Tonisvorst, meine Stadt (in s/w) / my town (in b&w) Photo Gallery by Ralph46 at pbase.com

Tonisvorst, meine Stadt (in s/w) / my town (in b&w)

Seit mehr als 30 Jahren wohne ich in der kleinen Stadt Tonisvorst, noerdlich von Koeln. Die Einwohnerzahl ist etwa 25.000. Der wenig attraktive Name kommt aus dem damaligen Zusammenschluss der Orte St. Tonis und Vorst. Zwischen diesen Beiden Ortsteilen liegen 10 km Weideland, so dass der Ort recht laendlich wirkt. Es gibt wenig Industrie. Es gibt an diesem Ort keine besonderen Merkmale oder Sehenswuerdigkeiten, so dass Touristen meist nicht hier anzutreffen sind. Aber es ist mein Zuhause und eine sehr angenehme Umgebung, auch wegen der vielen reizenden Menschen. Deshalb moechte ich es hiermit darstellen. (Siehe auch die nachfolgende Gallerie "Carnival in a small German Town")

Die letzten 5 Fotos (in Farbe) sind für die vielen (ehemaligen) Mitglieder der britischen Streitkräfte, die früher in Francisca Barracks, Forstwald, stationiert waren, und von denen ich viele Wünsche nach diesen Bildern erhalten habe.

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I've been living in the German town of Tonisvorst now for more than 30 years. With a population of around 25,000 it is part of the Rhineland north of Cologne near the Dutch border.The rather uninspiring name results from the merger of the country towns St. Tonis and Vorst many years ago. Between these 2 parts of the town lie about 10 km/7 miles of mainly agricultural country. There is not very much industry. The place has nothing of national or international repute and no famous sites, so you will very rarely see a tourist around. You could say it is very average. But to me it is home and indeed a very pleasant environment to live in, thanks also to the kind and friendly inhabitants. Therefore I would like to show you around. (see also the following gallery "Carnival in a small German town")

The last 5 photos (in colour) are for the many British Servicemen formerly based in Francisca Barracks, Forstwald, and who have posted many comments and asked for these. Contrary to a misleading Google search result, I have never had any contact to the personell of Francisca and cannot help in locating anyone. But it was nice to have the British here for all those years.

The approach to St. Tonis from Krefeld	The tram from Krefeld nearing the town centre	Willhelmplatz, the end of the line	On the "Schluff" historic railway between Tonisvorst and Krefeld
View of Tonisvorst, St. Tonis	Pedestrian shopping street 1	Shopping street 2	Shopping street 3
Shopping street 4	Town hall 1	Town hall 2	Town hall 3
St. Martin helping the poor	St. Antonius, patron saint of St. Tonis	The thursday morning food market 1	Food market 2
Food market 3	Food market 4	Christmas market 1	Christmas market 2
Christmas market 3	The St. Tönis church, as usual in this area the central town landmark	Church 2	Church 3
Church 4	Church 5	Church 6	Next to the church
St. Tonis church in Spring	The town park	Beergarden	Old street 1
Old street 2	The windmill (our main attraction but quite common in this area)	Old water tower 1	Old water tower 2
Industrial building of days gone by	Town centre of Vorst 1	Town centre of Vorst 2	Local amateur soccer game
Once-a-year madness: see following gallery "Carnival in a small German town"	Greenhouses, flowers and vegetables, important industries here	Rural scene 1	Rural scene 2
Wind energy	Rural scene 3	Rural scene 4	Trees in the Field 1
Trees in the field 2	Rural scene with the Vorst church	Paddock 1	Paddock 2
Paddock 3	Paddock 4	Paddock 5	Rural scene 5
Rural scene 6	Small creek	The location of our house	Our street
Our house, front	Our house, rear	Our garden	Francisca Barracks 2009 - 1
Francisca Barracks 2009 - 2	Francisca Barracks 2009 - 3	Francisca Barracks 2009 - 4	Francisca Barracks 2009 - 5

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Roy Pitchford		19-Feb-2017 04:30
I was with the L.A.D REME stationed at Francisca Barracks with 28 Signal Regt from 1961-65. My OC was Capt. Austin MM and I was his preferred driver in charge of an Austin 'Champ' vehicle. Upon his retirement from the army, his replacement was in the form of a wonderful man, Capt. Bill Christian who kept me on as his driver. I enjoyed my time in the St. Tonis/Krefeld area and have many lasting memories.

Mick Stone		09-Jul-2016 17:56
Arrived 65 1st job 1 Squadron Clerk, boss was Maj R Trelawny, then to RHQ JJ Brough was Chief Clerk, Lou Costello was ORS, Jimmy Mann, Ken Bage were in office, got lumbered playing Tennis against Capt Rowena Scott. On exercise we all put on labels with Gripweed and confused a lot of Officers.

Guest		12-Mar-2016 15:28
Hello Ralph I was at the barracks in Krefeld in the 70.75 and now live in St tonis havlin-patrick@web.de

Patrick Havlin		12-Mar-2016 15:23
<hello Ralph I live in St tonis on the Antonius st for the last eight years. Used to be at the Barracks in Krefeld

Paul Brinsden		27-Oct-2015 07:26
Just an update. I remember Cpt Davis, TOT M Troop, FoS Newgent, Bob George, Derick Brown, Jimmy Hunter and "Taffy" Meakes. All M Troop members. I wonder were they are now? Paul

Paul Brinsden		23-Oct-2015 07:47
Hi Ralph I was with 28 Sigs from July 71 until May 74. Many great memories. Visited Francisca in 2011. Very sad looking place. What has happened since? Paul.

Mick George		21-Oct-2015 19:38
I was with 28 sigs around 75-77 and interested to see all your comments. I see a couple of you have mentioned Sylvester George, I knew him only really because we shared the same surname, in fact I think there were 4 'Georges' on the camp at the same time. I was discharged in 78 and went to work in the City and some time in the eighties met Sylvester by chance somewhere around Liverpool Street. We both recognised each other and had a little chat and 'surprisingly' he was having a little bit of bother about a married woman. He was living somewhere around East London but I can't remember where exactly. I found this site because I had driven down to Spain for a holiday and while there parked next to a car with a KR registration. Had a few words with the family and they told me the camp was now a refugee centre so was prompted to see what I could find. Good luck to all of you, I remember them as happy days.

Guest		30-Jan-2015 17:23
Dave Hillsley..............Alpha Troop 73-77

Guest		26-Jan-2014 23:48
Sorry to tell you this but my great friend Freddie Harris died in a freak accident in Spain in 1992.. I had just made contact with him again after a number of years & this tragedy happened--I spoke to him just a few days before but never saw him again

Guest		06-Jan-2014 16:22
Jimmy Hunter , Mo Harkin, Freddie Harris,Graham Tilley Ray Martin are a few names I remember from 1973 to 1977 . djscranny@hotmail.co.uk if anybody wants to contact me Dave Smith

Guest		06-Jan-2014 16:18
Hi Andrew --Do you also remember Freddie Harris ?

andrew lindell		16-May-2013 13:32
i remember Dave Smith and all the people you have mentioned and Vogelsang and the battle range there and those bunk beds from the war, straw mattresses lol take care Dave Smith.

Dave Smith		28-Apr-2013 21:19
I was at 28 Sigs from Jan 1973 to Jan 1977 ---Tractor Jack ( Canadian) was my OC Troop Delta Troop , I remember Paddy Parkinson Steve & Carol Hilton Ray Martin Freddie Harris Mo Harkin Jimmy Hunter Jock Hagen & Vogelsang 1973 !! Will always remember 28Sigs & St Tonis with much affection oh yes and Sill George Sid & Adele Buckley & a few more Dave Smith

andrew lindell		19-Jan-2013 19:40
if anybody who remembers me contact me at andrewlindell@hotmail.co.uk

andrew lindell		23-Dec-2012 19:20
andrew lindell was post nco 1975 1979 remember jimmy jack HQ squadron his misses worked in naffy and mrs armstrong wife of wo11 armstrong, also remember sylvester george and paddy green great guys, and my best mate barry walker,i lived at 9 garn strasse, steve and carol hilton , gill and morrag hagen , paddy murphy , kath and herbie,and the shellie's, alo remember eye's malcholm linton, capt tractor jack,lesley and john burgess, vera and tony rae bob parkinson. and not forgetting taff len jones in the armoury. and the football team was the best. and capt peacock, lt col byrne frank atkinson rsm not bad for 34 years ago lol

Guest		01-Nov-2012 19:19
Its a beautiful,peacefull,green,small city that I love!!!! Really nice people!

Ian Toz Tozzi		21-Oct-2012 18:18
I served at 28 (BR) Signal Regiment from July 1973 to August 1976 as it was known then. Brings back many a good time had in St Tonis. Was in one of the local pubs pool team for a couple of years. Infact any free time was spent in St Tonis, a very nice village at the time and very friendly. The pub I frequented was owned by a Dutch/Spanish couple, Marie(Dutch) and Quon(Spanish) and they had a family of 3 girls and one boy. Happy memories.

Dave Guthrie (ex Cpl)		22-Sep-2012 21:36
Moved from Essen-Kray in 1957, there until demob 1958. Lovely camp and town. Friends in Town eg Goebels shoe shop owner and son. Lovely landlady in our regular pub near church, small dance floor, accordian band. Great memories. eg Cable truck being used to collect the guys from pub in town.

Tony Havlin		18-Sep-2012 20:49
I am in St Tonis next week visiting my brother

Andy Smith (Smith 171)		20-Jul-2012 10:34
Nice to see Tonisvorst again, myself (Andy Smith) and Ken Salt were there, I was at 28 sigs from Feb 1968 to Mar 1973, Ken and I spent a lot of time there and were even on the league in a pub for shuffle skittles, loved the place.

Tony Havlin		19-Jul-2012 20:54
My brothers and I were all stationed at 16 Sigs in Krefeld 68 to 72 My youngest brother Pat and his family now live in St Tonisvorst Town Centre It brought back happy memories

Guest		10-Jul-2012 19:30
Could Taffy Hylands contact Paddy Corristine at laurencemccorristine@gmail.com (spotted your message).

tom reilly		10-Apr-2012 12:37
Tom Reilly: what a pleasure to see st tonis again after all these years. seems bigger than i remember, but many a good night was had there. iremember the football matches between st tonis and 28 sigs, were always a bit tastey. nice to see so many of the old alpha troop still going strong, what memories.

Guest		21-Feb-2012 20:50
I had family in your area and visit several time. Even went to the church you showed - Thank You!

Guest		21-Feb-2012 20:50
I had family in your area and visit several time. Even went to the church you showed - Thank You!

Don Beamish		04-Oct-2011 20:04
I was in Francisca Barracks in 1953-54, it was then occupied by 5Coy RASC(GT). I have always had the idea that we were the first ones in when we moved from Osnabruck. The pictures brought back many memories, especially the reminder about 'Black Annie's' - Oh happy days. DON BEAMISH

Rick Licence		03-Sep-2011 15:54
Ralph, A great trip down memory lane, thank you . Without doubt some of the happiest years of my life were spent in Francisca Barracks. St Tonis was always a welcoming town with some great little bars and restaurants. One very special Italian restaurant was the Cavese; great food and always a warm welcome.

Jeff Berger		10-Aug-2011 17:39
I was just going through some old family photo's and found a picture of my Dad, Jules Berger with a notation St. Tonis, March, 1945. The picture was taken in the in the barracks. He was a Staff Sergeant and a radio man. If (a million to one) anyone remembers my Dad or the place, please get to me. Thank you for the wonderful pictures.

W WILMS		01-Jun-2011 14:15
THANKS FOR PICTURES OF THE PLACE I WAS BORN ( 1942) HAVE NOT BEEN BACK SINCE 1969 HOPE TO SEE AGAIN . HELLO FROM CANADA AND HAVE A NICE DAY

W WILMS		01-Jun-2011 13:57
THANKS FOR PICTURES OF THE PLACE I WAS BORN ( 1942) HAVE NOT BEEN BACK SINCE 1969 HOPE TO SEE AGAIN . HELLO FROM CANADA AND HAVE A NICE DAY

Alan (Cobber) Mc Dougall		24-Apr-2011 16:50
HI guys, any1 who remembers me drop me a line 28 sigs, 64-67, cobber mt renegade2401@yahoo.co.uk

Pat Smyth		11-Apr-2011 13:56
hI gain Ralph, As i wrote in my previous comment i was at Francisca Barrack during the dates i mentioned,when my unit was known as 19th Army group Signals Regt (i have been told) and it then changed to 28 Signal Regt in March 1959, a month after i had left the army. I thought i had better correct my mistake ref Regts, so that. maybe, just maybe, someone will remember me. Regards, Pat

Pat Smyth		10-Apr-2011 19:08
Thank you Ralph for these photos. I was with 28 Signal Regt from near the end of 1957 til demob feb 58 and have some really fond memories of Francisca Barracks,so, once again, Ralph, Thanks.

Guest		18-Dec-2010 00:21
i was at 28 from 86 till 90 in support m.t. remember paddy rielly as provo. jim lewington was the m.t. staffy. taff owen. taff castaldi,tony cresswell,geordie smee. would like to meet the guys again someday. allan (jock) lennie.

SYBIL ARMSTRONG		02-Dec-2010 13:31
HI MY HUSBAND AND I SPENT VERY HAPPY TIMES AT ST.TONIS FROM 1974-1979 I KNOW TOMMY @ ANN BARTLET JIMMY JACK PETE DALTON RUTH @ JIMMY JACK FANTASTIC TIME WAS HAD BY ALL MANY THANKS

Ralph46		11-Feb-2010 16:59
Hi and thanks to Mark and all others who have commented here. I gladly comply to your wish and have posted 5 photos of the barracks shot late 2009 at the end of the gallery. Since the fence has been overgrown in most places there is not much more that can be seen from outside. See the captions under the individual photos for some more infos to the place itself. Since I was never connected to the barracks in any way I regret not being able to give any information about people formerly stationed there. Best regards, Ralph

Mark Coker		20-Jan-2010 15:12
Ralph. Dont put the town down. It was a wonderful place to live (1991-1993) and I found it to be the best Army posting of my career as I believe have many of ex British and Belgian Army personnel. I especially liked the little Italian Restaurant that served the doughballs with frozen garlic butter as an apparatief although I do not remember the name. I have many great memories of St Tonis and the surrounding areas and you should be rightly proud. It is just a shame that the barracks is now derelict and due to be returned to woodland. I have one request... Please, if possible, could you take a photo gallery of the camp before it has gone forever?

Peter Dickason		22-Oct-2009 12:44
I was at 28 Sigs St Tonis 1961 to 63, it was my first posting. I was HQ sqn clerk. It had a great time there. I was also at 16 Sigs Krefeld 1968 to 71. The pics brought back memories. Pete Dickason

Clive Meekham		16-Sep-2009 16:01
I remember this place well, brings back a lot of good memories 1975 – 1977ish, a few names ringing bells Tommy (Paddy) Bartlett if I am right, Tony Horan, Dick Thorne I was his guest once or twice. Thanks for the walk back in time.

Anthony Vrsalovich		04-Sep-2009 23:15
Great Site, This is for Nick Williams ... Nick - "Ivan" here - I just went on the web to see if I could find any of the "old team" from Alpha Troop. I am delighted that I was able to connect with you - you have me email ... drop me a line with your coordinates and I will give you a bell - I hope you are keeping well I would love to contact Danny Nalon and his wife Annie. How about these names - I am sure the memories will be come flooding back - Here goes ... Rick Licence John Walton Ron King Bob Wishart Big Ross Jenkins Aussie Carver Chaz Lowe Bob Hay John Darling Paul Starling Scouse Kerns If I can think of anyone else I will add to the list.

Guest		31-May-2009 14:24
Hi I was as 28 sigs 1977 1981 ... I see some familiar names on here John Connolly

john bryson		14-Mar-2009 11:54
was stationed at 28 sigs from 1975 to 77 plan avisit this june/jully

colinappleby		13-Mar-2009 11:21
Please would anyone stationed at St Tonis with 28 Signal Regiment contact me - especially if you remember Brian James Kelly, known as Taff.

jock campbell		05-Feb-2009 14:34
i was at 28 sigs for a little while 71 to 73 great times

taff walters		06-Jan-2009 01:23
TAFF WALTERS. great to visit this site again anyone remember watching 66 world in the weavers when we beat germany well jock archibauld decided we should celebrate in krefeld at the 28 club we had a great fight outside mps turned up following morning in front of major trelawny oc 1 squad. confined to barracks well worht though happy new year to all ex 28 sigs lads taffy walters

Guest		21-Dec-2008 01:04
Hi Taff, you might remember me.....arrived late 69 and stayed until 74 like in alpha troop along with Rick Licence, John Walton, Sandy milne etc.......visted the camp last year, shame to see it so run down. cheers Nick Williams

Guest		05-Dec-2008 23:18
Taffy Hylands. Taffy HYLANDS . I Served in 28 SIGS ALPHA TROOP from 66 to 70 . I remember all the men that Taffy Walters talks about including Dave Westbrook and Paddy Coristine. I also remember a SGT Fernie who served with SGT Brooking. Still got fond memories of the club Romantica in Krefeld

Tony Horan		23-Oct-2008 23:45
Spent time in 28 Sigs from Feb 74 to Feb 78, when the unit would not let me stay in the Army for an extra 2 months so that we could try and win the Army Cup again!! Loved the place and even have fond memories of the Trimm Dich, which we ran around many times. Sad to hear it all overgrown, happy memories. Tony Horan

Guest		17-Oct-2008 20:01
Treasured memories in and around st. tonis. I was at francisca kaserne 1978 - 82 and had a great time in your pleasant town,,,,All the best.....Dave James

TAFF WALTERS		05-Oct-2008 01:28
TAFF WALTERS STATIONED AT ST TONIS 65-69 A TROOP CONCEM OPP FAB TIMES MANY GREAT MEMORIES SKI-ING CYCLING BAVARIA BLAC ANNIES WITH BRUMMI SPENCER ROCK HUDSON DAVE BROOKES TONY CURTIS JOC ARCHIBALD RIP KIRBY ROB SHORT PETE GRANT BOB MORTON ALAN TURNER LOFTY ALDRIDGE SGT BROOKING DICK SIZELAND LIST IS ENDLESS GREAT SITE

Lord Denovan		17-Aug-2008 15:42
I was admin Officer at Francisca Barracks 1987 to 1990. I visited the camp again about 10 years ago (1998) and it is all overgrown. The parade square is full of weeds and it was a shame to see it in its present state. Just maybe, it could be used again, perhaps by the Bundeswehr. St. Tonis is a great place. Many, Many happy memories.

iseenow		29-Jun-2008 11:02
ahhh i see now, so this is where St. Tonis the church is...btw i'm from the Philippines and i go to school called St. Tonis College here. Yes, i think the school is partnered to the church...so you see, st. tonis, your town? is known internationally, well atleast in my province he he...i've been searching google for our school name origin and i haven't read any article where st tonis is, i don't know maybe it is not saved in the google engine. But i got the idea that maybe i should turn the letter "o" from "tOnis" to "ö"<---(that's not in my keyboard) and then i see your site which shows your lovely town and oh the one i've been looking for, St. Tonis church...Thanks!! now i can share this site to those who are wonderin bout our school name :DD

debbie thorne		18-Jun-2008 09:37
hi nobby, so nice of you to post a meesage to me,thank you.i have a few photos of 28 sigs and 16 sigs as they are today,very deserted,such a shame.if you would like me to send them to you my e-mail address is debchad61@hotmail.com i love this site,i came across it looking for something else,but it brings back so many good memories. take care and kindest regards debbie

debbie		18-Jun-2008 09:22
hi nobby, so nice of you to post a message.i love this site it brings back some good memories.i have a few pics of 28 sigs and 16 sigs as they are now,i could send them to you.they are very much deserted,such a shame.my e-mail is debchad61@hotmail.com if you would like me to send you the pic,s just send me an e-mail and i will. take care debbie have you been on dads memorial site..there are photos on there..

Guest		03-Jun-2008 15:16
my dad is paddy R\|eilly he was the provo as well contact him on seanreilly0175@hotmail.co.uk ta

Nobby Clark (L/Cpl)		01-Jun-2008 00:36
Yes, not sure if I was there when your Dad, Rick Thorne was there. I arrived at Fransisca Barracks in the summer of 1964 from Bradbury Barracks in Krefeld. I spent nearly 3 years at 28 Sigs. I was with 'B' Troop Comcen Ops in 2 Squadron. Not sure what I thought about 28 Sigs. It was all such a long time ago now. I beleive that the old Fransisca Barracks are deserted now, and have been abandoned. I was told that the barracks was a Military Hospital during war for POWs, not sure if that was true. Anyway, good luck and I did have some good memories of Fransisca Barracks way back in mid 1960s. Nice photos, seem to bring back a few memories of Krefeld town centre, and the Trams.

debbie		03-May-2008 15:32
Hi my dad ricky,dicky or dick(as he was know by everyone)thorne was the provo sergeant at fransisca barracks 28 sigs regt.we lived in st tonis krefeld and were ther between 1976-1980.if anyone knew us or my dad please get in touch.i have made a memorial page for dad,and i hope that people who knew him or if you would just like to leave a message there would do so. take care,kindest regards debbie

DEBBIE THORNE		19-Apr-2008 22:01
hi all, what a great website..my dad served at 28 sigs and he worked in the guardroom.his name was rick thorne,im not sure if anyone remembers dad,but i have made a memorial page for dad its at www.gonetoosoon.co.uk please feel free to go and and look at the photo,s on there and please leave messages if you knew my dad.when you go on the address for memorial it will take you to the home page,just type in richard thorne warrington in the 3 boxes on left hand side it will then take you to a box with richard francis thorne just click on there and you are in my dads page,also i would love to hear from anyone who knew my dad..thanks to you all for a lovely website. kindest regards debbie

Bob (Chippy)Woods		07-Apr-2008 20:08
Thanks for bringing back many happy memories of St Tonis. I was at 28 from Sept 60 to June 63 where I was Troop Sgt of the Heavy Cable Troop and for a while went out with Inga the Sgts Mess waitress. We used to doall the haunts that were out of bounds to squaddies as we both spoke the lingo.Sadly lost touch with her when I got posted.

Ralph46		12-Mar-2008 18:22
Many, many thanks to all you kind people who have posted praise for this gallery. I really appreciate that you have taken the time and effort to do so. Thanks again, Ralph

Guest		12-Mar-2008 14:11
Love this gallery ! -V-

Guest		12-Mar-2008 14:10
Great gallery ! And sad =) voted

Mark Coker		14-Feb-2008 10:44
Wonderful pictures Ralph. It is nice to see the views in which I spent many hours during my time in the Army (28 Sinal regiment)in the early 90s. One question though. There was an absolutely fantastic restraunt that made the most fantastic dough balls with garlic butter. Do you happen to know the name of the place?

Tommy Bartlett		08-Dec-2007 21:38
I served in 28 Signal Regt on several occassions,in total about 10 years one of my daughters was born in RAF Wegberg. I still visit every few years I love the place,meine zweite heim

tony taylor		28-Sep-2007 18:51
thanks for views Ralph, Brought back memories,spent 18 months at 28 Sigs, British army camp just outside st tonis. I used to visit the village on my own and was accepted as a friend after a while. This was 1961--- 1963, St Tonis looks much bigger now. Is the camp still there? I would like to visit St Tonis again, All the Best Wishes, Tony Taylor (my name is actually Anthony, but not St)

Rolf Muehlenhaus		26-Dec-2006 05:54
Thanks Ralph, for bringing back some memories that had faded after 35 years of living in the US. An inspiration to get to work!! I'll be in touch.

Ray :)		07-Dec-2006 14:09
Thanks for showing us around, Ralph. You have a tramway, a steam railway and a windmill - all seem good to me!

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