873 Movement Light Sqn RE, TAVR, Acton
Horn Lane, Acton, London W3
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Created 05/2011, last edited: 16/10/26, 17:54
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Created 05/2011, last edited: 16/10/26, 17:54
Home Page - Introduction
Were you a TA Gunner or Sapper at Acton in 1960-1994 ? If you were, some of the pages on this web site may bring back some memories of those times. I'm Peter Cox, and for just two years of my 24 years in the "Terriers" was in 873 Movement Light Squadron during that time, two of the most exciting years in service.
In 2012, twenty eight years on from my last TA pay-day, I launched this unofficial website to share photos, images, memories and news (past & present) with anyone that knew me or who served in the same unit.
WEBSITE POLICY
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No registration, no log-in.
No personal details taken.
No pop-ups, no adverts.
No registration, no log-in.
No personal details taken.
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This site is currently (Oct 2026) still more like a personal blog, but I have tried to expand it into something much wider than that, and to extend the content into
earlier years.
I would love to hear from any other ex-Chelsea Sappers and would appreciate
contributions - news, photos, stories, recollections, messages, comments, ideas, praise, even criticism. All sources will be acknowledged. There may be some cookies installed by search engines etc. Disable cookies if you wish, it will not restrict use of the site.
My contact details are at bottom right.
Scroll down to read the sqn's history and photos of some of the volunteers, or choose a section to jump to from the menu.
Brief history of 873
If you can add to or correct any of the above, please contact me.
November 2013 update: A new website has been launched for the Regimental Association of 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment which promises to have more history of its predecessor regiment in the 1946-67 period. Links to that and many other TA and RE websites at bottom left
Significant events 1958-1967
| year | month | event | place | remarks | ref |
| 1958 | July-Aug | Annual Camp | Weymouth (Wyke Regis) | Enlarging RN sports field (?) at Portland Sun 3rd Aug USS Nautilus at Portland A "potential sapper" aged just under 16, attended as Officers Mess waiter. | 1 2 1 |
| 1959 | |||||
| ref | source |
| 12 | Antony Green, e-mail Mar 2014 |
At Horn Lane, Acton
I very much enjoyed my time at Acton.
Annual Camp 1958, Wyke Regis, Weymouth
In Memoriam
WO2 George Orford, MBE
George died at home in May 2013 aged 83. He had been suffering from cancer for time.
I believe he was conscripted into National Service in 1949, and afterwards posted as a reservist, later becoming a TA soldier, at 221 Fld Sqn RE at Peckham. In the early 60s I think, 221 was merged with 222 Field Sqn at the Duke of Yorks HQ in Chelsea where he eventually became SSM. In 1967 the whole of 101 Engr Regt, of which 222 was part, was disbanded. Two years later, a new RE Regt was formed with one squadron in London, 217 Fd Sqn at Holloway, which George happily joined from day one, becoming SSM.
George was a prominent member of the Peckham Branch of the REA and was Branch Secretary for many years until 2011.
Well over 100 mourners attended his funeral on 3rd June 2013 at Honor Oak Crematorium in South London. There were 16 or 17 ex-members of 217 present, but sadly only 3 from 222 days, (Col) Peter Williams, (ex-Cpl) Billy Orford (George's brother) and me (the webmaster) (ex-Cpl) Peter Cox.
I remember George with affection and great respect. A tall, bulky man of immense strength, yet could waltz around a dance floor on his toes with his wife Mary like a professional. He was firm but fair, always helpful.
above, the service card, below, the Crematorium and some of the mourners after the service
Cover of Funeral Service card
George died at home in May 2013 aged 83. He had been suffering from cancer for time.I believe he was conscripted into National Service in 1949, and afterwards posted as a reservist, later becoming a TA soldier, at 221 Fld Sqn RE at Peckham. In the early 60s I think, 221 was merged with 222 Field Sqn at the Duke of Yorks HQ in Chelsea where he eventually became SSM. In 1967 the whole of 101 Engr Regt, of which 222 was part, was disbanded. Two years later, a new RE Regt was formed with one squadron in London, 217 Fd Sqn at Holloway, which George happily joined from day one, becoming SSM.
George was a prominent member of the Peckham Branch of the REA and was Branch Secretary for many years until 2011.
Well over 100 mourners attended his funeral on 3rd June 2013 at Honor Oak Crematorium in South London. There were 16 or 17 ex-members of 217 present, but sadly only 3 from 222 days, (Col) Peter Williams, (ex-Cpl) Billy Orford (George's brother) and me (the webmaster) (ex-Cpl) Peter Cox.
I remember George with affection and great respect. A tall, bulky man of immense strength, yet could waltz around a dance floor on his toes with his wife Mary like a professional. He was firm but fair, always helpful.
above, the service card, below, the Crematorium and some of the mourners after the service
Cover of Funeral Service card
Contributors
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Text: Peter Cox. Any comments, please e-mail me
Other photo & information sources as noted.
Copyright remains with the original source.
Text: Peter Cox. Any comments, please e-mail me
Other photo & information sources as noted.
Copyright remains with the original source.