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Can you flag down missing emblem?

28/11/2002

THE CALL has gone out for help in tracking down a unique piece of Eccles history.

Former Territorial Army Squadron Officer Captain Sandy Birks is trying to trace the whereabouts of a Freedom of Eccles banner.

This was given to 911 (Motor Ambulance) Company, Royal Army Service Corps, of the TA on Half Edge Lane in April 1964 when they were awarded the Freedom of Eccles.

To mark the occasion, a splendid military parade was held in Eccles, followed by a ball in the town hall and church service at Eccles Parish Church.

A scroll was presented to the unit as well as the freedom banner, which was proudly put on display in the warrant officers and sergeants' mess.

However, in 1965 the company became a squadron of the new Royal Corps of Transport and in 1967 the new TA was formed, and 911 Company became a forming unit of 236 Squadron, which is now based at the new Haldane Barracks on Eccles New Road.

With the disbandment of 911 Squadron, the freedom banner went missing and it has become Sandy Birk's mission to find it.

He has visited local churches, written numerous letters and spoken to old comrades and friends of the Eccles Squadron.

To date, despite receiving offers of help from all quarters, he has not been able to reveal the secret of the missing banner.

"I know that Major Derek Vipond, the last squadron commander, who tragically died in middle age, would have wanted me to proceed with my search," he told The Advertiser.

"I cannot believe that, even almost 40 years after its presentation, it has just vanished into thin air, or worn out."

Anyone who can help Captain Birks in his search can contact him on 01625 528164. Old comrades of 911 meet in the evening at the new Haldane Barracks on Eccles New Road on the first Thursday of the month.