THE 'lost soldiers' search is still on, in advance of a special reunion of old army buddies to be staged in a few weeks time.

The special do is being arranged for former members of the St Helens-based 596 and 436 Regiment (Royal Artillery) at the town's Royal Naval Club on Wednesday, May 26 at 8pm.

One of the mainsprings, Wally Simmons, tells me that my earlier brief mention of the proposed reunion had resulted in a number of additional old comrades being added to the guest list.

"We've now been contacted by Chick Bannister, Con Johnson, Reg Smith and Ernie Beeston," reports Wally, "but we are still trying to contact Capt. Brownill, Dennis Duffy, Teddy Humphries, Cliff Roberts and, indeed, any others who served with the two regiments."

Two old buddies who are going to 'great lengths'" to be there are Frank Gomme, formerly of Parr and now living in Florida, and ex-Burtonwood Brewery rep Frank Leyland, currently based in the Falklands.

Any other interested parties can contact Wally at 42 Rose Avenue, Haydock WA11 0NF (tel. 01942 711467).

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