Harry Collar RAMC

I remember arriving at Operation Crown in North East Thailand early in 1964, with a section of RAMC medics to support Royal Engineers and other units. We were accommodated in a tented camp. This turned out to be quite a challenge for us in our work because of the dust, flies and heat but we just about coped. The Engineers constructed a hutted camp before starting work on the airfield they were here to build, when we moved in it was like paradise compared to the tents we’d lived and worked in. The medical centre had air-conditioned side wards for the most serious cases. It was the only air conditioning for miles around.

An aerial view of Crown camp and airfield
A group of Thai people await the Doctors ministrations
A sick parade for the military was the first event of the day and later the local population were allowed into camp for diagnostics and treatment. Some of the locals had walked for several days as we were the only medical help in the area. Their ailments were too numerous to mention but the help we gave was free and Thailand until fairly recently didn't have a National Health Service. I can say with some pride, that I was part of the RAMC Health service in north east Thailand.
An accident occurred before we moved to the Medical Centre in the hutted camp. While the electricians were erecting and installing the power supply one of them was electrocuted. He was brought to the Tented Camp, Sgt Jones, myself and others attended him but sadly we could not save him. His name was Anthony Denner, of 59 Fd Sqn RE. The memory has stayed with me since that time, the sadness has not gone away. Anthony Denner's story can be viewed HERE
A group of veterans and partners participate in a Remembrance Service
Harry Collar closes his circle of remembrance for Anthony Denner

Since the forming of Operation Crown Association, I have returned to the airfield, with other members in November of 2010. We held a small service in remembrance of the soldiers who lost their lives whilst serving on Op Crown. Prayers were offered by three Buddhist monks, the group also lit candles and left Poppies. As far as I know we were the first to do so since the end of the project.  I have now managed to complete my own circle of remembrance to Anthony Denner. I have visited Anthony’s grave in Tiverton Devon, the airfield in  Thailand, and finally the Lichfield National Memorial Arboretum where Anthony Denner’s name is inscribed.  Rest In Peace Tony.

Sadly, Harry Collar has passed away since he told us his story RIP