I regret to say the today that Robin Maddison has been informed by John's Son, David of the passing on Good Friday of: JOHN "Bugs" MATTHEW
John served with the battalion in Malta in the early sixties in HQ Coy Office and the Int Section. Also in the TA Paras.
It's with great sadness that I have to report the passing of a farmers boy l/corporal William (Blll) Blair he was a sliver service waiter in the officers mess in Berlin when he was medically discharged when we were in Berlin.Bill passed away on the 12th of April 2023.
The funeral will take place at the Exeter crematorium at1630 on 28th of April 2023 floral tributes to coop funeral directors Cowick Street Exeter if anyone wishes to attend all are welcome.
The funeral of Mel (Paddy) O'Reilly has been set for 2 March in Exeter, we are awaiting confirmation of exact location and timings. The family wish to have a DERR Standard Bearer, anyone available to carry out this duty is asked to Contact Capt Bill Sherman.
This is a bona fide message from The Chairman of the Association.
Brian Potter was a Sgt in 1 DERR who was decorated for his bravery in 1971.
On leaving the Army he emigrated to Australia and became a successful businessman. Sadly, he died on 12 April 2022. The reason for the lack of detailed information will become obvious as you read further.
I have been contacted by Brian’s family in Australia. Someone who is calling himself Peter Porter appears to trying to fraudulently gain information on Brain Potter in what we believe to be a case of identification theft.
I am asking all Farmer’s Boys, on behalf of the Potter Family, that if anyone is approached for information on Brian Potter that they refuse to provide any information. Additionally if you are able to provide me with any contact details for the said Peter Porter you record them and pass the to
The Chairman reminded members that in 1986 a memorial stone to the two DERR soldiers killed in the 1974 bombing of the Sandes Home outside Abercorn Barracks at Ballykinler, N. Ireland, was unveiled at the new Sandes Home. With the closure of the barracks and the departure of 2 RIFLES in 2014, the memorial was moved to the new home of 2 RIFLES in Lisburn. The Chairman is consulting with RHQ Rifles as to whether the Regimental Memorial Garden at The Wardrobe would not be a more suitable permanent home for that memorial, in vie of the peripatetic nature of army units.
We received an email from Robin Potter, brother of former 1 DERR Sgt Brian Potter which reads as follows:
On Friday 30th December 2022, Brian's widow Carolyn planted a gum-tree sapling as a memorial to Brian. The sapling was planted in a re-vegetation area of Waterfall Gully, Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills; a favourite walk for Brian. Carolyn was accompanied by Brian's younger brother Robin, Niece Michelle and husband Jamie, and Great Niece Dani.
"RIP Brian''
Photographs of the gum tree sapling being planted and the plaque to Brian appear below:
Mel O'Reilly, better know to those who served with him as 'Paddy' died on Tuesday 14 February in Exeter.
He served with 1 DERR through the 1960's and early 1970's in Malta, Minden, Catterick and N.Ireland. As well as being a fine soldier he was a great character and good sportsman especially boxing and cross country running. Details of the date, timing and location of the funeral will be published on the Farmer's Boys Facebook site once known.
Planning is under way to celebrate the 65th anniversary since amalgamation dates being 26 - 28th July 2024 based in the Salisbury
area details once clarified will be announced limited to max 200 people due to venue restrictions, first come first served etc , please put out a warning order .
