dazteahan:
Loose-wire:
Two funerals I was at , one I was the only Driver That was Jock Bells ,Two Pipers played fairwell ,Tony Fingers Soamesons more that a few said their fairwellHi Loose-wire my uncle Noel was at Jocks funeral, Jock and him worked together at Asian Transport in the days of the LB76s
Regards Daz
You’ve been sussed out there Roger 
bye the way we hav’nt heard from you for a time - you been in Nick ■■ regards Fred
Having been out of this strange, sometimes surreal but compelling job, because that is what it is, the experiences of, drivers, trucking firms and companies and the Middle East job iteself for such a long time, I am staggered and saddened by the names that I see on here that have passed on. Posts on here from back in the day, when you say to yourself… I remember him…a good bloke or I wonder what so and so is doing now. We’re all a lot older…but lest we forget.
Does anyone remember a guy who was on for Eric Vic’s he hadn’t been out of the para’s very long.( circa 1980) We were all waiting in a seething mass of people waving paperwork in 40 degrees in Habur. There was a sign…“NO NOISEY” and “KEEP OUT THE DIRTY” (not sure what that was about). Everyone was pushing and shoving to get to the front. There was a Bulgarian /Turkish chap who tried to push in front of us all, after a brief conversation and a swift left hook, order was restored. Oh and a few people dragged off a Bugarian/Turkish driver to the back of the queue. Funny how everyone was happy to stand in the queue after that.
I haven’t found my round this site properly yet, but it would be nice to see a reference to all who did the middle east job, and have now passed on to be recognised in a role of honour.
Mick… 
PanX:
Having been out of this strange, sometimes surreal but compelling job, because that is what it is, the experiences of, drivers, trucking firms and companies and the Middle East job iteself for such a long time, I am staggered and saddened by the names that I see on here that have passed on. Posts on here from back in the day, when you say to yourself… I remember him…a good bloke or I wonder what so and so is doing now. We’re all a lot older…but lest we forget.Does anyone remember a guy who was on for Eric Vic’s he hadn’t been out of the para’s very long.( circa 1980) We were all waiting in a seething mass of people waving paperwork in 40 degrees in Habur. There was a sign…“NO NOISEY” and “KEEP OUT THE DIRTY” (not sure what that was about). Everyone was pushing and shoving to get to the front. There was a Bulgarian /Turkish chap who tried to push in front of us all, after a brief conversation and a swift left hook, order was restored. Oh and a few people dragged off a Bugarian/Turkish driver to the back of the queue. Funny how everyone was happy to stand in the queue after that.
I haven’t found my round this site properly yet, but it would be nice to see a reference to all who did the middle east job, and have now passed on to be recognised in a role of honour.
Mick…
Hi Mick - There is already a link on the main menu remembering all those who have passed - regards Fred 
Loose-wire:
Andrew-Wilson-Yound died of cancer not overwork ,discovered after his Truck ran over his leg in Turkey ,which created a blood clot ,maybe his lack of sleep and poor diet didnt help ,but he was still a wonderful chap to know
I got a message today, a blast from the past. It was Andrews son who contacted me from somewhere exotic no doubt. He may come along and give us a sons insight into a father, or he may have some rare stories to share.
I mentioned Ashley’s “new” book to him after he asked if I had read Cola Cowboys 
whisperingsmith:
Can’t remember who gave me the Smith handle, real name’s Geoff.Where would you know me from? Haram, Sammie’s office in Damascus, or just passing.
Apart from one trip in a Maggie demo unit, ran Mercs, first a 1418 then had John Fishwick’s 1932 when he packed up, in 76 I think.
Only did one subby run for Astran to Doha (pretty sure It was just 1). Did quite a few trips with wife and small son in tow.
This is a different whispering smith then. The one I remember was Brian who spent some time in OZ and came back to do a couple of trips for someone.
Whispering must have been a popular name out there. 
PanX:
Having been out of this strange, sometimes surreal but compelling job, because that is what it is, the experiences of, drivers, trucking firms and companies and the Middle East job iteself for such a long time, I am staggered and saddened by the names that I see on here that have passed on. Posts on here from back in the day, when you say to yourself… I remember him…a good bloke or I wonder what so and so is doing now. We’re all a lot older…but lest we forget.Does anyone remember a guy who was on for Eric Vic’s he hadn’t been out of the para’s very long.( circa 1980) We were all waiting in a seething mass of people waving paperwork in 40 degrees in Habur. There was a sign…“NO NOISEY” and “KEEP OUT THE DIRTY” (not sure what that was about). Everyone was pushing and shoving to get to the front. There was a Bulgarian /Turkish chap who tried to push in front of us all, after a brief conversation and a swift left hook, order was restored. Oh and a few people dragged off a Bugarian/Turkish driver to the back of the queue. Funny how everyone was happy to stand in the queue after that.
I haven’t found my round this site properly yet, but it would be nice to see a reference to all who did the middle east job, and have now passed on to be recognised in a role of honour.
Mick…
I think the blokes name was Andrew Hutchins who told me that he was ex paramedic in the army.
As zzarbean reminded me on the Vijore thread a couple of years ago it was infact Andrew Ashley. 
PanX:
Does anyone remember a guy who was on for Eric Vic’s he hadn’t been out of the para’s very long.( circa 1980) We were all waiting in a seething mass of people waving paperwork in 40 degrees in Habur. There was a sign…“NO NOISEY” and “KEEP OUT THE DIRTY” (not sure what that was about). Everyone was pushing and shoving to get to the front. There was a Bulgarian /Turkish chap who tried to push in front of us all, after a brief conversation and a swift left hook, order was restored. Oh and a few people dragged off a Bugarian/Turkish driver to the back of the queue. Funny how everyone was happy to stand in the queue after that.
Mick…
I well remember the mad scuffles at the passport office window at H4.
On more than one occasion with impatient ■■■■■■■■ thrusting their hands over your shoulder trying to get their passport to the window first,snatching offending passport and throwing it to the back of the queue.
Yes Fred, I remember Uri well. The company he worked for - Lohmann Transport - is certainly still around. I saw one of their trucks a few months ago when I was coming down from Gothenburg in a company car but the tractor, although in Lohmann colours and writing, was Latvian registered. They are all at it I suppose, not just David Croome!
My fond memory of Uri was, often, going up to the Pub at the end of Norman Road - the North Pole? I would ask him what he wanted to drink and he would always say ‘David, I would like to become a gin and tonic’ and I would always say ‘Uri, thats a good trick if you can do it’ Although his English was very good he had a block with the German word for ‘to get’, ‘bekomen’. Well it made me laugh anyway.
David
PanX:
Having been out of this strange, sometimes surreal but compelling job, because that is what it is, the experiences of, drivers, trucking firms and companies and the Middle East job iteself for such a long time, I am staggered and saddened by the names that I see on here that have passed on. Posts on here from back in the day, when you say to yourself… I remember him…a good bloke or I wonder what so and so is doing now. We’re all a lot older…but lest we forget.Does anyone remember a guy who was on for Eric Vic’s he hadn’t been out of the para’s very long.( circa 1980) We were all waiting in a seething mass of people waving paperwork in 40 degrees in Habur. There was a sign…“NO NOISEY” and “KEEP OUT THE DIRTY” (not sure what that was about). Everyone was pushing and shoving to get to the front. There was a Bulgarian /Turkish chap who tried to push in front of us all, after a brief conversation and a swift left hook, order was restored. Oh and a few people dragged off a Bugarian/Turkish driver to the back of the queue. Funny how everyone was happy to stand in the queue after that.
I haven’t found my round this site properly yet, but it would be nice to see a reference to all who did the middle east job, and have now passed on to be recognised in a role of honour.
Mick…
t
Thought that sign at Habur said PREVENT THE DIRTY !!!
I have been informed that Jimmy Ellis was found dead on Wednesday 03.04.13 the Funeral will start
13.15hr 19.04.2013 from
Beckenham Rugby Club
Balmoral Ave
Beckenham
BR3 3RD
13.30hr
Beckenham Crematorium
Elmers End Road
Beckenham
BR3 4TD
Return to the Rugby Club to celebrate his LIFE
Details taken from His Facebook page and posted by his Daughter I have copied the last part of the message in case you are not on Facebook
I would like the day to be a celebration of dad’s life, so would be happy for anyone wishing to come to be in rugby shirts or bright clothing, but if you do want to wear traditional funeral colours then please feel free to.
I hope to be there to pay my respects to you Jimmy
Ian
Jimmy Ellis.
R.I.P.
Dave.
Sorry! Wrong place (the story of my life!)
David
Jimmy Ellis.
Sorry to lose you Jimmy. You took me on my first trip over the water when we were on for Smithy…all those tricks that you taught me. !
And then there’s the time when you covered the Douane with rouge !! merd.
RIP Jeemy.
From Gavin
Jimmy Ellis RIP.
As Jimmy’s Daughter wishes his funeral to be a celebration of his life. she would like to know of any funny stories, from his time on the road. This is so that the minister can add them to his Sermon and try to keep it light hearted. So if anyone would like to send any stories to his daughter Maurine,or pm them to me , then i will send them on. Lets be hearing from you. Regards Jamie.
Sounds like GS has just mentioned one…covering the Douane with the red stuff!! 
freshir:
David Miller:
Nice Grangewood picture, Freddie. I think that is Kenny Searle on the right and could that be you, yourself on the left?If I remember Ken wasn’t with us all that long was he?
David
Yes David, That’s poor old Fred’, I cannot remember where it was taken, I wonder what happened to Kenny. regards P.O.F
enquire ing after him some time back
Would the Freddie you are talking about be Freddie Ash. We ran together back from Doha in Jan or Feb. 1975 I had a MAN and Fred had a Maggi D.
altury169:
freshir:
David Miller:
Nice Grangewood picture, Freddie. I think that is Kenny Searle on the right and could that be you, yourself on the left?If I remember Ken wasn’t with us all that long was he?
David
Yes David, That’s poor old Fred’, I cannot remember where it was taken, I wonder what happened to Kenny. regards P.O.F
enquireing after him some time backWould the Freddie you are talking about be Freddie Ash. We ran together back from Doha in Jan or Feb. 1975 I had a MAN and Fred had a Maggi D.
freshir wrote. No I am not Freddie Ash, and Feb: 75 was a bit early for me as I did not make my bow until June 76, perhaps your inquiry will open up a contact , good luck - Fred H
What a long page you have, Uncle Fred.
However do you do it at your advanced age?
David
David Miller:
What a long page you have, Uncle Fred.However do you do it at your advanced age?
David
freshir wrote :-
I cannot understand how that happened David must be a fault on the thread as you know I never make mistakes, ah I remember getting cramp in my forefinger when I was signing off - If ever you are looking for an excuse don’t hesitate to contact me. I had a phone call yesterday from a dear old mate, Teherani Barney remembered by many, we chatted for about half an hour reminiscing exchanging a few exagerations and raising many old names and after our chat it was still undecided who got there first and the quickest, he was talking from South Carolina, he is still ticking along and keeping himself occupied shop-lifting and chasing old ladies, but I certainly appreciated his phone call after I realised it was him as he opened up the conversation with his usual well known Arabic chat, I first thought that it was Microsoft with an upgrade. cheers everyone - reghards Fred
freshir:
David Miller:
What a long page you have, Uncle Fred.However do you do it at your advanced age?
David
freshir wrote :-
I cannot understand how that happened David must be a fault on the thread as you know I never make mistakes, ah I remember getting cramp in my forefinger when I was signing off - If ever you are looking for an excuse don’t hesitate to contact me. I had a phone call yesterday from a dear old mate, Teherani Barney remembered by many, we chatted for about half an hour reminiscing exchanging a few exagerations and raising many old names and after our chat it was still undecided who got there first and the quickest, he was talking from South Carolina, he is still ticking along and keeping himself occupied shop-lifting and chasing old ladies, but I certainly appreciated his phone call after I realised it was him as he opened up the conversation with his usual well known Arabic chat, I first thought that it was Microsoft with an upgrade. cheers everyone - reghards Fred
Yeah! and when I realized you were about hang up on me I quickly reverted back to my mother tongue 
. If I had known you were looking for an upgrade, I would have invited you to try the new Micro Soft birth control system, patented by Limpen. 
. It was a must call situation cause I heard you were planning to disappear into the desert on a pair of roller skates, not a good idea the sand creates havoc on the bearings 
.
As for the shop-lifting hushhhh! these yanks think I own Wal-Mart lol. On a more serious note I am slowing down on the old ladies, I’m finding that younger women appreciate experience. I still enjoy the house garden. and keep a couple of hoes close by .
I spoke a few days ago to Andy Addison he now lives in Canada, anyone remember him? He drove my old 140 at Gartside and also tried to steal my love at the time in Istambul. Memories are precious keep em coming guys. Barney