The eagle royal dragoons magazines the eagle 1957 by RHG/D Reg Sec

7kg journal of

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

NT PAG ES. HALL 2504.

”II/4%

DEEP SHINE LOOKS SMARTER By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Silversmith:

Carrington & Co., Ltd. ESTD. I780

ENGAGEMENT

RINGS

Strazght znto the

%#47/ /’

m a’r// .

REGIMENTAL JEWELLERS

and

SILVERSMITHS

Tavern— and that’s where I’m going soon I

The rich waxes in Kiwi sink deep into the leather. to give a gleaming. long-lasting shine.

79‘

deep shine with KIWI 'DEEP-GLOW’ COLOURS

BADGE BROOCHES

All diamond Eagle with ruby eye, green enamel wreath.

Yellow gold Eagle with ruby eye.green enamel wreath.

the best long drink in the world!

130 REGENT STREET, W.1.

Draught or bottled, mild or bitter, you can’t beat

TEL.: REGENT 3727-8

THE WORLD'S FINEST SALTED NUTS Just the job for an elf duly mmncnl or a quiet owning ul home, You‘ll find Sun—I’m Salted Nuts. packed in licnnclicully scaled tins, stay wally fresh all Ilic limo. 'l‘llcy‘rc lusty and satisfying. Ohluimzb/l’frmn your A\'.i—l..el.l".]i in 1 lb., 8 0:. quI4 oz. flfli'um' swim] (ins, aim-1 0:. and 1 0:. airtight [MIC/2L

H. S. WHITESIDE & CO LTD 6/57—1

hSUED

BY THE BREWERS, SOCIETY ' 42 PORTMAN SQUARE, LONDONJ VVJ.

LONDON SE5 SUPPLEMENT Na,_ l—PAGE ONE

IBVRYMA]

SWIMMING EXPERTS SAY extra energy makes the difference!

ROY/it MARINES

CYRIL LAXTON ENGLAND’S LEADING swnnimn AND DIVING COACH, who has trained many class. says:

CAPSTAN

champions

of world

1V"”"".IM [whililipx

“Champion Sll'illllllt’t‘s burn. up energy last. That's unit I always recommend t’lllllla ‘Dcrtrosrtl‘ Glucose Tablets. They’re Hut ultiCh‘L‘Sl natural law In rep/(tee 103! energy."

quality ‘/

. . they’re blended better

TIIE MATCH FOR'I'IIE BRITISH FORCES BRITISH MADE BY BRYANT& MAY

A MESSAGE from the Chairman of HER MAJESTY’S FORCES

1% ChOCOlate Fruit Creams

"‘1 , &Mmt0reams

gives extra energy To produce energy, your body burns fuel. A doctor will tell you that glucose is the fuel manufactured by your body from the food you eat. ‘Dextrosol’ is pure glucose: the quick natural source of energy. ‘Dextrosol’ requires no digestion but passes straight into your bloodstream, carrying energy at once to muscles, nerves and brain. To build up energy for that extra effort, to replace energy after exertion, cat delicious ‘Dextrosol’ Glucose Tablets. Slip 8 packet into your pocket or handbag. ‘Dextrosol’ is the natural way of renewing energy—it can do you nothing but good, and there’s no limit to the amount you can eat.

Firmly made— smoother,

ﬁner ﬂavour

DEXTROSOL

ooouonocoonoo-ooc-canon-nu...

Delicious creamy

SAVINGS COMMITTEE lF YOU HAVEN‘T ALREADY started saving, you should try to develop the savings habit while you are in the Services. There are excellent facilities for saving in

all Units ofthe Services in every part ofthe world—in fact the slogan of HM. Forces Savings Committee is “Wherever you serve, you can save." We have an excellent series of leaﬂets (as illustrated above) which tell in simple lan-

guage all about Forces Savings. Why not write for a copy of the leaﬂet

which applies to your Service? Write to me personally: a

centres coated with

The medium Cigarette that’s blended better

smooth rich Chocolate by

FOR EXTRA ENERGY WHENEVER YOU NEED IT!

($e‘l“

Look for the handy red and green packets. llld. and 6d. Buy a packet. today~‘De.rtrosol‘ Glut-use Tulilets are now uruilublc ul irlzcnusts and movers L‘Z'(’I’ljl/‘ll£'l't’.’

Keiller

Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Saunders, (K'H. klll. MC. INC. MM.

Chairman. H.M. Forces Savings Committee, 1, Princes Gate, London, S.W.7.

Also Tipped at 3/3 for twenty CC 97AF

of Dundee

I.\.\llt'(/ by ILM. [“nl‘((‘.\ Sarittgi Cunt/Hitler

SLIDES Pris: qplm ll 60w Britain only

SUPPLEMENT Not l—PAGE TWO

MADE BY 'l'ur. PHARMACEUTICAL DIVISION or unuwix & PULSON LTD

6’57—2

SUPPLEMENT No. 2—PAGE ONE

BY APPOINTMENT

1’0 HFR MAJPSH’ IIH

QHH N (A)! DSMITIIS AND CRO\\'N ]P\\'FI.I.ERS

The Garrard

"Annual" umu ro m u" um noun:

ﬂﬁam (BOND ST) LTD

REGIMENTAL

CAPMAKERS

“SERVICE” WATCH THE ROYAL

DRAGOONS

38 NEW BOND ST., LONDON, W.I. MAYFAIR 0784 . 40A LONDON RD., CAMBERLEY ( Wednuday afternoon: only)

REGIMENTAL & CLUB TIES

V”‘\_/

Established 1878

COLES LTD. Shirt and Pyjama Makers 0 o o o o 0

WATERPROOF SHOCKPROOF ' NON—MAGNETIC £IO LUMINOUS CHROME AND STEEL CASE FULLY GUARANTEED EOR TWO YEARS

147 Knightsbridge, London, S.W.1 Pullovers

Gloves

Phone: KEN. 4798

KEN. 8552

REGIMENTAL SHIRTMAKERS to

Neckwear

GARRARD & CO. LTD. Crown jewellers formalin THE GOLDSMITHS & SILVERSMITHS COMPANY LTD.

112 REGENT STREET - LONDON - W 1 - TELEPHONE - REGENT 3021 SUPPLEMENT No, 2—PAGE TWO

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

W [611011) the drill . . . .

Cheers for {he

OUR SERVICE to Officers of the Armed Forces dates back to 1758, seventeen years after the opening of the Royal Military Academy. In that year the C. in C. General the Lord Ligonier appointed Mr. Richard Cox as Official Finance Agent. As early as 1798 Nestlé’s Milk Chocolate in the

Messrs. Cox and Greenwood became officral paymasters

RED and GOLD wrapper is

to the Company of Gentlemen Cadets and in 1802, when

Milk Chocolate at its best.

the Junior Department of the Royal Military College was established, Mr. Greenwood was appointed Treasurer. Cox’s became part of Lloyds Bank in 1923 and the long tradition of individual attention to the special needs of the Army Officer continues unbroken. _

‘

From the day he is COIDDIISSIOllCd an Oﬂlcer can benefit .

Luscious Fruit and Nut Milk

Chocolate. Look for it in the WHITE and GOLD wrapper.

considerably through havmg hls personal account under

the same roof as the Agents who issue his pay and allow— ances. The conﬁdential relationship between banker and

customer is not affected. An Officer’s transactions with us are known only to himself and our officials.

Gentleman Carletofllie 12413.17»

Appetising, satisfying Hazel Nut Milk Chocolate comes in the

BLUE and GOLD wrapper. BANK

LIMITED

. ) Cox’s and K mg 5 Bram/1

Askatyour

N.A.A.F.I‘far Nestlé’s Chocolate!

Oﬂitia/ly appointed Agents to the Army and Royal Air Force

FALL

LONDON,

MALL,

s.w.1

..00......0COUCOOOOIOIOCCCCOCOOCCCU

COC.CUCOOOCOOCOOOOOOICEIOCO0.0.0.0..

gOOd taste tells you it’s

BY APPOINTMENT SILVERSMH'HS mm LATE KING GEORGE VI

UNIFORM

The badge of your Regiment . . .

Quality Tailored Garments

GARRARD 8: CO. LTD. (formerlv The Goldsmiths & Silversmith: Compary' Ltd.) have

Reasonable Prices

for many years specialised in the production of badge jewellery.

Facilities for Payment Send for Illustrated Brochure

CAMBRIDGE CIRCUS, lONDON, W.C.2 Telephone: TEMpIe Bar I814 OUR REPRESENTATIVES VISIT ALL DEPOTS I

Branches: Aldershot, Cambridge,

Catterick

Amesbury, Camp,

Bournemouth. Chester.

Exeter,

Camberley, Folkestone,

Newark. Oxford, lsle of Man. Redruth.

Cm! of In The Royal Dragoons Gold and Enamel6 Home (H. 2. Export ill). l0. 0.

Here is illustrated the badge of your Regiment

fashioned into a brooch, and produced in gold and enamel. If desired, these very attractive brooches can be set with diamonds or other precious stones

Illa» ”‘4 BISPOKI

SHOE/”AKIN!

“‘“”'

38 DOVER STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND

BROWN ANKLE-HEIGHT GHUKKHA BOOTS

for which designs and estimates are submitted without charge. Great care is taken to ensure correctness of detail, and expert workmanship is assured.

GARRARD & CO. LTD. Crown jewellers formerly THE GOLDSMaTHs & SILVERSMITHS COMPANY LTD.

112 REGENT STREET - LONDON - WJ TELEPHONE: REGENT 3oz:

Brown Ankle-height Chukkha Boots, cut from reversed Buck Calf, with crepe rubber soles. Available for immediate use in good average sizes and widths. Price £7. 15 . 0 per pair Every attention given to orders by post from home or overseas.

THE

EAGLE

Tile Regimental Journal of

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS JUNE, I957

LIST OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL FIFTY YEARS AGO NOTES FOR TROOP LEADERS LT.-COL, P. MASSEY, M.C. BATTLE HONOURS, 1939-1944 A LETTER FROM CANADA SOME REGIMENTAL MEMORIES—II O.C.A. NOTES WATERLOO DAY THE MAKINS SHIELD FAMILIES’ NOTES SQUADRON NOTES: “ A ” SQUADRON “ B ” SQUADRON “C ” SQUADRON “ HQ.” SQUADRON LAD (R.E.M.E.) Q.M. TROOP M,T. TROOP NOTES BAND NOTES THE FIFE AND FOREAR YEOMANRY/ SCOTTISH HORSE SERGEANTS’ MESS PADRE’S NOTES ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENCE THEN AND Now Escort to the Guidon.

S.S.M. Vowles, R.S.M. Edwards, S.S.M. Finch.

ANON. ALEA DELTA, 1957 I. PENINUSULAR AND WATERLoo RECOLLEC— TIONS OF A ROYAL DRAGOON CORRESPONDENCE WESENDORE HORSE SHOW SPORTING NOTES: EQUITATION .1 POLO RACING ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL BOXING SKI-INC CRICKET RUGBY FOOTBALL PRIZE ESSAY COMPETITIONS DUTCH JEEP RALLY, JUNE, 1956 THE UNION JACK SERVICES’ CLUBS CROSSWORD COMPETITION SERVING AND RETIRED OFFICERS FINANCE AND So ON THE OFFICERS’ PENSION SOCIETY BIRTHS DEATHS AND MARRIACES OBITUARY .. REGIMENTAL GAZETTE

Page 28 29 3o 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 4o 4I 42 42 43 44 45 47 48 48 49 50 51 52

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

January we welcomed back Lt. Eric Payne to the Regiment in the new appointment of QM. (Tech). He had last served with the Regiment as Orderly Room Sergeant in January, 1941. After much negotiation an exchange of officers has been arranged with the Royal Canadian Dragoons: Capt. Simon Bradish-Ellames is now serving for two years in Canada with our afﬁli— ated Regiment, and Lt. Peter Jarvis has been second-in—command o “ B ” Squadron since last December. The arrangement Will be of great beneﬁt to both Regiments.

NOTES FOR TROOP LEADERS Patrols are the real eyes and ears of a force, and it is chieﬂy upon their zeal, bravery and intelligence that the successful performance of a reconnaissance will depend. They must be

allowed great freedom of action.

In the ﬁeld of sport, the Regiment have good reason to be proud of the performances of the Regimental Football team. In 17 match games, they were only beaten twice—the second time being in the Final of the Cavalry Cup when a strong team from The Greys (Training Regiment at Catterick) came Out from England to deprive us of what would have been a wellearned reward.

Presented to the Sergeants‘ Mess by Brigadier G. R. D. Fitzpatrick, D.S.0., 0.B.E., M.C.

EDITORIAL

The Editor is indebted to the Editor of the Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research for permission to reproduce extracts from an article on James Smithies, which was written by the late Major Eric Robson. The photograph of Smithies was sent by Brigadier S. C. Dumbreck and is reproduced by kind permission of the Librarian of Middleton (Lancashire). The programme of a Camp Concert was kindly sent by Col. T. S. Irwin. In conclusion, the Editor would like to thank

all contributors to The Eagle, especially those The ﬁrst edition of Volume I of The Eagle appeared at Lucknow on 15th April, 1907, and so the present edition celebrates the Fiftieth Anniversary. To quote from the ﬁrst Editorial, “in instituting a regimental paper, we hope to supply a long-felt want 'by placing in the hands of subscribers a budget of news which can be sent to friends at home.” The Eagle of 1907 was printed in a press which belonged to the Regiment and it was a monthly production—a con— siderable commitment for the Editor, whoever he may have been. Back to 1957! The last year has conformed to the pattern that Regiments in the British Army of the Rhine know Well : a full programme of training, inspections and sport. The highlights of the training season were undoubtedly the two Inter-Regimental exercises, in July against the 12th Lancers, and in August against the 13th/18th Hussars in SchleswigHolstein: a fair comment might be that we

should not be content to rest on our laurels. We may expect stern opposition in the return matches this summer.

Old Comrades who have so thoughtfully sent such interesting material.

In September We bade farewell to Lt.-Col. Massey who had commanded for almost exactly three years. We wish him and Mrs. Massey and the three boys the very best of luck in Malta, where Lt.-Col. Massey’s next job has taken him, Lt.—Col_ Armitage, who had held the appointment of second-in—command since March, 1956, assumed command. There have been many other changes, especially among the attached oﬂicers. Capt. Peter Woodbridge, our Medical Ofﬁcer since October, 1953, left in January this year. Padre Clifford

Fifty Years Ago “ Colonel de Lisle, accompanied by Lieutenant Charrington, visited Berlin in September, to make his report to His Majesty, the German Emperor. We hear that our Colonel—in—Chief received them graciously and asked several questions about the Royals.”

to the 4th Hussars, much to our dismay; however, we were delighted to recapture “Gren” Jones, who had been our Padre in Fayid, even though we are outliers in his Celle parish. Capt. Steve Cox (E.M.E.) left with his family in September for promotion in Osnabruck. In

ENSURE YOUR COPY OF “THE EAGLE ” AFTER YOU LEAVE BY JOINING THE O.C.A. ASK YOUR S.Q.M.S.

‘k

Patrols should, as a rule, move deliberately, so as to have time to observe; but they must endeavour to see without being seen. They should march and halt as much as possible under cover, and move rapidly over open ground exposed to the enemy’s View. *

When patrols come in contact with the enemy, they must consider that their real work has only just begun. Their object now is to transmit rapidly all information gained. *

Patrols must never fall back a yard further than they are absolutely obliged (unless they can thereby get a good and well-concealed look-out point), and if the enemy ceases to follow they must as soon as possible press forward. at

Although the main object of a patrol may be to discover and gain contact, this duty always carries with it that of preventing the enemy from gaining information. *

There can be no doubt that in Europe the worst billet is preferable to the best bivouac, especially in bad weather. *

Comyns and Mrs. Comyns were “ transferred ”

As a rule patrols will ﬁnd that their only chance of safety at night is to shift their position after dark and pass the night in a wood, taking care not to be seen when entering it.

From “The Eagle,” 1907

Their ﬁrst

duty is to gain and keep contact with the enemy, and in their movements everything must be subordinated to gaining information.

No! These are not extracts from the latest Troop Leaders’ pamphlet, but from a Cavalry Drill Manual dated 1898. This manual was written shortly after the campaign in the Sudan

and just before the start of the Boer War, but there is little that is not directly applicable to modern armoured car patrols.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Lieut.—C0]0nel P. Massey, M.C. Lieut.-Colonel P. iMassey completed three years’ command of the Regiment last September

and has since been appointed G.S.O. I in Malta. Col. “Paddy” was commissioned into the

Indian Army as a Bengal Lancer in 1933. He represented his Regiment on numerous occa— sions on the polo ﬁeld and was handicapped at four. His experience was of inestimable value at a later date in the training of our own Regi— mental side and in teaching many young ofﬁcers the rudiments of the game. After service on the frontier, World War II found him as Adjutant at a time when Hodson’s Horse were in the throes of meohanisation. In 1941 as Staff Captain to 2nd Indian Armoured Brigade, he took part in operations in Iraq and

Persia. After attending the Quetta Staff College he became in 1943 G.S.O. II (Training) to the Military Adviser-in-Chief, Indian State Forces.

In 1944 he “escaped from G.H.Q. by transferring” to 5/10 Baluch Regiment, which he later commanded.

He was awarded the Military Cross for the part he played in the crossing of the Irrawaddy during the advance of XIV Army from Imphal to Mandalay. After the war he commanded the Viceroy’s Bodyguard, ﬁrst under Lord Wavell and then under Lord Mountbatten. In 1948 Lt.—Col. Massey transferred to the Royals and commanded “ HQ.” Squadron until in 1950 he was seconded to the staff of the British Joint Services Mission in America. In 1952 he rejoined the Regiment in the Canal Zone as Second—in—Command and the following year was appointed to command. During this year the Regiment moved to Tidworth and subsequently to B.A.O.R, Col. “ Paddy ” has seen us through one of the most difﬁcult post~war periods, during which a very high standard of training has been expected of a unit which has been acutely short of N.C.O.s and which has averaged 50 per cent. National Service soldiers. We all wish him, Mrs. Massey and their sons every good fortune.

Battle Honours, 1939-1944 The list of Battle Honours, approved by Her Majesty, to commemorate actions of the Regiment during the last war, is shortly to be in— cluded in the Army List. Readers may be interested in the following notes on them. Those Battle Honours printed in black type have been selected for emblazonment on the Guidon. The List below is in chronological order. North Africa 1941-43 The Regiment entered on the scene of active operations when “A ” Squadron (under Major A. H. Pepys) left Cairo for the Western Desert on 2nd May, 1941. Apart from a period, from the end of June, 1941, until December, 1941, during which time the Regiment was for the most part in Syria, and a further period during August, 1942, when the Regiment was resting and re—ﬁtting on the edge of the Delta, The Royals were almost continuously

engaged, until North Africa was ﬁnally cleared of Axis troops in May, 1943. Syria, 1941 Initially, “B” Squadron alone (under Major R. A. Hermon) were engaged; they crossed the frontier on 8th June “in the lead.” The French Commander-in-Chief signed the armistice on 12th July, by which time the re— mainder of the Regiment (less “ C” Squadron, under Major H. B. Scott, who had remained in the Western Desert throughout this period) had been in action. MSUS, 25TH JANUARY, 1942. The climax of the withdrawal from El Agheila to the Gazala Line was armoured actions in the vicinity of Msus: during this period, the Regiment was engaged continuously in rearguard operations, which depleted the strength of the Regiment by 30th January, to a total of 16 armoured cars. Lieutenant-Colonel P. Massey, M.C.

0' E N

3' O = U)

B a; d A N

.g 2

EM 'a z

[4 THE OFFICERS—NOVEMBER, 1956

E N

'6 '5 n:

(:3 <' d :1 N

J I-

N -= x U Q

.4 .3

rd «J

.4 N

n.“ C

2 U

(.3 ti .4'

.4 \ N

=' 3 U7

E O .-=

[-1 :4’

d «I

.4 N

Capt. D. S. A. Boyd, Lt. D. M. Jacobs. Lt. P. R. V. Thellusson. Capt. R. C. Bucknall. Capt. R. C. T. Sivewright. M.C.. Capt. .\'. H. Matterson. Capt. P. A. Woodbrfdge. Capt. C. R. Bruce. Capt. E. G. Jones. Capt. S. E. M. Bradish-Ellames. Major B. J. Hodgson. Major J. A. Dimond, M.C.. Major P. B. Fielden . M.C., Lt.-Col. G. T. A. Armitage. M.B.E.. Major E. T. Greaves, Major R. H. l). Fabling. Major P. D. Reid. Major C. W. J. Lewis. M.B.E.

i .= (I)

2/Lt. W. H. Yates. Z/Lt. T. J. E. Lardner. 2/Lt. A. E. Welton. 2/Lt. R. W. Pride. Z/Lt. P. W. F. Arkwright, Z/Lt. J. D. W. Crystal. 2/Lt. T. C. Farmer, Z/Lt- W- V- Guhhins. Z/Lt- G. A- L. Pitt—Rivers. N“. G. T. Hunter-Blair, 2/Lt. C. C. Martin.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Gazala, 26th May to 21st June, 1942 This covers Rommel’s attack on 26th May,

the actions around Knightsbridge, the Cauldron and Bit Hachicm, the loss of Tobruk and the withdrawal to an intermediate position on the Egyptian—Libyan frontier. The Gazala Line was based on a series of strongly defended brigade group positions, supported by armour, concentrated

depth,

deal

with enemy

columns which might penetrate between the main “ boxes.” At no time during desert operations was the information gained by shadowing and pinpoint— ing of German armoured columns more vital to the Higher Command than at the outset of this battle and during the subsequent phase of withdrawal. The long hours of daylight, the heat and dust, during a period of intense activity, when the enemy held the initiative, placed upon all who were engaged, a great test of physical en— durancc. Knightsbridge, 6th to 7th June; 11th to 13th June, 1942 The Regiment was intimately involved in providing close reconnaissance for the defence of the Knightsbridge Box. During the actions which were fought around this position, troops were continually passing information in the face of ever-increasing enemy pressure. DEFENCE OF ALAMEIN LINE This covers the period from Ist July, 1942, when Eighth Army’s Withdrawal to the Alamein Line was completed, until 27th July, by which time the front had been stabilised. Squadrons were continuously engaged during this period. On Ist August, the Regiment (less “A” Squadron) was withdrawn to the Delta for reequipment with Daimler and Humber armoured

cars. El Alamein, 23rd October to 4th November, 1942 Although the earlier part of the battle was not without incident as far as the Regiment was concerned, it was not until the night of 1st November that the Regiment was able to provide a classic example of the effectiveness of armoured cars in a break-out battle. On this night, “ A ” and “ C ” Squadrons (under Majors The Hon. J. Hamilton-Russell and R. Heathcoat—Amory) ﬁltered through the enemy lines and were able, for the next three days, until the ﬁnal break—out, to play havoc with enemy transport in the areas immediately be—

hind the ﬁghting line. The destruction of this transport may well have immobilised some 4,000 men7 who otherwise might have expected to make good their escape. EL AGHEILA, 13TH TO 17TH DECEMBER, 1942 El Agheila had been the limit of the British advance in 1940, and again in 1941. In 1942, the E1 Agheila position was overcome, mainly as a result of a “ left—hook,” carried out by the New Zealand Division (under General Freyburg), with the 4th Light Armoured Brigade (including the Royals and

K.D.Gs.)

under

command,

and

acting

advance guard. Advance on Tripoli, 15th to 23rd January, 1943 The War Diary reports that on 15th January, “ The Regiment advanced West, with two Squadrons up, ‘ A ’ Squadron on the right, ‘ C ’ Squadron on the left.” The Regiment acted as advance guard to 4th Light Artnoured Brigade until Tripoli was taken. Sicily, 1943 “ A ” Squadron alone (under Major The Hon. J. Hamilton—Russell) partook in the Sicily campaign. The Squadron landed on 10th July, and was engaged almost continuously until the be— ginning of August. The capture of Messina, on 18th August, concluded operations in Sicily.

Italy. 1943 The Regiment (less “A” Squadron) landed at Taranto on Ist October. Prior to this, “A” Squadron (under Major J, E. R. Bowlby) had been operating with 4th Light Armoured Brigade, and had taken part in operations leading to the capture of Foggia and Serracapriola. The Regiment was engaged in routine duties until sailing for UK. on 22nd December. North West Europe, 1944-45 The Regiment arrived off the coast of Normandy on 27th July, 1944; by 5th August patrols had been in contact with the enemy. The Regiment was actively employed in the pursuit across France and Belgium, the ﬁghting in Holland and the ﬁnal thrust into Germany, culminating in the German surrender on 5th

May, 1945. NEDERRIJN This battle covers the period from 17th September, 1944, when three Airborne Divi—

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

sions were dropped between Eindhoven and Arnhem (on the Nederrijn), the subsequent advance of Second Army, and the consolidation of the Nijmegen bridgehead, concluded on 27th September. The Regiment became heavily involved in operations to keep open the (So—mile corridor which linked the various bridges between Eindhoven and Arnhem. VEGHEL On 22nd to 23rd September, German efforts

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

to cut the corridor reached their peak in the area of Veghel. Three Squadrons were grouped with three tank regiments for this operation, and became fully committed on both sides of the corridor. Rhine, 23rd March to April, 1945 For this operation, the Regiment was formed into a Bank Control, which was responsible for the assembly and crossing of XXX Corps at Rees, from the time that the assault wave had established a bridgehead, until the main bridge had been completed.

A LETTER FROM CANADA A Royal with the R.C.D.s is at home. There may be a small physical matter of 3,000 odd miles and an ocean, but that counts for nothing when serving with a cavalry regiment so closely akin to our own. And what is distance when many R.C.D.s come from Victoria, BC, further away than England? I am writing this as Orderly Ofﬁcer—which might amuse some people in Wesendorf! This because the Regiment has rather abruptly shrunk in size by providing half a reconnaissance squadron for Gaza, personnel for the latest armoured regiment, the 1 / 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s), and instructors for the large numbers of recruits helping expand the armoured corps. Militarily, life seems no different from the British Army. Patience is perhaps required to learn the language, but once it is understood that it is oneself who has the horrible Limey accent everything resolves itself. And then one begins to realise that each 2/Lieutenant knows sufﬁcient to command his

squadron, while the N.C.O.s and men are a lot more self-reliant than is normally apparent elsewhere. It is worth mentioning that approximately 80 per cent. of the Regiment are married (did I hear a certain 33—year—old member shuddering?), which does at least mean that week-ends start promptly at half-past four on Fridays. There is a strong movement on foot to get this “elderly bachelor ” married off, which may prove all too easy. The all too frequent cry of

“let’s have a party” is liable to find shapely trouble not very far away. Winter is now over and was not too unkind. Parkas, fur boots and mitts prove admirable against 40° below zero, and training is great fun at first acquaintance. Ski-ing, skating and curling all help to make the cold pleasant. Above all, hockey (ice hockey to you uninitiated) is a tremendous sport; and with luck the spectators will have a chance to join in a good fight on the ice! The war cries uttered would liven up regimental cricket to be sure. Other impressions of Canada include large fast cars and even faster police cars ($17 fines for exceeding the miserable 50 mph, speed limit on the open road—personal experience); driving over frozen lakes; a lack of pubs not really com— pensated for by beer-only drinking taverns, where ladies are not encouraged; an hotel whisky and soda for the same price as a gallon of petrol in England or two gallons of gas here; the go-ahead feeling of do it now, not later; the inadvisability of knocking up a friend for a drink; the charm and friendliness of everyone. All old friends here send their best wishes, in particular members of the Sergeants’ Mess. And even if the Royals come up to Peter Jarvis’ best ideas of “tweedy, horsey and doggy,” I was not altogether wrong in expecting “ sprockets, loud shirts and crew cuts ”!

S.E.M. B—E.

SOME REGIMENTAL MEMORIES—II After an interlude devoted to hunting with the Meynell Hounds, I returned to Potchcstroom in the Spring of 1914, where the Regiment was then stationed in company with the Tenth Hussars. During the previous winter it had been heavily involved in the Rand Strike, which might have had serious consequences but for the calmness displayed by the Regiment under intense provocation. Being abroad we were not involved in the bitter political discord which ended in the “Curragh Mutiny,” but by the end of the summer the clouds of war began to gather and Britain was committed to the Great War on 4th August, 1914. The signal for the Regiment was given when we were on local manoeuvres and we were immediately ordered back to Barracks to prepare for future action. Our future was not clear; the Union of South Africa was far from united and our fear was that We should have to remain in the Southern Hemisphere on internal security or be used to deal with German Forces in South—West or East Africa. Thanks, however, to the statesmanlike policy of General Botha, the Union Government assumed full responsibility for its own territory and the whole of the British Forces were released for service in Europe. Such being the case, we started to mobilise

for war, not a very difficult task, as we had no Reservists to collect and no personnel to release. With the news of the Retreat from Mons and the Battle of the Marne, the Regiment almost gave up hope of arriving in time to take any part in the War, which many thought would be over in a matter of weeks. Although the South African War had proved that Cavalry were extremely vulnerable to accurate rifle fire, it was still the general impression that on the battlefields of Europe the Coup de Grace would be given by mounted action. Nevertheless, our training had paid great attention to musketty, and the standard of shooting was very high indeed. It was against such a background that at the end of August we received our embarkation orders and we actually sailed in a convoy, which included the whole of the British Forces stationed in South Africa, escorted throughout the voyage by cruisers of the Royal Navy and French Navy to protect us from attack by German cruisers, which were known to be at large.

Before leaving Africa Col. Makins had handed over command to Major G. F. Steele, and the latter selected me to become Adjutant in succession to “ Ginger ” Houstoun. The question of whether we should take our horses to England with us or leave them behind was a vexed problem but the final decision of the War Office, much to our delight, was that our horses should accompany us. Embarkation of horses is not an easy task, some were walked on board up covered gangways, but the majority had to be slung up into the air by cranes and deposited between decks; on the whole the manoeuvre was carried out smoothly, with no damage to horses or men. Once on board horses were secured in temporary bays, five in a group, with rails all around to prevent them from falling down. As it was essential that they should arrive in good condition, it was important that they should be kept as fit as possible. With this in View, grooming was carried out regularly, and in fine weather horses were walked up the gangways and down again. Naturally, this kept all ranks fully occupied, and the result of only six horse casualties during the voyage was creditable. Our voyage from Capetown, where we embarked, on 5.3. Dunbar Castle on 23rd August, was uneventful and we landed at Southampton on 19th September, proceeding thence by train to Windmill Hill Camp, near Ludgershall, where we prepared for active service, being part of the 3rd Cavalry Division, under General Byng, and brigaded with the Tenth Hussars, under General Makins, who took command of 6th Cavalry Brigade. The short period at Ludgershall was a hectic one, with the arrival of reservists from York and remounts and draft horses from the Yeomanry, whilst officers who had been seconded or on the Reserve rejoined for duty. Parker Leighton and Tommy Dorington had commanded Squadrons in South Africa, whilst the third Squadron fell to the lot of Philip Hardwick, who had rejoined from Yeomanry. Cook succeeded Allen as R.S.M., whilst Tom Jones, known as “Sunny Jim,” remained as Quartermaster and, like all our Quarters, seemed to fulfil our needs with a minimum of effort. Embarking at Southampton, Headquarters and one squadron landed at Zeebrugge, later to become famous for Roger Keyes’ magnificent raid, whilst the other two squadrons went ashore at Ostend, where eventually the Regiment was concentrated on the Racecourse. The

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

squadrons which landed at Ostend were much delayed owing to the fact that there were no hoists available to get the horses on to the quay. The operations which now confronted us on 8th October were part of the “Drive to the Sea” which had started with the German

resistance set up on the Aisne, as a result of which both parties had been manoeuvring to outflank each other to the north. In the early stages of the campaign, the German Army, in its advance on Paris, had moved via Southern Belgium, but the northern part of the Nether— lands had been ignored, and the Belgian Army had continued to hold the important port of Antwerp on the Scheldt (equally vital in 1944). The importance of Antwerp was ignored by the High Command, but the prescience and obstinancy of Winston Churchill persuaded the Cabinet belatedly to send a Naval Reserve dismounted Division to the port with a view to bolstering up the Belgians and securing this important salient on the flank of the main battle. It was in furtherance of this plan that the 7th Division (comprised chiefly of the infantry who had served with us in South Africa) were ordered in support of the Navy and our own Cavalry Division was to join in the manoeuvre. Unfortunately, the Germans had equally become aware of the importance of Antwerp and had despatched large forces to mop up the Belgian

resistance in this area. The latter, feeling themselves isolated, ignored the Navy’s offer of assistance and involved the Naval Division in its retirement, leaving the 7th Division to act. as a rearguard. Thus on 10th October the Regiment moved south—east to the lovely old tOWn of Bruges, with patrols to Thoront and Roulers, who, however, reported “ no enemy in sight.” The next few days found us moving sometimes south and sometimes east, and though we scarcely realised it at the time, it transpired that we were covering the flank of 7th Division, whose task it was to make contact with the rest of the BER, which was moving north-east from the Aisne. Fighting so far had been confined to patrol clashes. Our move took us through the Market Square of Ypres, with its magnificent Cloth Hall, where the troops refreshed themselves from the numerous estaminets with coffee and fruit. Little did we realise at the time that the so-called Ypres salient was to be one of the main battlegrounds of the British Army for the next four years. For the next few days we wandered north, south and‘east around Ypres encountering a considerable force (of Germans near Kemmel, where We made contact with the 18th Hussars,

who had come from the south without our knowledge. However, this meant that we had actually made a junction with the main body of the REF, and the Higher Command having achieved a partial concentration decided that the moment had come to start the offensive. On 19th October, as a ﬁrst step, the 7th Division was to seize Menin, with The Royals on its left ﬂank. The infantry attack made little or no progress against increasing enemy opposition and The Royals had a pretty sticky time in the neighbourhood of St. Pieters Crossroads, near the Roulers—Menin road. Regimental head— quarters were using the Windmill as an OR and this speedily became the mark for German

artillery, and in view of the retirement of our own infantry we had to disengage, the rear squadron having a pretty tough time. Hubert de Trafford’s Troop was cut off and only rejoined the next day, when the Regiment had moved further north to Westroosebeke, where we were ordered to “dig in.” This was a bit of a shock; we had no tools to dig with and had to requisition local implements from the villagers and, as Cavalry soldiers, at that time had no experience of digging trenches. However, German shells acted as a good lesson and we managed to get some sort of cover. At this juncture we were much encouraged by the arrival of a French Cavalry Division resplendent in blue cloaks and cuirasses, with an imposing array of “75 ” Artillery.

However, at that time the French Cavalry considered dismounted action beneath their dignity and they withdrew without taking any part; although The Royals were effectively holding up the Germans, our flank was now exposed and we were later ordered to withdraw, not before “ Kid ” Charrington had been killed. As the Ist Corps had now arrived on the scene 3rd Cavalry Division became a mobile reserve, though the role of the Regiment was to plug holes with dismounted action, shock action being out of the question. Carrying out this task the Regiment reinforced the 4th Guards Brigade at Zandvoorde and was involved in holding trenches under heavy gun fire, with led horses only a short distance behind the line. The heaviest fighting at this juncture was, how— ever, at Hollebeke in the last days of October, when the Germans made a desperate attempt to break through.

The Royals held the Chateau, and though ammunition gave out, the German attack was repulsed and the line on the angle of the Canal was held. This was the heaviest ﬁghting in which the Regiment was involved during the

first battle of Ypres. Casualties had not been heavy but we had had a grievous loss in valuable officers. The first battle of Ypres continued up to the middle of November and until then we had no rest, being rushed about day and night from one part of the salient to another, sometimes holding trench lines, sometimes in support, and at times employed in the counter-attack. Nobody got much rest and it was seldom that you could take off your boots. There

were

constant

alarms,

German

spies

and

snipers being reported in every direction behind the line. Most of these were false alarms, one of which was happily disposed of by the fact that French Chasseurs were using their riﬂes to shoot at hares! During all this period of ceaseless vigilance and heavy ﬁghting, perhaps the biggest problem for Cavalry was their led horses. Normally one man looked after four horses, which kept him fully occupied in watering, feeding and security but, in addition, as the

readiness was slightly relaxed, we would be allotted a billeting area. This meant that Squadron second—in-commands with their

French interpreters, who had been allotted‘ on arrival in Flanders, would go off at vast speed to try to pinch the best billets for their own squadrons. It was quite an exciting business. Luckily we were fortunate in our interpreters who usually managed to obtain very reasonable accommodation, When near the ﬁghting line, horses were usually picquetted and ofﬁcers and men were located in farm barns often with a com— fortable bed of hay to lie on. Meals were often obtained in the local estaminet, where excellent coffee and omelettes were provided. Billets in the back areas when we were withdraWn into reserve were quite a different proposition. In these circumstances quite a different standard of comfort was expected. Horses were usually in barns, officers and men were in farmhouses and schools and sometimes in Chateaux, with in some cases the luxury of a

horses were often located by German Fokker aircraft, they had to be moved frequently to avoid shellfire. The country immediately around the salient was undulating and heavily wooded, which, whilst helping the defence to some extent, meant that visibility was small and confusion great. At the end of this battle General Makins, who had been in bad health for some time, was obliged to relinquish command of 6th Cavalry Brigade, and was succeeded by David Campbell, IX Lancers, who had a great reputation as a dashing leader and fine horseman, who had ridden the winner of the National. 3rd Dragoon Guards had joined the Brigade and to our regret we lost the Tenth Hussars, who were replaced by that fine Regiment the North Somerset Yeomanry, The end of this battle, though we

did not know it at the time, meant the virtual end of Cavalry in their proper role. The battle front now extended from Switzerland to the coast and in fact we were committed to siege warfare, barbed wire trenches, dug—outs, mines and mortars, in some respects like the sieges of the 18th Century but unlike them in that there was no possibility of envelopment

and no going into Winter quarters when troops wanted a rest. With the perfection of machine guns and artillery the power of defence constantly increased. Since landing we had learnt something about billeting of which none of us had any previous experience. Towards the end of a day when our state of

bed. Bill Roberts, a “ dug out ” officer, became ABC. to General Makins and, as such, was responsible for billeting Headquarters officers. When asked by the General what room had been allotted to him, he pointed to the best room which he had selected for himself and said that the General could have choice of the rest! A great deal of thanks is due to the French occupiers who were thus crowded out by troops as well as by large families of refugees. Until the Ypres battle became stabilised, the Regiment did a great deal of marching and fighting over the roads to Flanders, almost invariably “ pavé” with a mud verge on either side flanked usually by poplar trees and running dead straight between deep dykes which made it extremely diflicult to get off the road (no doubt armoured cars of the present day would appreciate this difficulty). Most of the roads being narrow and hardly two-way traffic, march discipline assumed a new importance. Squadrons moving in half-sections took up a lot of distance whilst the limbers and pack horses carrying ammunition and equipment proved cumbersome, G.S. wagons carrying baggage together with cookers and oflicers’ pack ponies, were relegated to Echelon B and were a further problem. Each officer had two chargers, one being ridden by his

servant, whilst the second servant led the Pack pony which carried a roll of bedding and change of clothes. Flanders is well supplied with windmills used for every agricultural purpose and

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

these were a prominent feature often providing an enemy OF. The move into reserve at the end of the First Battle of Ypres found us in quite comfortable billets near the Forest of Nieppe, Where we received reinforcements including eight officers; amongst these was Bill Roberts, a “dug out” with seniority about the same as the Command— ing Ofﬁcer. On the roll he was listed as Lt. W.

H. Roberts, and when I asked him the signiﬁcance of the three stars which he was wearing, he replied that it was a purely private arrangement between him and his tailor! Bill, of course, became 1Wess president at Regimental Headquarters, and besides feeding us well took complete charge of the rum ration. Meanwhile we remained in reserve in various states of readiness, being turned out to support an abortive infantry attack on Neuve Eglise when we sheltered in a vast area of glass houses at Bailleul (not too funny if they had been shelled!) So passed the ﬁrst winter, “months of boredom punctuated by moments of alarm.” Nevertheless We were quite happy and constant care of horses and men kept us busy. The Spring of 1915 saw the commencement of the Second Battle of Ypres which was

launched by the Germans in the form of a gas attack. This, of course, meant rushing up the Cavalry as a Fire Brigade and by the end of April we found ourselves again in rear of the Ypres salient and involved in all the excitement of the crisis, for crisis it was. This new form of warfare was terrifying, for no-one knew the answer and we were doubtful of knowing what to do with the pads of cotton wool with which we were supposed to cover our mouths. Troops holding the line were in many cases completely demoralised, but luckily the Germans, too, were paralysed as they dared not approach their own gas clouds and though the defences were abandoned they were attacked mainly only by artillery. Meanwhile there were plenty of orders and counter-orders, marches and countermarches, but at the beginning of May we were ordered to find a dismounted force consisting of 13 officers and 300 men to take over a section of the Ypres salient, formerly held by King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. The move took us once again by night through the Square at Ypres where we had in 1914 halted and watered our horses—a sad sight to see how that fine old town had suffered under heavy gun— fire which had not ceased for five months and was to continue for another three years. As the result of the gas attack the salient had sadly caved and we found ourselves in almost non—

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

existent trenches near Bellwaerde Lake. Movement was confined to the hours of darkness and it was nearly midnight on 12th May before we were established in support of the 3rd Dragoon Guards and North Somerset Yeomanry and at 4 a.m. an intense bom— bardment started. Although we were in support and not in the front line, 13th May proved one of the most arduous days of fighting during the whole war. Artillery bombardment continued throughout the morning and whenever there was a lull infantry attacks were launched. The Regiment had‘ firsr to support 3rd Dragoon Guards on the left and later to advance and take over from the North Somerset Yeomanry near the Lake in the afternoon. The fighting was so confused that it was almost impossible to make out how the line ran. That night we were relieved by infantry and took up a non—existent line further to the left which however, luckily for us, was not seriously attacked. So ended an action in which the Regiment had played quite a prominent part. George Steele, commanding, had been killed and there were twelve other officers hit as well as 120 men on the casualty list. Summer continued with the provision of digging parties and spells in trenches and it was not until September that we were again involved in a major project. The advent of the first Kitchener Divisions and the insistence of the politicians had driven Sir John French into a combined offensive with our allies at the junction near the Vimy Ridge. As a preliminary to a Cavalry “ break—through ” we moved forward to bivouac under cover from air in the Bois des Dames and listened with pleasure to the in— creasing and tremendous artillery bombardment which was to precede the Army attack on 25th September. Unfortunately rain and wind from an unfavourable direction made the launching of gas less effective than had been anticipated; nevertheless the German front line had been taken and on the 26th the Regiment was moved up close behind the 15th Division which was now advancing on the high ground east of Loos. As usual, early reports indicated that German resistance had completely collapsed and that Cavalry exploitation towards Lens and Hulluck

could commence.

Our patrols, however, soon

discovered that this picture was much too rosy and that though Loos was in our hands, the high ground to the east was still held. It was at this time that the 2tst Division and 24th Division of the new army, tired and hungry after heavy marching, were launched to exploit

the success which did not exist, and by mid—day

26th September The Royals, instead of galloping forward in pursuit, were ordered to take up a defensive position in the old German front line, which incidentally meant rallying the Divisions

which were streaming back, having lost all cohesion. This was a sad sight, the men were not beaten but seemed completely lost. I remember asking a Brigade Commander, “ Who held Loos? ” (which was only a mile away) and

he said he had not the remotest idea, although in fact some of his own troops were there. Unlike the closely wooded battlegrounds of Ypres, this was very open, undulating country dotted with mine dumps in which you got an excellent view of the country. From the German trenches, we could see considerable movements of troops moving forwards and backwards. Our own artillery was firing spasmodically over open sights but at this time there was little enemy shelling, It is a curious fact how quiet a battlefield invaniiably becomes after the launching of a major offensive. Bodies of men and guns seem to wander aimlessly across the country and nobody seems to have the foggiest idea what has happened. It is at this stage that the troop commander on the spot has to take major decisions, and on these the battle may be won or lost. Later that afternoon we were ordered forward to occupy Loos which had been earlier attacked by two divisions and whose present occupation was obscure. Apart from shellfire and encounter with parties of zrst Division who were still moving west, the advance was completed without incident and we found the village full of unwounded Germans and occupied by elements of 15th Division. Anyhow, by nightfall the Regiment in company with 3rd Dragoon Guards had taken up a somewhat precarious position covering the village rounding up prisoners, and patrols were sent out to try to discover what was really happening. In fact, touch was obtained with the Guards Division who were held up on our left front. This Division had been ordered to make an all-out attack to gain the high ground, and of this we had a magnificent view, although we could only support the attack with our machine guns. The Guards attack was only partially successful and though we could see the leading elements cross the summit it was sad to see them later have to regain the reverse slope. This was the end of the Loos offensive and our hopes of a break— through. Back to billets and a winter of trench warfare.

A period in the Hozcnzollern redoubt inaug-

urated us to this new form of warfare, mining and counter-mining, mills grenades and mortars. In the summer of 1916 optimistic General Headquarters decided that intensive Cavalry training was to take place, and later, by July we were on the Somme awaiting another opportunity which never materialised. This was a pleasanter part of the world than the north and the historic town of Amiens provided a rallying point where we could escape from the sound of battle and enjoy the pleasures of a gourmet, “chez Madeleine.” Cyril Swire, though a keen horse lover, was not very observ— ant on the points of a horse, and one night, after a pleasant repast in Amiens, he rode happily home to his billet some IO miles away, and at Reveille was accosted by his servant, asking him what he had done with his charger and enquiring the identity of the strange animal he had brought back the night before, In April 1917, the Regiment was again called upon to take part in an offensive at Arras, where it was hoped that a break-through on a narrow front would enable Third Army to exploit the Cavalry Corps. The initial attack was a great success and hopes were high as the Regiment passed through the Grand Place in the ancient city of Arras and advanced mounted through the old German Lines. Unfortunately the weather had become vile and movement of troops and guns to exploit success became increasingly difficult. Monchy le Preux was the prominent feature which blocked a cavalry advance and though Tenth Hussars, led by Philip Hardwick (late The Royals), and the Blues gallantly galloped into the village, they could get no further and 3rd Dragoon Guards, advanced guard to 6th Cavalry Brigade, were similarly held up by machine guns. Meanwhile The

Royals, in support, were held back further west under considerable gunfire and trying to get cover from fire and weather in shell holes filled with snow. Seldom have we spent a more miserable time blasted by shells and blizzards. When we fin-

ally withdrew, it was to bivouac on the Racecourse at Arras where many men were so cold and stiff that they had to be lifted off their horses. The Royals now moved south to take over trenches in the area to which the Germans had withdrawn during the winter and which was regarded as quiet. Being so, it was the policy of the higher command to initiate constant raids and keep the enemy on the “ qui vive.” It was on one of these raids that John Dunville was

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

awarded a well earned V.C., when covering the laying of a Banglore Torpedo, That winter I was posted to the staff of 8th Cavalry Brigade under that charming commander Archie Seymour of The Greys, and it was not till the war was ended that I rejoined the Regiment. The Cavalry Corps was now being reorganised, as owing to French reverses and the collapse of Russia, the British Army had to take over a much longer line. A German olfensive on a big scale was obviously being pre— pared and it was in March, when I was home on a short spell of leave, that the offensive commenced on the front of Fifth Army, who, with no reserves, were forced to retreat almost to the gates of Amiens covered by cavalry rearguards. My return from leave to join 7th Cavalry Brigade, to which I had now been posted, was quite an adventure. On arrival at Boulogne the Railway Transport Officer said the order was that everyone was to be sent to the Base at Rouen, which obviously was no good to me; so boarding a train which eventually reached Amiens I started off to try to find the new Brigade to which I had been posted and of which no—one seemed to have ever heard. Anyhow I boarded a lorry which was going up the road to Villers Bretonneux and carrying what kit I had, which was very little, found the Brigade heavily engaged in the neighbourhood of this village; not a very dignified way of reporting for a new staff appointment! Throughout the next few weeks the crisis continued and Cavalry were used to hold varied stretches of the line. By the

middle of the summer, however, our American Allies were beginning to take an important part, which enabled British Forces to organise reserves for a fresh offensive. 3rd Cavalry Division of which 7th Cavalry Brigade formed part, was concentrated east of Amiens. We were now to be committed to a battle on the warblasted ground which we had known so well in March. Detailed reconnaissance of this open country was carried out on days previous to the battle and the attack was launched on 8th August which the German Command christened the “Black Day” of the German Army. In fact, it was the beginning of the end; the enemy lost many thousands of prisoners and never regained their morale, whilst our own troops had their tails up and were invincible from now onwards. 7th Cavalry Brigade were passed through the infantry at an early stage and moving at a gallop over open country, broken of

course by wire and trenches, managed to gain considerable ground, capturing several hundreds of prisoners and six guns. Although this opera—

tion was not a break-through not really intended to be, it was highly successful. The big battles of the Final Stage now started and though there was still a continuous front, Sir Douglas Haig now possessed reserves which he could switch from one theatre to another, giving the enemy no breathing time. Most of the ﬁghting fell to infantry but by the middle of October the ﬁghting was becoming more open and the Cavalry took over the role of advanced guard on certain sectors. By now I had transferred to the Staff of 9th Cavalry Brigade, which was leading the Cavalry

Corps, and on 11th November the Armistice was declared, whilst we were in close contact with the Germans who still maintained an unbroken front. With the cessation of hostilities, We could realise the enormous transport difficulties which confronted the Army. Roads and railways had been demolished and the supply of troops became increasingly difficult. For this reason, the number of divisions which could move for— ward to the Rhine was kept to a minimum. The Royals, who were lucky enough to reach the field of Waterloo, remained in the area of Namur for the winter, while my Brigade led the

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

year was the victory celebration in Paris, when I commanded a small representative detachment of the Regiment. The ﬁrst part of our adventure was rather depressing; rolling stock at that period was very scanty and we were entrained in 4th class German compartments with no lights, very narrow seats on which you could not sit straight and no refreshments of any kind. However, eventually the party reached Paris, where we camped at Bagatelle in the Bois de Boulogne and received an enthusiastic welcome from the inhabitants, being greeted with strains of the Marseillaise and God Save the King, whenever we entered a restaurant. The actual march down the Champs Elysees, through the Arc de Triomphe which had not been open since 1870, passing through cheering crowds, perched high in the air on pinnacles of captured guns, was an experience which one will never forget.

So ended the Great War, a terrible massacre and deeply disappointing for the Cavalry!

OCANOH$

advance along the Meuse, over the German Frontier through Duren to Cologne. Under the terms of the Armistice the Germans had been given time to withdraw but throughout our march we were to meet with vast clumps of equipment and supplies. The entry into Cologne, the ﬁrst large enemy city, was a great experience. Curiously enough the City authorities welcomed us with open arms as with the retreat of their Army, Communist elements had started to become active. We were billeted in luxurious quarters and were somewhat surprised when our host, a German industrialist, after giving us an excellent dinner, asked if we would allow his wife to sing to us; not quite the reception which the brutal victor might expect! Shortly afterwards we led the triumphal march over the great Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine (which really made us feel we had won the war) and proceeded to take up an extended perimeter East of the River. Later we settled dowu in Cologne itself for the winter in comfortable billets with troops in German Barracks. It was a luxurious experience to be able to attend the famous opera house where we had the best seats at practically no cost. The occu— pation followed the usual lines and the troops enjoyed the privileges of victory. Late in 1919 I rejoined the Regiment at Paffendorf near Duren. The great event of this

We can think of no better way of starting our notes than to refer to the success of the Annual Reunion Dinner, 1956, held at Stewart’s Restaurant, Victoria Street, London, S.W.I., on 4th May. We are pleased to say that 109 sat down to an excellent dinner and that this was the largest number since dinners took the place of “the buffet.” The arrangements at Messrs. Stewart’s Restaurant were ﬁrst-class and ladies were able to enjoy the speeches and meet old friends after the dinner and annual general meeting. The Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier A. H. Pepys, D.S.O., made special reference to the Battle Honours of the last war which were to be added to those already on the Guidon. He next spoke of his visit to the Regiment and said that he was very pleased with all he saw. Replying to the toast and proposing the toast to the Old Comrades, Col. Massey spoke of the work carried out by the Regiment and gave details of the extensive training given to young soldiers. He also gave details of the Regiment in the ﬁeld of sport, and ended by saying that he was looking forward to the visit to the Regiment of a party of Old Comrades and their wives,

The dinner over, the matter of the annual general meeting was quickly carried through, and the new idea of the A.G.M. following the dinner was, we think, approved by all. The rest of the evening was spent round the bars and on the balcony above, which was furnished with comfortable chairs and settees. It was a very enjoyable evening.

A party of Old Comrades and wives visited the Regiment for the Waterloo Day celebrations as will be read on other pages, and a full description of the visit, by Mr. F. Hutchins, has already appeared in our “ News Letter.” It remains for us to extend to the Commanding Officer and members of the Regiment our profound thanks for the wonderful time given to members and wives. We trust that many more will be making the visit this year for the stay is for a longer duration. Our membership has increased over the past year and we are pleased to record that Mr. Edwards and members of the Sergeants’ Mess have all become members. We also thank those joining on leaving the Regiment and trust they will continue to give their loyal support for many

years, and we thank all our old members for their continued support. It is with deep regret that We record the deaths of the following members: Lt. S. P. D. Wingﬁeld—Digby, Major J. C, Carr-Ellison, Major D’A. F. H. Harris, M.c., S.Q.M.S. Gaunt. We offer to their relatives our deepest sympathy in their bereavement.

THE

JOURNAL All contributions to The Eagle are most wel— come. Indeed, without your support there could be no Eagle published. All contributors are asked to Co-operate with the Editor by paying attention to the following points: Please correct proofs carefully before submitting them. Please submit copy by the end of Marc for the June annual edition. » If copy is typed, it should be double— spaced. Please send in more contributions!

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Waterloo Day

WATERLOO DAY PARADE

Brigadier D. A. K. W. Block about to take the Salute.

Waterloo Day Parade. Brigadier Block inspecting 2‘8” Squadron. Left to right: Z/Lt. Pride. Tpr. Windridge. Tpr, Livermore, Brigadier Block. Lt.-C0l. Massey. Capt. Bradish-Ellames. Major Fielden.

The day started with a mounted parade at which the Salute was taken by Brigadier D. A. K. W. Block, D.S.O., M.c., who during the parade presented the Makins Shield to “H.Q.” Squadron, a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to S.Q.M.S, Weller, and a silver bowl,

from all ranks of the Regiment, to Bandmaster Trythall, who left shortly after this parade for his new career in Canada.

The weather was kind and the parade was attended by a large number of Old Comrades and their wives, who had come to stay with the Regiment for a few days. They were Mrs. H. R. Morton (wife of Major H. R. Morton), Mr. and

Mrs. W, Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. D. Crook, Mr. Fred Hutchins, Mr. Tim Stares, Mr. Sam Plumb, Mr. Jack Broadbent, Mr. Harry Sullivan, Mr. W. Daintree, Mr. Jack Benson and Mr. I. L. Lock. The Old Comrades were later entertained to luncheon in the Ofﬁcers’ Mess. This was

followed in the afternoon by the Inter—Squadron Swimming Sports at the local open-air swimming pool. In the evening the Sergeants’ Mess held a Ball in the Gymnasium, which was attended by the Ofﬁcers and the Old Comrades. This was a great success, the highlights of the dance were a presentation to Bandmaster Trythall from the Sergeants’ Mess of a silver candelabra, and the Old Comrades and “ Spud ” demonstrating mounted drill movements on a wooden polo horse specially turned out for the occasion! By contrast the decoration on either side of the stage were two scout cars, which would have done credit to any motor show room in London; fortunately no—one tried to start them! or did they? We are hoping to welcome a similar party of Old Comrades from England on Waterloo Day,

I957Waterloo Day.

Mr. and

W. Thomas (Hon. Secretary. background.

0.(‘.A.). Mr. Plumb and Mr. stares in

ONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGO

THE MAKINS SHIELD Shield for 1956 The results of the Makins were as follows: A B C HQ. Old Comrades‘ Shield 30

(Annual Maintenance) McEwan Younger Cup (Gunnery) r. Steel Cup (Riﬂe) Vase O’Shaugnessy Miles Cup (Bren)

Burmeister Cup (Sten

40 15 5 5

30 1o

and Pistol)

IO Champion Man—at—Atms Assault Troop Competition

Drill Robson Shield (Novices’ Boxing) Buckley Trophy (Inter—Sqn. Boxing) Scissors Cup (Athletics) Katyal Cup (Cross-Country) Cavalry Depot Bowl (Swimming) Count Quadt Cup (Inter—Sqn. Football)

Inter—Troop Football

“ Where’s Santa '3 ”

Party Corporals’ Mess Christmas

Challenge Shield (Inter—Sqn. Hockey) Inter—Troop Hockey (Seven—a—side)

De Lisle Cup

Inter—Sqn. Cricket)

Education (points to be subtracted)

/ 252

194% 218-1; 310

/—— ented to “HQ.” The Shield was pres 7th Commander, by der Lea Squadron oo erl Wat on up, Gro t por Armoured Division Sup Day.

FAMILIES’ NOTES families living in mar— There are some eighty . Entertainment in orf end Wes ried quarters at ely a matter of self— larg is this isolated station b ure is our Wives’ Clu help. A regular feat evening. We have day Mon y ever g meetin warm room over the recently taken over a nice we

help of the Q.M., cookhouse, and with the and put up curtains. it have managed to furnish

WATERLOO DAY Top left: Mr. Plumb and Mr. States. Bottom

left:

Waterloo

Day

Ball.

Master

Ceremonies — S,/'Sgt. Lloyd. R.E.M.E.

Top right: Mr. Lock enjoys the sun. Bottom right: Waterloo Day Ball. Frau Jorgenson Mr, Peacock (A.K.(,‘. (from Denmark) with

Manager).

emble every week to Here about 25 wives ass icrafts and so hand do es, gam talk, play in the dining run is a bol Tom on. Sometimes bands, and hus the of e som hall with the help of evening. the for g alon e about 100 soldiers com sale proved a great ” buy and g brin “ A

s’ Club outing is success, and some form of Wive e. being arranged in the near futur a good N.A.A.F.I. We are fortunate in having ents have been ovem impr ntly in the camp. Rece and deep freeze made, stocks increased, for families is simple installed, so that shopping twice a week to runs ’bus A spot. the on and ws us to see the allo h whic , away s mile Celle, 15

and to visit the German shops and the market, there. large N.A.A.F.I. and Club dren in the camp. There are now over 100 chil local B.F.E.S. the nd atte them About 25 of School is The g. youn too School, the rest are Miss Mann. It ably run by Miss Nelson and and is really very has recently been redecorated, . ctive attra runs a Gardening In the summer the P.R.I. high, although the Competition. Standards are

the ubiquitous sandy soil of Wesendorf and ns.

conditio pines do not provide the best ired quite a acqu Wesondorf Winters have this time we have but ity, sever for on tati repu s well on the way been lucky and spring seem ten in the middle writ are s note e at the time thes

fully to a drier of March. We look forward hope summer than last year.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

the former being short of time, carried out a

most careful and detailed study of his map in his Winter quarters, to answer correctly a map— reading question without visiting the area concerned! ! Sgt. Cummings ran a highly successful Squadron concert during the winter; some of those who took part were Cpl. Burr (leading

13dY), L/Cpl. Rooke (comedian), Cpl. Owen, L/Cpl, Cox (R.A.P.C.) and Tpr. McCafferty (harmonica trio), L/C‘pl. Plumridge (Noel Coward turn), L/Cpl. Johnstone and Tpr.

Lessels

“ Never split your Troop ! "

A big change has taken place in command and personnel in the Squadron since the last Eagle notes were published. In spite of this, the same strong spirit prevails. Major Timbrell left us in September to command the R.A.C. Wing at Mons O.C.T.U.; he had been father and mother to the Squadron since January, 1951, and we were naturally very sorry to see

him depart, and we wish him the 'best of luck at Mons. Captain

Bucknall

then

command-ed for

short time, during which a successful “ Autumn Sales” Exercise took place. In October we welcomed Major Greaves back from having

Lt. Jacobs has very effectively mixed his duties as Second—in—Command with those of numerous other Regimental jobs for the past six months. S.S.M. Bradley is one of the few remaining long service threads in the Squadron and he is still Jack of all trades and master of

most. We also welcome S.Q.M.S. Brennan, Sgt. Shone, Sgt. Woods and S/Sgt. Sager (R.E.M.E.). The latter and his merry men keep our wheels turning most effectively, working 24 hours a day when in the ﬁeld, with no concern for sleep during such periods. Sgt. Woods is our “Drill Pig” and keeps this side of our life

completed two years as Chief Instructor at the

going, with all the usual and some unconven-

Training Regiment in Carlisle. He last had “A” Squadron in Berlin in 1949 and handed it over to Major Timbrell in 1951. We offer our sincere good wishes to each and every past

tional phrases! In January we mastered the arts of keeping warm in the ﬁeld, marching instead of driving long distances, handling maps while walking and digging atomic shelters. 2/Lt. Snow with 3rd Troop and 2/Lt. Hunter—Blair with 5th TrOOp came ﬁrst and second respectively in the Inter—Troop Regimental Foot Patrols Test; We “hear say” that

member of “Alfa” now in civilian life: it would take more space than permitted to mention all by name and we hope you will understand our not doing so.

(vocalists),

Tpr,

Tatters,

L/Cpl.

Taynton and L/Cpl, Tapping (tough guys), Tpr. Austin (rock and roll expert), 2/Lt. Shaw (scenery expert). The cross-country team (first), our car commanders and gunners (first), our hockey team (first), our Assault Troopers’ team (second on the first leg of the event), have all done well to help us along with the highly competitive Makins Shield competition. As these notes go to press, we have just returned from Exercise “ Spring Sales.” A great deal of work was carried out, a lot was learnt and we hope absorbed by new troop leaders, car commanders and drivers, Assault troopers, signallers and crewmen. 2/Lt, Welton, with 1st Troop, had the distinction of evading the enemy net in the Regimentally-run Troop tests, and we congratulate the Troop. It has been a long winter, with a lack of sufficient petrol to vary the training, but we are all in good heart, and look forward to a summer with plenty of road mileage before us.

“ B ” SQUADRON Since our last notes were written there has been an almost complete change—over amongst the Officers. Major Fielden has left the Squadron to become Second—in—Command of the Regiment and 2/Lts. Lardner, Fry, Martin, Pride and Tully have all left the Regiment to try their hand at civilian life; the Squadron wish them the best of luck. Our new entry, 2/Lts. Lockhart, Glossop and Pitt—Rivers have now been with us for a few months and we welcome Lt. Jarvis, of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. We are sorry to lose Sgt. Ranson, who has left us to be S.Q.M.S. to “HQ.” Squadron, in which we wish him the best of luck; Sgt. Whitbread has left us for the

Aden Armoured Car Squadron, and we welcome S.Q.M.S. Brown. The Squadron had a most energetic training

season; not only did we t ‘go to war” against the 12th Lancers and r3/I8th Hussars with some success, but we also acted as enemy to 7th

Armoured Brigade, and as a result feel they will treat us with considerable respect in the future. We also had a week’s co-operation with the R.A.F. on Exercise “Venom.” This was to be “Fast, Fluid and Flexible” according to the R.A.F., in fact, the Squadron hardly moved and the only “ Fluid ” part was drunk out of a bottle. The Squadron, like others in the Regiment, has been. experimenting with its Troops. For most of the summer we put the Gun Troop in preservation and formed a BAT Troop instead, with a scout car and We towed anti-tank guns. This novel type of Troop for an Armoured Car Regiment was greeted with great enthusiasm by the new Troop members, who lavished great affectiOn on their guns; although they fought throughout the summer with some success—in one case meeting an enemy Troop on the open road, unlimbering and knocking it out—they were found unsatisfactory for our general role and scrapped. The Gun Troop was then re—formed but is now back in preservation once more. The ﬁfth Troop is now a Reconnaissance Troop. The Squadron has had reasonable success in the sporting and competitive world, being runners-up in the Inter-Squadron football, thanks largely to Cpls_ Syme and Flowers, Tprs. Emery, Wright and Dale; and second in the

Inter-Squadron cricket, athletics and swimming. We won the Inter—Squadron F.M.R. shooting for car commanders and the first leg of the Assault Troop competition largely due to being better marksmen than our rivals. In the shooting world Sgt. Remfrey won the O’Shaunessy Vase for the best rifle shot, and Tprs. Galvin and Peters won the Bren pairs. We seem to be doing better in the Inter— Squadron hockey this year than last; so far we have come second in the first leg and hope to maintain our position. We are just about to move off on our yearly Spring Shake-down cruise, in which we again teach the new entry the tricks of the trade; this year we are lucky in having a large proportion of old hands to help the newcomers. As usual, we now have a run of rumours about where the Regiment is going next and when, ranging from Aden to Wolfenbuttel. However, no matter where we go, or even if We stay put, the Squadron feels confident of the future and merely hopes for good weather.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL or THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

“ C ” SQUADRON

7 e

The ranges at Hohne were visited in June and thanks to excellent preparations by Sgt. Collerton, our gunners reached a high standard. Tpr. Wootton won the prize for being the best armoured car gunner and Tpr. Hearn was

runner-up. x t

The annual Inter-Squadron Swimming Sports

4/\ t) .

/_ 4

€74 *4 C

./ r

took place on Waterloo Day at “ Little Hohne,” J

/N\: l

J “Put your Sunray on Set!”

Another year has come and gone at Wesendorf and we have seen more than the usual number of changes, so that those who have been with us for over 18 months are something of a rarity. Nevertheless, we are still here (though some may wish we weren’t), and this Spring sees us once more preparing for the trials and tribulations of the training season. 1956 was a year full of hard training. In April came the Regiment Rifle Meeting, preceded by the annual classification and team coaching. Subsequently, the Squadron was represented by Lt. Jacobs, 2/Lt. Gubbins, L/Cpl, Turvey, Tprs. Hounsome and Sibley at the B.A.O.R, Rifle Meeting at Sennelager. On 30th and 3Ist May a 36—hour Military Jeep

Rally was held in Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Capt. Wilkinson and Lt. Jacobs took part in one of the four Champs from the Regiment, and Cpl. Scott (R.E.M.E.) headed a very capable repair team. Although our team did

not have the good fortune to bring back any trophies, this Rally gave an idea of the gruelling conditions to be found in some of the bigger International events, as the crews were on the move for 36 hours and had little rest and no sleep. About 500 miles of unknown and very tricky country were covered, much of it by night and in torrential rain. It says a lot for the Champs that throughout the Rally they gave no trouble.

a nearby village. The Squadron team was ably coached by 2/Lt. Buxton and we were treated to some exciting races, at the end of which We had beaten the rest and found ourselves winners of the Cavalry Depot Bowl for the second year in succession. Those who took part in the Squadron team included: 2/Lts. Buxton, Yates, Latham, L/Cpls. Sneddon, Lockhart, Tprs. Milligan, Cooper, Jackson, Benstead, Newman, Windsor, Sweeney and Coyle. On 25th June the training season started in earnest with Exercise “ Nickel Coin,” which took place either side of the Minden gap. Closely following this we spent a week in the Seesen—Brunswick area ﬁghting our old friends the 12th Lancers. This was a great Exercise for practising “ one—upmanship ” and we tried many a forest track in an effort to break through the opposition but alas to no avail, though early one morning the Squadron had to be halted by umpires so as to restore the situation. It was rumoured that We had nearly “bounced” a completely unguarded Mitteland Canal bridge. Later in July came Exercise “Javelin X,” but

this time only S.H.Q. took part. This Exercise

Leader left us for the delights of Copenhagen (though we are told that someone arranged a cricket match there as an excuse). With him went L/Cpl. Ogden, Tprs. Grifﬁths and Pickering. On 3rst August some of us were again away

but this time for only four days, on Exercise “ Royal Mail.” Meanwhile, We had not been forgetting sport during our infrequent stays in camp. At cricket, under the able leadership of Major Hodgson, the Squadron quickly showed real promise and soon found an eleven capable of challenging the

rest of the Regiment. However, We were not so good at scoring quickly in the zo-overs InterSquadron matches. Among those who represented the Squadron were: Major Hodgson, 2/Lts. Gubbins and Arkwright, S.S.M_ Wood, Cpl. Cox, L/Cpl. Ogden, Tprs. (now L/Cpls.) Uglow and Eltham, Tprs. Griﬂiths, Carlton, Pickering, Bonas, Marlow and Godsell. At foot— ball, even more noteworthy was the success of the combined S.H.Q. and 2nd Troop team in the Regimental Inter—Troop Competition. Winning through to the ﬁnals, we were faced by no less a team than the Q.M. Group, that shining band of immortals! The Q.M. Group could boast of at least four Regimental players, whilst “C ” Squadron had Tpr. Smith (the Regimental Reserve centre forward) only. The game quickly revolved round how long the defences of “ C ” Squadron could withstand the constant attack of the Q.M,

was interesting in that it took place in the American Zone, south of Kassel and Hann— Munden, which was new country to us all. On return there was the brief interlude of the Regimental Horse Show, and men found themselves put to many unusual tasks. Nevertheless, it was largely through the efforts of the fatigue parties that the day was such a success.

Group forwards and half backs. Tpr. Melville, in Q.M. goal, touched the ball three times before

From 5th-Irth August the Squadron acted as enemy in some Brigade training. These Exercises were held in appalling weather—rain, hail and thunderstorms being the order of the day. With less than 24 hours back in camp, the Squadron was off once more, this time to ﬁght the 13/18th Hussars on their own ground. After a full day’s drive we leaguered for 36 hours in a beech wood opposite a pleasant inn. (Incidentally, who did break that wash bowl?) The Exercise itself took place over pleasant rolling country much like the English Shires. We crossed the Kiel Canal and ended up not far from the Danish Border. Here the Squadron

L/Cpl. Sneddon, z/Lt. Arkwright, Tpr. (now

extra time. Tpr. Baker played a notable game as goalkeeper, with Tpr. Smith (centre half) breaking up attack after attack. After a most exciting game Q.M. Group won by one goal, scored in the last minutes of extra time. The Squadron team was: Tpr. Baker, Tpr. Watson, L/Cpl.) Smith, Sgt. Brooks, Cpl, Cox, Tprs. Saunter, Hunt, Benstcad and Wakeﬁeld. We ﬁnished the summer Exercise season in the Hameln area, near Rheden. Fortunately the weather was kind and a very enjoyable week was spent training. In one Inter—Squadron Exercise against “A” SquadrOn we were charged with escorting “ Herr General—Major ” Lewis (the Q.M.): though We failed (by a narrow margin) to get him to the rendezvous

on time, at least “A” Squadron failed to capture him‘, so We considered that honours were even. One happy result of our visits to those parts is that several members of the Squadron made friends there and we have since

played their local football team both here and at Rheden. Thanks to S/Sgt. Dawes and his ﬁtters’ section we have always had nearly our full establishment of vehicles on the road for all the big Exercises last year. This achievement is the more remarkable when it is realised that in the 96 days from 25th June to 28th September we were out of camp and constantly mobile for almost exactly half that time and many vehicles covered over 2,000 miles. All too soon the annual inspection of vehicles was upon us, closely followed by the Part II inspection in early November. On 17th November the Regimental crosscountry running event took place and although our team, as a whole, was not well placed, we congratulate Tpr. Godsell on being second home. In December we lost our Squadron Leader to the Staff College and S.S.M. Wood to H.Q., Rhine Army, where he is now R.Q.M.S. Major Hodgson had been Squadron Leader for a little under a year. S.S.M_ Wood had been S.S.M. since Egypt days, and all through the two-and-

a-half years at Wesendorf. How he stood up to the eternal charge of ofﬁcers, N.C.O.s and men without being completely exasperated is quite amazing! At a “smoker” in December the Squadron presented Major Hodgson with a clock and S.S.M. Wood with a set of liqueur glasses. We are fortunate to have as their successors Capt. Sivewright and S.S.M. Fletcher. Both have been in the Squadron before, Capt. Sivewright little more than a year ago as Second-in-Command and S.S.M. Fletcher in the “good old days” of Wolfenbuttel and Chester in 1949/1950. Christmas came and went with its usual trail of thick heads and hang—overs. These were quickly dispelled, however, by the icy blasts of Exercise “ Winter Sales,” with which we ended last year.

At the end of January the new indoor -22 range was opened in the Gunnery Wing and many people have tried their luck in the Tuesday evening competition. January and February have shown that winter in Germany need not always mean sub—zero temperatures and cracked cylinder blocks. We have been treated to mild weather, and it is reported that a crocus was seen in full bloom under the Ad‘jutant’s window one morning. We were At Home to the Regiment when we presented “‘C’ Squadron Night.” This was produced by 2/Lt. Arkwright and Sgt. Jubb, and included a polished performance by Tprs.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

EXERCISE " AUTUMN SALES "

Rainger, Martin and Walford (are they always as mad as that), L/Cpl. Sneddon singing - “Good-bye” as if he really meant it (and

indeed he did, for “ demo ” called him the next day). Tpr. Wayman as a most convincing Squadron Leader, Tpr. Cairney, Tpr. Johnson and a host of others, not forgetting that unforgettable comic, L/Cpl. Yates, completed the cast. The Inter-Squadron boxing was held in March. We beat “A” Squadron and found ourselves having to ﬁght “HQ.” Squadron in the ﬁnals. After a most exciting evening, in

We were sorry to see Lt. Jacobs deserting us for “A” Squadron after two—and-a-half years with the Squadron. Those who have left us for civilian life include 2/Lt. Buxton, 2/Lt. Latham and 2/Lt. Gubbins, Sgt. Collerton, Cpls. Cox, Baker, Scott and Maggin. We welcome 2/Lt. Clogg to the Squadron from Mons O.C,S., and Sgt. Weston from 67th Training Regiment. We would like to welcome all those others who have recently joined us, and we are glad that you have had the good fortune to come to the right Squadron! Finally, we would like to

which “ HQ.” started with a two—point lead for

say “Goodbye” to all those who have left us

a walk—over in the bantamweight in which we had no entry, “C ” Squadron finally won on the last fight between 2/Lt. Arkwright and Tpr. Foy. This fight was in doubt right up to the end of the final round and provided a fitting end to a memorable evening. At the end of March the Regiment moved out on Exercise “Spring Sales” and “C” Squadron spent much of the time in the Mechtshausen area. Football matches were organised on the half-sized village pitch, the area being illuminated at intervals by blue sparks whenever the ball hit the high tension cables which hung over the pitch. The villagers were most hospitable and many friends were made. We also did some training! We seem at present virtually to monopolise the Regimental football team, and the following are regular players: Cpl. Ogden, L/Cpl. Smith,

and who have not been mentioned in these notes: we hope yOu enjoyed your time with the Squadron.

Tprs, Bonas and Wallhead, and Cfn. Cooper. We are also strongly represented in the Regi— mental rugger XV by 2/ Lt. Reid, z/Lt. Clogg,

L/Cpl. Uglow, L/Cpl, Barker, Tprs. Matthews, Morris and Wayman. Three trophies at present held in the Sergeants’ Mess are to be competed for within the Squadron this year: they will be awarded to the winners of the Inter—Troop football, the Inter-Troop cricket and to the best individual riﬂe shot. In addition another cup will be bought and presented to the winners of the Inter-Troop athletics. It was with the greatest regret that we learnt of the death of Tpr. Withers, who was killed as a result of an accident in October. Tpr. Withers was in 4th Troop and had made many friends during his time with us. Tpr. Hill was injured as a result of the same accident and we are glad to hear that he is now ﬁt again.

We always have cups at R.H.Q.l

If you have enjoyed reading the fournal, please let others know and ask them to

communicate with the Editor who will be pleased to forward a Banker's Order or

Congratulations to Cpls. Ogden, Cox and Venables on their recent promotion from LanceCorporal, and to Sgt. Jubb on his marriage on 15th December.

Cash Order Form.

R.S.M. prepares to navigate.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

R.H.Q.

O.\'

EXERCISE

" AUTUMV

SALES “

H.Q. SQUADRON /_l—‘_4_,.__

-lﬁri..- _ .mw,

___,_d—-v__¥.w

it?” “It’s delicious, Sir—What can we do to spoil

That no-one is indispensable can be proved by the complete turnover of practically all the key personnel during the last twelve months without any detriment to the Squadron. The changes may be seen in the Regimental Gazette.

INTER-SQUADRON CRICKET This was won by the Squadron after beating “ A ” Squadron in the ﬁnal; it won’t be so easy this year with Major Greaves in command of the “A” Squadron team.

MAKINS SHIELD At the time of going to press, after holding our own by being ﬁrst equal with “ A” Squadron, a our last year’s rivals, we are now lying third few points behind.

CONCERTS The Squadron were well to the fore again in this year’s Regimental Christmas Variety Show in providing .3 quantity of talent and some very hard working organisers, who ensured the ultimate success of the show. They included

BOXING Some very hard and well fought ﬁghts won us the Robson Shield and the Buckley Trophy. Those who took part deserve our congratulations, some notable performances were:— Heavyweight Cpl. Sivier Light—heavyweight Tpr. Duncan Middleweight L/Cpl. Clarke Welterweight Tpr. Foy Tpr. Wilkinson (lightweight) put up an excellent ﬁght and was unlucky to be beaten. Cpl. Tucker was awarded the prize for the

Major Dimond, Bandmaster Evans,

best loser.

CROSS—COUNTRY The Squadron placings were: and

Top right: L/Cpl. Townley and Tpr. Southern-

Genevieve.

wood on the Forward Link.

Bottom left: Tprs. Anderson and Thorne relax.

Bottom right : L/Cpl. Piper gives the situation his undivided attention.

Top

left:

Sigmn.

McNeil.

J/Cpl.

Potter

Tucker; ﬁfth, L/Cpl. sixth, Tpr. Duncan.

First, Cpl.

Shepherd-Barron; and

S.S.M.

Finch, S.S.I. Sheedy and his Skifﬂe Group. Sgt. Manwaring, R.A.P.C.} was again a leading character and compere. He has now returned to civil life and we were sorry to see him go. Sgt. Davis, R.E.M.E., and others (including some of the Orderly Room staff) helped to make the show as good as last year’s “ best ever ”l SQUADRON CONCERT In January this followed the Christmas concert and took the form of a Squadron Night; it was also a variety show with a Bar Room atmosphere, organised by Lt. Thellusson and S.S.M, Phillips, who also took part, together with many who had been in the Christmas

concert.

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

ASSAULT TROOP COMPETITION The Squadron were very unlucky to come last in this—after completing the course in the best time. This was due to being penalised for a member of the team appearing late and improperly dressed—“No names, no pack

drill.”

Turning to our new arrivals, we welcome Capt. C. R. Bruce as the new EWME and A.S.M. Courage, who ﬁnally arrived to occupy the chair vacated by A.S.M. Morgan, and after many years without one, we now possess a Stores Sergeant in the shape of Sgt, Murphy, and to all our other newcomers we again say “ Welcome.”

EXERCISES The Squadron played its usual part of Fairy Godmother to the Sabre Squadrons during the training season—ending up between Christmas and the New Year, during the only really cold spell, on training where the violent exercise of digging and ﬁlling in atomic trenches proved to be a welcome method of keeping warm. During this Exercise the whole of M.T. Troop volunteered to go on a night patrol, dressed in their white snow suits, to raid another Squadron! The raid was successfully carried

: 253g

out.

I: l l' Iv II

FAREWELLS News of S.S.M. Finch’s sudden illness came as a great shock to the Squadron. He went into hospital for the second time in January and has

now been sent home to England, where we wish him a speedy recovery and the best of luck in his new job at the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry/ Scottish Horse.

LAD (REME) Yet another year has gone by and the L.A.D. is still in Wesendorf giving as much light Aid and refreshment to the Regiment as it possibly can. But once again we have to report that the changes in our ranks have been tremendous. Reading back through past Eagles it would appear that we begin each year with a new bunch of faces and this year is certainly no exception. But we most heartily welcome the new members to the L.A.D. and hope that they will enjoy their stay at Wesendorf. However, ﬁrst let us say our farewells. Capt. Cox left us in September and we wish him the best of luck in his new appointment in 6th Armoured Division. S/Sgt. Lloyd has ﬂed to civilian life and we are still wondering with which football club he will appear. S/Sgt. Smith and Sgt. Garlinge have also left our ranks and more recently Cpl. Lamont moved on to promotion and to pass on his “Saracen” experience to other poor unfortunates who are about to inherit this monster.

The tempo of work has been on the increase over the past months but we know our efforts have not been in vain. “ In like a lamb and out like a lion” can but describe the L.A.D. over the past year. The word “inspections ” seems to have taken precedence over all but we are confident now that we can enter the new Exercise season knowing that the C.I.V. was “not so bad after all.” A GOOD WORD FOR SCAMMELL DRIVERS It is wondered sometimes whether or not our Scammells could find their own way from Wesendorf to Fallingbostel and back. Possibly, however, this was proved not to be the case when one of our “heavies” decided that the ditch was the better place to be. Apologies here to the civilian population around Celle for closing the main road for a short while. But our journeys to and from Workshops have been more than numerous and praise must be paid to the Scammell drivers for the excellent work they have done here. However, with the new Exercise season just around the corner we can say that things have steadily been improving and that the Regiment’s vehicles are once more “ ready to go.” We only hope now that not too many young trees and other projections feel enmity towards Royals vehicles and that all our gremlin friends have applied for leave over the next year. SPORT . In the world of sport we have had a good year. In football we reached the quarter final of the Craftsman’s Cup before being defeated, rather unluckily, we think, by one of the Armoured Workshops. Three players are still playing for the Regimental football team. namely Cfn. Russel, Broomfield and Cooper. Incidentally, our congratulations to Russell on his marriage and we hope he will soon join his wife in the Americas. Inter-Squadron basketball still sees the LAD, in the top three and there we hope to stay. Finally, we can also boast two players in the Regimental and Divi— sional R.E.M.E. Rugby XVs, in Cfn. Potts and Brooke.

Q.M. GROUP Yet another year has passed since we had the honour to write our last notes for The Eagle, but it still ﬁnds us well embedded in the wilds and heaths of Wesendorf. However, since our last notes extra married quarters have been built for the Regiment and we can now accom— modate a total of 84 married families. We are not quite sure if it is in the air or the country in this particular part of the world but despite extra quarters we still have a long waiting list. Since our last notes the establishment of the Q.M. Group has now increased to two Quartermasters and we should like to take this opportunity of welcoming Lieut. (Q.M.) E_ L. Payne as our new Tech. Q.M. No doubt he will ﬁnd a vast difference in the duties from thOSe of Chief Clerk, but we have no doubt that he will become fully initiated into the mysteries of replacing tools, vehicles, spares and accounting for P.O.L. We should also like to welcome Sgt. Kimble who has been posted to the Group as Tech. Sgt. to replace Sgt. Thornton, who has not left the Group but has taken over the duties of P.O.L. Accounting. We should also like to welcome many new faces whether they are car~

penters, tech. storemen or sanitary men. We have to say with regret good—bye to one of our stalwarts in Cpl, Coleman who has left us for the uncertain rigours of civilian life. Whilst in the Group he was a great asset not only in his work but also as a Regimental boxer and foot— baller. We wish him and all others who have left us for civilian life the very best of luck. We must not forget S/Sgt. Lloyd, our Armourer Sergeant, who also was a great asset to us, and we miss his smiling face even if he did spend quite a lot of his time in the Squadron Armouries. We are still hoping that he may return to the fold. Congratulations to the Group Football team on winning the Inter-Troop Football Cup again, and that without dropping a point in the com— petition. The record of the team is much to be envied as in the past six years they have been in the ﬁnal on each occasion and on three occasions they have won the trophy. Other Squadrons and departments please note that National Service is only for two years and players must change. We should like to con— gratulate “C” S.H.Q. on the excellent ﬁnal in

which they were only beaten in extra time. Cpl. Tucker again won the Regimental Cross Country Championship, and we are looking forward to his carrying off this honour for the third year in succession. Best of luck.

To all those members of the Group who took part in the various boxing competitions with honour our best wishes, and this particularly to Cpl. Coleman, L/Cpl, Watson, Tprs, Hughes and Farrell. We are delighted to know that S.Q.M.S. Weller and Sgt. Hall have both been awarded their Ist Class Certiﬁcates of Education, and we hope that we shall have many more in the near future. We would also like to congratulate S.Q.M.S. Weller on his marriage and wish him and Mrs. Weller the very best of luck. Another Long Service and Good Conduct Medal has also been received in the Group and we congratulate S.Q.M.S. Weller on this award, Keep it up and get a bar! Congratulations to the following on their promotions: Sgt. Hall, Cpl. Tucker, L/Cpls.

Watson, Ellsmore and Massey.

M.T. Troop Notes Although many clamps have been imposed On our transport generosity by higher authority, due to the Suez crisis, M.T. Troop usually manages to produce transport when required, in spite of the fact that legitimate reasons for moving a vehicle are so limited! This year no less than three different M.T.O.s have tried their hardest to rid themselves of Command

Secretary

Observations,

and

the

Quarter-

master’s telephone calls. 2/Lt. Baring left for the joys of Cambridge jazz clubs last April and Lt. (now Captain) Boyd took over from him

until September, when he also left, to become Second-in—Command “B” Squadron. 2/Lt. Farmer was then left in the chair, still with the faithful Sgt. Shone, who had seen all three, and knew by then all the snags of M.T.; however, he also left for “A” SquadrOn in February and was replaced by Sgt, Howley. Sgt. Thorpe, whom we congratulate on his promotion, is now the oldest N.C.O, member of M.T. Troop. The turnover of National Service men and threeyear Regulars has, as usual, been great, and familiar faces dwindle week by week. Many make their mark while they are here, and not only on Charge Sheets. Boxing is the Troop’s chief claim to fame in the sporting ﬁeld. We provided no less than three of the Regimental boxing team—Tprs. Duncan, Barwick and McLaren, and in the recent Squadron boxing

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

we provided six men in the “ HQ.” team, these three with the addition of L/Cpl. Gentile and Tprs. Barker and Taylor. We usually win our frequent football matches against “ R.H.Q." Troop, and Tpr. Duncan was also in the Regi-

ances on various instruments. It is now known that the Bb Euphonium is not really a secret weapon. It is always regrettable to report that useful people have left us and joined the civilian

mental cross—country running team.

wagon, namely L/Cpl. Philip and Bdsm. Davies,

Six members of the Troop formed part of the “H.Q.” Squadron Assault Troop in the most recent competition, which we should have won if they had been dressed properly. How-

Philip and Pearce. We wish them every success wherever they may be. By the time these Notes are published we will also have lost Cpl. Wood-

ever, after doing the fastest time over the course,

been of great value and he will be missed. After a recent recruiting tour by the Bandmaster we should see a few musicians trickling through from various sources. Up to the present we are pleased to welcome Bdsm. Storrie and Nixon to the fold. We congratulate Junior Bdsm. Whitworth on becoming a fully ﬂedged bandsman, Satisfactory verbal reports are coming through on the progress of Bdsm. Burgess, Briggs, Craghill and Thorn who are attending 2 pupils’ course at the

ward to civilian life. His work in the Band has

we had 90 seconds added for this fault, but at least this shows that enthusiasm can equal the trained Assault troops of other Squadrons.

BAND NOTES Since the last epistle to The Eagle we have experienced a transition. In music that is sud«

denly to change key. We are, however, playing in the same key (we hope), but under a new Conductor. Bandmaster Trythall is now safely and securely installed in Canada; Bandmaster G. E. Evans has taken over the baton. To retrace our steps a little: we are happy to report that the Band had another successful season in England between July and September, 1956. We began with the White City Tattoo in July, then the Southport Flower Show, and Morecambe during August, the usual spot of leave and ﬁnally, a tweaweek engagement at Folkestone in September. By this time we were without a Bandmaster, Mr. Trythall having sailed for Canada on 28th August, and Mr.

Evans still bogged down at Kneller Hall.

But

it was a case of “the show must go on” and S / Sgt. Tait nobly carried the Band through the two weeks’ programme. Whilst at Folkestone we were entertained by the Folkestone Cavalry O.C.A. Originally the Band had been booked to do a parade for the F.C.O.C.A. This being cancelled, it was considered the next best thing was to entertain the Band on a social level. A very pleasant evening was had by all with plenty to drink and eat, in that order. An interesting point and worth mention is that the members of the F.C.O.C.A. are all from Cavalry Regi— ments and wear individual Regimental O.C.A. badges; the association is the only one of its kind in the country. We arrived back at Wesendorf on 19th Sep— tember and once again settled down to normal routine in barracks (still no Bandmaster). The name of Mr. Evans was almost becoming legendary, but 18th October proved that such a person existed.

Royal Military School of Music. We trust their names will be well listed in the prizes at the end of the course, This year the Royal Military School of Music celebrates its centenary. As this is the training school for Military Bandmasters it might be of interest to report that in the last ten years no less than three Bandmasters have come from The Royal Dragoons. The Band Club is progressing ﬁnancially and socially. A Band Club Dinner was held in May, and it is pro-posed to make this an annual feature near Christmas time. The number of married musicians has in— creased and we would like to congratulate Bdsm. Baker, King (71) and King (84) on their mar— riages and wish them every happiness and success in their new venture. We also congratulate T/M. Darling and Cpl. Scott on the recent addition of sons to their families.

THE FIFE AND FORFAR YEOMANRY/SCOTTISH HORSE

Bandsman Baker and Mrs. Baker, St. Margaret’s Church, Blackwood, Sth January, 1957.

Having got rid of the Administrative Inspection in November we were engaged for two more at Verden, which meant a stay of one week with the Divisional Signal Regiment. For this trip the Trumpet Major decided to travel by private car. This necessitated taking a tow-rope in the Regimental ’bus. To our surprise the rope wasn’t used, but the T/M had to travel back to Wesendorf in the ’bus a week later. It is re— gretted, however, that the famous army green Austin convertible has come to a sad end and has been replaced by a much more streamlined car. We hope that tow-ropes can be dispensed with, as Band extra kit. The Christmas festivities started with a bang (metaphorically). The Regimental Variety Show was a great success, calling for a lot of hard work and co-operation from all concerned. The result was proof of the effort. The Christmas spirit was truly manifest, with a section of the Band ending up outside the Ofﬁcers’ Mess endeavouring to play some carols. January brought the introduction of trades for Bands. The recent tests produced quite favourable results. The Band President had an instructive session, listening to solo perform-

Since the last issue of The Eagle, the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry have amalgamated with the Scottish Horse, and are now a Divisional Recon— naissance Regiment. The amalgamation was naturally unwelcome to both Regiments who were unwilling to give up their separate existence and to part with some of their own traditions. However, the necessity has been accepted and all ranks are out to make it a success. Week—end camps are being given the additional purpose of helping everyone to get to know each other, and an officers’ week—end was recently held at Cupar. Over 30 officers attended, including a number who travelled up specially from the South of England, and a noteworthy spirit of co—operation was seen between officers of both former regiments, particularly in an attack on the Permanent Staff after dinner. There was also some well co-ordinated Fire Drill in the Royal Hotel, Cupar, later the same evening, The Warrant Officers and Sergeants are having a similar week—end in April, and each Squadron is holding one or two also. Annual Camp this year is for Volunteers only

and is expected to be held at Proteus Camp, near Nottingham, at the end of June. Without any National Service men the Regiment will be down to around 340 All Ranks, but this is con— siderably higher than most other T.A. regiments. The Permanent Staff are now found half by the 4/7th Dragoon Guards and half by the Royal Dragoons. They are dispersed in twos or

threes at each detachment, of which there are ten, except at R.H.Q. (Cu-par), where the permanent staff for R.H.Q. and “A” Squadron number nine, including ofﬁcers. These detachments are run as independently as possible, and for those Who don’t like being too much under the eye of Squadron H.Q., a detachment such as Aberdeen, which is 90 miles from its S.H.Q., offers certain advantages. The Royal Dragoons on the Permanent Staff still work in Fife and Dundee as before, and are attached to the new R.H.Q., “A,” and “ B ” Squadrons. On the amalgamation of the two Regiments, Capt. Murdoch of the 4/7th Dragoon Guards became Adjutant, and Capt. Ferrand was elevated to the Staff of Highland District. The other three major changes have been the departure of R.S.M. Rapkin to HQ. 7 Armoured

Division, when R.S.M. MacLaren of the 4/7th D.G.s took over from him; the return of S.S.M. Phillips to the Regiment; and the departure of Sgt. Tillott to the Depot for a job with the Aden Levies. All three have done excellent work with the TA. Regiment and have left behind many friends. The visit of the Commanding Officer to the Regiment in December, I956, was most welcome, and it is hoped that the Commanding Officer of the 4/7th Dragoon Guards may also find the opportunity to pay a similar visit sometime this year. Petrol rationing has greatly reduced the out-

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

WATERLOO

DAY

BALL

door training in the Regiment, but all the other varied activities of the T.A. are in full swing. Some people suggest that now compulsory ser— vice in the T.A. is so reduced as to have almost disappeared, the T.A. will return to its old

Volunteer spirit, and that T.A. life will become more enjoyable. Be that as it may, and few can deny what an important place the NS. men have held in the old T.A~ organisation, one thing is certain: any Royal Dragoons who live in this area will be very welcome if they volunteer to join the Regiment, and they will meet many old friends. They will ﬁnd the job is interesting, that their previous training is of great value, that they are doing an important job in the com— munity, and that they are well paid for it.

SERGEANTS’

MESS

Once again we have had to say farewell to several of our members, namely S.S.M. \Vood, S.Q.M.S. Watorski, S/Sgts. Hill and Smith, Sgts. Garlinge, Whitbread and Webb, who have all left us on various postings, whilst Bandmaster Trythall, S/Sgt. Lloyd, Sgts. Collerton, Vickers, Myers, Manwaring, Williams and Hook have all left us for civilian life. Best wishes to them all in the future. We welcome Bandmaster Evans, A.S.M. Courage, S/Sgt. Sager, Sgts. Murphy and Foster (R.E.M.E.), and Sgt. Naseby (R.A.P.C.), and wish them a happy stay with the Regiment. Several of our older members have re— turned to the fold, namely S.S.M. Phillips, S.Q.M.S. Brennan, Sgts. Weston, Baguley and Wood. Congratulations to S.S.M.s Fletcher and Phillips, S.Q.M.S. Clark, S/Sgts. Morton, Sager, Sgts. Hall, Davis, Simpson and Thorpe on their respective promotions. Also to S.Q.M.S.s Weller and Brown on the award of their L.S.G.C.s (Long Service and Undetected Crime). First things ﬁrst — Waterloo Day. Unfortunately, our notes had already gone to press before we were able to report on Waterloo Day, 1956. Therefore, no mention of the very successful Waterloo Night Ball, held in the Gym, which was attended by a party of Old Com— rades, consisting of Messrs. Plumb, Stares, Hutchins, Sullivan, Lock and Benson, whilst Messrs. Thomas and Crook were accompanied by their good ladies. It was also nice to see Mrs. Morton and her daughter.

Mr. Stares, as

spritely as ever, proved that Reg Harris is no longer a cycle champion to be reckoned with,

R.S.M. Edwards presenting a farewell gift to Bandmaster Trythall on behalf of the Sergeants’

Mrs. Acres and

S.S.M. Vowles.

(Rope Dance 1).

Mess.

by completing a circuit of the dance floor in record time on the Provost Sergeant’s bicycle. This being Bandmaster Arthur Trythall’s last social appearance, he was carried round the Gym on a dummy horse, after which the Quartermaster proved that he had not forgotten how to thrust and parry on horseback. In fact Duck Colyer was nearly beheaded. We must also thank Arthur Trythall for pre— senting the Mess with a handsome piece of silver. July to October saw most of the Mess mem— bers taking part in the various summer and autumn manoeuvres. However, during this period we managed to hold the Regimental Rifle Meeting. Congratulations to Sgt. Remfrey on winning the O’Shaugnessy Vase, for the best rifle shot; also to R.Q.M.S. Jones on winning the wooden spoon for the worst pistol shot. Arthur Trythall must be congratulated on getting 12 shots on his target with six rounds (wonder who was shooting on the next target!). We must, however, bow our heads and admit defeat to the Officers’ Mess falling plate teams. In November, we said farewell to Lt.—Col. and Mrs. Massey, and we wish them both the T.Q.M.S. Ayrton. Sgt. Stirling and friend, Mrs. Ayrton. Mrs. Lloyd. Mrs. Whitbread. Mrs. Faulkner and Sgt. Faulkner.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

best of luck in the future. We welcome Lt.-Col. and Mrs. Armitage, and hope their stay will be a happy one. We have exchanged visits with our old

I957

friends, the 8th Hussars and 12th Lancers, and

u—1 :-

The

Band,

also entertained the 4/7th Dragoon Guards’ football supporters. Sgt. Faulkner still proves to be the champion beer drinker in the inter— Mess contests. The Squadron concerts have proved several members to be very talented, and it is a fact that we actually entertained the Dicky Valentine and Eddie Calvert shows. A very successful fancy dress dance was held in January, and a good time was had by all. In the sporting world, for the ﬁrst time for many years, we ﬁnd the Mess without a playing representative in the Regimental football team, though “ Doc ” Evans keeps them on the mark with his magic sponge. The backbone of the Regimental Hockey and Basket Ball teams, however, come from Mess members. We also have one member still taking an active part in the noble art of fisticuifs—namely, S.Q.M.S. “Killer ” Brown. Commander, In January, our Brigade Brigadier D. A. K. W. Block, 0.5.0., M.c., paid us his farewell visit. At the moment, rumour has it that there are plans afoot for another visit to the Royal Canadian Dragoons. So more of this in our next issue. Whilst in the present, one must remind the members—Beware! “Beer” is thicker than water.

PADRE’S NOTES I had been kept in touch with The Royals and their affairs through The Eagle and the Quartermaster and various other members of the Regimerit, so when I heard that I had been posted to B.A.O.R., my immediate reaction was to get in touch with the Q.M. to see if he could discover where I was going. After any number of postings and cross-postings, the International Situation arranged itself so neatly, that ﬁnally I landed the job of Garrison Chaplain of Celle— with the care of The Royals. From the point of view of a padre, the opportunity of serving again with the Regiment placed me in a delightfully strong position. Quite apart from the renewal of old friendships, I was able to tell Cpl. Snooks how he used to

behave when he was a mere trooper, and to remind Sgt. Whosit what he used to say about his Troop Sergeant when he was just a Corpora l. It has been rather fun to hear people say how much they would prefer to be back in Sunny Fanara, and to be able to quote what they said when they were there. The contrast between the two stations is, of course, tremendous. Balaclava Camp was a small tented camp built on sand with those of us fortunate enough to have a Quarter living seven miles away from it. Here at Wesendorf I was amazed at the size of the camp, a kind of park with barracks, offices and quarters all within easy reach, with the church right in the centre of camp—and a church beautifully furnished and appointed. But I think the most startling contrast was at Christmas. In Christmas 1953 at Fanara, we bought a small artificial Christmas tree, and we held the Christmas service outside the church, because the weather was fine and warm, and the church was too small to contain all the people who wished to attend, Christmas 1956 at Wesendorf was altogether different. I travelled from Celle on Christmas Day to Wesendorf through a countryside covered with Christmas trees, lightly powdered with snow which gave me the impression of passing through a series of Christmas cards. The church was again too small, so we held the Christmas service in the vast Gymnasium at Wesendorf. So, to conclude, in spite of changes of personnel, stations, climates, and conditions, the Regiment remains the same. The cheerful remain cheerful, the tickers are still ticking, and I am delighted to have had the opportunity of picking up where I left off nearly three years ago.

Answers to CorrespOndence S.A.S.—You would probably know very few of the present members of the Sergeants’ Mess. The changes in the past four years have been extraordinary. MICK.—The true version is, we believe, that when relieving another Troop Sergeant, and determined to check each item thoroughly, he remarked severely: “I shall take over nothing that’s not here! ” Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose. Above are quoted from 1907 Eagle!

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

77‘

THEN

AND

Camp Fire Concert 1902

NOW

.7", Regimental Variety Show 1956

_ The programme of the 1902 Camp Fire Concert 18 reproduced by kind permission of Col. T. S. Irwm (late The Royals), who holds an original copy

of the programme.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Alfa Delta, 1957

CHRISTMAS, r956 Overture, “Christmas Festival,” Band.

Major Dimond’s “ Can Can Girls,” All Male Troupe.

LORD BASING‘S COLUMN BLOEMHOF

JUNE 2ND,

Programme of

Camp

Songs from Carousel, “ If I Loved You ” and “ You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Tpr. Andrews.

1902

Fire

Concert

commencing at 7.30 p.m., under the patronage of Col. A. N. Rochfort, CB. 1.

Song, “The White Squall,” Pte. Ashton (Ist

R. Dgns.).

Monologue, “The Green Eye of the Little

Song Comic, Selected, Pte. Bingham (RAW. Kent). Sosng ()Iomic, Selected, Tpr. Gipson (Driscoll’s

cts. . Song Comic, “ Pop-Pop," Pte. Hoyle (Seaforth Hdrs.). Song Comic. “The Bore of Befnal Green,” Pte. Hards (1st R. Dgns.). Recitation, Selected, Mr. Fytfe (Cd. Sitwell’s

Supply).

(S.A.C.). Comic,

“Song

the

Nicholls (76th R.F.A.). Song Comic, Selected, Pte. Kents).

Yellow God,” Sgt. Manwaring, Sgt_ Davies, Tpr. Plumridge. Musical Sketch, “ Southern Wedding,” T/Nl. Darling, Cpl. Woodward, Bdsm. Fisher. Skiﬂie Group, S/Sgt. Sheedy, Sgt. Davies, Bdsm. Jenkins, Bdsm. King, Bdsm. Eaglesham, Bdsm. Winders. Interval, Selection, “ White Christmas,” Band.

thrush,”

Tuﬁin

Mime Act, “II Travatore,” Bdsm. Jenkins, Bdsm. Buckley, Bdsm. Whitworth, Bdsm. Eaglesham, Bdsm. Fairbrother. Song, “The Waring.

Galloping

Major,”

Sgt.

Man—

(R.W.

Sketch, “ Which Did He Employ?” Major Fabling, Sgt. Manwaring, Mrs. Kimble, Miss Betty Cook.

“Al Jolson,” Tpr. Flowers.

and Healey (rst R. Dgns.). Recitation, Selected, Mr. Waynﬂete—Mathue

Satchmo Group, Bdsm. Jenkins, Bdsm. King,

Bdsm. Winders, L/Cpl. Page.

(Driscoll’s Sets).

Song, “Dolly Gray,” Cpl. Cronin (rst R.

Hawiain Dance, Mrs. Kimble.

Dgns.). Song, “ Blind Boy,” Pte. Pitt (Ist R. Dgns.).

Songs, “I’ll Walk Beside You” and “Hey There ” (Pajama Game), Tpr. Johnstone.

Song Comic, Selected, Tpr. Cullabine (S.A.C.).

Finale,

Comic,

Selected,

Q.M.

Sgt.

I extracted the cork from the second bottle and did likewise, with the exception of one glass, which I drank.

Dvr.

Duet Comic, “The Farriers,” Ptes. Roberts

Song

“ The Quack.”

Major Dimond’s Ballet Girls.

Song, “ W’hen the boys come marching home,” Sgt, Chinnery (24th I.Y.). Song and Dance, Selected, Pte. Dunster (Ist R. Dgns.). 'Song Comic, Selected, Tpr. McDougall Song

Barrack Room Sketch, “C.O.’s Inspection,” S/Sgt. Sheedy, Sgt. Manwaring, Bdsm. Winders, Bdsm. Eaglesham, Bdsm. Taylor, Bdsm. Buckley.

Stephan

“Silent

Night,”

Tpr.

Johnstone;

Carols, Full Cast.

(Driscoll’s Scts.). Song Comic, Selected, Major Bulﬁn.

I then withdrew the cork from the third bottle and emptied the good old booze dOWn the sink, except the glass that I drank. I pulled the bottle from the cork of the next and drank one sink out of it, and poured the rest down the glass. I pulled the sink out of the next glass, and poured the cork down the bottle and drank the glass.

Ex—Royals who have vague or vivid memories of Ack Beer Charlie Don may not know that we have moved through several variations of the phonetic alphabet since then. Like its predecessors the present one aims at a distinguishable soutnd—form for each letter, It does more. We learn that other NATO powers take easily to the twenty—six separate sounds, the compromise having been evolved accordingly. Three old fricnds—Charlie, Mike and Victor— arc retained, and seem singularly commonplace in the colourful pictures conjured up by their new fellows. The pictures are indeed a kaleidoscope for anyone with but a hint of romanticism. The possible variations are numerous enough to exclude repetition and familiarity with usage. Thus a pseudo-travel—bureau of far-away places is opened to the troop leader who is either lost or overdue fOr leave (not that it will solve his probleml). For instance, he can sip iced Bourbon Whiskey on the terrace of some Hotel near Quebec after a morning’s Golf (do they play golf there?) Then at night he may become Romeo to show off his Foxtrot or aspire to the Tango with the most heavenly Juliet (Papa willing). He may sprawl in the shade of a Spanish Sierra, or trek for Lima (wild animal) in India. If he served in Egypt he will recall Kilo 99 and the Cairo road to the Delta. He may strike deeper into Africa to the land of the Zulu and the Echo of tribal dances. He may don Yankee Uniform on Iwojima, to ﬁnd that it was only a ﬁlm, and that nurse Juliet has forsaken her X—Ray plates to receive an Oscar in California. The troop leader who: (a) Has November rain dripping down his neck;

“ God Save The Queen.” Mouth Organ Solo, Selected, Pte. Healey (Ist

R. Dgns.). Song

Comic,

“Ammunition

Van,”

Dvr.

Hopkins (76th R.F.A.). Song Comic, Selected, Pte. Barnes (Ist R. Dgns.). Violin and Banjo Duet, Salmon and Hill (S.A.C.).

Selected,

Tprs.

Comic,

Selected,

Capt.

York (1st

R. Dgns.). Song Comic, (16th M.I.).

Selected,

Mr.

Somers,

c.v.s.

(b) Is receiving a rocket from his squadron leader (AlfaP);

When I had everything emptied, I steadied the house with one hand and counted the bottles and the corks and the glasses with the other, which were twenty-nine.

will no doubt be just as Bravo as former Victors. It’s all a matter of Sierra Papa Echo Charlie Uniform Lima Alfa Tango India Oscar Novem-

ANON

Song Comic, Selected, Pte. Carrol (16th M.I.). Song

Then I corked the sink with the glass, and just drank the pour.

I had twelve bottles of whiskey in my cellar and my wife told me to empty the contents of each and every bottle—down the sink—“or else”!

ber (Papa Hotel Echo Whiskey !).

To be quite sure, I counted them again when

OMEGA J.A.D.

they came by, and I had seventy-four.

Song Comic, Selected, Pte. Gorlis (16th M.I.). Song Comic. Selected, Pte. Arnold (2’4th I.Y.). Song Irish Comic, Selected, Pte. Robinson (Ist R. Dgns.). Song Comic, Selected, Tpr. Catchpole (24th

So I said I would and proceeded with the unpleasant task. I withdrew the cork from the ﬁrst bottle and poured the contents down the

sink—with the exception of one glass, which I

I. “ God Save the King.”

drank.

Then as the house came by I counted them again, and ﬁnally I had all the houses and bottles and corks and glasses counted . . . except for the one house and bottle which I drank.

*Support ryour Regimental Journal it keeps you in touch with Old Friends and Old Times.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

PENINSULAR AND WATERLOO RECOLLECTIONS OF A ROYAL DRAGOON James Smithies was born at Tonge, Lanca— shire, in 1787. In 1804, at the age of seventeen, he ran away, and enlisted in the Royal Artillery. Because of strong parental opposition, and a technical disqualiﬁcation in his enlistment, he was released and returned home. After less than a fortnight, he “wanted to be off again.” He went to the house of the recruiting sergeant for the district at 11 p.m., who, “ ﬁnding he had not a shilling in his pocket, he went upstairs, awoke his mother to borrow one, with which he enlisted me.” Smithies was sent to Ipswich and ordered to join the Ist Royal Dragoons, then in that locality; he remained with that Regiment until the autumn of 1815, when he received his discharge. He was in receipt of a pension, for

seemed to be more plentiful than water.” He tells of a surprising amount of entertainment and amusement in the regiments. These ranged

his death as a result of an accident (knocked down by a colliery tramway coal wagon) on 3rd January, 1868. Smithies served at various places in England and Scotland and in 1807 accompanied the Regi—

from sword or bayonet combat as a trial of skill,

men-t to Ireland. Smithies here joined the band,

the scene before us.” On the previous evening, “ it was a grand sight to look at the thousands of camp ﬁres on both sides,” and only the old veteran soldiers, who were accustomed to war

and scenes of excitement, slept soundly. Moreover, because of the absence of a storm, “attended with intense thunder, lightning, and rain ” (what the troops came to call a “ Wellington ” night), Smithies records a feeling running through the army that they were abOut to experience a reverse. Superstition in this case proved unfounded.

we first saw them. My officer ordered me to challenge the one nearest to us, which I did, but received no reply. I thought I’d make the fellow either speak or run, so I charged him at full gallop, and cut him in two, but great was our surprise to find, instead of a living sentry, it was a dummy on horseback stuffed with straw. We discovered other dumb sentries placed along the line. It was found that under cover of darkness, and during a very heavy mist, they had broken up their position and beat a retreat.” During the winter, Smithies describes both the conditions of the local inhabitants, and in the army. There was great distress amOng the population, caused by the raids which the French had made on their property. Wellington raised a subscription in the army, every private sacrificing one day’s pay. The troops often shared their rations with “ the poor people who had been driven from their homes, and robbed of everything they possessed by the French soldiery.” There was at this time “ as

much wine as we chose to take—in fact, it

wounds received at Waterloo, from 1815 until

which was being re-formed, as a clarionet player; he also served as orderly to the commanding ofﬁcer. The Regiment now received orders to embark for Portugal on 2nd September, eight troops strong. They reached Lisbon on 12th Sep— tember, after a very rough voyage—“ the seas ran mountains high.” The Regiment moved forward to Santarem .in early January, 1810. Smithies’ ﬁrst experience of a large-scale action was at Busaco, 27th September, 1810, when the Regiment was in reserve, and took no part. His comments are nevertheless interesting: the reaction of a young soldier to “the grandeur of

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

James Smithies, Royal Dragoons.

The Regiment again encamped at Santarem. “Various rumours were afloat in the army to the effect that the French were meditating a retreat, and to discover the truth of this rumour, several of the commanding officers went out upon a reconnoitring tour—our chief officer went, and took me as his orderly. We could see by the telescope the place where the French had been encamped, but could perceive no Sign of life whatever, though the scntries seemed to be posted in their usual places. We approached these sent-ries as cautiously as possible, and when we got nearer to them we noticed that they continued to face us in the same manner as when

often between regimental champions, to galas held almost every day; discussion classes, “at which a great many used to attend, but they generally broke up with fighting one among another”; prayer meetings and different sorts of religious gatherings four or five times a week. According to Smithies, several officers complained to Wellington of “ these carryings on,” but he replied that it seemed “a more innocent way of spending our time than many other habits we were addicted to.” Smithies also mentions the visit to the army of “an English merchant coming from about Manchester; he was doing a large business in selling rblankets, rugs, and other things that the troops were in need of to protect them on those cold, chilly nights.” When operations rec-ommenced in 1811, Smithies was very critical of the “ clumsy blun— dering ” of the acting commander of the Light Division, Sir William Erskine, particularly at Sabugal, 3rd April—he did not put the columns in the right direction, the brigades were not held together, and the attack was begun before all supporting columns were in their positions. After the advance into Spain which followed, Smithies next described Fuentes d’Onoro, “ One of the most beautiful villages that I every saw in my life; . . . too much like a paradise to be wrecked and ruined by the bloody and horrible business that was about to be transacted.” In

the charge, in which the Regiment took part, there were seventy casualties in the horses, “ falling dead on all sides, though they were not wounded,” but dying from sheer exhaustion and

strain.

And here, Smithies, like most soldiers

recalling their experiences, had his “luckiest escape ”—his horse out of control, dashing in amongst the French cavalry, and he himself struck on the belt by a spent ball. Salamanca was the next engagement in which he took part. He goes on to relate the entry into Madrid in 1812 and here, Smithies slept on

a bed for the ﬁrst time for over a year, “fruits and wine in abundance, and the daughters played and sang beautifully for us.” In 1813 he was concerned at Vittoria and particularly noted the care the French took of their wounded on the retreat after that engagement—in one case, dismounting a whole regiment of cavalry, and placing the wounded upon the backs of the horses, to get them away. “Very few of the

infantry retained their arms, and many threw away their shakos and pouches to expedite their flight.” Of the booty captured, there were, according to Smithies, apart from the military stores and arms, “ the enormous pillage ” of the French armies during the previous six years— broken—down wagons and coaches, “ some stocked with the choicest wares, others laden with eatables, sacks of flour, casks of brandy, barrels and boxes of dollars and douibloons, wearing apparel, silks, laces, satins, jewellery, paintings, sculpture, books and papers of every description.” The camp of every division was “ soon like a fair ”—troops dressed up in the captured clothes of French officers — “ some even had the State robes and court dresses on. . . .” The battle had been fought on the longest day of the year, and Smithies records a statement by Wellington that it was even so two hours too short; only the darkness saved the French army from complete annihilation. His account underlines the diflioulties of cavalry in the Peninsular terrain—«particularly of rapid pursuit over roads on which trees had been cut down. He shows too, how pursuit was limited by the inability of provision wagons to keep up with the movements of the army, in country too impoverished and mountainous to provide food for the numerous forces passing through. Even so, he compared the movement of the English army, “ simple, compact and limited,” with that of the French, “ sadly encumbered with useless equipage and accumulated plunder,” though after Vittoria, this also handicapped the British. In 1813 and 1814, when the British had moved

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

into France, he mentions the increasing frater— nization between British and French troops, particularly at the outposts, “to mitigate the miseries of warfare whenever it did not seem

inconsistent with their duties.” There was, for example, a regular exchange of brandy for tea; canteens were left at an agreed (place with a sum of money, for which they were very soon filled with brandy. There appears to have been fre— quent intercourse between oflicers and men of both sides in these concluding stages of operations; on one occasion Smithies notes French, Portuguese and English “ all plundering at the same time in one house. They plundered in perfect harmony, no one disturbing the other on account of his nation or colour.” Smithies was engaged in operations at Nivelle and at Toulouse (April, 1814); the Regiment then marched from Villefranche to Calais, and embarked for Dover on 191h July. It was stationed in the southwest. The account ends with a description of the events of 1815, for which preparations were made on a very extensive scale. The Regiment took no part at Quatre Bras, but was at Water— loo. Here occurred a real “ Wellington night ”; the night before the battle was “ one of the most dreary and cheerless that could possibly be con— ceived, for besides there being a very high wind, the rain poured down in torrents, and loud crashes of thunder, with vivid flashes of lightning, lasted throughout this memorable night. We had to rest on the cold wet ground, or amongst the dripping corn.” The Regiment was brigaded with the Scots Greys and the Inniskilling Dragoons, under Sir William Ponsomby, who led the famous charge of this “ union ” brigade. Smithies gives a vivid account of the charge against the French cuirassiers—some riders who caught hold of

each others bodies, wrestling fashion, and ﬁghting for life—and sums it up in these words: “ I did same as the rest, and got through as well as I could.” Then he describes the charge against

French Lancers, the lance fastened to a foot, “and when we reared them, they sent it out with all their might; and if the man at which they aimed did not manage to parry the blow, it was all over with him.” Finally, in the action in the mass of French infantry columns, Smithies was wounded and taken prisoner but made his escape the next evening, and was ad— mitted to hospital in Brussels. Smithies comments that the French, mortiﬁed by their defeat, meted their vengeance on the prisoners, “and acted more like barbarians than anything I

know ”; as the confusion of the rout increased, “ all were hurrying in the greatest possible confusion by every conceivable road towards their own country.” Smithies returned to England in August, 1815, and received his discharge.

Notice Any ofﬁcer or retired ofﬁcer of The Royal Dragoons wishing to subscribe to the Regi— mental Dinner Fund may obtain a Banker’s

Order from B.F.P.O. 38.

P.‘R.I.,

The

Royal

Dragoons,

Correspondence The Editor.

March 7, 1957.

Weedon Commemoration Scheme Dear Sir,

We are anxious to commemorate in some permanent fashion the close connection that existed for so many years with the old Equita— tion School and our Parish Church, and to place on record a piece of local history which will be of interest to future generations. To this end we intend to produce an illuminated Book of Commemoration, and at the same time to install a new organ and choir stalls at a total cost of £3,000. The Book is to contain, as far as possible, the names of all the Ofﬁcers and Other Ranks who passed through the School during the 25 years of its existence. I shall be grateful therefore if any of your readers who attended the Equitation School at Weedon would write to me giving their names and the dates on which they attended the course. Naturally we shall be grateful for any help which your readers may be able to give us in raising the sum required for this Commemoration Scheme; if any who are kind enough to do so would make out their cheques payable to Equitation School Commemoration Fund, their contributions will be most gratefully received.

WESENDORF HORSE SHOW The Wescndorf Horse Show was organised and run by a Committee composed of Officers from The Royals and 12th Lancers, with a German representative. The Show was held on 3rd and 4th August, 1956, on the Wesendorf Airﬁeld, and was attended by both British and German competitors. The Combined Training Event attracted 37 entries, and was won by Herr Dehning on his Fechtlanzer. Zeus, ridden by Capt. Coldrey (8th Hussars) was second, narrowly beating 2/Lt. Beale (4/7 Dragoon Guards), who ﬁlled third place on his Fulmer’s Folly. Brigadier A. Carr kindly consented to be Chief Judge of this event, and was assisted by Generalleutnant a.D. Kurt Ebcling and Major Lynch in the Dressage phase. The CrossaCountry phase was over 23 fences, the course itself being about 5 kms. long. Many of the fences, built by former tenants of Wcscndorf, had survived, and needed little repair for this event. Results of the other events are shown below. We are grateful to the Landgestut Celle for the display given by three of their stallions on 4th August. There were 144 different horses competing in this show, and the effort involved in pro— ducing it was considerable. We are grateful to those Regiments who came many miles, with their horses, to support us. Finally, a word of

acknowledgement for the work put in by Capt. R. C. T. Sivewright M.C. (Hon. Secretary), on whose shoulders most of the organisation fell.

RESULTS Event

No.

(Combined

Training

Event)

(37

entries) 1, Fechtlanzer (Herr Dehning), Owner; 2, Zeus (Mrs. Coldrey), Capt. Coldrey; 3, Fulmers Folly (Lt. Beale), Owner.

Event No. 2 (Dressage (BHS Novice)) (52 entries) I, Schlachtenbummler (Herr Klaus Wagner), Owner, and Fulmers Folly (Lt. Beale), Owner; 3, Majestic (17/21 Lancers), Capt. Berryman.

Event No. 3 (Hunter Trials) (103 entries) I, Fechtlanzer (Herr Dehning), Owner; 2, Zeus (Mrs. Coldrey), Capt. Coldrey; 3, Max (3 H.), Major Muirhead; 4, General (LL-Col. de Clermont), Lt. Wright.

Event No. 4 (Show Jumping, Class “L”) (85 entries) I, Freya (Herr Hans Koneke), Owner; 2, Majestic (17/21 Lancers), Capt. Berryman; 3, Schlachten— bummler (Herr Klaus Wagner), Owner; 4, Fulmers Folly (Lt. Beale), Owner.

Event No. 5 (Show 7umping, Class “ L,” Time and Points) (72 entries) 1, Freya (Herr Hans Koneke), Owner; 2, General (LL—Col. dc Clermont), Lt. Wright; 3, Fechtlanzer (Herr Dehning), Owner; 4, Nelson (B.A.O.R. Show Jumping Committee), Lt. Boyd.

Event No. 6 (Show j‘umping, Class “M”) (26 entries) I, Falko (Herr Henning Kramer), Owner; 2, Freya (Herr Hans Konckc), Owner; 3, Marmion

(3 H), Major Dallas. Event No.

(Show Yumping, Class ”A”)

(95

entries) I, Titania (Lt. Williams), Owner; 2, Daniela (Herr Dr, Muller), Miss Inge Muller; 3, Reigning Queen (17/21 Lancers), Lt. Douglas Nugent; 4, Alsterkind (Herr Wilhelm Peckmann), Owner.

Yours faithfully,

I. V. LEWIS.

Event No. 8 (“Likely to Make” Polo Pony Class)

Tthe Vicarage,

(13 entries)

Weedon, Capt.

Northampton.

D. S. A. Boyd on “Nelson”— Hohne Garrison Show, 1956.

Zingari

(Wesendorf

Polo

Club),

Lt.-Col.

Sanger; 2, Tristram (Wesendorf Polo Club). Lt.Col, Massey; 3, Pit Hein (Capt. Kennard). Owner.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Sporting Notes

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

box is road-worthy, we hope to compete in more shows during the forthcoming season. We won the 1 Corps Challenge Cup at Hohne for Team Jumping in April. Capt. Boyd, Lt. Hart Dyke and 2/Lt. Lockhart have attended the courses run at Soltau by Major Lynch. These courses have been of great value and are much appreciated.

Equitation Notes PERSONALITIES S.Q.M.S. Brown, having taken charge of the stables soon after Sgt. Benson’s departure, was required back at duty in August. He had

Details of the Polo season and Racing will be found elsewhere in this issue; these Notes will be conﬁned to our Show Jumping activities and the running of the joint Polo/ Show Jumping stable.

organised the polo stable efﬁciently before he left, and had maintained the level of stable management at a high standard, Cpl. Cooke signed on and took over from S.Q.M.S. Brown. He has recently attended an Equitation Course at Windsor run by the Household Cavalry. L/Cpls. Cooke and Pemblington also ex— tended their service, and the former obtained a “B” grading at the R.A.S.C, Depot, Aldershot, on an Equitation Course in October. L /Cpl. Pemblington has been posted to Mons

At one stage during the summer, we were maintaining a stable of just under 30 ponies and horses; our numbers have never yet fallen below a total of 20, even in the winter. We have built three paddocks on the airfield, and these have helped us to economise on forage in the summer. Over three-quarters of the Officers in the Regiment are supporting the stables financially, and there are also a number of keen casual supporters, including members of the Band, the RT. Stafl, the Padre, the Doctor, and the W.V.S. ladies, not to mention the school teachers! Without such support, it would not be' possible to maintain such a large stable. Three Rides have been organised during the past year. The Commanding Oflicer’s Polo Ride has been attended by all those who have played polo here at Wesendorf. The more experienced players have taken the young ponies on this Ride to school them. The young oflicers, before graduating to the Colonel’s, Ride, the complete beginners, and the Show Jumping team, have been under the supervision of Mrs. Sivewright. The Pentathlon Ride has been taken by Mrs. Sivewright and Cpl. Cooke, the N.C.O. in charge of the stables. Some details of our activities are as follows 2'— SHOW JUMPING We were lucky in that the B.A.O.R. Show Jumping Committee allotted their “ Nelson ” (a 13-year-old ch. g.), to Capt. Boyd. This com— bination was the backbone of our team throughout the summer, and together they won 14 rosettes. Credit is due to Capt. Boyd for having kept this horse sound throughout the year, and for having selected his engagements with such

skill. “Jock,” ridden by Capt. Sivewright or by Mrs. Sivewright, despite his 22 years, never missed a Show Jumping event, and was placed

O.C.S. under Major Timbrell, to take charge

Capt. R. C. T. Sivewright. M.C., on “ Jock ”—Hohne Garrison Show, 1956.

on several occasions. His outstanding achieve— ment, ridden by Mrs. Sivewright, was at the B.A.O.R. Hunter Trials, Dorfmark, in October. Here he was placed 5th in the Combined Train— ing Event, was 3rd out of 115 starters in the

Individual, and was 4th with our team in the InteraRegimental. “Penny” was the mount of 2/Lts. HunterBlair and Yates. This horse is also over 20 years, but is still going sound, and won several prizes during the season_ Some “ new blood ”’ has been introduced into the stables; the show jumping days of “Jock,” “ Penny ” and “ Jane ” must, alas, be nearly over. 2/Lt. Yates has bought .“ Falstaff,” a young bay horse bred locally, and Capt. and Mrs. Sive— wright have bought two German-bred fouryear—olds, “Fledermaus ” and “ Hansel.” A brown gelding “Marco,” has been purchased by Miss D’Atubuz, who is staying at present with the Sivewrights. During the summer we went to B.A.O.R. Shows at Hohne Garrison, Luneburg, and Berlin. We also took part in German Shows at Wolfsburg and Wittingen. Now that our horse-

of the stable there. Tprs. Williams, Wilkinson, Simpson, Excell and Clarke have left; replacements are Tprs. Bolshaw, Cooke, Duncan, McPherson and Nowell. All our soldier grooms have learnt to ride during their time in the stables, and all have continued to give loyal and conscientious service.

Polo The Wesendorf Polo Club was started in the summer of 1956. Nearly 20 ofﬁcers of the Regiment played at various times, and the club was strongly supported by the 12th Lancers from Wolfenbuttel. The ground, which had been made on the airﬁeld the previous year, played reasonably well throughout the summer. The weather, on the average, was pretty poor, but with its sandy soil, the ground dried out very quickly. On several occasions it was raining hard at noon, and we were able to play at half—past three. How the ground will stand up to a dry summer remains to be seen.

We started the season with eight Regimental ponies, four privately owned, and a dozen club ponies. With the invaluable assistance of Colonel Tony Sanger, more club ponies were acquired and schooled during the summer. The standard of pony varied considerably, there being some very old ones, which had been playing in B.A.O.R. for years, while others were just starting, or had only half-a—season behind them. Matching of players and ponies was, therefore, an intricate business. We played 12th Lancers in our first match in the Inter-Regimental. A shortage of match ponies made it necessary to play the match in two halves on successive days. This affected both teams and took a lot of the match feeling out of the game. However, after a shaky start, the Regimental team improved towards the end, and won 5—1. It was a closer game than the score suggests. Our team was Armitage (1), Timbrell (2), Lt.-Col. Massey (3), Fielden (4). In the semi-final, we met the holders, 17th/21st Lancers at Lippspringe. This was a first—class game on a good ground, and a very exciting one too. We led 2—~1 after the third chukker, but Colonel David Barbour equalised before the end. After half—an—hour’s interval, and a heavy thunderstorm, we played a final period with widened goals. After eight minutes our opponents scored the deciding goal. They subsequently won the competition for the third successive time. We played the same team as before. Several scoring chances were thrown away in the early chukkers. After our Horse Show, we played a Captains and Subalterns match against 12th Lancers. They beat us convincingly, 5—0, which showed that our younger players need much more practice and experience. Prospects for 1957 are good. We have lost some ponies through ill—fortune, but the 12th have acquired a number during the winter, and we look forward to a full season. Polo in B.A.O.R. is going stronger than ever, and there are several tournaments planned, besides the inter-Regimental. A polo ride has taken place throughout the winter, in the early mornings, and the ponies are in good shape. We hope to start playing at Easter. Continental weather will be the deciding factor.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

RACING Salino

233424F4230102F

Urban

30303001420342002

Skilump

211133040200

Lobengoolul 2 1

Velo

0331120F0

Ocean Splendour 0 O 3 2 0 0 Hesabuty

0 0

Selskar Abbey Tosca

100120100 030040030

Out of 82 starters (of which amateurs rode 4o), Royals won 11 races during the season 1956. Stakes won amounted to DM 15,015 (£1,282/ 10/7). As the approximate cost of keeping a racehorse in training is under £150 a year, it will be seen that the owners did not have to ﬁsh very deep into their pockets for their season’s fun.

The outstanding Success of the season was the victory 0 “Urban” (owned at that time in

while they concentrated their financial attentions on one of “ Tosca’s ” unsuccessful efforts. However, “ Ski Jump ” when winning three times off the reel was not unsupported and his weight has now been raised 221b. in the German handicap, which, however, may still leave him with a few pounds in hand. Much of the credit for our successes goes to Cpl. Beeforth who has consistently turned the horses out looking a picture: “Toni” retains his enthusiasm and skill; Tprs. Peacock, Davies, Murphy and McLean are the present stafl; Tprs. Terrell and Gardner have returned to Epsom, Stocker to Newmarket and Gillespie to the mines. Plans for 1957 have included the purchase of Lt.-Col. Pat de Clermont’s “Delfini,” and the German horses “ Solani,” “ Rodolfo,” “Adolar ” and “Villano” to replace “Veto,” “ Saline,” Major Fabling’s “Ocean Splendour,” “Hesabuty ” and “ Tosca.” This will bring the stable up to eight, which is the ideal number to deal with under present circumstances. It seems uncharitable to conclude any notes on racing in Germany without a tribute to the German Jockey Club (the “ Direktorium ”); the transfer of B.A.O.R. racing to German Rules (an obvious necessity when we ceased to be an occupying power) was in 1956 effected smoothly and without friction. In all our dealings with

partnership by Major Fielden and Capt. Bradish—

the various race courses and authorities, we have

Ellames) by a head (at 8-1) at the Hamburg Derby Meeting in a chase worth £200 to the winner. The stable were content misguidedly to let [him “ run for the stake ” on this occasion,

met consistently with a tolerance and open— handed friendliness that has made our participation in German racing a most worthwhile experience.

In purely B.A.O.R. racing (there were three meetings at Bad Lippspringe and four at Hanover), the Regiment were second to the 9th Lancers and finished ahead of eight other Cavalry Regiments which took part. In German racing we led the field. The Regiment is still very short of Officers who are either good enough to get put up or have their own horses :' our jockeys were Major Fielden, 2 /Lt. Arkwright and Capt. Boyd, who will not be available in 1957. 2/Lt. Arkwright, after a successful debut on 12th Lancers “ Star Flyer,” bought “ Urban ” and was twice second in B.A.O.R. races on this horse, as well as having two rides against the “ pros.” We have had runners at Hanover, Harz-burg, Bremen, Verden, Bad Lippspringe, Dortmund, Krefeld, Neuss, Muhllheim, Baden-Baden and Hamburg.

”as

k£\

,a \

Regimental Polo Team. 1956. Left to right: M :Ijor K. F. Timbrell. M.(‘.. Vlajor G. T. A. Armitage, M.B.E.. Lt.-Col. P. Massey, M.C.. Major P. B. Fielden, M.C.

\«\

B.A.O.R. Grand Military Meeting. “Ski Jump " (Z/Lt. Arkwright) and “ Veto “ (Major Fielden) leading “Heir Presumptive“ (Capt. Manning) and “Stutton Grove" (Lt. Upton)—the winner—1;} m. Flat.

Capt. Boyd on “Salino " leading Lt.-Col. Kennard on “ Reveille " (B.A.0.R. Grand Military Chase. 11th

August).

5811110

was thlrd ‘0 9th Lancers’ “ Full 5311” and Royals’ “ Urban ”

Major Fielden on Herr Busch’s “Rudi” beating Lt. Upton (9th Lancers) on “ Tang‘s Flame ” after a close race (2 m. Hurdle— 26th May).

Z/Lt.

October. Major Fielden on “Salino” being led in by “Alﬁe" (Terrell) after winning at Hanover, 28th

Arkwright on

“Lobengoolu”

(being led in

Cpl.

28th October.

Leadbetter)

after

winning

Hanover.

c? o .3 .5 Q)

E :1 c U

a. :1 U

>. .5 N

> E"

:5. :I. m i. W

= E :4

Football Notes Another season has [just ended, and quite

naturally another season has commenced, but it is now necessary to make out our report on the

From this it will be seen that the Regimental side won all their ten league games and scored a total of 105 goals. The main scorer was our centre-forward, L/Cpl. Watson, who scored a total of 47 of these goals.

past season, During the summer months we played off the Inter-Troop Football competition. This was carried out on a two league basis and the winners and runners-up from each league then played off on the knock—out system. The ultimate finalists were C S.H.Q. and Q.M, Group. This was the sixth year that the Q.M. Group had entered the final and on paper they were firm favourites. However, this was a really hard— fought game which eventually went to extra time and the Q.M. Group eventually emerged winners by a solitary goal. The outstanding player of the game was undoubtedly L/Cpl. Smith playing for C S.H.Q. He was playing in the centre—half position and certainly allowed little to go past him. The Inter-Squadron Football competition was then organised and this resulted in a win for H.Q. Squadron with “ C ” Squadron as runners-

When the league was almost complete the regular soldiers who had been deferred were released, and this was a great loss to us as we then relinquished our Captain, S /ng1. Lloyd, our goalkeeper, L/Cpl. Melville, and our back, L/Cpl, Lea. However, we had able reserves and these were brought into the side. Our next competition was the tMajor Units Cup for the Division, and the following are the results of this competition:— Ist Round Royals w.o. against 13/18th Hussars. 2nd Round 7 Armd, Div. Sig. Regt. 2

Royals

S emi-Final Royals

4th Hussarsr

Final Royals

4R.H.A.

up. In September the task of organising and selecting a 7th Armoured Divisional side to play against the Afrika Corps was entrusted to Major Lewis. Fifteen players were selected and were brought to Wesendorf for training for this game which was played in Dusseldorf on 30th September, 1956, When the side was ﬁnally selected the Regiment had four representatives, and these were Tprs. Hughes, MacCabe, Cfn. Broomﬁeld and L/Cpl. Lea. All these players gave an excellent account of themselves and the side played well to beat the Alfrika Corps by 5 goals to nil. During the summer months many games were played against local German sides and this assisted us to get together a useful Regimental side. We entered for the 7th Armoured Divisional Major Units League and the following are the results of this competition:— Royals... Royals... Royals Royals... Royalsw Royals Royals Royals Royals... Royals

9 4 II 4 8 I7 I4 I7 9 12

4th Hussars 32 Armd, Workshops 4th Royal Tank Regt. 4/7th Royal Dragoon Guard 3 R.H.A. 7 Armd, Workshops I Devons 7 Armd. Div. Sig. Regt. 94 Loc. Regt. R.A. 21 Field Engr. Regt.

OOOHONOUJWUJ

5' In \ \o tn :5 n

Back row (standing): Sgt. Cole-Evans, D.C.M. (Trainer). Tprs. Dale, Wallhead, Lindsay, L/Cpl. Wood, Tpr. Jones, L/Cpl. Smith, Cfn. Russell. Tpr. Stillie, L/Cpl. Eltham. Cpl. Tucker (Assistant Trainer). Front row (seated): Tpr. MaeCahe. Cfn. Cooper. Tpr. Hughes, Major C. W. J. Lewis, M.B.E. (Manager), Tpr. Bonas, Cfn. Broomﬁeld, L/Cpl. Watson.

Winners, 7 Armd. Div. Football League, 1956/57.

[956 /57. Winners. 7 Armd. Div. Major Units’ Football Competition.

REGIMENTAL FOOTBALL X1

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

In the Army Cup games we had hopes of doing great things but our hopes were dashed to the ground when, drawn against the 4/7th Dragoon Guards on our own ground, we were well and truly beaten by 5 goals to 2. This was a game where our opponents took their chances well, whilst our fellows never found their form and as a result deserved to lose.

Now to the Cavalry Cup. This is a competition that has never been won by the Regiment since the competition was inaugurated. Again we got to the ﬁnal but also to be beaten again. In the Ist round we were draWn against the 12th Royal Lancers on our ground and this was a good hard game with the Regiment winning by 5 goals to I. Our next match was against the 8th Hussars on their own ground at Luneburg, and we realised that this was going to be a hard game.

The week before, the 8th Hussars had won the B.A.O.R. Championship and had reached the semi—final stage of the Army Cup. However, our chaps were not to be daunted and went on to the field determined to win. This was an ex— tremely good game and was dominated by the very fine play of our outside-right, Tpr. McCabe, who gave a most polished exhibition of football and as a result we beat the 8th Hussars by 4 goals to I.

rm: JOURNAL or THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Now to the semi-final. This time we were drawn away again and against such worthy opponents as the 5th Dragoon Guards who had won the cup last year and had beaten us in the semi—final that year by 7 goals to I. This was a ding-dong battle. The scoring was opened by the Regiment when Cfn. Broomfield took a nice pass and beat their goalkeeper with a good

shot. However, almost from the kick—off the

to the surprise of Stillie. It should be stated that Stillie had been brought in as goalkeeper due to an injury received by Jones in the final of the Divisional Cup. A few minutes later came a nice pass from Broomfield to MacCabe and the latter was positioning himself for a shot close in when he was pushed over from behind and the referee immediately awarded a penalty kick, which Broomfield converted.

To sum up, a very successful season but the greatest prize of all still eludes us and that, of course, is the Cavalry Cup. However, we were beaten by a better football side. Well done, The Greys!

At half—time the score was one goal each and it was hoped that with the slight breeze in our favour our team would show better form but unfortunately the wing forwards of The Greys were given too much scope and McParland, playing brilliantly, was ensuring that they should have every opportunity to have the ball with the long wing pass. A long ball through the centre was the cause of the second goal against us. A few minutes later Stillie was caught out of his goal and the centre forward had no difficulty in heading the ball into an empty net. Even with these reverses our team fought back, but The Greys’ defence was sound and refused to

Three Regimental competitions have taken place during the last year. The Novices’ Boxing took place in early October and the open boxing in late November. Divisional Inter—Unit box— ing took place between these two competitions. The boxing season ended with a victory for “ C ” Squadron in the Inter-Squadron competition in March this year.

Skins took up the attack and from a corner kick the ball went into our goal off our centre—half, Tpr. Hughes. Each side in turn attacked and at half—time the score was 4 goals to 3 in favour of the Skins. On the resumption we equalised, but the Skins kept up the attack and with seven minutes left for play they were leading by 6 goals to 4. It was typical cup—tie football and it was a great shame that this could not have been the Final. The Regiment then went into the attack in a last desperate effort to level the score and the side were awarded a penalty for an in— fringement by the opposing goalkeeper. Cfn. Broomfield made no mistake with this kick. Then two minutes from time L /Cpl. Watson headed a perfect goal to level the scores. Extra time was then played, but it was clear that our players were much fitter than our opponents and another five goals were scored in the extra period whilst our opponents replied with one only. Thus the Regiment won by 11 goals to 7. This undoubtedly will be a game that will be talked of for many years to come and lived up to the traditional standard of Cavalry Cup football. The scorers for the Regiment were Cfn. Broomfield 4, L/Cpl. Watson 3, L/Cpl. Smith 2 and Cfn. Cooper 2. The final game was scheduled for play the following Saturday at'Hohne and our opponents were The Greys. We knew that they also had a very good team, which included McFarland,

Before the oﬂicial season opens we shall have lost a number of these players and we wish them

the Celtic player, who has played for Scotland

the very best of luck in civilian life and hope

and is doing his National Service with The Before an excellent gathering of Greys. spectators, which included Brigadier G. R. D. Fitzpatrick and Brigadier A. Carr, the Regimental side commenced the game as though it was just a matter of how many goals they would score and for the ﬁrst 30 minutes were con— tinually on the attack:' it was amazing that no score came during that time. Great credit is

that they will enjoy their football then as much as they do now. To Tpr. Hughes, who took over the captaincy when S/ Sgt. Lloyd retired, we must say thank you for a good job under difﬁcult conditions and when he returns to Raith Rovers we are certain that the training he has had with us will stand him in good stead. Other players who deserve special mention are L/Cpl. Smith, our utility player, L/Cpl. Watson, centre forward, Tpr. MacCabe, our outside right, and Tpr. Lindsay, who has recently joined us and who should do very well in the future. To Tprs. Wright and Jones, who are at present injured, we wish a speedy recovery, and not forgetting Tpr. Evans, who we also hope will be available next season.

due to the defence of The Greys, who under this pressure kept their heads and played coolly. After about 30 minutes the ﬁrst raid was made by The Greys on our goal and to the surprise of everyone they scored. Their inside forward was quick to control a loose kick by L/Cpl. Smith and hit the ball well into the net, much

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

be ﬂustered and they were worthy winners by

Boxing Notes

The ﬁnals of the Novices’ Boxing were held in the Gymnasium on 8th October and placings were as follows: Welterweight : Winner: Tpr. Foy, “HQ.” Squadron; runner-up: Tpr. Pickering, “C” Squadron.

three goals to one. The following players represented the Regiment in Cup and League games during the

season: Goalkeepers: L/Cpl. Melville, Tprs. Jones and and Stillie. Backs: S/Sgt. Lloyd, L/Cpl. Lea, Tpr. Lindsay, L/Cpls. Smith and Eltham. Half Backs: Tprs. Hughes, Wood, Hearn, Wright, Cfn. Russell. Forwards: Tprs. MacCabe, Bonas, Wallhead, Dale, L/Cpl, Watson, Cfn, Broomﬁeld and Cooper.

Light—Welterweight : Winner: Tpr. Gillespie, “HQ.” Squadron; runner-up: L/Cpl. Drummond, “HQ.” Squadron. Light-Middleweight .' Winner: Tpr. Robertson, “A” Squadron; runner-up: Tpr. Weston, “C” Squadron. Middleweight: Winner: Tpr. Hughes, “ HQ.” Squadron; runner-up: Tpr. Benford, “HQ” Squadron. Lightweight : Winner: Tpr. McLaren, “HQ.” Squadron; runner-up: Tpr. Excell, “ HQ.” Squadron.

The following points were awarded towards

the Makins Shield: “HQ.” Squadron .. 8 “C” Squadron 6 “ B ” Squadron 4 “C” Squadron 2 The Commanding Officer presented medals to the boxers at the end of the novices’ competition. The Regiment were draWn against the 21st Field Engineer Regiment in the semi-final of the Divisional boxing competition, having received a walk-over against the Divisional Signals Regiment in the first round: The following represented the Regiment: Tpr. Duncan, “HQ.” Squadron; Tpr. Barwick, “ HQ.” Squadron; L/Cpl. Clarke, “ HQ.” Squadron; 2/Lt. Lockhart, “B ” Squadron; Tpr. Hearn, “ C ” Squadron; Tpr. Foy, “ HQ.” Squadron; Tpr. Reynolds, “HQ.” Squadron; Tpr. Naylor, “ A ” Squadron; L/Cpl. Whitfield, “ B ” Squadron; Tpr. MacLaren, “HQ.” Squadron; Tpr. Hanratty, “A” Squadron. The result was a win for the zrst Field Engineers by eight bouts to two. Winners of their fights were 2/Lt. Lockhart and Tpr. Foy.

Our opponents were a good team, who went on to win the Divisional competition. Results of the Open Boxing were as follows: Featherweight : Winner: Tpr. Hanratty, “A” Squadron; runner-up: Tpr. Wilkinson, “HQ.” Squadron. Lightweight : Winner: Tpr. Austin, “A” Squadron; runner-up: L/Cpl. Ellsmore, “HQ.” Squadron. Light-Welterweight : Winner: Tpr. Foy, “HQ.” Squadron, walk-

over. Heavyweight : Winner: Pte. Robinson (A.C.C.), “ HQ.” Squadron; runner—up: Tpr. Pullen, “ HQ.” Squadron. Featherweight : Winner:' Tpr.

Mitchell,

“C”

Squadron;

runner—up: Pte. Clarke (A.C.C.), “H.Q.” Squadron. Light—Heavyweight : Winner: Cfn, Russell 77 (R.E.M.E.), “HQ.” Squadron; runner-up: Tpr. Schoﬁeld, “B” Squadron. Best Boxer: Tpr. Foy. Best Loser: Tpr. Quinn.

Welterweight : Winner:' Tpr. Hearn, “C” Squadron; runner—up : Cpl. Coleman, “ HQ.” Squadron. Light-Heavyweight : Winner: Tpr. Duncan, “HQ.” Squadron; runner—up: Tpr. Stillie, “A” Squadron. Heavyweight .' Winner: Cpl. Sivier, “ HQ.” Squadron; runner-up: Tpr. Ades, “ HQ.” Squadron. Final Middleweight : Winner: L/Cpl. Clarke, “HQ.” Squadron; runner-up: Tpr. Watson, “HQ.” Squadron.

40 THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Light—Middleweight : Winner: 2/Lt. Lockhart, “B” Squadron; runner—up: Tpr. Robertson, “A” Squadron. Best Boxer: 2/Lt. Lockhart. Best Loser: Cpl. Tucker. The following points were awarded for the Makins Shield: “HQ.” Squadron 17 points “A” Squadron 8 points “B” and “C ” Squadrons 3 each In March the Inter—Squadron compe tition was held and this resulted in a narro w victory for “C” Squadron after an exciti ng struggle against “ H.Q.” Squadron. The “ C ” Squadron team was: 2/Lt. Arkwright, L/Cpls. Clarke, Venables, Barker, Jones, Tprs. Mitche ll, Arm— strong, Wayman, May and Ewing.

Ski-ing Notes This last winter, we made our debut in the world of Langlauf ski—ing. A team was entered for the Io—kilometer Patrol Race, in the Divisional Competition (5th to 6th February), and the Ig-kilometer Patrol Race in the B.A.O. R. Competition (16th to 23rd February). In both of these events, each of the three Other Ranks members of the team of four has to carry a pack and rifle. In the B.A.O.R. competition, the team has to fire at balloon targets on the way round. We also entered for the Langlauf Relay Race, in the B.A.O.R. Competition. This race consists of four laps of 10 kilometers, each lap being completed by one member of the team. By taking part in these events, we aimed at gaining experience which will [help in trainin g our team to a higher standard next season. Recruits for the team were taken from those who will be with the Regiment next winter. They came forward drawn by the aura of “skive” which surrounds ski—ing. Nine started trainin g in the Harz Mountains in mid—January: any illusions they may have had were quickl y shattered. In the second week they were doing distances of up to 10 kilometers with packs and rifles. After IO days, there remained 2/Lt. Clogg, L/Cpl. Ilott, Tpr. Yates, Tpr. Gourla y and Tpr. Park. From these, the Patrol Team of four was chosen. Except for 2/Lt. Clogg, none of them had had any previous experience. As for the downhill-only ski-ing, a team of four was entered for the downhill and slalom events in the Divisional Competition. Lt. Jarvis also entered for the individual slalom and downhill events in the B.A.O.R. Competition.

When the Patrol Team returned to camp on 29th January, to spend three days shooting on the 600-yard range, the snow was rapidly disappearing. They went back to the Harz Mountains on 2nd February with the more optimistic members of the downhill—only team. Glorious sunshine greeted them, but no snow. The Divisional Competition was cance lled, and the Patrol Team had some pleasant days walking in the mountains, after which they went to Winterberg to prepare for the B.A.O.R. Competition, which was to be held there.

B.A.O.R. SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS

During the first week in Winte rberg there was no snow and it rained. Train ing was con— fined to long route marches with packs and rifles. On 13th February it snowe d, allowing three days ski—ing before the Langl auf Relay Race. The team came 30th out of 55 in this event. There were then another six days in which to prepare for the Patro l Race, on 23rd February. It was towards the end of these six days that the members of the team felt, for the first time, that they were maste ring the exacting technique of working toget her at the pace of the slowest. On the day of the race the sun shone. For the skiers this was no comfort; it produced yet another worry—that of waxing. The team started 30th. Tpr. Park’s ski came off before the first control point. There was also a number of major “ pile-ups ” on the way round . However, after 2hr. 33min, the team thankfully crossed the finish. They were place d 39th out of 57.

Waiting for the start of the 20 km. Patrol Race.

Lt. Jarvis had, in the meantime, been placed 12th in the Individual Alpine Combi nation, with times of 9.083ec. and 9.25sec. for the downhill and slalom events respectively. The Patrol Team has learnt much, and should be able to give a good account of themselves next year.

‘ Please mention

The Journal of THE ROYAL DRAGOONS when purchasing from ﬁrms who advertise in these pages.

Patrol Race Team.

Left to right: 2 Lt. Clogg. L Cpl. llott. Tpr. Gourlay. Tpr. Park.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Cricket Notes It was raining on a gloomy September afternoon when “A” and “HIQ.” Squadrons

played the ﬁnal of the Inter—Squadron Cricket.

“ It couldn't possibly have been out ! ”

Gubbins Sympathises.

Between showers, play was just possible, with the bowlers holding a wet and slippery ball. “HQ.” Squadron were worthy winners, even if Capt. Evans was given the benefit of the doubt when given not—out from a towering six, which was well caught, within the supposed boundary, by Tpr. Plumridge (“ A ” Squadron), before he really got into hitting form. The final score was “HQ.” Squadron 107 for 5 in 20 overs; “A ” Squadron, 66 all out. Despite the weather, cricket flourished last summer. 2/Lt. Farmer put in much work im— proving the field and organising fixtures, and everybody’s efforts were rewarded by a trip to Copenhagen, and by reaching the final of the 7th Armoured Division Knock—Out Competition. In the Inter-Regimental matches we won 7, lost 6 and drew 1. Our bowling centred around Major Hodgson, on whom we could always rely to keep one end going. He was well supported by Tpr. Pickering, Tpr. Griffiths and 2/Lt. Fry; the bowling, on the whole, was fairly good. But the batting really consisted of 2/Lt. Lardner and a lot of sloggers who chanced their arm fairly successfully. The only possible exceptions were 2/Lt. Farmer and Tpr. Plumridge. The fielding was enthusiastic, with L/Cpl. Ogden a very good slip fielder, and 2/Lt. Lockhart a fine cover. 2/Lt. Lardner’s throwing usually landed with a satisfying thud in the wicket-keeper’s gloves from any distance. The season started very well, with three succes— sive victories. In the first match, at home, we played the R.A.O.C., Celle, and scored 158 for 8 declared. Top scorers, in a consistent inn— ings were Tpr. Carlton, with 25, and S/Sgt. Lloyd with a fast 26 not out. Pickering, Griffiths and Bonas then demolished R.A.O.C. for 25. Tpr. Pickering took 4 wickets for 9 runs, Griffiths 2 for 10, and Bonas 3 for none in five balls! We then played the 12th Lancers, also at home, and got them out for 95. Tpr. Bonas took 6 for 6, without the help of a fielder. We scored 99 for six, of which 2/Lt. Farmer made 36 and Capt Evans 25. On 2nd June we played our first cup match, against 44 H.A.A. Regi— ment. They decided to bat first, and scored 139 for six in 35 overs. Major Hodgson bowled very well, and took 3 for 51 in 17 overs. Tpr. Bonas took 3 for 33 in six overs. We then hit off the runs in 30 overs. 2/Lt. Lardner batted

very well for 58 not out, and Cpl. Mould, due to leave the Army next day, celebrated by hitting hard and well for 34. The next match, against the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, was also at home; they scored 44 for 6, before players retired for shelter and tea, while the ground grew more and more “ lake-like.” 2/Lt. Arkwright took 4 for 15 with his “ floaters.” We then played the 12th Lancers again, but this time met with our first defeat. They scored 141, and Pickering bowled very well to take 5 for 34 in 16 overs. We were all out for 123, still going for the runs. 2/Lt. Farmer made 32, and Capt. Evans hit mercilessly for 43. Next was a return match, our first away, against the R.A.O.C., Celle. We scored 150, of which L/Cpl. Ogden made 63 and Tpr. Pickering 30. We got them out for 64 and Tpr. Lessels, in his first match, took 5 for 17. We played 77 H.A.A_ Regiment in the third round of the Cup, and scored very fast for 185 in 35 overs. Capt. Evans (61), 2/Lt. Gubbins (42), and Major Hodgson (26), were our top scorers. We then got them out for 95 in 26 overs. Major Hodgson took 4 for 19. We then played the 4th Hussars in a friendly two-day match at Hohne. They scored 129 and 158, and we could only score 115 and 148, and lost by 24 runs. 2/Lt. Lardner scored a high-class 77 in our second innings. Pickering took 7 wickets in the match, and Major Hodgson 6. In our next Cup match (the Divisional semi-final), we turned the tables on the 4th Hussars and beat them. They scored 151 in 40 overs, and we made 152 for 4 in 36. z/Lt. Lardner scored 51, 2 /Lt. Fry 33, and 2/Lt. Gubbins 27 not out. The next two matches we lost. Firstly, away against the R.A.F., Celle, who made 127 (2/Lt. Fry 4 for 15), and got us out for 60, of which Tpr. Plumridge scored 30. Against 24 Medium Regiment, away, on a very dangerous wicket, we lost by 6 wickets. We made 113 (26 of them in the first over, in which there were six no—balls) and they hit them off easily. The next fixture was against the KB. Club of Copenhagen, in Copenhagen, where we spent four very enjoyable nights and three days, but due to rain, played only six hours’ cricket. It is therefore hardly surprising that we spent far more time in the Tivoli Gardens than we did on the cricket field. We did wonder at one time, what the authorities might have said at the sight of 12 Royals, occupying 12 of the 13 bumper cars in the Tivoli, surrounded by bevies of Danish blondes!

THE JOURNAL ()F THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

When we did get on to the field, the KB. Club made 142 rather slowly, Major Hodgson taking 5 for 32 in 21 overs. However, their bowling was much better than their batting, so they got us out for 66, of which 2/Lt. Gubbins made 21. Was he the only one who could see straight after three nights merry—making in the night spots? \When rain stopped play finally, they had scored 18 for no wickets, in their second innings. On our return, we played the I3th/18th Hussars in the final of the Division Cup at Verden, a match spread over two days because of rain. They scored 145 for 7 in 40 overs, after losing their first three wickets for 5 runs in 6 overs. This seemed to give us a very good chance, but this was squandered by some inept batting by some supposedly “leading ”> bats-

ments were apparently also experiencing the difficulty of keeping in regular training during unsuitable conditions. Very little active partici— pation took place during February, but March, with Spring-like weather, has seen a renewed interest. As a general comment on the standard of Rugby within the Regiment at present, it seems that the keenness is definitely there, and that with encouragement, this would improve beyond measure. What is needed is definite regular training for two full teams, and not the spasmodic efforts of a few individuals, as has been the case in the past. A programme is being prepared for next September, and it is hoped that this will bear fruit, so that future results will be more encouraging.

man, who tried to chase runs far quicker than

Prize Essay Competitions 1957/58

was

necessary.

the

end

the

match,

Brigadier Block presented medals to the teams.

Rugby Football The Regiment has had a rather unsuccessful season to date, as our results in outside matches show only too clearly. However, of late, deﬁnite talent has been showing itself, which promises well for next year, and we have three remaining matches this season in which to put it to the

test. During the ﬁrst half of the season, before Christmas, a team of great keenness but indifferent training, fought in four matches against much more experienced opponents. Our best effort was against 24 Medium Regiment, R.A., whom we came near to beating, but eventually succumbed 3—9. In the Army Cup, we were drawn against a strong 4th Royal Tanks team, who defeated us soundly, 34—0.

Chrismas, Ex Winter Sales and some coldish weather followed, suspending activities tempor— arily. Then in mid-January, with a revised team, the enthusiasts renewed their energies once more in earnest. A most encouraging match was held on 215t January, against 21 Field Engineer Regiment. This was a very good game, far closer than the score of 3—13 would suggest; the forwards showed great energy, whilst the backs were considerably more purposeful than in previous matches. Spurred on by this, regular training took place and hopes were high for the two forthcoming matches at the end of the month. Unfortunately, the cold weather set in again and these had to be cancelled. We attempted to make alternative ﬁxtures at short notice, but other regi—

George Knight Clowes Memorial Prize Essay Competition, 1958 Prizes: First Prize, J£35; second prize, {15. Closing date: 8th January, 1958. Subject: In Naval warfare, the demise of the battleship was brought about by the development in the superiority of armaments over armour. The horse was driven from the battlefield because of its vulnerability to the fire of modern weapons, and by barbed wire and other obstacles. Some people think that, owing to more powerful anti-tank guns and mines, and the increasing efficiency of air action against ground targets, the tank is likely to go the same way as the battleship and the horse. Discuss this. General conditions for this essay competition will be the same as for 1956, and are contained in ACI 405/1956. Bertrand Steward Prize Essay Competition,

I957 Prize: £80. Closing date: 22nd June, 1957. Subject: If our Land Forces are to have battle mobility, it is essential that they should have administrative ﬂexibility. At the same time, the destructive power of nuclear weapons complicates the logistic pattern. Discuss the ways in which admittistrative ﬂexibility might be achieved. General conditions for this essay competition are contained in ACI 549/1956. (continued on page 47)

DUTCH JEEP RALLY, JUNE, 1956 In the summer of 1956, the Dutch Army held an International Jeep Rally, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the liberation of Holland. Two teams were entered from the British Army of the Rhine, one from The Royals and the other from 4 R.H.A.; each team consisted of four champs, each carrying a crew of two ofﬁcers. The Royals team consisted of Capt. Bradish-

Ellames and Capt. Matterson, Major Timbrell and Capt. Bucknall, Major Fabling and Lt. Jacobs, Capt. Wilkinson and 2/Lt. Gubbins. There were various start points, and the two B.A.O.R. teams started at Munchen-Gladbach, motoring down the day before, and spending the night at H.Q., Northern Army Group. We took a spare jeep and trailer to carry suit cases, spare parts and tools; this was manned by L/Cpl. Palmer and Cpl. Scott. Early the following morning we received our instructions for the first leg through Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg, from a Dutch Liaison Officer. The Horse Gunners now brought into play one of the old D. Rat ploys: they produced slide rules to work out their average speeds (this was a timed section) which had The Royals worried for a bit, as we were still saying, “If we have to go 17 miles in 30 minutes, how fast must we drive?” Pause to scribble on blotter—“ We’ll call it 20 miles in 40 minutes—much easier!” But, of course, this was not as accurate as the test required! We finally set off for a long, but pleasant drive, in very hot sunshine, passing various sur— prise check points on the way. The BucknallTimbrell combination were considerably confused by diversions in Liége. We drove faster and faster in ever—diminishing circles, finally seeing a sign that seemed to put us on the right road, and motored out of the town to find that we were half—an—hour ahead of schedule, so had to hide in a wood, emerging at the correct moment! That evening we arrived at the end of the first test, at a huge leaguer of petrol and fitter lorries, where we all filled up and had a quick meal. This was a two-hour halt for maintenance, food, and briefing for the next section. It was dark as we set off for the second test, which involved a lot of hill work with sharp hair—pin bends. After about three hours, the Bimbashi vehicle ceased to charge its batteries, and the driver-mechanic (Bucknall) removed

the charging fuse cover, in the dark (whilst hundreds of jeeps roared by), and saw that it was blown. However, there was nothing to be done, as we appeared to have no spares, so we drove on, and the lights continued to burn effectively enough. Two o’clock in the morning saw us entering another big leaguer for food and briefing, but this time in pouring rain, which made things rather unpleasant, as we were not allowed to put the roof up. We drove into a fitters’ bay to get the dynamo repaired, and set our maps there, under cover of the fitters’ tent. This was a good idea, because in the mess tents there was a steaming, teeming mass of Dutch, Belgian and American humanity, all trying to set their maps for the next section, eat, and tell everyone else how they had done on the last one. Timbrell and Bucknall reckoned that this holocaust of noise was not conducive to careful planning or good international relationships after 12 hours’ driving, the last three in heavy rain in an open car. The last section involved us in cross-country work, driving down a river bed (which was be— ing used by the river as well), a sprint through some caves (done by the navigator, who followed a Dutch Commando, who had done it before), using a “piece” map and a rather complicated patrol, which involved following a series of arrows on a trace, always going “ up ” the arrowed roads, and never being allowed to cross an arrowed road. This nearly eluded us completely, but we followed a Belgian Paratroop Major for some time, with varying success, until it became fairly obvious that he had no idea what he was doing either! Our last test of all was a carefully—timed convoy march, for which we were set off at exact intervals, and had to reach the terminus at a specified time. This seemed too easy—we had now been driving for 23 hours, and felt a certain light-headedness, coupled with a hysterically casual approach to even the most complicated problems, The Bim, who did all the navigating, would say things to me several times before they “ got through ”—however, the end was in sight. We busied ourselves during this ludicrouslyeasy test with preparing for the triumphal entry into Nijmegen, cleaning shoes and brass titles on the move; this was our undoing, as we took a wrong turning and found ourselves in some unpronounceable village, way off our route.

THE UNION JACK SERVICES’ CLUBS (Exraacrs FROM A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT) “July rst, 1957, is the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Union Jack Club by King Edward VII, as a National Memorial to soldiers and sailors who had lost their lives on active service. Since its inauguration, the doors of the Club have never been closed, and today the Club is also the London Club of the Royal Air Force and of members of the Commonwealth and Colonial Forces visiting this country. The Club buildings have also been greatly expanded, and now include a Families Club and a Women’s Services Club. That the Clubs are fulfilling the hopes of the founders is evident from last year’s annual report, which showed that during the year, 324,163 beds were provided and 630,959 meals were served in the three Clubs. To these im— pressive figures may be added, as further evi— dence, the 9,000,000 beds that have been pro— vided in the Union Jack Club alone, since the Club was opened. Though the resources of the Club were fully extended during the first world war, the peak years in the Club’s history were the years of the second world war. Of that period, the Secretary of State for War said: ‘The Club carried on its work under the shadow of death from German bombs, but like other institutions over which the Union Jack presides, it has survived, and will survive. From my flat in London, I have looked out on most mornings

of the past ﬁve years and have always been en— couraged to see it still standing, four square to a great deal besides all the winds that blow, and during those ﬁve years, it has provided lodgings for more than a million Servicemen, and some three million meals.’ Throughout its history, the policy had been to keep the prices charged, within the purse of the lowest paid Serviceman and Service— woman, and it has been possible to adhere to this policy because capital expenditure has largely been met by subscriptions, grants and funds bequeathed in memory of those who have died on active service. But the cost of main— tenance is always rising, and revenue falls short of what is required to keep the Clubs up-todate in all respects. For this reason, an appeal for additional funds is being launched in this Jubilee Year.” The Regiment have contributed to this appeal by sending the sum of r/— from every serving soldier. It is not without interest to quote from The Eagle, published in November, 1907. “Colonel dc Lisle . . . paid a visit to the Union Jack Club and was delighted with everything he saw. The club . . . is situated opposite the entrance to Waterloo Station. It . . . con— tains 200 beds, each in a cubicle eight feet square. The doors of these cubicles are fur— nished with brass plates, showing the name of the donor, and in whose memory it was given. Those belonging to the Royal Dragoons are numbered I41, I42 and 143, and are in memory of the late Lieutenant Knowles.”

PRIZE I‘ROSS \VOBID (S‘OMPETITIIDN J

’

RULES 1.

The competition is open to serving and ex-ROYALS and their dependents.

Solutions should be sent to P.R.I., The Royal Dragoons, B.F.P.0. 38, to arrive not later than 1st August, 1957.

The ﬁrst correct solution opened will merit a prize of £2/2/- or goods to equivalent value from P.R.I. Shop. Acaoss Have they special significance

in the 9th? Sharp edge.

(5-9) (5)

One might think he learnt to wage war in the 200! (8) Good for a season.

(4)

Not necessarily our responsi-

bility.

(4)

As you were, printer!

I I I I WWII-II

(4)

He’ll get the stick and like it!

(5, 3) 0020 is thus. (3, 5) Order for a quick turn-out of the brigade. (4) Droop.

After a ﬂutter?

III “III III I I I I I IIIIIII‘IIII

(4)

All correct gunners for an African plant. (4) State of the crop killer. (8) Pointed.

(5)

Job for a dragoon.

(14)

DOWN P’F‘EJ‘P‘FPJPE

TAILPIECE: Bucknall, handing champ to L/Cpl. Palmer on reaching ﬁnish: “The dynamo won’t charge, mend it.” L/Cpl. P. returns two minutes later: “ Alright now sir, the spare fuses are in the lid of the fuse box.” Timbrell looks at Bucknall with one of his oldfashioned, “ pale and distinguished ” glances.

T'v W_\/vv, Mvwv‘ww ,w wf‘N‘vavn—v" .u p.

see where he was going! Thereafter, prizes were given by the Dutch Minister for War. 4 R.H.A. were given second prize, though some weeks later, after a re—count, we were told they had won—so slide rules have their uses! The Royals were not placed, but the Timbrell-Bucknall and Brandish—Ellames—Matterson teams received prizes for being in the ﬁrst seventy, out of the 3oo—odd entries, so honour was maintained.

1" /vv ”NM WWVWMWVW WVVWvaﬁvaK/vvvwv wvwvw ,.

This was rapidly corrected by a hair-raising cross-country race, calculated to bring us back into the column at the right time and place, and we ﬁnally reached the ﬁnish a minute late. There were 301 entries in this Rally, and seeing all the jeeps lined up on the Dutch barracks square was impressive. Tired as we were, a bath and a drink in a small Nijmegen hotel soon put things right again, and we enjoyed an excellent cocktail party, given by the Burgermeister, followed by a torchlight band performance in the main square. The next morning there was a parking test, which involved backing a jeep and a trailer into a very narrow bay, on a time basis. \Ve all managed to achieve this in between 16-25 seconds, except D.M.]., who found himself a little too large to look over his shoulder and

my 4“” {my Mme/‘MNMW‘. ’\../\“/\ A. ’\.. M.MMA4AAMAMAMA4M WW. AMAMA‘QCAAAJA/w/ “MAW../‘Asf AA/‘AA/\AA/\AA/ .4/ MM.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

/"\/

Military representative. Sentry‘s dilemma!

(7-7)

They knew of it in Kipling's day.

Comfort for the soldier but not easy “Roast gin.”

(2, 6)

(4)

A swell affair!

Go back sappers for a monster.

(4)

Oil the shoulder in the band; the Adjutant»General permits it, it seems. M.T. might not begin without it in Winter. Sappers start again for the base area.

(5)

(8—6)

(4)

Service for most of us; every full general wants one.

(4)

When in Rome “I can roam ” and eat appropriately.

(8)

The good footballer defends like a sniper. (8) Fragment left over from the past. (5) St. Paul’s wouldn‘t be the same without him. (4) If you've a late one you may need to know the word.

(4)

Name (Block Letters) ......................................................................................... Address (Block Letters) ......................................................................................

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

SERVING AND RETIRED OFFICERS Subscribers to the Eagle Fund The following is a list of serving and retired ofﬁcers who have subscribed to The Eagle between Ist April, 1956 — Ist April, 1957. They will be sent copies of the 1957 Eagle direct from the publisher. If your name is not included in this list and you wish to receive a copy of The Eagle, please take action as described in the article “ Finance and So On.” The Editor would be pleased to have an up-to-date address for those Subscribers

marked with an asterisk. *W. Ackroyd, Major H. H. Robertson—Aikman,

Capt. R. Allan, P. W. F. Arkwright, Lt.—Col. G. T. A. Armitage, M.B.E. Major K. G. F. Balfour, M.C., Major The Lord Basing, T.D., Capt. A. H. Bennett, J. W.

Bertschinger, Capt. E. A. Berger, Lt. W. S. H. Boucher, Capt. D. S. A. Boyd, Capt. S. E. M. Bradish—Ellames, Capt. D. F. Bradstock, Lt.-Col. W. P. Browne, M.C., Major—General J. Buckley, C.B.E., D.S.0., M.C., Capt. R. C. Bucknall, L. R.

Burnside. Major E. A. Calvert, Capt. J. N. B. Cardwell, Major H. S. Carryer, Lt.—Col. A. S. Casey, Capt. L. D. M. Clarke, Capt, A. R. Cook, Sir Charles Cooper, Bart. R. A. Daubigny, A. B. T. Davey, *W. J. Davies, Major P. R. Davies—Cooke, T.D., Major J. A. Dimond, M.C., Hon. J. S. P. Dormer, Lt.-Col. S. C. Drinkwater, c.M.G., M.B.E., M.C., Brigadier S. C. Dumbreck. Capt. R. H. Carr Ellison, Capt. J. B. Evans, Major K. A. Evers, M.C.

Major R. H. D. Fabling, Lt.—Col. G. W. Ferrand, 0.B.E., Capt. C. E. W. Ferrand, Major P. B. Fielden, M.C., Brigadier G. R. D. Fitzpatrick, D.S.O., M.B.E.,

M.C., Hon. Mrs. Freeman—Thomas, *M. Fry. P. G. Glossop, Capt. D. F. S. Godman, Capt. A. C. Goodall, M.C., Sir Ralph Gore, Bart., Lt.—Col R. St. G. Gore, Major E. F. Gosling, Major A. Graham, M.C., W. J. Grice. Capt. J. W. E. Hanmer, T. P. Hart Dyke, Col. R. A. Hermon, D.S.O., Col. H. M. P. Hewett, 1.1)., J. Heyworth, Brigadier W. T. Hodgson, D.S.o., M.C., Major R. Houstoun, Major A. B. Houstoun, M.C., Major J. F. Houstoun-Boswall, Brigadier S. G. Howes, D.S.0., M.C.

Col. T. S. Irwin. Capt. D. M. Jacobs, Col. R. C. C. Joy, 0.5.0., Capt. J. G. Jubert. Capt. W. D, Olphert-Kemmis, R. C. H. Kidd, 0.13.13.

M.C.,

Lt.-Col.

Capt. S. J. Lawrence, P. L. Lee, Col. H. W. LLoyd, B. J. Lockhart. Brigadier—Gen. Sir Ernest Makins, K.B.E., C.B., 0.3.0., Lt.—Col. P. Massey, M.C., N. H. Matterson, Major V. McCalmont, Rev. R. W. Miles, D. B. Money-Coutts, Lt.—Col. R. B. Moseley. Hon. C. M. Napier, Lt.—Col. C. T. O’Callaghan,

O.B.E., M.C. Major J. C. Parkhouse, Major A. G. N. Hadden— Paton, Capt. M. R. Pelham—Burn, Brigadier A. H. Pepys, D.S.O., L. J. A. Phipps, W. T. Pitt,

G. H. L. F. Pitt-Rivers. Major P. D. Reid, The Earl of Rocksavage, M.C., Major D. M. Rogers. Major W. W. B. Scott, *W. Scott, G. E. Scully, Capt. R. C. T. Sivewright, M.C., A. L. Smith'Maxwell, C. J. Squires, H. R. Swire. P. R. V. Thellusson, Major P. G. Thin, M.C., H. Thompson—Jones, Capt. H. E. F. de Trafford, J. G. Trouton, Major C. W. Turner. Capt. H. de P, Weil, D. J. S. Wilkinson, A. W. Wingate, M.C., R. K. Wingﬁeld—Digby. Major C. York, Dr. N. H. W. Young.

PRIZE ESSAY COMPETITIONS 1957/58 (Continued from page 42) Gold Medal and Trench Gascoigne Prize Essay Competition, 1957 Prize: Thirty guineas and Gold Medal. Closing date: 15th November, 1957. Subject: It appears obvious that a sumcient number of volunteers will not be forth— coming to maintain our Forces at an adequate level. Discuss some of the methods by which the Regular content of the Armed Services could be supplemented, wlten the National Service Act expires in 1958, and say which you think will best meet the re— quirements of the Services and the Nation as a whole.

OR The Communist Powers are conducting a determined drive for leadership of the under-developed peoples of the world by economic, cultural, and military inﬂuences and pressures. Discuss what they have achieved, and give your views on the counter-measures which the Free World should now take. General conditions for this essay competition are contained in ACI 125/1957.

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

FINANCE AND SO ON You may obtain a copy of The Eagle in any of the following ways:—

THE EAGLE, 1956

(I) You may make an annual subscription of 12/- to The Eagle fund (see Banker’s Order Pro—formae on last page). In this case you should ensure that the Editor (The Royal Dragoons, B.A.O.R. II) knows your current address. You will then get a copy direct from the publishers. The most suitable date for the subscription to be paid is Ist January (this enables the Editor

DEBIT 1,300 copies The Eagle Packing material, Postage Miscellaneous expenses

£355 16

to check up that you have paid your subscription before you get The Eagle)! CREDIT (2) As a retired Other Rank member you may subscribe to O.C.A. (and not to The Eagle Fund) in which case the Secretary, O.C.A., will send you your copy and refund the Editor. (3) As a Regular serving soldier, squadron will retail you a copy for 4/-.

your

(4) As a National Service soldier, squadron will retail you a copy for 2/6.

your

1(5) You may always get a copy of The Eagle by writing to the Editor, The Royal Dragoons,

B.F.P.O. 38, and enclosing 12/-. t

The increase in cost of The Eagle has been made necessary by the recent 12%}; rise in printing prices, and considerable consistent losses over recent years. A balance sheet for 1956 Eagle is printed in the next column. The Editor would be grateful if subscribers who expect to obtain their copy of The Eagle

Eagle subscriptions O.C.A. Sales .. Sales in B.A.O.R. Advertisements Grant from P.R.I.

through the method described in para (1) above would check on their standing orders for subscriptions. We did our best to notify all con— cerned of the increased costs, but of the 105 subscribers whose subscriptions fell due in January/ February this year, only 39 have altered their subscriptions to the correct amount, The Editor fully realises that many of the Banker’s Order Forms may have gone to out— of—date addresses, but hopes that with your co—operation The Eagle can be made once more to pay its way.

THE OFFICERS’ PENSIONS SOCIETY 171, Victoria Street, S.W.I The Ofﬁcers’ Pensions Society has once more been to the fore in the battle for securing in— creases in retired pay for those oﬂicers who have already retired, and for those who will retire in the future. The 1956 Pensions Increase Bill is not yet law, but it has passed its second reading in the House of Commons, and is now in its “Committee Stages.” To make the position quite clear, we must explain that the Bill only applies to Civil Servants, and the like. When it becomes law, similar increases will be granted to

the Armed Services by “prerogative instrument” in the form of a Royal Warrant in the case of the Army. In the past, therefore, Members of the House have not been permitted to discuss the Armed Services angle during the debate, but by some very rapid brieﬁng of M.P.s by the Society, and the acceptance of an ingeniously—worded amendment to the Bill, on this occasion—for the ﬁrst time in history— discussion from the Services point of view was permitted. The Society hopes that during the

Committee Stages of the Bill, certain amendments will be made. As matters stand at the moment, only those ofl‘iccrs who are over 60 years of age, will benclit. The “means test” applied to all previous pensions Increase Warrants is abolished, and this is certainly a step in the right direction. In addition, increases of up to 10 per cent on their basic retired pay will be given to all oflicers (over 60). Increases for widows are to be at the rate of five per cent. The Society are far from satisfied with the restrictive age limit, and with the six per cent increase for those who retired with less than 20 years’ service. These have the lowest rates of retired pay, and are most in need. The suggestion of five per cent for widows is niggardly in the extreme, and should be increased to a minimum of to per cent. The Society has made strong representations to the Minister of Defence regarding these points, which are receiving his consideration. The publication of the Royal Warrant is, there— fore, awaited with interest, and we hope that the Society’s representations will be successful. The White Paper, Command 9692—Service Pay and Pensions, has now been published, and provides for increases in Serving and Retired Pay, and also very considerable increases in Terminal Grants. The latter will bring officers of the three Services on a par with Civil Servants who have been drawing proportional gratuities for the past 47 years. This was strongly advocated in “The Officers’ Case,” published by the Society in October, 1954. All these increases will apply to officers who retired on or after Ist January, 1956, and will take effect from April Ist, 1956. While the increments under both of the above schemes will be welcomed by all, the Society still intends to fight for the principle that whenever a new code of retired pay is introduced, all retired officers should be raised to the latest rates, irrespective of their dates of retirement. If this principle is not accepted, officers retiring now, on what appears to be an adequate rate of retired pay, may well find in 20 years time that it is only worth 50 per cent, or less, of what it is now.

Births Major J. A. Dimond, a daughter, Amanda Joy, on 51h April, 1957, at B.M.H. Major P. B. Fielden, M.C., a son, Mark, on 15th August, 1956, at B.M.H. Capt. S. J. Cox, a daughter, Caroline Jane, on 15th August, 1956, at B.M.H. Capt_ J. B. Evans, a son, Robert Edmund, on 8th July, 1956, at B.M.H.

John

Capt. R. C. T. Sivewright, M.C., a daughter, Sarah Molly, on 23rd June, 1956, at Combermere Barracks, Wesendorf. S.S.M. J. D. Bradley, a daughter, Patricia

Danielle, on 2nd May, 1956, at B.M.H. S.Q.M.S. J. S. Clark, a daughter, Valerie

Ann, on 12th October, 1956, at B.M.H. T/M. R. W. Darling, a son, Graham Stuart,

19th February, at B.M.H. Sgt. R. H. Clarke, a daughter, Margaret Anne, on 6th August, 1956, at B.M.H. Sgt. D. Leese, a son, Brian Derek Anthony, on 28th August, 1956, at B.M.H. Sgt. F. A. Simpson, a son, Anthony Victor, on 7th January, 1955, at Oldham, Lancs. Cpl. J. Bosher, a son, Anthony Joseph, on 25th May, 1956, at Combermere Barracks, Wesendorf. Cpl. E. D. Cooke, a daughter, Elizabeth Elly Christa, on 3rd June, 1956, at B.M.H. Cpl. C. Lornie, a son, Stuart Parker, on 20th June, 1956, at Combermere Barracks, Wesen— dorf. Cpl. W. G. McCormick, a daughter, Wendy Elizabeth, On 13th December, 1956, at B.M.H. Cpl. J. Millett, a son, Michael Noel, on 22nd December, 1956, at B.M.H. Cpl. W. Owen, twin daughters, Rosemary Anne and Teresa Jane, on 7th July, 1956, at B.M.H. Cpl. D. Scott, a son, Brian John, on 11th June, 1956, at B.M.H. L/Cpl. E. Corcoran, a daughter, Tonia Ann, on 1st October, 1956, at B.M.H. L‘/Cpl. R. Wifﬁn, a daughter, Florence Vera, on 6th February, 1957, at B.M.H.

WHY NOT COMPLETE THE BANKER’S ORDER FORM AT THE END OF THE JOURNAL NOW ?

Tpr.

Galvin, a

son,

David, on

18th

October, 1956, at B.M.H. Tpr. W. E. J. Polland, a son, Edward John, on 30th October, I956, at Glasgow,

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Deaths James, son of Cpl. Mackay, on 13th November, 1956, at Wesendorf, B.A.O.R. 11. David, son of Tpr. D. Galvin, on October, 1956, at B.M.H., Hanover.

19th

Tpr. D. A. Withers, on 20th October, 1956, at Wesendorf.

Marriages Capt. C. R. Bruce to Mary Lee-Thomas, on 19th January, 1957, at Ilkley Parish Church, Ilkley, Yorks. Rev. C. J. Comyns to Beryl Maureen Hogg, on 5th May, 1956, at Kingsdown Presbyterian Church, York Road, Dunloughaire, Dublin.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Tpr. R. Cooke to Cecelia Mary Lucas, on 28th July, 1956, at Cound Church, Cound, Near Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Tpr. B. Hearn to Jane Jones, on 14th May, 1956, at the Registry Ofﬁce, Poole, Dorset. Tpr. J. Hill to Edna Norah Grace O’Halloran, on 14th April, 1956, at St. Aidan’s Church, Small Heath, Binningham. Tpr. G. Hutton to Lilian May Harris, on 23rd February, 1957, at Bushbury Parish Church, Wolverhampton.

Sgt. J. Jubb to Marjorie Langley, on 15th December, 1956, at the Parish Church, Normanton, Yorks. Cpl. J. A. Burr to Maureen Gray, on 25th August, 1956, at the Parish Church of Holy Trinity, Sittingbourne, Kent. Cpl. R. H. J. Drury to Patricia Evelyn Mewitt, on 8th December, 1956, at Emanuel Church, West Hill, Hastings. Cpl. H. Lock to Doreen Mary Dean, on 8th September, 1956, at the Parish Church, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon. Cpl. L. Sivier to Erica Howes, on 29th September, 1956, at All Saints’ Church, Catherington, Hants. L/Cpl. H. F. Battaglia to Anna Carmella Mazzoni, on IIth August, 1956, at All Saints’

CAPTAIN A. G. R. ASHTON

TPR. D. A. WITHERS

Arthur George Ritchie Ashton was born on 11th September, 1926. He was educated at Winchester and Corpus Christi College, Cam— bridge. He joined the Regiment in 1951, in Egypt. In 1953 he attended a Wireless In—

It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Tpr. D. A. Withers, of “C” Squadron, as the result of an accident. The Regiment extends its sympathy to his family in their loss.

structors’ Course at Bovington, on which “he Tpr. W. H. McGill to Waltraut Ursula Ingeborg Zollfrank, on 14th July, 1956, at Brunswick. Tpr. J. Michie to Celia Greig, on 3rst December, 1956, at the Co-operativc Store, Commercial Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife.

S.Q.M.S. E. H. Weller to Anita Seffer, on 9th June, 1956, at Wesendorf.

@hituary

L/Cpl. J. Nuttall to Joyce Haresnape, on ztst April, 1956, at St. Anne’s Church, Rainhill, Near Liverpoool. Tpr. R. W. Stevens to Jean Muriel Chatﬁeld, on Ist February, 1956, at the Registry Ofﬁce, Reigate, Surrey, Tpr. A. Taylor to Shirley Westwood, on 26th July, 1956, at Westmilland Chapel, Normantown, Yorks.

reached an exceptionally high standard.” He was with the Regiment again until, in 1955, the War Office selected him by name to fill a vacancy as Wireless Instructor at the Royal Armoured Corps Depot. It was during this last tour of duty that he so tragically met his end. Those in the Regiment with whom he came into contact, will be under no illusion that the Army has lost an officer who, in his own particular sphere, was brilliant. Those of us who were amongst his closer friends will miss his quick wit; and his never-failing kindness and sincerity. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family.

JAMES, SON OF CPL. J. MACKAY The Regiment offers its deepest sympathy to Cpl. and Mrs. Mackay, in the loss of their son, James, aged one year, as the result of an accident in Wesendorf Barracks.

DAVID, SON OF TPR. D. GALVIN The Regiment offers its deepest sympathy to Tpr. and Mrs. Galvin, in the loss of their

son, David, in Hanover B.M.H.

Bdsm. C. H. Baker to Beryl May Davies, on 5th January, 1957, at the Parish Church, St. Margaret, Blackwood, Lancs. Bdsm. C. King to Cecelia Angela Ann Rossi, on 28th August, 1956, at St. Marylebone Register Ofﬁce, London. Bdsm. E. King to Grace Halley Addison, on 12th January, 1957, at Buccleuch Church, Dalkeith, Midlothian.

ROGERS 8: CO.

Church, South Oxley, Watford, Her-ts.

(MILITARY L/Cpl. D. C. Howard to Margaret Rose Thomson, on 22nd December, 1956, at St. Matthew’s Church Willesden, Middlesex.

Sporting and Mufti Tailors

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

L/Cpl. M. 0. Knight to Winnifred Annie Budgen, on 30th June, 1956, at the Parish Church, Belcombe, Sussex.

Hunting Kit and Breeches Makers

it?

L/Cpl. D. B. Page to Helen McKinlay, on 25th August, 1956, at St. Andrew’s Church,

Please note

Lochgelly, Scotland.

Regiment is:

Regimental Outfitters to The Royal Dragoons that the present address of The

* L/Cpl. P. J. Springthorpe to Edith Ellan Ireland, on 27th October, 1956, at the Parish Church of Stanground, Huntingdon. Tpr. D. F. Bradley to Sheila May Dennis, on ZIst July, 1956, at St. Paul’s Church, Burtonon—Trent.

OUTFITTERS) LTD.

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS B.F.P.O. 38

Late of 8 New Burlington Street, W.l.

IERMYN

STREET, LONDON,

Telephone: REGent 2740 London.

S.W.1

Telegrams: Rogers. REG. 2740 London.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

R E G I M E N T AL

GAZETTE

L/Cpl. Williams, R. G.

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS _

Lt.Co—l. G T. A. Armitage, VIBE. Maior P B. Fielden, M..C .. Capt R. C. Bucknall Major]. A. Dimond, M.C.

Commanding Ofﬁcer Second-~1n- Command Aijutant P.R ..I

T. P. Hart Dyke

Signals Ofﬁcer

2/Lt. T. C. Farmer 2/Lt. R. C. Glossop R. S.M. J. Edwards

M...TO Intelligence Ofﬁcer Regimental Sergeant — Major

Sgt. A. Cole—Evans, D.C.M. Ma1or C. W J. Lewis, M.B.E. Lt. E. L. Payne Lt. G. R. Bonner-Morgan

Police Sergeant Quartermaster Quartermaster (Tech) Medical Ofﬁcer

Sgt. J. C. Leech

Chief Clerk

Tpr. Hanser, N.

Tpr. Westwood, A.

Tpr. Ades, R. B.

Tpr. Harris, R,

Tpr. Wilkinson, C. K.

Tpr. Alvey, J. A.

Tpr. Hendry, W.

Tpr. Wilson, T.

Tpr. Alexander, T.

T r. Ho ben, R. G.

T r. Windsor, P. L.

Tpr. Andrews, J. S. Tpr. Appleton, M. J. Tpr. Ashton, G. T .B D

Tgr. Hoigles, R. J. Tpr. Holmes, C. E. Tpr. Hughes, J.

Tgr. Winter, R. Tpr. Wintle, J. A. Tpr. Wright, G. E.

'rgi. 13:33, Niv.

Tpr. Hum” E"

Tpr. wroughton’ B.

Sgt. MacMillan, I. D. C. L/Cpl. Cattanach, D.

ngn. Burnett, A. F. ngn. Fossey, F.

ngn. Jordan, C.

L/Cpl. Potter, B. L/Cpl. Townley, E.

ngn. Hall, C. ngn. Harvey, D.

ngn. Ryder, G. G. ngn. Wattam, M.

ROYAL SIGNALS

Dvr. Oram, A

“ HQ.” SQUADRON R.E.M.E.

H.Matterson D" Fabling

. . Weller, E. ,S. Ranson, P. . Colyer, P.

D . Hall, B. . Howley, T. . Ireland, F. W. . Kimble, F. H.

. Leese, D. L, . Thornton, D. R. . Thorpe, N. A.

. Webster, D. A. . Beeforth, D. A.

. Bull, R. L. . Darby, E. G.

. Hildred, S. R. . Ingham, J.

' Baker, W‘

Tpr. Imrie, A'

Capt. C. R. Bruce

. Barker, J.

Tpr. Ireland, D. W.

A.S.M. Courage, W. S.

. Barwick, T. . Bates, B. R.

Tpr. Jeavons, M. W. Tpr. Jennings, R. J Tpr. Jones J. B.

. Bennett, E. . Bird, J. . Black, A. . Boole, G. G.

. Briggs, J. S. . Brown, B. A. . Burns, R.

. Burrows, J. . Byng, \V. B.

. Calder, G. L. S. .Carlton, R. H. . Carter, N. E. . Catchpole, T. J. . Chandler, J. I.

. Chittenden, M. R. . Clemens, R. V. . Coates. P. J. . Connelly, M.

. Lornie, C . MacKay, J. . . Robson, S. H.

. Cooke, T. L. . Craik, D. C.

. Todd, K.

. Cumming, K.

. Tucker, T. W.

. Cunningham, J B. . Curno, J. W. . Curran, D. W.

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

Battaglia, H. F. Benford, R. J. Brannan, A. Broadhurst, J. A. Briggs, J. B. Buckley, T. M. Clay, D. A.

Connett, P. V. H. J. Corston, C. Drummond, G. J. C. Ellsmore, W. J. Fennell, A. Fletcher, B. Gentile, A.

Gibbons, J. Hembling S.

. Curran, C. E. . Davies, R. C. . Davis, E. A. J.

. Dewey, R. ,...JHG . Di: A. F. . Donovan, J. C.

. Doyle, N, . Duncan, A. E. D. . Edwards, R. W.

. Elkin, W. . Evans, A.

. Howard, D. C.

. Evans, G. W. . Farrell, H. . Ferneyhough, P.

. Kent, G. P.

. Foy, J. R.

. . . .

. Garner, G. W. . Giles, A. W. E.

Knight, M. O. Massey, M. Nuttall, J. Piper, G. C.

. Shepherd-Barron, R. M. .Taylar, C. G. . Wardrop, S. . Watson, P.

. Gilﬁllan, T. J. . Godfray, W. L. G. . Greenwood, P. K. . Gregory, F.

. Gibbs, A. J. C. . Grihault, H. G. C.

Tpr. Kemp, W H. Tpr. Kerr, G. Tpr. Lindsay, P. S. Tpr. Livingstone, F. 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.

Longley, M. Mabley, T. B. Maccabe, A. B.

Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Cpl.

. Beswick, B. . Blackburn, H. J. . Boothroyd, R.

Davis, F Foster, B. R. Happs, J. W. F. Murphy, C. Pickworth, I. J.

. Brett, J. . Broomﬁeld, W. . Buchanan, D.

L/Cpl. Baker, C.

. Charman, L. . Gold,

L/Cpl. Fisher, L/Cpl. Spacey, L/Cpl. Turner, Cfn. Beaten, J.

. Harrison, K. . Hitchings, C. W. Jones, R. . . Nichols, J.

G. M. J. B. A. F.

. . . . . .

Nicholls, .N. J. Palmer, J Parry, J. B. Phoenix, M. Potts, T. Rade, G.

. Russell, J. . Tuckwell, B. J.

Vardy,

. Welch, J.-D. . Whalley, J. A.

McPherson, J. Maine, N. V. Mankelow, K. Marshall, A. C.

Marson, H.

R.A.P.C. Sgt. Naseby, M. E.

. Clarkson, A. J. F.

McLaren, R. J. McLean, T. M. Mundy, J.

. Taylor, D. J. D.

R.A.E.C.

Murphy, H. J. A.

Sgt. Davies, H. G.

Nunn, J. P.

Obome. D. R. Owen, T.

A.P.T.C.

Palser, T. T. Parker, J. D. Parker, J.

S.S.I. Sheedy, M. J.

Peacock G. Pullen, R. J. Rainger, J. Roberts, E. B. Robinson, A. Roddcn, J. Rowlinson, G. M.

A.C.C. Sgt. Faulkner, S. J. Cpl. Barrett, R. E. Cpl. Drury, R. H. J.

. Kelly, M. . Kelly, A. J.

. Robinson, C.

. Lane, J. A.

Cpl. Varns, B. L/Cpl. Errington, G.

. . . .

. Sebbage, C. R. . Simmons, H. . Simpkins. T. B.

Seargill, R. Seymour, G. A.

Small, Smith, Smith, Sobey,

Pte. Hindley, W. Pte. Hogg, G.

Limbriek, D. W. Lynn, R. W. Powell, S. E. Reed, D.

J. F. R. V. T. F.

Southernwood, D. A.

Stevens, G. D. Sutton, C. J. Swains, C. T. J.

Taylor, P. Taylor, J. Timson,P J.

Thorne, D. B. Tolley, A. Walker, B. J.

Weaver, E. Wells, R

. Sebbage, D. H.

. Smith, W. O. . Yates, R.

BAND B/M. Evans, A.R.C.M. S/Sgt. Tait, M. S. T/M. Darling, R. W. Sgt. Stone, H. G. Sgt. Williamson, T. Cpl. Scott, D. Cpl. Whellans, M. Cpl. Woodward. R. T. L/Cpl. Syms, D. R.

Bdsm. Baker, C. H. Bdsm. Briggs, J.

. . . . . .

Buckley, B. Carmichael, J. A. W. Craghill, W. De La Haye, L Eaglesham, C. Fairbrother, R. G.

. Fisher, J.

Bdsm. Bdsm. Bdsm. Bdsm. Bdsm. Bdsm. Bdsm.

Meikle, J. A. Poole, A. M, Price, P. W. Storrie, J. Taylor, M. E. Thorne, W. Watts, A. D.

. Fry. M. S.

Bdsm. Whitworth, R. S.

. Jenkins, J. . King, C

Bdsm. \Vinders, S.

. King, G. . McKay, G.

Jun. Bdsm. Burgess, J. Jun. Bdsm. Panton, J. E.

Bdsm. Nixon. A.

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

“A” SQUADRON Major E. T. Greaves Capt. J. W. E. Hanmer Lt. D. M. Jacobs 2/Lt. P. T. Keightley 2/Lt. P. W. Snow

L/Cpl. Tapping, R. C.

2/Lt. A. E. Welton 2/Lt. R. B. Hadlee S.S.M. Bradley, J. D.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Ballantyne, P. W. Tpr. Barr, T. Tpr. Barwick, K.

S.Q.M.S. Brennan, D. Sgt. Acres, H. G. Sgt. Cummings, A. S. Sgt. Shone, E. Sgt. Titmarsh, C. Sgt. Woods, T.

Cpl. Bayne, D. Cpl. Burr, J. A. Cpl. Hewson, M.

“ B ” SQUADRON . Hunter, H. R.

Major P. D. Reid

L/Cpl. Taynton, G L/ Cpl. Wilkinson, F. L/Cpl. Wood, M. L.

. Hutton, R. . Ingram, G.

Lt. P. E. de M. Jarvis (Royal

Tpr.

. Kelly, J. . Lees, G. . Leitch, E.

. Johnson, A.

Canadian Dragoons) Lt. J. J. F. Scott 2/Lt. B. J. Lockhart 2/Lt. G. A. L. Pitt-Rivers

2/Lt. C. N. Hart

. Leslie, J. . Lessells, A. . Lewis, G.

S.S.M. Vowles, E. G. G. S.Q.M.S. Brown, J.

Tpr. Bate, J.

. Lloyd, N.

Tpr. Bonser, K. W. Tpr. Bown, R. A.

. Macmillan, R. A.

Sgt. Clarke, R. Sgt. Lynd, I.

. Maxted, K.

Sgt. Remfry, D.

Tpr. Bradley, S. F.

. McCafferty, W. G. . McGough, M.

Sgt. Routley, A. Sgt. Simpson, F. Cpl. Baker, J.

Tpr. Brown, G. C. P. Tpr. Bunting, K. Tpr. Cage, A.

Cpl. MacKinnon, R. H. . Owen, W . Page, D. B.

Tpr. Cass, G. W.

. Rochford, A. R. . Russell, W. . Seymour, D.

Tpr. Crewe, S. J.

. Michie, J. . Milland. B. L. . Mitchell, N. S.

Tpr. Coan, T.

. Morland, J. C.

Tpr. Cox, N.

. Murray, P. . Naylor, H.

Cpl. Brown, G. Cpl. Hatch, M. Cpl. Maclellan, J. Cpl. McCormick, W.

Cpl. Peirce. B.

L/Cpl. Barker, R. E. L/Cpl. Cartmell, J.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

L/Cpl. Chesson, T. J.

Tpr. Duffy, J.

. Rogers, J. E.

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

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

Tpr. Edmondson, R. M.

. Seligman, M.

L/Cpl. Dunn, T.

Tpr. Edmondson, J. B.

. . . .

L/Cpl. Flowers, R.

Corcoran, E. Cutting, R. C. Galliers, G. W. Hastie, P. Johnstone, W.

Tpr. Fairgrieve, W. Tpr. Franklin, A. Tpr. Hadley, B, J.

Tpr. Haig, A. Lidbetter, B, J.

L/Cpl. Louch, J. E.

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

Currier, T. J. Dale, A. Dix, M. W. Donhou, D. B.

Sgt. Baguley, E.

McGregor, A. Peach, D. H. Plumridge, T. J. Robertson, R. D, Rooke, G. I. Sargeant, M. A.

. Neale, R.E. . O’Shaughnessy, L. . Payne, R.

. Poskitt, G. F.

Shaw, Sheen, Smith, Steele,

K. L. J. B. B.

Tpr. Haigh, T. Tpr. Hanratty, D. D.

. Stillie, G. J. . Tatters, E, G. . Taylor, A.

Tpr. Hanson, E. Tpr. Harding, J. L.

. Thornton, J. B. . Turner, D. B.

Tpr. Harry, J. L.

. Vick, D. J.

Tpr. Hill, J. P. Tpr. Hilson, P. E. Tpr. Hines, R. K.

. . . .

Tpr. Hurle, M.

Tpr. Hughes, T.

Wathen, W. H. Whalley, V. H. Wiltshire, J. Williams, T. N.

. Wright, C. . Yates, T.

R.E.M.E. Cpl. Phelps, J.

. Collins, C. . Bridge, R.

L/Cpl. Buck, E.

. Neale, B.

S/Sgt. Sager

. Pearse, J.

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

Boakes, A. Botting. K. Butler, L. Couper, J. Dorman, K

Foster, G. Hay, I. Ilott, E. Jones, W.

L/Cpl. Marr, C. L/Cpl. Murtagh, M. L/Cpl. Norman, D. L/Cpl. Ross, C. L/Cpl. Stonehouse, T. L/Cpl. Townsend, D. Tpr. Abel, C. Tpr. Allen, D. Tpr. Andrews, J.

Tpr. Austin, D. Tpr. Barter, L. Tpr. Bell, P. Tpr. Bennett, J. Tpr. Best, K. Tpr. Betts, M.

Tpr. Bingham, K. Tpr. Bowen, M.

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. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Brown, T. Cameron, D. Cant, B. Carr, J.

Carrington, A. Cavanagh, P. Chaplin, C. Collett, A. Churm, R. Cleaver, B.

Crisp, B. Curtis, S. Dale, J.

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

Marden, C. Massey, B. Matthews, W. Maxwell, A. McConville, G.

McGill, W. McNulty, J. Meldrum, S. Melsome, D. Mowat, T.

. Naylor, G. . Neil, T. . Nixon, A.

Davies, B.

. Payne, D.

De La Hayc, H. Dimelow, A. Douglas, J. Drake, A. Eley, M. Eltham, F. Emery, C. Ferguson, A. Gale, J. Galvin, D. Glen, D. Gourlay, P. Gray, F. Grayson, B. Greenwood, B. Hackett, D. Haigh, B.

. Payne, J.

Halliwell, C. Hayward, R. Hewitt, P. Hill, F... 254

. . . . . . . .

Pears, Pemberton, J. Perry, P. Peters, A. Robins, P. Sanderson, R. Sargeant, A. Schoﬁeld, A.

. Small, L. . Smedley,T.

. Smith, G. . Smith, R. . . . . . .

Solomon, W. Swift, G. Thacker, M. Townsend, D. Thomas, L. Travis, P.

> . Villers, R. . Wade, B.

Hill, G., 412 Hill, M., 067

. Wainwright, B.

Honeybone, A. Howell—Jones, D. Ingram, T Johnson, H. Kingsley, S.

. Walsh, P. . Whattam, E.

Kinloch, D.

Wall G . Willis, P. . Wilson, F. . W'indridge, R. . Woods, S.

Law, J. Leighton, G. Lightfoot, R.

. Wright, W.

Lilly, P.

. Whyte, G.

. Wyatt, E.

. Whitﬁeld, J.

Livermore, K. Low, D

R.E.M.E. ROYAL SIGNALS S/Sgt. Morton, D. L/Cpl. Payne, J.

R.A.P.C. L/Cpl. Cox, 0.

L/Cpl. Lappage, J.

L/Cpl. Steel, W. Cfn. Beresford, C. R.A.P.C. L/Cpl. Banks, J.

. Donaldson, L.

. Shadbolt, P.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

OFFICERS and OTHER RANKS EXTRA - REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED

“C ” SQUADRON Capt. R. C. T. Sivewright, M.c. Capt. D. J. S. Wilkinson 2/Lt. P. W. F. Arkwright 2/Lt. D. A. G. Reid

2/Lt. D. R. Thompson 2/Lt. W. H. Yates

2/Lt. M. D. S. Clogg S.S.M. Fletcher, F. S.Q.M.S. Clark, J. S. Sgt. . Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Cpl.

Tpr. Barton, F. \V. Tpr. Benstead. R. W. Tpr. Biggs. JTpr. Biles. R. J. Tpr. Blair, D. C. Tpr. Blood, D. M. Tpr. Bolshaw, L. Tpr. Bonas, J. T. Tpr. Bowen, T. J. Tpr. Brett, S. Tpr. Card, C. R. Tpr. Cardwell, R. W. Tpr. Cardwell, D. Tpr. Cairney, H. Tpr. Coates, J. Tpr. Colley, A. W. Tpr. Cooke, R. Tpr. Cooper. R. C.

Tpr. Crawford, R.

: Millett, J. ' . Monument, J. D.

. Woodcock, G. F.

. Venables, A. L/Cpl. Alexander, K. T. L/Cpl. Barker, C.

L/Cpl. Clark, R. L/Cpl.

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

Tpr. Acton, G. R. Tpr. Armstrong, M.

Tpr. Ball, F. R.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Crossling, M. P. J.

Culbertson, D. H. A. T. David, P. F. De La Haye, E. J. De La Haye, G. J.

Tpr. Duncan, J. Tpr. Eardley, F. Tpr. Field, B. G. Tpr. Fordham, P. Tpr. Gale, K. D. Tpr. Gray, K. S. Tpr. Goodwin, E. T. Tpr. Hall, J. R. Tpr. Hancock, J. W. Tpr. Hands, R. C. L. Tpr. Hawkes, R. Tpr. Hogg, D. C. Tpr. Horrocks, J. Tpr. Holmes, A. Tpr. Hounsome, R. Tpr. Hutton, G. Tpr. Jackson, D. Tpr. Johnstone, R. L. Tpr. Knights, E. J. Tpr. Legg, E Tpr. Leach, J.

R.E.M.E. S/Sg‘t. Dawes, F. E. L/Cpl. Thurgood, L. H. Cfn. Berry, R. J.

. Cooper, F. . Morrison, R. . Brooke, D. D.

THE WAR OFFICE

Tpr. Lincoln, G. F. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Marlow, E. A. Nlarsh, A. T. Matthews, J. A. Mayer, D. S.

Maior J. C. Parkhouse

Maior N. W. Reed-Felstead

Martin, R. M. IVlCLaren, J. K. McPherson, H. F. Milligan, C.

W.O.I Rapkin, R. Cpl. Dunlop, D. J. L/Cpl. Brown, A. D. L/Cpl. Brannan, J. A.

L/Cpl. Owen, B. Tpr. Beggs, J. Tpr. Buckingham, D. J. Tpr. Escott, A. F.

Mitchell, B.

L/Cpl. Hilton, G. D.

Tpr. Fenton, W.

HQ. 7 ARMD. DIV.

Lt. (Q.M.) B. W. Crockett

Oldﬁeld, L. G. Oswell, C.

H.Q., 4 INFANTRY DIVISION

Palmer, S. E. Park, J. E.

Tpr. Excell, D. H. J.

Pettigrew, W. M. Pickering, F. E.

STAFF COLLEGE, CAMBERLEY

Perry, P. M.

Tpr. Quinn, H. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. .

. Manning, B. M. Nagle, R. . Travis, A.

HQ. 6 ARMD. DIV.

Tpr. f Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

. Gordon, P. _

Maior B. J. Hodgson

Capt. J. B. Evans

Raither. A. J.

Reynolds, G. A.

R.M.A., SANDI-IURST

Saunter, R. Capt. W. R. Wilson Fitzgerald

Sibley, D. W. Sims, G. E. Skellern, D. Squair, M. F. P.

MONS O.C.S. Major K. F. Timbrell, M.C. L/Cpl. Pemblington, E. R.

Stevens, A. Smith, R. Skett. J. W. Taylor, B. E.

II H.

Thomson, J. Wakeﬁeld, M. W.

Cpl. Dawson, C.

Walford, K. J.

Cpl. Hayes, B. W. G.

Walhead, R. White, P. H. Woodhouse, A. Wootton, B. Williams, G. \Wayman, A. M.

H.Q. HIGHLAND DISTRICT Capt. C. E. W. Ferrand

H.Q. LOWLAND DISTRICT Major A. Graham, M.C.

FIFE AND FORFAR YEOMANRY/SCOTTISH HORSE Major D. N. Macdonald, M.C. Cpl. Price, P. H. Tpr. Rutter, G. W.O.II Finch, T. P. W.O.II Joyce, E. H. Sgt. Blackallar, H.

Cpl. Underwood, K. L/Cpl. Baillie, T. L/Cpl. Jones, F. T.

Sgt. Sarll, R.

Tpr. Carr, H.

Cpl. Best, A. R. A.

Tpr. Lawton, J.

Capt. D‘Smith, S. A. L. Boyd .S/Sgt.

S/Sgt. Taylor, L. Sgt. Warren, R

R.A.P.C.

Tpr. Sanders, J. Tpr. Webb, J. Tpr. Godsell, E. T.

R.A.C. CENTRE

. Aldham, D.

ROYAL CANADIAN DRAGOONS Capt. S. E. M. Bradish—Ellames

JESUS COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE Lt. A. B. T. Davey

Tpr. Hearn, N.

Cpl. Cocksedge, F.

R.A.P.C. DEPOT Lt. L. R. Burnside

THE GLIDER PILOT REGIMENT Capt. O. J. Lewis 51 LOR. INF. BDE. Sgt. Wickenden, P. R. ROYAL AUSTRALIAN Lt. W. S. H. Boucher

va /"VV'\/WVWQW .‘VV‘V'VW WWW W‘ -_T/“'V'~

3 THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

3E:-

ARMY

EAST AFRICA Major C. E. Winstanley

ADEN PROTECTORATE LEVIES Tpr. Underwood, J. Sgt. Paul, J. A.

Sgt. Tillott, S. D. Sgt. Whitbread, F.

FEDERATION MALAYAN ARMOURED CAR REGIMENT S.Q.M.S. Watcrski, W. L. ARMY APPRENTICES’ SCHOOL, CHEPSTOW Cpl. Farrant, R. J.

BANKERS’ ORDER To : The Manager, .................................... Bank .................................... Branch

........................... 1957. Please pay to The Eagle Fund, The Royal Dragoons, c/o Lloyds Bank Ltd., Cox’s and King’s Branch, Gds. and Cavalry Section, 6, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, the sum £0 ( .................. shillings) on Ist January, 1958, and annually thereafter on the same date.

125.

0d.

............................................. (Signature)

Name in Block Capitals ............................................................................................. Address

32'

Tpr. Lister, N. FIELD RECORDS Cpl. Lock, H.

i i 3 3 S

RIDING BOOTS

3. g

BANKERS’ ORDER To: The Manager, .................................... Bank

(1 Good stocks of riding boots in best quality black waxed calf or brown leather.

<3 3'

........................... 1957.

MOSS BROS

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF STANDING ORDER Please alter my existing order whereby I pay ,5 to The Eagle Fund, The Royal Dragoons, c/o Lloyds Bank Ltd. Cox’s and King’s Branch, Gds and Cavalry Section, 6,Pall ~ Mall London, S. W I on ........................ (date) and annually, to a payment of ,5 on the same date and annually.

OF COVENT GARDEN W.C.2

............................................. (Signature)

Nearest Station Leicester Square Temple Bar 4477

Name in Block Capitals ............................................................................................. Address

2; i

ENT PAGES. EHALL 2504.

To the task of Supplying cakes and confectionery to Her Majesty‘s Forces Naafi brings a high degree of skill and experience. This is well exemplified by the number of modern bakeries Naati maintains at home and overseas. Now numbering nearly forty, these bakeries have an average annual output 01' 112,000,000 small pastries; 1,250,000 Swiss and chocolate rolls; 1,ooo,ooolbs, of slab cake; 19,750,000 sausage rolls; 12,500,000 meat pies and 43,000,000 bread rolls. Typicalotthese bakeries isthe newest addition at Cirencester, planned for top speed efliciency in both c‘eanliness and production. Typical too of this modern Naafi is the high—class printing ofChristmas cards. Forthis purpose Naal‘i‘s Printing Branch has one 01 the most comprehensive collections of Service and Regimental Crests, dies and ribbons, employed in the printing of over a million cards a year. From Cakes to Christmas Cards but two 01' the varied activities of. ..

Io Christmas Cards

The official canteen organisation for H.M. Forces. Imperial Court, Kennington, London, S.E.l|.

SUPPLEMENT No, 2—PAGE THREE

’ \ ﬂNK‘MH—

TryBURMA SAUCE Every drop is ofv'full flavour '

f” —

Ii 6655‘ Him 10 HoRNBY TRAINS w :NIQ HORNBy-DUBLO __ __\ i]

MINERAL WATERS LEMON SQUASH, &c. HY

N.A.A.F.l.

Worcester Sauce

CANTEENS

InnmummmmmuuInnmmlunmmnum

SOLD

Ask forWhite- Cottell's

Meltonian SHOE CREAMS and WHITE DRESSINGS

“""}z‘2}r‘;‘;}};;;}}¥LZIQA,“§‘;;L‘.-’z”ayi‘ggt‘;‘§“‘"""" ' I ugh! s

COAL TAR SOAP IDEAL FOR TollzT BATH AND NURSERY

swans WE HELP TO FEED THE NATION

cRISPS

are good to eat!

ON I Q”? Q»,

‘----------"

INE FIRMS suppom sums: E J\o_unNALs '

‘--—---------.

s/\

You’ll love delicious

P.K. Chewing Gum ~the tasty chewing aids digestion, soothes your nerves, and is a treat between meals.

cooom cmsw and 6001) FOR YOU!

ma SAUCE THAT DOES you GOOD ~---

-----

--(E110/7)--------------"

BROWN & KNIGHT, LTD.

Huntleg & Palmers

Ham Specialists 9a Lower Marsh LAMBETH, S.E.1

I/1k or?”

Me ﬂat name you {II

(hie, 44pm

Biscuits NUNTLEYEPALHERS LID

READING

AND CO. LTD

MARINE & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS

ENGLAND GATESHEAD 8.

BULPITT

SONS,

summer-{Ari

LTD.,

ELECTRICAL

HALL 51 EARL LTD.

ENGLAND.

WABRANU ALUMINIUM

CO. DURHAM

HOLLOWARE APPLIANCES

‘Puritex’ Mills, Tudor Road, LEICESTER ManufacIurers of Underwear in Wool, CoIIon, ArI. Silk, etc. Branded “Puritex” 'Gmms: “HANDEL” 'Phone:13105'6'7

THOSE wno COMMAiD money with all

DEMAND...

For Your Enjoyment

You get more for your

PARK DRIVE CIGARETTES

Fon V‘E‘Sun‘

Callard 6: Bowser's

QUEEN ANNE

.r" \

CeIebraIed "ThIsIIe Brand"

Scale/a Wﬁés/cy BUTTER-SCOTCH INSTANT COFFEE - loo '4

Famous since 183 7

TULL THOMSON <2," CO. LTD. Edinburgh SUPPLEMENT No. 2—PAGE FOUR

U] “‘3; II\

PURE

.‘mu m 4H m

ESTABLISHED :19: SUPPLEMENT No. I—PAGE THREE

IN"; \.

THANK

GOODNESS

“@0450“!

' k0 a n I

The Walsall ElectricalCo., Ltd.

I n

61 BRIDGE ST., WALSALI.

.CIGARSMILD HAVANA FLAVOUR

' ‘ E | ec 1 rlcal Measuring Instruments Switchboards, Switchgear

V RAGLAN

R E G A L

Ti H. BIRKETT, BILLINGTON & NEWTON LTD.

.~ ‘m ..

mm a Lemon STOKE-ON-TR ENT

1; stint???

Specualising in

CHOCOLATES

F R U l T

mm D R O P S

NON-FERROUS CASTINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION

/ . . . FOR A PERFECT GIN AND TONIC ;\

Undoubtedly the coolest, cleanest drink

{x \\

in the world with a subtle ﬂavour of its very own. 3

‘ ”a ‘ ‘9‘”8g? csuunut‘“ p

”566%.?“

.......o

Best results are eas1ly obtained by s1mply mixing Gordon’s and tonic water in a

goodish sized glass, add a thin slice of 1'

lemon and relax . . . Then you’ll have proved to yourself that there’s nothing, absolutely nothing, good as a Gordon’s* Gin and Tonic. *ASK FOR IT BY NAME'

'9;

Gordon’s

.3674,»on 5-—

54— ‘

MmdU/WWW SUPPLEMENT No, l—PAGE FOUR

c] tradition WWW wﬂty/m

Mrs.

-\ 4K_

WHITE

L'alaur Specialist TO THE

Royal Dragoons * TIES, SQUARES,

HAND

KNITTED SWEATERS, Etc.

' *

8, Burlington Gardens LONDON, WI. 3 A C C 0 N E 8: k S P E E D LTD 52 SAL‘liVllLE ST. LUNDUN. \V.l. £577 53 TRADING maouououi VZE worm Telephone: REGent 206i) :3:

Established over a century TEL. REG. 0582

(hie hundred years . . . We, too, have a ﬁne tradition of service behind us. ample testimony of which is provided by our steady expansion during the century and an ever-growing number of service publications coming from our presses.

A special department is always

the

command of Service Editors to assist in the production of their Journals.

F. J. PARSﬂNS-LTD LENNOX HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, W.C.2

Temple Bar 659I

Works: OBSERVER BUILDINGS, HASTINGS

Hastings | |57

Produced for the Editor. “The Eagle,” The Journal of the Royal Dragoons, by Combined Service Publications, Ltd., 6768, Jermyn Street, St. Iames’s, London, S.W.1. Printed in Great Britain by F. J. Parsons, Ltd., Lennox House, Norfolk Street, London, \V.C.2., and Hastings and Folkestone. Advertisement Agents: Service Newspapers, Ltd., 67-68, Jermyn Street, S.W.i. (Phone: Whitehall ﬂour