59 Sqn reformed during the year of 1963. The base for that reformation was Ross barracks at Shornecliffe Kent. During that year 59 undertook engineering tasks in Northern Ireland and Manorbier on the South Wales coast amongst others. The Ulster project involved engineering support to trialing equipment in developement on Strangford Loch. The Manorbier project involved building concrete steps down a sheer cliff face to access a sheltered cove in a rocky coastline. The purpose of these steps was to allow RAF families living in married quarters on top of the cliff, to enjoy what is now known as 'leisure time' on the beach below.
The photo above shows the legendary 'Yakker' Yates SSM of 59 Fld Sqn. It's thought this shot shows him welcoming the then Commander FARELF to the WO's & SGTs Mess.
The monsoon season plays a big part in the life cycle in North East Thailand as 59 Sqn and the other 'inmates' of Op Crown were to find out the first time round. I can remember climbing in my pit, pulling my poncho over my bed and bunking down while the wind and rain howled down upon us. The images to the right and below show Sappers from 59 Sqn repairing the damage to the approaches of a bridge on the main KokTalat/ Ubon road. A Scammell lowloader had gone belly up on it. You can read about the incident by clicking on John Docherty's blog on the Crown HQ Troop page. The bridge repairs provided a change of scenery for the engineers but the sheer hard work to reopen the road as quickly as possible mirrored the work ethic on the airfield project.
Chris Barrett of 59 Fld Sqn is the RP standing left in the image left ( Chris did two tours of duty with 59 in the Far East. First tour was on Op Crown, back to the UK for two years then the second tour in Malaya, Australia and Hong Kong.) The name of the other RP talking to the vehicle driver is thought to be Joe Kerr. The Land Rover is sporting one of the many signs painted by Mick Allen who did two tours of Op Crown, the first with 59 Sqn 64/65 and the second with 34 Sqn 66/67
Chris Barrett once again provides the 'eye candy' to coin a modern phrase but the real star of the pix to the right is another sign painted by Mick Allen. This must have been one of his first as it's the sign for 59 Sqn in the tented camp.
Major Bramwell OC 59 Sqn receiving an 'Eyes Right' from a junior NCO's cadre. Mike Ribton supplied the pix he's second from the right in front of Flash Dewey (wearing specs). If you look closely you can see a large sticking plaster on the side of Mike's knee, the result of a self inflicted stabbing during a 'Fix Bayonets'. 'Happy Days'! The Cpl. leading the march past is Rod Dann ACC
Mike Ribton stands to attention second from right with Flash Dewey third from right. Major Chris Bramwell is second from left, Who's the Inspecting Officer, Is the WO1 RSM Heap? Who took the pix? Anyone who can help fill in the names , please get in touch.