RGJA Branches

AYLESBURY BRANCH

The branch is still alive and well despite the lack of numbers. We currently have 20 paid up members although only about half of those support the branch on a regular basis.

Recruiting has proven challenging over the years and efforts are ongoing to improve the situation.

The early part of 2015 saw the sad passing of two of our Buckinghamshire Battalion Old Comrades.

Derek Hawes

Derek aged 94 was a bugler with the 2nd Bucks Battalion. He was with the battalion during the defence of Hazebrouck in France where 59 soldiers lost their lives. He was captured and spent the remaining years of the war as a POW. He was a very modest man and will be missed by everyone who knew him. The branch was represented at the funeral which was greatly appreciated by the family.

Raymond “Tich” Rayner

“Tich” aged 95 was a well-respected and very popular person in the Aylesbury area. He joined the Buckinghamshire Battalion in 1935 and at the outbreak of World War 2 the Battalion formed part of the BEF and “Tich” was sent to France. He was subsequently evacuated from Dunkirk. On his return from France he joined 2nd Ox & Bucks LI and in 1944 he was part of the glider force sent to secure Pegasus Bridge. “Tich” was a true gentleman and will be missed by all. His funeral was attended by upwards of 250 people including several senior offi cers. The branch formed a guard of honour ably supported by the Milton Keynes and Oxford Branches.

The branch held the annual Copenhagen Dinner in April. With the support of the RBL and other local military associations we managed to seat 68 people for the evening which was a great success.