Looking back... ‘Ever Readies’ sent to Far East

A Newtownabbey soldier was among 200 “Ever Readies” being deployed to the Far East for training in 1963.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Mar 2015, 05:41 GMT

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Connor of the North Irish Horse (TA) was selected for the programme.

It was the first time since the formation of the TA Emergency Reserve that the soldiers were to be posted to the Far East.

The soldiers flew from Lyneham in a Britannia aircraft.

RAF Secretary of State for War, John Profumo saw them off on their journey.

The local 34-year-old staff sergeant had served with the 4th Queen’s Hussars in the Rhine Army, from 1947 until 1952.

He joined the Irish Horse in 1954. He was employed as a clerical officer with the Hospitals’ Authority.