Langeleben and the TA

paul croxson · Langeleben and the TA

Richard Coghlan has written regarding the TA's role in the Interception 'game'.
It seems that the TA had Wireles Troops engaged in the same work as we did at Langeleben. On completion of his Service in 1953, yes, he was one of the 'Early Birds' he was posted, not demobbed and was deemed to have enlisted into the TA 15 Wireless Squadron at Devonport. Subsequently, he was posted to 125 Wireless Troop, Filton, Bristol where he had to serve for 31/2 years to complete his N.Service. Most of them were ex - NS. He says that 125 consisted of 30 men, one QLR vehicle, and several other vehicles.
He says that 128 Wireless Troop was created for the Suez venture. Has anyone any more information as Richard says that there is no mention of these in any R. Sigs histories. Were there any I Corps involved, I wonder.
If any of those involved with the other Forums such as Birgelen, and 225 could raise this query for me (CAN YOU HELP DAVE?) I would be very grateful and of course for any other input on the TA activities in general. Some of us were on what was called AER (Army Emergency Reserve). For this priviledge we did not have to attend anything, including Camps but we were on 24 hour call-up. I remember tearing up the postal order for a mday's pay and the rail warrant from my home to Maresfield but most of all, sending back a kitbag full of what little kit had survived, still un-washed from the day I took it off.

paul croxson

Was Richard Coghlan the only one to carry on the work in the TA amongst us?
No one has posted anything (apart from a lead from Marlene) so that seems to be tyhe natural conclusion

Tom Neal

Hello Paul,
Regarding AER the Spec Ops did have to attend an annual camp as twice whilst I was an instructor at Woodhouse in the early 60s a few of us went down to Blandford to instruct them. I think the Int Corps must have been involved as well as at one of the camps Mike Clowser went down with us.
Also at one camp Rusty Rosson who at the time was posted to a TA unit in Plymouth was there with his unit and I presume they were working on intercept as well but he could confirm that for you.
Tom

David Thomas

Hi Paul, I did put the word out, requesting information on 125 Signal Squadron, but despite the efforts of several guys who have links on the history side. no one has found any trace of 125. There have been several Signal Units in that area of Bristol, and since 1967 37 Signal Regiment (TA) has had it's Headquarters at Horfield, which is about a mile down the A38, (53 Signal Squadron is also based there). Currently there is no unit at Filton so there is no succesor unit that I can contact for information. We now have 21 Sigs based at the old RAF Colern they're into the sneeky beeky business, but I don't think they'd be very helpful if I knocked on their door and asked what they were doing. Happy new year every one. Dave T.