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Dowsing Today

Ken Clements arrived at Operation Crown in Thailand shortly after L/Cpl John Armitage’s success at dowsing. People were still talking about it and as an electrician he was for a while running the 'Gennie' for the water pump near the end of the airfield. He was intrigued by John's story and being something of a scribe finally penned an article for the Dowsing Today magazine almost six decades later. His article was published and Dowsing Today did a follow up of another Aussie Sapper water diviner. Click on the image right to read the articles.

Kitty Macmillan

"It is with a heavy heart to inform you of the passing of Kitty Macmillan, wife of Malcolm Macmillan (Mac). Kitty attended the UK and Thailand reunions with full vigour and zest, you just had to watch out for being hit with the stick if you stepped out of line. For those lucky enough to have been in her company you will have experienced the warmth, sharp wit, many laughs and even a song or two. Our thoughts are with Mac and family during this time and always". Those are words of tribute written by Mark Wareham on the OCA Facebook group. This is how Kitty would want to be remembered. RIP

Michael Robert Chapman

Mike Chapman, here in November 2019 presenting a bouquet to a relative of Yai Lai, the revered 'Little Mother Ubon', presided over the Ubon Remembrance Ceremonies from 2014 to 2021. He was unable to do so for the 2022 ceremony because of serious illness but insisted on participating in the flag lowering ceremony at his Seven Seas restaurant that evening. Mike passed on the 28th of December. The OCA participants of the Ubon ceremonies over the years, came to know Mike as a good friend. Click on the picture right to read his story. RIP

Chester Reunion 2022

Our first reunion since the pandemic started was held in the historic city of Chester, which is where it should have happened back in the year of 2020. The first of the participants started arriving during the day on Friday 13th May and continued to do so until lunchtime on Saturday 14th. Considering all that's gone on in the intervening period, a turnout of thirty was a testament to the strength of the friendships that have developed amongst our members. Over the weekend those friendships were renewed and enjoyed again. Click on the image left for a report of the reunion.

Gordon King

The funeral of Gordon King was held on February 9th 2022 at St Bartholomews Church, Forset Hall, Newcastle. In attendance on behalf of OCA were John and Barbara Knowles. It was short service with just one hymn and a number of his mourners delivering a eulogy about him. He was then cremated at Tynemouth Crematorium and a reception was held in a local pub. Gordon was well into his eighties when he attended a couple of our reunions. The first was in Edinburgh in 2013, where Gordon took centre stage in a humorous incident recorded HERE He also attended the 50th Anniversary Reunion at the RSME in 2015. He can be seen standing front and centre in the group picture HERE RIP Gordon.

Agnes Smart

It is with great sadness I know will be shared by many, that I post the passing of Agnes Smart. Agnes was a well liked member of our community from the very early days. With husband George she participated in many of our reunions both here and in Thailand, forming many dear friendships as she did so. She had a sunny and cheerful disposition even when she was feeling under the weather. A much loved Mum and Grandmother, she will be sorely missed not only by her family but by many of us who enjoyed her company at our gatherings. RIP Agnes

Peter Limb RIP

Peter Limb served as a Plant Operator on Operation Crown with 54 Support Sqn. Peter and his wife were involved with our group from the very beginning. They attended the first Salisbury reunion in 2009 and continued to support us until Peter's wife's ill health meant they were unable to attend our functions. The picture right, shows Peter standing next to rather large Grader when we visited 22 Engineer Regiment. Peter's family announced his passing in hospital on 24th July R I P

Iloni (Loni) Davidson

Iloni 'Loni' Davidson the daughter of 59 Fd Sqn SSM Harry 'Yakker' Yates, passed away on the 19th of November 2020. Loni, who lived in the United States had keen interest in all things OCA. But for the distances involved, she would have been an active participant of our meetings and reunions. Loni got to meet her Dad's doppelganger on a visit to Salisbury in the Summer of 2010 at the home of Carlton 'Buck' Brown. Later she treated her Dad to a few drinks in the White Horse for old times sake. RIP Loni

Jim Parker 54 Support Sqn

In the early days of our coming together and going online, I was contacted by Jim Parker who had served on Crown with 54 Support Sqn. Jim had already written up his memoirs so I soon had his story and pictures. Jim served on Post Crown in the the final months and left Thailand in the Sir Galahad with the last of the Post Crown Force. Jim's grandson Liam has contacted us to say "Jim has passed away yesterday 24th of April 2020 at around 4:50pm after a short illness and stay in hospital". Read more about Jim HERE R I P

WO1 Peter Davidson

Leading the salute to Air Chief Marshal Dawee Chullasapya as he leaves Nong Phoc circa May 1968, is Peter Davidson. As Acting/RSM for the Post Crown Force, Peter was the SSM of 54 Support Sqn based in Singapore. Called up for National Service, Peter became a regular. Peter owned a Cine 8 film camera and used it to record some of the final phase of the Post Crown Road. Click on the picture left to view a synopsis of Peter's life and career and view the video of the handover ceremony. Peter passed away on 10th April 2020 R I P

Dave Mann RIP

David Mann served as a Plant Fitter with 59 Fd Sqn. A close friend of 'Butch' Edwards, Lou Rex and Jim Curtis, Dave only became part of the OCA family at the 2019 reunion in Kenilworth where he expressed his intention to become more involved with us. Dave passed away on February 6th 2020. His funeral and cremation on March 2nd was attended by OCA members Lou Rex, Butch Edwards and their wives. Neville Wareham also attended as did Bomb Disposal and R.E.M.E. friends. The coffin was draped in the R E flag. R I P

Harry Murray RIP

Sadly, his daugher Sharon Murray informs us that Harry has passed away. Although suffering for some time with cancer, Harry participated in a number of OCA events both here and in Thailand. He is fondly remembered by by those who came to know him even if only briefly, at those events. He served on Crown with 3 Troop 59 Fd Sqn. The composite picture shows him in happier times on R & R in Pattaya circa 1965. An all round sportsman Harry played rugby well into his later years R I P Harry

Thai Trip November 2019

This years November trip itinerary had four elements to it. The first was our now regular attendance at the British Embassy Remembrance Service. Secondly, we would attend Ubon Ratchathani Remembrance Ceremony 11/11/19. After a couple of days R&R, we would travel north to the Hong Khong school for the opening of the OCA donated Gazebo shelter. Finally, on return from Mukdahan, a stop at the Khok Samran's Obator Office to meet Balat Kham Nyock Mit, Headman Glom and the staff. Click on the image right to read the first instalment.

Freddie Rose RIP

The designer and first Project Officer of the Post Crown Road passed away on the 11th of April 2019. Major 'Freddie' Rose was well liked by the ordinary rank and file who worked with him. On starting working life, he joined the Southern Railways as a Surveyor. The long graceful curves required for steam trains to negotiate a change of direction, influenced his style of work throughout his army career and can be seen in the Post Crown Road (rollover). Here Freddie proudly wears his OCA cap. R I P

The Post Crown Road Celebration

April 2018

Over a year after the event, I have been able to complete the story of the 50th Anniversary Post Crown Road Celebration. Those who attended had the time of their lives, a never to be forgotten occasion. Click on the image right to read the story. There are people who gave their time and effort on our behalf, to make the trip a success and help out when they were needed. David Rice did photography when I was unable and Aek or Khun Chaimongkol Suksanrungrueang to give him his Thai name helped out in many ways. Bruce Templeman also played a part. An extra special thanks must go to Somrak Jackson, for liasing with the Obajors Office in Khok Samran

Derek 'Del' Skinner R I P

I sadly record the passing of Derek 'Del' Skinner of 59 Fd Sqn 63/66 and 34 Fd Sqn 66/69. There has been an on-going search to make contact with Del for a number of years now. Arthur Williams who was a close friend of Del in both 59 and 34 Sqn's, was the main driving force in this search. Indeed it was Arthur who discovered Del's passing on a Sapper Facebook group on Monday March 4th. I've chosen my two favourite pictures of Del which hopefully show what a amiable easy going bloke he was. R I P

Ubon and BKK Remembrance Ceremony 2018

November 2018 has significancies in that OCA representatives attended both the Ubon and BKK ceremonies. One significance is that the British Embassy is leaving Wireless Road as the grounds have been sold off. More about that in the article when you click on the link. Another significance and first, is that a tour to Laos had been arranged, for those who wished to go. Having pretty much done the north and west of Mukdahan on previous trips, it was felt that a trip into Laos was due. The report will show that the trip was arduous but well worth the effort.

The Post Crown Road 50th Anniversary Celebration

Click on the picture left, to watch a video of the 1968 Post Crown Road Opening Ceremony. The original 8mm Cine footage has been provided by Les Davidson son of WO2 Peter Davidson. Peter Davidson was Acting RSM for the Post Crown Force when the road was opened. He employed someone to use the Cine camera to record the days events. A soundtrack has been added in an attempt to replicate how it might have sounded on the day. A report on the Post Crown Celebration 2018 trip will be posted as soon as possible.

Harry Collar R I P

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Harry Collar. Harry served as a Medic in the early days of Crown and joined our community after it's formation in 2007. Harry with wife Teresa attended a number of reunions before ill health made travelling any distance extremely difficult. Harry and Teresa struck up a great friendship with Carlton 'Buck' and Rosemary Brown and it's through Buck that we learn of Harrys passing. Harry was able to 'square a circle' through his involvement with OCA which you can read about HERE

Ubon Remembrance Ceremony 2017

Click on the picture left, to read the account of the November 2017 Remembrance Ceremonies in Ubon and the British Embassy in Bangkok. Mike Chapman who helps the Thai's organise the event, informed me of special treatment for us this year. That treatment as it turned out, was to be seated behind the Governor and his party with our names printed on cards to reserve our seats. The downside was the printing was in Thai. The report will show that the OCA representative's did the association proud.

Operation Crown Commemorative Medal

The image right shows an example of the Operation and Post Crown Commemorative Medal. This particlar example has the top of the range personalised presentation case, full sized and miniature medals, ribbon and clasps. The production costs were funded by OCA. Anyone wishing to purchase this medal please visit the Award Medals website at http://www.awardmedals.com where all the options available to you can be obtained. You can also contact Award by phone (number on the website) with any queries you may have.

Thailand Trip November 2016

Click on the picture left, to read the first four pages of the November 2016 trip to Thailand. The standards set by the 2015 Fiftieth Celebration are high so the 2016 trip needed to be good. Twelve people originally signed up to the trip but illness and family matters cut the travellers down to five. Sadly those unable to travel missed out on a great trip taking us into the Loei region. Aek, Rose and their friend Kan were our guides and mentors on the trip. Needless to say the Thai's and the Falang's gelled and enjoyed a memorable five days.

Khok Samran School Donation

The soldiers who served on Crown for the most part, played a role of service to the local population in the area. One example is the Medical staff administering medicine's and treatment to anyone who needed it. Another example is the drilling of wells and the provision of infastrucure at the wellhead. Another was the organising of Christmas parties for the local schoolchildren with fun, games, food and gifts. OCA now proudly announces the continuation of that tradition. Please click on the image right for more.

50th Airfield Opening Thailand Trip 2015

The 50th Airfield Opening Anniversary Trip had the overall aim of engaging the Op Crown veterans and their partners with the local people of Khok Talat/Samran. A Celebration rather than a Ceremony was what we had in mind. That aim was achieved and spectacularly so as a TV station covered the event and had footage broadcast on Thai national news. Hundreds of pictures were taken, a number that could be the defining image of the trip. This graphic incorporates some of the candidates for that image. Click on the picture left to read page one.

50th Airfield Opening Anniversary

UK Reunion Stratford 2015

William Shakespears sits astride his podium looking down on the hustle and bustle of Stratford-upon-Avon. The town of the bard was chosen to host our UK 50th Airfield Opening Anniversary Reunion due to it's central location. It proved to be a good choice as members and their partners, took advantage to visit the home of the creator of the modern English language and attend the OCA reunion. I myself was looking forward this first time visit. We chose the Holiday Inn as our venue and were surprised at it's riverside location with ample car parks. The hotel exterior is dated, but inside the decor is modern and new. The staff are cosmopolitan and friendly. They performed their duties efficiently, courteously and invariably left the customer pleased with their service. The only downside to the occasion was the news that our Membership Secretary had been taken ill. The upside is that Neville is on his way to full recovery which everyone attending the reunion was pleased to hear. Click on the image to the right, to read an account of the reunion.

50th Anniversary Trip November 2015

A group the trip to Thailand for the 50th Anniversary of the airfield opening, pose with their Thai opposites. Somrak and Noel Jackson stand with Jim Curtis, John Hamnett, the Nayok and headman of Kok Talat. The older Thai man worked as an orderly in the Sergeants Mess. What had preceded this picture was a meeting between the two sides to negotiate a Crown Airfield Celebration for the people of Kok Talat and the participants of the November trip to Thailand. Click on the picture left for a full report of an exciting 50th Anniversary Trip, November 2015.

Ubon Remembrance Ceremony 2014

A magnificent wreath of poppies is pictured at the Ubon Remembrance Ceremony Tuesday November 11th 2014. It's the first time the Thai's have used poppies in their wreaths, so it would appear they have understood the significance of them. The wreaths appear to be artificial although I didn't give them close inspection. If they are man made then the florist has made a tremendous job of them. To read about OCA's involvement in the ceremony, click on the image of the poppies.

Chatham 50th Anniversary Reunion

Archie Mitchell is OCA's most unusual attendee to any reunion so far. Here he lays quietly at the feet of members, for a parting shot of what had been a reunion worthy of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the start of work on Operation Crown. Members who served in all the Squadrons are present in this picture as are a representative of the ACC and RAMC. The reunion took place in the hallowed grounds of the RSME at Chatham. The organising of the event was problematic and in doubt for a while however, click on the picture left to read all about it.

Dave 'Brummie' Savage

It is with sadness I report the passing of Dave 'Brummie' Savage. Brummie left us on 28th February 2014. He served on Crown with 3 Troop 59 Fd Sqn. A well liked Mukka to many, he had been seriously ill living each day at a time as postively as he could. A veteran of Christmas Island his illness was a result of serving during the testing of the Atomic bomb. He was involved with the fight for recognition and compensation for those affected by their time there. Brummie appears in a cameo role on the Lou Rex DVD R.I.P

RSME Meeting

The RE Band practise on the parade ground at Brompton Barracks in early December. I must admit it seemed a little strange to see them in Camo rather than a more formal uniform, but time moves on and things change. It was early in 1964 that the main workforce of sappers moved up to Kok Talat to start work proper on Operation Crown. Three members of the OCA committee were visiting the RSME to meet with officials, to discuss a Fiftieth Anniversary visit and reunion for early next year. Click on the image left to learn more.

Embassy Meeting

On a day when OCA representatives were attending the Ubon Remembrance Ceremony, our Chairman Mike Stanbridge had a meeting with the Thai Defence Attache and Assistant Defence Attache. For more about this meeting click on the picture. Peter Currie, the Sapper who liberated the Post Crown Force flag, when presenting it to OCA had expressed the wish it would be used to promote our cause. Well Pete, it's being used to good effect here.

The Edinburgh Tattoo 2013

The picture right is taken from the roof of the National Museum of Scotland. Our attendance of the Tattoo was the icing on the cake of yet another reunion in a city with lots of added interest. The original idea for a reunion here, came from Carlton Brown. The organiser's for the event were Agnes and George Smart and the account of our time there can be read by clicking on the picture of the Castle. I apologise for the delay in posting this story to the website, but it has been a good summer and I've spent my time wisely, away from the computer.

TWO JOHN's

Although John Lloyd couldn't make this years Edinburgh Reunion (he doesn't miss many) He's been busy as an OCA rep when he went to the NMA back in August. Here's his contribution. "Hi All, I met up with John Swarbrick recently at the Arboretum. I was glad to see he was wearing his OP Crown badge with pride. This is the first time I have met him since 1966. I hope you are all keeping well Arte et Marte". Regards John Lloyd. Let's hope we see both John's together at some future OCA gathering.

LNT (Crown) Airport?

Noel Jackson has received some interesting and welcome news from friends in Thailand. Click on the image for a translation.

Post Crown Flag

The image left shows what could be the original Post Crown Force flag. If it is, it's age would be in the region of forty seven years old. To read the story of what happened to the Crown flags when the British Army left Kok Talat, click on the image.

Capt T Hardy RE

I'm sure that many Crown veterans will experience a sense of sorrow, at the news of Captain Terry Hardy, seen here as the Honour Guard Commander, leading the Present Arms at the Opening Ceremony, June 17th 1965, sadly passing away on the 8th February 2013. Click on the picture right, to read what fellow Officers say about Terry.

WO1 ASM Leake REME

It's with sadness that John Lloyd informs us of the passing of WO1 ASM Leake REME. "Former WO1 Douglas Leake died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich on 3rd November 2012 aged 83. Douglas was born in Goole Yorkshire and joined the army as a boy soldier. He went on to serve in Belguim, Singapore, Malaya and Thailand. Click on the picture left to read about his contribution to Crown. The picture left shows another Warrant Officer demonstrating the Gleaner.

Tom Grieve

A Personal Tribute

Tom Grieve's gyrocopter stands empty as though awaiting it's pilot. Click on the image of the aeroplane, to read of the tragic accident, that befell a friend of OCA. The BMAA have since paid tribute to Tom, with an obituary in their magazine the MF. The magazine editor Geoff Hill, has arranged for page 8 of that magazine to be reproduced for publication on this website.

Ubon Remembrance Ceremony 2012

For the third year running, members of OCA attended the Remembrance Ceremony in Ubon. The first ceremony was organised in 2006 by ex-pats and has now grown year on year since the local Thai authorities have become involved. OCA members attend to support the ex-pat community as they keep the flame of Remembrance alive for the FEPOW and the local people who were enslaved by the Japanese towards the end of the second world war.

SFAT Fly OCA

Pattaya to Crown

SFAT Songkran Fly-in

Pattaya to Crown Flexwing Fly-In

The picture right of a runway brushing machine doesn't excite. It is however, significant to people interested in Loeng Nok Tha airfield, formerly Crown Airfield, because that is where it resides. Since the last visit in November 2011, by a group of OCA members, it was discovered the airfield is to be opened after forty plus years, more changes are happening. OCA member Ray Hough, visited Loeng Nok Tha in the last few days of February 2012. Click on the picture right for Ray's report and picture's.