The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association
Ezine 15 Sept 2011
Ezine Page Summary Page 1.
Title Forword Forecast of Events
2.
Op Omid Haft On Patrol in Helmand Hero Hound Hobo
3.
1 Rifles Find IED Factory Allan Reinthal RGJ & C4C
4.
Appeal Haig Housing Trust Beware! Email scams
5.
Newburgh Priory Shoot MCTC Colchester Pelvic Protection Armour
6.
North East Branch News Suffolk Branch News
7.
Wiltshire Branch News Veterans in Prison Book Signing 29th Oct
8.
British Tournament 2011 Stop Email Hijacking The Belgium Death March
9.
C4C Appeal
10.
Rifles Presentation Lunch
12.
The RGJ (Rifles) Museum
13.
Obituaries Thank you Wotten Bassett Buying a Flag Order 3RGJ T Shirts c. 1984
Swift &Bold Soldier Magazine on Line Click Here
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NEWSLETTER
Volume 3 Issue 2
Welcome to the 8th edition of the RGJRA Ezine Newsletter published on 15th September 2011. To ensure that you get your copy always make sure you keep your email address up to date & empty your mailbox frequently. Current distribution for this issue is to 3187 of 5852 database users.
FOREWORD Welcome to this, the eighth edition of the Associations Ezine. One of the best aspects of working, as I do, within the Association is that I am constantly renewing old friendships and even more importantly making new ones. Virtually every day I come across people I have not heard from or spoken to in forty years. The most noticeable thing about all these encounters, and they are mainly over the telephone, is that after the initial hello`s and `how are you`s`, the conversation continues as if the last time we were in contact was yesterday
and it may as well have been because the same conversation continues as if there was no forty years in between! The Royal Green Jackets was a unique regiment which made the relationship between those who served in it, officers and soldiers alike, unique. We talk of brother riflemen in real terms because between us all there is an instant trust and belief that no matter what, a rifleman will not let his comrades down and with few exceptions that has always proven to be the case. I mention this only because I recently attended a presentation lunch given by The Rifles and within that environment I detected the same close knit
comradeship that we enjoyed as members of the RGJ and remain so proud of. The Rifles are all aware of where they come from and have more than demonstrated since 2007 how well qualified they are to carry forward the Green Jacket good name. Believe me when I say that the traditions and ethos that we are so proud of are alive and well in The Rifles. Only the name has changed! I hope you all enjoy this latest edition which as usual contains a variety of material donated by our readers, including news, as ever, of their current efforts to support our brother Riflemen with The Rifles Care for Casualties charity. KCA
Forecast Of Events June 2011 - sept 2011 Sept 12-18 25 29
Event Regimental Suppot Week - The Rifles Rifles and Light Infantry Club Lunch Official Opening of Somerset Military Museum
Location The Rifles Bishops Place, Wells The Castle, Taunton
Oct 7 8 10-16 19 20
Devon and Dorset Officers Club Sandwich Lunch Shropshire Autumn Dinner Regimental Support Week Rifle Brigade Club Dinner Celer et Audax Regimental Dinner
Exeter
Nov 6 7-13 11 12 13 17 19
DLI VC Stone Ceremony Regimental Support Week Field of Remembrance RGJ Association Oxford Reunion Remembrance Sunday and Cenotaph Parade 1 RIFLES Home Coming & Freedom Chepstow D&D Officers Club Dinner
Durham The Rifles Westminster Abbey EB Bks Abingdon Cenotaph London Davies Street, London
Dec TBC 6
Rifles/RGJ Officers Winter Cocktail Party F & G Coy Rifles/RGJ Carol Service
Davies Street, London St Georges, Hannover St
The Rifles Band Cavalry and Guards Club Cavalry and Guards Club
Contact Taunton Office Taunton Office
Shrewsbury Off Major K Gray RHQ
Durham Office London Office Oxford Office RGJRA London Exeter Office London Office London Office
30 MAY 11 - 1 RIFLES MOUNT AIR ASSAULT ON OP OMID HAFT In the early hours of 26 May, nearly 300 ANA soldiers and Riflemen from 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 RIFLES) took part in one of the largest partnered air assaults in Afghanistan since operations began. Describing the operation a Task force spokesman said: “This was a complex operation involving large numbers of Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force personnel as well as US Marine Corps troops. Between them, they coordinated 22 aircraft which inserted hundreds
of troops and tonnes of stores into a high threat area, in poor weather, at night. Days of detailed planning paid off as the mission was a resounding success and a textbook example of multinational cooperation.” Once on the ground, the soldiers and riflemen moved towards Malgir, and by 9am, had secured several Check Points (CPs) and a number of crossings over the Nahr-e Burgha canal. At the same time, a further 200 troops, including 130 ANA, moved into position on foot to
conduct a clearance operation along the canal. The ANA led clearance was met with little resistance. Afghan and British engineer troops supporting the 1 RIFLES Battlegroup were able to quickly clear Route Trident to enable essential supplies to be delivered to the CPs. By the end of day one, five new checkpoints had been established and a cordon put in place around Malgir.
“This was a complex operation involving large numbers of Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force personnel as well as US Marine Corps troops........”
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13 MAY 11- ON PATROL IN HELMAND - By Rifleman Matt Mortimer For the last 5 days, our Multiple has been on patrols. Each patrol varies in duration, route and purpose. On an average day we get up at 0700 to wash and shave before breakfast - we get a good choice, sausages, bacon (or Spam!), black pudding, beans, fried bread, pancakes and porridge. The patrol will then set off at a specified time, which some days could be as early as 0500. One of our patrols lasted for 4 hours, and the aim was to investigate a water well and meet the people who live nearby. When we got back to the patrol base (PB) we had lunch and spent the afternoon playing volleyball, going to the gym and reading after our kit had been cleaned and checked.
On our second patrol we set off at 1000. The purpose of this patrol was to investigate a compound which insurgents had used in the past. The Afghan National Army went in to the compound first and detained the owner for being an insurgent sympathiser. On the way back we stopped at one of the checkpoints for a debrief with the other multiple which was involved in the patrol, and then headed back to the PB in the late afternoon. The cookhouse put on some sandwiches for us and the rest of the day was ours to relax in. The next day we went on a ground dominating patrol to show the locals community that we are providing them with security. We got back to
the PB at lunchtime and that afternoon we had orders for a patrol the following day. We got up at 0230 for this patrol and set off at 0400, patrolling to one of the checkpoints. We then occupied a compound as part of a cordon while the Counter-IED team cleared the area around where a school is being built for local children. The clearance took a long time, so we were out for 15 hours. Thankfully the next day of patrols was easier, setting off at about midday - which was really hot. We headed out to speak to a local elder regarding some IEDs which may have been planted by the insurgents. We cleared the area without finding any IEDs before returning to base.
We got up at 0230 for this patrol and set off at 0400, patrolling to one of the checkpoints. We then occupied a compound as part of a cordon while the CounterIED team cleared the area around where a school is being built for local children.
Patrols show the local community that they are being protected
Hero hound back on front line following grenade attack He is trained to sniff out deadly IEDs and lead patrols to safety but on a recent patrol in Nahr-e Saraj roles were reversed and it was up to the patrol to save Hobo’s life. Hobo was deployed on an operation in Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province when the patrol came under sustained small arms fire and rocket propelled grenade attack. Led by Hobo, the soldiers took cover to wait for back up but within minutes a grenade had been thrown over a compound wall. Insurgents had crept through dense vegetation to the rear of the compound unseen by the patrol’s sentries. Hobo was resting flat on the ground and the fragmentation
flew over his head missing him completely but then a second, third and fourth attack came and Hobo was hit. Captain George Shipman (28), serving with 29 Commando Royal Artillery, attached to A Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, remembers the scene: “There were four loud explosions, the dust was kicked up and it was difficult to see what was happening. “We realised quickly that Hobo had been hit. He was bleeding heavily from the base of his neck. I administered a blood clotting agent and applied pressure and a field dressing to stem the bleeding and protect from infection.
“Hobo remained really calm throughout and just stood there while we treated him.” With shrapnel wounds to his neck, abdomen and rear, the patrol began giving life-saving first aid. The heat of the shrapnel had cauterised two of the injuries but Hobo was bleeding from the cut to his neck. “I found it hard, harder than treating a human casualty, because I couldn’t explain what was going on. Hobo’s become one of us, bounding around the PB [patrol base] all the time. “Hobo has now recovered fantastically well and is bounding around as if nothing had hap pened. The prognosis is very positive. He’s in great shape.” Hobo has now rejoined A Coy,
2nd Battalion the Royal Ghurka Rifles. Corporal Arjun Limb said: “It’s great to have him back with us – it’s a real morale boost and he’s running around just like before”. Hobo is due to return to the UK in November to begin his next role as a demonstration dog. **************
Hero hound `Hobo`
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Bomb disposal pAIR clear IED factory found by 1 RIFLES Two members of the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Task Force have spent two full days making safe an IED factory that was found by British soldiers in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand province. The compound, which was uncovered by members of 1st Battalion The Rifles, contained enough components and equipment to make more than 80 devices. The weapons cache included: • 5 x 5kg main charges • 2 x 10kg main charges • 56 Detonators • 36 Ready-made pressure plates • 51 partially constructed pressure plates • 24 Batteries • Unexploded ordinance for use in IEDS Captain Nick Welby-Everard Torbet from 521 Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps and Corporal Ed Williams from 22 Headquarters and Support Squadron, 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) were part of a four-man team called to search the compound, make safe any devices and help 1 RIFLES collect any parts that could be exploited as evidence. Nick, is the team commander and works hand-in-hand with his number 2, Ed. Since arriving in Helmand almost three months ago, the two men have deployed to various parts of the UK’s area of operations to support ground companies who request assistance from the bomb disposal experts.
Often they can be out on patrol for up to 36 hours, carrying out their high pressure jobs in temperatures above 50 degrees. Nick decides on the best course of action depending on the situation and Ed is responsible for operating the specialist equipment used to disarm the devices, such as Dragonrunner. On their most recent operation, the team spent two full days searching through the compound to find and destroy the IEDs. Nick says it was one of the biggest ones they’ve been involved in: “Some of the devices were very carefully hidden, and finding them was long and exhausting work because we have to be so meticulous and thorough.” He went on. “Despite being tired and sweating from the heat, there is no margin for error After two long days of work clearing the compound, the team focused their attention on setting up controlled explosions to dispose of all the material they found. Ed explained: “As well as removing the danger, we also want to make sure we remove the chance that the insurgents come back and try to make use of any of the component parts. So, if we can we take it away to do analysis but the rest of it is destroyed in a safe controlled way. It is hard work but rewarding to know that you are making a difference.” As well as dealing with numerous IEDs, Nick and his team are also training the Afghan National Army in bomb disposal techniques to help them devel-
op their own specialist capability. He said: “The Afghans are very professional soldiers and during the time that we have been in Helmand, their skills have improved significantly. “Compared to the last time I was in Afghanistan a few years ago, the difference in the ANSF is really noticeable. Locals here are also more confident in their own security forces and their ability to provide security. Things really are improving here.” Ed said: “It’s important that they learn the skills needed to deal with IEDs because it’s likely the devices will continue to pose a threat. A lot of the soldiers are really eager to do well and the most difficult thing is teaching them patience – it really is a virtue in this job and they need to realise why it’s a case of more haste, less speed. But they’re learning and more importantly they want to learn so that helps.” Nick and Ed are now half way through their six-month tour. At the end of Operation HERRICK 14, they will return to their units in the UK – Nick to Didcot and Ed to Wimbish. “I’ve served in Iraq but this is my first tour of Afghanistan and I’ve learnt a lot – it’s been a real experience, “says Ed. “I am looking forward to returning to the UK and passing on the knowledge of what I’ve seen and been involved in to the other soldiers in the Regiment – many of who will be coming out here themselves in the near future.”
Former Green Jacket Allan Reinthal, who is now 60 years old will attempt to run 13.1 miles in Swindon’s arduous half marathon in October to raise money for the Rifles charity ‘Care for Casualties’. The notorious tough half marathon course will take place on 9th October 2011 and will be particularly challenging for Allan who was shot in the thigh whilst on patrol in Londonderry Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles and who Allan Reinthal will be running also underwent surgery to his 13.1 miles in support of The Rifles spine following a climbing acCare for Casualties
cident, Allan who suffers with back, knee and thigh problems from his injuries, will be attempting his first ever half marathon with his daughter Victoria and the competitive duo are hoping to complete the 13 mile race in under 2 hours. Allan has been greatly impressed with the sacrifices being made by the Army in general and the soldiers of The Rifles in particular. So please dig deep and donate now. You will find his Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/Allan-Reinthal0 .
Donating through Just Giving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Just Giving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - it is now possible to raise more money, whilst saving time and cutting costs for your chosen charity.
“Some of the devices were very carefully hidden, and finding them was long and exhausting work because we have to be so meticulous and thorough.” He went on. “Despite being tired and sweating from the heat, there is no margin for error – we can’t rush
or skip through or it could be fatal. So as well as being physically tired, a big, long job like this can be mentally draining too.”
Captain Nick Welby-Everard, Royal Logistic Corps and Corporal Ed Williams, Royal Engineers on site.
Soldiers of 1 Rifles on patrol
Please Note
Anyone wishing to contact the Webmaster, Kevin Stevens, can do so at webmaster@rgjassociation.info
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ALLAN REINTHAL IS FUND RAISING FOR THE RIFLES C4C CHARITY “This will be particularly challenging for Allan who was shot in the thigh whilst on patrol in Northern Ireland”.
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An appeal on behalf of The Haig Housing Trust For anyone leaving the forces, the transition to civilian life can be a difficult challenge; imagine how much harder it is if you are young, just starting out in life, perhaps married with young children and then you are suddenly and traumatically disabled, and permanently so. How and where do you start? Sadly this has happened to several Riflemen recently, and there may be many more out there who are not aware of the help that is now available to them. Five members of The Rifles have so far approached Haig Housing Trust (HHT) to assist with their specific housing needs, as their discharge from the Army may be pending and the need for suitable housing is more pressing. HHT is the sister charity of Haig Homes, which itself has almost 1400 properties throughout the UK available for ex-Servicemen and their families to rent. However, HHT was set up in 2008 to deal with the unfortunately increasing demand for specially adapted housing, suitable for servicemen living with a disability. HHT currently has 50 cases on its books and more and more are presenting themselves as time goes on. HHT does not only help service personnel injured on operations; it can help any injured
serviceman. Examples of the help include: 1. A direct line into Haig Homes that provides houses across the UK to rent for exservice personnel. 2. A property finding service, whether renting or buying. 3. A Shared Ownership Scheme where we jointly purchase a property and deal with the estate agents and solicitors’ on behalf of our clients. For anyone, buying a house can be an incredibly stressful experience, let alone if you are trying to buy a house that needs to be suitable for adaptations for living with a disability. As sadly many of our cases are so young, they have little experience of the legal procedure involved in purchasing a property. HHT can help with all of that, providing a surveyor and dealing with solicitors and estate agents, thus removing the stress. Beneficiaries of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) are awarded payouts in “recognition of their pain and suffering”; this is supposed to last them their whole lives and should not all be spent on housing. HHT can offer a Shared Ownership Scheme whereby the property is purchased outright by HHT and the serviceman puts down 25%.
Over time, the serviceman can buy more and more equity in the property, as funds become available. Rfn Dan Shaw, a double amputee has used HHT’s services in the process of buying a property for conveyancing and survey costs. Rfn Sam Walpole is looking to buy a property in South London, which he intends to take advantage of the Shared Ownership Scheme. HHT will then also advise on suitable adaptations as he is also double amputee. Rfn Michael Swain is also looking for property in the Luton area and is utilising HHT for advise on property finding and adaptations. Haig Housing Trust launched its new fundraising campaign, ‘Coming Home’ in May this year, with the aim of raising £20 million over the next few years to assist injured Service personnel with their housing needs. The trust provides secure, affordable and individually adapted homes in the right places from which the wounded can begin their new lives. Anyone wishing to donate to the ‘Coming Home’ appeal can log on to the website HERE and make a secure donation by PayPal or call the donation hotline on 020 8685 5770.
BEWARE! AN EMAIL SCAM WITH A DIFFERENCE. A recent innovation in the diversity of email scams has recently surfaced which I think you might want to be aware of. The scam involves you receiving an email from someone on your email address list which indicates that whilst on holiday they (or you) had all their money, credit cards and documents stolen. Within our address list most of us will have the details of old friends going back many years and of course family members and as such we as a group will be more suseptable to this than others. An example of the sort of thing that might be sent is ........ ”It’s a terrible experience for me. I need your help flying back home as I am trying to raise some money. I have made
contact with my bank but the best they can do is to mail me a new card which will take two to four days to arrive here. I need you to lend me money, will pay back once I get this over with,” It might go on to say that Western Union is the fastest option for wiring funds and ask you to “Let me know if you need my details (full names/location) to effect a transfer. You can reach me via email [a “gmail” address in his name] or the hotel’s desk phone 0030 698 083 7647. As scams go it is quite convincing. The email above would go out to everyone on a hacked mailing list and to ensure that the person he is pretending to be does not alert all those in his address file the hacker then deletes their address list so there is no way of warning your
friends that the email they have just received from you asking for money is a scam! Now beware because up and down the country, people, particularly those with Google email accounts have been affected by this scam, which is a little more persuasive than it might be as a result of coinciding with the summer holidays, when it is perfectly plausible that someone might be visiting Greece or wherever. Google recommends that all users follow its Gmail security checklist. This is the peak season for people having their accounts hacked, principally because so many are travelling, and thus using either computers or networks that are shared and which they trust too much. Google, Hotmail and Facebook
Haig Housing Trust launched its new fundraising campaign, ‘Coming Home’ in May this year, with the aim of raising £20 million over the next few years to assist injured Service personnel with their housing needs.
Rfn Michael Swain
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 Association publications. The front cover picture on the 2009 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 (though notably not Yahoo) have all implemented a system called “two-factor authentication” to protect your account. To activate two-factor authentication: • In Google, it’s found through the “settings” tab on the top right-hand side of the page. You have to set up 2FA on a trusted computer. (It’s a good idea to have a printer to hand so that you can print out a list of backup codes it provides for access just in case your mobile phone is lost or stolen.) You’ll have to provide a phone number to which the codes can be sent; obviously, a mobile is ideal. **************
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Newburgh Priory Shoot – 29th December 2011 in support of c4c
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.
The new 3 tier Pelvic Protection System for frontline troops
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The opportunity has arisen through the generosity of Mark Faulkner, owner of the shoot, to raise money for Care for Casualties whilst enjoying an excellent day`s shooting. Mark has donated half of the subscription for the day to the Rifles Care for Casualties. The day will consist of 200 birds on this excellent shoot, providing good quality pheasants with more than the occasional partridge.
The day includes includes a fat boy’s breakfast at the Coxwold Tea Rooms, lunch on the hoof in the field, at the conclusion of shooting we dine at the White Swan at Ampleforth which provides excellent fare. The inclusive cost per gun is £825.00 The shoot is situated approximately eight miles south east of Thirsk in the foothills of the Hambleton Hills – one of the top shooting areas in North
Yorkshire. I can thoroughly recommend this shoot, having run a syndicate there for many years. If you would like to partake, please complete and return the completed slip HERE together with a cheque for 50% of the cost made out to “Newburgh Sporting Syndicate”. N.B. Fibre wads only please. Contact Colonel Brian Denney 07711698819 or 0113 2223322 for further information.
Military Corrective Training Centre Carole Taylor is writing a history of the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester from 1947 onwards and would love to hear from anyone who has memories from 1947 to the present day. You may have
been a member of staff, a detainee, an escort, visitor or had some other connection. However trivial it might seem to you it will be very important to me as its the little details that really paint a picture. The
idea is to create a living history by including as many personal memories as I can in contributors own words wherever possible. Please contact saahera@tiscali.co.uk or 01621 869567
NEW PELVIC PROTECTION FOR FRONTLINE TROOPS The MOD has unveiled the third and final phase of a pelvic protection system that will provide increased protection to troops on the frontline in Afghanistan. Delivered as an Urgent Operational Requirement and designed to mitigate the effects of explosions on the front line, the MOD’s new pelvic protection system balances protection with the necessary comfort and manoeuvrability for troops to undertake operations. Tier One is worn as underwear, manufactured from scientifically-tested ballistic silk that provides an initial level of protection to mitigate against the effects of blasts, including shrapnel. Tier Two is a second layer of detachable pelvic body armour, worn by troops when carrying out higher risk tasks outside the wire. The third and final tier of the system consists of ballistic knee length shorts, designed for use by troops whose roles demand greater levels of protection on patrol – such as those operating the lead metal detector in teams searching for Improvised Explosive Devices. In an initial contract with Hawk Protection Ltd worth £2.8 mil-
lion, 12,000 sets of Tier Three will be delivered to troops on the next three deployments to Afghanistan. Troops deploying in October are to be among the first to benefit. Along with the first two layers of pelvic protection, Tier Three integrates with the rest of troops’ personal kit, which has now been redesigned specifically to be worn with body armour. The new clothing can be easily adapted to suit the many different environments troops face on the frontline. The different layers include a T-shirt, thermal shirt and windproof thermal smock and take advantage of developments in material technology to provide both thermal insulation and sweat wicking. On the Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage outer layers, buttons have been replaced with Velcro for greater comfort under body armour. Additional panels reduce wear and tear and pockets are positioned for efficient use even when troops are wearing body armour. In addition, troops in Afghanistan are to be issued with innovative bacteria-zapping socks - which are completely waterproof.
The knee length socks will help to keep troops feet dry when they are wading through ditches and streams. To keep feet hygienic, they have antimicrobial properties similar to those found in medical dressings. They are also superior to conventional socks, keeping feet warmer during the winter months. Secured under a £1.6m, four year contract with Norfolk based company SealSkinz, they will be issued to troops deploying to Afghanistan in October. Minister for Defence, Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff, said: “Troops on operations already have worldrenowned body armour but we continually seek to improve the personal protection available to them. “Along with the new Personal Clothing System, this will afford our troops greater protection, versatility and comfort on operations. This investment in cutting edge science and technology will benefit the long term welfare of our troops, demonstrating our commitment to providing them with the best possible kit on the front line.” **************
North East Branch news - by Malcolm Donnison Welcome once again to the North East branch of the RGJ association and its entry to the E-zine. Sadly, at the beginning of the year we lost a member of our Association, John Paddy Sands, who died after a short illness in hospital. R.I.P. On armed forces day in June, my wife (Janet Donnison) through her office at the NHS organised a Help the Hero’s day at a sports centre in Newcastle where we raised the great sum of very nearly £3000 for the charity and I would like to thank J Cheetham ,G Barrs, G Mallaby, B Coulson L. Coulson and J Coulson for their assistance in rattling buckets and selling raffle tickets on the day to raise such a great figure for this worthy charity. In July many riflemen and their families made the long journey
south to our annual veterans day Regimental Association re union and spent many hours in the company of friends and former comrades. On the Sunday morning Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux and his charming wife Amanda hosted the brunch morning at Rose cottage before people made the long journey north. July was quite a busy month for some of the North East branch as four of us from the branch volunteered to represent the regiment at The Not Forgotten Associations Royal Garden party at Buckingham palace on Friday the 15th July. Jake and Liz Cheetham, Tommy and Linda Sugget. Trevor and Ann Barrs and myself and my wife Jan had a superb day at the Palace meeting up with other RGJ members from various Branches. We also discovered
that one or two celebrities who were there had regimental family ties to the 3rd battalion of our regIment. In August some branch members and wives attended a Bar-B-Q at the invitation of the Midlands Branch and a great time was had by all. Our next branch meeting is to Members of the North East be held in September and a branch met up with other former small number of branch memGreen Jackets at Buckingham bers will be attending the unPalace in July veiling of a new memorial in Blackhall Colliery. We will also be discussing the arrangements for the remembrance day weekend we have planned in November and the unveiling of the new wall of remembrance which has been built in Sunderland to honour all those who have fallen in recent conflicts around the world. Please Just one of the many plaques which pay tribute to soldiers at see attached photographs. the new Sunderland Memorial **************
tHE Suffolk BRANCH - an Update by Gordon Pilcher What a year it’s been so far and since our last report we’ve had Tommy Evans stand down as our entertainments member. This roll has been split between Jim Hitches and Frank Moss supported by Gordon and the rest of the committee, a vote of thanks was given to Tom for all the hard work he’s put in over the years running the raffles and more lately organising the annual dinner dance. Brian Pepper’s medals had recently been sold at a local auction in Felixstowe and news of this had come to Gordon who advised Frank and Jim. It seems that when leaving his bungalow to go into a nursing home Brian’s medals had been left behind in a drawer and were sold off as part of the house clearance to pay his outstanding rent. Frank had advised Brian of this and understandably he was very upset and wanted his medals back. Gordon having made enquiries through the Auctioneers made contact with the buyer who had already sold them onto (as it turned out) an ex RGJ living in Aylesbury who on learning of Brian’s plight gave the medals back. They were bought at auction for £200 including the Buyers fee and Brian was happy to reimburse the buyer. Curly Hooper was directly responsible for us being able to work out a deal with the buyer as Curly had left us quite a lot of military bits and pieces
the majority of which were auctioned off to the members following his death. The remainder which I’ve been looking after for several years was bought for £400 minus the cost of Brian’s medals so a real big thank you to Curly God bless you mate and thanks to Dave Empson who not only has made Jan a very happy woman by clearing away a pile from out of our summer house, didn’t want anything to cover his expenses in running out to Aylesbury to collect and return the medals. The branch is that much richer so a happy ending all round. In July Larry and Julie Lamb held their annual BBQ which has an open invitation to all Green Jackets and their families. The Branch donated £200 towards the cost and Larry and Julie as always did us proud. There was as much food and drink as you could wish for, and Julie surpassed herself this year with the sweets. There was a good crowd of us enjoying the day and we were especially pleased to see Micky Bardot and Peter Bond with their wives along with Jim Browning. Peter ever since leaving the Army had been looking for his old friend Tucker Barnes believing him to be living somewhere up in Newcastle (being a Geordie, where else!!) when telling Gordon, see the surprise on his face when Gordon told him that he knew exactly where Tucker lived and as it was only a couple of streets away from Larry’s house Gordon took him by car to drop a letter
through his door (NOT) Knocking on the door Tucker’s wife answered and the dog barking soon brought Tucker to the door, there was instant recognition and Peter was able to leave him with an envelope of photographs and contact details before returning to the BBQ. Being the best of friends in the Regiment it was always a bone of contention with Peter that due to going away on a course he never got to say goodbye to Tucker, at least he was now able to do that but fingers crossed it won’t be goodbye but the rekindling of an old friendship. Only two disappointments on the day, Jim Hitches was upset because all the chicken curry had been eaten and there was none left for his doggy bag, that was some curry Jim I had seconds!!! and the young lady bouncing on the trampoline who didn’t stop when bouncing against the side curtain landing some 4 - 5 feet down onto her buttocks ouch!! luckily nothing broken just a bit of pride, did we feel for her!!!! A fantastic day thoroughly enjoyed by all, thanks to Larry and Julie for yet another resounding success. Saturday the 27th of August was our Regimental Birthday dinner held at the Orwell Hotel where 29 of us sat down to a very good meal, organised by Jim, Frank and Gordon. Wishing All Green Jackets everywhere good health. **************
A selection of photographs from the Bar-B-Q given by Julie and Larry Lamb in July. Top : Larry with Mrs Para!! Centre: Frank Moss relaxing Bottom: Gordon & Alfie Arnold
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tHE wiltShire BRANCH By Lee Massey Greetings one and all from “sunny” Wiltshire, or more to the point not so “sunny” Warminster. First of all I would like to take this moment to thank all those who sent me their best wishes and concerns during my stay in hospital, in the beginning it was very touch and go and it appeared I would be Gary and Chris Byrne celebrate joining our brothers in the FRV. Not so thank goodness I am well on their 30th wedding in June the mend and my legs are getting stronger all the time. It was very touching to see just how many of my brother Riflemen showed and conveyed their care and best wishes. Bloody amazing actually, so I must admit to having a very large lump in my throat, again my many thanks and more to those who visited me you have no idea The Bar-B-Q theme this year was how much that helped. My thanks a Beach Party and was attended for the support I received from my by some pretty `famous` people. family goes without saying.
So since last we spoke the branch has been pottering along and getting on with our own lives with the occasional social gathering. Gary and Chris Byrne celebrated their 30th years of wedded bliss at the Hunters Moon on 25th June with friends and family present as well as a good turn out from the Branch. Phil and Val once again stepped in with their organisation skills and the cake made by Gwyneth Massey as a gift and surprise was well received. Of course we had our summer??? BBQ, the venue was Phil and Val Ashby’s back garden. The theme this year was “Beach Party” and to everyone’s surprise and delight we had an impromptu visit from none other than Pamela Anderson in her Bay Watch regalia, scary! As usual the theme was stretched to its limit and the tide
did come in and the sun came out. As is the norm fun was had by all and our thanks go to Phil and Val for a very good day. More pictures will be on our new website HERE soon. Looking forward we have our annual dinner at the Hunters Moon on 8th October. It will be our 13th so fingers crossed for a good night. Also our new regular fixture, the skittles night at the Organ Inn is set for 25th November which as the beer flows and the fish and chips are consumed descends into chaos and bruised ankles. You have to be there! This will happen after our Remembrance Day Parade and conservative club gathering. Bill Tyson will lay the Branch’s wreath as usual. This year our banner will adorn “Royal Green Jacket” corner! **************
Report ON military veterans in prison An inquiry into former armed service personnel in prison has found no evidence that having served for your country makes veterans more likely to end up in prison than civilians. Howard League for Penal Reform report did find military veterans are twice as likely to become convicted sex offenders than members of the general public and that veterans are more likely to commit violent offences. Sir John Nutting QC, chairman of the inquiry, said he had “no idea” why former servicemen went on to commit sex offences and called for further research to look into any causes. The report concluded that servicemen, especially those who are likely to fight in the front line, have to be trained to be effective in the use of violence and that inside the forces, this
violence is controlled and regulated. Yet some ex-servicemen who were interviewed had not found it easy to restrain violent impulses outside of that environment. The inquiry found three out of four military veterans in prison have served in the Army. Sir John commented that the Army could not be blamed; adding that many of the 3,000 ex-servicemen in prison might have been jailed earlier if they had not signed up to better themselves. The Army recruits many young men from socially-deprived and economically-disadvantaged backgrounds, the same demographic of the general population as is often found in custody and that the Army freezes or delays the criminal offences until, in most cases, much later in their lives.” The report found three in four vet-
erans (77%) in prison had served in the Army, compared with about one in seven (15%) in the Royal Navy and about one in twelve (8%) in the Royal Air Force and that in all, some 3,000 of the 85,000 prisoners in England and Wales were ex-servicemen. Of the 29 veterans interviewed for the inquiry, eight were behind bars for murder. Other figures from the Defence Analytical Services and Advice (DASA) unit of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) showed that one in four veterans in prison were jailed for sex offences, compared to just one in 10 of the general prison population and 32.9% of ex-servicemen, about one in three, were jailed for violence, compared with 28.6% of the general population. There was little or no evidence to suggest combat-related trauma drives veterans to commit crimes.
The report calls for screening to be introduced for those leaving the armed services to identify anyone likely to be vulnerable so that a better eye can be kept on them in the future because it was by “no means impossible” that ex-servicemen were experiencing a delay, sometimes of up to 15 years, before being hit by PTSD, storing up problems for the future.There was no doubt that most veterans saw their time in the forces as the best days of their lives and more needed to be done to make them aware of more than 2,000 charities offering support. The Ministry of Defence said it would consider the inquiry’s recommendations and that they have accepted the Government’s estimate of the percentage of prisoners who are veterans, which remains low at 3.5%.
Book launch- ‘The Weekend Trippers’ Museum Signing 29 OCT The Weeekend Trippers tells the story of Rifleman ‘Ted’ Taylor, and his war time experiences. Ted of 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade, was sent to Calais on 23rd May 1940 as part of Calais Force. Outnumbered by at least three to one and enduring some of the heaviest fighting on the western front of the German advance, they managed to hold out for 4 days against the might of the 10th Panzer Division until they finally ran out of ammunition and were forced
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to surrender. As they headed into captivity alongside men from the BEF who had been in Europe since 1939 they were nicknamed ‘The Weekend Trippers’ because they had only been there for a few days. But for Ted the next five years were no joke as he found himself part of the huge slave labour force in Poland under the administration of Stalag XXA and Stalag XXB. Life in the POW camps for many of the men bore little resemblance to the cheerful films of the 1950s and
for Ted, time spent in Majdanek Concentration Camp and a Polish salt mine were things to be buried deep in his subconscious, never to be spoken about. ‘The Weekend Trippers’ is based on Ted’s diaries written at the time and extensive research. Published by Bank House Books ‘The Weekend Trippers’ will be available to buy from October 2011. 75% of the author royalties from each book sold will be going to the Rifles Benevolent Trust.
Tickets on sale for British Military Tournament 2011 Tickets are now on sale for this year’s British Military Tournament, staged at Earls Court, London, from 2-4 December. Set within a dazzling arena production, the show is the largest display of military theatre anywhere in the world. Last year’s event brought together the best elements from the world-famous Royal Tournament in a new show for the 21st Century. It was witnessed by more than 50,000 people and raised substantial funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. The British Military Tournament 2011 focuses on the story of ‘the special relationship’
between the United Kingdom and United States, recreating dramatic episodes in history from the American War of Independence right up to modern day operations in Afghanistan. More than 700 personnel will be taking part, including active servicemen and women, musicians from the Army, Royal Navy, RAF and US Army, plus skilled historical American Civil War re-enactors. The Field Gun event, featuring crews from Wellington Collage battling it out on an unforgiving obstacle course, is a highlight of the tournament.
The White Helmets (Royal Corps of Signals Motorcycle Display Team) will also be demonstrating their skills. More than 100 horses and military vehicles are involved and the Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery provides a memorable spectacle for visitors. This year the British Military Tournament is being presented by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in association with The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. Please click HERE to reserve tickets on line
More than 700 personnel will be taking part, including active servicemen and women, musicians from the Army, Royal Navy, RAF and US Army, plus skilled historical American Civil War re-enactors.
HAS YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS BEEN HIJACKED? There are a number of reasons why someone might want to hijack your email address and we have already discussed one possibility, such as conning all the people on your address list to send them money by pretending to be you stranded on holiday without any money. One of the least harmful but most annoying is to use your address to send everyone on your address list continual advertisements for foreign made electronic goods or some other highly dubious items or services. Sound familiar? The problem is that unless one of those on your address book emails you to ask why you keep sending him/her so many ad-
vertisments you are unlikely to be aware that it is happening. However there is a simple way of checking if your address has been hijacked. Email headers tell a lot. They have information on who – or rather which computer initiated the email. So it is a simple matter to prove to those on your address list that you are not the one who has sent an email. But by then, the damage is already done. For a long time, there was little you could do about it except dump your address and create another. But now, it is easy to reduce if not eliminate the chances of being hijacked. If your web host supports Sender Policy Framework (SPF), turn-
ing it on will be a big step towards blocking people from hijacking your email address. It works by creating a checkpoint that will only allow email to be sent from your own domain. When the recipient’s email server receives an email from you and tries to check if the email is legit, it will check the origins of the email. If it came from your domain, the email goes through. If it didn’t, then the server rejects the email. The result, the target of the spammer never receives the spam and your ‘reputation’ is intact. Setting this up is pretty easy. Just log in to your email control panel and look for an icon
that says Email Authentication. Simply enable or disable SPF. If you are using Gmail or Google Apps to read and receive your emails, then you need to add Google on to the list of allowed domains. Under the spot where it says “Additional Hosts that send mail for your domains (A):”, click Add then enter aspmx.googlemail.com. Save and all is good. Please be sure to test sending and receiving once you turn it on to ensure your emails are getting delivered to you and from you to the recipient. Last thing we want is to totally disable your emailing ability **************
100 KM IN 21 HOURS IN SUPPORT OF C4C By Dave Dee The aim of course was to raise money for “Care for Casualties”. We know that The Rifles have returned to Afghanistan and that on the previous tour The Regiment sustained more fatalities than any other. The monies raised will help to provide support for those injured and their families. At the time of writing I have raised £1700.00 for our fellow riflemen. Some of you out there have contributed-Thank-you, for the rest, there is still time. Swift and Bold! 21:00 passed and as darkness descended a slow shuffle began as the 10,000 odd participants set off, into the twilight zone? it
was still packed but the march started to take shape and looking ahead it appeared as a long glow-worm snaking off into the distance courtesy of the previously issued luminous headgear. The rest of the night was spent marching along forest tracks, through villages always following the luminous glow ahead. Underfoot it was rough dirt tracks, cobbled roadway, tarmac and concrete, frequently changing from one surface to another. Luckily the rain had stopped. The checkpoints were manned by an army of volunteers who handed out drinks, buns, waffles, biscuits and at one a large
apple pie! After refuelling, it was back on the march. Some with cameras at the ready posed for photos at a giant “50km” sign. Saturday started warm, sunny then cloudy, then some drizzle and then finally poured with rain in the afternoon! As we stomped through the wet with visions of WW1 battlefields forming, the old saying came back, “if it isn’t raining it isn’t training” And then it was over! Into the tent at Bornem, a final scan and immediately on a VDU screen came a Union Flag together with my name and number! Job done!
My “just giving page”is www. justgiving.com/Dave-Dee at which donations can still be made, or cheques can be sent payable to “Care for Casualties” c/o Dave Dee, 28 Furzedown Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5QE
Dave Dee
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The Rifles’ Care for Casualties Appeal By Rebecca Maciejewska
“I am writing at the end of August and we have now had news of the death of our 58th Rifleman Killed in Action since the formation of the Regiment in February 2007. Our regimental service in Afghanistan continues”.
All Are Supporting The Rifles Charities Page 9
The Regiment’s Care for Casualties Appeal is a ring-fenced appeal within The Rifles Regimental Trust (Charity number: 1119061). It has been going since February 2010 and I am writing at the end of August, eighteen months later, and we have now had news of the death of our 58th Rifleman Killed in Action since the formation of the Regiment in February 2007. Our regimental service in Afghanistan continues. Over £1,000,000 has been raised via the appeal by serving members, Associations, those with connections to our antecedent regiments either personal or thorough relatives, and by generous individuals and organisations with no connection to The Rifles. The Regimental family has been magnificent in showing its support to those in need and we thank you all. £1million sounds a huge sum; it is, but when you think of it in terms of supporting a continuing need, we still have a long way to go. In 2010 alone over £100,000 was spent by the Regiment on our casualties from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts over the past 4 years. This is in addition to the £328,000 spent in 2010 by The Rifles on 694 cases which arose from requests for help and support on behalf of veterans and their dependants from our founding regiments. Historically the regiments that made up The Rifles have always looked after their family – old and young - and it is on this foundation that The Rifles’ desire to continue to help those in need is based. So, how are we spending the money? Money raised is spent on direct and indirect support and grants to help individuals, on recuperation breaks, funeral support and casualty packs for those who arrive back at hospital in the UK and for rehabilitation at Headley Court. Where we can we work with the MoD and other charities such as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Help for Heroes, Combat
Stress, SSAFA. However, we step in alone to help where not to do so would mean what we consider to be an unacceptable delay in reaching the need or where restrictions on who can benefit from funding means that a need is not being met. Our main aim is to enhance the quality of life of the casualty. These examples illustrate the point: • adaptation of houses – especially funding for the extras not covered by government grants, such as kitchen equipment and units that are adaptable for use by either a disabled or an able-bodied person, so that a husband and wife can occupy the same living space with minimum disruption, thus enhancing their quality of life; or paying for a stair lift to be put into the home of a sibling of an injured Rifleman for whom it is his home at present. • adaptation of cars or the provision of quad bikes in certain circumstances to provide mobility. • paying for retraining and re-skilling and education. Injured Riflemen are now undertaking MA degrees, attending College and completing Diploma Courses, all funded, at least in part, by Care for Casualties. An example of this is a recent payment of £2,500 to help towards the costs of an MA, which will be an on-going annual cost for the duration of the course. • marriage guidance counselling for a double amputee and his wife, mental health courses for a number of (mainly TA) Riflemen and also for a spouse. Counselling for a mother and siblings of one of our Fallen Riflemen. • approximately £40,000 has been spent on rehabilitation and recuperation breaks for our wounded and bereaved. These give our casualties a sense of self-belief and optimism, the restorative benefits of which are incalculable. • driving lessons for amputees to give them independ-
ence; driving lessons for the carer of a Rifleman who is now epileptic having been shot on operations, and, similarly, driving lessons for the fiancée of a blinded Rifleman. • support for the expenses of our Regimental Casualty Officer to allow him to better oversee the care of our casualties. To date, The Rifles now has 29 amputees, including two who have taken the decision to have a lower limb amputation in order to improve their mobility. This gives us an insight into the quality of prosthetic limbs available to our soldiers. They are extremely technical pieces of equipment and with their help our Riflemen are now learning to ski, climb mountains, row across the Atlantic and take part in marathons. What we are not sure of is whether the NHS will provide this level of prosthetic care once they have left the Army. At present it will not and it seems unlikely that this situation will change. We wish to be able to support them in their desires to fulfil their ambitions, with or without limbs. Our injured soldiers are generally between the ages of 18 and 26, they have many years of life ahead of them and it is the intention of the Regiment to be able to support them, their families and the bereaved families at any stage, should they need it for the rest of their lives. With that in mind, please continue to support our Care for Casualties Appeal HERE and find a Gift Aid form HERE. We have set ourselves a target of another £600,000 by February 2012 which would bring our overall total to £1.6million and we will need to keep going thereafter. Every penny counts, so please continue to give and thank you for all that you have already done. For more information, please contact me, Rebecca Maciejewska, Appeal Coordinator, at c4c@ the-rifles.co.uk. **************
tHE rIFLES pRESENTATION lUNCH By Major (retd) R.D. Cassidy M.B.E One of the highlights for me this summer was to watch The Rifles Band and Bugles Sounding Retreat on the square at Sir John Moore Barracks during the Annual Reunion of The Royal Green Jackets Association, Veterans’ Day as it is now termed, on 9 July. This performance by the band and bugles was second to none, certainly as good if not better than I have ever seen. It brings home to me, that our heritage is being well looked after.
Bandsmen and Buglers of old, and the many Riflemen of the antecedent regiments should be reassured that their dedication and expertise is still being carried on. Then just a few days later on Friday 15 July, I attended the Rifles Regimental Award’s Luncheon at Bulford Manor. This was a superb occasion hosted by General Sir Nick and Lady Parker with the majority of those receiving Regimental Awards and the Colonel-in-Chief’s
Commendations present. In discussion both Ken Ambrose who was also there and myself, were of the opinion that the occasion was worthy of it being shared in a wider arena, hence this article. I cannot remember in my career such an occasion as this and the Awards and the Commendations were given in such a way as to surely be remembered by those who received them for a long time to come.
“I cannot remember in my career such an occasion as this and the Awards and the Commendations were given in such a way as to surely be remembered by those who received them for a long time to come”.
THE REGIMENTAL AWARDS FOR 2010 and 2011.
Presented by General Sir Nick Parker K.C.B., C.B.E., Colonel Commandant THE RIFLES Champion Shot for the Regular Army
This is awarded to the Rifles Regular soldier who scores highest in the Army 100 (Queen’s Medal) Match.
The winner for 2010 was: The winner for 2011 Sjt White of was: Rifleman Cham1 RIFLES bers of 4 RIFLES
Champion Shot for the TA
This is awarded to the Rifles TA soldier who scores highest in the TA Queen’s Medal Match.
The winner for 2010 was: The winner for 2011 LCpl Chapman was: Rifleman Carter of 7 RIFLES of 7 RIFLES
The Prince Philip Bugle
This is awarded to the bugler who is the The winner in 2010 was: winner of the Annual Bugle Competition and Rifleman Clark is appointed as the C-in-C’s Bugler for the of 4 RIFLES coming year.
THE RIFLES Cadet Bugle
This is awarded to the Rifles Cap badged Ca- The winner in 2010 was: det who wins the bugling competition at the Cadet Bugler Feeney of Rifles Cadet Bands and Bugles concentration Cornwall ACF
The Rigby Award
This is awarded for 2010 This is awarded to the Rifles Corporal who scores highest on the Corporal to Sergeants’ to: Cpl Grater Promotion Board. It is presented in memory of 2 RIFLES of Corporal John Rigby who was KIA in serving in 4 RIFLES in Iraq in 2007
The winner for 2011 was: LCpl Merchant of 3 RIFLES
The Rifles Presentation Lunch was held at Bulford Manor, the home of General Sir Nick and Lady Parker
This is awarded for 2011 to: Corporal Wilmot of 4 RIFLES
THE COLONEL-in-CHIEF’S COMMENDATION Colonel-in-Chief’s commenda- set to the Battalion, but it is the his presence throughout this tions may be awarded to any less quantifiable effect of his period. individual or, exceptionally, a behaviour that has been most team, section or group of eligi- impressive. Displaying tremen- LCpl Matthews 1 RIFLES ble personnel, in recognition of dous ‘Rifles’ spirit, he has set a The commendation is for proan outstanding act or meritori- sterling example to others in a viding exceptional service as a ous service. similar, unfortunate plight. By medic in the battalion MediThe Commendations for 2010 courageous example, he has in- cal Centre on both medical were presented by the Colo- stilled belief in others where it and extracurricular fronts. He nel Commandant General Sir may have been lacking. In 2010 has been obliged to assume Nick Parker deputising for he made the final steps in an responsibilities above and beField Marshal the Duke of Ed- astonishing recovery and was yond his rank and role. In camp inburgh, Colonel-in-Chief, The upgraded, making him fully de- and in the field he has consistRifles. ployable in any environment, ently performed in a role one or two ranks his senior and has Serjeant Stanton 1 RIFLES CSjt Morgan 1 RIFLES excelled on every occasion. He The commendation is for dem- The commendation is for dedi- has enhanced the stature of onstrating considerable forti- cation throughout his Colour The Rifles in both 160 and 3 tude in the face of life changing Service to his job with the (Cdo) Brigade. circumstances having been se- Motor Transport Platoon and Note: The above three were verely injured in a car accident latterly with 1 RIFLES. It is no not able to collect their comin Lydd in 2007. By his actions exaggeration that the Battalion mendations for at the time he has returned a veritable as- would have suffered without they were in Afghanistan.
Corporal now Serjeant Wilmot receives the Rigby award from Serjeant Will Rigby the brother of the late Corporal John Rigby.
Captain Horsfall receives his commendation from General Sir Nick Parker
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tHE rIFLES pRESENTATION lUNCH (continued) Capt Horsfall 2 RIFLES On the 10 Jul 09 when commanding his patrol in Afghanistan his platoon was literally blown apart. Five of his soldiers were killed, two seriously wounded and he himself was grievously injured. Since been wounded he has made slow but steady progress despite many General Sir Nick Parker and Mrs setbacks along the way. Not only has he remained cheerClarke share a joke. ful and optimistic throughout his own rehabilitation but it is his effect on others which has been truly inspirational. He is FOR SALE continually encouraging and cajoling, leading by example. His reputation as a motivational force and a role model for other wounded soldiers is widespread and whenever his name is mentioned compliments flow. His selflessness, courage and optimism have been truly remarkable.
“The 60th”
By the artist “Snaffles” Charlie Johnson Payne (1884-1967) An original watercolour, the image measures 13” x 10” and the framed size is 17.5” x 14.5”, the frame is oak with a narrow gold slip. The price is £1,950. If sold within the regiment the seller would be delighted to make a donation to the Rifles’ care for casualties fund. The watercolour can also be viewed at www.eggesfordstudio.co.uk on the Snaffles military page where it can be examined more closely using the zoomify function. It is a fantastic painting and it would be fitting for it to return to a member of the Regiment. Please contact sheron@ eg gesford-studio.co.uk **************
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Rfn Joseph 4 RIFLES He deployed on Op Herrick 10 as part of the Election Support Force. He is a 100m sprinter of national standing who has been part of the Nigerian Athletics squad. After surrendering much of his post operational Tour leave to train and prepare, he won a place on the plane to South Africa to represent the Combined Services, winning competitions at 100 and 200 metres. He is the current Army 100m and 200m champion and is aiming to take part in the African Games this year in Mozambique. His continued determination and commitment to excellence set a strong example to other Riflemen in the Battalion. WO2 Batcock 4 RIFLES Since 2007 he has been the very foundations that 4 RIFLES have built the Rear Party upon. He took on all welfare responsibilities while the Riflemen were away conducting compressed Pre Deployment Training packages for the Afghanistan operational tour. He excelled in the management of injured soldiers. It has been an astonishing three year journey for him. He has excelled in the most unglamorous of appointments for an incredibly lone period of time. His sense of duty, morality and commitment in recent years has been
without boundaries. Sjt Bolam 4 RIFLES He was badly injured as a result of an IED blast on 9 Jul 09 and underwent a lengthy period of treatment in RCDM. Throughout his stay at Selly Oak he displayed exceptional leadership, personal determination and courage. He helped guide and inspire the junior Riflemen through their recovery, helping them to remain positive, disciplined and focussed. The Senior Ward Nurse described his actions as exceptional, commentating that he always considered the welfare of his brother Riflemen on the ward before his own. His selfless approach undoubtedly helped his brother Riflemen and reflected leadership and commitment in the finest traditions of the Regiment. Mrs Nicole Clarke Mrs Clarke runs the NAAFI Express Store in Alanbrooke Barracks, Paderborn. Since 2008 she has led her small team with abundant enthusiasm and with a spirit of unstinting support for the Battalion’s single soldiers. She has frequently placed her own interests as a shop manager behind those of the soldiers. Her work beyond the remit of her contract as a NAAFI employee has made a significant impact on the operational effectiveness of 5 RIFLES supporting welfare activities crucial to a large community of dependants based overseas. She has through her personal commitment to the Battalion turned an under used and isolated NAAFI facility into a thriving welfare facility for the Battalion. Throughout she is consistently good humoured, warm hearted and a volunteer brimming with enthusiasm; a key pillar within the Battalion’s community. Sjt Pas 6 RIFLES A Territorial soldier serving with 6 RIFLES he volunteered to deploy with 3 RIFLES on Exercise ASKARI THUNDER, a demanding Battle Group exercise in Kenya. A heavy goods driver by trade, he expected to deploy to a similar driving role but in the end he agreed
to fill the role as a Rifle Platoon Serjeant. His performance was nothing short of outstanding. He administered, trained and commanded the platoon without hesitation and with total professionalism. He is an exceptional Rifleman where his performance matched his regular peers. His humility, natural intelligence and innate leadership inspired his Riflemen and ensured the utmost respect from the chain of command at all times. His unflinching enthusiasm coupled with an indefatigable sense of humour was an example to every Rifleman and an absolute credit to the Regiment. He is amongst the finest of Riflemen. LCpl Pasha 7 RIFLES LCpl Pasha is a Territorial soldier who mobilised with 2 RIFLES for their 2009 Afghanistan Tour. He saw previous operational service with 7 Armoured Brigade in Iraq. He is a portrait of what a reservist can bring to operations; he has a wealth of experiences, is older than most yet very fit, pragmatic, sensible and deeply understanding. He commanded with ease and fitted in seamlessly with his regular counterparts. Despite being a TA soldier on his first operational tour of Afghanistan. He demonstrated tactical astuteness, bravery and tenacity in both the Green Zone and urban environment. Overall his performance was nothing but outstanding. Corporal Sims Cpl Sims served his 22 years and 14 of them as a staff car driver. What places him apart is the length of time he has done this task and the way he has done it. Always cheerful, always punctual, always professional, forever patient, always discreet and with utmost loyalty to those he served. It is a spirit of service that is rarely seen delivered so consistently for so long. Serjeant Major Instructor Murtagh For long and devoted service as a youth leader with the Merseyside ACF, (To be presented later this year) **************
The Royal Green JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM WINCHESTER
The Museum has enjoyed a particularly busy and successful summer. During June, July and August there were more visitors in each month than in any previous June, July and August during the last ten years. In July and August there were over 2,000 visitors in each month. As a result visitor numbers are up 22% during the first eight months of 2011 compared to 2010. We are currently projecting a total number of visitors during the year of c. 12,500. There are a number of reasons for the increase. First, the summer exhibition, “The WI in Hampshire in Peace and War”, has attracted considerable interest including in The Times and in the regional and local media. As a result large numbers of women have visited, many of whom had never previously visited a military museum. The exhibition remains open until Saturday 17 September inclusive. Secondly, the Museum has reverted to opening on Sundays during the summer months. This has undoubtedly meant that some people have visited who might not otherwise have done so. Lastly, the Audience Development Plan approved by Trustees in February has led to more aggressive marketing with a new
brochure about to enter circulation. The WI exhibition was opened on 15 July by Dame Mary Fagan, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, in the presence of a number of dignitaries all of whom commented extremely favourably on the content. A particular feature has been a facsimile two-fifths the size of the original, huge “Women’s Work in Wartime” wall hanging which originated in Winchester in 1946 and which took approximately 400 embroiderers nearly four years to complete. The original is owned by the Imperial War Museum and has been in a store at Duxford in Cambridgeshire for many years. There is now a wish to see it permanently displayed in Hampshire. One of the most pleasing events of the summer was a visit to the Museum by Field Marshal Lord Bramall, Lady Bramall and their son, Nicolas, on 23 July, during which the Field Marshal very generously donated his Field Marshal’s baton to the Museum. It is a condition of the gift that the Field Marshal should be able to loan back his baton should he require it for any ceremonial event that he may be required to attend during the remainder of his life.
In addition to Lord Bramall’s “In July and August baton, a number of other items there were over 2,000 have been received to boost visitors in each month. the Museum’s very consider- As a result visitor numable collection of over 7,000 bers are up 22% during objects and 5,000 medals in the first eight months of Winchester. One of the more 2011 compared to 2010. interesting is the international football cap awarded to, and the shirt worn by, Rifleman G. A. Littler of The King’s Royal Rifle Corps when he represented the England Amateur Football Team in a friendly against the Netherlands on 24 March 1913. Field Marshal Littler, who was later promoted Lord Bramall’s baton to the rank of Sergeant, sadly died on 11 May 1915, aged 27, as a result of wounds received while serving with 2 KRRC at Neuve Chapelle. Finally, this E-zine contribution would be incomplete without a tribute to Colonel Ian McCausland who died on 16 August. Ian was for many years a Trustee of the Museum and also archivist for The King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He had a depth of Rfn Littler’s England football cap knowledge of matters relating to the KRRC which no one else could match. His loss will be keenly felt as those remaining struggle to research information which he had at his fingertips. CBQ Wallace **************
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
General Wallace, Museum Chairman, shows the Lord Lieutenant some of the items on display in the WI exhibition. Steve Brine, the MP for Winchester, is on the left.
Regimental history on a Mug from the qm`s locker
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SUPPORT THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS MUSEUM SHOP
Obituary Notices
Please click on name to view obituary entry
a thank you to wootton bassett - By JUDY GADEN "As the end of an era is looming for RAF Lyneham, and the significant role it has played in the repatriation of our lost service personnel, it seems fitting for us as a family to honour the role that the town of Royal Wootton Bassett has played.
Judy`s son Tom Gaden KIA 2009
ers signed up to join us on a ride to Royal Wootton Bassett on the 1st Oct 2011, starting from Hankridge Farm, Taunton. We will be setting off at 10.15am. There will be a ‘Commemorative Sew on Patch’ available to all participants (and others who are not able to come) for a cost of £10, all funds raised
donated to the Tom Gaden Memorial Fund. We will be presenting His Worship The Mayor with a quilted wall hanging, as a token of our gratitude for the part Royal Wootton Bassett played in our own son Tom's repatriation. Please contact myself at judygaden@googlemail.com for further information. Let us really show our grattude to this amazing community and its residents for all the support and compassion they have shown to us, at such difficult times. Thanking you in anticipation and on behalf of our bereaved families."
We are currently requesting motorcyclists to join us who Judy Gaden Commemorative Shoulder Patch have played a part in our son Tom's life and now have 50 bik- from the sale of these will be
Now that the artwork is setup 3rgj TSHIRTS-c. 1984 additional flags and smaller Rex Woolsencroft has recently sizes are available at a reduced The Tour T Shirt Company Ltd acquired a personal KRRC flag cost. are producing 3RGJ T shirts at a reasonable £120 including from 1984 at £8 each incl P&P creation of the artwork from Contact bob@tour-shirts.com scratch. or click HERE for order form If you are of the same mind and more details. contact.... Annabel Radcliffe, The Hampshire Flag Co, Unit 11 Pipers Wood Industrial Park, Waterperry Drive, Waterlooville, PO7 Rex`s full size KRRC flag 7XU. Tel: 0845 6443129.
KRRC Flags on sale
Page 13
Wheatley, Rose
09
June
Ling, Tony
13
June
McFarland, Tony
19
June
Stileman, Brig David
24
June
Van Arkadle, Derek
24
June
Parker Major P.H.
24
June
Hughes, Joseph
?
June
Beck, Derek
13
July
Cpl Palin M.A. 1 Rifle
18
July
Belsham, Roy
22
July
Morris, David
23
July
Garratt, Henry E.
?
July
Soulsby, Peter
05
Aug
LT DJ Clack 1 Rifles
12
Aug
McCausland Col I.H.
15
Aug
Baker Leon
03
Sept
Mason Alan
06
Sept
Babins Rodney
10
Sept
Maj Gen G Mills
12
Sept
Rest in Peace
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.
