The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association
E-zine NEWSLETTER Volume 4 Issue 3
15 December 2012
Welcome to the 12th edition of the RGJRA Ezine Newsletter published on 15th December 2012. To ensure that you get your copy always make sure you keep your email address up to date and empty your mailbox frequently. Current distribution for this issue is to 3211 of 6118 database users.
Contents Page Title 1. Foreword 2. Forecast of Events Swi and Bold 2013 RGJ Associa on Minutes and Accounts 3. RGJRA Contact List 4. The Cenotaph Parade 5. Wiltshire Branch Remember 6. Central England Branch 7. North East Branch 9. The IBB & IJLB Associa on Reunion Dinner 10. RGJ (Rifles) Museum 12. The Chief of the Defence Sta Comments on the SDSR 13. 4 Rifles News Update 14. Care for CasualĆ&#x;es Swi and Bold at the Royal Albert Hall Wife of Rifleman at the Royal Albert Hall 15. Fundraising Support for Care 4 Casual es Con nues 16. Black, Red and Rifle Green 17. Borneo Reunion 18. Riflesdirect 19. Cumbrian Challenge 17 - 18 May 2013 20. The KKRC Reunion 12 May 2012 21. Who Blew Reveille Too Early? 22. The Unknown Soldier 24. Police Horse Alamein 25. Former 2RGJ Rifleman, Kevin Parker, Receives Meritorious Service Award Armed Forces discount card launched in me for Christmas 26. Soldier Ride UK 2012 27. New Book When the Jungle is Silent 28. HM Armed Forces Veterans Lapel Badge 29. The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust 30. In Memoriam
FOREWORD Welcome to the third E-Zine of December 2012.
afford him the same level of support that you have always given me.
As most of you will be aware, apart from editing the E-Zine and of course the annual Swift & Bold magazine, one of my other jobs is to administer and provide information on request from the Association database.
Remaining with the subject of the database there is a real need for Full members and users to keep me updated with their current email address details and to ensure that they keep their mailboxes emptied. At the moment a large number of outgoing messages are not reaching the intended recipients. Correcting the return addresses is very time consuming and involves contacting the people concerned by telephone to either get their updated address or to request that they empty their mailbox but if, as in some cases, that is not possible we lose contact with them. The whole process involves a considerable commitment of additional time and could be avoided if people would remember to update their address changes and /or keep their mailbox empty.
This also involves the processing of new applicants and the provision of new access passwords where old ones have been forgotten as well as the sending of all the mass emails that you get! Although not difficult the various tasks necessary to ensure the smooth running of the database are a little involved and in the event would result in a reduction or loss of database service if for whatever reason I was unable to continue the work at my present level. It is for that reason that Roy Baillie has volunteered to join me on the database as my Deputy. At the moment he is currently on a fairly steep learning curve but will soon be in a position to take over the database should my feet suddenly be separated from my perch at some stage! Roy served from 1964 with 1GJ and left 1RGJ and the Army in 1975. He then joined the Fire Service and following the end of his service became a Publican for a number of years. He is now retired and lives with his wife in Berkshire. As in my own case his interest and knowledge of computers was created from a need to use one to run his business and accounts I can only ask that you
In the case of Full members it is also very necessary to keep their postal address contact details up to date because otherwise your annual copy of Swift & Bold will be sent to an old address instead of your new one. As is the case every year I will soon be sending out a reminder to all Full members requesting that they check their postal address details on the database. Enough whinging and along with early wishes for a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year I hope you enjoy this December 2012 issue of the Regimental Association E-Zine. Ken Ambrose
RGJRA E-Zine 15 Dec 2012 Page 2
CALENDAR Forecast Of Events 15 December 2012 - 15 March 2013 Date
Event
Dec 25
King`s Royal Rifle Corps Regimental Birthday
Jan 1 16
Feb 1 21
Contact
Royal Green Jackets Regimental Birthday The 204th Anniversary of the Death of Sir John Moore
7th Anniversary of The Rifles Formation Band Concert - Band & Bugles of The Rifles
A brief Memorial Service with wreath laying will be held after the Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, London
Lt Col J-D van Merveldt 0207 491 4936
52-56 Davies Street
Richard Frost MBE 07770226937
Swift and Bold 2013 The front cover of the RGJ Regimental Association is shown here.
This magazine will be sent out to full paying members of the Association in early March 2013. If you are not a full member and would like a copy you should contact the Members Secretary, Mike Marr
at oxford@the-rifles.co.uk for details of joining. You can speed up the joining process if you telephone him on 01235 548018 between 9am and 5pm Monday - Friday and pay your £10 membership fee by debit or credit card. This fee includes half price entry to reunions, discounts on some Museum Shop items and full search access to the RGJ Members Database. For those of you who are already full members please verify that you have the correct address on the database system before Tuesday 19 February 2013 either by checking yourself or sending a check request, containing your current address, to membersdatabase@royalgreenjackets.co.uk. You will receive confirmation that your address is correct or has been updated by return.
Ken Ambrose
RGJ AssociaƟon Minutes and Accounts The Minutes and Accounts from the Committee meeting held on November 16th 2012 are not yet available and will be forwarded to Full members only in due course
E-Zine Newsle er is published by the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on on 15 June, 15 September and 15 December each year. Please send ar cles for inclusion to the editor prior to the 1st of the publica on month. Editor: Ken Ambrose Deputy editor: Major Ron Cassidy MBE Design and produc on: Arne Bergsand Copyright 2012 © Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on.
RGJRA E-Zine 15 Dec 2012 Page 3
Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association Contact list as at 1 December 2012 President
Maj. Gen Jamie Balfour CBE
01962 828524 admin@rgjassociation.info 01580 831 724 hugh.willing@gmail.com 0207 491 4936 london@the-rifles.co.uk 01235 548018 oxford@the-rifles.co.uk 01865 452813 webmaster@rgjassociation.info 01442 380713 greenjackets_2001@yahoo.co.uk 01296 711967 ken.ambrose1@btinternet.com 01488 658681 moroybaillie@btinternet.com
Chairman
Brig HGC Willing CBE
Secretary
Lt Col J-D von Merveldt
Members Sec
Mr Mike Marr
Webmaster
Mr Kevin Stevens
Dep Webmaster
Mr Mark Adams
Database Man
Mr Ken Ambrose
Dep Data Man
Mr Roy Baillie
Branches Australian
Maj Gen Andrew Pringle CB CBE
Mr Chris McDonald
Aylesbury
•
Mr Alan Grant
Band and Bugles David Timms
Mr David Timms
East Kent
Brig James Plastow MBE
Mr Glenn Ternent
East Midlands
•
Mr Martin Coates
London
Col GF Smythe OBE
Mr Gary Driscoll
Midlands Central
•
Mr Peter Page
Milton Keynes
Brig MR Koe OBE
Mr Gary Brewer
North East
Brig NM Prideaux
Mr John Cheetham
N. Ireland
•
Mr Len Cook
North West
•
Mr Ray Gerrard
Oxfordshire
Brig Nigel Mogg DL
Mr Mike Marr
Shropshire
•
Mr Tom Fairclough
Suffolk
Maj RD Cassidy MBE
Mr Gordon Pilcher
Telford
•
Mr John Brown
Wiltshire
Brig G dv W Hayes CBE
Mr Gary Byrne
Winchester
Capt John Fritz-Domeney
Mr John Harper
Yorkshire
Brig PJ Lyddon MBE
Mr Stuart Anderson
Notes: Any amendments to the above contact information should be sent to Ken Ambrose. • Indicates that a Branch President has not been appointed.
+61 (0)408 937 165 cvmcdonald@bigpond.com 01296 426765 alanrgrant@aol.com 01304 820910 secretary@rgjband.com 01843 297069 geordie_t@btinternet.com 01623 747817 martinswiftandbold@yahoo.co.uk 01708 442662 rgjldn@ntlworld.com 01922 694733 petepage71@hotmail.com 01908 218715 g_brewer@btinternet.com 01915 480189 rgj.north.east@btinternet.com lenny.cook@btinternet.com 01744 732501 ray.gerrard@talktalk.net 01235 548018 oxford@the-rifles.co.uk 01691 777172 tomfairclough@fsmail.net 01394 215925 gordon.pilcher@ntlworld.com 01952 502362 rgjtelford@talktalk.net 01985 211279 gchabyrne@aol.com 01962 882481 johnharper1rgj@hotmail.co.uk 01757 617056 paulcors@hotmail.com
RGJRA E-Zine 15 Dec 2012 Page 4
THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION The Cenotaph Parade Remembrance Sunday 11 November 2012.
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WILTSHIRE BRANCH REMEMBER The Wiltshire branch of the Royal Green Jacket Regimental Association took an active part in the Remembrance weekend in Warminster. It began with selling poppies all day on Friday at Waitrose supermarket for the Royal British Legion in aid of the annual poppy appeal. The sum of £334.12 was raised in kind donations from the local community.
Some members collecting for the Poppy appeal at Warminster Waitrose supermarket during seven hours on Friday 9 November.
On Saturday Phil Ashby, the entertainments manager, organised a Concert of Remembrance which was held in the Conservative club. The club provided the venue for free and the Warminster Brass band kindly provided the entertainment, playing a selection of military music. A raffle was held during the interval again to raise funds towards the poppy appeal
with all prizes kindly donated from local businesses. The raffle raised £401.60 and collection boxes raised £187.99 making a grand total of £589.59. Sunday began with members attending the Remembrance Day Parade at The Chapel of St. Lawrence at 1100hrs and then the Remembrance Day Parade held by the Cenotaph at 1500 hours. The day ended with returning to The Conservative Club where soup and stew were provided for all who took part in the parade.
Members of Wiltshire Branch attend Warminster Field of Remembrance at St Lawrence Chapel
Once again we had one of our favourite events, skittles and fish and chips at the Organ Inn. This is an added adventure for me as I am still wheel chair bound. However a great time was had by all thanks to Phil and Val for organising the event yet again. It is at this point I feel I should specially mention our worthy secretary Gary Byrne not being the best at skittles, but then who is. He felt compelled to use modern technology to assist him in the shape of a laser. We all laughed right up until he hit two skittles, hmmm cheating maybe but remember it was Gary. We look forward to a Christmas Cabaret and Dinner night at the Old Bell and our traditional drinks Christmas Eve at the Conservative Club. We wish one and all a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year. Check us out on our website www.wiltsirebranchrgjra.co.uk.
Branch members and families after the Warminster Remembance Parade.
Lee Massey
RGJRA E-Zine 15 Dec 2012 Page 6
The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association Central England Branch These past months have seen the committee busy trying to establish the branch. Following an extensive promotion campaign on our Facebook and webpage, the branch sprang to life. The first few meetings were centred on the organisation, recruitment and funds/ fundraising. However, on Saturday 13th October we held our first social event. The Nautical Club, Ladywood in Birmingham was the venue and around 23 people turned up. Our hosts, the ‘Senior Service’ were impeccable and a grand time was had by all. Made more enjoyable by virtue of the fact that some very senior gentlemen took the time to converse with our group and seemingly very much enjoyed the various renditions of ‘Old King Cole’ and ‘Alouette’ which were masterfully conducted by MC and Entertainments Rep Sgt Tim Harvey!!
made a visit and assisted us greatly by taking some excellent photos. Also presenting the branch with a fruit basket for auction, “thanks Steve”. Incidentally the pictures can be viewed on our Facebook page.
In addition to the merriment and partaking of beverage, there was the business end to take care of. Unfortunately, Branch Secretary Mark Picken was otherwise engaged on a beach in Cyprus therefore the task of branch enrolment, selling of merchandise etc. was left to Chairman Pete Page to arrange. However, as the afternoon wore on and following copious yet gratis tots of Naval Rum, it was evident that Treasurer Guy (Sugsy) Mynett was required to step up and close down proceedings thus ensuring that everything was duly ‘squared away’.
If anyone is interested in becoming a member or involved with the branch, please peruse the following media: Facebook page: Central England Branch RGJRA or www.greenjackets-net.org.uk/central/ Index/html
In summary, the branch is now established. We will continue to become more involved in recruitment and in doing so, ensure that the legacy of our beloved regiment continues particularly across the central England region. The Central England Branch Committee: Chairman Peter Page Secretary Mark Picken Treasurer Guy Mynett Entertainments Sgt Tim Harvey Projects Mr Peter Knight
‘Swift and Bold’
Before the free-flowing ale and banter, a few words were had by the Chairman and the Treasurer who led a minutes silence to honour fallen comrades. A toast to the Regiment with fine Port was neatly followed by the Regimental March and in fact the whole CD - twice!! The venue and whole day proved to be a success to the point that we have been invited back by our hosts. We have taken them up on their kind offer and will be utilising their hospitality again for our first Remembrance Day Parade. East Midlands Branch member and co-ordinator for ‘Memorial at Peninsular’ Steve Barratt
Some of the Central England Branch members after the Remembance Day Parade 2012.
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The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association North East Branch Riflemen, It is time to put mouse to paper again so to speak and write another page of our branches escapades and achievements since November 2011. In July, the veteran’s reunion at Winchester was well attended by members from the north east branch and even the really inclement weather didn’t stop the hard core campers and caravaners from having BBQs and fry ups in the rain. Don’t forget if you have taken any photographs during the course of the year you can forward them to Ken Ambrose to be included in our 2012article for the Swift and Bold magazine. Also this summer, one of our long serving members, Gordon Neale MBE, was heavily involved in the Olympics, having the honour of carrying the torch on its journey to the Olympic Village and commentating on events in the Para Olympics.
In October of this year, Jake presented Geordie Adams with a Rfn’s poem and plaque after completing his 41 years of service with regular, T.A. and Cadets. I think everyone will agree that this is a massive amount of patriotic service from George. Well done that Rifleman.
Also in October, a large number of riflemen attended the Royal Albert Hall in London for a concert of the (To be con nued on next page)
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massed bands and bugles of the Rifles. This was a highlight of the regimental year with nearly 4,000 RJG and Rifles witnessing this superb event. Our remembrance evening opened with the Borneo Rifles Buglers, who provided a rendition of our regimental bugle calls. One of the buglers played ‘High on a Hill’ at the Royal Albert Hall in October. We had a fantastic turnout on Remembrance weekend in Sunderland. Our numbers were swelled by Rfn, their wives, family and friends who travelled from all over Europe and the South of England, who stayed with us for the weekend to attend our charity and association function on the Saturday night. The event this year was held at the Roker Hotel for the first time and they provided us with a superb venue and deal for the weekends celebrations. May I take this opportunity again to thank the sponsor, Dave Nichols, who made our weekend events a massive success!
During the course of the evening Jake Cheetham presented thesisters of Rfn Dave Mulley, 1 RGJ, Edna and Linda Mulley with a framed replica N.I. GSM as their brothers medal was stolen from their Mum house. Rfn Dave Mulley, aged 20, was killed in Northern Ireland on 18 March 1986 by an IED while on foot patrol in Castlewellan,County Down. Russell Holman was one of the pallbearers at the funeral. Jake was Rfn Mulley’s Company Sergeant Major when they were stationed at Tidworth. Brigadier N Prideaux and his charming wife Amanda were not able to attend our event this year due to a medical operation but he has promised “normal service will be resumed next year”. We wish him well and a speedy recovery, and hope that Amanda has the patience to look after him!!!
Our membership continues to grow and at our last branch meeting in October, we had 33 Rfn on parade for the evening which included four new members, two from 1st Green Jackets 43rd & 52nd one from 2 RGJ and one from 2 Rifles. Our next challenge is to get more 3rd Battalion RGJ enrolled and into the ranks of the association, far too many “armoured farmers about” lol. Only 3 members from the 2nd Battalion. Malcolm Donnison Editor for North East Branch.
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The IBB & IJLB Association Reunion Dinner 1st June 2013 The Infantry Boys Battalion & Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion Association will hold its next bi-annual Reunion on Saturday 1st June 2013, to which the ladies are more than welcome. You do not have to be a member of the Association to attend, only to have served in The IBB or IJLB at either Plymouth Oswestry or Shorncliffe as a Junior Leader, or on the staff. The format will be a golf tournament on the Friday at a local club. Should you wish to play, please contact Colin Cole at william_cole@sky.com, CG, Guards Coy 1963-65 .This is followed by an informal Friday evening catch up. We usually gather in the Wynnstay Hotel bar in Oswestry or The Fox Inn, just down the road from the Wynnstay. On the Saturday, an informal lunchtime meet up for a pint and sandwiches in the former Officers Mess (now Oswestry Rugby Club) starting at 12:00. We meet again at 19:30 in the function room of the Wynnstay Hotel in Oswestry for dinner. Dress is Black Tie or Lounge Suit, with medals.
MENU Chicken Liver Parfait, mixed salad. Mango and Ginger chutney Or Wild Mushroom and Tarragon Soup ---Roast Sirloin of Welsh Beef with Yorkshire pudding Roast and Parsley Potatoes Panache of Fresh Seasonal Vegetables --Chocolate and Raspberry Torte with Chantilly Cream --Coffee and Mints Anyone requiring a vegetarian option please make this clear on booking.
The cost of the dinner will be £25 per head. Cheques should be made payable to IBB & IJLB Association and sent to the Treasurer, Graham Fowler at the address below: 38 Queen Victoria Avenue, Hove, Sussex BN3 6WN. For those wishing to pay by electronic means, the Association bank details are as follows: Sort code: 83 28 03 Account No: 00197116 BIC : RBOS GB2LXXXIBAN; GB RBOS 83280300197116 Bank Address is: RBOS (Royal Bank of Scotland), West Calder Branch, 17 East End, West Calder EH55 8AB, Please indicate in the reason for transfer box. It is for “Dinner 2013” Anyone wanting further information on the Association or the dinner please visit our website www.ijlb.co.uk or contact Graham Fowler on 07778354188 e- mail g_fowler@btconnect.com. ACCOMMODATION Oswestry Tourist information website has a very good list of Hotel and Bed & Breakfast accommodation including cost. See link below: http://www.oswestry-welshborders.org.uk/accommodation/index.shtml It would to be good to see A Company well represented at the dinner. I look forward to seeing you there. John Fritz-Domeney
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THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM With one month to go before the end of the Museum’s accounting year, it looks as if results for 2012 will finish up much better than forecast at the beginning of the year. Having anticipated a 10% drop in visitor numbers, the actual fall is expected to be around 5%, with a final figure of around 12,700 visitors compared to 13,367 in 2011. This masks a welcome increase of 5% in the number of paying visitors, with the overall decline in visitor numbers in 2012 entirely due to around 14% fewer free visits. This is a trend that has been going on for a number of years with paying visitors now accounting for 55% of all visitors. This means more revenue for the Museum - around £1,000 more this year. The Museum Shop has also been enjoying its best year ever, with sales expected to exceed £30,000 compared to £24,000 in 2011. There are a number of reasons for this significant improvement, including more vigorous marketing, stocking a wider range of goods and making them available on-line. Much of the credit goes to the Chairman of the Trading Co, Brigadier Vere Hayes, who assumed the appointment on 1 January 2012, to the Directors, especially Nick Haynes, and to Christine Pullen, the Curator, and her staff who do all the ordering and selling. Other areas of Museum activity, including income from research, have also generated increased revenue this year. However, it remains a constant battle to ensure that income exceeds expenditure and that the Museum
The recently-donated Military Cross and medals of Captain E.R.T. Duncanson who received a MC for his gallantry while serving with 2 KRRC at Calais in May 1940 and spent the rest of the war as a POW.
The medals including Mention in Despatches of Lieutenant J.P. Duncanson, brother of Captain E.R.T. Duncanson, who died on 28 May 1940 from the wounds he received while serving with 1 RB at Calais.
covers its annual operating costs. By the time this E-Zine reaches you one major change will have taken place at the Museum. For years the Museum’s Trustees have been concerned about the care and custody of the Museum’s substantial archive collection as the environmental conditions in which they have been kept has been subject to wide variations in temperature. In early 2010 it was agreed in principle that the archives should be deposited with Hampshire Records Office (HRO) for an initial period of not less than 20 years, with ownership of the collection retained by the Museum Trust. Before transfer could take place, however, the collection had to be checked and re-boxed to fit on the shelves of HRO, a task largely carried out by volunteers. This work has now been completed and, on 13 December, the archives will be transferred to HRO, a 5-minute walk from the Museum. The effect of the transfer will result in the archives being better kept in a temperaturecontrolled environment and looked after by professional archivists. The Museum staff will (To be con nued on next page)
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still have access to them when required and will continue to deal with research enquiries, drawing upon a wealth of reference material that the Museum is retaining. All in all, we expect the arrangement to prove a ‘win win’ for all concerned. Meanwhile the Museum has continued to benefit from a steady flow of donations of artefacts and documents, including gallantry medal groups. All are hugely welcome. Soon a new year will be upon us and, before
we know where we are, it will be 2014 and the Centenary of the Outbreak of the First World War, and 2015 and the Bi-Centenary of the Battle of Waterloo. These are both events for which planning has already begun with the Museum intending to mark them with the introduction of new displays - but more about that in future E-Zines. For the moment, suffice it that the Museum staff wish all E-Zine readers a Happy Christmas and New Year. We hope, too, that one of your New Year’s resolutions will be to visit the Museum in 2013. A warm welcome awaits you.
To contact the Museum, telephone or e-mail the Curator, Christine Pullen. Tel: 01962 828549 or e-mail: curator@rgjmuseum.co.uk www.rgjmuseum.co.uk OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last entry 4.15 p.m.) Sundays: The Museum is open on Sundays from 1 July to 9 September 2012. It is closed on other Sundays and over Christmas and the New Year. Visits to the Museum’s archives are by appointment only. To purchase items from the Museum Shop, for information about forthcoming events, and to read interesting articles about the Museum, visit www.rgjmuseum.co.uk
The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum Shop • • • • • •
We have a wide range of items on offer! Prints and post cards Books and Music Regimental ties and accessories Regimental Clothing Gifts to suit all members of the family …...and much, much more.
Help support your Museum, visit the on-line on line shop
shop.rgjmuseum.co.uk http://www.shop.rgjmuseum.co.uk
RGJRA E-Zine 15 Dec 2012 Page 12
The Chief of the Defence Staff Comments on the SDSR
Gen. Sir David Richards
The head of the Armed Forces has warned he cannot do everything ministers would like in the wake of the Government's defence cuts. Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards also said ministers' demands had not been revised to correspond with the reduced size of the Armed Forces. "We have a whole load of tasks expected of us," he said in an Oxford University lecture that was quoted by The Daily Telegraph. "Our political masters are quite happy to reduce the size of the Armed Forces, but their appetite to exercise influence on the world stage is, quite understandably, the same as it has always been. "Often politicians say to me, 'can you go and do this?' I say to them, 'with what?'." His comments will fuel concerns that the Strategic Defence and Security Review, which heralded an 8% cut in real-terms funding and reductions in manpower totalling 30,000 personnel, has significantly curbed Britain's ability to project influence in the world. Speaking to Oxford's department of politics and international relations, Sir David added: "If you reduce your Armed Forces, there is going to be a give - something gives." He also expressed anxiety about the number of frigates and destroyers possessed by the Royal Navy, saying that was one of his "biggest concerns", and criticised the failure to find a "political resolution" in Afghanistan despite the opportunities afforded by the military. "All the military can do is buy space and time and opportunity for a political resolution of a problem. It is a great shame that we have not understood this. This is not a matter for military, diplomats, politicians. This is a matter of collectively failing to exploit the opportunity the military gained," he said. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence later, the Chief of the Defence Staff insisted that the military capability required under the defence review could be achieved with the resources available, but said "candid military analysis" ensured ministers were aware of the constraints. Sir David said: "The nature of military operations is that need is always balanced against available resources. It is the job of senior military commanders to help the government assess those priorities against the resources available, especially in the current economic conditions. "It is right that candid military analysis keeps the Government aware of constraints while the Government, rightly, seeks to achieve the maximum effect with the assets available. As I have said before, I and the Chiefs of Staff agree that we can deliver the military capability required by the SDSR with the resources available. "On Afghanistan, we all agree that you cannot win an insurgency through military means alone, it has always been understood that a political solution will ultimately be required."
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4 Rifles News Update I am writing to formally introduce myself as the 4th Battalion the Rifles Serjeants’ Mess representative (and the Battalion in general) to the Royal Green Jackets Association. I appreciate that its been a while since we were last in contact and if there is anything that I or indeed the Regiment can assist you with please do not hesitate to get in contact with me. Could I also ask that you be kind enough to send me copies of the Regimental Associations newsletters and details of other events and notifications? Again 4 Rifles have had a busy year deploying on two major exercises one in Kenya and just recently Canada. Both exercises where complete success for us again showing the wider army what the Rifles are all about. Also we have covered Spearhead Lead Element (SLE) commitment which again was a testing time for our own G4 side of things but again we fought through and came out on top. As well as all the exercises etc we still had time to put a Battalion SAAM together as well as a Battalion march and shoot. ‘There’s always time to practice our shooting’. Apart from all the normal stuff going on there’s always time for a decent mess function. The most recent one was the summer function in which all mess members had a very good time, with the Christmas Function on Saturday 15th December. We are Dining - Out the RSM (WO1 Gary Case) on the 18th December who is leaving us in the New Year, on commissioning, to move over to1 Rifles as the Families Officer. The new RSM takes over in early January 2013. We are now fully focused on the Tour ahead which we deploy on in late March 2013, we are currently undertaking some hard but good training ready for what lies ahead. If there is anything I can do to assist in future, please do not hesitate to get in touch, hope you all have a Merry Christmas and New Year. Kind regards DPA Crossley CSJT (CQMS) 4 Rifles
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RGJRA E-Zine 15 Dec 2012 Page 14
Swift and Bold at the Royal Albert Hall The Band and Bugles of The Rifles appeared at the Royal Albert Hall on 18th October by kind permission of General Sir Nick Parker KCB CBE ADC Gen, Colonel Commandant The Rifles and Commander-in-Chief Land Forces. The Massed Bands and Bugles of The Rifles lifted the roof of the Royal Albert Hall for the Swift and Bold concert. Featuring regular, TA and Cadet musicians, Buglers from the Regiment and special guest stars, the event raised money for the Rifles charity Care for Casualties. The audience was treated to an historic event, the first time the Bugles and Massed Bands of The Rifles have ever performed together. The evening celebrated 200 years of Rifles history and the fifth anniversary of the formation of The Rifles and all proceeds from this event went to the Rifles charity Care for Casualties. The concert rounded off one of the busiest ever years for the musicians who have been in high demand for the Jubilee and the Olympics.
Wife of Rifleman at The Royal Albert Hall The Warning Order came through on e-mail: A Rifles Spectacular at The Royal Albert Hall – Massed bands and Bugles!! IA: Get tickets! How many? Of course I was immediately aware that I had the good fortune to be married to a professional singer who had actually sung with The Waterloo Band when it was an RGJ Band! Thinking Rifleman thought: aha! Let’s go large! The diva was obviously up for the challenge of singing at the Royal Albert Hall so phone calls made, e-mails sent and the invitation to rehearse at Sir John Moore Barracks came through (or was it an audition). It had also been good for Charlotte to chat to Rebecca of C4C at The London Branch Ladies Dinner Night back in March. On the appointed day in July we roared down the M3 to Winchester, arriving at The Guardroom, civilian security asked “Have you been here before?” “Yes” Tap-Tap on keyboard, “You’re not on our system” - ”Well it was 30 years ago!!” All sorted and we were escorted by pushbike outrider to The Band and Bugles rehearsal room. Met Major Sale, Three run throughs of a new arrangement
Charlotte performing at the Royal Albert Hall.
of “Land of Hope and Glory”and “Rule Britannia”, coffee with the Major, what’s your connection with The Rifles? “Dave” “husband … RGJ”!! Next rehearsal: August! We were soon on our way back to sunny Sutton via Peninsula Barracks for a spot of shopping in the museum! After the August Rehearsal, one more at (To be con nued on next page)
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Wellington Barracks the day before the Big Event, ear defenders issued! On the day Charlotte installed in the Principal dressing room with bagpipes for neighbours! Long before, I had rounded up Family and friends to join us as part of the 110 strong London Branch contingent. Outside the Hall itself I fulfilled my usual role of Information Point at such events: “where do I leave my boots” “what time does Café Consort open?” “Where can we get a wheelchair” obviously I looked like I had the knowledge, blazer & badge perhaps? Inside, we made short work of several bottles of wine, ate some fancy food, met a lot of friends and were ready for the spectacle. What a fantastic evening! Of course even
knowing that Charlotte is a professional, we still had the knot in our collective stomachs as she came on in the specially commissioned outfit: Red Green & Black, plus Union Flag, after an hour and half of magnificent music. We were immensely proud as she belted out what was the final piece to bring the audience to their feet and a standing ovation. It was an evening to be proud to be a Rifleman amongst Riflemen and to contribute as a family to the Regimental Family! I would be failing in my duty not to mention that Charlotte is available to sing at a variety of events! Contact her on: contralto@ btinternet.com. Swift and Bold! Dave Dee 4RGJ/5RGJ
Fundraising Support for Care 4 Casualties Continues On Saturday 20th October another dinner party in support of The Rifles Care 4 Casualties charity was held. Bev and Fred are pleased to report that it was a great success that went down well with all those who attended. Twenty four people in all sat down to an excellent roast beef meal once again hosted by John Coak, the Landlord at The North Inn, Pendeen, Cornwall. As a result of the generosity of the local people coupled with Bev and Fred’s commendable efforts a cheque for £1300 has been sent to the charity made up as follows: Raffle £140 Personal Donations £405.50 Sold the 50 wrist bands £100 Fred's personal cd £6 Morrison’s collection over three days £565.97 Table Top Sale £50 Grand Total £1267.47 Personal contribution from Bev and Fred £32.53 to make the donation total up to £1300.00 Several villagers have already expressed interest in attending the next Dinner Party which is being planned for the early spring of 2013. Bev and Fred Strick.
Teal Photography 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. When you need a pro photographer for weddings, events and portraits contact Mark.
Email: info@tealphoto.co.uk or visit www.tealphoto.co.uk Tel: 0208 786 8880 or Mob: 07973 293795
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In Aid of The Rifles Care for Casualties Appeal “Riflemen have volunteered to risk their lives and limbs on behalf of others; we need to do all we can to support them and show our appreciation for their courage and sacrifice. It’s not just the soldiers who serve, it’s their families too and we owe it to them to look after them all.” (Extract from The Rifles “Care for Casualties” Appeal website)
BLACK, RED AND RIFLE GREEN A WARTIME JOURNEY FROM RIFLEMAN TO RIFLE OFFICER By John Bendit With a Foreword by Field Marshal Lord Bramall Dear Brother Rifleman, As this year is the seventieth anniversary of my enlistment into the King’s Royal Rifle Corps before being commissioned into The Rifle Brigade, I thought it might be worth recalling those three hundred days spent as a rifleman and later as an officer cadet in the hope of raising more funds for the Appeal. The Field Marshal, who joined up three months before I did, has kindly written a Foreword to the book. Napoleon and The Rifles has so far raised over £2,300 for the Appeal and copies are still available from the printer who prints on demand. I must apologise to those who bought the book and found the pages coming away from the binding. This has been resolved by using a different quality of paper. If you are unable to print out the order form from this email HERE, just send me cash or a cheque for not less than £10.00 made out to JDB Book and address it to J D Bendit 5 Goodacres Arundel Road Arundel West Sussex BN18 0SF Please state if you want more than one copy if you send £20 or more. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you. With best wishes John Bendit
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The Borneo Reunion
On 1st December 2012 at the approach of 50th anniversary of 1st Green Jackets being moved at a few hours’ notice, from Penang to Brunei just before Christmas 1962, over 60 ex-riflemen gathered at John Howard Barracks in Milton Keynes to remember their time in Borneo. That rapid deployment was in response to a revolt in Brunei but behind it was Sukarno, the leader of Indonesia, set on de-stabilising the planned Federation of Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei with Malaya which was to form Malaysia.
Rifles in Milton Keynes, the ideas culminated in an evening of speeches, Malaysian curry, a fair amount of beer and a lot of reminiscing.
Sukarno had ambitions for a Greater Indonesia and over the next three and half years, British, Ghurkha, Commonwealth and Malaysian troops fought a small and undeclared war along a long jungle frontier. 1 Green Jackets had three operational tours from December ‘62 till late ‘64, and were followed by both 2 and 3 Green Jackets.
A number of those present were wearing the old Ox & Bucks tie as they’d commenced their army careers as National Servicemen in the 50’s so collectively we spanned a long period of time. Many commented that we were privileged to serve at the very end of a disappearing world, patrolling to longhouses where the local Dyaks still hunted with blowpipes, and had skulls hanging in the rafters from their head hunting days. And because our history lives on in the Rifles, the evening raised a healthy sum towards Care for Casualties”.
At Winchester weekends over several summers, there had been speculation about marking the 50th anniversary of the start of Green Jacket involvement in some way and with the support and assistance of E Coy 7
Speakers, including General Bob Pascoe were all sharp, witty and to the point. The names of the men who died in the far east were read out and the room stood silent while a bugler played the Last Post and the raffle as well as the usual bottles of scotch included a perang, a Border Scouts bush shirt and a pair of jungle boots!
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Welcome to Riflesdirect The Regimental Shop of The Rifles
Riflesdirect is owned by the regiment - managed and run by the regiment - for the benefit of the regiment - with all proceeds returned to the regiment to support benevolence and welfare. Inside our shop you will find a comprehensive catalogue of Rifles uniform accoutrements and a good selection of Rifles branded general merchandise including a small selection of regimentally branded products from its forming regiments. All of our products have been extensively sourced, sampled and authorised by the regiment to comply with the Regimental Dress Code and Rifles brand with regard to quality, durability and design. You may find some similar products cheaper elsewhere - but not many. More importantly by purchasing from your own regimental shop you are assured that not only is your purchase everything it should be regimentally, but is also helping to support our Riflemen for which we sincerely thank you. 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’. Telephone order:0845 6434584 or view online at http://www.riflesdirect.com Would you like speak to and see someone face to face? Well now you can as Riflesdirect is available on Skype Mon - Fri 0900 -1600 GMT.
You can talk to us via Skype for free from anywhere in the world.
Soldier Magazine on Line Click Here
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Walking with the Wounded – Stody Hall Barns, Stody, Melton Constable, Norfolk NR24 2ED Telephone: 01263 863 900 info@wwtw.org.uk
Cumbrian Challenge 17th - 18th May 2013 Our teams of wounded service personnel have undertaken a range of immensely challenging, ground breaking expeditions and now they want you to join them to enjoy a weekend unlike any other. Having supplied our expeditions with market-leading bespoke equipment over the past few years, Helly Hansen will join us to create the inaugural Cumbrian Challenge, where you and three team mates can tackle the picturesque Lake District terrain on the 17th and 18th May 2013. Not only will you meet the servicemen who took part in the North Pole and Mt Everest expeditions but you will compete against them. In addition, the British team for the 2013 South Pole Allied Challenge will be using this as a training exercise. This two-tiered multi-team event will raise funds to support the retraining and re-skilling of the wounded service personnel who return from the front line and will simultaneously offer a fantastic opportunity for you to enjoy the great outdoors. Our aim is to grow the Cumbrian Challenge into an annual flagship event we can only do this with your generous support. In return we will guarantee a fun packed; if not exhausting, weekend, the chance to make new friends and find out more about what it takes to take part in our expeditions, as well as raise funds for our vital education and retraining programs.
Walking With The Wounded has continued their commitment to fund organisations and projects that assist wounded service personnel by donating to service providers such as The Warrior Programme and RBLI Lifeworks. The Warrior Programme aims to restore self-esteem and rebuild confidence and dignity of traumatised serving personnel and veterans. The 3-day personal programme allows them to address complex challenges, which have prevented them from leading a normal and fulfilled life. The aim is to help them start their journey back into the work place. RBLI’s Lifework’s programme is designed to help injured service personnel with the transition to civilian life. Lifework’s identifies the specific issues facing the wounded to provide an innovative work-focused assessment and employability course that provides advice, guidance and on-going support. Fergus Williams, Head of Operations for Walking With The Wounded said, "We are proud to support the Warrior Programme and RBLI, which support ex-service personnel with physical and cognitive injuries on their transition to civilian life. Walking With The Wounded raises funds to retrain and re-skill the wounded. We want to support organisations and projects which will assist in achieving that aim."
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The KKRC Reunion 12 May 2012 John Measham sent us a photo of some former members of 11 platoon C company 2GJ (KRRC) in 1965 who met up at the KRRC Reunion at Davies Street in May this year.
Left to Right: Dave Taylor, Roy Smith (Plt Sgt), Gen Wallace (Plt Com), John Measham, and John Pearson.
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Who Blew Reveille Too Early? The year was 1965 the location Penang, Malaysia.
0600 hrs would say “sod breakfast”, turn over and go back to sleep.
I was in the Bugle Section but wasn’t a “passed out” Bugler yet so I was mentored with Bugler John Faulke. My first day as Duty Bugler had gone quite well and all I/we had to do was blow Reveille the next morning and that would be our duty finished.
Anyway, John and I walked into the cookhouse at 0700 hrs … to bedlam!! Now, you’ve got to remember that when I blew Reveille at 0500 hrs, most of the lads went back to sleep. When we blew it again at 0600 hrs, they all got up and decided to go to breakfast! Every offduty Cook had been called in to deal with the numbers wanting to be fed!
I awoke that morning, looked at my watch and saw that it was 0545 hrs. I jumped out of bed, rushed over to John and told him we had to blow Reveille in 15 minutes time! Bleary eyed, he looked at me and said “You do it on your own, you’re good enough” and promptly turned over and went back to sleep! So there I was, standing on the square soaking in the silence of a beautiful Malayan morning and, I must admit, I felt good. I felt so good that I decided I would blow Long Reveille. It sounded great, the notes echoing around the accommodation blocks when I noticed a semi naked figure running towards me waving his arms wildly. “Seamus, you plonker, it’s only 0500 hrs.”!! My legs started shaking so badly I thought we were having an earthquake. “What’ll we do” I asked? “We’ll blow it again at 0600 hrs, no one will notice the difference” he replied.
John and I decided that it was best if we kept our heads down, tiptoe to the front of the queue (Duty Bugler always went to the front), scoff our breakfast and get out of there in a hurry. This plan started well until we “bumped” into a red-faced, livid Cookhouse CSM! “Which one of you *expletives* blew Reveille too early”?he roared in our ears. Now, as we all know, military life is based on Comradeship. If you get into trouble, your comrade will always stand by you. I turned to John wondering if he was going to answer, when I noticed that he wasn’t beside me. He had stepped back a pace, leaving me in “you know what” up to my neck!! I got pulled so close to the CSM that I could see razor nicks on his neck where he had hurriedly shaved that morning. I also think I was contemplating death at that moment when a sonorous voice said “Put my Bugler down”! It was my saviour, Bugle Major Colin Green! HE then grabbed me shouted some expletives and told us both to sod off, without having our breakfasts!! You can imagine the rollicking both John and I received later on that morning! I was also gently reminded that if I didn’t want to be poisoned sometime in the future that I should go and apologise to the Cookhouse CSM.
Left to right: Seamus Lyons, Stan Holland and John Faulke.
So that’s what we did. Come 0600 hrs we both blew Reveille and walked back to our Block to get ready for breakfast. Now, not a lot of people know this, but the Cookhouse only ever catered for one third of live-in members at breakfast. Most of the lads when woken up at
Now, you’re probably wondering how I got the time so wrong? Simple really, some bugger turned my watch back an hour whilst I was sleeping! It wasn’t until years later (in Belize) that I found out who the culprit was. When he confessed, the pair of us couldn’t stop laughing! Seamus P Lyons
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The Unknown Soldier The Idea of the Unknown Soldier was thought of by Padre David Railton in 1916 whilst he was serving on the Western Front. In 1916 Railton was an experienced and mature man in his thirties who that same year had been awarded an MC for saving an officer and two men under fire. He later recalled an incident near Armentieres where he came across a grave with a rough wooden cross inscribed "An unknown British soldier�. It was shortly after this that Railton first had the idea of arranging for the body of an unknown serviceman to be transported back to England and buried with full honours. Later in the War he wrote to senior officers expressing this idea. He received no response, but felt reluctant to let it go and after the end of the war in August, 1920 he wrote to Bishop Ryle, the Dean of Westminster, about the possibility of giving an unidentified soldier a national burial service in Westminster Abbey. Ryle took up the idea and his and Lloyd George's enthusiasm won over the initially hesitant King George V. In October 1920 Railton first heard that his idea had been accepted by the Government. Arras, the Asine and the Somme. None of the soldiers who did the digging were told why. The bodies were taken by field ambulance to GHQ at St-Pol-sur-Ternoise. There the bodies were draped with the Union Flag. Sentries were posted and Brigadier-General Wyatt and a Colonel Gell selected one body at Random. A French honour guard was selected, who stood guard by the coffin containing the selected body overnight. On the morning of the 8th November 1920 the temporary coffin was replaced with one that had been specially designed and made of oak from the grounds of Hampton Court and the body of the Unknown Soldier was placed inside it. On top of the coffin was placed a Crusaders Sword and a shield on which was inscribed 'A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 for King and Country'. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Westminster Abbey. The inscription reads: Beneath This Stone Rests the Body OF A BRITISH WARRIOR Unknown by Name or Rank BROUGHT FROM FRANCE TO LIE AMONG THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS OF THE LAND AND BURIED HERE ON ARMISTICE DAY 11 NOV: 1920, IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE V HIS MINISTERS OF STATE THE CHIEFS OF HIS FORCES AND A VAST CONCOURSE OF THE NATION THUS ARE COMMEMORATED THE MANY MULTITUDES WHO DURING THE GREAT WAR OF 1914-1918 GAVE THE MOST THAT MAN CAN GIVE LIFE ITSELF FOR GOD FOR KING AND COUNTRY FOR LOVED ONES HOME AND EMPIRE FOR THE SACRED CAUSE OF JUSTICE AND THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD THEY BURIED HIM AMONGST THE KINGS BECAUSE HE HAD DONE GOOD TOWARDS GOD AND TOWARDS HIS HOUSE
On November 7th 1920, in strictest secrecy four unidentified British bodies were exhumed from temporary battlefield cemeteries at Ypres,
On the 9th of November the Unknown Soldier was taken by horse drawn carriage through Guards of Honour and the sound of tolling bells and bugle calls to the Quayside. There it was saluted by Marshal Foch and loaded onto HMS Verdun bound for Dover ... The coffin stood on the deck covered in wreaths and surrounded by the French Honour Guard. On arrival at Dover on 10th November the Unknown Warrior was greeted with a 19 gun salute, normally only reserved for field marshals. The coffin then travelled by special train to Victoria station London. It stayed there overnight and on the morning of the 11th of November the body of the Unknown Soldier was drawn to the newly built Cenotaph on a gun carriage pulled by six black horses, followed by twelve distinguished pallbearers, including Haig, Beatty and French. Many of those who lined the streets watching the (To be con nued on next page)
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a pilgrimage of three days. The organisers were taken completely by surprise by the response of the people, not only in London, but throughout Great Britain. Once the ceremony was finished the thousands of people who had lined the streets began to queue to pass the Cenotaph. Most of them had brought wreaths or bunches of flowers to place at the base of the memorial. At least 40,000 people passed through the Abbey before the doors were closed at 11pm an hour later than the scheduled closure time and thousands more passed the Cenotaph. There were still long queues at midnight, and people continued to visit the site through the night. The pilgrimage went on throughout the weekend, with Saturday bringing large numbers of pilgrims from outside London. On Monday 15 November traffic began to move along Whitehall, but the great pilgrimage carried on. As buses passed the Cenotaph, the drivers slowed out of respect, and their passengers stood and removed their hats. Up to the time the grave was closed on 18th November an estimated 1,250,000 people visited the Abbey, but the pilgrimage continued long afterwards, with the space enclosing the grave remaining filled with flowers and other tributes for almost a year.
procession pass had been waiting all night. At eleven o'clock - "the eleventh hour" - as Big Ben began to chime, the King turned to face the Cenotaph and, by a touch on a button, released the flags veiling the monument. As the chimes died away, everyone fell silent for two minutes, and the Last Post sounded. The solemn journey continued down Whitehall to Westminster Abbey where the nave was lined by 100 soldiers who had been awarded the Victoria Cross. The Royal Family had pride of place, but the congregation was primarily composed of widows and mothers who had lost husbands and sons. There was no foreign representation. The service was brief and according to The Times, 'the most beautiful, the most touching and the most impressive this island has ever seen ....' In a touching gesture when the coffin was finally interred on the 18 November, only a few feet from the entrance, it would be in soil brought from each of the main battlefields and the black marble slab covering the grave came from Belgium. It had been planned that the grave of the Unknown Soldier would be closed after allowing
The original intention, that all relatives of the 517,773 combatants whose bodies had not been identified, could believe that the Unknown Soldier could very well be their lost Husband, Father, Brother or Son ... had caught the public’s imagination. Every year on the 11th of November we continue to remember the Unknown Soldier ... Less than a year after his interment, on 17 October 1921, the Unknown Soldier was given the United States' highest award for valour, the Medal of Honor, from the hand of General John Pershing; it hangs on a pillar close to the tomb. On 11 November 1921, the American Unknown Soldier was reciprocally awarded the Victoria Cross. The story does not end there because following that first interment of our own Unknown Soldier many other nations have now buried their own Unknown Hero and erected their own `Cenotaph` to his memory.
Researched and compiled by Ken Ambrose.
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Police Horse Alamein by PC Paul Looker
Once again it is time for me to update you on the antics of your mascot, Alamein, the very large police horse, crime fighter and general worrier of dogs. This time will be my last as the old war horse will be passed to a new rider, Constable Reginald Johnston. This year has like many been very busy for Alamein. There have also been the added extras of the Queens Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics. Add into the mix the trooping and the rehearsals that go with that, the daily guard change, general patrols and sporting events and demonstrations around London, it all adds up to a hectic 2012. He has performed as always admirably. He was rather amused on a trooping rehearsal when the Irish guards forgot to turn up. The Garrison Sergeant Major literally exploded and one can only imaging the fall out however, one feels it is probable that a poor guardsman walking past the Regimental office after he got off the phone to the GSM would have copped the lot. Alamien was also curious and did ask me why the guards need a band to move around and wont come out in the rain, whereas the Household Cavalry, ( fine, smart professional boys that they are) carry out the guard mount in all weather and with no music? As a former member of the Household Cavalry I could not really give Alamein an answer. The Jubilee was an amazing success with Alamein again contributing immediate security for the royal family. It was a wonderful event and a time to stand tall and be proud of this great country. Carrying on that theme the same can be said for the Olympics. Alamein enjoyed several days at park but also covered all aspects around the supporting events in Hyde Park. In a successful year in the fight against crime
Alamein has been a constant feature in London, providing high visibility patrols. He enjoyed a good end to the sporting year with one memorable moment coming at Twickenham during the rugby sevens. This being a rather challenging day where all day drinking by a crowd of people who all think they know horses has an odd effect on them. You end up with people trying to hug the horse to death or feed him alcohol, sometimes even with their own fingers. It can get quite taxing, but one particular drunken male who ironically was dressed as a giant pig and was brandishing a large hula hoop, decided to throw the said hoop in the air. This in turn made its way at speed to Alamein`s head and was set to land around his neck and send me backwards at a rapid rate of knots, probably not stopping until I reached sand and water. Thankfully I managed to avoid the flying hoop and a sticky end and then smiled as the mounted Sergeant had a polite and prolonged discussion with the said pig about the negatives of his actions. Imagine a six foot drunken pig with its head down saying sorry many, many times to a horse. I hope that you can get to London and one day see Alamein on the guard but if you do be on the lookout for pickpockets in the dense crowds and bogus police officers who try to get you to hand over money, credit cards and personal details all aimed at relieving you of your hard earned cash. It is worth noting that many of these bogus officers now carry high quality fake police ID.
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Former 2RGJ Rifleman, Kevin Parker, Receives Meritorious Service Award THE QUEEN’S REPRESENTATIVE for Kent, the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent Viscount De L’Isle MBE, honoured 30 members of the Reserve Forces and Cadet Movements from all three services – Sea, Army and Air - with medals and certificates in recognition of their dedicated service to the Armed Forces and Cadet Movements throughout the County. In addition, three local businesses were presented certificates in acknowledgment of their support of the Reserve Forces, two of whom employ a Reservist.
Among those receiving the award was Kevin Parker, a former Rifleman of 2RGJ who,since leaving the RGJ, has continued serving with the Cadets for the last 20 years and is now a Sergeant Major Instructor with the Kent Army Cadet Force. Kevin is the Detachment Commander at Sittingbourne with 40 cadets to look after and regularly parades 25 - 30 of them every Tuesday and Thursday evening. He has seen many cadets successfully pass though his detachment, many of whom have chosen to seek a career within both the regular and reserve forces. As can be seen in the photographs of the Award event he still wears green with a great deal of pride. Dignitaries from across the County joined the LordLieutenant for the moving ceremony held at the Ashford International Hotel which was also attended by family, friends and colleagues of those receiving awards. The Lord-Lieutenant’s duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown throughout Kent whilst promoting a good atmosphere and a spirit of co-operation among voluntary services, benevolent organisations and the industrial and social life of the County.
Kevin Parker and The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent Viscount De L’Isle MBE
During the ceremony, which took place on the 30th October 2012 the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent paid tribute to the award and medal recipients’ hard work and commitment to the local community and Reserve Forces, and thanked all the civilian employers for their understanding and support of staff serving in the Volunteer Reserves.
Armed Forces discount card launched in time for Christmas A brand new discount card, exclusively for members of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans, will be rolled out next week in time for money off Christmas gifts and everyday items, Defence Minister Mark Francois confirmed today. Over 50 high street companies and businesses have pledged generous discounts to show their support for the Armed Forces Community through the Defence Discount Service. The new Defence Privilege Card, which will be available to sign up for online next week, will ensure our Armed Forces Community get exclusive discounts from participating stores across the country. This new card will provide
money off items ranging from children's toys and winter knitwear to mobile phones and even food shopping. Over 24,000 members of the Armed Forces Community have joined the scheme to date. Examples of the discounts they will now be able to access include: • 10 per cent off all groceries at Iceland • 20 per cent off phone contracts at Vodafone • 20 per cent off tickets at Vue Cinemas • an introductory 20 per cent followed by 15 per cent off everything in store at Austin Reed • 10 per cent off everything at KFC (To be con nued on next page)
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service to their country.
• three to 10 per cent off gift cards ordered from the Defence Discount Service website for most major supermarkets, Boots, Toys R Us, Topman, Currys, Debenhams, House of Fraser, B&Q, Homebase and H Samuel.
Handing out the first Defence Privilege Cards at No 10 Downing Street yesterday, the Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: "I am delighted that we have managed to get so many companies to sign up to this - and just in time for Christmas. As well as allowing people to save money, these discounts are a token of the immense appreciation that we all have for our Armed Forces. "It is fitting that the cards are launched in the year that the military have done so much for our country, not just abroad but here in the UK, showing the very best of British during the Olympics and the Jubilee."
The roll-out of the new Defence Privilege Card coincides with the publication of the first annual report on the Armed Forces Covenant. This sets out key disadvantages the Government has tackled over the last year to improve life for our Armed Forces Community and ensures personnel and their families are not unfairly affected by their
Soldier Ride UK 2012 With an RGJ connection on the support team and a Rifles connection amongst the participants, the regiment were well represented on Soldier Ride UK 2012. The event began as an initiative of the American Wounded Warrior Project in 2004 and first came to the UK in 2011. It involves a series of cycling events by both serving and former soldiers who sustained injuries during their service. It is designed to help the participants realize their potential and to raise awareness of the physical and psychological battles they have to face as they adapt to the circumstances of a very different lifestyle. Soldier Ride UK is a remarkable event in that it highlights the courage and the sacrifice made by the men and women of our armed forces. The Padre and Steve Gill at Colchester.
This year, thirty riders from the UK and USA took part. They set off from the Sandringham Estate where they met HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. The group included amputees and others who have sustained injuries including loss of sight. They included one triple amputee, two double amputees and ten who have lost one of their legs. Using specially adapted equipment, they embarked on a grueling six-day challenge that averaged over 40miles per day. During the journey the group were met by local officials at the end of each day, including Schoolchildren meet the team.
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a former 3RGJ Councilor at Ipswich, local schoolchildren, Mayors, serving soldiers and ex-service families. At Colchester garrison the 16th Air Assault Brigade reception team included the brigade padre who wasmade most welcome despite being informed that it was a pity about the colour of his beret. The intended sleight was taken aboard and with a degree of gusto that suggested an element of Green in his DNA as
he promised to join the team for the following day’s ride (and yes, he did turn up). In all, a remarkable week and it was a complete privilege to be able to provide some support – maybe next time I will take a bike? The event will take place again in 2013, is supported by BLESMA (British Limbless Ex Servicemen’s Association), the ABF (The Soldiers Charity) and the American Wounded Warriors Project. James Kinchin-White (Ex 1 and 3 RGJ)
New Book
When the Jungle is Silent - Fiction By James Boschert Set in Borneo during a little known war called “the Confrontation,” this story tells of the British soldiers who fought in one of the densest jungles in the world. Jason, a young soldier of the Green Jackets, is stationed in Penang, an idyllic island coast of Malaysia. He is living aimlessly in paradise when he meets Megan, a bright young American from the Peace Corps who challenges his complacent existence. Their romance is interrupted when his regiment is sent to Borneo. Ill prepared for the grim horror of a war in the jungle, he finds himself “Up Country” close to local populations of Ibanheadhunters, and in the path of a determined Indonesian offensive. Fighting erupts along the border of Sarawak and Jason has to learn to survive in a world gone mad. He is forced to wake up to the cruel harshness of real soldiering while he endeavors to stay one step ahead of the Indonesians, who are combing the jungle. The jungle itself, although neutral, is deadly enough. James Boschert served in Borneo with the British Army and is the author of Assassins of Alamut, and the other Books of Talon set in the time of the Crusades To preface my comments on When the Jungle is Silent; let me identify myself as a reader predominately of non-fiction. In particular, a propos the war genre, my preferences are for works like Herodotus' Histories, Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, the excellent modern historical writings of Barry Strauss, Paul Cartledge, Ernie Bradford, et al, and the numerous masterful accounts of the great battles of the Twentieth Century's two World Wars by the likes of Cornelius Ryan. Ryan is perhaps the best model from which to launch this review, because his style is more like that of historical fiction than pure history - incorporating first-person verisimilitude and blending factual content with old-school journalistic urgency. Boschert's novel has those qualities, beautifully bound into a narrative that recounts the little known "confrontation" between the British and Indonesians over Borneo in the South China Sea during the tumultuous waning years of the Indonesian dictator Sukarno. Boschert was a British soldier in that conflict, and When the Jungle is Silent is really his memoir.
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HM Armed Forces Veterans Lapel Badge For generations the Armed Forces have served the country across the world in many roles from war fighting, peacekeeping and reconstruction to home defence. In so doing, they have defended our country, our way of life and our cherished values. A large number of our veterans are young and active and now use the skills, the discipline and the leadership they learned in the Armed Forces to benefit their civilian employers and the wider community. The Ministry of Defence Strategy for Veterans highlights that because of all this it is important to focus on supporting veterans of all ages by celebrating, and raising public awareness of, their achievements and their contribution to society. To promote recognition of veterans by the wider British public the unique and unifying symbol of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge is available to all those who have served in HM Armed Forces.
Armed Forces are not eligible (e.g. Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force).
The HM Armed Forces Veterans’ Lapel Badge was launched in May 2004 by the then Minister for Veterans, to raise the profile of veterans by assisting the wider public to recognise them. The first veterans badge was issued to Lord Healy, a veteran of the Battle for Monte Cassino, on 10 May 2004, which initiated the roll out of the badge to the generation who served in the Second World War. Since then eligibility to apply for the badge has been extended in sequential phases and now all veterans are eligible to apply.
Application Forms • Acrobat Reader Version • Microsoft Word Version • Text Format (.rtf)
The badge is an enamelled, engraved, and pinned, lapel badge featuring the words “HM Armed Forces – Veteran”, which encompass the Tri-Service, Anchor, Crossed Swords and Eagle motif. Its symbolism is intended to unite all veterans in recognising the commonality of their service, to encourage a sense of unity and community between surviving veterans and to ignite public recognition of our veterans and their continuing contribution to society.
Eligibility Criteria All those who have served in HM Armed Forces, including Volunteer and Regular Reserves. Exceptions Veterans who served in Armed Forces of other Countries and those who served alongside HM
Posthumous requests The badge is a survivors badge and therefore is not issued posthumously. The only exception is for War Widows and Widowers who are in receipt of a War Widows/ Widowers Pension paid by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. This also includes those who have received an award of Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP) under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. This is in recognition of the fact that their death was due to their military service. How to apply You can apply by any of the following methods: Click on one of the links below to access the application form.
Please ensure you complete the form including your service details as fully as possible. You may post or fax your completed form to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. Another option is to download the form, complete it electronically, save the form and return to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency by email. If you wish, you may call the Freephone number to apply. Please ensure you have to hand all the details asked for on the application form. Postal address: The MOD Medal Office Innsworth House Imjin Barracks Gloucester GL3 1HW Fax: 01452 510871 (UK only) +44 1452 510871 (Overseas) Email:SPVA-veteransbadges@mod.uk. Freephone Helpline Free: 0800 169 2277 (UK only) Free: 0800 169 3458 (Minicom UK only) +44 1253 866043 (Overseas)
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THE SOLDIERS OF OXFORDSHIRE TRUST The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust (SOFO) was founded in 2000 to create a new military museum for Oxfordshire. Col Robin Evelegh, Oxf and Bucks LI, RGJ and Rifles, and Col Tim May, Queens Own Oxfordshire Hussars, came up with the idea following the closure of the old Oxf and Bucks LI museum in the TA Centre at the Slade in Oxford when the TA Centre had to close. The regimental records of both regiments are now in the care of SOFO at the Old Tannery. Some of the artefacts from the Slade are on display at the Old Tannery and others are in store but that will change next year. IIt was decided that SOFO should try to raise the money to build and run a new museum to house both the collections and the archives. After lengthy negotiations with Oxfordshire County Council it was agreed that the museum should be built in the grounds of the existing county museum in Woodstock. The necessary funds to start the building have been raised and work has started. The museum will open to the public in October 2013, in time to have various special exhibitions related to the centenary of the First World War. In addition we have a team of researchers who can help you find details of relatives and others who served with the regiment in the past. SOFO have raised the money required to build the new museum which will be an exciting new building but still require funds to be able to run it properly.
Gift Aid declaration â–Ą I am a UK taxpayer and want the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust (Registered Charity Number 1145408) to treat all subscriptions and donations I make on or after the date of this declaration to be treated as Gift Aid donations. You must pay an amount of Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax of at least equal to the tax the Charity reclaims on your donations in the tax year. The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust will reclaim 25p on every ÂŁ1 subscription or donation. Signature .............................................................................................................................................................. Name .......................................................................................................... Date ............................................... Address ................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................................................ .................................................................................................................... Post code .......................................
Soldiers Of Oxfordshire Museum The Old Tannery Hensington Road Woodstock OX20 1JL Tel: 01993 813 832 www.sofo.org.uk The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (No. 7842383) and a registered charity (No. 1145408)
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In Memoriam
Obituaries Please be aware that our publications, Swift and Bold and the E-Zine carry brief details of all those members of the regiment who have died regardless of circumstances. Deceased members of the former regiments and The Rifles are included within the published Obituary lists. The degree of detail shown in both Swift and Bold and the E-Zine is limited by the space available and only brief details are posted but with direct links, as is the case with the E-zine or, as in the case of The Swift and Bold Journal, the Internet address showing where the full details can be seen on the web site Bulletin Board at http://63196.activeboard. com/forum.spark?forumID=63196. All such occurrences, even those with the briefest of details, are recorded on the Association database. The amount of information available on a deceased member of the regiment is also dependent on the information received about the individual concerned from those people who knew him taking the time to add their memories and condolences to his entry on the In Memoriam Board.
Bagley, Peter Bowring, Peter Brown, John Curson, Leigh Cowan, Fred Duncan, Jeff Gi ngs, Bill Goodwyn, Maj Greville Has e, Ron Mu on, Fred Phillipson, Dodd Rudall, Ron Sargeant Charley St. Aubyn, Maj TE Sullivan, Peggy Thompson, Val Tomlin, Chris
Rest in Peace
LEST WE FORGET “They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them.”
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