The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association
Ezine 15 December 2010
Ezine Page Summary Title 1.
. Foreword . Events Dec - Feb
2.
. Ops In Afghanistan
3.
. Chance Meeting . Rifles in Salisbury
4.
. Pension Cuts . Miner to Major . John Cohen and C4C
5.
. Australian Branch . North East Branch
6.
. Membership RGJRA
7.
. Wiltshire Branch . The Laughing Soldier
8.
. Crime Prevention . Suppoting C4C
9.
. The Rifles C4C
10
. RGJ Mugs on Sale . Rifles PO Parades . 3 Rifles Print on Sale . Rifles OP`s Forecast
11.
12.
14.
15.
Welcome to this the sixth edition of the RGJRA Ezine. Hopefully, you will find something of interest waiting for you within these pages. Members of the Association continued to support the various military charities with the bulk of their efforts being directed towards events for the regimental families own `Care 4 Casualties` appeal and rightly so! I think most people would agree that with so many worthy causes to choose from we are approaching satura-
December
. Editors Notes
Thursday Friday 25th
. Freedom Parades . Over the Hills . Mins and Accts
north east. I am still waiting on a number of as yet unforefilled promises from some branches I still need good quality photographs of branch activities for inclusion in the collage that is to become this years front cover for the Swift and Bold Journal. It would be ideal to have at least one photograph from each branch included. Best wishes to all for Christmas and the New Year The Editor RGJRA Publications
Ken Ambrose
Event
Contact/Venue
The Rifles Officers London Club Christmas Lunch Davies St, London Office King’s Royal Rifle Corps Regimental Birthday
January Friday 1st Sunday 16th
Royal Green Jackets Regimental Birthday Anniversary of Sir John Moore`s death
St Pauls Chd Evensong Wreath
February
. Rfn Paul Jacobs (GM) . Richmond Golf Club . Riks RGJ Xmas Cards
Sunday 1st 7th - 13th
. Obituary Sept-Dec . The RGJ Museum Shop . Match the Faces . Arlewas Arboretum
Thurs 24th
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tion point in regard to the number of charities we are being asked to support. However, it is good to see that for the most part, from within the Association, Care 4 Casualties is the charity that is now most often supported. The search for good quality photographs of Association events that have occured in the last year continues. To date I have only received a half dozen responses from those pleas and those are concentrated around the Winchester reunion, 11 Light Brigade and The Rifles freedom parades in the
Forecast Of Events Dec 2010 - Feb 2011
. North West Branch
. What happened to..? 13.
FOREWORD
Date
. The RGJ Museum . Talk - NATO Afghan
Volume 2 Issue 3
The 4th Anniversary of the RGJ End Ex will be held on Saturday March 19th 2011 from 7pm at The Railway Tavern, Stratford, London, E15 1DB. Book your bed early by calling 020 8534 3123 or email the railwaytavern@btconnect.com Current distribution for this issue is to 3154 of 5770 users.
. Book - Jack Heron
. Midlands Branch
NEWSLETTER
13th - 18th
4th Anniversary of Rifles Formation
Regimental Support Week, Rifles Band The Rifles Bugle Concentration
Military School of Music
King’s Royal Rifle Corps /F-Coy 7 Rifles Annual Concert by “The Band and Bugles of the Rifles” Commencing at 1900hrs sharp, tickets £12-50 each from Hon Secretary,
52/56 Davies Street, London W1K 5HR, e-mail krrcassn@hotmail.com London Office, 0207 4914935
OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN: Why oUR sTRATEGY? Britain’s own security is at risk if we again allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists.
The aim of the international community is to prevent Afghanistan being a terrorist sanctuary again. With our international partners the UK intends to achieve this by supporting the development of a stable country able to take its place within the international community. After the decades of conflict the country has suffered, this is a huge task. UK /International strategy Success in the mission requires three parallel strands: Afghan Security Forces capable of keeping the Taliban from regaining control; credible governance at national and local level to give the Afghan people confidence in their democratically elected government; and, economic development that gives Afghans a stake in their own future. Troop uplifts announced at the beginning of December 2009 by the US President, UK Prime Minister and over 30 contributing nations providing additional resources sought by General McChrystal in his Strategic Assessment demonstrate the collective international resolve to succeed in this campaign. There is a clear, realistic, and achievable strategy to bring about success in this mission, and a properly resourced campaign plan to deliver it. Enabling transition At the heart of the strategy is a process of transi-
tion from the international community and ISAF to the Government of Afghanistan, with the continuing engagement and support of the international community. That transition has three phases: • Gaining the initiative. To capitalise upon ISAF troop increases to seize the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum. • Consolidation. Working with the Afghan National Security Forces, to hold the gains won in the near-term, ensuring that the Taliban cannot return. • Sustained security. In the longer term, to enable the phased handover to the Afghans of security responsibility by supporting the growth and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces through closer integration and partnering; and by facilitating improvements in governance and socioeconomic development, in order to provide a sustainable, secure environment. The pace of the transition will be determined by conditions on the ground. Central to transition is building and strengthening the Afghan Army, the Afghan Police and the Afghan justice system. ISAF is addressing the threat of violent extremism and, increasingly, training and mentoring the Afghan Army and Police so that they can do this themselves. To enable transition, ISAF is working in support of the Afghan Government to implement a counter-insurgency (COIN) strategy which
incorporates the lessons of past conflicts. Its key features are: • protecting the population • providing sufficient security for Afghan governance to take hold, particularly in the provinces. That includes arrangements for delivering basic services and administering justice • building and training indigenous forces • reintegrating into society insurgents who are prepared to renounce violence. All these features aim to give the Afghan people confidence that the Taliban will not return to power and that they can plan on a better future. The role of ISAF will change as the transition proceeds; as we move from one phase to another, the balance of activity between ISAF and the Afghan security forces will alter: • Afghan forces will take on responsibility for the security of more and more of the country, on a district-bydistrict basis. They already have the lead for security in Kabul. In Helmand, we hope that the process of handing over security responsibility for the first districts to Afghan forces will begin in 2011 • ISAF will increasingly operate in support of Afghan forces, with ISAF units partnering Afghan ones • As this proceeds, we will see a gradual shift in emphasis within ISAF from combat roles to support roles (such as surveillance, logistics) – for the growing and
Security and Strategy
increasingly capable Afghan forces. The timing and sequence of transition will depend on conditions and progress. This is a process of transition, not a rigid timetable. But it is important to establish momentum and for the Afghans to take the lead for their own security. It is entirely conceivable that the conditions will be right by the second half of 2011 to allow Afghan forces increasingly to take responsibility for security across Afghanistan and for ISAF forces to begin to draw down in some areas. If progress continues at that rate, we would expect Afghan forces to take responsibility for the security of most, if not all, of Afghanistan by around 2014. We do everything we can to support our Armed Forces as they risk their lives for our country. We have increased the number of helicopters and crews so they can fly for longer and the first Merlin helicopters are operational, a month ahead of schedule. We have spent over £1bn on over 1,000 protected vehicles and the end of the year will see a doubling in the total number of Mastiff mineprotected vehicles since August. Ridgback armoured vehicle numbers will have increased by 75 per cent. Page 2
Former Green Jacket meets long lost sister after 50 years A brother and sister separated by the horrors of war have been reunited in a chance encounter - almost 50 years later. Rodger Mason, 68, had not had any contact with his younger sister Joan since he went off to fight for the BritRodger Mason and his newly ish army in Malaya in 1962. found sister Joan So he was stunned when she tapped him on the shoulder at a war medals presentation and asked: ‘Excuse me, are you Rodger Mason?’ It’s a small world: the pair discovered they have been living just up the road from one another for years Rodger, from Southsea, Hants, said: ‘I couldn’t believe she’d recognised me after all these years. It took me 30 seconds or so then I knew it was her.’ The chance meeting happened at the Royal Maritime Club Rodger in 1962 serving with in Portsmouth, Hants. 1st Green Jackets, (43rd & 52nd) Five hundred veterans were
awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal for helping to defeat Communist insurgents and the Indonesian army in the far eastern country. Rodger Mason had not had any contact with his younger sister Joan since 1962. Joan was there to see her husband Trevor Wright honoured for his service aboard HMS Lincoln. She said: ‘I saw Rodger from across the room and I knew straight away that it was him. ‘I have a photo of my dad and he looks just like him. What are the odds that we’d both be here? ‘It’s incredible to see him after all this time.’ The siblings, who have different mothers but share the same father, were separated when their parents parted ways in the late 1940s.
Rodger said: ‘I must have been about six at the time and Joan was a baby. They didn’t keep families together in those days.’ Rodger was raised in care and joined the First Battalion Green Jackets as a teenager. Until 1962, he would often go and stay with Joan’s family between his overseas deployments. ‘We used to call Joan “Smoky” because on the day she was born our house caught fire. ‘So when she introduced herself I said “Hello Smoky”. I’m absolutely shocked to be honest. ‘I can’t believe she recognised me after all these years.’ The long-lost relatives swapped phone numbers and now plan to keep in touch and meet regularly.
4th and 7th Rifles receive freedom of salisbury
4th Battalion The Rifles at the double march in Salisbury
On 24th November thousands of well-wishers lined the streets of Salisbury to applaud and cheer soldiers from The Rifles Regiment as they took part in a freedom parade through the city. Nearly 200 soldiers from 4th Battalion The Rifles, a mechanised infantry regiment based in Bulford, and Page 3
7th Battalion The Rifles, a Territorial Army detachment based in Swindon, marched through the city accompanied by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles and members of the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force. The Duchess of Cornwall, who is the Royal Colonel of 4 Rifles, and the Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Brian Dalton, inspected the troops as they formed up on parade in Salisbury Cathedral Close and took the salute by the city’s Guildhall during the march. On presenting the Freedom Scroll to Lt Gen Sir Nick Park-
er, Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, the Mayor said: “It gives the citizens of Salisbury great pride to see The Rifles on parade today and I know it is their wish that I should extend to each and every one of you their very best wishes on this great occasion in the hope that The Rifles will go from strength to strength, adding to their honours and occupying with distinction their proud place in their service to the Queen and country.” It is estimated that some 8,000 people had turned out to see the troops, the CO of 4 Rifles, Lt Col Nick
Thornton, said: “It was very humbling to see the thousands of people who were prepared to take time out of their busy day to stand and line the route while we marched past and show their huge support.” The Rifles, through its antecedent regiments, has recruited infantry soldiers from the city of Salisbury for generations. The freedom of the city was extended to The Rifles because it had also been granted to other units which finally contributed to the formation of The Rifles regiment in February 2007.
FORCES PENSIONS REDUCED IN gOVERNMENT CUTS David Cameron has been urged to prove his support for the military is more than “hollow words” by protecting them from the coalition’s pension cuts. The Forces Pension Society said widows and injured soldiers face losing hundreds of thousands of pounds, and called on the Prime Minister to intervene. The row follows the announcement in the coalition’s first Budget that all public sector pensions increases will be linked to the consumer price index (CPI) rather than the historically more generous retail price index (RPI). The society calculates that the change, which affects forces pensions and annual
Guaranteed Income Payments, mean a 34-year-old wife of a staff sergeant killed in Afghanistan, for example, would be almost £750,000 worse off over the course of her lifetime. A corporal who loses both legs in a bomb blast would miss out on about £500,000 in pension and benefit-related payments. In a letter to The Times, society chairman Vice-Admiral Sir Michael Moore wrote: “It is so easy for Mr Cameron to extol the forces at every opportunity and he will probably do so on Remembrance Sunday, but his words have a hollow ring unless he addresses these issues personally. “His ministers do not under-
stand, show no inclination of wanting to do so and appear to be rendered impotent and mesmerised by the Treasury.” Sir Michael said he had written to Mr Cameron a month ago to highlight the matter but had received no response. But defence minister Andrew Robathan said it is not possible to make the military a special case. “Given the economic wreckage left behind by Labour, tough decisions have had to be made to deal with the fiscal challenges the country is facing,” he told The Times. “This impact is being felt across all public sector pension schemes.”
New Book “From Miner to Major” by Major (retd) Peter Lawless Peter Lawless, formerly an officer in the RGJ, has spent his life serving his country. In From Miner To Major he tells the story of his 44 years in the military. From National Service to the regulars and into The Rifles, in this intriguing memoir. To order your copy please click HERE
Walking Wainwright in support of THE RIFLES care 4 casualties John Cohen, who served in the 4th (Vol) Bn The Royal Green Jackets 1966-1977,isfollowingAlfredWainwright’s 192 mile Coast-to-Coast walk to raise money for the Care for Casualties campaign. You could say heisdoingtheC2CforC4C. I’m walking the route in two stages, and completed the eastern part (85 miles) in 5 days in October. I’ll do the western part (107 miles) next Spring. My goal is to raise £400, and I’ve reached£260sofar,soI’mhopingfor more! I set out on 18 October on a bright day from the village of Reeth in the Yorkshire Dales carrying a rucksack with my essentials for the week, and reached Robin Hoods Bay on the North Sea coast in driving rain. The 85 mile route took me through the winding valley of the river Swale in the Yorkshire Dales, the picturesque Georgian town of Richmond, across the great flat farmland area of the
Vale of Mowbray, and along the exhilarating switchback of the Cleveland escarpment. The wild remoteness of the North Yorkshire moors and the evidence of its industrial past was unforgettable. The Wain Stones tower dramatically above the ridgeline. Centuries old stone markers lined the heather upland route, and with ancient crosses they give the place a specialatmosphere. Leaving Urra Moor, I followed the trackofanoldrailwaybuiltbytheVictorianstoextractoresfromthemoor, and across Danby and Glaisdale Moors into Glaisdale and Grosmont. The route follows the river Esk which I crossed twice on stepping stones, and a third time through a ford. Consisting of random angular and very slippery stones jutting up just clear of the fast flowing river, the ford was the biggest technical challenge of the week. I was thankful I had brought
a walking pole with me for the first time as without it I would have certainlygotwetfeet. The Esk Valley and Sleights and Low Moors dominated the last section of the route before it reached theNorthSea,andfollowedthecoast path for 4 miles to Robin Hoods Bay. The cliff top views were impressive in spite of the driving rain. As I sat down John Cohen who has alwith a pint in the warmth of Wain- ready completed half the wright’s bar in the Bay Hotel I silently the 192 mile distance of his charity walk thanked AW for the enjoyment and challenge of the week, and thought of those who put themselves on the S U P P O R T I N G line day after day in Afghanistan, and now need our help. I can’t wait to do THE RIFLES `CARE therest. FOR CASUALTIES` Please go to my justgiving page below CAMPAIGN andmakeadonation,orcallme. Many thanks. www.justgiving.com/johncohen. email johncohen@tiscali. co.uk. Mob 07766313047.
John Cohen Page 4
australian Branch news from chris mcdonald - camp bastion
THE REGIMENTAL SHOP OF THE RIFLES We can Provide RGJRA Members with OBLI/KRRC/RB/RGJ Cap Badges, Cufflinks, Tie Slides, Lapel Pins, Ties, Umbrellas, Rifle Green Berets, RGJ Hat Ribbon, RGJ Plaques, Blazers, Book ‘Swift & Bold’ View & order online at: www.riflesdirect.com or telephone 0845 6434584.
No, it‘s not a case of writers block!, I have been incapacitated in that I had to have surgery on my back, and was unable to do very much, then found myself in Camp Bastion Afghanistan with limited internet. Despite that, may I assure you that the Branch is very much still alive and kicking. Perth members met up for Re-membrance Day (7th November) this year, which I was able to attend before flying back to Afghanistan where I was present on the remembrance day ceremony on November 14th at Camp Bastion, Prince William was also in attendance but he is not a Branch member yet. We have been joined by a few new ex Green Jackets recently, namely, John Robins 1 RGJ, (living in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)) David Evans 3 & 2 RGJ & 4 Rifles (Living in Queensland), Alan Sy-mons
2 RGJ (living in Victoria) and Dean Sheerin 3 & 2 RGJ now living in New Zealand. This means we now have our first member that has served with the new Rifles Regiment, I knew it wouldn‘t take long! Branch membership now stands at 48 in Australia and NZ with 19 affiliated members in the UK. Recently I opened a Branch page on Facebook, seeing as the whole world and his dog now lives on the internet, this is a great tool to find old friends and within days of opening the page there were 478 people added all ex RGJ. In theory (kind of) that makes the Australian Branch of the Association almost up to a full Battalion strength!! In any case if you look for the RGJ Assoc Australasian Branch on Facebook, you may find some people you served with, some of which are in Australia, and obviously the chat function on Facebook allows you
The North East Branch has been extremely busy during the course of this year, having two official meetings and nine events in ten months. These events covered The Rifles Freedom Marchesthroughouttheregion,culminatinginthebiggestturnoutinSunderland and a Civic reception attended by theBranchheldattheStadiumofLight (modesty prevents me from saying whoreconnoitredthebarfirst). On the 11th September, a small contingent from the North East Branch attended the Northern Ireland Veteran`s DayparadeattheArboretuminStaffordshiretolayawreathonbehalfoftheRGJ Association. MidSeptemberarrivedandonthe17th acharityfunctionwasheldatalocalbar called “The Shack” in Boldon, Tyne and Wear. This evening was a huge success
and the Branch managed to raise a staggering £12,366.69 for “Help the Heroes” charity. Well done to all that attended and made the evening such a success. A personal letter of thanks and a Certificate for Fundraising Achievement was received from Bryn Parry, the Co-founder of Help for HeroesandaformerRifleman. JustpriortoRemembranceweekend, HRH the Duke of Kent arrived in Sunderland to officially lay the wreath of remembrance in the Minster. He was met by a small group of Rfn and chatted with them after the official church parade Our next major event of the year was the Remembrance Eve function. Held on the Saturday 13th November, where a further marvellous sum of money was raised for the “Rifles
to have a chat with one of your old mates. Just be careful what info you share on a social network. After 10 years of trying every available option to find a working bugle for the Branch ceremonial occasions, so that one of our ex Buglers could blow it and create RGJ type noises, Keith Kneller one of our New South Wales members recently emigrated to Australia and has donated a Bugle which I have just taken delivery of. Just like a number 11 bus that you may have waited for at the top of Shooters Hill in Woolwich, two have turned up in rapid succession, as our UK assistant secretary Ron Frampton also located a Bugle with the kind assistance of Steve Flavin complete with Cords which is currently in the mail to me. So after many years of fruitless searching, we now have two bugles!
Chris Mcdonald
North East Branch news from Malcolm Donnison
The North East Branch on parade , Remembrance Sunday 14 November 2010
The North East branch group with their President Brigadier Nick Prideaux
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Care 4 Casualties” charity, totalling £2,346.63p. The following morning, led by Brigadier Nick Prideaux, we paraded from SunderlandCivicCentretotheCenotaph for the Remembrance Service led by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles. Numbering 75 on parade, our numbers were increased by a group of Rfn from the Midlands branch who weweredelightedtowelcome. After a very successful, sombre, parade, we all retired to the Pulman Lodgeforameal,afewbeersandlots of lamp swinging andAsbachtasting. Many stories were swapped and it was a fitting end to a really successful weekend. Christmas best wishes to all.
M Donnison
Key Personnel Maj Gen Jamie Balfour CBE Lt Col John Poole-Warren Ken Ambrose Kevin Stevens Lt Col Jan-Dirk von Merveldt Mike Marr
President Chairman Database Manager Website Manager Membership Officers Membership Rank and File
Benefits of joining the association The RGJ Association was conceived when the three regiments of the Green Jackets Brigade fully integrated in January 1966 to become the Royal Green Jackets. The idea was to provide serving and particularly ex members of the RGJ with a point of contact to which they could always return no matter how long after they had ceased to serve with the regiment. The basic rules of membership were laid down but left scope for future development in regard to membership fees and finance. In the beginning and up until 1st February 2007 the cost of running the Association was borne by the support it received from the Rifle Depot and the one day pay scheme but after the merger of the former regiments, now known as The Rifles in 2007, it became necessary for the RGJR Association to become financially self supporting. To do this it was decided to introduce a subscription fee of £10.00 PA or alternatively a £100 life membership. Officers now pay this subscription through their Officer Club fees. Click HERE. So what is gained by being a fully paid up member of the Association?
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Full members only pay a £5 entrance fee to both the annual Winchester and Oxford reunions. Those who are not full members pay an entrance fee of £10. Full access to the regimental database. Guests may view the database upon registration but they cannot view or access email, address and telephone numbers of other registered members which currently number over 5750. Full members who are connected to the internet are entitled to a personalised email address upon application to the Database Manager. Full members will receive by normal post a hardcopy of the annual RGJR Association Journal, Swift and Bold, full colour magazine. Full members receive free entry to the regimental museum over the reunion weekend in Winchester and half price entry the remainder of the year upon production of a valid membership card. Full members are able to buy “Swift and Bold— A portrait of the Royal Green Jackets 1966—2007 for £16.50 (normal price £35.00) from the regimental museum upon production of a valid membership card or by post plus P & P. Full members only are supplied with the Association Minutes and Accounts within their copy of the email delivered quarterly Ezine (electronic magazine). Officers also receive a copy of the annual Rifles Journal.
To join the association either use the attached application form HERE or join on line by entering the following address in your web browser and following the instructions therein. http://www.royalgreenjackets.co.uk Jamie Balfour President The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association
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tHE WILTSHIRE BRANCH had a very successful Sunday Wiltshire Events We lunch and skittles match with 4
Members of the Wiltshire Branch at their Skittles match with the RGBW Warminster Branch Members
Wiltshire Branch member on the occasion of their Summer Bar-B-Q hosted by Lee and Gwyneth Massey
members and their wives of The RGBW, Warminster Branch, led by their Chairman Arthur McKeghnie who at one time was stationed in Knook camp. The event was held in the Masons Arms Warminster, this being two firsts, one being our first timeusingtheMasons,andsecondly ourfirstfunctionwiththeRGBW,and hopefully not our last, although they area generation beforeus their powers of enjoying themselves has not diminished. We all enjoyed a very good lunch, skittles and raffle, we even let them win a prize or two, this could have been a mistake as they wentonandbeatusatskittles! The event ran from 12:00, with the Guests along with Brian and Blanche departingatabout4pm,thefunction room at the pub was in full swing at this time, With Phil, Val, Dave, Bill, Lee and Gwyneth and others still at the bar, with thanks to Phil and Val for onceagainlayingonaverysuccessful event. “Summer time and the living is easy.”
Sothesonggoesbutinreallifeitisanything but especially when you have to prepare for the Wiltshire Branch summer BBQ. The theme this year was “pyjama party” hosted by Lee and Gwyneth Massey and the garden turned into a huge bedroom with lettered blocks, big balls and a giant game of skittles. Not forgetting Colossus the biggest bear, this was a kid’stoy? All that attended let their imaginations run riot, again, with their costumes all brilliant. Baby grows were popular with Phil and Val Ashby as well as Gwyneth dummies and rattles and non spill cups full of punch or wine completed their costumes. Leslie McCoy dressed as the tooth fairy enjoyed the home made punch and Alan McCoy was dressed as a nightmare we think. Owen Davies and his partner Petrova were ok as they hadjustgotup,Imyself(LeeMassey) was the Sandman and threw glitter everywhere, better than sand. Gary Byrne dressed in tight lycra trunks and sporting a lot of bling and fake tan would have to be careful he did
not strangle himself. His good wife Chris dressed as a footballers dream. Ohtobeafootballerandwhyshould they have all the fun? Kev Chambers and his partner Elfie dressed for the occasion. Kev left his camel at home thankfully. Our guests all dressed up, Pat, Gwyneth’s sister wore a smart set of jimjams and brandished a brass candle stick. Dave Richards wore the biggest nappy we have ever seen. Was he a big baby or something else as he later donned a nightie.? Bill, Elaine and Ronan Tysongotstuckinaswell.Theweather was great, the food was great, the drink plentiful but the company was brilliant. Stilltocomethisyear... 24th December will find us together again for Christmas drinks, as if we neededtheexcuse. Best wishes to all for Christmas and NewYear.
Lee Massey
CHARITY JOKEBOOK TO GIVE TROOPS A BOOST
Mark Adams of Teal Photography goes out of his way to support the Association by supplying the London branch with excellent pictures of all its events. He has also been responsible for helping with our publications. The front cover picture on last years Journal came from Mark. If you need a pro photographer contact Mark. Tel:0208 786 8880, Mob:07973 293795, Email: info@tealphoto.co.uk, www.tealphoto.co.uk
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A new and unique joke book is being launched this month aimed at giving troops serving overseas a welcome morale boost by sharing jokes and messages of support from politicians, comedians and the GREAT British public. PROJECT 65 – The Veterans Charity has created and compiled ‘The Laughing Soldier: The British Armed Forces Jokebook’ and is teaming up with military history publisher and distributor Casemate UK to produce the book, which will go on sale later this month. Hundreds of free copies are also being sent to troops serving in Afghanistan. The book will feature all kinds of jokes, each sent in with a
message of support for our armed forces serving around the world. Jokes have been sent in by politicians, comedians and celebrities, as well as dozens of ex-forces veterans and relatives of those serving today. The book, a £6.99 paperback, also features forewords by top British comedian Al Murray and triple amputee former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod, author of bestselling Man Down. CEO of Project 65 – The Veterans Charity, Danny Greeno said “the idea for The Laughing Soldier came from my love of the legendary ‘military sense of humour’, the unique ability to find humour in the toughest of situations but also for inspiring
some of the sharpest humour there has ever been. I know from the work we do with veterans of all ages that a good sense of humour is vital to keeping morale high and to lift spirits in tough times. I hope the many messages of support will also show our troops just how proud we all are of the incredible job they are doing.”
POLICE HORSE 110 ALAMEIN AND cRIME prevention advice Alamein has had a mixed few months performing ceremonial duties and also contributing to public order events and sporting occasions. In addition he had some time off following a puncture to the sole of his foot. Early one evening on the way back from a crime patrol in West London he trod on a nail which pierced the sole of his foot, this required urgent vets assistance and I had to juggle some plates to find a spare horse box to take him to New Market for emergency surgery to remove the nail. Fortunately the surgery went well and the nail missed any arteries and tendons in the foot. The opportunity for him to rest and recuperate was not lost. Horses that require more than just short term recovery are sent to the Mounted Training Establishment in Surrey. Space is at a premium in central London and the MTE has facilities for exercising and working recovering horses in a much more appropriate environment. This includes lungeing pits which allow the horses to be properly exercised without a rider on top; they also have a horse walker, two indoor riding schools and perhaps the favourite of all they have paddocks for the horses to be turned out to graze! A real treat for horses that live in the centre of London! It is great to see the horses play and cavort when they are first released into the field. Surprisingly some horses get bored of it quite quickly and it is not uncommon to find some of them waiting at the gate to come in after a few hours! In very rare circumstances we
have the use of a field that horses can be ‘turned out’ in for long periods of time. This is reserved for horses suffering from quite severe problems, it is affectionately known as the ‘magic field’ because the healing effects of allowing a horse to behave naturally are clearly noticeable. Recently police horse Hadrian came back from the magic field and his coat and mane were so long and shaggy that he looked like a Highland Cow without the horns. I am pleased to say that horse sickness is not prevalent although we always ere on the side of caution and if a horse appears to be uncomfortable we will treat quickly. It is always cheaper and kinder to act early if a horse appears to be unwell. All this pampering has meant that Alamein will not be fit to undertake the Lord Mayor of London’s parade this year. Because he is so reliable he is often used on this type of high profile public pageant. Just in case people begin to think that life in the MPS Mounted Branch is all bulled boots, white gloves and medals I have included a picture taken of a disturbance on Trafalgar Square. On a completely different note, with Christmas just on the horizon and I suspect lots of readers and their families hoping that Santa brings them a computer I thought I would offer some online crime prevention advice, much of which also applies to mobile phones: 1) If children or young people are using the internet why not put the computer in a communal area? That way all the family can enjoy the positive side of the internet while you can
still supervise. 2) Make sure that personal or family information is not disclosed on line. This includes e-mail addresses, user I.D’S, phone numbers etc. 3) Understand that if you post pictures on line that you will have no control over what happens to them. Strangers can alter and use your pictures for whatever purposes they like. 4) If your children know more about computers that you do, ask them to show you how to do things. You get to share time with them and you get to know what they know! 5) Criminals and perverts use the internet. Some people lie online for the worst reasons. Never meet alone with anyone you have only met online. If you are an adult that is going to meet someone you have only had computer contact with make sure you go along with a friend for your first meeting until you are quite sure who you are dealing with. Children should never be allowed unsupervised meetings with strangers. You have no way of knowing who you are dealing with. 6) Make sure that you and your family know how to report online suspicions and block unwelcome people. For information on how to do this and more online crime prevention advice please go to: www.thinkuknow.co.uk www.ceop.gov.uk
Jon Taylor
Hendon Police College Passing Out Parade
Crowd Control Trafalgar Square
Major Sid Keyte - Live stand up comedy show on 11 November at Sandhurst has brought in £7000+ to help The Rifles Care 4 Casualties Appeal. Well done Sid! “Thank you so much to all those who sponsored me at Sandhurst. Your efforts have already raised over £7000. I’ve made a 50 min DVD of the show for anyone else who would like to support this cause - if you would like a copy please visit this link: http:// www.justgiving.com/SidKeyte. Cost is £10. Please could you send your postal address on an email to sidkeyte@ hotmail.com.”
or
Sid Keyte`s Comedy Show at Sandhurst
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The Rifles formed in 2007 and have served with great bravery and distinction almost continuously for the past 3 years in both Afghanistan and Iraq. However the sacrifice made by our Riflemen has been immense and the Regiment is now focusing on assisting those whose lives have been changed forever. The Rifles have lost 54 Killed in Action and each devastated family must be able to call on the Regiment for support if it is needed. In addition 23 Riflemen have lost limbs, two have been blinded and three have long term neurological problems. A further 20-30 have suffered significant injuries which will probably mean they will have to leave the Army. Mental health cases are on the increase but the acknowledged experts in this field, Combat Stress, tell us that the majority of their patients are referred to them 14 years after the event so we must be prepared. Not only do we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude but we have an enduring responsibility for their continued welfare. In January 2010 the Regiment appointed a Casualty Officer, Lt Col (Retd) Mike Smith, who is responsible for ensuring that all our severely injured are progressing as best they can on their path to better health. Mike joins together the Army Recovery Capability and other Military charities with our Regimental charitable funds. He is responsible for ensuring that our wounded soldiers get the best and these are some of the stories he has to tell: Rifleman X was shot in the back and had three cardiac arrests before his condition was brought under control. This amazingly positive and courageous young man now has significant nerve damage to his legs and can only walk short distances with the aid of crutches. His injuries resulted in bleeding to the brain which means that he suffers from epileptic fits and is not allowed to drive. The Regiment has purchased him a lightweight wheelchair, paid for driving lessons for his fiancĂŠe and is funding him on a sailing trip with the Jubilee Sailing Trust. LCpl Y is a South African who had set his heart on joining Special Forces before losing two legs in an explosion in Afghanistan. He is married and his wife who is a nurse in a local hospital is expecting a baby next month. LCpl Y enjoys working with animals and we have been able to give him a quad bike to assist him in this. This vehicle has been essential in helping him regain his confidence and self esteem. In addition to these examples, the Regiment has funded the adaptation of a car for a triple amputee, fitted a stair lift for another of our Riflemen and paid for a number of our wounded to retrain in preparation for life outside the Army. We have also helped a number to continue their education either at University or at Agricultural College. Not a day goes past without the regiment being asked to help one of its casualties. What is clear is that our injured young men, their families and the families of our fallen will need our support and benevolence for many years o come and this is why The Rifles have launched the Care for Casualties Appeal. We must have funds at our disposal to react quickly and effectively whenever it is needed, so please help us to support those whose courage and sacrifice have left them vulnerable
www.careforcasualties.org.uk Email: c4c@the-rifles.co.uk
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THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS MUG ON SALE HERE
I am a TA Rifleman and I have just set up a business marketing what I hope will be an ever expanding range of military mugs. Our mugs are unique in that they represent the unit or regiment concerned through the depiction of up to 10 figures dressed in the uniforms of specific campaigns or periods in that regiment’s history. The artist, Tim Reese, is an acknowledged expert in the uniforms of the British Army, and for each mug he creates figures that are truly representative of the regiment’s history and achievements. We are meticulous in our research and make every
effort to get the uniform de tail correct. We also research the history of the regiment so that we can depict figures representative of key battles or periods in its history. Clearly 10 figures on a mug cannot represent all aspects of a regiment’s history. So if you want me to do more RGJ mugs just circle YES on the form below. I normally retail the mugs at £7.95 each. However, for RGJ Association members I am offering the mugs at £6.50 each, plus postage of £3.00. Mugs are dispatched in proper stout mug sized cardboard boxes. If you want more than one mug please email me and I will get you a specific quote for postage. I will always charge postage and packaging at cost. It might be worth Association Branches pooling their orders and sending in a bulk order.
This would reduce the shipping costs considerably. Regrettably I can only accept payment by cheque or postal order. I will be selling the mugs at full price on eBay, and will be able to accept payments by PayPal for eBay orders. Fill out the form HERE and post it off with a cheque or postal order enclosed.
Catterick Passing Out Parades Forecast of Dates for 2011: Association members should contact the CSM Rifles Coy at Inf Trg Cen, Vimy Bks, Catterick DL9 3PS on 01748 872657 if they wish to attend. R1 - 18 Mar 2011 R8 - 29 Apr 2011* R7 - 22 Jul 2011* R6 - 5 Aug 2011 R2 - 2 Sep 2011 * Denotes Rifles Coy sponsored parade (ie Rifles OC takes pde with 2IC, CSM etc).
a Limited edition pRINT FROM AN OIL commissioned by 3 RIFLES
“..........and in today already walks tomorrow” A limited edition of 300 high quality signed prints 24”x 14” and a first run of standard prints 12”x 18” are available for sale online from Rifles Direct (www.riflesdirect.com) at a cost £134.10 and £52.41 respectively (inc P&P) In the Summer of 2009, 3 Rifles commissioned Marcus Hodge to visit Hel
mand and record their upcoming Op Herrick 11 deployment with a painting. He visited the Battle Group in Sangin in February/March 2010 and began preparatory work for this giant project. The theme of the picture is one of hope. It shows, amongst the uncertainty of a tough counter-insurgency,
that a massive amount of progress has been made in Sangin over the last four years. As such this painting has become less about 3 Rifles and more about the Armed Forces in general and all the sacrifices that have been made by every regiment or unit that has served there. Therefore this truly spectacular piece of modern history is being released for sale as a print through www.riflesdirect.com and I invite you to own a piece that so truly represents what has become a modern legend. “If I ever whine or complain about silly things in my life that aren’t going to plan I shall think of these young men. The soldiers get on with their various jobs; always positive, always chatting and joking. I’m sure they have their darker moments but they don’t let it show.” Diary of Marcus Hodge, the artist, March 2010.
The Rifles Battalions Forecast of Deployments
1 Rifles preparing for Afghanistan tour Apr-Oct 2011 2 Rifles due for Afghanistan tour Oct 2011-Apr 2012 3 Rifles due for Afghanistan tour Apr 2012- Oct 2013 4 Rifles FI Force 2012 5 Rifles due for Afghanistan tour Oct 2011-Apr 2012 6 +7 Rifles supporting all deployments
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The north west branch A NEW BOOK BY JACK HERON EX-RGJ This book tells the story of what a Security Contractor can expect in a hostile country. The dangers faced head on with little or no support on a daily basis. The risks which had to be taken to enable the job to be completed, the boredom and the never ending gun battles. The continuous fight for fairness in a time when big companies competed forthebigdollars. Jack was brought up in Gateshead Tyne & Wear in a Military family. In 1975 he joined the Army and served in many counties and completed many tours of duty in Northern Ireland with The Royal Green Jackets. He left the Army in 1992. Aftermanyyearsworkingwithinthesurveillance industry at home and abroad he was invited to work in Iraq as a Security Contractor, the year was 2003. After 6 years Jack still works in the Security IndustryinIraq.
Please click the book cover on the left to purchase.
Dear Fellow Riflemen This years dinner was held on Friday 26th November 2010 at the Royal Hotel, Marine Terrace, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 5PR.. It was held in the Waterloo Suite and as it suggests the room was themed around the Battle of Waterloo. At the time of writing we were unsure of who the guest speaker would be but members were not disappointed. We hade arranged a 10% discount of anybody wishing to stay overnight. To book memberss needed to contact the hotel and state that they were attending the RGJ dinner on the above date. Members could also browse through their website which was liverpool-royalhotel. co.uk The cost of the evening was £32 for members and their spouse and £34.50 for guests and mailing list/country members. members needed to be a fully paid
up branch member or mailing list/country member to attend this dinner. If they had not have paid their subscription for this year then they needed to do so before your application could be accepted. There was only a limited number of places and those were allocated on a first come first served basis, members taking priority. Members were asked to get their application to me as soon as possible as there was a great deal of interest generated for this dinner. We now have only a few Royal Green Jacket Association desk diaries left for 2011. Should you wish to purchase one please contact me. The cost of a diary is £5 The Remembrance Parade in Liverpool was held on 14th November 2010. We met between 0900hrs and 1000hrs in the Lord Warden Pub on London Road {Opposite the Odeon Cinema}. At approx 1015hrs we lined up in front of St George’s Hall and
eventually ended up at the rear in St John’s Gardens where we layed a wreath at our NI Memorial Stone. After the parade we made our way to the Punch and Judy Pub behind Lime Street Station for liquid refreshments. Medals and berets were encouraged to be worn. All branch member who use email were sent a copy of the RGJ Regimental Association Ezine and the Veterans World magazine. I apologize to those people who receive their mail the old fashioned way by post but these documents are too big to send by post. However, should you wish to receive your branch information by email please advise me of your address by sending it to my address below and it will be done. ray.gerrard@talktalk.net
Ray Gerrard
The Midlands Branch RGJRA
Ezine-Editors Notes Tel: 01296 711967
e: ken.ambrose1@btinternet. com
Please remember that this publication is only intended for on screen viewing and that attempts to print out these pages are not likely to be successful. We aim to draw the attention of all former members of the regiment to forthcoming events on a quarterly basis covering not only the main Association annual forecast but also news at officer club and branch level. To make this Ezine a success all branches and individuals are asked to contribute whenever possible. Please send articles for inclusion to the email address above before the 1st of the publication month.
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We are steadily building up our membership but would still like to attract more Ex-Rifles to join us, so if anyone out there from our area is reading this then please get in touch. We meet on the last Sunday of the month at 12 noon at the Maltings, Skegby, Nottinghamshire. The address is as follows; 231 Mansfield Road, Skegby, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 3DU. For any more information please phone any of the following persons; Chairman Mr L Dooley 01623 607117 Secretary Mr M Coates 01623 747817 Treasurer Mr P Rodgers 01623 455608
We held a successful race night like to join us, they would be at the Maltings in April. very welcome. Then we had a BBQ in July; The weather was very kind to us, sunny and warm, lots of burgers and bees, a good time was had by everyone. This year we were invited to Sunderland by the North East Green Jackets Association to take part in the Rememberance Parade, we were warmly welcomed and had a really good day. We had Christmas dinner last year at the Carnaervon Arms in December and we are looking to book for next year at the Hostess, located in Mansfield Woodhouse. Remembrance Sunday in In 2012 we are hoping to run a Sunderland for the Midlands battlefield tour, if anyone from Branch any other associaltion would
Len Dooley
The Royal Green JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM WINCHESTER There never seems to be a truly quiet period at the Museum for the staff, although there are always many fewer visitors during the winter months, especially in December through to February. The recent cold weather has also had its impact. In sum, the total number of visitors during the year is likely to be down 4-5% compared to 2009. This is disappointing, but the good news is that the Museum shop has taken on a fresh lease of life with a dramatic increase in sales since the shop was refurbished in April and provided with an on-line purchasing facility in May. With a bit of luck income from trading and other sources of revenue should result in the Museum covering its running costs during 2010. The key to increasing visitor numbers in future is likely to be more and better marketing than in the past. As a result, the Museum is one of nine in Hampshire that volunteered for and is participating in a project titled ‘Breaking Barriers’, the aim of which is to draw up an Audience Development Plan based on analysis of visitor responses to a number of questions posed by the Museum staff during over 300 face-to-face interviews between August and the end of October. This was especially time-consuming work for the staff with the results presently
subject to examination and comment by external consultants prior to completion of the Audience Development Plan and an associated Marketing Plan by mid February. Meanwhile, the Strategic Defence and Security Review and the savings in expenditure that are required to be made throughout the MOD has resulted in the initiation of a review of all MOD-funded regimental and corps museums, of which the RGJ Museum is one of sixty-nine throughout UK. The expectation is that some museums will cease to be MOD-funded in future and others will receive less support than they have in the past. The review will kick off in earnest in the New Year and is to be completed by the end of March. The probability, though, - cold comfort to some – is that no major savings are likely to be required before 2012. (Military museums are not alone in facing savings measures. The museum sector as a whole is suffering swingeing cuts in budgets; for example, Hampshire Museums Service is about to shed 24 posts amounting to nearly a third of its staff.) While the prospect of cuts and worst case scenarios are unsettling, much forward planning has been taking place with a busy programme of events, similar to past years,
planned during 2011. A look at the ‘What’s On’ page on the Museum website – www. rgjmuseum.co.uk – provides further information with new events added as each is confirmed. Improvements to the Museum continue apace with the next major project being the updating and completion of the section covering the period of The Royal Green Jackets from 1966 to 2007. This work is due to be finished by the end of 2011. Apart from revision of most of the graphics boards, additional display space is being provided for the acquisition of exhibits, especially covering the Regiment’s service in Northern Ireland, Iraq and the Balkans prior to the formation of The Rifles on 1 February 2007. If any Green Jacket reading this Ezine has material of any sort that he thinks might merit display, please do not hesitate to inform the Museum’s Curator, Mrs Christine Pullen, on 01962 828549 or e-mail: curator@ rgjmuseum.co.uk Thank you. With best wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year to the Museum’s many supporters,
CBQ Wallace
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WHATS-`IS-NAME? Dave”Charlie”Chester joined junior soldiers company in Winchester in 1965,in1967 hewaspostedto1RGJ Band & Bugles until 1980 when he becameacivilian. After leaving the Green Jackets he
settleddownintheSouthofEngland andjoinedthePrisonService.In2000 Dave moved to Shrewsbury still with the Prison Service, finally retiring after 27yearsservicein2007. Still a keen musician Dave joined
“REFLECTIONS ON A YEAR IN COMMAND OF NATO TROOPS IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN” BY MAJOR GENERAL NICK CARTER, CBE Major General Nick Carter was the NATO Commander Regional Command (South) in Afghanistan for 12 months up to the late autumn 2010. He will give an evening talk on “Reflections on a year in command of NATO troops in southern Afghanistan”. See poster HERE The evening talk, at The Rifles TA Centre, 56 Davies Street, London W1K 5HR (near Bond Street Tube Station), will be on Wednesday 23rd February 2011 commencing at 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm). Tickets: £25 per person will include a complimentary glass of wine before the event. Junior tickets (up to 18 years of age) are £20. All ticket proceeds will go to The Rifles, Care for Casualties Appeal. There will be an opportunity to ask questions after the talk which will last approximately 45 minutes. The Rifles Bar will be open afterwards. Disabled access is available on request. Seating is limited, so please book early and not later than 21 Feb 2011 after which cancellations can not be accepted. Enquires to 0207 491 4936/35 london@the-rifles.co.uk. For the first six months of his year long tour Major General Carter commanded all South Afghanistan, including Helmand, as NATO`s Regional Commander South, with 2 US Brigades under command, as well as the British, Canadian and Dutch brigade; a very unique appointment. With the US surge over the summer, his command area was split with the new US Marine Division established in the South West, which has taken the British brigade under command. His command area then centred around Kandahar and East to the Pakistan border, and is the current focus in the next stage of the campaign against the Taleban.
For booking form click HERE
various music groups of which one is called “ Naomi Payne Show Band” inwhichheplaysthesaxophone.The band plays at many functions including Charity venues for good causes suchas“ShropshireAirAmbulance”. Dave `Charlie` Chester` today
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SUPPORT THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS MUSEUM SHOP Rifles Freedom Parades 2011: 26 March 2011 Bridport (Handover scroll only) 2 April 2011 Gloucester 17 Apr 2011 Barnstaple 14 May 2011 Croydon 11 Jun 2011 Poole 26 Jul 2011 Leominster Tbc Sep/Oct Kirklees
Bately or
Tbc Sep/Oct Devizes
“Statement on RGJ Finances by Major General Jamie Balfour “ IMPORTANT NOTICE Outstanding Minutes and Accounts for the RGJR Association are now available for all full members of the Association to read, download and save by clickiing on the appropriate title below. 1. Minutes Nov 2009 2. Profit and Loss 2009 3. Balance Sheet 2009 4. Accts 1 Jan – 8 Nov 2010 5. Man` Board Accts 2010 You will only gain access to these documents if you are (a) A fully paid up member of the Association and (b) Have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer.
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DearAll, Pleasefindattachedtheaccountsas at 8 Nov for our Fund. You will see that income so far has been £18680 with a final quarter to come which should bring us up to the planned £24k budget for 2010. To remind you this was finally allocated as follows: • £10k-RGJMuseum • £10k-RGJRA • £1k-OffrsDiningClub • £1.5k-Website • £1.5K-Adminandreserve Apart from 2007 when required for the RGJ NAM Memorial, we have not subsequently drawn down on the additional 1% we are entitled to, in order to preserve capital over the economic downturn and so far an average annual income of £24k has met our routine requirements. Clearly the stock market is picking up andthelastvaluationwereceivedon 30 September reflected a value of £994,809.46, an increase of just over £30K for the year to date (note formal revaluation of investments takes
place on 31 December annually and the figures quoted are for illustrative purposes only. However I do not expectdividendincometostartincreasinguntilmid/late2011. You will be aware of the progress made to reduce the cost of our Journal Swift and Bold from a cost of £10927forthe2008Journal,mostof which was covered by a one off appeal, to £6448.78 for 2009, and with advertising revenue and donations of £2655, the final cost was down to £3793. Our intention is to reduce this further for the 2010 journal by doing the design in house. This design cost £2448 for 2009, so a further majorsavingislikely,andifadvertising revenue holds up even if we do not cover costs, then the cost will be fully coveredbytheRGJRAManagement Board current grant to the Association. In addition to this, the introduction of an entrance charge for the reunion, and an increase in the annual grant to the Association to £10k, hasenabledtheAssociationtobetter coverallitscosts,andJPWwillgivean
updateonthisatthemeeting. In terms of future commitments, the future of the Museum and its long termfinancescontinuetoremainuncertain despite the valiant efforts of CQBW,andremainsapossiblefuture liability, but Christopher will update us at the meeting. I will update you on the RGJ Normandy Memorial, andwehave£15kcapitalringfenced for this as well as a generous private donor. We are also in the process of rebuildingthewebsite,sowillneedto beawareofpossiblecostshere. I will propose therefore at the meetingthatweplanourcore2011budgetonthesamebasisas2010. Anyexcesssumcarriedforwardfrom 2010, I propose also that we add to the reserve as a contingency, and at this stage we do not need to draw downontheadditional1%.
Jamie Balfour
Rifleman Paul Jacobs (GM) IS RAISING MONEY FOR sT dUNSTAN`S SUPPORT THE RIFLES `CARE FOR CASUALTIES` CAMPAIGN
RIKS GREEN JOBS RGJ CHRISTMAS CARDS 2010
ORDER BY CLICKING HERE
RICHMOND GOLF CLUB - TEMPORARY RULES. 1940 4. Shrapnel and/or bomb splinters on the Fairways, or in Bunkers within a club’s length of a ball, may be moved without penalty,”and 1. Players are asked to no penalty shall be incurred collect Bomb and Shrapnel if a ball is thereby caused to splinters to save these caus- move accidentally. ing damage to the Mowing 5. A ball moved by enMachines. emy action may be replaced, 2. In Competitions, dur- or if lost or destroyed, a ball ing gunfire or while bombs may be dropped not nearer are falling, players may take the hole without penalty. cover without penalty for 6. A ball lying in a crater ceasing play. may be lifted and dropped 3. The positions of not nearer the hole, preknown delayed action serving the line to the hole, bombs are marked by red without penalty. flags at a reasonably, but not guaranteed, safe distance 7. A player whose stroke is affected by the therefrom. British ‘phlegm’ was never better illustrated than during 1940; as witnessed by this calm . notice.
explosion of a bomb may play another from the same place. Penalty one stroke. Editors Note I don`t know how many of you would agree with me but I have to say that given the probable circumstances the penalty of one stroke as indicated in rule 7 seems a little harsh given that having survived a close proximity bomb blast the handycap of a player would likely be far more pronounced than usual! Ed
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Women in combat? - The debate continues The Ministry of Defence has completed a review into the policy that excludes female members of the Please click on name Armed Forces from carrying out Clark Hugh Capt MC 11 Sept ground close combat roles, and Dodson, Lotty 15 Sept decided that it should remain unchanged. Hills, Ron 09 Nov Women play an active part in front Edwards, Brian 13 Nov line operations, undertaking crucial Cleaver, Bill 14 Nov postsinareassuchaslogistics,artillery Bateman, Norman 24 Nov and engineering, but they cannot Brooks, Frankie 25 Nov jointheinfantryorserveinsmalltactiChessum, Edward 01 Dec cal combat arms teams where they Bines, Phillip 03 Dec are required to be in close contact withandkilltheenemyface-to-face. The policy was last reviewed in 2002 and the European Commission Equal Treatment Directive requires the UK to conduct a reassessment every eight years. Since 2002, operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have generated considerably more eviA British servicewoman on patrol denceofwomenservingonthefront in Lashkar Gah, Helmand prov- line to be reviewed.
Obituary Notices
ince, southern Afghanistan
The study looked at recent literature on the effectiveness of mixed gender teamsinclosecombatroles,theroles that women are undertaking in current operations, the experiences of both male and female military personnel who have served together on the front line, and evidence from other countries who have deployed women to close with and kill the enemy. Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Andrew Robathan,said: “The Service Chiefs and I all agree that women are fundamental to the operational effectiveness of Britain’s Armed Forces, bringing talent and skillsacrosstheboard.Theircapability is not in doubt; they win the highest decorations for valour and demonstrateindependenceandinitiative. There is no question that some women would be able to meet the
ARE YOU ABLE TO MATCH THE FACES THEN AND NOW The National Arboretum Alrewas by Syd Hopgood A few weeks ago I took members of my family to visit the Arboretum in Alrewas. It has been some time since my last visit, when the National Memorial was on the plans for the future. Having seen it I recommend it for a place to visit. It is also a very moving place. Our particular RGJ memorial is a credit to those of our Rifleman who have been posted to the battalion up above. Should you visit in wet weather take waterproof footwear as walking around the grass areas and in particular in the Ulster Grove (area where a tree has been planted in memory of those fallen in NI) is very wet underfoot. To see photographs of Syds visit please click HERE.
The two photgraphs you can see on the right were taken with 45 years in between them and the top picture shows the members of 11 Platoon, C Company, 2nd Green Jackets (KRRC) as they were in 1965. The bottom picture shows 9 of those original 11 Platoon members at their platoon reunion taken in July at the Winchester Veterans Day this year. Now I have no doubt that a lot of you will instantly recognise those faces in the recent photograph but how many of you, who are not in either picture, can tell me where they are on the photograph that was taken in 1965? Yes I know its not a very good photograph but they are all there! For a bonus point who can tell me the name of the platoon commander seated in the centre front row? Answers on an email please. Photographs supplied by Ace MaClean.
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standard required of personnel performing in close combat roles, both physically and psychologically. The key issue is the potential impact of having both men and women servingtogetherinsmallteams. Under the conditions of high-intensity, close-quarter battle, team cohesion becomes of much greater importance; its failure having potentially grave and far-reaching consequences. None of the research that has been done has been able to conclusivelyanswerthekeyquestion of the impact that gender mixing would have on the combat team in closecombatconditions. Accordingly,theMODhasconcluded that the case for lifting the current restrictions on women serving in close combatteamshasnotbeenmade.
