MISSING . . . . . . AND FOUND
WILL National Servicemen be back on parade after 60 years?
‘I was a member of air traffic control, Gibraltar, from 1956 to 1959 for my National Service,’ writes Phil Langston, now 82, of Oakham, Rutland.
‘This photo of me and the control tower lads was taken by the local ice cream vendor on the beach at North Front.
‘Our gang was Brian Thomas, Allen O’Dell, Roy Sutcliff, Ken Prest, Gus Gunnel, Rob Need, Bob Crewsdon and Ginge Swallow.
‘I’ve made contact with Ginge, who lives in Suffolk, and we have renewed our friendship and enjoy chatting
PLAYERS are back in touch to celebrate the centenary of their rugby club. ‘In 1919, Camelot Rugby Club was set up for former pupils of Berkhamsted School,’ wrote Peter King, 77, of Great Gaddesden, Herts. ‘During World War II, play was suspended, but later the club moved to its ground in Hemel over old times. After National Service, I worked in agriculture seed cleaning and at a plastics company. Ginge spent his working life in the construction industry.
‘I have wonderful memories of Gibraltar. There were royal visits by Prince Philip and Princess Margaret, and during the making of the film I Was Monty’s Double, starring Leslie Phillips and Michael Hordern, some of us were extras on parades.
‘Magic times!’
Hempstead, changed its name to Hemel Hempstead (Camelot) RUFC and continued to call its teams by names linked to the Arthurian legend — the Knights, Merlins and Magicians. To celebrate the club’s centenary, we plan a reunion of former players. I went to Berkhamsted School from 1955 to 1960 and joined Camelot. As team secretary, I had to get out six teams every Saturday. ‘Several players went on to play top level rugby, such as Roger Uttley, who captained England.’ Two former players have got in touch: Ralph Williams, who captained the Knights 2nd XV in the late Fifties and early Sixties; and Ian Ginger (circled). Sadly, reader Dave Parker, of Ayr, tells us that another player in the photo, Bob Barrowman, died a few years ago.