquires about some one who was in Belize in the 50s,but this was a lad of about 20/22.
a strange coincident i think.

[jungle1810]

Hello,
I phoned Len Watts last night, he informed that his wife's maiden name was Norma Weston. Len also told me that Cpl Williams 22 (Donkey Jaws) married a local Honduran lady her Christian name was Rosa Cpl Roberts also married a local girl,she was Maria Espat, her family owned a cafe in Belize. Now for some more info not entirely comprehensive Jeff Otten came from N Wales, Len knows Jeff very well He was indeed an amateur boxer.and Len knows him from support company. I have not found any evidence to suggest he was a golden gloves champion. He did how ever box against an Honduran Police team in Belize versus an RWF company boxing team, in the RWF team was Ianto 07, Mark Berry, Jeff Otten, I am still unable to come to terms with the picture shown in the first thread. The battalion dress code in our tour of the Caribbean was from 06-00 hrs to 18-00 hrs was Blue/Black beret, Badge (The hackle was optional in barracks) we wore short K.D. (Khaki Drill)trousers ammunition boots, blue hose tops and a light khaki type of puttees. From 1800 hrs to reveille one could wear mufti with suitable shoes, or if going out in uniform the code was KD long trousers and KD jacket with the sleeves rolled down and and the beret badge and hackle, the flash was held in position with press studs to facilitate easy removal for the dhobi wallahs and every one had a scrubbed belt, suitable shoes. The terrain in the camp was pretty flat. I cannot remember the "Sand bag bunker" that Jeff was photographed in front of and am still unable to come to terms with the white belt and gaiters. For example my number was 22541801 and I joined in September 1950. But this info might be of use to the forum readers.
Regards RBD aka jungle1810

[ap1]

Thanks Don, very useful. Could you possibly ask Len if Jeff was a Caernarfon lad? If he can remember his home location that would be a big step. This will assist the family when looking for birth certificates etc.

Many Thanks

Al

[jungle1810]

Hello Al,
Will do I phoned a bit late last night. But I will have another go.
Regards Don

[mlsander]

I should mention that I don't know when or where the photo was taken. Jeff wrote a quick note and signed the back but there is no date. My suspicion is that the photo was after he left Belize and sent in the mail - probably 1954 - 1956 timeframe. My wife has another photo with a note to her but we have not been able to find it. She's sure it was the same picture but I've torn the house apart trying to find it without any luck. She found the posted photo in a box with her old papers.

mls

[Bricoates]

Thanks Don, very useful. Could you possibly ask Len if Jeff was a Caernarfon lad? If he can remember his home location that would be a big step. This will assist the family when looking for birth certificates etc.

Many Thanks

Al

I remember the name Otten in Caernarfon, I will enquire and post any info.
Brian

[ap1]

Cheers Brian, We've noticed a large cluster in Caernarfon and Swansea.