2 AIR SUPPORT SIGNALS UNIT - 1946-48
As Remembered By Henry W. Lloyd
Further to Stuart Barker’s article in the February 2012 Issue of The Canal Zoners magazine, I am an active member of the Surrey Canal Zoners and my Army Number was 14156944, and I am 84 years young, so you see your are not alone Stuart.
My transportation to Egypt in 1946 was similar to Stuart’s, travelling from Thirsk to Port Said. I was also in the Royal Signals as a Wireless Operator (OWL) and my draft was RMZYA. It could have been the same as Stuart’s. I was one of the unlucky ones and was posted to Palestine. It wasn’t all bad! We were able to see the sites of Jerusalem (with much caution) and one of the high lights was a visit to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve 1946, where we had a tour of the town and the Crypt (once a stable) where Jesus was born, and attended a midnight Carol Service. With the ending of the Mandate I completed my service days in Fayid with the RAF 208 Squadron HQ and was de-mobbed in September 1948.
I still enjoy reading of the antics of the youngsters who served in the Canal Zone in the 1950s.
I wonder how many of the 1940s mob are still around and members of The Canal
Zoners, not too many I expect. However, Stuart, keep taking the pills and I
wish you Good Luck and Good Health