Former Cfn David John Hutchins David John Hutchins was born on 25 July 1938. On 25 April 1957, David joined REME as part of his National Service at Blandford and was posted to Dortmund in Germany. David finished his service on 24 April 1959. From then on, he worked as a Sheet Metal Engineer until he retired. On 2 June 1962 David happily married his late wife Josephine and became a devoted father of three. David was a caring grandfather to seven. He was an active man who had an interest in pretty much everything. He liked to hop on a bus to explore markets and take photographs. David enjoyed nothing more than a family get together. He was always proud of his service in REME, which he spoke of often. David sadly passed away on 4 January 2021. He will be missed greatly and always be remembered for his bright smile.
Death Notices
Tales of Frank Reynolds
Dame Edwina Hosts ‘Murder Night’
CASBURN – Former SSgt Alan George Casburn, passed away 20 January 2021 aged 80. Dates of service 1958-1980. GILES – Former Cpl Ian Robert Giles passed away 8 December 2020 aged 57. Dates of service 1980-1993. GRIMSEY – Former Sgt Walter Stanley Grimsey, (known as Wally) passed away 10 January 2021 aged 96. Dates of service 1949-1974 REME TA. LEADBETTER – Lt Col (Retd) Nicholas Leadbetter passed away 19 February 2021 aged 67. Dates of service 1973-1996. LUGER – Former WO1(ASM) Cyril Luger passed away 12 February 2021 aged 93. Dates of service 1943-1969. MILLS – Maj (Retd) Barry John Mills passed away 24 February 2021 aged 75. Dates of service 1962-2000. RICHARDS – Former Cpl Anthony Charles Richards (Tony), passed away 21 February 2021 aged 75. Dates of service 1960-1972. RITCHIE – Former WO1 John Mark Ritchie passed away 5 February 2021 aged 82. Dates of service 1959-1976. ROSE – Former WO1 Frederick Rose (known as Bill), passed away 2 December 2020 aged 93. Dates of service 1944-1968. SAYERS – Former WO1(ASM) Edmond (Eddie) Sayers passed away 4 February 2021 aged 79. Dates of service 1961-1983
Death Notice Requirements In order to publish a death notice we require the following information: Surname, first name, rank, full date of death, ages and dates of service. An obituary with additional career and life information is welcome. To inform us of the death, please contact Ms Bev Bate, Corps Welfare Manager on ( 01249 894523 or benevolence@reme-rhq.org.uk
Scribe: Col (Retd) Mike Crabbe
T
he picture of Frank as a snowman, submitted by Col (Retd) Phil Kay OBE in the November 2020 edition of The Craftsman, reminded me of Frank’s other alter ego as Dame Edwina Plum OBE JP. This photograph was taken at the West Court Officers’ Mess where Dame Edwina hosted a reception in June 1989 at the start of a ‘Murder Night’. I am sure others will have memories of other events she graced.
We need your Friendship Stories! In celebration of the International Day of Friendship, we will be telling the stories of friendships formed within the REME Family in the July issue of The Craftsman. So whether your friendship has stood the test of time or just going on “that one time”, send in your stories to: craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk Whether you are a Retired, Reserve or Regular, we want to hear your stories (and include a photo!)
Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 43
