Letters to the Editor - Commando Gunner Association

Jerry Jossee, Johnny Bathe & Dennis Smith form the Spanish CGA! (See letter down the page)

It is with deep regret that I have to report that Pete Bryant, who was a CRS with 148 Bty and 95 FOU, passed away on 06 Feb 08 after a fighting a losing battle with cancer. Funeral was held in Poole on Friday 15 Feb 08 at 1230. For those who never knew him Pete was a gentle giant, a solid rugby player and an awsome boxer. He cut a 'Popeye-ish' figure with his pipe clenched between his teeth, it took a lot to get him riled but whe he needed to, he could produce a punch that would stop a train! Despite his 'Naval background' he was an outstanding soldier and a great bloke who will be sadly missed. MLG

The CO of 29 Cdo RA is looking for a way of providing a more fitting memorial for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving with the Regiment. Currently their names are recorded on a plaque on the Guardroom wall. Ideas that have been put forward include a decent size chunk of granite rock to be mounted somewhere appropriately within the Citadel, possibly between the Chapel and the Officers Mess. This would provide a place to transfer the plaque and a suitable place for friends and families to pay their repects. The RWO has been tasked with investigating the options and I will keep you informed of his progress.

Dear Janner.

Congratulations on the launch of the Commando Gunner Association. It was great to see some of the same OLD names on the list of do'ers.

Jerry and Geri Josee have now moved over to Spain and are settling in. (That is as long as we keep him away from the plonker who was supposed to deliver all his furniture TODAY but only sent half of it. The vein (In his neck) definitely throbbed as he went purple).

We are looking in the very near future to start an Orihuela Costa branch of the association. We would do anything for a medal or another 'T' shirt.

Enclosed a photo of "Los Tres Amigos". Will send another one soon with the green 29 regroup polo shirts.I'm also sending a couple of photos of recent visitors including, (If you can recognise them), Ken Richards, Ian Haigh, Jock O'Donnell, Dave Turner. Not forgetting my neighbour Dennis Smith. The fact that alcoholic beverage is in most of the shots is purely coincidental.

I do believe there are some other of the lads over here in the Alicante / Murcia region. We would love to hear from them.

Yours in camaraderie.

John & Jan Bathe.

It is not that the British soldier is braver than other soldiers.
He is not, but he is braver for a little longer. Endurance is
the very fibre of his courage and his character. He stays
where he is until he has won.