The under noted old comrades who served with 37 Field Squadron during the 1960s have since sadly passed away.

We remember them here.

 

Spr George,(Dats), Fleming - Prestonpans - East Lothian



 

Spr George, (Dats) Fleming, was a fondly remembered member of the squadron, who suffered from poor health in later years. He is best remembered as someone who would willingly get mucked into any job. During social hours he proved himself to be something of a warbler. In fact Dats was a very good singer. Oftentimes entertaining the lads in the squadron bar with some fine renditions of the hits of the period.



Spr Duncan, (Dunc), Smith - Dundee, Angus



 

L/Cpl Duncan Smith was an ex-boy soldier, who had come into the regular army via the boys regiment at Troon in Ayrshire. Duncan Smith and Dave McKay, both H.Q. Troop, were ex Troon boys, they had served together there and remained close pals in their time with 37 Field Squadron.
For many months, Duncan was the squadron O.C’s driver. It is from information received from Mick Harness, that we learned of Duncan Smith’s passing.



Spr Andy OBrien - Glenrothes, Fife



 

Spr Andy, (Jock) OBrien served with 1 Troop. For a while he served with Cpl Jake Prescott’s section, (see item below). Prior to enlistment, Andy and Eddie Klak attended the same high school in Kirkcaldy . So we went back quite along way before we met up again in 37 Field Squadron. Andy had to leave the army through ill health, and for many years, he didn’t keep at all well. It is from Andy’s wife that we are advised of his passing.



Cpl Angus, (Gus), Connolly - Duntocher Glasgow


 

L/Cpl Angus, (Gus), Connolly, served with Plant Troop. Gus was one of those characters, instantly recognisable and not easily forgotten. A quiet, steady bloke, Gus and his good lady Bridie, were well known as the proud owners of a large brood of small children. Sadly Bridie suffered a painful death some years ago, and apparently, Gus just couldn’t handle life without her. His son advised me that following Bridie’s passing, Gus went rapidly downhill and sadly passed away in June 2005.


Cpl John, (Jake) Prescott - Edinburgh - 24th May 1982


 

Cpl John, (Jake), Prescott served as a section commander with 1 troop.
Alfie Iffla, Dats Fleming and L/Cpl Sugar Coulson were amongst those others in his section. Sometime around 1968, Jake transferred to R.E. Bomb Disposal to 33 EOD at Lodge Hill. It was during the Falkland’s War, whilst watching a T.V. news broadcast when It was reported that HMS Antelope had sunk as the result of an Argentinean bomb exploding within her whilst it was being defused by a bomb disposal expert. Sadly, that expert was Jake Prescott.

 

WO2 Brian Mellett RE -

Brian Mellett was posted into the squadron during 1968 with the rank of S/Sgt. His first appointed was as 2 troop commander. He filled this post until a new subaltern, 2Lt Edward, (Ted), Wells, was posted in to take up that role. It was whilst carrying out the duties of 2 Troop Commander that Brian was promoted to the rank of WO2. Then, following a short introductory period when he assisted Lt Wells in running the troop, Brian was appointed as squadron MTO