6 Squadron

This is the main page for the squadron or unit. More info will be added here as I get the time, but for now it's a "base" for establishing comms with other members of the same unit. You can post messages for other members of the same unit using the messages link above this blurb, and you can also search for other members of this unit. Once you find them, click on their name to send an email direct to them. Please note that this website doesn't "remember" your emails, they are sent direct from you to the recipient without sappers.co.uk getting in the way. That helps you get in touch quickly and it keeps everything simple and free. Have fun. Gordon

Comments

http://british-army-units1945on.co.uk/royal-engineers/squadrons/6-squadr...

Some basic information on 6 Field Squadron from the British Army Units 1945 site

A Field Sqn was there (RAF El Adem) in 1967 extending the runway so that may have been 6 Sqn. Anyone ever know WO Ian Black, SSM by the sound of it (remember these guys are getting on and are crab air). I also hear that there were some Sappers drilling water wells. To be honest I was there in 1967 from Feb to May and do not recall seeing any Sappers unless I was looking in the mirror or collecting my mail!!

OK not necessarily connected but as a person who served with an Airfields Sqn it aroused my interest and it may interest you guys too. Also contains a sad story I had never heard before. All before my time I might add. Have a read: "I was at El Adem and Tobruk from June 61 to early 63 with 5001 Sqdn RAF Airfield Construction Branch there were no Royal Engineers based there then and all plant and building work was carried out by our Squadron only Army lads there then were Signals we used to pal round with same as there was only a few of them there. Only Royal engineers we came across then was on exercise and that was a group of Maltese REs who we worked with on exercise many of these were killed in that terrible Hastings crash at El Adem we had struck up some real friendships with them and had a farewell party with them in the NAAFI only hours before the disaster, a very sad time all round only British army units at that time were round Benina, Benghazi and Tripoli areas. We used to be pitted against them on exercises in the desert near Dernah. If that's of any help. We as a Squadron left El Adem early in 1963 and I was one of a group of about 7 the very last to leave, we moved to Akrotiri, Cyprus and later that year were deployed to Borneo where we did on se jobs work with Royal Engineers". (Bill Adams)

OK bit more on the crab air grapevine. A Field Sqn was there (RAF El Adem) in 1967 extending the runway so that may have been 6 Sqn. Anyone ever know WO Ian Black, SSM by the sound of it (remember these guys are getting on and are crab air). I also hear that there were some Sappers drilling water wells. To be honest I was there in 1967 from Feb to May and do not recall seeing any Sappers unless I was looking in the mirror or collecting my mail!!

I was there in 1969 drilling water wells,about eight of 60 Fld Sqn were there helping, Sgt Paddy Moore (now passed away)was in charge,we were in the old stone built blocks.Had many a good night in the NAAFI with RCT drivers.

3 Field Squadron under the Command Of Major RA Pinder (SSM - WOII Phil Church) carried out runway extension works, arrester gear etc from September 1967 until June 1968.

I was with 3 Sqn in 67,I was also part of the RHAG (Rotary Hydraulic Arrester Gear) team on the runway,this was because the runway was too short for the new aircraft to land without it,it comprised of 2 large drums holding a long thick nylon 'belt' which laid across the runway for a 'hook' device on the plane to 'catch' the belt which slowed the planes landing speed down dramatically (as used on aircraft carriers)except the drums had to be anchored into buried transoms in the ground.

I remember Phil Church very well!!He was my SSM at Tidworth (3 Sqn)and in about 1970 became my RSM in Hameln at 'Dirty Thirty' 30 Sqn.
I am still in touch with Phil who now lives in Poole in Dorset.

I to was part of 3 Sqn at this time employed as a C&J in Spt Tp. My first overseas tour having not long finished training. Happy days. Would be interested to get in touch with Phil Churh again. He became my Tp Cmdr at Trg Rgt and I had to ask his permission to get married.