Suffolk Regiment in Cyprus 1958/59

News Update

By Margaret Sheard…..

I recently wrote about the ex-servicemen of the Suffolk Regiment who served in Cyprus in 1958/59 and their get-together for the 2015 Minden Day commemoration.   Bobby (Ginger) Vine was very poorly in hospital at the time and was unable to join his comrades and sadly a few days after the event he passed away.  All of the lads were devastated at the news.    See the Minden Day article which includes a tribute to Bob Vine by clicking here

I am sure most of the lads are aware of the funeral arrangements but I am giving this below to try and spread the information as far as possible.

The funeral is on Monday 24th August at West Chapel, Ipswich Crematorium, Cemetery Lane IP4 2TQ at 10.45am, and as many old comrades as possible are all going to give him a massive Suffolk Regiment send off.

Chris Veness Black and Derek Chilvers have prepared a lovely condolence card on behalf of the Suffolk Regiment which is sent to the family on these sad occasions.  A nice touch which has already received a thank you from relatives who, in some cases, have had the card framed in memory of their loved ones.   There is a lovely poem included and there is a larger print version in the Minden Day article mentioned above.

On a lighter note, two of the “lads” – Derek Chilvers and Chris Veness Black, are always busy keeping in touch and organising additional get-togethers as they feel it is so important to keep the camaraderie of their army days.   I have heard that they have now found 28 contacts from those early days in Cyprus and maybe there are more in different parts of the UK.

There will be a get-together for Christmas at the Rushbrooke Arms in Sicklesmere, Bury St Edmunds on 6^th December starting at mid-day and this has proved to be a popular event for the “old boys” to meet up.

There will be a few veterans from the Suffolk Regiment coming to Cyprus in November for the Remembrance event which is held at the Old British Cemetery in Kyrenia and it is always nice for us to be able to catch up with them at this time.

Just in case anyone recognises themselves or others I am showing the photograph of ‘C’ Company – 7 Platoon of the Suffolk Regiment in Cyprus 1958/59.   The additional picture shows a part of the group picture where one name is missing.  Quite an achievement to remember all of those names after all this time.  Perhaps someone can remember the missing name.

Please make contact if you wish to join in the get-togethers of the other Suffolk Regiment ex-servicemen either by contacting cyprusscene or directly with Derek (Chilvo) Chilvers and Chris (Muncher) Veness who will be delighted to hear from more of their old comrades in Cyprus.