RGJ Ezine Jun 2010 by RGJ Association

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association

Ezine 15 June 2010

Ezine Page Summary Page 1.

Title

. 3 Rifles Afghanistan . Charity Walk H4H

. RFEA Article . Dropbox Review

4. 5.

. On yer bike! . Armed Forces Day

. Major JS Knox VC . North East Branch

. `Stubs` . Celle 40 years on!

. Crime Prevention

. Viruses and Trojans . The DW Canoe Race

10.

. Calais 26 May 2010 . A Familiar face

11.

Foreword You might notice that the first of our Ezine Newsletters for 2010 has been produced in a slightly different and I like to think more professional page format.

. Sailing for Heroes . Arabella Dorman

. The Wiltshire Branch

. UN Peacekeeping

14.

. Obituary Notices

June

July

. UN Peacekeeping . Names to faces

Aug Sept

Swift & Bold

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Please do keep sending your articles and photographs in to me. Remember, if it has happened or is about to happen and may be of interest I want to know about it! My only other request is that you keep the articles reasonably short to between 300 and 500 words. Regards to all

KCA

. High on a Hill-History 13.

branches, towards this issue of the Ezine has not been as many as hoped for and will need to increase if we are to to sustain the current level of 3 Ezine issues a year.

Forecast Of Events June - September 2010

. Winchester Reunion . Mayo Memorial

As you can see your efforts both as individuals and groups continue with your support of the The Rifles and other military charities and the Events list below for the next three months bears witness to how busy this period is going to be with the many Rifles Freedom parades that are taking place all over the country in addition to our own long established RGJRA events.

As I indicated when theEzine was first published it was destined to evolve over a period of time to include a more varied content and enhanced design features and this is just one of those On a slightly negative note I must stages. I hope you like the small advise you that the number of changes that have been made. contributions, particularly from

. Editors Notes 12.

Volume 2 Issue 1

Welcome to the fourth edition of the RGJRA Ezine Newsletter published on 15th of June 2010. To ensure that you get your copy make sure you keep your email address up to date and empty your mailbox frequently. Current distribution is to 3008 of 5635 users.

. Foreword . Events June - Sept

NEWSLETTER

4 Rifles Homecoming Parade, Dorchester. 23 Light Brigade Homecoming Parade. 3 Rifles and Band, Winchester 1200 26 Armed Forces Day. 2-4 Rifles and former RGJ Officers Cricket Festival, St Cross, Winchester. 10 Winchester Sounding Retreat & Reunion, SJM Barracks, Winchester. 14 KRRC AGM Davies Street, 1800 for 1830, all are welcome to attend. 17 Sounding Retreat and Cocktail Party, Castle Green. Hereford. 20 Regents Park Memorial Service, London. 25 Rifles Freedom Parade, Bournemouth. 25 Rifle Brigade Regimental Birthday, venue TBC. Contact Fred Coldham 8 Rifles Freedom Parade Darlington. 9 Rifles Freedom Parade Sunderland. 10 Rifles Freedom Parade Stockton. 10-12 Rifles and former RGJ Officers Golf Meeting (St Enodoc) Cornwall. 25 Rifles Freedom Parade, Plymouth.

16 TBC

CO 3 Rifles - Five weeks into their afghan tour We have all been pleasantly surprised by how much we have been able to achieve out here although it is, of course, pretty tough. We have been 'in the chair' for about 5 weeks now and have sadly had 5 killed and 16 wounded of which 3 have lost both legs and 1 has lost one.

has changed in the world over the last 100-150 years! Of course they don’t want us here - and we don’t want to stay here - but the man on the Sangin Omnibus definitely wants the prosperity, stability and wealth creation opportunities we are bringing. It’s all human nature and the capitalist urge in action, albeit peculiar We all watched with some to this particular environment. trepidation the trials and tribulations of 2 RIFLES out here over So - it’s tricky and it’s dangerous the summer but they definitely but it’s heading in the right direcpushed things forward and we tion at my low level if we play our find ourselves here with quite an cards right and invest sufficiently opportunity to push things for- to follow through the gains we ward further towards the point have made. Everyone is clear where we can leave it to the Af- that we need to do enough to ghans to cross the Ts and dot the get us to a point where we can Is. That won't be for some time hand it over to the locals. Just bebut who knows - these things ing here for the sake of it with intend to reach tipping points and sufficient energy and ambition is judging by the relative prosperity a recipe for disaster and prolongs and trading activity (not drugs!) everyone’s agony. Most imporin the central bazaar here plus tantly for me, the Riflemen, Jocks, the general friendliness of a large Gunners, Sappers etc are all doportion of the population, I have ing their best and getting plenty a pretty positive outlook. We of satisfaction out of what they won't turn it into Reading (no bad are doing. They revel in the chalthing!) but fighting will stop and, lenges and the experiences and importantly, there will be some genuinely feel they are making a sort of central government influ- difference for the average local ence. This place may still be in at the same time as enjoying the the middle ages in some respects regular opportunities to outwit (actually very few) but quite a lot and get the better of a pretty-

wily adversary. They are working alongside Afghan soldiers and policemen (not nearly enough) and have plenty of interaction with the locals who very often give them chai and food when they have to stop a while in their compounds. So don’t believe everything you read back home, most of which is viewed through the very blurred and bendy prism of the domestic political debate! A snapshot from the front.... Please note that the BG is made up of my 3 Rifle Coys, plus A Coy 4 Rifles from Bulford and B Coy 1 SCOTS from Dreghorn Bks next to us in Edinburgh. We are supported by The Chestnut Tp 1RHA (long affiliation with Lt Div and RGJ) from Tidworth and 42 Fd Sqn, 28 Engr Regt from Hameln as well as many others. The BG is just over 1000 strong!

“Everyone is clear that we need to do enough to get us to a point where we can hand it over to the locals.”

All my best to the home team and thanks from us all out here for your vital support - we greatly appreciate it.

Nick Kitson

South Downs Walk in support of H4H July 4th to 9th 2010 the day before the July Reunion the H4H charity so please on Friday the 9th. They will sponsor them if you can. then attend the reunion on the 10th July as they normally do. Two of the three former Green Jackets taking part, Steve A Just Giving page has been Murphy and Paul Page, have set up at http://www.just- sons who are serving soldiers giving.com/steve-murphy which makes this sponsored (click to go there now) and walk a more personal triball expenses are being paid ute to the many who have by the lads themselves. died leaving young families or They plan to trek the 108 miles have sustained life changing from Eastbourne to Winches- They aim to raise as much injuries and will require supter and arrive in Winchester as they can to support port for the rest of their lives. Between the 4th - 9th July three former Green Jackets in the shape of Steve (Murf) Murphy, Colin (Paddy) Marshall and Paul (Pagey) Page who all served with 2RGJ from 1977 on will be doing a sponsored walk of the South Downs to raise money for Help 4 Heroes.

“The photograph supplied for this article was not of good enough quality to publish and there was insufficient time to obtain a replacement”

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Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA)

Providing employment opportunities for Servicemen and women throughout their working life.

“One of the greatest challenges ex-Service personnel face is finding suitable and rewarding employment when they leave the military. This is where the Regular Forces Employment Association comes in.”

On the 4th February this year the who delivers the MOD’s resetRFEA celebrated its 125th anniversary. tlement programme. This gives Service leavers the tools they As a result of the conflicts in Iraq need to make the transition from and Afghanistan, the dedica- a military to a civilian career. This tion, bravery and sacrifice of our is achieved through a wide vaArmed Forces is constantly in the riety of workshops and training news and in the thoughts of the courses, along with dedicated nation. There is also increasing support and an online job finding knowledge and appreciation of site – RightJob, to help them find the many Charities which pro- new employment. Importantly, vide help and support to our Sail- the RFEA and CTP works closely ors, Soldiers and Airman. One of with employers and provides the greatest challenges ex-Serv- them with a no cost access to a ice personnel face is finding suit- pool of exceptionally well trained, able and rewarding employment talented and motivated people when they leave the military. This who are an asset to any company. is where the Regular Forces Employment Association comes in. The Association also provides help to Veterans and those For 125 years in peace & war the personnel who leave the ServRFEA has had one aim to help ices, but are not eligible for the men and women of all ranks, MOD’s transition programme. who have served in the Royal This work is largely made posNavy, the Army and the Royal Air sible through grants from other Force, to find and remain in work Service charities including: Seathroughout their working lives. farers UK, the RN and RM CharToday the RFEA works with Right ity, the Army Benevolent Fund, Management as part of the Ca- the Royal Air Force Benevolent reer Transition Partnership (CTP), Fund, the RAF Central Fund

and the Royal British Legion. RFEA delivers its job-finding services through a network of 24 Employment Consultants throughout the United Kingdom, who work closely with local businesses and the CTP’s Regional Resettlement Centres. Every consultant has had both military and business experience ensuring that they deliver the highest quality advice and support to Service Leavers, Veterans and Employers. For more information about the Regular Forces Employment Association: Contact: Richard Mantell rmantell@ctp.org.uk Tel - 0845 873 7165 Visit our website: www.rfea.org.uk

COMPUTER SOFTWARE REVIEW (dROPBOX) There will be many of you reading this who have been unfortunate enough to have experienced a total failure of your computer system which has involved the loss of valuable photographs or data files that, once lost can never be replaced.

“There is however another solution which may prevent you from ever again being in the position where your files or photographs are lost forever.” Page 3

The answer of course is that you should always back up these files but realistically the number of people who do have a regular backup schedule is few and far between. It seems to be one of those things that we never get around to but one alternative to total loss is to pay lots of money (several

hundred pounds) to a special- them from when your maist retreval company and even chine is up and running again. then there is no guarantee that your files will be recovered. There are other advantages too. You can share your files There is however another so- with friends and if you have lution which may prevent you more than one computer, eg, from ever again being in the a laptop as well as a desktop position where your files or model or perhaps a compuphotographs are lost forever. ter that you use at work, providing you store your files on If you install the free version Dropbox you will always have of Dropbox from https:// the latest version of your files www.dropbox.com/install to hand. Even if you are not you will be entitled to 2GB working on your own comof on line storage which will puter you can still access your enable you to save all those files by logging on to the Dropvaluable files to an on line box web site and entering the server where, should your email address that you regiscomputer fail, you can retrieve tered with and your password.

‘SAILING FOR HEROES’ - 2-4 JULY 2010 A joint initiative between Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners and the Royal Solent Yacht Club, SAILING FOR HEROES is our tribute to Britain’s serving armed forces. We’re asking people to join us 2nd-4th July 2010 for a weekend of racing on the water, plus military themed activities and hospitality shoreside, and help us raise much needed funds for the services’ charity, HELP FOR HEROES (H4H).

traumatic injuries, including the loss of limbs, to move beyond their disability and to become re-inspired by life. Competitive sailing is a physically and mentally challenging adventurous sport and provides a unique opportunity for injured men and women to sail and race on equal terms with their able-bodied contemporaries. TITW will also benefit from the funds we raise for H4H, through ‘Sailing For Heroes’. (http://www.toeinthewater.org/)

Paul’s son, Lee, was shot in the leg on active duty in Afghanistan in 2007, and was repatriated for treatment at Headley Court. Paul and esteemed associates from the Masterchefs of Great Britain Association will be dishing up a veritable curry feast at Cyrus Todiwala’s (www. cafespice.co.uk/docs/cyrus.htm) ‘Spice Island’ tent on 2nd July, as well as their collective VIP Gala Dinner on 3rd July.

“We’re asking people to join us 2nd-4th July 2010 Anyone who isn’t a sailor, can still do their bit and help us raise for a weekend of racing As mentioned, the RNSA (Royal SHORESIDE ACTIVITIES & HOS- funds shoreside! While racing on the water, plus military is taking place on the water, we themed activities and Navy Sailing Association) are also PITALITY hope to have plenty of military helping with racing on the water. hospitality shoreside, and themed things to see and do for We have also teamed up with all the family around Yarmouth help us raise much needed H4H also supports the tri-service CHEFS FOR HEROES, which is funds for the services’ and in the Harbour. the brainchild of Paul Gayler, initiative TOE IN THE WATER charity, HELP FOR HEROES Executive Chef at The Lanesbor(TITW), which aims to inspire ough Hotel, Hyde Park Corner. those who have sustained (H4H). “

THE ARTIST Arabella Doreman WITH 2 RIFLES The artist, Arabella Dorman was a guest of 2Rifles during their most recent tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan. The sketches and portraits she made of soldiers during their daily routine are now on sale and and part of an on line exhibition at http://www.arabelladorman.com/. Her comments on her stay with 2Rifles are below. I went out to Iraq and Afghanistan with very few preconceptions, but returned deeply humbled and full of overwhelming respect for the British Military. As an artist, I have always been fascinated by the power of the still image to express human history. Today, in the media dominated age that we inhabit, conflicts around the world are superbly docu-

mented and reported through photography and film. Increasingly however, these images can blunt emotional reaction as well as stimulate it. A painting on the other hand has the potential to ask more from the viewer. It asks for an emotional engagement, it asks us to move beyond pure documentation and literal description, into a quieter evocation of something more timeless. And in a world of ever increasing visual noise, I believe it is important to bring the public gaze back to the quieter reality and more silently contemplative, universal aspects of soldiering. Life becomes acutely condensed under conditions of duress and conflict, motivations are stronger, courage greater, emotions sharper, experiences rawer and heroism more terrible and more exhilarating in turn. A soldier may suf-

fer a range of emotions in one day that we civilians might not experience over the course of 10 years. That is why it is often termed ‘living on the sharp end’. In the face of such, it is the quiet indomitability of these men that I hope my work does justice to.

“I went out to Iraq and Afghanistanwithveryfewpreconceptions, but returned deeply humbled and full of overwhelming respect In the words of Lady Elizabeth But- for the British Military.” ler, ‘I do not paint for the glory of war, but to portray its pathos and heroism.’ 150 years on our soldiers are still ordinary men, doing extraordinary work under extraordinary circumstances. It is easy to let modern statistics obscure the face of war and the reality on the ground. What I try to depict is the experience of the soldier, the poetry and pathos behind the frontline, and the humbling truth behind the front pages - in essence the spaces in between, the human face of conflict.

Arabella Dorman with members of 2Rifles in Afghanistan 2009

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`Dutch` Holland - `on yer bike` Gibraltar to StowE sCHOOL “Rifleman Andrew Fentiman, from E Company 7 Rifles serving with 3 Rifles in Helmond and was killed last year. I am doing this cycle ride in Andrew Fentiman’s memory please follow this link to donate now. Thank you http://www.justgiving. com/Bill-Dutch-Holland”

Captain Bill (Dutch) Hol land from E Company 7 Rifles, John Howard Barracks in Milton Keynes will be representing the RIFLES on this tough 1500 mile, two weeks in the saddle, through Europe to Buckinghamshire between 26th June and 11th July 2010. Chosen Men of the two TA Battalions have and will continue to deploy with their regular Battalions throughout future conflicts and wars. The regiment has had a true baptism of fire, which has helped it bond early on in its existence through a common operational war experience. Hardly a patrol in their current and operational theatres returns to base with

out having had some sort of contact or fire fight often at uncomfortably close quarters, employing every weapon carried or at their disposal. All 7 battalions have suffered many causalities both KIA and seriously injured; our hearts go out to their families and loved ones at this difficult time, Rifleman Andrew Fentiman, from E Company 7 Rifles serving with 3 Rifles in Helmond and was killed last year. I am doing this cycle ride in Andrew Fentiman’s memory please follow this link to donate now. Thank you http://www.justgiving.com/Bill-Dutch-Holland

mented in the past history of The Rifles. One site in particular will include the famous “Pegasus Bridge” and “Horsa Bridge” across the Caen and Orne Canal. We cycle across Pegasus and Horsa Bridge towards the end of our ride through France. On 6 June “D-Day” 1944 members of D Coy 2 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in 6 gliders landed around Pegasus and Orne bridges. Major John Howard was the officer in charge of this critical mission which was the beginning of the end of the Second World War and vital to the success of the beach landings and breakout into France of our troops. The route of our Cycle ride If you wish to follow our will pass many old Penin- training please follow this sula War and World War 1 link http://www.rockride.eu/ and 2 sites that are docu

ARMED FORCES DAY, 26TH June 2010 - activities

Show Your Support’ on Armed Forces Day – Saturday 26 June 2010

Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity for the nation to Show Support for the men and women of the Armed Forces community, which includes serving personnel and their families, veterans and the Cadet Forces. It is happening on Saturday 26 June 2010. The day aims to raise awareness of and support for the Armed Forces community and highlight the outstanding contribution they make to this country. People across the UK will have the chance to celebrate the achievements of British servicemen and women past, present and future on the second annual Armed Page 5

Forces Day on 26 June. Armed Forces personnel are engaged in Afghanistan and other operations in the service of the country, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. Your support for them and their families is really important to sustain that success. The Armed Forces Day national event will be held in Cardiff and will include a parade through the city centre, exciting displays and an opportunity for the public to go onboard the frigate HMS KENT. There are lots of easy ways to Show Your Support: * There are hundreds of local and community events taking place across the UK. Events will be registered and advertised on www.armedforcesday.org.uk and include street parties, parades and concerts. * ‘Fly a Flag’ for Armed Forces Day (online shop here). All Lo-

cal Authorities in mainland UK will hoist the flag on Monday 21 June to demonstrate their support and you can do the same. * Follow us on Facebook (www. facebook.com/armedforcesday). Post photos and leave messages of support for the Forces and veterans on the website, and on our Flickr and YouTube pages. * Armed Forces Day window stickers will be available to you for free through the website once you register your support online. * Reservists and cadets are being encouraged to wear their uniform to work or school on Friday 25 June to highlight the role in the Armed Forces within our communities. Veterans will be encouraged to wear their veteran’s badge with pride during the Armed Forces Day period. A range of household names have already signed up to sup-

port the day, including past and present forces’ sweethearts Dame Vera Lynn and Katherine Jenkins, stars such as Ray Winstone and Jason Statham, England rugby manager Martin Johnson and the England World Cup football team. Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes and author and former SAS soldier Andy McNab are both famous veterans who are also supporting Armed Forces Day. Our Armed Forces make personal sacrifices to defend the UK and its interests and contribute to international peace and security. They are keen to play their part so Show Your Support. For further information about Armed Forces Day and to find out how you can support events taking place across the UK, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk.

KCA

Major John S Knox, VC, MEDALS FETCH £252,000 AT AUCTION One of the first Victoria Crosses to be won by a British soldier - along with the cannonball which blew off left his arm - has fetched £252,000 at auction. The medal, was given to Glasgow-born Major John Simpson Knox. It was for acts of heroism between 1854 and 1855 during the Crimean War. The medal and cannonball, which took off part of Major Knox’s left arm, went under the hammer at Spink Auctioneers in London. A fellow soldier had picked up the missile that hit Major Knox and later gave it to him. Major Knox, who was born in 1828, ran away from home at 14 and illegally joined the Scots Fusilier Guards. By the time the Crimean War had begun in 1854 he was

an acting sergeant major. He performed the first of two acts of valour on 20 September 1854 during the Battle of the River Alma. According to the citation for his medal, he “acted with conspicuous courage in reforming the ranks of the Guards at a decisive moment of the action”. The second act of valour occurred in June the following year. Then, while serving as a lieutenant with the Rifle Brigade, he volunteered for an attack on heavily defended Russian positions at Sebastopol. According to the citation: “He remained in the field until he was twice wounded, all the time acting with great gallantry.” It was during that attack, on

a fortress defending the city of Sebastopol, that Major Knox was struck on the left arm by the cannonball. After his retirement from the Army in 1872, he took up residence at Cheltenham where he died on 8 January 1897 and was buried in the town’s cemetery. Before the auction, medal expert Oliver Pepys, of Spink auctioneers, said: “The medal is being sold with a Russian cannonball, the very one that smashed into Knox’s arm. In all my years of working with rare medals and war artefacts I have never seen a more unusual keepsake.” FOOTNOTE It is believed that this VC medal has two dates inscribed on it and is therefore the first `double`?

Major John Simpson Knox VC

The VC (left) was sold with the Crimea Medal, the French Legion of Honour and the Turkish Crimea Medal which Major Knox had also been awarded

The NORTH EAST BRANCH Hello brother riflemen, it’s that time of the year again when we have been asked to put pen to paper (well not literally) and let you know what we have been doing up here in the north east of the country. In March, ten of our number were invited to attend a Rifles passing out parade at Catterick ATC with lunch afterwards in the WO & Sgts mess. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day out and watched the “Chosen Men” receive their individual awards for attaining best recruits etc. They all paraded very well and looked as smart as any Royal Green Jackets ever did. It was a little strange having a “heavy” band trying to play our regimental marches. After the parade, we were taken to the mess and were served with a three course meal and then we retired

to the bar where we socialised with the Training Sgts team and learned how our RGJ ethos is being spread throughout all of the Rifle battalions. Also in March, a number of the Association attended Ferryhill Club, for a fund raising event which was organised by the local Bugle Major of the Rifles TA unit. A large sum of money was raised on behalf of H 4 H. In April, we held our first meeting of the year and this was attended by 20 members with approx 16 apologies. At this meeting the branch unveiled the regimental standard which was funded by a single donation from David Nicholl, an ex Rfn living in the area. As a token of our thanks and gratitude, he was later presented with a framed picture of our regimetal history.

Our total memberships stands at 56 members. We are still recruiting and hope to double our numbers by the end of the year. The next meeting will be held in September and the venue will be the British Legion Club in Sunderland, the exact time and date to be confirmed. The Rifles have been granted the freedom of one City and two Towns in the north east. They are marching through Stockton on the 8th September, Darlington on the 9th September and finally through Sunderland on the 10th of September. On September 17th the northeast branch is holding a further fund raising event for the ‘H4H’ charity, which will be in Boldon Colliery, details will follow. On a sadder note, the association has represented the regiment at the many military funerals in the northeast.

“In April, we held our first meeting of the year and this was attended by 20 members with approx 16 apologies. At this meeting the branch unveiled the regt standard which was funded by a sole donation from David Nicholl an ex Rfn living in the area.”

Members of the North East Branch at Catterick

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stubs - free event tickets for the military and wounded

Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital in the STUBS box with Wasps and England player Joe Worsley

“For more information please visit the Stubs web site at http://www. stubs.org.uk/index.php

STUBS (as in “ticket stubs”) came about from a simple idea - that at most paid-for events, there are often a number of unsold tickets, and therefore empty seats that might potentially be available for a charitable purpose. STUBS founders Jan & Craig Vassie were already involved with DMRC Headley Court, the defence services rehabilitation facility made famous by the “Help For Heroes” campaign. During the 2008/9 rugby season, they’d been receiving in-patients

from Headley Court, mainly servicemen seriously injured in Afghanistan, as their guests at London WASPS home games. Support from London WASPS led to a trial of the STUBS scheme involving the Royal Marines Association and the local branch of the Royal British Legion, with London WASPS donating 20 unsold tickets per home game for distribution through STUBS to service veterans who would have otherwise due to their circumstances have not been able to attend. The

scheme was a success, and STUBS was born. STUBS achieved charitable registration on the 2nd April 2009. We’re currently in Phase 1 of our development plan, in which we hope to be offering rugby tickets to service veterans nationally from the start of the 2009/10 rugby season in September 2009. If you agree with our aims and objectives, you can become a sponsor, a volunteer or simply please make a donation to support our activities. Thank you!!

CELLE - NOW AND THEN, 40 YEARS ON

Celle Schloss

Trenchard Bks front gate today

Page 7

Having retired in 2004 we decided to settle in Birgit`s home town of Celle in Germany and having looked at numerous houses for about eighteen months we eventually found one in Vorwerk which is about two minutes drive from Trenchard Barracks. Both the 3rd and 1st Battalions of the Royal Green Jackets were stationed in Trenchard Barracks in the late 60`s and early 70`s when 1RGJ took over from 3RGJ in 1970. 3RGJ were back in Celle in the 1980`s. The 1st Battalion were to spend a lot of time in N.Ireland during 1971, 1972 and 1973 during which Trenchard Barracks remained empty for months at a time. Celle town with a population of over 70,000 still remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in northern Germany with hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over Europe visiting the town each year. The wonderful Christmas markets also attract visitors during the winter season. After renovating and getting the house sorted as we wanted it we decided to look for old RGJ members who were bound to be in the

general vicinity of Celle. We were lucky and now have 10 members of the RGJ Association in Celle. We are sure there are more to come. It was decided to meet up at our house for Christmas 2009 and 7 old boys turned up as witnessed by theattached photograph. Of these, 3 of us are retired. The others are all in work. Unfortunately those of us who are on an MOD pension are losing out because of the exchange rate between the pound and Euro. At one point it was a loss of a third but It has improved slightly since then. If anyone is thinking about settling in Germany we suggest they give it a lot of thought. The old quarters in Klein Hehlin, Himmelsburg and Vorwerk are still there although the Vorwerk flats have been handed back to the Council. Trenchard Barracks has been renovated 3 or 4 times since the 70`s and now all the rooms are 1, 2 and 4 man self contained flats. The main dining room, QM`s, Gymnasium, Officers and Sergeants Messes are still in the same place but the RMP who used to live next door have moved to Hohne.

Just a few years ago `rumour control` had Trenchard being converted to a university but that fell through and the British Army will be there for a while yet unless the new government has other plans. The current battalion in Trenchard are the Royal Anglians who will be leaving Celle in August, to be replaced by the Fusiliers. The winter of 2009/10 was particularly harsh in Germany with the first snow fall in the middle of November and then on and off until the beginning of April. So the snow and ice was with us for almost four and a half months with the lowest temperature at -23. However, even the normally efficient Germans were caught out during the winter months. Havingsaidallthatwearestillenjoying lifeinCelle. If you are thinking of visiting Celle on one of your European tours do pop in and see us, you will be most welcome....... but don`t all come at once.

Birgit andBobWright

POLICE HORSE 110 ALAMEIN AND cRIME prevention advice Jon Taylor was the first baby from the 1st Green Jackets to be born in Berlin in the 1965 tour. He later served in the Royal Regiment of Artillery until 1991 with 29 Commando Regiment RA. He joined the Police in 1992 and is now a Sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch where his duties include supervising public order, ceremonial events and the general policing of the capital.

lic order duties by mounted Police Sergeants (much to the dismay of his issued Police Constable, PC Mark Kostromin!) because he is a horse that will lead other horses into the fray.

mour. The training of horses such as Alamein is gradual and they are never ‘thrown in the deep end’ With horses like Alamein out on patrol the streets are not quite as bad as some people think, but here are some tips for when you are out and about for a little added safety and confidence:

He has been subjected to missile attacks on more than one occasion and has always proved himself to be fearless, pushing on and encouraging the other horses to 1) BE ASSERTIVE and walk follow him, dispersing and with purpose. If you look Quite apart from the family con- separating violent crowds. vulnerable and timid you nection and his ties with the may attract the wrong kind forces it is his belief that serving In 2001 at a Millwall - v - of attention. and ex-serving members of the Birmingham football match 2) PLAN FOR EMERGANarmed forces and their families Alamein nearly died after CIES consider your route form a significant and important having a tendon severed and how to get home again part of the community. during a large scale disorder if you are using public transwhen masonry and bottles port etc. Carry a charged Jon is going to contribute a se- etc were thrown at the po- mobile phone (out of sight) ries of articles in which he will lice. and let family or friends update us on the activities of know where you are going one of his section horses known Alamein also served in Scot- and when you are likely to as Alamein and provide advice land during the G8 summit return. on crime prevention from as- meeting and has been sec- 3) TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS pects of everyday life. (Editor) onded to Essex who have thousands of years of evorecently reformed a mount- lution are not wrong. If you Police Horse 110 Alamein ed branch after some years feel uncomfortable it is without one. While there probably with good cause. Police horse Alamein is 17 Alamein assisted in the train- Avoid areas where you feel hands high and he is a bay ing of the new Essex horses. vulnerable. Avoid suspicious gelding who lives at Great groups or individuals. Scotland Yard stables just off Being herd animals they re- 4) BE AWARE don’t walk Whitehall in Westminster. spond well to horses such around on your mobile or He is 16 years old and has as Alamein who reassure wrap your head up so you been with the Metropolitan the anxious youngsters. He can’t see or hear what is goPolice Mounted Branch for frequently attends the Met- ing on around you. 13 years. His work is varied ropolitan Police Specialist 5) BE ALERT drugs and alcoand ranges from military es- Training Centre where along hol make you vulnerable. corts and ceremonial duties with all the other police 6) SAFETY IN NUMBERS to demonstrations and pub- horses he undergoes train- where appropriate keep to lic order policing. ing in riot situations and is busy areas and if possible exposed to petrol bombs travel with a friend. With a name like Alamein etc. Alamein receives the you may expect that he is a very highest standards of Jon Taylor horse with a reputation for animal husbandry and care, bravery, and he is. Alamein and all the horses are well is often borrowed for pub- protected with body ar-

Police horse 110 Alamein

“With horses like Alamein out on patrol the streets are not quite as bad as some people think. In 2001 at a Millwall - v - Birmingham football match Alamein nearly died after having a tendon severed during a large scale disorder when masonry and bottles etc were thrown at the police”.

Page 8

VIRUSES – TROJANS – SPAM AND MALICIOUS EMAILS/PROGRAMMES In the last few weeks the website team has seen an upsurge in emails containing either Trojans, viruses, bogus viruses or attempts to sell products they either do not need or want. These emails, some originating from members fall into the following categories. Spam Emails Spam emails themselves can also be subdivided: The Bogus Virus Alert. In the last month alone we have received approximately 6 of these, they cover a wide range of subjects but one of the most popular is “Postcard from Hallmark” or one of its derivatives. The internet does not have finite resources and emails of this sort can clog the entire system up very quickly. To give you an example of this. If 100 send it to 10 friends that will now be 1000. If this is replicated just 10 times the one email will now have 10,000,000,000 copies in circulation. The Solution Do not forward the email on no matter how tempting it is to warn and help your friends

Emails selling you items you do not need. These are growing in number but are generally harmless , merely a nuisance. Viagra is just one of the many items being offered and most of these emails originate from Canada. They will sometimes come from friends who have absolutely no knowledge of sending them but have an infected PC (see notes below). If the email has an attachment DO NOT open it !! The Solution Delete it immediately. Buy only from reputable sellers. The “Can you help me with all this money” email We continue to be amazed how many people fall for this one. A banker, normally in an African country, writes to you out of the blue offering you millions, almost always in dollars, because someone has died suddenly and the money is just lying around in some dusty vault. He offers you a share to claim it as a relative and he will have a percentage as well. All they require from you is an admin fee to release the money to your bank account and

of course your bank details. The Solution Delete it. If you reply he will have immediately confirmed your email address exists and if you give him your bank details he will drain your account within days. Trojans A Trojan is a programme that appears legitimate, but performs some illicit activity when it is run. A Trojan is similar to a virus, except that it does not replicate itself. It is allowing somebody from a remote site to take control of the computer. Trojans often sneak in attached to a free game or other utility. The Solution Buy and install a good antivirus programme and maintain a firewall on your PC. Keep these programmes up to date. Spending £50.00 now can save you a lot of problems in the future. Viruses In computers, a virus is a program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating its copying to another program, computer boot sector or document. Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to

an e-mail or in a downloaded file. Some viruses are benign or playful in intent and effect (“Happy Birthday, Ludwig!”) and some can be quite harmful, erasing data or causing your hard disk to require reformatting. Generally, there are three main classes of viruses: File infectors. Some file infector viruses attach themselves to program files, usually selected .COM or .EXE files. When the program is loaded, the virus is loaded as well. System or boot-record infectors. These viruses infect executable code found in certain system areas on a disk. They attach to the DOS boot sector on diskettes or the Master Boot Record on hard disks. Macro viruses. These are among the most common viruses, and they tend to do the least damage. Macro viruses infect your Microsoft Word application and typically insert unwanted words or phrases. The Solution Try and be safe, install a reputable antivirus programme either by buying it or by installing the one supplied by your ISP. KPS

DEVIZES TO WESTMINSTER CANOE RACE 2010

The canoe team with their support group who collectively raised over £1600 for military charities

“I would thoroughly recommendittoanyonewhodoesn’t like sleep and loves being cold andwet”. Page 9

Capt Kempley Smith, RIFLES, and Capt Duncan Higham, Royal Marines, competed in the Devizes to Westminster (DW) Canoe Marathon this year in order to raise funds for BLESMA, Help for Heroes and the Care For Casualties. The DW is officiallydescribedasfollows: ‘TheDevizestoWestminsterInternational Canoe Race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire and finishes just downstream of Westminster Bridge in London. The race has been held annually over the Easter weekend since 1948. It is 125 miles long and has 77 portages. The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal; the next 55 are along the River Thames and

the final section on the Tideway of theThames. TheRaceisaseveretest of stamina and skill and is the longest non-stop canoe marathon in the world. Afterafewhairymomentswhenour fronttorchfailedandintheblackness of the four in the morning pre-dawn we took the wrong turning and almost went over a weir by Staines, the sun came up and we joined the Tideway at Teddington. Another quick tea and we were off for the last seventeen miles to finish under Westminster Bridge in twenty four hoursandthirtyeightseconds. A memorable and rewarding race, I would thoroughly recommend it

to anyone who doesn’t like sleep and loves being cold and wet. We came sixtieth out of hundred and fifty, and werethefastestRoyalMarinecrewby twoandhalfhours. This was made possible with the unrelenting support of our shore crew (Duncan’s brother Beetle, sister Charlotte and his seven month pregnant wife, Katie) who supplied us all through the race with food, drinks and morale – so a huge thank you to them. In total we raised just over £1600 for our chosen charities and thank all our friends and families for their contributions. KSmith

CALAIS 26 MAY 2010 The Rifle Brigade Association’s journey to Calais to the Green Jacket Memorial there was hugely successful on this the seventieth anniversary since the Defence of Calais in 1940, we shared the day with our two allies at the time and now, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps and the Queen Victoria’s Rifles. The Rifle Brigade had two coaches one from Winchester and the other from Mile End with a total of 49 passengers we also met up with 15 others who had made their own way to Calais. After a splendid lunch at the Cercle Amicale Maritime we attended the short and most moving Service conducted by Rev’d BD Burbidge CF (V) 7 Rifles. The memorial had the Union Jack, the French Tricolour and four Regimental flags flying proudly in the stiff breeze. Standing on either side of the cross were 11 French standard bearers. With the members and families of our Regiments there also were French dignitaries and citizens of Calais.

Afterwards we moved to the Southern Cemetery to pay our respects to those who lay there, we also remembered those whose names are on the Dunkirk Memorial and those in cemeteries elsewhere. In England on 27 May 2010 As I write much is being made on the radio and no doubt the press about the ‘little ships’ and rightly so, on their way Dunkirk but let me remind ourselves that which helped to make the evacuation of Dunkirk possible.

and his Majesty’s Government is confident that you and your gallant Regiments will perform an exploit worthy of the British name”. Later a further message arrived, and this time from the Prime Minister himself:

Message from Winston Churchill to the defenders of Calais

“Every hour you continue to exist is of the greatest help to the B.E.F. Have greatest possible admiration for your splendid stand. Evacuation will not (repeat not) “Every hour you continue to ex- take place, and craft reist is of the greatest help to the quired for above purpose B.E.F. Have greatest possible ad- are to return to Dover.” miration for your splendid stand. Evacuation will not (repeat not) take place, and craft required for above purpose are to return to Dover.” “Calais”, wrote Churchill in his history of the Second World War, “was the crux. Many other causes might have prevented the deliverance of Dunkirk, but it is certain that the three days gained by the defence of Calais enabled the Gravelines watering to be held, and that without this, even in spite of Hitler’s vacillations and Rundsted’s orders, all would have been cut off and lost.”

A message reached Brigadier Nicholson our brigade commander, that the defence of Calais was regarded by Downing Street as the highest national importance, and that, by tying down a large part of the enemy’s armoured forces, it was keeping open the Expeditionary Force’s communications with the sea. “The eyes of the Empire”, the message ended, “are upon the defence of Calais,

RDC

Some additional notes on afghanistan from A FAMILIAR FACE This25yearold,knownasKatiscurrentlydeployedatUKmilitaryHeadquarters in Lashkar Gah. She works as part of the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force – a unit that searches for deadly roadside bombslaidbytheTaliban. In addition to her job as a clerk within the unit she has to regularly help out with guarding the headquarters from possible insurgent attack – and that means carrying a weapon. She said “ I`ve certainly realised how you can forge lifelong friendships in the Army as you spend so much time working together.” Now some of you reading this may find the face in the picture more than justalittlefamiliar!EspeciallyifItellyou

that Kats full name is Katherine Ewin and and that she is none other than the daughter of Brian (Ginger) Ewin! Despite the obvious differences between south Essex and Afghanistan Kat is coping well. She admits that the worst thing is dealing with the climate change because it’s like working in an oven most of the time but it can be so cold at night. She also says that the thingshemissesmostfromherhome comforts is not being able to pop out to Southend for fish and chips when shefeelslikeit. About her dad, Brian, she says “I suppose you could say the Army is in my genes.MydadwasaCaptainwiththe Royal Green Jackets and had a long career in the Army, so the thought of

joiningupwasalwaysinmymind.” To relax Kat enjoys reading and competing in triathlons. She is a member of TeamViper,aSouthendbasedTriathlon Club. She commented, “I miss being abletoswimorcycleoutherebutIhave found that my running has improved from training in the heat of the Afghan summer.” Regimental Sergeant Major Justin Spreadborough praised Kats dedication to her job and said “Often the clerksareunsungheroesastheywork tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure “My dad was a Captain with that those at the sharper end have the Royal Green Jackets and everythingtheyneed.” hadalongcareerintheArmy,

KCA

Published by kind permission from an original artical thatappearedonpage 10of the Echo on24.05.10.

so the thought of joining up was always in my mind”. Page 10

THE WILTSHIRE BRANCH

Members of the Wiltshire branch at their St Georges Day Party

“As ever Phil and Val Ashby had been busy planning the event and a very good night was had by all, although Phil failed to arrange for us all to back the winners!”

dinning room had been well decorated by Val as Phil was working during the day, Photos can be seen on the web site. Earler in the day our Branch Banner was on show in Warminster town center during the towns St Georges Parade which included marching troops from, 3 Yorks Our Garrison Regiment, The Royal British Legion, And any Ex Service As ever Phil and Val Ashby had been busy planning the members, Our Chairman event and a very good night Brian Darvill marched, with was had by all, although Phil Lee Massy and many Branch failed to arrange for us all to friends in the crowd, The Riders Branch Of The Royal back the winners! British Legion also took part with one riding down from Our second event was London just for this event, our St Georges Day Supas St Georges’s day falls on per, held in the “Hunters a Saturday next year and we Moon”, Warminster. this hope the event will be even was a very informal event bigger. with an English menu, and music, much enjoyed by Social events to come members and guests, our So far this year our Branch has held two social events, on 12th February we met up in “The Rose and Crown” pub in Warminster for a few warmers into the bank, then set off by coach to Poole Greyhound Stadium, with Dave Smith at the wheel unlike last year this time his coach had brakes!

include, a Sunday lunch with pub games against the RGBW Association, to be held in “The Masons Arms” Warminster, on 13th June, and our summer PYJAMA PARTY BBQ, this year hosted by Lee and Gwyneth Massy on 31st July, Although our Branch only has 23 active members, we can often Muster 40 plus including Wives , Partners and Family ( where would be without them), at many of our functions. Any Royal Green Jackets in the Wiltshire area are welcome to join us our next meeting is on 2nd September or contact us on our branch web site at http://www.greenjackets-net.org.uk/wiltshire/ branch.htm.

Brian Darvill

WINCHESTER REUNION 10th July 2010 - TIMINGS AND ENTRANCE FEE 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 each month.

Page 11

Please note! At the RGJA meeting of all branch representatives on 27th November 2009 it was unanimously decided to place a charge of £5 on all Central Branch members and a £10 charge on non Central Branch members for entry to the Winchester and Oxford Reunions. This was again fully endorsed at the following meeting on 16th April 2010 when it was further decided that the Winchester Reunion will now be called “THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS VETERANS DAY”.

Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester 1400hrs

Gates open at Sir John Moore Barracks

1400 - 1745hrs 1800hrs

Bar open and static displays

1815hrs

Service Service (Drum Head)

1830hrs

Presidents Address followed by March Past

1850hrs

Sounding Retreat

1930hrs

Bar and Restaurant re-opens

0100hrs

Bar Closes

Form up for Parade

The Royal Green JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM WINCHESTER Despite a small fall in Museum visitors during the first five months of 2010, the Museum staff has been exceptionally busy fulfilling everyday duties and responding to enquiries from the public. These enquiries are averaging 27 a month and, although responding to them generates useful income – about £2,000 p.a. – they nevertheless occupy a great deal of staff time. The basic charge for an initial half-hour’s research has recently been raised from £15 to £20. For more details, see the Research page on the Museum website at www.rgjmuseum.co.uk

The Museum has continued its annual series of evening with three talks at Winchester so far this year and three more to come. There was also a ‘Fun for All Day’ in April and another planned in August. As a change to the usual, there will not be a temporary exhibition this summer; instead the staff will be running a regular programme of children’s activities between 1030 and 1230 hours every Wednesday morning throughout the school holidays. Winchester’s Military Museums are also springing into action collectively by organising an Armed Forces Sunday Fun Day on 27 June and will be participating A temporary exhibition enti- in Winchester’s Hat Fair from tled Against the Odds: Dun- 2-4 July. kirk and Calais, 1940 which ran from 26 April to 5 June During the period under proved very popular, gener- review the Museum has ating greater interest than spent £1,200 from its Endowany other of the Museum’s ment Fund acquiring a large temporary exhibitions for number of letters written by some while. The exhibition Field Marshal Lord ‘Jumbo’ was covered by an article Wilson of The Rifle Brigade in The Times and was the to his wife, son and daughter focus of a three-minute during the years 1938-46. piece on Meridian TV. It was They cover the period of his especially pleasing to recommand in the Middle East ceive numerous favourable and provide an insight to comments about the exhibi- his life including comment tion from a number of rela- about contemporary events tives of those who took part not usually found in official in the campaign in France documents. The letters join in 1940 and who made the Field Marshal’s orders, long journeys to visit the decorations, medals and exhibition. They included baton which the Museum Mrs Mary Bayliss, the Lord already own. Lieutenant of Berkshire, whose father, Lord BridgeThe Museum was also deman of The Rifle Brigade, lighted to be donated by a was awarded a DSO for his family descendant a dozen or services as a staff officer on so letters relating to MajorLord Gort, the BEF C-in-C’s General Robert ‘Black Bob’ staff. Craufurd of Peninsular War

and Light Division fame. The letters include the last written by ‘Black Bob’ to his wife, Fanny, before he was mortally wounded during the assault on Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812. Another letter, from Wellington’s Adjutant-General, General Charles Stewart, to Craufurd’s brother, Charles, describes in detail the burial of ‘Black Bob’ at the foot of the breach through which the storming party fought their way into the town. Visitors to the Museum will find a new information screen in the front entrance informing visitors of ‘What’s On’. The Museum shop has also been subject to a substantial refit, while a number of displays have been improved, with others planned for attention in due course. The light-fingered, too, may care to note that the Museum has replaced its obsolescent CCTV system with new, modern cameras.

an unknown medical orderly looking up at the benevolent vision of Christ as he aids the wounded soldier. The card is being sold in aid of the Museum. The price has yet to be fixed but will be announced on the Association website and elsewhere, together with the arrangements for ordering, at the time the cards go on sale. It is widely hoped that the card will appeal at a time when care for our casualties from Afghanistan is so prominently in the news and will be bought by large numbers of people wishing to help the Museum raise much-needed funds. Footnote: To contact the Museum’s Curator, Mrs Christine Pullen, please telephone 01962 828549 or e-mail: curator@ rgjmuseum.co.uk For more information about ‘What’s On’ at the Museum and about the benefits of becoming a Friend of the Museum, please visit the Museum website: www. rgjmuseum.co.uk .

Finally, in this short report, the RGJ Regimental Management Board recently invited the Museum to produce and market an official Regimental Christmas card for 2010. This has been done and the card will be on sale at the Association’s Regimental Reunion at Winchester on 10 July. The picture on the card is of a reproduction of a painting called The White Comrade by the artist George Hillyard Swinstead. The painting shows Private Frederick Taylor of The King’s Royal Rifle Corps being helped from a World War One battlefield by

The Museum Christmas Card 2010

Page 12

A rIFLES MEMORIAL BENCH FOR THE MAYO PEACE PARK The Memorial Peace Park is located in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland and is a recently established tribute to all those soldiers from that area of Ireland who have died in war. On the setting up of the Park it had been decided that civic and regimental bodies as well as individuals who wished to do so could donate inscribed memorial benches which would be positioned throughout the Park. Among the many names displayed on the black marble memorial wall there were some who had served in the collective antecedent regiments of the Rifles and it was this fact that prompted Michael Leavy, a Patron of the Peace Park and formerly a member of The Rifle Brigade who also saw service with the RGJ to try to obtain a bench dedicated to the memory of those who had died whilst serving in The Rifles former regiments. In addition to his current involvement and support as a Trustee of the only surviving British cemetery of the Peninsular War at Elvas in Portugal, Mike is also the Chairman of

the Victoria Cross Irish Recipients Memorial Guild who encourage and promote the provision of memorial plaques throughout the whole of Ireland, including the North, for those Irishmen who have won the Victoria Cross. Because of the turbulent history that had existed between factions within the Republic of Ireland and the British for so many years together with the recent Northern Ireland problems it was a regrettable fact that the many Irish nationals who served in the British Army during the world wars and other conflicts were never able to express their pride in such service and those who died, of which there were many, were never honoured as they are in the United Kingdom. The ending of the `Troubles` has recently contributed to making it possible for the first time for those who served and died in the service of the British crown to be recognised for the sacrifices they made and it is as a result of this that the Mayo Peace Park was created and eventually opened in November 2007 with the support

of local people and politicians alike. Mike with John McMullan, (now Davis-Mcmullan), both Irishmen and former Green Jackets took it upon themselves to do something about this lack of a dedicated memorial. Accordingly the text of the inscription was agreed with Rifles RHQ and Mike and John then contributed £250 each to purchase the bench as seen in the photograph with its inscription. It says a lot for the character and loyalty of these two former soldiers of The Rifle Brigade and Royal Green Jackets that in the absence of a memorial to those Irishmen who died whilst serving in the antecedent Rifles regiments being available they would bear the cost out of their own pockets to provide one. I am sure you will join me in thanking them both for their dedication to the regiment and to those riflemen of Irish nationality who made the supreme sacrifice whilst serving.

“The ending of the `Troubles` has recently contributed to making it possible for the first time for those who served and died in the service of the British crown to be recognised for the sacrifices they made and it is as a result of this that the Mayo Peace Park was created and eventually opened in November 2007 with the support of local people and politicians alike.”

The seat donated by Mike Leavy and John Davis McMullan with inscribed dedication to the former regiments of The Rifles

KCA

high on a hill - a brief history by Paul Rumble This lovely and very moving trumpet solo was written by Alan Moorhouse for a very gifted 14 year old trumpet player, Nigel Hopkins. High on a Hill was and still is a very popular tune with military bugle bands and brass bands. It made it’s first appearance with 1RGJ Band in the early-mid 70’s and was adapted for Bugles and Band by (We think) Capt Freddie Fitch (RGJ Depot Director of Music at the time). It became a “musical feature” of many a concert and Sounding of RePage 13

treat Ceremony’s around the UK and abroad, but the true origins of High on a Hill are seldom mentioned. Inevitably, the 2nd & 3rd Bands and Bugles started tapping their feet to it, and it eventually became a “signature” tune for the RGJ Bands & Bugles. Nigel was born on 4th May 1953, Britain’s dynamic teenage trumpet star was a brilliant musician with a repertoire guaranteed to appeal to all ages. His prodigious talent was discovered when he was

only three years old, when he became the mascot of the Bournemouth Sea Cadet Corps, achieving the honoured position as solo bugler by the time he was six years old. By the time he was ten years old he had won eight major talent contests, including the “All Britain Challenge Trophy” and £100 cash prize, having already made his television debuts Here is a photo of an original first ever 1968 recording of High on a Hill ”In German”

“Today Nigel is, with-

out question, one of the most gifted and amazing trumpet players in the world”.

David Timms

WAR IN THE AFRICAN GREAT LAKES REGION – WHY IT MATTERS

The Author Colonel James Cunliffe Divisional Chief of Staff – at Forward HQ near Goma

The autumn of 2008 seems a long time ago. The nervous energy expended during a time of crisis, mass displacement of the civilian population and violence, has been re-charged. The world’s media has moved on having descended, in its typically fickle way, into the war in eastern Congo – a war which began in 1993 but has never ended. To many people, it appears to be another incomprehensible and irrelevant war in Africa – and in Francophone Africa to boot.

Never like the high-profile emergencies of Ethiopia in the mid 1980s, Somalia in 1992 and Dharfur since 2004. But it does matter and this short article will Internally Displaced People (IDPs) try to explain why and how a few in North Kivu swarm to a UN base RIFLES officers have been helping for protection. the UN to improve the country’s prospects.

“Never like the highprofile emergencies of Ethiopia in the mid 1980s, Somalia in 1992 and Dharfur since 2004. But it does matter and this short article will try to explain why and how a few RIFLES officers have been helping the UN to improve the country’s prospects”.

Indian attack helicopters in action around Goma (Nov 08)

The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, FDLR, an ethnic Hutu rebel group was born out of the ‘genocidaires’ who fled from Rwanda in 1993 into DR Congo - after they had led the killing of some 800,000 Tutsis in just 100 days in the name of racist ideology. Natural resources may have prolonged the war, but it did not start it. The cause of the war was social and political exclusion. Whilst the Hutu and Tutsi are technically the same people – they speak the same language and belong to the same culture – their differences, occupational and physical, were deepened and manipulated by the German and Belgian colonists. The latest handbrake policy turn began in November 2008 when Congolese Tutsi rebels in eastern

Congo humiliated the Congolese army, pushing their forces to the edge of Goma and threatened not only its President, Joseph Kabila, but also his neighbour, Paul Kigame, the President of Rwanda (whose goals appeared to be the same as the rebels leading many to assume he gave them his covert backing). For the first time since 1994, intense international pressure along with mutual self-interest decreed that that the two bitter enemies should heal their rift. Kabila and Kigame announced in January 2009 a joint mission aimed at obliterating Congolese rebels. The FDLR was dispersed in a 6 week joint operation by Rwandan and Congolese forces. Laurent Nkunda, the flamboyant leader of the minority Tutsi (Rwanda backed) rebel group in eastern Congo, CNDP, was taken into house arrest in Rwanda and his troops were integrated into the corrupt Congolese army. The decision to invite Rwandan soldiers into Congo was greeted with deep concern by critics, who remembered that Rwanda had invaded Congo twice in recent memory, both times to terrible effect. But the Rwandan brigade withdrew, as promised, leaving the Congolese army and the UN to capture the remaining rebels or persuade them to de-mobilise. At its worst, there remains a fear that FDLR could mutate into another lethal force like Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), another fanatical rebel group that terrorises and lives off people along Congo’s northern border with Sudan.

region is the central core of Africa, because nine countries (DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Chad, Central African Republic and Tanzania) are all affected by its upheavals and because parts of it are stuffed with valuable minerals. And it matters because the war that engulfs it is brutal, unending and often overlooked. It matters for the UK’s credibility within the UN. Left in its usual thankless position of having to manage what member states do not want to touch directly, the UN Peacekeeping Mission (MONUC) has given an impression of being beleaguered for several years. Whilst the (mainly Asian) troops are deployed under a Chapter VII (Peace Enforcement) mandate, with robust Rules of Engagement, it has struggled with a myriad of tasks in a massive geographic area. The UN Security Council gave the mission 41 priority tasks in its last mandate, illustrating their own lack of vision – if you have so many priorities, you have none at all. After failing so miserably to stop the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 and to solve the resulting refugee crisis in DR Congo, the UN falteringly asked for ‘thousands of troops’, knowing very well that the member states had neither the will to intervene nor the courage to say so.

And it matters as the UK pays (through the joint FCO/DfID/ MoD African Conflict Prevention Fund) to have 6 British Officers, a member of the EU Security Reform staff and a civilian stabilisation advisor permanently in MONUC that But why does all this matter? It numbers over 20,000 troops, matters because the Great Lakes at any one time. Not a sigPage 14

nificant British number, but all in influential positions. MA to the Force Commander, Chief of Future Plans, Divisional Chief of Staff to name but three. The UK contribution to MONUC has lasted over 5 years and The Rifles have been represented in Kinshasa, Kisangani and Goma, at different times, by Lt Col Mike Smith, Majors Will Scrase and Alex Baring, Col Roddy Winser, and me. Some of us spoke passable French and we all needed an ability to work around the many aspects of UN bureaucratic inefficiency. Twelve authorising signatures required to approve emergency helicopter missions, no logistic re-supply at the weekends, no secure communications, no intelligence collection plan, no information operations to name but a few of the challenges. It’s a different life on a UN op-

eration: living in guarded private houses (paying rent and running costs); endless form filling to get anything done; language misunderstandings; cultural differences (the Ramadan period meant plenty of late evening meetings and empty workspaces in the daytime); reports, reports, reports – the UN is a hungry beast feeding off daily reports. The Department for Peacekeeping Operations in New York keeps very close ‘tabs’ on every detail of an operation – a long screw driver if there ever was one! The military work closely with the UN’s political affairs, civil affairs, human rights, police, child protection, public information and logistic departments in the field. It is quite an eclectic mix and they love long, rambling meetings with no agenda and no agreed output. The UN agencies (such as UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, UNDP) add to the weight of bureaucracy, though they bring relief where

they can.

Obituary Notices

The force is manned by troops from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, South Africa, Senegal, Benin, Morocco, Ghana, Uruguay, Guatemala and China, with staff officers and unarmed military observers from all over the world. It’s a world away from NATO – but there is courage and determination –and the setting, environment, languages spoken and complexity of the struggle (along with political and tribal alliances) make it hard for the bluehelmeted soldier to really grasp the situation. So a fascinating year in a troubled part of Africa. The UK’s small contribution does not reflect the level of influence it manages to exert on one of the bloodiest upheavals of recent, post cold-war, times.

Please click on name

Acknowledgement: Marie Frechon, UN photographer, MONUC.

40 YEARS ON but who are they?

Symington S

Dec

Kirkness L/Cpl L

Dec

Carpenter Kevin

Dec

Roney L/Cpl C

Dec

Howell Rfn A

Dec

Forrest John

Dec

Locking K

Dec

Beddon Colin

Jan

Oxley-Boyle D.E.C

Jan

Brownson Cpl L

Jan

Farmer Rfn L

Jan

Cresswell John

Jan

Aldridge Rfn P

Jan

Trevithick Paul

Jan

Sefton J

Jan

Cooper L/Cpl D

Jan

Easdon Anne

Feb

Marshall Rfn M

Feb

Wheeler D

Feb

Dardis M

Feb

Kinggett Rfn M

Feb

Costin M

Feb

Apolis Rfn C

Mar

Green Cpl R

Mar

Allott Rfn J

Mar

Maughan Rn L

Mar

Keogh L/Cpl T

Mar

Thompson Cpl S

Mar

Allen Jean

Mar

Clarke R

Mar

Mitchel M (Punchy)

Mar

Campbell Sjt S

Mar

Holkham Rfn Daniel

Mar

Mullan HC BEM

Mar

Bourke W (Marty)

Mar

Turner Rfn Mark

Apr

Kyrle Simond C MBE

Apr

Arnold Vera

Apr

Parker Ian (died 06)

Pepper Pauline

May

Evelegh Robin

May

Phillips Steven Brown Rfn JS

Dec

Rest In Peace Please put some names to these faces if you can! Most people of that era will get the centre one but can you name his friends? Answers on a postcard etc....................or, to the editor at ken.ambrose1@btinternet.com

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