© Loni Davidson & Arnd Wöbbeking
Today, it is the 21st of June and it is a very special day, so let me explain, please!
A few days ago, I met Loni Davidson at Facebook! She told me that her father was one of the first sappers here in hamelin in the year 1949! He served first at Bindon Barracks and after 2 years he moved to Gordon Barracks! In 1952, he moved to Nienburg! And after his time in Nienburg he was posted in several countrys all over the world! He joined the Army in June 1940 and left the army January 17, 1968 as a Warrant Officer! Sadly he passed away on March 1, 1994. We are not sure, which unit he served with here in Hameln. In Loni’s mind is the 21 Field Engineer Regiment. But she doesn’t remember the Squadron! Maybe there is someone out, who know more about Harry! His daughter Loni would be very happy about it! His name was Harry “Yakker” Yates. Army Number 3391177. Below you will se two photos of Harry!
Why it is a so special day?
Today on 21st, it is Harry’s brithday and it is my fathers birthday, too! But sadly may father also passed away 5 years ago! RIP! Maybe both ares sitting, wherever on a bar together and celebrate their birthday’s……. and another common gorund, both passed away in the age of 74! Something special I mean…!
Last updated: Oktober 31, 2024 at 17:35 pm
3 Kommentare
I first met Yakker in Maidstone 1963 as 59Sqd were being re-formed, I had the pleasure of carrying his cases into the Sgt’s mess, the start of a long association with him which I must admit I enjoyed he had a bit of a reputation but was always a fair person to deal with, I must be one of the only people in the British Army with a passport with a No2 shirt and tie in a Beatle Jacket, I’d arrived back off a course got into Shorncliffe Barracks passport photo time, I asked should I get changed and true to form Yakka told me just put on a jacket, hence the Khaki Tie and Shirt.
I was in Singapore and Thailand with him, on arrival in the tented camp in Thailand whilst stood on parade a plant fitter came in to ask him for a crane for an engine removal, he called eight of us out and stated the best crane in the world, I went into the Power Station after so did’nt have much dealing with him after but he did chase me and my mate scouse Rowe nobbling us for a haircut etc, still a fair man though
“Yacker” Yates served as RSM in Operation Crown in eastern Thailand in 1965. We were sent there to support the SEATO by building an airfield at Ban Kok Talat a village which lies close to the River Mekong marking the Thai border with Laos. At that time the Vietnam war was raging. The Royal Engineers built a most excellent airfield and then as our stabilising presence in the region was still desired went on to build roads and bore wells to supply the villagers with fresh water. “Yacker” Yates was well known for his talkative and colourful personality. As his wife once said, “Yacker” made up the rules as he went along! He was a popular RSM.
Thank you so much Peter for further information about Yakker Yates!
Cheers Arnd