The eagle royal dragoons magazines the eagle 1951 by RHG/D Reg Sec

THE EAGLE The

Journal

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ROYAL DRAGOONS

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THE Tile

EAGLE

Regimental Journal 0/

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

MIDDLE EAST

LIST

SERGEANTS’ MESS NOTES

OBITUARY

A SOLDIER’S FAREWELL TO ME.

VISIT OF THE COLONEL-IN-CHIEF

CORPORALS’ MESS NOTES

AND

DEDICATION

BAND NOTES

REGIMENTAL WAR MEMORIAL THE ROYALS

i I. [Photos: Barralz’s Photo Press, Ltd.

H.M. The King; Colonel Wilson Fitzgerald; LieuI.—Colonel Heazhcoat—Amory.

OLD COMRADEs’ ASSOCIATION NOTES 5

EQUITATION NOTES

SAILING NOTES

SOLLUM, 1940-1950

SQUADRON NOTES:

DESERT NAVIGATION

“ A ” SQUADRON “ B ” SQUADRON “C” SQUADRON

‘

CONTENTS

REGIMENTAL NOTES

UNVEILING

v", . _

7ULY, 1951.

THE ROYAL CANADIAN DRAGOONS, 1949-50 )

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

AID SOCIETY

H.Q. SQUADRON

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS

FOOTBALL NOTES

SIGNAL GROUP

ATHLETIC NOTES

Q.M. GROUP SICK HUT SYMPHONY

TECHNICAL GROUP M.T. GROUP

THE REGIMENTAL GAZETTE

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

REGIMENTAL The months since The Eagle was last pub— lished have been full of change. From Wolfenbiittel to Fayid, via Chester, in three months did not give anyone much chance to get bored. Our short stay in Chester was most pleasant, and the large amount of leave we had gave everyone an opportunity of tasting the joys of civilisation. No one could complain that we were overworked while at Chester; our only real work was preparing for the inspection on 5th December by His Majesty The King. On the great day there was a break in the almost continual snow, and the parade was held as planned. That afternoon the Regimental W’ar Memorial was unveiled by the Colonel of the Regiment, Col. Wilson-Fitzgerald. The name of 2/Lt. D. M. Stride, and Major the Hon. J. Hamilton— Russell’s, M.C., are not shown on the photograph which appears in this edition, but these omissions have been rectiﬁed, and the completed memorial now stands outside the Guard Room at Balaclava Camp. While we were at Chester, Major Fielden came back to us from H.Q. B.A.O.R., 2/Lts. Beckwith and Nicolson joined from Mons O.C.T.U., and Lt. Young arrived from the R.A.M.C. Depot to be our new Medical Ofﬁcer: he is now doing a roaring trade in salt tablets. Before the Regi— ment left Chester, Capt. Reed and Lts. Porter, Hammer and Ferrand went to a new training Regiments at Carlisle. Since arriving in Egypt Major Armitage has joined us to command H.Q. Squadron. The Regiment embarked at Southampton on the 19th January on H.M.T. Empire Ken, and sailed the next morning. Brigadier Sir Ernest

NOTES Makins, Brigadier Hodgson, Brigadier Pepys and many others came to see us off. The Band played nobly on the quayside and we could still hear the strains of “ Auld Lang Syne ” long after our ship had moved away from her berth. Apart from engine trouble off the Needles, when the ship gave every indication of drifting back to Southampton, nothing untoward happened on the journey, except perhaps the appear— ance of a pair of trousers hanging from the mast early one morning, It was rumoured that they belonged to a certain Military Policeman. But the question of who put them there must always remain a mystery; though, whoever it was, it must have been a “ big man.” We were fortunate in arriving here at the end of January: in the cool weather. No time was lost before we were out on exercises in the desert,

and when exercise “ Sandgrouse ” the last of the training season started, the Regiment had been out less than two months. From all accounts no terrible error crept in and the Regiment acquitted itself well. During April, the Regiment provided a Guard at the Commander-in-Chief’s house. This Guard, which consisted of a large percentage of National Service soldiers, contained representatives of all the Sabre Squadrons, and was commanded on alternate days by Lt. Lewis and z/Lt. Thomp— son—McCausland.

Appeal

The Editors have become increasingly conscious, during the collation of this and the previous edition, of some small points which would, if cleared up, not only improve the quality, but also the punctuality of the publication of The Eagle. The co—operation of all contributors is most sincerely asked so as to ensure for future editions :

° 0

OBI TUA R Y AJOR Arthur Hamilton—Russell was born on the 8th September, 1873, the fifth son of the eighth Viscount Boyne. He was educated at Eton and Sandhurst and joined The Royals as a Second-Lieutenant in October, 1893. He was promoted to Lieutenant in June, 1894, and to Captain in July, 1899. He served in the South African War (Despatchcs) at Tugala, the fourth and final battle for the relief of Ladysmith in February, 1900, when the Regiment was in action on the right flank of the main attack. He accompanied the Regiment to India in 1904. He was pro— moted to the rank of Major in 1908, and resigned his commission in 1909, when he joined the North Irish Horse, with which he served in the 1914-18 war in France (Despatches).

VISIT HIS

We regret that we have had to Increase the price of The Eagle, but the dreaded spiral of inﬂation has caught up with us, and there appears to be little chance of a reduction in price before your present editors retire.

It was originally intended to go to press with this Edition of The Eagle in June; various factors, however, have made this impossible.

MAJOR THE HON. ARTHUR HAMILTON-RUSSELL LATE THE ROYAL DRAGOONS AND NORTH IRISH HORSE

More careful correction of proofs before submission to the Editor. A word count on each article. Prompt submission of copy. More individual contributions. The Editors wish to emphasise that they would welcome any article of interest.

MAJESTY

THE THE

N 51h December, the Regiment was honoured by the presence of His Majesty King George VI, when he inspected us at The Dale Barracks, Chester. The last time our Colonel—in—Chief saw the Regiment, was outside Tripoli in June 1943; and now we were back from Germany, where we had been stationed since the end of the war, for a short visit to England before moving out to the Middle East. Preparations were put in hand many weeks earlier; footdrill became an every day occurrence startling many an M.T. clerk and storeman. Despite this however, the weather nearly jeopardised the whole proceedings. For several days before hand it snowed furi— ously, and froze hard every night. The nearby aerodrome kept us regaled with the most ghastly weather reports almost hourly, until we were relieved to hear that His Majesty would inspect the Regiment on the Square whatever the weather. The eleventh hour found a hundred men with

Arthur Hamilton—Russell possessed a charm— ing personality; he was a good soldier and sportsman, a keen rider to hounds, a very good shot, and held his own at polo. He was Master of the Regimental pack of barriers in 1896-97; although these hounds were harriers, they were not too particular as to their quarry, which included an occasional fox, and also at the end of the season carted stags, borrowed from the County Down Staghounds. In 1905 he married Marion Lillian, youngest daughter of Henry Harris, of Steventon, Whit— church, Hampshire, who died in 1934, and is survived by an only child, David. He died after a short illness on February 6th at his home in Hampshire, and will ever be held in affectionate remembrance by his contemporaries in the Regiment.

COLONEL-IN-CHIEF KING ’5

INSPECTION

nearly as many shovels clearing the square and paths of snow, by the lights of all available trucks. The County Council saved many blisters by producing two great bulldozers, and by nine o’clock on the day the square was a perfect ex— ample of skidproof ice. The Regiment formed up by Squadrons, the Band under B.M. Trythall on the right. The day was bitterly cold, but the sun appeared and suc— ceeded in making everything look cheerful. His Majesty looking extremely ﬁt inspected the whole Regiment, and accompanied by the G.O.C. Western Command, General Sir Frank Simpson, K.B.E., C.B., D,S.O., and the Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel F. W. Wilson Fitz— gerald, D.S.O., M.C., and the Commanding Officer Lt.—Col. R. Heathcote—Amory, M.C., took the ‘salute at the march past. The saluting base was ﬂanked by four Sergeants in full dress, and the Old Comrades under Brigadier Peake were paraded on either side. The band after marching past, unfortunately placed themselves rather too near the Sergeants’

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Mess, and produced double measure with regard to the beat of the drum, when reflected from the cookhouse around which we marched. The scene behind the latter valuable building resembled potted sports in an ice rink ! However, all was sorted out by the time we rounded the corner. Immediately after the march past, His Majesty inspected the Old Comrades and many amusing conversations with them were fully reported on in the Press next day. Many old friends of ours were present there, in particular ex-Tpr. Shaw who was with the Regiment for the first time since 1915, when he received the M.M. and was blinded in both eyes; many thanks to the British Legion for bringing him along. The Old Comrades ably led by General Sir Ernest Makins and Brigadier M. Hodgson said that this was the best turnout they had wit— nessed, and who should be better qualified to judge. His Majesty then visited the Sergeants’ Mess, where he was introduced by R.S.M. Morgan, M.M. to members, and accepted a cup of tea. After this a reception was held in the Officers’ Mess of all married serving Officers and exOflicers and their wives. Before lunch His Majesty was introduced to all the serving Officers, one of whom had not realised that the fame of Extra-Orderly Officers had spread so far as Buckingham Palace. After lunch, at which Viscount Leverhulme, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and General Simpson were guests, His Majesty was photographed with the Oflicers. The Commanding Officer was seen accompanying The King wear-

UNVEILING

AND

ing a hat many sizes too small for him; one glance round the assembled group was enough to determine the guilty culprit, too pushed to find his own headgear. The owner of a ginger moustache was hiding ineffectually behind a lowered cap peak, and His Majesty mentioned rather pointedly the usefulness of guard rooms for ex»Adiutants. His Majesty left for the Royal train cheered by the whole Regiment. Next day the Regiment received the following telegram: “It gave me great pleasure to visit the Royals today, and to meet so many serving and past members of the Regiment. I congratulate the Regiment on its turn-out and bearing on parade, which was worthy of its high traditions. Please convey my appreciation to all ranks. GEORGE R. Colonel—in-Chief.” We had all greatly enjoyed a day that will remain with us for always, and we are only sorry that the icy state of the roads prevented some who actually started on their journey to us from reaching Chester and being with us on this memorable occasion. In the evening, besides the Sergeants’ dance, already reported elsewhere in this issue, a dance was given by the Officers’ Mess. Lord Rocksavage, who many will remember as an ex-member of “ A ” Squadron during the war, kindly lent us Cholmondeley Castle which is only ten miles from Chester. It is an ideal place for a dance and some hundred and fifty guests including past Officers of the Regiment, their wives and several people living nearby who had shown hospitality to members of the Regiment, danced until a very late hour.

DEDICATION

OF Rims

THE

REGIMENI‘AL

The 5th of December, 1950, will always be remembered by most of us as the day on which His Majesty The King inspected The Regiment before it left for Egypt; there are, however, a number of serving Royals, and a host of old Royals in whose memory the Unveiling and Dedication of the Regimental War Memorial holds an equally important place. The service took place in the early afternoon, after His Majesty had left; and rather in contrast to the pomp and circumstance of the great parade, with its legion of spectators in the morning, this was much more of a personal ceremony; there were fewer spectators and the Press had

WAR MEMORIAL gone. The Rev. Wingﬁeld-Digby who had been the Regimental Chaplain in the Western Desert took the service. Mr. Adams represented the Old Comrades, and Col. Wilson Fitzgerald unveiled the Memorial. The afternoon. was warmed by winter sunlight shining on the heaps of snow swept from the square. The Memorial, draped with the Union Jack, was ﬂanked by two sergeants in ceremonial dress, with the Band formed in a circle behind it. The Regiment paraded on three sides of a square by squadrons, with the Old Comrades standing on the fourth side behind the Band. '

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REGIMENTAL WAR MEMORIAL

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

The form of service was simple; we sang “ O God our help in ages past,” then Col. Wilson Fitzgerald unveiled the Memorial with the words “ To the glory of God, and in honoured memory of the Ofﬁcers and men of The Royals who gave their lives in the World Wars 1914-1918 and 1939-45, I unveil this Memorial,” there followed a few short prayers then the hymn “O Valiant Hearts,” and Sir Francis Drake’s Prayer. The

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Spinning down the Autobahn, bags of revs and power, Troop strung out a thousand yards, ﬁfty miles an hour. Bedding burning—set off net—troop leader going spare, We’re liking every minute, for the Royals’ spirit’s there.

Trumpeters sounded the Last Post, then the Royals Regimental Call followed by Reveille was blown. After the laying of two wreaths on behalf of all serving Ofﬁcers and Men of the Regiment, and of the Old Comrades Association, the Lord Bishop of Chester pronounced the Benediction, and the final ceremony of an important day was ended.

ROYALS Some would rather have the trees, Signposts and rainy skies, And some prefer a scorching wind, Sun Compasses and ﬂies. Yet patrolling in the pinewoods or scheming in the dunes, \Ve will always have the spirit of the First The Royal Dragoons. ANON.

Moving into leaguer in a soaking German wood. Can’t help knocking down some trees, wouldn’t if we could. All up, orders, two hours’ kip, wake up in the rain, The Royals’ spirit’s with us as we take the road again. Driving like a madman—nearly hit a cow— Got two hens at any rate there’s the barracks now. Salzdahlumerstrasse—forty m.p.h or more—; We’ll need this dashing spirit if we ever go to war. Change the scene a little to the open desert sand, Going’s pretty rough here, more like sea than land. Change down, changing down again, can’t get through this stuff, The Royals’ spirit digs us out, we’ve still not had enough. Someone’s found a scorpion, someone’s seen a snake, Someone’s car’s been axle deep ten hours without a break. Dust gets into everything, the heat we won’t forget, Dirty sand is blowing high, but spirits higher yet.

Sailing Notes The Regiment has already acquired several sailing boats, notable among them being Sahbi, a great red brute suitable for the heavier officers of the Mess, and the only boat to have taken the mud so far, due to her crew showing off outside the Officers’ Club. It is believed that Lt. Soltan was driving at the time. The other boat belonging to the Ofﬁcers’ Mess is Cormorant, which one hopes will be more manageable. Cormorant is at present in a mud-berth awaiting reﬁtting. In addition, Lt. Wilkinson owns a boat of fairly moderate proportions though of doubtful safety, and the Sergeants’ Mess quartet (need we ask who?) owns a boat which is at present moored near the Sergeants’ Mess bar. It is reputed that they have decided not to shout “ water ” at critical moments while sailing, as the thought is most putting off. Let us, however, wish all these intrepid adventurers the best of luck (which doubtless they will need, as good management may be sadly lacking) and hope that they will all be with us to tell their tall stories at the end of the season.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

In sport, Ist Troop leads the field followed by 4th Troop. In the Regimental soccer league 1st troop is doing very well, and we have heard that the QM. Group has offered large transfer fees for various players, needless to say they were not accepted. For the future, you may rest assured that “A” Squadron will endeavour to lead the field and have a finger in every pie. We are ready to lead

the Regiment to the uttermost parts of the earth at a moment’s notice. That we have not left already is scarcely from want of talking. Rum— ours have sent us daily to Persia, Malaya, Sudan, Cyprus and even back to England. So, though we seldom leave camp in body we are often almost moving off in our minds, and “A” Squadron may be said to be straining at the leash.

Squadron Notes

“A” SQUADRON It seems almost unnecessary to write notes of all achievements of “A” Squadron since we left Germany, for the whole Regiment must have heard by now of all our deeds both in camp and in the desert. However, we have left many old friends behind, both in England and Germany, and we hope that they are still as interested in our fortunes as we are in their’s, and that these notes will be of interest to them. Major Greaves has left us to take up the posi— tion of 2nd in command of the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, and we wish him the very best of luck for the future. Lt. Ferrand has remained in England to train future “ Royals ” in the 67th Training Regiment at Carlisle, where we hear that he has started a pack of Beagles. We hope he will return to us soon and perhaps teach us “Wugger” in the sand. Major Timbrell now leads the Squadron, and has already lead us to victory in the Sinai Desert; taking cars through country which at first seemed impassable to the undesertised eye. However, we have now become used to the Desert wastes, and not for nothing is the Squadron known as the “Arab Squadron.” Who has not heard of our part in exercise “ Sand Grouse ” ? How third troop, despite heavy and most insistent artillery fire, stood alone when all hope seemed lost, and “ brewed up ” at least a Squadron of centurions (we have Sgt. Phillips’ undoubted word for this), and how fourth troop finding themselves behind the

enemy lines captured the 2i/c of an enemy infantry regiment. Though it might be indiscreet to ask how they came to be there, we did hear the Troop Leader remark that his compass was not working; and not every one heard how Sgt. Pritchard made contact with the R.H.A. half— track when told to do so, the bin on the Dingo is still dented. S.Q.M.S. Bowen has left us to go to the school of Tank Technology at Chobham, and S.Q.M.S. Bradley has taken over, and is looking after us with great care. Food on desert schemes has been good, but

where, oh where are the geese we left behind in Germany. Gone are our chicken dinners, even L/Cpl. Leese who has left us for HQ. Squadron will be at a loss to forrage in the desert. Good though he is, we think gazelle are a bit too fast, in spite of the practice he has charming the Arabs in camp. Towards the end of May, feet started to stamp with greater vigour and the Squadron’s boots began to wink more cheerfully in the setting sun on Guard Parade, for S.S.M. Palmer had returned to us from his stay with the Guards at Purbright.

There he had been heard to say, that

the standard is not up to that required by “ The Royal Dragoons” in 1661, though, judging by remarks passed on recent drill parades, the standard must have slipped a bit since then. Capt. Davies Cooke has now taken over as 2 i/c, and 2/Lt. Beckwith has gone to H.Q. Squadron.

“B” SQUADRON Northampton Barracks, Wolfenbiittel, to M.E.L.F.— it’s a long way, and since the last Eagle much has happened on the way from one to the other, and many faces have changed. In the last few weeks in Germany, having lost our cars. and having nothing better to do, we amused ourselves by watching Lt. Lewis, of “C” Squadron, blowing down every tree in sight, in spite of several infuriated farmers. On November 8th we said good—bye to Wolfenv biittel and, after having our water bottles searched by the Customs at Harwich (what luck the man who had a camera in hisl), arrived at Chester on the 9th. To say that we settled down to a normal life at The Dale, Chester, would be quite untrue. Not a moment was wasted; first parade was at 0900 hours, enabling us really to make use of the early hours by staying in bed. The rest of the day was spent either stamping holes in the square, preparing for H.M. the King’s inspection. or mending the holes in our huts, with occasional visits to the palace of RT, and several to the tailor’s in an endeavour to reduce the traditional voluminosity of B.D. In the evenings Chester provided an ample supply of cinemas and public houses; Cpl. Corfield will give anyone a comprehensive list of the latter, on request. Leave was taken at all possible and most impossible opportunities; the Scotsmen invariably missed their return connection at Crewe, but L/Cpl, Sampson capped the lot by being delayed in Paris by fog. After a first-class turnout for H.M. the King on 5th December, any further thought of work was summarily dismissed, and the Squadron only reassembled in order to be fitted with K.D. before embarking on H.M.T. Empire Keri on 19th January. On board ship the hammock and the sundeck were alternately in favour, but we did also learn something of desert navigation, and listened to lecturers telling us to what a depressing place we were going.

When we arrived at Fayid, however, that famous curiosity shop, “Marks and Spencer, Harrods,” glaringly revealed the mysteries of the East, and we were not so depressed. Not that we had much time to be depressed; S.Q.M.S. Baker and the advance party had performed Herculean labours, but there was still much to be done. Squadron HQ. was immediately whipped out on to Exercises Sand— piper and Desert Lark, and almost before it knew where it was the whole Squadron found itself on Exercise Sandgrouse. The process of ﬁnding our desert feet was a bit painful at times, but we hope the L.A.D. are grateful for the practice we have given them, and we were sur— prisingly mobile when the magic words “ Exercise ends ” came over the air! We have had to say goodbye to Capt. McKelvie, on a year’s course at the School of Tank Technology; to Lt. Hanmer, who has gone to the new Training Unit; to Sgt. Horsﬁelds, now with the Fife and Forfar; to Sgt.

Special Agent

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Weller, who is struggling to make the RR]. accounts balance; and to all those National Service men who had not enough time left to do for it to be worth their coming with us. On the other hand we welcome Sgt. Fletcher

from “C” Squadron, who has taken over the new Assault Troop, composed of the “Dogs ” from all the sabre troops; Cpl. Rickuss, from “ A ” Squadron; Cpl. Haynes, from the Oﬁicers’ Mess; Cpl. Hoyes, from the 16/5 Lancers; and all the “new boys ” from “ C ” Squadron. Finally, we congratulate and wish the best of luck to Sgt. Smith, L/Cpl. Rose and Tpr. Stickland, who have got themselves spliced since our last issue. Troop Comments on Exercise Sandgrouse Ist Troop—Why worry? It’ll all come right in the end.

2nd Troop—They did look after us well in the Umpires’ camp. 3rd Troop—Can anybody give us a spare front bin for Tpr. Nimmo’s car? 4th Troop—It was fun while it lasted. (Cpl. Luff claims to have led the Squadron for ﬁve minutes while all senior ranks were lost). 6th Troop—Call us Fletcher’s Follies. Gun Troop—We would be quite all right if L.A.D. would give us that little tube in next to the thingummy—what is it called? oh well, you know what I mean. S.H.Q.—Daimlers as Command cars? Impossible! Where do you stow the drink? Extract from “A Soldier’s Guide to Arabic” “ Habdabs ”—An “ A ” Squadron Troop Leaders’ conference. The origin of this word is doubtful.

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Training Regiment he was trained in the ﬁrst half of his trade (driver). He will now embark on a Signaller’s Course which will last eight weeks and during which he will attempt to reach this general standard. 1. Be able to maintain and operate the 19 Wireless Set (the transmitting and receiving set at present in use in Armoured Car Regiments). 2. Be able to establish communication with a network of other wireless stations on R/T (Speech as opposed to morse). 3. Be able to send and receive messages “ over the air ” and understand wireless security and codes. Should Tpr. Smith pass the requisite test at the end of his course, he will (on completion of 12 months’ service) be eligible for an increase in pay of 3/6 per week. If Smith had been selected for training as a driver (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) the standard required for his Trade Test would be :

“c” SQUADRON

1. To be able to drive a Daimler Armoured Car on the road under all conditions by day and

by night without danger to other users of the road. 2. To be able to carry out routine maintenance as laid down for the driver of a Daimler Armoured Car. 3. To be able to keep records of petrol and consumption, mileage, etc., in the appropriate documents. 4. To be fully conversant with the Highway Code. On completion of his training in “ C ” Squadron, Tpr. Smith will be posted to a Sabre Squadron (unless his eminence on the football field has caught the Quartermaster’s eye, in which case he will probably find himself posted to HQ. Squadron as a Boot Repairer) and he will find himself a member of an operational armoured car crew. He will subsequently embark on Crew, Troop, Squadron and finally Regimental and Formation training, after which he will be (that “rara avis ” a trained soldier in his own arm—ready to participate in any operation that the Regiment may be called upon to undertake, in a peacetime role—or in war. \

Since the advent of conscription in 1946, some 600 National Service Soldiers have become Royals. Some of these men will have been with us for as long as 20 months: others for varying reasons, have served a much shorter time. Today there are just under 300 N.S. Soldiers in the Regiment, all of whom have served or are serving their apprenticeship in “C ” Squadron —the Training Squadron. The notes, which deal normally with the acti— vities of the regular soldiers in “ C ” Squadron, are designed this quarter to give a general outline of what the regiment hopes to achieve in the training of the N.S. soldier and, in particular, to give a picture of his life in “ C ” Squad— ron. It is hoped by this picture to explain the

plan behind the N.S. soldier’s life in the Regiment (which may well appear effectively disguised to the recruit) and to give a background to the letters written to mothers and fathers of men in the Regiment by which they can judge the value to the Army of the part that their sons are playing. Tpr. Smith (who seems to have ousted Pte. Atkins as far as the Royal Armoured Corps is concerned—incidentally, no Tpr. Atkins can be remembered or traced by the Orderly Room) arrives usually as one of a draft from an Armoured Car Training Regiment in England, after an average period of five months in the Army. During this first five months he will have been selected according to his potential capability to be trained in a certain trade, and after a period

of preliminary general training he will be par— tially trained in this trade. The trades in an Armoured Car Regiment are basically those of a driver, wireless operator (or signaller as it is now called) and gunner. Tpr. Smith’s pay will increase in relation to his skill in one or a combination of two of these trades. We will not concern ourselves with the more exotic and less common trades such as trumpeter, technical storeman and Regimental butcher. On arrival with the Regiment the draft will undergo a five week course in General Military Training. This entails foot drill and arms drill culminating in a parade before the Commanding Officer, who decides whether the draft has achieved a satisfactory standard. Training is also carried out in handling and firing the rifle, pistol, Sten gun, Bren gun, Piat and possibly also 2-inch Mortar. The principles of first—aid and personal hygiene are taught by the Medical Officer and a general introduction to the customs and traditions of the Regiment is included. At the end of this period of somewhat intense mili— tary training, Tpr. Smith (apart from wondering whether he is coming or going) might consider himself capable of defending himself with a cer— tain amount of skill against the enemy but as yet he is far from being able to take his place in the crew of an Armoured Car. However, Tpr. Smith is now ready to complete his trade training. We will assume that Smith was selected in his Training Regiment in England to be a Driver/Signaller and that at the

ILQ. SQUADRON Since the last Squadron Eagle Notes, the Squadron has moved great distances, gained and lost young and old soldiers and made many new friends.

The move from Wolfenbiittel to Chester was accomplished with the greatest efﬁciency and the minimum of trouble by Major C. E. Win— stanley, who has now left us to command the East African Armoured Car Squadron. We most sincerely thank him for the guidance and tolerance he showed for us during the 2% years he was Squadron Leader. We wish him and his family the best of fortunes in “Darkest Africa.” Chester saw the Squadron at its best for , H.M. The King’s inspection, for which an enormous amount of trouble was taken by all ranks. A special vote of thanks goes to the QM. for the dexterity he showed in ﬁtting square soldiers into round battle dresses. Leave was the next item and much appre— ciated by all. The mentions—in-despatches go to the Pay Staff led by Cpl. Ayrton for persuad— ing Capt. Davies-Cooke to “rob ” the National Provincial Bank to the tune of £4,000 and stand the consequences with the Regimental Paymaster. However, it is presumed that a good time was had on the proceeds.

The band played a stirring farewell from the drab gloominess of Southampton, and we thank Bandmaster Trythall for an entertaining and tuneful programme. We look forward to the return of the band later this year. There always appears in every Squadron notes a sort of obituary proclaiming who has/has not done something out of the ordinary and in this way we would like to extend greetings to S.Q.M.S. Vowles, who has succeeded S.Q.M.S. Finch. S.Q.M.S. Finch, or rather S.S.M. Finch, has climbed another rung and found a new perch in “C” Squadron. May every success go with him. S.Q.M.S. Vowles has been commiserated with and is still wondering! To the newly attached R.E.M.E., Signals and A.C.C. personnel who hardly had time to unpack before being hustled on to H.M.T. Empire Ken, we extend our sympathies. It can happen that way. To those who stayed behind and wanted to~to those who stayed behind and didn’t want to (?)—to those who missed the boat —we offer our humble apologies and the best of luck. Fanara, M.E.L.F. 15, brought most people down to earth almost as quickly as others soared to 15 thou. Most of the 'ttter have been shot

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down and the camp has been straightened out, including tent pegs. The Squadron has taken part in three exercises since arrival, honours going to those of the MT. who did not get stuck! Enjoyed by the majority, these exercises certainly gave everyone a taste of desert navigation and tactics which was most beneﬁcial. It’s getting warm!

Head ”) and, of course, the corporal who thought he was going to leave us in the U.K., but didn’t realise he was on the boat until he got here. . that nowadays we don’t have to look out of the Squadron Ofﬁce doors and windows to see the wide open spaces—we just wait for Tpr. Banks to laugh. . . . . that the ofﬁce looks quite empty now that Cpl. Watson has returned to duty.

WHAT WE \WANT TO KNOW IS . . . . Who was the N.C.O. who asked for his maternity grant, and upon being told that it had already been paid to his wife, wanted to know why HE didn’t receive {8 also, as he had a share in the business. Who was the single O.R. who asked if he could claim disturbance allowance as he was very definitely disturbed at being moved to the Middle East. Who was the man who caused a sensation on pay parade by saying he wanted a raise, and will the person who stands outside the Pay Office singing “Money is the root of all evil,” report to Cpl..Ayrton who will, to ease this person’s conscience, adjust his account accordingly. Who keeps on saying “ Roll on death, demob’s a failure.” Have you heard that the two-pounder guns in “ B” Squadron are being shortened to facilitate cleaning with their new modification to clean— ing rods, and that the Technical Adjutant is worried.

CHARIVARIA (WITH APOLOGIES TO PUNCH) Have you heard . . . . . . of the OR. who, whilst on a scheme, having made the CO. a brew of fuel, decided to make him a nut and bolt sandwich to go with it. . that the “No Smoking” below decks on board ship was due to the shortage of water to cope with any ﬁre which might occur. . . of the corporal who, upon arrival at Balaclava Camp, was heard to exclaim “ Where do we go to sign off.” . . . that when a Sunderland Flying Boat landed on the Bitter Lake, rumour had it that the married families were on board. Shortly afterwards the Sergeants’ Mess was seen leaving camp prepared for swimming. . that for the second year running HQ. has won the Inter-Squadron Football Cup with the help of the old sweats, i.e., Sgt. Stone (J. B.), Cpl. Ayrton (“Piglet ”), S.S.M. Edwards (“Big

Regimental Headquarters Sir,—Since the last publication of The Eagle a great deal has happened in, and to this department which we feel may, or may not, be of interest to your readers. On our arrival at Chester we found that our normal duties were very much changed. Two clerks had to be struck off all duties. The ﬁrst to work out train timings to London, no one seemed to mind about the trains back, and the second found it more than a full-time job making out free travel warrants. The Assistant Adjutant, Lt. Wilkinson, had a carefully planned programme for our stay in Chester, having been informed of this, however, he took the only way out and broke his right arm. This in fact was not a major disaster as we found he could, with a little practice, write quite well in plaster. Tpr. Mayhew took over the duties of PA. for the arrangement for H.M. The King’s visit to the Regiment and was aided in these duties on weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday inclusive) by Lt. Bradish—Ellames. Tprs. McCarthy, Mayhew, Horn and Geyton were unable to accompany the Regiment to M.E.L.F. and after much deliberation posted themselves to the R.A.C. Depot at Bovington. Our journey out was without incident, due mainly to the fact that the O.R,Q.M.S., who has a good eye for the country, managed to secure one of the children’s playrooms on the boat as his permanent headquarters and the staff could always be found there during ship’s inspection, boat drill or any mention of fatigues. We have managed to settle in to our new quarters in spite of efforts by the O.R.Q.M.S. to turn half the available space into a dry dock. We hope that by the time this letter goes to print that the last sails, spars, masts, etc., will be in their rightful place in the Yacht Club and this will give Cpl. Blacktop enough room in which to muster his Arab Legion. Yours, etc. “ SCRIBE.”

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Signal Group This is the second lot of Notes written for this issue of The Eagle, the first lot having disappeared mysteriously. We are assured by the Editors, however, that all in their power will be done to have them retrieved from the Kremlin in time for the next edition. Many changes have taken place since the last issue, and new faces have appeared. Sgt. Pettit has come and gone, and Sgt. David has taken over the Royal Signals. To Sgt. David con— gratulations from all on his well deserved promotion. The Government has survived the many and varied upheavals and Lt. Soltan now does M.T.O. as well as Pronto. Sgt. Lawrence fresh from his Drill course has cast away his mirror and now shaves using the toe caps of his boots. The rumour that Cpl. Joule is about to become a Parson was found to be untrue, and it is untrue that the Signal Officer was driving the yacht which crashed into a barge on the Bitter Lake. During the various Desert schemes, communi~ cations were worthy of the high standards set at the Battle of Immendorf, Rainbow, Broadside and other schemes in Germany. The forward link has had its usual flaps, the Adjutant, Sgt. Lawrence and Tpr. Orange have been spotted at 50,000 feet but are now believed to have come down. Tuning and Netting calls will no longer be sent on the Forces Broadcasting Station fre— quency! On the whole, however, we can say “ Well done the Sigs. Keep the old flag flying.” Though overshadowed by the Quartermaster’s “ Wembley for Us ” team, we have done well in football and Signalman Allinson in goal deserves special mention and the thanks of the whole troop. Before we close a word of thanks is due to the 2 i/c for moving us out of the Belscn Block and into the block so graciously vacated by “ B ” Squadron.

Q.M. Group Although most members of the Group were looking forward to the move to Egypt it would be incorrect to say that we were pleased to leave our old station at Wolfenbiittel, where we had spent a most enjoyable and highly successful three years, and formed some exceedingly interesting contacts. However, apart from the fact that we had to sell our cars, and as most of us had no real conception of what lay ahead, with the exception of the Q.M., the R.Q.M.S. and, of course, L/Cpl. Sheppard, the break was made in a possibly more amicable frame of mind than would have been the case had we had some previous experience in this country.

“ 28 and 28A.”

During the interim period in the Dale, Chester, most of us had a fairly hectic time in view of the considerable amount of work that had to be done. The ﬁrst headache was, of course, preparing for H.M. The King’s inspection, and it was difficult at times to enter the Q.M. store, which was stacked with new suits of ED. All diﬂiculties were overcome and it was a satisfactory ending when the Regiment was seen on parade; complimentary remarks were made by all who saw it. The Q.M., together with Cpl. Collins, L/Cpl. Sheppard and Tpr. Hall, went on the advance party to the Middle East, whilst the R.S.M. was enlisted into the QM. side to assist in taking and handing over at Chester. When the main party arrived at Balaclava Camp on 30th January we were met by the Q.M., and were pleased to notice that Minor had also arrived. It was soon obvious that despite the work already put in by the advance party, and the blisters displayed on their hands were good evidence of this, there was still a great deal to be done before we could relax and enjoy our new surroundings. “ Blow the place up ” was one remark overheard, but this sugges— tion had to be discarded as indents for T.N.T. should have been submitted three months in advance. Indents were submitted for all the

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innumerable items on which Q.M. departments seem to thrive, almost as soon as personal kits were unpacked, and the gargantuan task of recovering all that had been shipped from B.A.O.R. via U.K. to Egypt was begun. Evid— ence of the ultimate success of this operation is shown by the fact thaf one member of the Group was seen standing for four nights, dressed in F.S.M.O., approximately four paces behind the Orderly Sergeants on Regimental Guard Mount— ing Parade, while Cpls. Collins and Titmarsh were to be seen burning the midnight oil calculating and re-calculating what little credits they might have left by 1972. Many new members have now joined the Group, including an anti-ﬂy squad under The latter is a very proL/ Cpl. Leese. minent character in the Regiment, as it is said that he has taken over the job of Jemedar to the civil labour squad. We also welcome Tpr. Maclean to the carpenter’s shop, and also Tpr. Cunningham as signwriter, and the latter’s work can now readily be seen around Balaclava Camp. As soon as the Regiment arrived we were sent on Brigade and Command schemes, where the double Echelon was put into effect again after a lapse of eight years, and supply was carried out very well. We should like to take this oppor— tunity of thanking the drivers of the vehicles who made this possible under most trying and difﬁcult conditions, and with no previous experience of desert driving. At the time of writing these notes the Group football team can be seen daily taking their medicine and we hope to inform readers of The Eagle that we were well on the top of the Inter-Troop League when next we forward our

notes. One point before closing, we should like to wish A.Q.M.S. Pettit, our armourer, the very best of luck in civvy street; we can assure him that we miss him very much, but we are extremely lucky in having a very able successor in Sgt. Lloyd, who, we are sure, will fit in well and enjoy himself very much. We find that there are many more difficulties out here than in the B.A.O.R., as the following incident will explain. The QM. forwarded indents on 15th January for 120 tents for use by the Regiment when they arrived at the end of the month. These tents were collected and the Regiment installed in them. On 6th April a convoy of three-ton lorries was seen standing outside the Q.M. stores; it contained the r20 tents that had been indented for on I 5th January. Before the convoy was returned to its depot, complete with their

loads, the Q.M. was heard passing a few remarks, but these we shall not publish! Finally, we should like to thank the Technical Group for taking part in the recent exercises without their usual “ brew up.”

Technical Group Since the Technical Group Notes last appeared in The Eagle, three points stand out about which we would like to talk. The first one of course was an occasion of which I am sure the whole of the Group feels proud, namely the inspection of The Regiment at Chester by His Majesty The King. Many an hour was spent on the toe caps, serge and every— thing else which goes with a big parade, and this was a BIG parade. We replaced the Tank Park Shuffle with a gay, smart step, thanks to the hard work put in by the Squadron Drill Instructors. The Senior Ranks were most fortunate, for after the parade a Sgt’s Mess Photograph was taken which included the King. After that came the long awaited leave and everyone went home for Christmas and the New Year; one Sergeant even celebrated the festive season in Austria, no names, no Stone. Of course all good things come to an end and everyone (I think) returned to Chester hoping to ﬁnd the move to the Middle East cancelled, but no such luck, and after a few more days at the Dale, we made our way to Southampton Docks and boarded the “Empire Ken.” It was a good trip and more like a pleasure cruise, quite a bit of money was won on the Ship’s Mileage, again no names, same bloke. And the old Tombola helped to pass the time away. After many days and nights we ﬁnally arrived in the “Romantic East,” i.e. Port Said. To help the printer we will not type out all the remarks that were passed, but you can take my word for it, that not many of the remarks included the word “Romantic.” I do believe that there was a bit of sewage trouble at the Port about the time we arrived, at least that is what everyone put the smell down as. After travelling by train “ Ist Class ” we stopped in the middle of the sandy wastes and detrained. We later learnt that we were at the “Station of Fayid.” The Royal Sussex Band played us in, and we hope it won’t be long before they are playing us out again. However, we are nicely settled in thanks to the Q.M., and we even have a bit of concrete to work on. Ice cream is brought round every half hour, supplied by the Technical Adjutant and dancing girls are in attendance while spanners are being applied to the nuts.

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Last of the three points was of course the Technical Group outing to Cairo, thanks to the Commanding Officer. We left the Camp in the early hours and travelled by ’bus to this strange city. We will not say much about the M.Q.M.S. leaving us to “ visit friends,” the rest of us were much too busy buying our Egyptian headgear and sightseeing en mass. It can be added here that a young lady accompanied us from the M.M.G. Club, a Mrs. Allen, and I think it only fair to say that we take our hats off to the gallant way in which the Technical Adjutant backed out of the picture when he saw that Mrs. Allen was paying A.Q.M.S. Churcher more attention than him. It seems rather a coincidence that for a few days after the trip the T.A. and Mr. C. didn’t seem to co-operate with the work as well as before. It was a good trip and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. And before we close we must of course mention the sporting activities in the Group. Football again has been the main thing and we managed to hold our own, even though we haven’t got as many professionals as some teams. In the Cricket line we are still helping the Regimental Ist and 2nd teams out by loaning them Capt. Evans, Sgt. Stone, Cpl. Hands and Cpl. Holliday. In the sleeping line; well, the M.Q.M.S. is leading Sgt. Brunton now by three afternoons. Congratulations to the recent promotions in the Group, good luck to them all. Flash ! Technical Group Typewriter Parade State dated 12th May, 195r. One awaiting spares. One awaiting spares. One Rest Day.

VOR.

Having a great many believers . in Trade Unions, you will now find that the Fitters Branch is definitely a closed shop. Only fitters with previous experience as cookhouse fatigue wallahs can be accepted. However, one thing is certain, and that is when the fitters do find themselves very pushed for time, the cooks have offered to help out; ask the Cook Sgt. Sgt. Acres is still dabbling in Motorcycles, Private, All Marks, and has even threatened on one or two occasions to leave his own work and actually do some work in the stores for a change. That will be the day. Sgt. Stone has now opened up his own business and we have heard tell that the gentleman in civvies who was looking for ].B. the other day was the Income Tax Collector and not the Manager of the Football Club, Austria.

Mohammad Mantle.

M.T. Troop Since the last issue of The Eagle many changes have taken place. Mr. Porter has left us for a training regiment in England and Mr. Soltan has taken over as part—time M.T.O. To both of them we wish the best of luck in their jobs. Cpl. Emery and most of the old Wolfenbiittel drivers have left us and we welcome all the new drivers too numerous to mention. They have already shown themselves quite capable of handling the echelon vehicles and the Q.M. A busy time has been had by all since our arrival at Fayid. Apart from collecting the “ B ” vehicles from Port Said and handing them back again (typical Army! ! l ! l) we went on Exercise Desert-Lark, and Sandgrouse and tasted the desert; all good fun. Very little has happened in the way of sport so far, but as these notes go into press a terriﬁc effort is being made to raise a football side worthy of the name of M.T. Tprs. Rockall and Norris represented the Troop in the Squadron team which won the Inter-Squadron Football League. Two accidents have been recorded since our arrival in M.E.L.F. The driver of one Land-

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Visit of the Colonel-in-Chief rover was fined for flying without a licence, and the Q.M.’s dog, alias 28A, alias Molar Minor, won his wings. It has been rumoured that the Standard Motor Company have ofiered Tpr. Heritage a test driver’s licence.

SERGEANTS’ Taking up the running from where our last scribe promised you “more news next time,” one poor member of the Mess ﬁnd himself saddled with the heavy responsibility, which is in no way relieved by the “Please Expedites ” which come along almost hourly, of writing our

notes. However, when we could spare the time from week—end leaves, the big thing in Chester was, of course, the visit of our Colonel-in-Chief, His Majesty The King. A most satisfactory parade took place, and we feel extremely proud and honoured that His Majesty came to our Mess after the parade, where he stayed for about half—an—hour. He also gave us the honour of graciously consenting to be photographed with serving members. We were delighted to see so many familiar faces among the Old Comrades who came to see us for the day, and half the night. A dance was held in the Gym in the evening and in spite of the failure of the heating system in that bitter weather, everyone managed to enjoy themselves. On 20th January we bid adieu to Old England once again, bound for Egypt on H.T. Empire Ken; also to a few of the members because of medical reasons, completion of service and post— ing were left behind. Two of them, we regret to say, were S.S.M. Mick Maguire, who went off to the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, and Bill

The morale of the Troop has been considerably raised by the absence of the Married Families in this theatre and only Plumbly seems to miss them—or is it the Bussing Nag which he misses so much?

MESS

NOTES

We congratulate ourselves on the high stand— ard of education in the Mess. We can now afford to have Jim Maple (the W.O.II R.A.E.C.) employed as Mess Caterer. (Belgian papers, please copy). The disadvantage, of course, is that he adds up our chits too correctly. We congratulate Sgts. Watson, May, Prit— chard, Pemberton, Rickuss, Chandler and Bujko on promotion, and welcome them to their new life of ease and luxury. We would also like to introduce our new attached members: Sgts. Lloyd (Armr. R.E.M.E.), Ke‘nchington (R.E.M.E.), Evans (A.P.T.C.), and Pettitt (Royal Signals), and congratulate them for the same reason. Of course, the wives are beginning to appear with us again. Mrs. Morgan came out with the Regiment, and now Mrs. Rapkin, Whitbread, Vowles, Edwards and Phillips have arrived. In conclusion, once more we send our best wishes to all our old members wherever they are. Cheerio!

Soldier’s

Farewell

it»:

Squadron

ME.

From Germany to the M.E. is a very long way, And I’m sure you will agree, That even if Naval life looks so gay, We’ve all had enough of the sea.

Cosgrove to Bulford to ﬁnish his time. We wish them all the'best of luck in their new jobs. We are now more or less settled down and getting used to the climate. We have not had much time as a Mess to take part in sport, with the exception that we lost a game of basket-ball against the Corporals. We think it was due to Harry Mantle’s spectacles being knocked off accidentally near the end of the game. The strenuous game of darts has an enormous following, and many bitter and cunningly fought battles are waged, the Double Top (being the chief objective) going through shocking periods of destruction. At present a full “ Singles ” tournament is in progress from which we hope to ﬁnd a darts team to beat all comers.

In Chester we all had a very good time, But it came to an end all too soon, We sailed to a land of a different clime, To the land of Wogs and weird tunes. We’ve been here now for nearly nine weeks, And some talk of demobilisation, But after a few drinks in the N.A.A.F.I., one speaks Of a tale of immobilisation. But cheer up, you Royals, it won’t be so long Before you revert to H.E. And then you’ll be able to sing loud and strong “ A soldier’s farewell to M.E.”

rm Whom: Liverpool Daily Post and Echo

“ B ” Squadron

Visit of the Colonel-in-Chief

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CORPORALS’

MESS

NOTES

It was with great regret that we left our excellent Mess in Wolfenbiittel, Germa ny, and moved it to Chester enroute for the Middle East. Needless to say, we left many happy memories and many friends our Mess became acquainted with “over there.” Life was quiet in Chester except for the visit of our Colonel-in-Chief, H.M. The King: a great honour to the Regiment and an event which will be remembered by all members present. Before long we said goodbye to Cpls. Harri— son, Dick (now Sgt), Raftrey, Levy and Clarke, etc. We extend to them our best wishes and good luck in their new positions. January the 30th saw the Regiment once more in the Middle East, and in the throes of prepara tion for manoeuvres. As we arrived in the centre of the training season, it was some time after our arrival in the zone that all our members were together and life really “ began anew ” in the Mess. It is still a matter of speculation by many as to whether any of us are really settled in even now. The cause of the predicament being found in the three smokers we have attended recently. Two of them were with the Corporals’ Club of the 4th R.T.R., to whom we are all thankful for their friendliness and collaboration. We take this opportunity of congratulating Cpls. Grifﬁths and David on their exhibition of athletics in the Regimental Individuals. In addition the “ Old Man ” of the Mess, Cpl. Howley, for his ﬁne spirit and display of boxing, even though he was “ out-pointed ” by his opponent

Hui-art. ,, tz Leaving Southampton

——a much younger and more active man in the 17 Bde. Boxing Tournament. Older members can no longer now boast of their excursions “into the blue,” as the majority of us have now seen the weird and wonderful place. It holds no horrors, even though no “ milk-bars,” etc. exist there. Members have even acquired a vocabulary of six words or more of the native tongue. We have also taken on a beautiful tan proving that all handsome Dragoons are slightly sunburnt. Daily we hear the voice of “Effendi Leese ” reverberating through the tent lines as he coaxes his boys in words and manners most subtle. We extend a warm welcome and congratulations to all new members of the Corporals’ Mess, hoping their sojourn will be a long and happy one with us.

BAND NOTES

[Photos: Barratt’s Photo Press, Ltd.

The Guidon Party.

The writer of these notes ﬁnds himself rather in the unhappy position of having to compile his contribution to suit the wishes of two Editors, due to the fact that we are the present detached from the Regiment. We therefore trust that the brief items of interest penned herein will be acceptable both those very hard worked and very harrassed gentlemen who wait very patiently, day after day, for the contributor’s journalistic endeavours to arrive in time, and so pass along to the press duly vetoed and checked Having recently returned to the UK. and

having spent an all too brief spell at “ The Dale,” Chester, with our Regiment, we said farewell to “ The Royals ” at Southampton in January, and travelled up to Catterick to be attached to the 65th Training Regiment, R.A.C. Our present Commanding Ofﬁcer, Lt.~Col. A. M. Barne, O.B.E., The Royals, soon made us very welcome in the newly—formed Regiment and it was not very long before we were “On Parade ” again. We took over our billets lock, stock and barrel as it were from the Band, 14/ 20th Hussars with

THE IOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

whom we massed on our first parade here in Menin Lines for the olhcial “Handing Over” parade and presentation ceremony. On the “ March Out ” of the t 5 / 20th Hussars the Band played the Regiment to Richmond Station, when they left Catterick Camp “ en route ” for Crookham. Our attendance at the fortnightly passing-out parades of the intakes here has become a standing order now, and, with one exception, when the Band had to “ retire ” somewhat completely disorganised to the nearest spider due to the high wind and rain, we have braved the trials and tribulations of Menin Square with fortitude never before known in the Band’s history. The Band has been very much in demand not only by the 65th but for some of the other units stationed in and around the camp and on one occasion we travelled to the 67th Training Regiment at Carlisle where we ,were indeed pleased to meet some of the detached “ Royals ” both of the Sergeants’ and Corporals’ Messes. Needless to say that a very enjoyable lunch—time session was indulged in. ' Very early in February, when snow and rain, coupled with intense cold, was still prevalent, we returned to Chester for a brief stay when we were the “Duty Band” at the OCTU, Eaton Hall. Bandsman Kegie preferred a dose of ‘flu to another spell on the ice covered square. A successful audition was given to BBC. offi— cials, whilst we were previously stationed at the “Dale,” and we gave our first broadcast, since returning from B.A.O.R., in February when we provided martial music in the regular Sunday morning feature “ Marching with the Band.” This was followed by a “Bright and Early” session on Saturday, March 26th, and “Music While You Work ” airing on Wednesday, April 25th. Similar programmes have been given since ”and our next session will be given on July 4th. We trust that some of our programmes have been picked up by the more ardent radio enthusiasts of the Regiment in the M.E.L.F. Numerous reports have been received and reached our ears concerning our broadcasts but the following letter was received after one of the transmissions by the Bandmaster, and we think it well worth inclusion in our “Band Notes ”:

Newcastle, Wednesday, 25th April. Dear Sir, I would like to congratulate you and your musicians on having such a good Band. On turning on my radio today my canary decided to accompany you in song and sang for the first

THE JOURNAL or THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

time much better and louder than even my wildest expectations had anticipated. I wish to say that I have spent pounds and pounds on trying to make my bird sing, and only today, when you were playing did she utter her ﬁrst sweet song. Again I would like to say “thank you ” for helping me out of a very difﬁcult situation.

Many “ Royals ” were present including Col. H. Lloyd. We have also been engaged to play in the Glasgow Parks and at Worthing, with three days at the Southport Flower Show. Military duties and concerts have seen the Band at the Catterick Camp, Ofﬁcers’ Club, Hooge Lines, Y.M.C.A., and in Newcastle.

St. George’s Day Boy Scouts’ parade was held at St. Oswald‘s Church when the Band played for the service and the march past. At the recent Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral, York, the Band headed the parade when we matched the Naval contingent from H.M.S. Ceres (Wetherby) to and from the Cavalry Barracks at York.-

Yours very sincerely, An ardent radio and enthusiastic

OLD

COMRADES

ASSOCIATION

NOTES

Bird Fancier. We leave it to our readers to draw their own conclusions on this matter. As for us, we hear that “Gobsticks” (Clarinettists to the uninitiated) are going to town in a fast moving “ Tarantella” in our next B.B.C. programme so we may perchance get a few words of praise from a very ardent “ Bee Keeper.” Who knows. Several new additions to the Band personnel have made their bow in Bandsmen Gray, Whiteman and Holden, Boys Baker, Spillett and Syms, and we wish them all a long and happy stay with us. B.S.M. Norman Slade has been chosen to represent the “Royals ” in a full dress Cavalry Ride to be held in the Aldershot area in August in which representatives of all the British Cavalry units are taking part. This is in connection with the pageants and displays at present rehearsing for the Festival of Britain. One of the Bandboys keeps wondering why he is hearing the B.S.M. whistling “ Give me back my Boots and Saddle.” Cpl. E. H. Wade recently proceeded to The Royal Military School of Music as a Student Bandmaster, and we wish him the best of luck in his forthcoming long course of three years. Our one and only “ Reservist ” Bandsman “ Fuzzy ” Alcock who was recalled to the Colours in September last returned yet again to his civil employment and to him also we wish all the best. Congratulations to Bandsman and Mrs. “Tam” Williamson and Bandsman and Mrs. “Boney” Darling on the births of two bonny babes. It is noticed by certain members that a continual exchange of child welfare views are indulged in during individual practice periods between the two proud fathers, right under the watchful eye of the B.S.M. The Band has already carried out some en— gagements at Shrewsbury and Walsall. We were very pleased to meet the elderly father of S.S.M. “ Skip” Edwards at the Mid-West and Shrewsbury Agricultural Show last month when we saw Mr. Edwards, Senr., presented with a long service medal for agricultural workers.

We should like first to extend our best wishes to the Regiment during their stay in Egypt and trust that it will not be too long before they return to England. ' The social programme of the O.C.A. greatly increased during the latter part of 1950 due to the very short stay of the Regiment in England. Of course the highlight was the inspection of the Regiment by H.M. The King at Chester. It was a great honour that members of the O.C.A. should be asked to form a Guard of Honour and the response to the nine hundred notices sent out was very pleasing, for over 100 members from all parts of the British Isles made their way to Chester in spite of the very bad weather. The friendly atmosphere created by H.M. The King as he talked with each member will never be forgotten. May we add our congratulations to the Commanding Officer and members of the Regiment for the fine turn out and smartness of the march past, and lastly our sincere thanks to the Commanding Officer for the arrangements made for the comfort of Old Comrades during their stay in Chester, and for the wonderful time had by all at the Regimental Ball. The Annual Re—union was brought forward from April 28th, 1951 to December 9th, 1950. This was in honour of the Regiment. We in— vited 100 serving members of the Regiment as our guests and nearly 200 Old Comrades attended. Col. F. W. Wilson-Fitzgerald, D.S.O., M.C., Colonel of the Regiment, proposed the toast of the Regiment, and the Commanding Officer replied and concluded with a toast to the Old Comrades’ Association. It was by far the best re—union we have had, and we are now look— ing forward to the time when the Regiment returns from overseas. Owing to the late notification of the departure

of the Regiment from England, we were unable to send out notices but nevertheless there were a few Old Comrades at the quay side to wish them Bon Voyage. The Annual General Meeting was held at Pimms Red House, Bishopsgate, E.C.2. Ladies and friends were invited. The Colonel gave a brief outline of the work and conditions the Regiment was meeting abroad. The meeting did not last long. The social was a great success and many members helped in entertaining, and proved that we need not trouble to engage artists for future socials. The Committee are now considering our social programme for the winter season 1951 and have decided to start with a Social and Get—together during October. Notices and details will be sent to all members. We would like many more of the younger members to come along and invite any suggestions for future entertainments from members. It is with the deepest regret that we have to report the deaths of the following members and wish to tended our deepest sympathy to their relatives: Mr. W. Myatt, Mr. L. White and Mr. H. Bartley. Committee for the year 1951: President: Col. F. W. Wilson-Fitzgerald, D.S.O., M.C.; Chair— man, Brigadier R. Peake, D.S.O., O.B.E.; Hon. Treasurer, Capt. H. de Pinna Weil; Hon. Secretary, Mr. W. Thomas; Assistant Hon. Secretary, Mr. H. Grace. Members of the Committee: Brigadier A. H. Pepys, D.S.O., Major K. G. F. Balfour, M.C., Mr. C. Knowles, M.M., Mr. H. W. Carle, Mr. J. J. Hewitt, Mr. P. H. A Hatherill, Mr. W. J. Stephen, Mr. W. Seabrook, Mr. T. M. Wright, Mr. D. Cook, Mr. I. C. Lycett, Mr. J. A. Johnson, Mr. W. D. Burchill, Mr. R. Morrisey.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

We hope to take a team up to Alexandria later in the season, and certainly to Cairo next year. The Colonel captained a representative Canal Zone side recently in Cairo, and we now have great plans for our team. The schooling of ponies and riders continues as our main occupation with eyes open for likely ponies to increase the stables. New stables are shortly to be built, and altogether the future looks well. * Plans for a gymkhana in October are in hand, and will include jumping, tent pegging, best trained pony, etc., with a lighter side of mule races. musical chairs, and side shows. The

arrival of the Band is eagerly awaited to provide another attraction. This event will take place in the Olympia Stadium, and we hope it will be a big feature in the Canal Zone. So far it has not been possible to arrange for hacking as a Regimental facility due to the lack of suitable horses. But excellent Saddle Clubs exist at Fayid and Moascar which cater for all types of riders with social life centred around a club house as well. This riding can be enjoyed by everybody. Our next notes, we hope, will contain news of interest about the Gymkhana. -

SOLLUM,

1940-1950

In memory of R.F.H. and all Royals who fell in the Western Desert

WINNERS OF CANAL ZONE LOW HANDICAP TOURNAMENT Left to right : Major F. B. Wyldbore—Smith, Major K. F. Timbrell, Major P. B. Fielden, Lieut.—Colonel R. Heathcoaz Amory.

EQUITATION

Have they repaired the coastal road, I wonder, Up the escarpment by the little bay? Does Fort Capuzzo stand? And does the sand Cover the shallow grave in which you lay? Do the little dust—devils dance and die Round the camel thorn? Is the eloudless sky Empty save for a wheeling kite? Do the cliffs stand sharp in the morning light?

For all is quiet now up Halfaya Pass, And Arabs build their tents of petrol tins Along the Trigh el Abd. For the guns are gone, and the Afrika Corps Was ripped away from the Libyan coast By men and tanks and planes in such a host Of which you did not dream.

NOTES And we went on to all those names we pondered

Polo has got away to a good start, and we have so far played a team in the Canal Zone Spring Tournament—where we got into the Semi» Finals of the Subsidiary Tournament. The team consisted of Lt.-Col. R. HeathcoatAmory, M.C. (4), Back; Major Timbrell, M.C. (3) No. 3; Major Wyldbore—Smith, D.S.O., O.B.E. (2), No. 2, Lt. B. Barber, R.H.A. (o) No. 1. Later in the season the same team with Major Fielden, M.C. (0) playing in the place of Lt. Barber won the Canal Zone Low Handicaps Tournament. Quite formidable opposition in the form of Ist R.H.A., G.H.Q., with the C.—in-C. playing, and Moascar “A” team was overcome. This was satisfactory and a great encouragement to all concerned. A ﬂourishing stable under Major Timbrell assisted by Sgt. Benson with a keen staff of young soldiers looks after 12 ponies. Three of these are W.D. ponies, with four very good Arabs bought off Cairo Race Course, and hired to us by B.T.E. Saddle Club. These were waiting for us on arrival, having been “ Teed Up ” by Major

Wyldbore—Smith when he was on a recce here in October, this really helped us to get going at once. The Colonel has a very nice mare bought in Cairo, and Major Wyldbore—Smith imported a young T.B. mare from England who is shaping up very well. . Major Timbrell and the Colonel have just brought another two ponies from Cairo, which combined with two ponies bought for us by the 16/5th in Barce makes a very useful stable. The following Ofﬁcers who have begun playing out here now play three days a week: Major Armitage, Lieut. Lewis, 2 / Lieut. Owen, 2 / Lieut. Money—Coutts. We can thus put up two teams, with the hope of additional players when more Ofﬁcers join us. The mounting cost of forage is the great drawback and very severe budgeting is necessary for anyone to be able to ride and take part in other amusements covered elsewhere in this journal. Riding school for both ponies and riders in the morning has produced quick results, and a lot of fun is being had by all.

Sleep well, my friend—We, who survive, remember. We see again the white sand by the shore, The blue, blue sea, the heat haze and shimmer, We see all these, and more. Sleep well, sleep on.

on the map. On to Tobruk, past Bardia, and beyond Msus, Mechili, and along the ﬂat Around Agheila, and by Antelat. You paved the way,

The ill-equipped, the pitifully few Who did not doubt the end, but never knew The final phase. Oh, Monty and his crowd, They have their fill of praise, But we will remember the fights of an earlier day, And a grave beyond Matruh. “ OLD ROYAL.”

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

DESERT

look at it you can DEFINITELY READ the figures—they start just after the “o” and go clockwise, in ever deminishing circles, finally disappearing into the hundreds somewhere; but on other occasions, when the same drill is followed, the figures look vaguely hieroglyphic and Chinese; not being a student of either, it is confusing and one is further upset by the fact that the figures tend to run in an anti-clockwise direction. It is still possible at this stage,, to start again. Once, however, lines have been drawn in, you have burnt your boats (metophorically speaking) and there is no going back. The drawing of lines on maps (deprecated by the cognoscenti; possibly because graphite is strictly rationed in the desert), brings up another interesting little technical point. After you have lost your last pencil and are reduced to drawing with chinagraph, should the bearing be read from the top, bottom or centre of the quarter inch thick lines thus produced? I will

NAVIGATION

HIS sort of thing worries me a lot! I have jotted down one or two short notes about it because there may be others in the Regi— ment who have locked deep in their souls similar doubts and queries. This article will have brought to them some small comfort if it helps them to realise that there are others, besides themselves, who are spending restless nights, tossing and turning in their bed—rolls, whilst they wrestle with these navigational posers that race through their minds like the unpredictable sheep of the would—be sleeper: “Where is North? ” Do I subtract or add to get a back—bearing? ” or even “ Where am I? ” This last piece of rhetoric constitutes part of the first conscious thoughts of the following crosssection of the human race on waking: Drunks, Steeplechase jockeys, any Regimental Oflficers with more than one job, the stationmaster at Hamm, and Troop Leaders detached from their Squadrons in the Sinai Desert. Dear fellow navigators, and humble muddlerson, take cheer; Columbus, Capt. Bligh of the Bounty, and the Kontiki gentlemen must have slept less over this business than we do! The secret of successful desert navigation is blind

say more about this in our next edition—order

conﬁdence (that no-one else knows that you

do not know where you are), supported by a really strong line in character acting. (Note that it is often advisable to ensure that you are

the only one to have access to maps, protractors and other navigational aids l). In the first place protractors are a problem. I have always taken myself, with maps and protractor right away into the desert, or behind a lorry, before attempting to work out any bearings. This is due largely to self conscious— ness developed nearly to phobia status! You see, I am terrified that some genius with that magnificently cultivated L.R.D.G. act at his fingertips will stand over me, haughty and slightly aloof, whilst I feebly footie with my protractor and ruler, in agonisingly amateur attempts to plot a route. (This protractor has been issued to me for this type of emergency). The “ploy” from “D. Rat” after three or four minutes of footling goes usually something like this: He will place his binoculars, regard— less of the time of day or night (“ amazing what you can see with these at night y’know) to his eyes, and with a superb Nelson touch announce “that is Gebel Gerba.” He will then mutter something about “conforming with Nelson,” and disappear in a cloud of dust and a stafl car,

“ Cafard.” leaving behind sundry menials who remove his debris, usually the odd table cloth, dinner damask and so on. The only thing left to do, is to stop a passing truck, ask it where it is going and if it knows shadow it, discreetly, until you recognise something. My painstaking and ineffective efforts to become a “Navigator par excellence,” are further bedevilled by this type of problem: If you have one of those completely round protractors, does the “o ” go at the top or bottom, or even on the side? When is it the right way up? Here I must explain to my readers that there are several lines of approach to a pro— tractor, which for an inanimate object con— structed of celluloid, has a character of many facets, almost without parallel amongst the long list of items that provide hazards for the unwary, like myself. You may put it down (nonchallantly if there are “D. Rats” about) and hopefully (I sometimes do this with the eyes closed, as it introduces a spicy element of chance into the whole game), and when you

your Eagle now! The compass, a navigational instrument, constructed with all the care and aids of the scientiﬁc world, also provides snares for the timid and would—be “D..Rat.” It has developed, as my readers will remember, from the ancient Lode stones used by the Norsemen and Chinese seamen of 2,000 years ago; Vasco da Gama must have used a type of compass, and no doubt Scott (of Antarctic fame) did also; I need only quote, however, one small instance from my diminutive experience, to show that I consider the Lode stone must have had some basic mechanical or organic fault in it that has never been discovered during the last 2,000 years; I was once navigating (my italics, not the Editor’s) in the front of a half-track on my “second leg” (this is a term used to indicate that you have only changed direction once, and are therefore still conﬁdent) when the compass needle turned slowly and relentlessly, like Nemesis, through

THE

ROYAL

CANADIAN

It is with much pleasure that we of the Royal Canadian Dragoons exchange newsletters with our Allied Regiment, The Royals, and trust that a precedent will be set by this ﬁrst copy. From May until September last year the Regiment concentrated on individual crew and troop training. Actual Regimental training was limited during this summer phase as a large number of personnel were employed with the Summer Camp Armoured Corps Wing. The Summer Camp, staffed by active force personnel, provides full time training for reserve units for periods of one and two weeks duration.

360 degrees and then back again. I was staggered, but managed to preserve my outward calm, further comments on the compass from me would be superfluous. There are countless other navigational aids and drills, which for obvious reasons are outside the scope of this article. In closing I wi 1, however, ask the dear reader to bear with me a little while I discuss one further aspect of desert navigation. It is a sequence called “lining up the vehicle.” This can be easily done, once mastered (“ D. Rats,” of course, do not need to do this). Assume first of all that you are about to start your “ first leg,” you are therefore bursting with confidence. Take a back-bearing. The least said about this the better. Line up another soldier between yourself and the vehicle on this bearing, and tell the driver to line the vehicle up on to yourself and the other soldier. This sounds easy, but it is at this stage that one of three things can happen. The vehicle bogs itself quietly down, somebody queries the direction the vehicle is facing as being far from coincident with the line of advance, or the vehicle knocks down the soldier who is in line with you on the line that the vehicle is trying to line itself up on (I am well aware that a preposition is a bad thing to end a sentence with). It only needs “D. Rat” to appear now in a pair of white corduroys, looking at you through binoculars, as “ Pimpernell ” Smith did through his quizzing glass, and you may become “ Cafard,” this means only one thing, you have reached the end of your tether; remove all outer clothing, place a rose between your teeth and with sand in your hair, run, screaming the final aria from the “ Gondoliers,” in the direction of the Pink Palace. (Note: If your “first leg” started at Whitebait, the palace is on a bearing of 19:) degrees from your present position).

DRAGOONS

1949-50

Commitments for personnel are usually heaviest during the summer months, especially amongst the Officers and N.C.O.s. However, during the summer of 1949 and 1950 this situation was relieved somewhat by the attendance of Officer Cadets from the various University contingents of the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps. These cadets in their third phase of training are attached for 16 weeks for in—job training. The cadets understudied Regimental Oflicers in administrative work, participated in Unit training and also instructed in the Armoured Wing of the Summer Camp.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

The autumn training period helped to round out the earlier crew and troop training with complete Squadron and Regimental training. The Regiment moved into the field for a period of two weeks, living under active service conditions. It wasn’t a period of “all work and no play,” but rather a period well proportioned with both. By a fortunate “ coincidence " the grouse season corresponded with our period of field training, which meant there was never a shortage of volunteers to carry out an independent reconnaissance mission. Here at Petawawa during the winter months we are much like the bear, in that when we pull our head inside in December we hope no one will ask us to stick it out again till spring! It was during the winter season that we ran our familiarisation courses, all Crew Commanders, senior N.C.O.s and junior N.C.O.s qualifying courses. This type of training enabled the “chairborne” personnel and new recruits to polish up on the Various Corps subjects. Since winter is usually a period for indoor training, a series of lectures were arranged to further the professional training of Oflficers and N.C.O.s. The lectures, 33 in number, dealt with a variety of topics, mostly of a common— to-all nature. With the good weather arriving about May the Regiment was able to pass through the various stages of crew, Squadron and Regimental training. The training was hindered somewhat by an over dry spring giving rise to an extreme fire hazard in the training area. However, with the training that did take place good progress was evident. Immediately prior to the Regimental training the Unit was called upon to supply 50 gunner operators to take part in operation “Redramp,” the Army’s opera— tion controlling the flooding Red River at This necessitated the Winnipeg, Manitoba. Regiment taking to the field with practically no “mike ” experts. We are proud to say that through much improvisation we were nevertheless able to carry out a successful series of schemes, a somewhat touchy point in so far as our qualified operators are concerned! During this past summer two Regimental junior N.C.O.’s courses were conducted to pro— vide a pool of material from which the Unit could draw in the event of expansion. This foresight helped to relieve the strain when the Regiment was called upon to train recruits for the 25th Reinforcement Group, which is part of the Canadian Special Force being trained for service in Korea. ' More colour has been recently added to the Continued on page 30

THE

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

ROYAL DRAGOONS AID SOCIETY

The Committee of the Royal Dragoons Aid Society has decided this year to publish the Annual Report in “ The Eagle” and it is the intention to continue this practice in future years. A separate copy has been sent to et'ery subscriber, but it is felt that the actitities of the Society will be of interest to all connected with the Regiment.

but who have branches in many parts of the country. During the year under review 15 ex— members of the Regiment have been found suitable positions. Brigadier Peake continues to act as Ofﬁce Visitor and to him are due the thanks of the Committee for his work during the past year. No report would be complete without mention of the wonderful work done by the representa-

tives of the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association and the Forces Help Society, in investigating the cases and disbursing the grants awarded. COL. F. W. WILSON—FITZGERALD, Chairman. 81h December, 1950.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT The Committee of the Royal Dragoons Aid Society presents its report for the year ended 30th September, 1950. The year under review has been uneventful and there is little of note to report. Financial Position The ﬁnancial position remains sound and it has not been necessary to touch either the capital of the Fund or the Trust Fund investments. Income from subscriptions was £145. There is an excess of income over expenditure amounting to £29/11/11. A claim has been lodged with the Inland Revenue Authorities for tax on subscriptions paid under covenant and it is expected that this will be in the region of ,6 1 1 3.

Comforts Fund

For the Year ended 30th September, 1950

,1; To Administration Expenses: Cavalry Beneﬁt As— sociation 45 Print ing and Stationery 38 Postage

General Expenses Audit and Account— ancy

Fees

s. d. By Subscriptions ,, Income from General Fund Investments 3‘2, Defence Bonds

o 2

3 12 4

— .,

s. d.

94 16

01:

Donations to Charities: National Association for the Employ— m en t of E x— Regulars

., Contribution to Cavalry Beneﬁt Association Staff Pension Scheme

The balance of the Comforts Fund remains

at £553/7/Io. ,,

Assistance

Excess of Income over Expenditure carried

Funds Thirty-three applications for assistance were received and dealt with as under: Assisted Refused

26 7 TRUST

33 This ﬁgure shows a decrease on last year’s (38) and the amount expended in grants was {131 as against £221 in 1948/49. A sum of £31/10/— was received from the R.A.C. War Memorial Benevolent Fund and the other Regi— mental Associations in which applicants may have served. The Committee would take this opportunity of extending to these Associations their very grateful thanks for their kind generosity.

Employment Employment for ex-Royals is dealt with on behalf of the Society by the National Association for the Employment of Ex—Regulars, whose Head Ofﬁce is 14, Howick Place, London, S.W.1,

£ To Grants ,, Balance carried to Balance Sheet

131 35 7

FUND

5 d. 4 6 6 1

ACCOUNT

By Balance as at 151 October, 1949 ,, Income from Trust Fund Invest—

ments 15488 10

COMFORTS FUND

To Balance carried to Balance Sheet

,5 553

s. d. 7 10

£553

7 10

By Balance as at Ist October, 1949 ,, Income from Investment

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

FOOTBALL

UE to the Regiment’s moves in the past few months very little football has been played, but every opportunity has been taken. Whilst still in the B.A.O.R. we entered for the Army Cup and in the preliminary round we were drawn against the Yorks and Lancaster Regiment at Brunswick. They were an unknown quantity, but although drawn on their ground we beat them convincingly by five goals to one. In the first round proper we were drawn at home against the 2 R.H.A. In this game we received an early setback, as almost from the kick-off the Gunners scored. However, we fought back and eventually ran out winners by four goals to one. In the second round we were drawn against our old rivals the Foresters. Whenever we met the Foresters they always politely reminded us that they had won the Army Cup five years. This was done in friendly rivalry, and last year we knocked them out of the Cup, so preventing them from winning it for the sixth year. Having already played them in friendly games we knew that on their ground at Goslar we should find them very hard to beat, and we eventually managed to draw with them after extra time with one goal each. Due to our move from the B.A.O.R. we had to replay the match on our ground at Wolfenbfittel on the following Wednesday. A great number of both Regiments turned up to see this needle game and when the whistle went for full time both sides had scored two goals each. Excitement was intense as the teams lined up for extra time, and the thrills and near misses are far too numerous to mention; but after a most excellent game we managed to score the deciding goal, which put us in the third round. We should like to take this opportunity of wishing the Foresters (our greatest rivals and friends in the B.A.O.R. football world) the very best of luck, and trust that the time is not far distant when we shall again challenge them on the sports field. Whenever we played them we were always assured of a good game. The Regiment returned to England and we were drawn against the Life Guards at Windsor in the third round. The match was arranged on Saturday, 9th December, to coincide with the Old Comrades’ re-union in London. Quite a number of Old Comrades also went to Windsor on that day to see our team, and we must apologise for losing. However, they fully deserved their victory and we wish

NOTES

them the best of luck. Our team played well, but not well enough to beat the Life Guards. Since our arrival in Egypt we have played off the inter-squadron championship, which resulted in a win for H.Q. Squadron without their sustaining a defeat. In the match arranged prior to the presentation of the cup and medals H.Q. Squadron played the rest of the Regi— ment, winning by two goals to nil. Well done, H.Q. Squadron! We have now commenced the inter—troop competition and great interest is being taken by all troops. We have also played a regimental game here against the R.A.S.C., and after being two goals down in the ﬁrst ten minutes we managed to beat them by six goals to two. As a result of the inter-troop competition we hope to ﬁnd several players to take the place of the six members of our team we had to leave behind in the U.K. We certainly have found some very promising lads who with a little practise and coaching should do well. We again thank the following players, who are still with us, for their good work in the Regimental team during the season: S.S.M. Edwards (captain), Sgts. Lawrence, Smith, Stone, Cpls. Wesley, Rockall, and not forgetting the trainer, Sgt. Nash. We welcome Sgt. Lloyd, our new armourer, who in the games already played has acquitted himself well.

ATHLETIC

ﬁnd new talent for the Regimental team. There were a large number of entries and some very good events were run off. Thanks to the judges and whips the very full programme went off without major mishaps. Cpl. Grifﬁths did well by winning three events, the High Jump, the Javelin and the 440 yards, while Sgt. Lawrence won the 100 yards and 220 yards, Sgt. David the Hop, Step and Jump and Long Jump, and Tpr. Speed the 880 yards and the mile. In the three miles 2/Lt. Thompson McCausland took

SICK

HUT

an early lead which he steadily increased until he crossed the line a good half lap ahead of Cpl. Poulter who had held on gamely throughout the race. At the end of the meeting Mrs. HeathcoatAmory very kindly presented the prizes. Our remaining two ﬁxtures this season, on which unfortunately we are unable to report before going to press, are the Brigade Inter-Unit Athletics, in which we hope to qualify for Army Athletics, and the Scissors Cup on Waterloo Day.

SYMPHONY

{or The Sick Hut Entertains us/

We felt so ﬁne this morning that we packed up our small kit, For only (heed this warning) go sick when you feel ﬁt, ’Tis only robust soldiers who can undergo the strain, Of kit bags on their shoulders, till the Squadron stores they gain.

When “Muscles” ailed, he always failed to bring his kit complete, He felt so bad, he never had, the strength to fold a sheet. With doleful dial he stood the trial of the M.O.’s searching gaze, Who picked him out as a lazy lout and well worth fourteen days.

NOTES

It was unfortunately half way through the Athletic season when the Regiment arrived out here, and well after the time that most units had held their own sports meetings. As in most other spheres the facilities for athletics out here do not begin to compare with those in Germany and since there is only one good track in the Canal Zone which is used for all meetings, we have to train as best we can in the desert behind the camp. Despite these handicaps there were a few en— tries for the Brigade Individual Championships and both Cpl. Grifﬁths and Tpr. Thornton did well by coming fourth in the ﬁnals of the High Jump and Hurdles respectively. On the Ist of May we held a Regimental meet— ing at the Olympia Stadium, Fayid, mainly to

If only he had done as we do when we are feeling tired, A cough, a sneeze, or housemaid’s knees, he would acquire. See! here we lounge, all on the scrounge, each with his tale to tell. ' So one by one, until we’ve done, we’ll tell them, please mark well.

A happy looking bunch are we, and happier still we hope to be, For I rely on my good looks to put me in the “ Doc’s ” good books. I know he thinks the world of me, he’s sure to give “ Excused Duty.” He always thinks me so sincere, and really worse than I appear.

I state my ills in plaintive voice, his words soon cause me to rejoice, But if you fellows will feign fever, you’ll soon be found to be deceivers. Just step inside with tactful tread, complain of noises in your head, Or, to him, you may even go with the most acute lumbago. I know a Chap who lets the cramp gain him the name of “ sick parade champ,” And you will do well to refrain, from looks exaggerating pain. A bad mistake, that mournful moan, it sharpens up the M.O.’s tone, And as you hurry past the door, sarcastic speeches on you pour. Yes! overacting is unfruity, it will not get you “ Excused Duty.” If you are feeling indisposed, don’t have your ailments diagnosed, Just leave it for a day or two, Dame Nature will cure it for you, And now, my lads, with might and main, let's sing our favourite refrain. Chorus Oh! we are feeling blithe and gay, Yes, we are feeling ﬁt, We won’t do any work to-day, We’ve packed up our small kit. [This appeared in the January 1935, edition of The Eagle. We feel that, remembering the long walk to the Fanara M.I. Room, it may not be inappropriate to reprint it here.]

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS JOURNAL

THE

REGIMENTAL

GAZETTE

. Dexter

. Dem

AS AT 3 MAY, 1951 Colonel—in—Chief Colonel

His Majesty King George VI Colonel F. \W. Wilson-Fitzgerald, D.S.O., M.C.

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Lt. —Col. R. Heathcoat——Amory, MC. Major F. B. W’yldbore- Smith, D. S O. 0BE.

Commanding Officer Adjutant President of the Regimental Institute Technical Adjutant Quartermaster Regimental Signals Officer Regimental Intelligence Officer Regimental Sergeant— Major Orderly Room Quartermaster Sergeant Provost Sergeant Orderly Room Sergeant Regimental Signals Sergeant

Second—in—Command

Capt. (QM) C. \V. J. Lewis, MBE. Lt G. C. Soltan .. Lt. D J. S. Wilkinson WWOI N. H. Morgan, M.l\‘l.

\V.O..II B. W. Crockett Sgt. Sgt. Sg:. Cpl. Cpl.

Linehan Parker Lawrence Burton Welsh

. Donnelly . Edwards

. Garnham . Gradwell Green , Gilmour . Gosling . Greig

, Hawthorn . Hall . . . .

Heritage Hocklil‘le‘ Hayes Harvey

. Humphrey

)

Cpl. Blacktop Tpr. Brandon Tpr. Borthwick Cpl. Stirling Cpl. Fennelly Cpl. Able Tpr. Whyley Cpl. Joule Tpr. Mason L/Cpl. Hingston

Dove Dunn Daly Day

. Fuller . Greenley

Capt. A J. A. Cubitt Capt. N. W’. R Felstead. Capt. J. B. Evans

. . . .

. Johnson . Jubb

‘-Orderly Room Staff Tpr. Tpr. Tpt. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr,

Page Mawson Manning Walls Campbell Strevett Berry Orange

. Tpt. Tpr. Tpt. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

Jones King Kitching Lewocz Lawrence Lonsdale Morris Murray Morgan Murden MCDougall Miller McGregor Nulty

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpt. T pr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpt. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Tpr. Petterson Tpt. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Plumbly Podmore Polles Parnaby

Tpr. Quigley Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Robson 93 Radford chfrey Raison Rockall

Robson 58 Riley Sienkiewicz Sissons Seymour Small

Sellers Savill Stringer Singleton

Swan Starbuck Smith Simpson Smyth Taylor Tonge Thompson Vessey Viney Warburton

Willis West Ward Young

l Attached Personnel R.E.M.E.

} Provost Staff

Cfn. Williams

L/Cpl. Parker Dvr. Andrew

W.O.II. Churcher (A.Q.M.S.)

l Regimental

1 Signals Troop

Post Corporal

ATTACHED OFFICERS Aledical Ofﬁcer

Lt. N. W. H. Young (R.A.M.C.)

H.Q. SQUADRON Major G. T. A. Armitager M.B.E., Squadron Leader

Sgt. Dawes

39%“

Sgn. Allinson

t. Ki chin Sgt ngyd gton

g. 1 Cpl. Extance

n. Bo wick 3:“ Brc‘ilwn

Cpl. Boam

CPI- Granger

Dvr. Dinsdale

L/Cpl Gallagher

Cpl. Sullivan

Dvr. Darlin

Cfn n. Andrews

PEC- Atkmsor

Dvr. Faulkner

Cfn1 Buck

PEC- BlShOP

c111. Buckley

12w. gmwrh

Sgn. Forster

Cfn. Bunch Cfn. Cresswell Cfn. Connolly

['3flSIO Pte. Dayy Pte. Grimes

Dvr. Hobbs Dvr. Harper Dvr. Humphries

Cfn. Claridge

PIC. H1Ck€y

Sgn. Hembury

0111. Day

11:11: galld

ggn. {2113011 ‘

‘ 8:- 312:?“

C. Marritt en FY Pte.

c ounie 3::. McCord

Dvr. Findlay

Capt. P. P. Davies-Cooke, Second—in—Command

01 Old W O .11. Douglas W. W .O.II. Edwards W 0.11. Mantle S.Q.M . s . Vowles . . . . .

Benson Appleton Stone Acres Weller

. . . 1 .

Eyers Holliday Sager MacPherson Morton

. . . . . . . . . . . L/Cpl. Narraway

. Watson

L/Cpl. Trickey

. Hand

L/Cpl. Osinski L/Cpl. Chapman

. Ayrton . Collins . Lapington

L/Cpl. Bowen L/Cpl. Routley L/Cpl. Leese

Tpr. Cragg Tpr. Cox

. Smith . Sheppard Cpl. Bliss

. Hamilton

. . . .

Ashley Almond Alexander Burnett Blackledge Blair Banks Blue Brassey Coupar

Tpr. Cannell

Brett

L/Cpl. Phillips

Tpr. Copeland

Titmarsh Nicholsox Williams Viggars

L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl.

Tpr. Cotton Tpr. Charlton

Grifﬁn Greatrex Norris McLean

Pte. MCGTCEOF

Sgn. Merritt

Pm Potts Pte. Stamforth

Sgn. Shepherd

P‘e' gangs” Pte. Taylor

R.A.E.C.: W.O.II. Maple

Royal Signals Sgt. Pettitt Cpl David Cpl. Collins

A.P.T.C.: Sgt. Evans

Cfn. Moss Cfn. Oldmeadow

Tpr. Tpt. Tpr. Tpr. Tpt. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

. Empringham . Brunton . Shone

Cfn. Johnson

Cfn. Leftlev Cfn. Parfett Cfn. Robinson Cfn, Scott Cfn. Smith Cfn. Webster

“ A ” SQUADRON Major K1 F. Timbrell, M.C.

2/Lt. W. R. Wilson—Fitzgerald z/Lt. E. H. Birkbeck 2/Lt. A. G. Hirst 2/Lt. G. W. Beckwith 403777 SSM. Palmer, C. A. 410612 S.Q.M.S. Bradley, D

19048764 Cpl. Poulter, R. L.

410661 Sgt. Phillips, A

14475751 Cpl. Clarke, B. 22516820 Cpl. Taylor, L. 211281 84 Cpl. Underwoocllf

19038492 Sgt. Paul, J. A. 3602449 Sgt. May, R. 19038341 Sgt. Pembertorgv

Tpr. Culshaw Tpr. Cunningham

R.A.D.C.: Pte. Mercy

558566 Cpl. Howley, T.

21125664 Cpll Newton

R. A. M.

19038520 Sgt. Pritchard, E. o:

21125055 Cpl. Bromlcy, J.

19048172 Cpl. Percival, T. L. 21023888 Cpl. Weston, L. 19048916 Cpl. Cooke, M,

19031190 Cpl. Mallinder, D. 21124483 22250286 21124958 22179110

Cpl. Cpl. Cpl. Cpl.

Coutts, J. Gill, J. Morgan, M. Haynes, P. J. A.

19031343 L/Cpl. Bolton, R. R.

JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

21001258 L/Cpl. Hill, R. J. 22178777 L/Cpl. Kelly, T. 22338401 L/Cpl. 'Peat, J. 22191094 L/Cpl. Barber, N. 22191109 L/Cpl. Dawkins,

RE 21023670 L/Cpl. Hopper, J. A. 22319833 L/Cpl. Lewis, J. B. 19048616 L/Cpl. W’arwick, G. 22183951 Tpr . Allen, E. 22286074 Tpr. Andrews, V. 19036388 Tpr. Best, A. R. A. 22191095 Tpr. Barkley, G. 22330070 Tpr. Bath, D. 22191097 Tpr. Bedford, K. H. 22316316 Tpr. Bennett, W. G. 22321181 Tpr. Bishop, A. 22362375 Tpr. Bell, G. A. 22338375 Tpr. Bryceland, H. 22316318 Tpr. Bowie, A 22217096 Tpr. Bratcher, J. J. 22322132 Tpr. Cannard, A. L. 22306992 Tpr. Chester, R. 22184238 Tpr. Chivers, T. 22322115 Tpr. Collier, W. H.

22314325 Tpr. Curtin, B. O. 22179764 Tpr. Curley, T.

22178766 Tpr. Davis, K.

22175535 Tpr. Macpherson, G.

22357704

22193998 Tpr. Draper, P. F.

22365918 22331367 22356878 22305016 21126746 22315396 22366543 22366561 22191134 22289774 22325099 22310757 22183991 22272824 22347504

22347464

22189895 Tpr. Dobson, G. 14190606 Tpr. Fletcher, R. 22334679 Tpr. Fitzpatrick, P. E.

22317010 Tpr. Galea, R. V. 22248191 Tpr. Griﬂ‘iths, E. H. 22319822 Tpr. Gurney, R. A. 22310741 Tpr. Gorle, R. H. 22387400 Tpr. Tiggins, R. 22352460 Tpr. Hannington,

R. B 22319826 Tpr. Hill, S. W. 22178775 Tpr. Hodgson, P. 22345774 Tpr. Hodgson, J. 22306353 Tpr. 22357713 Tpr. 22356449 Tpr. 22289455 Tpr. 22346965 Tpr. 22348679 Tpr. 22322124 Tpr. 22189899 Tpr. 22356870 Tpr.

Hogg, D. C.

Horgan, H. Hopkinson, C. Harrison, W. A. Jordan, L. Joyce, S. Keen, J. R. Keller, H. Kingston, J. A. .

22355999 Tpr.L1ndsey,A. 22356874 TPf- Longﬁen: J22316361 Tpr. Mackintosh,

22340731 Tpr. Craggs, M. 22197952 22180207 22180308 22319810

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Cottenden, E, R. Court, W. T. Cox, E. K. Darricott, L. T.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Tpr. Moore, R. W. Tpr. Mountain, G. Tpr. Nettleton, W. Tpr. Owen, W. Tpr. Plumtree, D. W. Tpr. Pratt, E. E. Tpr. Rodger, J. A. Tpr. Reilly, W. F. Tpr. Robinson, J. Tpr. Ryan, T Tpr. Richards, J. Tpr.Rawlings, V. Tpr. Stubbs, A. L. Tpr. Snell, A. H. Tpr. Smith, J. D.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

McLeod, I... Maycock, H. W. Miles, G. E. Muckle, A.

W. 7961818

22391550 22184241 22316369 22286133 22316367 22338403

22189905 Tpr. Tomkinson, C. 22319842 Tpr. Thorpe, H. W. 22199292 Tpr. Wright, C.

22348087

22308262 Tpr. Robinson, W.

22342301 22395947

. White, F. C.

22192146 22319189 22387368

. Williams, D. M.

1444837I

S.Q.M.S. Rapkin

22429435 22346963 22422403 22539371 22386237 22427206 22136917 22417158 22366538 22180310 22390648 22319814 22383013 22380193 22392102

Sgt. Lynd Sgt- NaSh Sgt- WOOd

19047976 CPL 19041282 21023537 141184283 22342584 14191809 14638209 X/21001615

Cpl. Cpl. Cpl. Cpl. Robertson Cpl. Simpson Cpl. Snow Cpl. Watorski

22230320 Cpl. Wilkinson X/7961854 Cpl. Wodja

2/Lt. D. B. Owen 553891 S.S.M. Austin, F.

M. . 6140796 S.Q.M.S. Baker, W. G. 410894 319942 14475663 14733208 21001499 7961865

Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt.

Brennan Brown, J. S. Fearn, F. H. Fletcher, F. Hall, L. Kurpiewski, S 19041127 Sgt. Rickuss, R. .

19036409 Sgt. Smith, G. W. 19038602 Sgt. Chandler,

E. F. J. 14468330 Cpl. Corﬁeld, E. F. J. 22232653 Cpl. Edwards, R. W. 22175524 Cpl. Finch, W. 2549341 Cpl. Hoyes, T. J. 19033769 Cpl. Luff, P. M. 19043928 Cpl. Tester, R. W. 19043863 Cpl. Haynes 2247560 Cpl. Rose 22179104 L/Cpl. Ellerby, D. R. 22322133 L/Cpl. Davis, G. 22201043 L/Cpl. Jones, T. W.

22178781 L/Cpl. Mackley, J. A.

22286827 22191131 19125476 22285613

L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl.

Poole, E. Quelch, W. L. Rea, T Renshawe, K. J. 22382084 L/Cpl. Sampson, G

19035604 L/Cpl. Wallace, ”r. 22371965 22178763 22189890 22315375

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Acton, G. R. Baird, W. Barter, E. Beckett, H.

22323555 22335504 22524135 22316976 22337070 22255589 22342884 22322134 22360730 22195688 22362405 22308929

. Duncan, D. W. J. . Duxbury, K. . Elliot, H. . Ellwood, W. A. . Folkes, C. 1. . Franks, N. C. . Garland, D. . Gilbey, A. . Gridley, D. K. . Harris, R. G. . Helliwell, J. . Hesketh, G. R.

14473913

- Iioaro I.

22285839 Tpr. Bennett, K. W.

22342886

. Hodkinson, R.

22360723 Tpr. Bennett, R. V.

22333441

. Holman, D.

22276368 Tpr. Birkett, N.

22276714

. James, B.

22321182 Tpr. Bland, D. W.

22338388

. Keenan, M.

22316317 Tpr. Blyth, D.

22305689 22191122 22331375 22316777

. . . .

21124185

. Marshall, P. K.

22336053 22353115 22363037

. Martin, J. W. . Mathews, J. . Matthews, R.

22357177 22319801 22180304 22191104 22338376 22316323 22347474 22187489

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Boulton, P. W. Brown, E Browne, W. Buckley Caimey, H. Carnegie, R. Coroon, A. 0 DaCosta, E.

Kenny, J. Ketton, H. K. Lancaster, R. Lloyd, A. W.

22319837

. Miller, J.

22195686 Tpr. Davies, H. L.

22336054

. Milnes, M. T.

22336554 Tpr. Davies, J. P.

22363611

. Moore, R. D.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Sutherland, J. Smith, R. Stacey, I. W. G. Staples, J. Stickland, D. P.

22347467

. Walsh, J. . Williams, R. . Young, A. . Younger, W.

2/Lt. T. J. Nicholson

3g" Whltbread

Lt. S. Bradish-Ellames

22316381 22319840 22364309 22336063 22386280

S.S.M. Finch

Sgt. Taylor

2/Lt. D. B. Money—Coutts 2/Lt. M. P. Thompson—McCausland

Thomson, W. Tucker, T. Turner, N. Walker, A.

“ C ” SQUADRON

Sgt. Bujko Sgt. Jones Sg:. Link

Major D. N. Macdonald, M.C.

. . . .

Major P. B. Fielden, M.C. Capt. R. C. Bucknall Lt. O. J. Lewis

22331377 Tpr. Walton, R. 22360747 Tpr. Wilson, K. R. 22341051 Tpr. Wright, F. W.

“ B ” SQUADRON

22317000

22342894 Tpr. Russiano, J.

. Nimmo, J. B. . Owen, A. . Petrie, D.

SgL BaHard

COURSES IN U.K. 316823 Sgt. Joyce, E. H. 14467256 Sgt. Kimble, F. H. 19048264 Cpl. Critcher, B. E.

22197038 22316383

22362417 Tpr. Rooke, G. E.

. Macmillan . Nelmes, V.

. Nicholson. T.

22355590‘Tpr.VVamon,J.P.

22197978 Tpr. Willis, R. E. 22338409 Tpr. YOU-'18, G- C.

22346999 Tpr. Redfearn, P. 0. 22347502 Tpr. Riley, J

. McGill

21125951 Tpr. Thompson, E. 22191142 Tpr. Tyler, G. D.

T- Q 22314940 22188323 22337081 22337580

. Mullady, J. . McArthur,

19040855 19035565 22388362 19036558

L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl.

19035540 X/7961848 22363574 22342882 22191106 22365852 19194478 22376964 22523505 22387383 22429472 22427203 22423023 22541717 22423024 22422983 22429369

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Brindle Banner Greenwood Kirkley Bradford Baum Barker Brooks Butters Bonhomine Bosher Bostock Boyd Beveridge Barwick Burns Ball Bailey Bant Brabham Buxton

22525495 Tpr. Bishop 22421250 Tpr. Brown 22359928 Tpr. Carroll

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Colquhoun Croft Cliffe Creaney Carter Dance Dean Dickinson Drew Ewart Ellwell Elderkin Facer Furness Ferguson Faulkner

22542610 Tpr. Fletcher 22406415 Tpr. Fox

21124354 Tpr. Goodwin 22380212 22376972 22378165 22524431 22338387 22386248 22321195 22524783 22362406

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Gillespie Gartshore Grundy Gill Henderson Holmes Hilliard Hows Hutchinson

22387402 Tpr. Hunter 22427209 22417164 22414480 22416622 22366545

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Henzell Hill Hinnitt Horsley Irvine

19044630 Tpr. Johnson 14194678 Tpr. Johnston 22247065 Tpr. Jackson 22363031 Tpr. Joyce

22516752 Tpr. Jackson 22539195 22387406 22439287 22372933 22275952 22195927 22394806 22391571

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Johnson Johnston Kempton Labourne Ling Letts Lund Lorimer

22241815 Tpr. C1ay:on

22524809 Tpr. Lambert 22391541 Tpr. Lambie

22360764 Tpr. Cliff 22429432 Tpr. Collender

22387409 Tpr. Lowe 22358215 Tpr. Mattinson

22388370 22316990 22229155 22421895 22428205 22417170 22422418 22395940 22395920 22395942 22429417 22229422 22387419 22392114 22524101 22396956 22098602 22423424 22542070 22429414 14670560 2574697 22391560 14669478 22241412 22377000 22377001 22376994 22387421 22388956 22392119 22428216 22309566 22418665 22539709 22145112 22355620 22276488 19034572 22378173 22392121 22387377 22335024 19034999 22235550 22366567

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Martin McIntosh Millett May McBrinn McKenna McLoughlin Neilson McDermid O’Neil Olley Platts Porter Partridge Pinn Parker Parks Peacock Pincher Pardoe Roberts Rowlands Robinson Sabine Speed Stewart Strathearn Sangster Shaw Slater Scarratt Simpson Sturgess Stourton Sproston Tilley Taylor Thornton Thomas Turnbull Tipper Trapp Walsh Wesley Wifﬁn Wilson

22188326 Tpr. Wilson 22395006 Tpr. Warner 22559566 Tpr. White 22415128 Tpr. Walker 22421284 . Webser

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THE ROYAL CANADIAN DRAGOONS Continued from page 22 Regiment with the formation of a trumpet band. The keenness displayed by the bandsmen has enabled us to produce a good band within a very short period. As a colourful climax to the year, the band is to accompany a guard of honour to Ottawa for the dedication of a ﬁeld gun which was defended by the Royal Canadian Dragoons during the South African War, and for which three of the Regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross. The Governor General, Field Marshal Alexander, has consented to dedicate the plaque. An item which is of topical interest to us here is the progress of our townsite. It would certainly be neglectful not to mention it, since it is one of the large factors affecting the morale of the troops. For the most part our homes are of the permanent type and range in size from four to eight rooms. A groceteria, bowling alley, community hall, hobby shop and theatre are available for the residents; also a number of community activities such as ladies’ auxili— aries, teen—agers’ club, Guides and Scouts. Over 500 new houses have been built in the last year. Good luck and every good wish for the future.

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PARK DRIVE CIGARETTES \

’Fon P‘EASURE"

Men who hit the headlines know that smartness counts inand count on Brylcreem for perfect grooming Brylcreem _. works in two ways i (I) It groomswithoutgumming.giving '_,/," life nndlustrelothe hair.(2)The ." pure natural oils in Brylcreem

/{FINE OLD] ‘

LFRENCH BRANDYm; Ask for n at NAAFI

are emulsiﬁed into a rich cream

‘ 1

which. with massage. has u \‘aluable ionic cflect. preventing Dr) Huir and Dandruff. Brylcreem comes in tubs l/Sd. and 2/3du tubes Lind jars 2/3d. and large economy tubs 4,’-.

’~

County Perfumery Car le., Smnmore, Mz'ddx.

royd: 6I/36

THE.ASSOGI TION OF S ERV I GE NE 67/68. JERMY STREET, ST. JAMES’

RS ADVERTISEMENT PA S. . . TEL. WHITEHALL 2 04 ta.-_____

But can you cure a Broken

OF BAD BREATH. lTALSO ' 7 HELPSSTOP TOOTH DECAY. enznaung foam gets into hidden crevices where food particles cause bad breath and decay‘ begins. It cleans enamel brilliantly, safely, too!

UTER-nwms to -l

comma DE NTAl CREAM .~ . ,

_ Clean Your Breath While You Clean Yuurlee

um um: STOP room DECAY ‘

‘“ Little fuss-pot, too . . . he’ll use nothing but ‘ Cherry ‘ Blossom Boot Polish’” B/X7/1

HR.

PEEK

AND

Mil.

FREAN

I’m all for

Mmyou'te pasted abroad, y air or sea, remember that there l:

0 ﬁne Median cf Peek Freda"

Ifyou’re out of sorts through late nights and irregular meals,

. . . “scum at your demmmm'

take a glass of ENO’S “ Fruit Salt ” in the mornmg. ENO S will keep you regular—and that’s the secret oﬁ keeping ﬁt. More than that, sparkling ENO’S is very refreshing to a stale

mouth.

PEEK

fa...

FR EA N

W... V

Sold by N.A.A.F.I. or any chemist.

‘

2/6d. & 4J3d.

’

Eno s Fru It Salt Gentle laxative—mild antacid

Summa To ELM. ms Kmo

Carrington & Co., Ltd. Glmxri 3121112112111 anh Ergtmmml ﬁilurrsmitlw

l30 Regent Street, London, W.l

Engagement Rings Silver Cups, Bowls, Salvers, Clocks, etc. FOR PRESENTATION —- ALWAYS IN STOCK REGIMENTAL BADGE BROOCHES, SLEEVE LINKS, Etc. DESIGNS AND ESTIMATES FREE

By Appoint-non: to Hi: Lu. Hilary Klnl George V.

ROGERS & CO. (MILITARY

OUTFITI'ERS) LTD.

Sporting and Mufti Tailors Hunting Kit and Breeches Makers Regimental Outﬁtters to The Royal Dragoons ~Av

Late of 8 New Burlington Street, W..|

S1 IERMYN

STREET, LONDON,

Telephone: REGent 2740 London. —

S.WJ

Telegrams: Rogers, REG. 2740 London. _

Produced for the Editor “The Eagle: The Journal or the Royal Dragoons, by Combined Service Publications. Ltd” 67-88, Jermyn Street St Jamesﬂs London. S.W.1. Printed in Great Britain by F J. Parsons, Ltd" Lennox House Norfolk Street, London,7W..C2., and Hastings and lFolkestone Advertisement Agents: Service Newspapers, (’Phon .11Wh1te9112504) <68,Jermw1 Street, s..1w Ltd.