Ex-servicemen produce old snap, circa 1960, in bid to trace Sapper Pat O’Neill

Left to right: Brian Golden, Pat O’Neill, Tony Belton, Derek ‘Mac’ McClune and Norman ‘Geordie’ Fawcett

Ex-servicemen searching for their old army comrades have dug out this archival photograph, taken in 1960, as part of their search.

Sapper Pat O’Neill, pictured second from right and partially obscured, was stationed at No. 4 Traning Regiment, Royal Engineers, Gibraltar Barracks, Aldershot, Hampshire, from 1959 until 1961 on Headquarters Staff.

David Sills, who now lives in Dorset, served alongside Mr O’Neill and is urging anyone who knows Mr O’Neill’s present whereabouts to contact him.

Earlier this year Mr Sills wrote a letter to the Hackney Citizen asking for help in tracing old comrades.

He wrote: “We are searching in particular for Sapper Pat O’Neill, who we know was living in the Hackney area during his National Service and that prior to conscription, he was employed at the Oxo Factory.

“Pat might like to know that so far the group of old comrades comprises Tony Belton, Ivan Rumsby, Colin Proctor, Dave Pipes, Dave Brooks, Ron Hudson, Frank Deakins, Norman ‘Geordie’ Fawcett and David Sills.”

Anyone who knows Mr O’Neill’s present whereabouts should call Josh Loeb on 07714 101 077 or email josh.loeb@hackneycitizen.co.uk and messages will be passed on to Mr Sills.