THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
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FORWARD BY
MAJOR GENERAL JAMIE BALFOUR PRESIDENT RGJRA Dear Fellow Riflemen, Welcome to the first of the resurrected annual RGJRA Journal “Swift and Bold”. This will chronicle not only what the Association has been doing over the previous period, and keep us updated as to what our successor Rifle Regiment The Rifles is achieving, but will also contain a variety of items of RGJ Regimental history and photographic coverage of events. It will rely strongly on Branch input so a special plea to you all to record your events and submit as much detail as you can each year. The use of advertisements will allow us to print and distribute the journal including overseas for free, which is a huge advantage. Feedback to the Editor and ideas for the future are strongly welcomed, but the aim is to publish each year in February. Since we merged into The Rifles on 1 February 2007 and ceased being a serving regiment, much has happened. As you are all aware serving previous Royal Green Jackets have played a major role in the success of The Rifles, both in establishing itself with the professional ethos and traditions of a Rifle Regiment, and on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is no doubt that The Rifles has firmly proved itself as the most successful infantry regiment in the Army, and the best recruited. Its spread of locations and role is giving those serving and their families much greater stability and variety of career choice than before. We follow their exploits and development with pride
2008
in seeing our heritage carried on with style and professionalism. For the Royal Green Jackets, bringing the Association Branches and Officers Club together into a Regimental Association has brought many advantages, not least in bringing all ranks closer together and enabling more effective use of our remaining funds. This has taken some time but our new structure is now in place and working well. The huge developments in the website over the last year, has not only turned it into a very modern and effective information tool for all to use, but has allowed us to display a much wider variety of information than before. I draw to your attention the Regimental history pages, details of The Rifles Benevolent Trust to which you are all entitled if in need, and the minutes of key RGJRA management meetings which will keep you up to date with what we are doing. In particular I commend to all of you the Regimental database, with its contact details of fellow Riflemen available to all Association members. The highpoint of our new existence so far was undoubtedly the Dedication of our Regimental Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas by Field Marshal Bramall on May 11th this year. It is covered elsewhere in Swift and Bold as well as on the website, but was a most marvellous regimental occasion. The annual Association Reunion at Winchester on July 12th this year had over 1500 people attending, many more than last
year. It was probably the best bugle performance during the Sounding Retreat that most of us had ever heard, even more remarkable as it was done in heavy rain. On a sadder note, but again highly significant, was the last formal remembrance service at the Regents Park bandstand on 20 July 2007, extremely well attended and again with heavy rain, but the 1RGJ band will not be forgotten. I end with a plea for as many of you as possible who are not members of the RGJ Regimental Association to join it, there is a flyer in this journal with the details and the benefits now available to members, which now include special admission rates for members to the Museum. The journal will be sent to everyone this year, but from next year will only be sent to paid up RGJRA members, so please join now! The more who join, the more benefits both individuals and all of us will gain. So the Royal Green Jackets lives on, and as we all get older I have no doubt that the Association will grow stronger, as we all wish to retain those bonds of friendship and comradeship forged together as Riflemen, remember “Once a Rifleman, always a Rifleman” . I wish you all best wishes for 2009 and look forward to seeing you at our annual reunion on 11th July. Yours sincerely Jamie Balfour
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EDITOR NOTES
It is a pleasure and a privilege to be involved in the re-launch of the Association magazine. I would like to thank all those that have contributed but more especially the branch Chairmen and Secretaries for providing the branch reports and photographs that go towards this edition. A final word of thanks should go to Ron Mahoney, ex RGJ, who took the trouble to get in contact with me and casually mention that his company would be willing to publish and distribute a new Journal for the Association.
THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
I have always been a great believer in the power of the Internet but our problem is that unfortunately not everyone is Internet connected and although the web sites provide lots of information to those who have joined us on line there are still nearly 3000 of the 5200 Database users who are not yet connected and it is with them that we must communicate as well as those already on line. The publishing date and time table for the Journals production has changed and I must ask you to note that material for Swift and Bold must be with the Editor by the 31st December at the very latest for a publishing date in mid- February. This timetable will allow for all forthcoming event dates to be finalised and I hope alleviate the problem of the event dates being published after the magazine has been delivered. We have also decided to run the Events calendar from 1st March to the last day of February. Therefore the events for January and February 2010 have been included in this issue to set the routine for future editions. Please remember that this magazine will only be as good as you are at producing the articles for it! The articles you produce should be typed in all cases and if possible sent in with any supporting photographs either on a compact disk or if you are not
Front Cover: Unveiling of the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Memorial at The National Memorial Arboretum 11th May 2008. © Crown Copyright. This publication contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. The views expressed in the articles in this journal are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Regiment or the Ministry of Defence. No responsibility for the goods or services advertised in this Journal can be accepted by the publishers, printers or the Regiment and advertisments are included in good faith. A big thank you The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association wish to thank the businesses who appear in this publication for their support in publishing this Joyrnal.
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a computer user please enclose any photographs with your typed material and send them to me at the address given in the contacts list within this magazine. Available magazine pages are limited so Branch reports must not exceed more than 750 words and should not include more than two photographs. Please remember to enclose a stamped addressed envelope if you want any hard copy photographs returned. I hope that I will be inundated with material for next year’s magazine including your constructive feedback on what you thought of this issue and how we might improve it. Whilst we are on that subject please send only high resolution photographs. Photographs that are viewed on a computer screen need only be low quality but for the purposes of reproducing a picture in a hard copy magazine the picture must have been retained as a high resolution image because if it is not the poor resolution will reduce image quality when it is printed. If you need help or further explanation please contact me. I wish you all health and happiness for the coming year. Ken Ambrose Editor
TM
FLS
media creative solutions
This Journal has been published on behalf of the Regiment by:
FLS FLS Media Creative Solutions Derby Chambers, 4 Derby Street Ormskirk L39 2BY
Telephone: 01695 580288 Email: info@flsmedia.co.uk www.flsmedia.co.uk
2008
Key Association and Former Regiment Appointment/Contacts THE PRESIDENT
AUSTRALASIAN BRANCH
SUFFOLK BRANCH
Major General J Balfour CBE
Mr Chris McDonald 106 Alfreda Avenue, Noranda, Western Australia 6062 Australia E: rgjoz@yahoo.com.au
Mr Gordon Pilcher 9 Glemsford Close, Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 2UG H: 01394 215925 E: gordon.pilcher@ntlworld.com
c/o Regimental Headquarters The Rifles (RGJ Office)Peninsula Barracks, Winchester, Hants SO23 8TS T: 01962 828524 E: admin@rgjassociation.info
THE CHAIRMAN Lt Col (Retd) J Poole-Warren c/o Regimental Headquarters The Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Winchester, Hants SO23 8TS T: 01962 828598 E: regsec@the-rifles.co.uk
SECRETARY AKA(Members Secretary RGJ Officers) POC Lt Col (Retd) JD von Merveldt The Rifles (London Office) 52-54 Davies Street, London W1K 5HR T: Lon` 0207 4914936 T: Win` 01962 828529 (Mon and Fri) E: london@the-rifles.co.uk
ASST REGT SECRETARY RGJRA Treasurer RGJRA Membership Secretary Treasurer/ Mems`Sec` Oxford Branch RGJRA POC OBLI Assn Mr Mike Marr Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Rd, Shippon ABINGDON, OX13 6HW T: 01235 546018 E: oxfoff@royalgreenjackets.co.uk
WEBMASTER / INTERNET BRANCH
AYLESBURY Mr Terry Burrows 64 Fowler Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 7QG H: 01296 582569 M: 077900035032 E: t.burrows7@ntlworld.com
TELFORD BRANCH Mr John Brown 55 Coachwell Close, Malinslee Telford, Shropshire TF3 2JB H: 01952 502362 M: 07853309680 E: rgjtelford@talktalk.net
BAND & BUGLES Mr Dave Timms 5 Alison Close, Whitfield, Dover Kent CT16 3LW H: 01304 820910 M: 07850 163548 E: secretary@rgjband.com
WINCHESTER BRANCH Mr Pat Bibby 36 New Road, Fareoak, Eastleigh Hampshire H: 02380 602117 M: 07881940635 E: patrickbibby@hotmail.co.uk
LONDON BRANCH Mr Gary Driscoll 56 Eyhurst Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 4RA H: 01708 442662 M: 79490 40744 E: rgjldn@ntlworld.com
WILTSHIRE BRANCH Mr Gary Byrne 35 Hillbourne Close, Warminster Wiltshire BA12 0BL H: 01985 211279 M: 07835701043 E: glm1114@btinternet.com
MILTON KEYNES Mr Glen Sturman 87 Burgess Gardens, Green Park Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire MK16 0NU H: 01908 210115 E: gsturman@talktalk.net
YORKSHIRE BRANCH Mr S Anderson Little Wood, Selby Road, Camblesforth Selby YO8 8HX H: 01757 617056 E: valerie.anderson@yorksj.ac.uk
Mr K Stevens 7 Wren Road, Cutteslowe, Oxford OX2 7SX H: 01865 452813 M: 07815858792 E: webmaster@rgjassociation.info
NORTHERN IRELAND
SECRETARY KRRC ASSN
Mr Len Cook Contact details on application only. E: lenny.cook@btinternet.com
Mr Richard C Frost MBE 52-56 Davies Street, London WIK 5HR O: 020 7491 4935 E: krrcassn@hotmail.com
DATABASE MANAGER
NORTH WEST BRANCH
AKA Editor Swift & Bold Mr K C Ambrose The Last Post, 26 Old Mill Furlong Winslow, Bucks MK18 3EX H: 01296 711967 M: 07706104339 E: ken.ambrose1@btinternet.com E: membersdatabase@ royalgreenjackets.co.uk
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Mr Ray Gerrard 18 Rolling Mill Lane, Elyn Mill Sutton, St Helens Merseyside H: 01744 732501 M: 07763 189760 E: ray.gerrard@talktalk.net
RIFLE BRIGADE ASSN Secretary Winchester & London Branches - Mr Geoff Pain 75 St Catherine`s Road, Winchester SO23 0PS H: 01962 866674 E: g.pain@ntlworld.com
SHROPSHIRE Mr T Fairclough (Caretaker) Contact details on application only. E: tomfairclough@fsmail.net
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External Useful Address List ARMY BENEVOLENT FUND
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
THE RBT
Mountbarrow House, Army Benevolent Fund, 6-20 Elizabeth Street, London, SW1W 9RB T: 0845 241 4820 E: enquiries@armybenfund.org F: 0845 241 4821
Contact Legionline T: 08457 725 725
The Assistant Secretary, The Rifles Benevolent Trust, RHQ, The Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road Winchester, Hants, SO23 8TS T: 01962 828535 E: asecbenev@the-rifles.co.uk
ASSOCIATION BLAZERS Harvey Malcolm, 26 North John St, Liverpool, L2 9RU T: 0151 236 0043 E: sales@harveymalcom.co.uk
MEDALS (ENTITLEMENT) Veterans Agency (SPVA), (Joint Personnel Administration Centre) MOD Medal Office, Building 250, Innsworth Station Gloucester, GL3 1HW T: 0141 224 3600
SERVICE RECORDS Army Personnel Centre Secretariat, Disclosures 2, Mail Point 515, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street Glasgow, G2 8EX. Complete the Form at: www.veteransuk.info/service_records/sar.pdf
SSAFA SSAFA Forces Help, 19 Queen Elizabeth Street, London, SE1 2LP T: 0845 1300 975 E: info@ssafa.org.uk
REPLACEMENT MEDALS
THE UNION JACK CLUB 225 Union St, London, SE1 0LR. T: 020 76339206 E: admin@ujclub.co.uk
VETERANS AGENCY Norcross, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 3WP. T: 0800 169 22 77 E: veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk
Medals Plus, Paul Symes, T: 01235 201198 E: paul.symes1@ntlworld.com
Green Jacket Events 2009/10 JANUARY
APRIL
Thursday 1st RGJ Regimental Birthday
Thursday 30th RGJ Officers Dining Club Annual Dinner Davies Street London 6.45 for 8pm
FEBRUARY Thursday 19th KRRC/F Coy, 7th Rifles, Band Concert, Davies Street, start 19.00hrs, Tickets £12.50 from KRRC Hon Secretary, Richard C Frost MBE. Make cheques payable Central Fund, The London Regt.
MARCH Saturday 7th RGJ End Ex 2nd Anniversary Party, Tommy Dooners, Railway Tavern, Stratford, London, E15 1DB. Tel 020 8534 3123. Saturday 28th Rifle Brigade Association Annual Lunch. Sgts Mess, Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester. Sunday 29th Book of Remembrance, Winchester Cathedral 09.00.
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Sunday 14th Band Concert at 11.30am Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Rd, Shippon, Abingdon Thurs-Fri 18th-19th Rifles & Former RGJ officers Sailing Regatta
MAY Thursday 14th Rifle Brigade Officers Club Lunch. Cavalry and Guards Club, London Sat-Sun 16th-17th Rifles & Former RGJ officers Golf Society AGM (Littlestone) Wednesday 20th Calais Memorial Service 69th Annual Calais Memorial Service. Details from QVR/KRRC Davies Street. Saturday 30th Rifle Brigade Association AGM Saturday 30th KRRC & RB Joint Reunion, Davies Street from 17.30hrs, Tickets on door £10
JULY Fri-Sun 3rd-5th Rifles & Former RGJ officers Cricket Festival Saturday 11th Winchester Sounding Retreat & Reunion, Sir John Moore Barracks Wednesday 15th KRRC AGM Davies Street.18.00hrs for 18.30hrs Monday 20th Regents Park Memorial Service – London. Still unofficially attended and on Remembrance Sunday.
AUGUST Tuesday 5th Rifle Brigade Regimental Birthday
JUNE Wednesday 10th Celer & Audax Club Ladies Lunch. Cavalry & Guards Club, London
SEPTEMBER Sunday 13th Rifles & Former RGJ officers Celer & Audax Stakes. Goodwood Racecourse (details from Davies Street. Rifles Office) Cont...
2008
Cont...Green Jacket Events 2009/10 OCTOBER Wednesday 14th Rifle Brigade Officers Club Dinner, Cavalry and Guards Club, London Wednesday 21st RGJ officers Volunteers Dinner 4/5(V) Thursday 22nd Celer & Audax Club Regimental Dinner, Cavalry & Guards Club, London
NOVEMBER Thursday 5th Field of Remembrance – 10.30am Westminster Abbey, London Saturday 7th Oxford Reunion, 7pm at Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Rd, Shippon, Abingdon, X13 6HW. See timings etc at Reunion Timings and Format.
Sunday 8th Cenotaph Parade RGJ – London Branch. Passes Obtained through Branch Secretary Sunday 8th Cenotaph Parade KRRC. Passes obtained through Hon Secretary KRRC, Davies Street. Sunday 8th Rifle Brigade Memorial Service at Grosvenor Gardens, London. Saturday 28th Rifle Brigade Association Dinner, Union Jack Club, London. Bar opens at 6pm
DECEMBER Tuesday 3rd Rifles/RGJ (Retd) Officers’ Club Winter Cocktail Party at Davies Street, 6:30pm.
Tuesday 1st F & G Coy 7 Rifles/RGJ Carol Service 7 for 7.30pm at St Georges Church, Hanover Square. Friday 25th King`s Royal Rifle Corps Regimental Birthday.
JANUARY 2010 Friday 1st RGJ Regimental Birthday
FEBRUARY Thursday 18th KRRC/F Coy, 7th Rifles, Band Concert, Davies Street, start 19.00hrs Tickets £12.50 from KRRC Hon Secretary, Richard C Frost MBE. Make cheques payable Central Fund, The London Regt.
Reunion Events and Timings 2009
THE WINCHESTER REUNION -11TH JULY 2009
Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester, Hants Please note that entry for those who have a membership card will be free, otherwise there will be a £10 entry fee, which will be convertible to Association membership on filling in a membership application form. Benefits also include free entry into the RGJ Museum over the Reunion weekend, this year 11/12 July, and at any other time a 50% reduction in the Museum entrance fee. Timings are: 1300 hrs Gates open at Sir John Moore Barracks 1300-1800 hrs Bar open; static displays 1800 hrs Fall in on Main Square 1830 Service, March Past and President's Address, followed by Sounding Retreat 1900-0100 hrs Bar open. 0100 hrs Bar closes
THE OXFORD REUNION - 7TH NOVEMBER 2009
Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Rd, Shippon, ABINGDON, OX13 6HW An entry fee of £10.00 per head will be charged to any old comrade who is not currently a paid up member of either, the Central Branch or the Oxford branch of the RGJ Association, or the RGJ Officers Club. Timings are: 1900hrs Bars Open 2000hrs Rifles Band plays 2045hrs Public Address 2100hrs Curry available on repayment 0030hrs Bars close 0100hrs TAVR Centre closes
2008
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FROM WOOD TO GRANITE THE CREATION OF THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL MEMORIAL
This was achieved with a lot of telephone calls, amendments to the design and wording on the tablet, emails, snail mail and photographs. We even had an ‘on site’ meeting at Alrewas when we found our plot was under ten inches of water! At this same meeting we presented our plan to Paul Kennedy for approval by the Arboretum committee and the plan was approved in July 2007.
It has been a fairly long process getting the memorial made. The black granite stone that it is made of (it weighs a ton) has come all the way from India and took twelve weeks from ordering to arrival. The travelling backwards and forwards from Wiltshire to the Arboretum; some four hundred miles round trip takes its toll but I believe that what we have produced has been worth it and I hope that those of you who get to see it will think the same and be as proud of it as we are. It was at the November 2005 meeting of the RGJ Association that WO1 Syd Hopgood asked the committee for an update on the plot that the Regiment had been given in the National Memorial Arboretum. He was told that a number of Yew trees, about sixty, had been planted in an arrowhead formation on the plot in front of three rows of trees forming an avenue. Later, Danny Hunt and I talked about what had been said at the November meeting and decided to pay the National Memorial Arboretum a visit to have a look. We arranged to meet the curator, Mr. Paul Kennedy, who was very helpful and couldn’t do enough for us. I must say, however, that what we saw left a lot to be desired. None of the trees were bigger than three feet high and in my opinion half of them were dead and the rest were in a sorry state. Luckily there was no plaque to say who the plot belonged to.
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A lot of thanks must go to Col George Smythe who negotiated with Regimental Headquarters to produce the funds and make the project possible and to Danny Hunt who gave sound advice and ferried me around during the discussions; propped me up and steered me in the right direction when it was needed. Also to Paul Kennedy who was in our corner throughout and to the Stone Mason, Nick ‘Jo Jo’ Johnson and his team who produced and built the monument; we are most grateful to all of them.
The only good thing about it was that our plot was in a prime position. Danny and I left Alrewas feeling very sad and ashamed that our ‘family’ couldn’t produce something better to do the Regiment credit. We wrote a report for the interim meeting of the RGJ Association (2006). I don’t think that the meeting was very impressed and some discussion took place. Colonel George Smythe was at this meeting and felt, as did Danny and I that as we had this plot we should do something positive with it. The memorial as shown has cost around £15,000, and three trees in memory of the RGJ antecedent Regiments, will be planted behind the memorial at a later date. By the next RGJ Association meeting in the November 2006 Col George, Danny and I had formed a committee to produce a memorial worthy of our great Regiment.
The sixty Yew trees
Preparing the plot for the new memorial
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Wreaths in fornt of the memorial
THE DEDICATION AND UNVEILING OF THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL MEMORIAL On the completion of the installation of the memorial in late 2007, our committee informed the regimental trustees that we would like to hold a dedication service for our memorial. George spoke to Paul Kennedy, the curator of the NMA, and booked the nearest weekend date possible, Sunday the 11th May 2008. At that time we estimated that there would be somewhere in the region of five hundred attending. It was then decided to hold a meeting at the NMA to form a committee to oversee the planning and organisation of the event and we handed over to Colonel Nick Mangnall, Lt Col JanDirk von Merveldt, Roger Betts of the
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Waterloo Band and Major the Rev. Colin Fox. Normally organising such an event takes eight months and we only had five! George chaired the meeting and we spent some time thrashing out the plans. Although we had now taken a step back we accepted several practical tasks. Danny and I were to produce the printed programme and service sheet, the regimental flag for the unveiling of the memorial, ensure that the correct artwork was produced for the cap badge indicators of the three trees that George was having planted for the antecedent regiments and take the names of those attending. Doesn’t sound much but we only managed to finish the programmes
and the unveiling in the last week prior to the dedication and I was still taking names on the Friday (9th). George was to run the finances and budget. It was also decided to plan for a thousand attending the hospitality marquee and allow for three hundred cars and twenty coaches in the parking area. As an afterthought it was decided that it would be nice to have a plaque to say who had dedicated and unveiled the memorial and when. We produced a draft design and Maj. General Jamie Balfour authorised the purchase of a tablet suitably inscribed. This arrived from India on Thursday (8th) and was delivered at four o’clock on the Friday by the stone masons.
2008
MONUMENT CRAFTSMAN AT WORK... Marking out the plot for the new memorial
Young Johnson Monumental Masons crafted the memorial, Nick Johnson 43, who owns the company, based at West Wiltshire Craft Centre in Storridge Road, with his wife Helen, said:
Preparing the footings
“It’s a real feather in our cap to have been asked to make something for a national memorial.” “We were very pleased to have been able to do it, and five of us worked on it in the end.” Laying flag stones for the 2 ton memorial
The memorial is made out of black granite, weighs 2 tons, and is dedicated to officers and riflemen who served with the regiment between 1966 and 2007.
Erecting the stand
Mr Johnson’s company was asked to build the monument after they made a memorial for the wife of a former member of the Royal Green Jackets. Preparing the memorial inscription
The regiment badge in detail
It was Saturday (10th) that we arrived at the NMA and Danny started off by putting together and successfully testing the Memorial unveiling. We cleaned and prepared the monument and the dedication stone was set in place ready for the following day.
immediately spring to mind. It was gloriously sunny. Danny, the two ladies and I went to the monument to set up the unveiling for the final time. Frank Wheatley and Mike Scott were a big help which made our task a lot easier. Among those to arrive were detachments of our cadets, from Liverpool, London and the West Midlands. They were soon employed in giving out programmes and standing guard at the monument. We made our way to the hospitality marquee to meet the Field Marshal as we were told
Early on Sunday the 11th we arrived at the NMA to prepare for the day and were met in the car park by several people who were attending the service. Ron Cassidy, Mike Scott and Frank Wheatley
to be there by ten-twenty. It was then announced that there would be a delay in the start of the service. Shortly after that announcement everyone in the marquee started to make their way to the bottom of the steps at the entrance to the Armed Forces Memorial for an address by Major General Jamie Balfour and a short service conducted by Major the Reverend Colin Fox, the RGJ Padre. The service took place; saying prayers, singing of three hymns, a couple of readings and finally a blessing.
Young Johnson is a family business dedicated to supplying the highest quality of personal attention and service. Each of our memorials is individually crafted to the highest standards using only the best quality materials.
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Guests start to arrive
A proud guest in the marque
Before the parade, yet to be unveiled
Having then moved the short distance to the RGJ memorial site for the dedication and unveiling service we found thirteen poppy and flower wreaths had been laid on the patio in front of the memorial and a poppy wreath at the base of each of the three trees for the antecedent regiments. Everything looked so colourful in the sun shine. The ceremony started with the band playing a favourite piece of regimental music, ‘High on a Hill’ and I doubt there was a dry eye in the house. This was followed by a Bugle Fanfare and the RGJ Collect. The Field Marshal, the Lord Bramall of Bushfield, then unveiled the monument and addressed the assembled crowd. Major General Balfour then read to us from the poem to the fallen by Laurence Binyan and everyone responded with “We will remember them”. The band played the Last Post and Rouse after a two minutes silence. We then sang the National Anthem and listened to Major General Balfour read from a letter that Her Majesty the Queen had written and signed as our Colonel in Chief wishing us a successful day. Most wanted to stay at the memorial and take photos but were encouraged by Major Roy Stanger to form up on the road ready for a ‘march-past’. A saluting dais had been placed a short distance away opposite our hospitality marquee and the
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band had formed up at the ‘T’ junction off of the main road leading to the hospitality area. I must salute Major Roy Stanger, he got somewhere in the region of a battalions worth of the old and bold formed up in three ranks and ready to go with no problem at all. I do believe though that he had a more than willing throng. The order to advance was given by the bugle; after some disabled wheelchair borne members had taken the lead, and to a number of moans off they went at a sedate pace led by Major General Balfour. The grumbling was because the regimental pace was not taken up!! The Field Marshal and a couple of senior officers took the salute and must have been impressed with the banter that went on, Green Jacket fashion. As the parade fell out the band marched off and everyone went looking for their old comrades for a drink at the bar or had lunch with the family; some even went off to look around the Arboretum.
about two o’clock. On the way through the gate we were told by the Arboretum staff who counted visitors in through the doors that they had seen nineteen hundred people in by eleven o’clock and that seventeen hundred had been ours. With those who entered before the counting started we must have been well on the way to two thousand. A very satisfying and memorable weekend for all particularly those of us who had started to put the memorial together some three years and one month previously. I believe that we have left something for all Royal Green Jackets to be proud of and for future generations to admire. I am particularly pleased along with George and Danny to have produced such a fitting memorial to our great regimental family. Evergreen, Dick Hayes.
Before leaving the NMA I presented to the Field Marshal a photograph of the memorial tablet in the stone mason’s yard showing three of the masons who produced it as a thank you gift for coming to dedicate our memorial. Of course the Field Marshal asked to meet the stone masons and duly did so. Saying our goodbyes to old friends we made our way out of the Arboretum at
Ready to go
2008
FACTFILE • The plot previously had about 60 yew trees planted in an arrowhead formation • Idea for a new Memorial first discussed November 2005 • Approval given by the Arboretum committee July 2007 • Memorial is dedicated to the Regiment as a whole not just those who have died in service. • The memorial cost £15,000 • Made from Black Granite shipped all the way from India • Weighs approximately 2 tons • It is located at The National Memorial Arboretum • Unveiled 11th May 2008 • Five months planning went into the unveiling event. • The Field Marshal, the Lord Bramall of Bushfield, unveiled the monument • Close to 2000 people attended the unveiling event
Field Marshal The Lord Bramall preparing his speach
Band High on a hill
The band on parade
The Field Marshal and stone masons
The finished memorial
Guests mingling in the marque
Field Marshal The Lord Bramall making his speach
2008
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AUSTRALASIAN BRANCH Chris McDonald E:rgjoz@yahoo.com.au
Anzac day parade 2008 at ‘Fenians Pub’
Ready to move off–Anzac Day!
RGJ Anzac Day 25 April 2008
Firstly I must offer my congratulations to those people that have decided to reinstate the “Swift & Bold” magazine. I should point out that I wish the Rifles every success in their foundation years, and hope that they maintain the traditions they have inherited. However The Royal Green Jackets had, I believe, an iconic stature within the British Army but I digress. 2008 continues the pace of activity that this Branch of the Association has maintained consistently throughout the previous eight years. The Branch continues to grow in number, due in to Australia’s immigration policy extending again. Apparently 130 people every week emigrate from the UK to Australia, amongst that number is a steady stream of ex Green Jackets, unfortunately like the rest of the Western World the financial crisis has not left Australia untouched, so there are a few Branch members currently topping up their money boxes by spending extended periods in the Middle East. The 2007 Anzac Day parade saw us march behind the Band and Bugles of the Rifles
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in Perth during the Anzac Day ceremony, an occasion likely never to be repeated, unfortunately. The remainder of 2007 and 2008 has seen a steady stream of social engagements for those Green Jackets luckily living in Perth. The Branch attracted new members in the shape of John Longworth (2 RGJ) , Marc Sorrell (3 RGJ) Gary Hawthorn (4RGJ), Alan Seal (KRRC), Gordon Linney (Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry), Ray Moore (1Bn Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry), Mick Burtenshaw (3RGJ), Lloyd Fellows (3 & 2 RGJ), Alan Les Birrel (1 & 2 RGJ), Ray killen (3 RGJ) and Rod Rodway (3 RGJ), Colin Winwood (KRRC). In New Zealand, Frank Jones (3RGJ). Eddie Bright (1 RGJ), Mac McCarthy (2 RGJ) and of course Ron Frampton took on the role of UK representative and assistant secretary. Branch membership is now 52 members throughout Australia and New Zealand and 20 affiliated members in the UK. In December 2007 a new book was released showing A Portrait of the Royal Green Jackets named “Swift & Bold” (from 1966 to 2007. The book was edited by the Branch President, Major General Andrew Pringle (3RGJ obviously!) and has
a large number of photos supplied by the Branch, and probably not that surprising, is that the Branch gets a mention in the book. As 2008 rapidly moves towards 2009 it promises to be yet another successful year for the Branch, with a full calendar of events including the formal parades such as Anzac Day ceremony on 25th April in Perth and Remembrance Day ceremonies together with monthly meetings The Australasian Branch of The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association was formed in February 2001 following the Chairman (ex 3RGJ), searching for former members of the Regiment living in Australia. The first newsletter was issued in August 2001 with that inaugural newsletter being included into the pages of The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association Internet Branch website. Those Rifles reading this, who fancy coming down under once you have completed your service, drop us a line, we will look after you. Regards Chris McDonald E: rgjoz@yahoo.com.au
2008
THE BAND AND BUGLES By Dave Timms
Regents Park Memorial Service The forming of the The Rifles has meant a reduction in the excellent support we used to receive from the TA and Associations at Davies Street. However, in the year since the official parade ceased those still wishing to attend the Bandstand to pay their respects; such as surviving ex-members, families and friends; continued to meet at the usual time of 11am on the 20th July. Anyone wishing to attend this now much reduced parade to pay their respects at the time and date given above is encouraged to do so and is always very welcome to attend.
The RGJ Memorial Dedication We were very pleased to witness the completion and dedication of the RGJ Regimental Memorial to all those who had served and died in the regiment from its formation in January 1966 to its integration into The Rifles on 1st February 2007. Band Reunion The Band and Bugles Reunion (2007) kicked off with the Secretary turning up even earlier than the last two years! He was there at 10.55hrs. Only to find that some members were already on their first pints. Chit Chat flew down in his car from Birmingham and had been trying to get in from 09.30am ready to start the evening`s entertainment and play during the afternoon if necessary.
Jasmine the Belly Dancer in full flow
Evening entertainment from Chit-Chat
Regents Park Band Stand
As soon as the Band packed up it was time for the delight of the day, introduced by Roger Downton heckled by Tony Dowd and by kind permission of the karzey of Istampoole and at great expense to you all was Jasmine, the best belly dancer this side of the desert, who performed for about twenty minutes much to the astonishment of a few and to the delight of many. It was then the turn of our guest artist Roger Downton - Ex 1RGJ Band - to perform a few tunes on his guitar / fiddle accompanied by his wife Sandra. They performed a mix of Rock ‘n’ Roll to Irish Jigs. I could not believe that he was still doing the Chuck Berry bit. Roger packed in at about 1645 and by this time a few members had departed, some for home, some for a shower and change ready for the evening start. Some of us excluding 15 minutes to put my briefcase to bed just carried on until closing time. Not too sure what time that was. The evening’s entertainment was ChitChat (Organ and bass pedals) his brother Bob (Singing) and Sid (the Drummer).They played on until 1155 to the disappointment of the crowd – Who DID want more.....?
The `Blow`
2008
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INTERNET BRANCH A BRIEF HISTORY 1997-2008 The idea of creating a central web site for the RGJ Association first came to Ken Ambrose in the summer of 1996. He was involved with the Association at branch level in Aylesbury and the initial thought was to create a site for the Aylesbury branch. However, as he had started to represent that branch at interim and annual meetings he first broached the subject of a possible Association web site at the 1996 June interim meeting held in Oxford. The suggestion was met with a certain amount of caution by both the Chairman, Brigadier Vere-Hay, and those attending but he was asked to give a short presentation on the concept at the Annual meeting to be held at Winchester the following November. The presentation went well and sufficient interest was created to allow the site to launch in May 1997. The initial launch contained 12 pages but within the year that had grown to over 200 and by the time 12 months had past to 600 pages. This made it necessary to form the Web Site Team of Ken Ambrose, Kevin Stevens and Kevin’s older brother Keith Stevens. In 1999 it was decided that the site under the title of The Royal Green Jackets Association was getting to the point where it’s original purpose, that of
providing a point of contact for all serving and ex-serving riflemen, was being lost and it was therefore decided that the website should step back from the politics of the Regiment and reassert its direction to that of supporting members. In 2005 Ken Ambrose decided to stand down as webmaster and in his place Kevin Stevens took over and after discussion with Ken and John asking Mark Adams to join the team as deputy webmaster. Ken remained as part of the team as technical consultant but he now had more time to concentrate on the major new project of developing the RGJ Photographic Archives. Following the merger of the RGJ with the LI, D and D and the RGBW the regimental association, now under the leadership of Major General Jamie Balfour CBE, looked to the Internet Branch website as the primary means of communicating with those members of the association who
were on line. By now it was not only the Internet Branch that was on line but many of the branches also had a web presence most of which had been developed by the website team. In August 2007 the website was again relaunched in a revised format and in October 2007 following lengthy discussions it was decided to split the website into two distinct areas, one part to be called the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association website and the other to carry on the title of the Internet Branch controlled by a password gate. Today the Internet Branch has over 2000 on line members. Every new applicant is actively encouraged to become a full subscription paying member of the Association and in doing so gain complete access to the new RGJ Database, however membership of the Internet Branch remains free.
Kevin Stevens - Webmaster
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2008
LONDON BRANCH Gary Driscoll E:rgjldn@ntlworld.com
Presidents Introduction The period covered by this newsletter includes all events since our last contribution to the ‘Rifles’ magazine. The branch has now adjusted to the ‘Rifles’ and our relationship with them is satisfactory and the future of the London Branch is secure. The branch membership has continued to grow with a sudden influx of old friends appearing at events and then applying for membership. This is a very rewarding situation and a word of thanks is due to the Secretary and Committee Members for their continued efforts in the recruiting area. The other area we have concentrated on is fund raising for the Help for Heroes fund and also the Combat Stress fund. One of these events was a sponsored walk across the Sahara desert by one of our members, Trevor French. Branch members donated £565 and other sponsors made it up to over £1000. The London Branch welcome the return of ‘Swift and Bold’ as their own annual family magazine and hope that it will be a worthy successor to its predecessor.
National Arboretum The branch managed to muster over one hundred members and wives for this Memorial Day. Transport was laid on departing London early in the morning and thankfully, even with traffic delays, managed to make it on time. The branch was aware that their President, Colonel Smythe, contributed an enormous amount to the day’s arrangements and a huge thanks must be said for his efforts. A large number of branch members had made a weekend of the occasion and stayed in local hotels. The branch decided to hold a dinner after the day’s activities at a local manor house hotel, Swinfen Hall. It was decided to use the dinner as our first fund raising event for Help for Heroes. The setting was outstanding and after a lengthy welcome drinks session we retired to the dining room for an excellent meal. The coach departed for London with a very well satisfied group of Riflemen who had had an outstanding day, having been fed and watered and relieved of a considerable sum of money for which they are owed a big thank you.
Black Button Club Our two Black Button Club events took place in March and October. The first was once again at the Chelsea Military Hospital and the second at Davies Street Drill Hall. The evening at the Military Hospital was an outstanding success from which a superior buffet supper was produced. The branch also managed to raise a considerable sum of money to help with the new infirmary-building fund. A large number of bricks were purchased by individuals and from a donation from the proceeds of the evening’s raffle. An excellent evening was had by one and all. Battlefield Tours In September ‘07 and September ‘08 the branch completed two Battlefield Tours. The first was in Lisbon, Portugal and the second to Berlin. It was decided to spread our wings with regards location and not to return to France again, which had been the usual destination for our annual trip. Portugal Planning began very early as we wanted to cover a great deal of ground and visit a number of sites up country from Lisbon which was of Regimental historical interest. We departed Gatwick on a Thursday and arrived at Lisbon early evening, after a wash and brush up we departed for Dinner Night in a converted brewery, which is renowned for its food and special beer. The evening turned out to be a huge success, and on return to the hotel many members went straight to bed in preparation for next morning early rouse and departure. Early breakfast and departure for Torres Vedras was the order of the morning. Arriving at the village of Torres Vedras we met our local guide who had arranged a special visit to the Leonel Trindade Museum, which included a room dedicated to the Lines of Torres. We moved on to explore Wellington’s strategic masterpiece, the ‘Chain of Hilltop Fortresses’, used in 1810 as the line of defence.
Swinfen Hall Hotel
2008
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Colditz Prison, which was a considerable drive from Berlin. Owing to the previous night’s activities, the long drive was acceptable, as many branch Members needed some well-earned sleep. Our tour of Colditz Castle POW Prison was well worth the effort taken to travel from Berlin. Once again we were extremely lucky with regards to our treatment, due to our Regimental connection with the prison. Our guide took us to places not open to the public and gave us a very good insight into prison life and the lengths that the inmates went to, to try and escape from within the walls. The day was completed by a dinner night in the Castle with an exchange of mementos to make the occasion. Sunday morning after a late start we toured on foot Third Reich sites, including Hitler’s bunker and the remains of the Berlin wall. After lunch we departed Berlin for home having had a short but enjoyable tour.
Battlefield Tour Portugal - September 07
Saturday was also an early start and as a famous man once stated ’It was a near run thing’ that everyone made the coach on time. We began with a city tour with an excellent local guide who soon had the measure of the Riflemen and did not concentrate too much of the culture of the city. Our first port of call was the Military Museum where the Museum Custodian met us, the ‘Ron Cassidy of Lisbon’. He guided us around and kept the members captivated with his knowledge and stories. He was extremely proud to talk about regimental connections between our regiment and all things Peninsular. At the Maritime Museum we were met by a serving Naval Officer who had drawn the short straw to look after us! After brief introductions in which the President apologised for ‘keeping him away from his family on a Saturday!’ he did respond by assuring us that he was more than happy to guide us around the museum. He conducted an excellent tour concentrating on the Peninsular War and the support that the Royal Navy had provided during the advance into France. A tired but happy group emplaned at Lisbon airport for the flight home with more than their fair share of hangovers after their night out. Colditz The second tour undertaken by the branch was a trip to Berlin for three days in September 2008. We arrived in Berlin on time but managed to temporally lose two individuals between customs and the coach, even so we managed to book in on time at the hotel and prepare for our first tour in the afternoon. Arrangements had been made to visit the Stasi Prison.
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Boggy Marsh Trophy Our annual Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition took place again at the Essex School of Shooting. The day was very well Col. Smythe Asking If We Have To Tunnel Our Way Out!
Stasi Prison, main block
Boggy Marsh Trophy - Clay Pigeon Shoot
This prison was established by the Soviets and taken over by the East German authorities and administered by the Stasi Secret Service during the cold war. Prior to its use as a prison, it had been used by the Third Reich as a factory to produce military ration packs for the German Army. Surprisingly it had survived the Allied bombing and with it many small cold storage rooms was well suited to convert into a prison. We were extremely fortunate to have an interesting and enlightened guide. As a young student he had been arrested by authorities and imprisoned for sixteen years in the prison and so he was able to talk with passion and was also able to share his in-depth knowledge of everyday life within the walls. Early the next morning we departed for
attended including a number of guests and our regular attendees. Adjustments had to be made to the number of disciplines owing to the high numbers attending. An enjoyable morning’s shoot took place, and as it progressed it was obvious that there were three members in the running for the trophy. The eventual worthy winner was Peter Layton who swore that ‘he had not had private lessons’ but who managed to rack up an impressive grand total of clays hit. On completion of prize giving we retired to a local pub where lunch was the order of the day, which rounded off a very successful and enjoyable event.
2008
Golf Society Competitions Our two annual golf days were again a great success even though the weather was against us for the Spring Competition. The Spring Match for the Riflemen’s Shield was played on 18 April at Pedham Place Golf Club. It was very well attended especially with a strong contingent from the Chelsea Military Hospital who arrived with a full mini bus including the Commanding General who came as their playing tactical commander. The weather was unkind but this did not deter the competitiveness for the Shield. The final result was that Greg Simms was the winner with Charles Smythe coming a very close second. Following showers and washes and brushups, prizes were presented and a very enjoyable lunch and social session took place before departing for home. The second competition, The President’s Cup, took place at Stock Brook Country Golf Club, with very grand settings. Over twenty-five players plus a few spectators who were three-line-whipped into becoming course officials assembled. This was one of the best courses that the branch has used for their Society days since the competitions began ten years ago. All participants enjoyed the day and the company and a very close contest took place. The eventual winner was Baz Lilley, closely followed by Greg Simms. Again the day was rounded off with a very pleasant lunch and the presentation of prizes.
The President & The Secretary on Remembrance Sunday
2008
Remembrance Sunday This is one of the London Branches major events in their annual calendar. The branch is the focal point for the Regiment and all Riflemen past and present are welcome. Needless to say, each year sees an increase in numbers and this year saw our numbers exceed two hundred. The day has settled down into a regular format but due to the increase in numbers the administrative load has also increased correspondingly. Negotiations with the Royal British Legion for more security tickets took longer this year with both the Secretary and President becoming involved. There is tendency for their officials to mix the Royal Green Jackets applications with our former regiments, which has to be monitored closely. The Theodore Bullfrog once again came up trumps, and provided early coffee and for some early warmers into the bank for a few hardy souls before assembly on Whitehall Parade Ground. Non-marching attendees and guests remained in the comfort of the Bullfrog and watched members on a large screen TV. As in previous years the special licences required were arranged with the authorities by a member of the Smythe clan who are now sympatric to our application. Ladies Dinner Night The annual Ladies Dinner Night took place in the Victory Services Club, which is situated in the West End of London. Numbers again increased and there were over one hundred and ten members sitting down. This event, which is a black
RGJ 08 Ladies Night (Committee)
tie night, has become one of the most popular events in the London Branch calendar. It is an occasion when members repay their wives for all the time spent on branch events throughout the year. The evening began with a reception where guests assembled for a pre-dinner drinks and photo call. Our guest this year was Major General Jamie Balfour who is a long time friend of the President and well known to many of the branch members. We were especially pleased that as the President of the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association he could find time to attend and bring the branch up-to date with recent events and the way forward for the Association. Andy McNab Night Our second night with author Andy McNab was held again at the Blind Beggar. Again he came up trumps and entertained the members and those present with an excellent presentation followed by a very interesting question and answer session. We were very fortunate that one of our members, Gaz Hayes, is friends with many of the cast of the TV series The Bill, in particular with Actor Graham Cole who plays PC Stamp in the series. Graham Cole agreed to join Andy McNab on the stage and interview him with questions which had been preselected by branch members. Andy remained to the very end signing books and mingling with the crowd. This has been an interesting and very successful year for the London Branch. Thanks must go the Committee and also to the branch Members who have supported the branch activities not only by their attendance but also by their generosity.
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MILTON KEYNES BRANCH Mr Glen Sturman E:gsturman@talktalk.net
President: Brigadier (Retd) M Koe OBE. Chairman: Maj (Retd) Paddy Proctor MBE. Secretary: Mr. Glen (Pop) Sturman. Treasurer: Mr. Phil Benson. Entertainments: Mrs. Sally Barry. Branch website: rgjmkbranch.org.uk. Branch magazine: Ham & Jam. E-mail: gsturman@talktalk.net. The branch meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the John Howard Barracks, Blakelands and our membership remains steady. We started the year off with our gathering on the 31 st January at the John Howard Barracks, Blakelands where we spent the evening in the bar enjoying Green Jacket music, old photographs, lots of lamp swinging and small amounts of beer superbly served by Sue Bromley. We gathered to mark the first anniversary of the end of the RGJ Regiment as a serving Regiment. Later, just before the midnight hour we stood silently with our memories, as we listened to the evening hymn and sunset, this was followed by a toast to our Regiment and the Regimental March. This was not a sad occasion, this was old Riflemen remembering with fondness and pride a fantastic Regiment. It was and always will be OUR REGIMENT. May 11th saw the branch taking part in that splendid Green Jacket day at the Arboretum and the dedication of a memorial to the Royal Green Jackets, what an occasion it proved to be with a great turnout from the mafia family. Our Annual Dinner night was a great success -very well organised by Sally and Rick Barry, we had sixty people sitting down to a delicious three course meal and then shaking it down (excuse the pun) on the dance floor, some more than others, and when Joe Moore did his act to that great number by Johnny Cash "Ring of Fire", we nearly had to send for a Green Goddess!
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The Mayor with MK Branch Members
For the more energetic members Lofty Brewer organises a camping and walking weekend in the Peak District, this is always great fun and the lads look forward to getting back under canvas and with stagging on, result. Before we can blink its Reunion time again, more meetings with old mates. There is a great feel to Winchester on that day, and oh what delights can still be found in the Westgate. On a more sombre note on the 21 st July we attended the memorial service at the Bandstand in Regents Park in memory of the seven members of the 1st Bn Band so tragically killed in 1982. During this year we have bombarded our local MP with letters of support for our brother Riflemen of the Ghurkha's and supported Help for Heroes by selling wristbands and sponsoring Andy Butler as he has run miles with his old mate the fridge on his back. Sally and Rick Barry organized a quiz night, it was a brilliant night and we raised £409 for our local Hospice.
Milton Keynes Freedom Parade On the 7th June the Rifles were given the freedom of Milton Keynes, and the Royal Green Jackets Association, MK Branch, were invited to take part in the parade. After the service we formed up outside with three and seven Rifles, ready to march into Central Milton Keynes. We waited excitedly and then we heard those magic words, "Bugle Major, sound the advance", the bugle, the drum and off we went, heads held high, shoulders back, arms swinging to the sound of the band playing Silver Bugles. The crowd lining the street cheered and clapped -once more the old and bold became Swift and Bold. We halted outside the civic offices to be inspected by the Mayor of Milton Keynes, who spent quite some time with us talking to several members. Lt General Nick Parker then received the Freedom Scroll on behalf of the Rifles and presented the Mayor with a silver Bugle. He then explained to the crowd watching that on parade were the four elements of the Regiment -the "Regulars", the "Territorial’s", the "Cadets" and the "Association", whom he introduced as old soldiers who had all served Queen and Country.
2008
Re-naming TA Centre On the afternoon of the freedom parade we fell in once again for the re-naming of Blakelands TA Centre. It was to be called John Howard Barracks, in memory of Major John Howard DSO, who commanded Letter D Company, 2nd Bn Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry on the eve of D Day 1944. Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Gloucester, proved to be a very charming lady as she visited the various stands around the newly named barracks, finding time to chat with almost everyone present. Before her Royal Highness left she agreed to have her photograph taken with some old Green Jackets, and we had a good laugh as we sat waiting for the photographer to do a balancing act on a chair. We ended a busy day on a high with a nice moment.
near Bedford where we lay a wreath to the memory of L/cpl Winstone, 1 RGJ, who was killed in Northern Ireland in 1981, a promise kept to his father. Next up will be our Christmas Draw and Disco in December. All that remains now is to thank the Committee for all their time and effort and everyone who has helped the branch over the past year and to all the members who keep turning up sometimes out of curiosity. Finally may we wish all old Riflemen all that is good in life! Roger Out
MK branch present cheque to local Hospice
As we go to print we are preparing for remembrance Sunday. We parade at two locations Newport Pagnell with the Royal British Legion and at Goldington Green The MK Branch with the Duchess
May the Rifles Cricket Club continue to run their singles and hold their catches Swift and Bold. Keep walking in. Sponsored by O.W.C.C.
Rifles Cricket Fixtures for 2009 Date
Opponents
Time
Location
Match Manager
Telephone
Sat 16 May
Club Net Practice
1100
Dummer Cricket School
Capt Tom Freedman
tmfreedman@hotmail.co.uk
07979 494768
Sun 31 May
Stragglers of Asia
1130
St Cross
Capt Tom Freedman
tmfreedman@hotmail.co.uk
07979 494768
Thu 4 Jun
Winchester Coll
1200
St Cross
Capt Kempley Smith
kempley@armymail.mod.uk
07810 866605
Sun 7 Jun
Saints XI
1130
St Cross
James Pack Esq
james.pack@Skansen.co.uk
07753 842416
Sun 14 Jun
Earl of Carnavons XI
1130
Highclere Castle
Capt Tom Payne
661payne@armymail.mod.uk
07970635038
Sat 20 Jun
Eton Ramblers
1130
St Cross
Harry Steel Esq
hsteel@jupiter-group.co.uk
07711 890360
Sun 28 Jun
Wiltshire Queries
1130
St Cross
Simon Child Esq
simon.child@yahoo.com
07769 942853
Wed 01 Jul
Reg. 20/20 Festival
0900
St Cross
Capt Tom Freedman
tmfreedman@hotmail.co.uk
07979 494768
Fri 3 Jul
Old Wykehamists
1130
St Cross
Lt Col Simon Bedford
bedford653@btinternet.com
07969 569491
Sat 4 Jul
I Zingari
1130
St Cross
Maj Simon Keyte
sidkeyte@hotmail.com
07977 066860
Sun 5 Jul
Free Foresters
1130
St Cross
Capt Guy Bomford
guybomford@hotmail.com
07818 818394
Sun 12 Jul
Guards CC
1200
Burton’s Court
Henry Hughes Esq
hdghughes@hotmail.com
07846 729910
Sat 18 Jul
RMAS
1200
RMAS
Major James Fulton
jimfulton@hotmail.com
07721099182
Sun 26 Jul
Gemini
1130
St Cross
Lieutenant Toby Harris
bigtdownunder@hotmail.com
07779 160851
Sun 02 Aug
Highland and
1130
St Cross
Piers Tuggey Esq
pierstuggey@yahoo.co.uk
07816 475351
Thu 08 Oct
Rifles CC Dinner
1930
Davies St
Capt Tom Freedman
tmfreedman@hotmail.co.uk
07979 494768
Lowland Bdes
Cricket Secretary: Tom Freedman Mobile: 07979 494768 Email: tmfreedman@hotmail.co.uk St Cross Pavilion: 01962 853108, Groundsman: 07752 179910
NORTH WEST BRANCH Mr Ray Gerrard E:ray.gerrard@talktalk.net
Rose Club at Altcar for the time being because people find it difficult to get to. We may hold it there again in the future but it has now changed hands and hopefully the new landlord will accept our custom like Alan and Cathy Slater did. Our next annual dinner will be held at the Devonshire Hotel, Liverpool and is to be held on Friday 28th November 2008. After the dinner there will be entertainment in the form of a group called Soul Temptation which is a soul tribute band. On May 11th 2008 Gareth and I together with 15 Cadets and a number of people from the North West attended the National Memorial Arboretum RGJ Dedication. Those people who attended will agree with me in saying that it was an excellent day and well worth the visit.
Rememberence Parade Liverpool 2007
For 2 weeks in August 2007 both Gareth and I with a number of branch members found ourselves in Catterick with the Merseyside Army Cadet Force of which there are 2 Rifles detachments. We took the opportunity to visit CSM Burgess of the Rifles Company to introduce ourselves as we always get an invite to the Rifles sponsored passing out parades.
They marched behind the main procession as they were not formally invited by the British Legion but hopefully in following years this will be addressed. A wreath was laid at the Cenotaph on behalf of the North West branch and another wreath was laid on the Northern Ireland Memorial in St John’s gardens. Gareth’s photo was seen on the front page of the Liverpool Daily Post the following day.
In early September 2007 with a number of our branch members I attended one of these passing out parades and we were all made very welcome at the event with which we were very impressed. I was so impressed I mentioned this to Gareth and he together with Roy Murtagh took a Rifles cadet detachment to Catterick in Early November 2007. Again they were not disappointed by the welcome they received and the parade. I would certainly recommend anyone to attend such a good day out.
The end of November 2007 brought us again to our dinner. 38 people attended this night with Col Ian Sawers giving us his state of the nation speech accompanied by his impression of Robbie Burns. An excellent night was had by all. This will be the last time that we will hold it at the Red
North West Dinner 2007
Cadets on parade at the Arboretum 2008
The Secretary and Chairman
To enable the branch to prosper we are advertising the post of social secretary for the North West Branch to develop a strategy for future functions. If anybody is interested then please contact myself or Gareth.
In 2007 the Remembrance parade was attended by Gareth Dixon and branch members together with some ex Green Jackets who were not branch members.
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2008
OXFORD BRANCH Mr Mike Marr E:oxfoff@royalgreenjackets.co.uk President: Brigadier (Retd) JNB Mogg Chairman: Major PAJ Casson-Crook Membership Secretary & Treasurer: Mr Mike Marr Entertainments Secretary & Steward: Mr Phil Evans The final band concert at Slade Park was enjoyed by a record crowd. Some of those who had served at Slade Park with 5 RGJ posed for a commemorative photograph in front of the 43rd Boer War Memorial before it is moved to the new TA Centre at Abingdon. The new TA Centre will be named after Edward Brooks a WW1 VC who was serving with the Ox & Bucks Lt Infantry Territorial’s with the wings being named after other local VC winners of that period, Alfred Wilcox, Noel Chevasse and
Kit North Lewis who all have links to the units and regiments represented at the new centre. Despite the build up to the move other social events have been held during the course of the year, most notably the Ladies Super Night in June. Beyond our immediate locale on a calm and rather warm Sunday 11th May Mr Phil Evans (former Sgt Welsh Guards and our steward) and Mr John Lay (Chairman Oxfordshire Rifle Association and branch member) interrupted their cruise around the Mediterranean in order to lay a wreath at the tomb of Sir John Moore of the 52nd. The tomb is situated within St Carlos Gardens in Corunna and the whole site is well kept and a pleasure to visit.
Longs SOLICITORS
Longs Solicitors practice commercial law for clients (including former riflemen) over the South of England Advice to directors and shareholders Sales and purchases of companies and businesses Commercial leases and property sales Contracts of all types Employment Tel: 01732 360895 fax: 01732 360896 Mobile: 07767 377458 email: longs@longssolicitors.co.uk 12 Stacey Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 3AR Partners: Richard Long TD MA, Tina Long BA Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
The final reunion at Slade Park was held on Saturday 6th September as it was not possible to keep to the traditional remembrance weekend date due to the move. The band moved us as usual with a stirring performance and it was good to see some new faces amongst the old and bold attending the event. Our membership base remains strong and we look forward to settling in to our new home at Abingdon which should have happened by the time you read this. Once there we will resume our programme of social events at the earliest opportunity and intend to join forces with A Company 7 Rifles to organise the first reunion in the new TA Centre in November next year. We hope to see some of you there.
The partners of Longs send greetings to all their friends, clients and former colleagues in the Rifles, Royal Green Jackets and their forebear Regiments
SUFFOLK BRANCH Mr Gordon Pilcher E:gordon.pilcher@ntlworld.com
The Suffolk Branch started off the year with our Ladies Dinner Dance which was on Saturday the 14th of March we had our normal great turn out with every one thoroughly enjoying themselves. Our Guest of Honour was Sam Shepperd who although taking a bad fall from a horse a couple of weeks before still managed to attend and gave us a good speech detailing his time in Borneo with the Battalion and his later secondment to the Royalist forces in Aden before going on to other things. Sam and his wife Jane both enjoyed the evening so much they have since become members. If any member would like to attend one of our dances the next one is on Saturday the 14th of March 2009. What a day we had in early May at the unveiling of the RGJ memorial. The coach started off in Felixstowe and we had collections on route the planning of which took a bit of doing but worked out well in the end. Every one was where they should have been and at the correct time which is a first!!!! The day was magnificent and what a turn out? Never before have so
many marched in step irrespective of rank or age, it was a great day and the organisers should feel justly proud. Saturday the 19th of July was a glorious day which many of us spent round Larry & Julie Lambs for their annual B-B-Q. The weather in the morning was rain on top of rain, causing Larry to shoot out and purchase a large marquee but once he’d put it up, the weather changed and the rest of the day had us basking in sunshine. A great turn out, great food with as much and more that you could eat. A great day and a big thank you must go to both Julie and Larry for all their hard work and effort. Jan and I were lucky to attend St. Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday the 10th of September for the Operation Banner Commemoration Service which was a real treat. The service was really moving and a fitting tribute to all those who served, died or were injured during the 38 years of the British Army`s longest every Military Operation. The Reception at the Guild Hall afterwards was the icing on the cake.
Branch Information: The Branch meets on the first Friday of every month at the Royal British Legion, Mill Lane, Felixstowe. Starts at 8.00pm and everyone welcome. Hon President: Maj Ron Cassidy MBE ® Chairman: John Bevan. Secretary: Gordon Pilcher T: 01394-215925. Entertainments: Jim Hitches. Forecast of events: Saturday the 23rd of August: Rifle Brigade Birthday. Marlborough Hotel, Felixstowe. All welcome. Cost £5.00 per couple. Names to Gordon Pilcher. Saturday the 8th November: Festival of Remembrance, Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe. Sunday the 9th of November: 10:50hrs Parade at Cenotaph on Seafront for act of Remembrance, March pass followed by Lunch and drinks at the Elizabeth Orwell Hotel. Saturday the 14th of March 2009: Ladies Dinner Dance. Elizabeth Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe. 7.00 pm for 7.30pm all welcome. If you’d like a ticket application form please contact Gordon.
The Suffolk Branch Annual Bar-B-Q
Op Banner Commemoration Service
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March Past at the National Arboretum
2008
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THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION KEY PERSONNEL Maj Gen Jamie Balfour CBE Lt Col John Poole-Warren Ken Ambrose Kevin Stevens
President Chairman Database Manager Website Manager
Lt Col Jan-Dirk von Merveldt Mike Marr
Membership Officers Membership ORs
BENEFITS OF JOINING THE ASSOCIATION The RGJ Association was conceived when the three regiments of what was the Green Jackets Brigade became fully integrated in January 1966 to become the Royal Green Jackets. The idea was to provide serving and particularly ex members of the RGJ with a point of contact to which they could always return no matter how long after they had ceased to serve with the regiment. The basic rules of membership were laid down but left scope for future development in regard to membership fees and finance. In the beginning and up until 1st February 2007 the cost of running the Association was borne by the support it received from the Rifle Depot and the one day pay scheme but with the merger of the RGJ with the LI, RBGW and the DDLI it has become necessary for the association to adapt and become a stand alone organisation. To do this it was decided to introduce a subscription of £10.00 PA or £100 life membership, officers pay their subscription through the Officers Club. So what is gained by being a fully paid up member of the association? 1.
Free entry to both the annual Winchester and Oxford reunions. Those who are not listed on the nominal roll as full members pay an entrance fee.
2.
Full access to the regimental database. Guests may view the database upon registration but they can not access email, address and telephone numbers of other members.
3.
Full members who are connected to the internet are entitled to a personalised email address upon application to the database manager.
4.
Full members will receive via email or through the postal services an annual copy of the new Swift and Bold magazine. All members will receive the 1st issue but only full members will receive subsequent issues.
5.
Full members receive free entry to the regimental museum over the reunion weekend in Winchester and half price entry the remainder of the year upon production of a valid membership card.
6.
Full members will be able to buy “Swift and Bold— A portrait of the Royal Green Jackets 1966—2007 for £16.50 (normal price £35.00) from the regimental museum upon production of a valid membership card or by post plus P & P.
To join the association either use the enclosed application form or join on line by entering the following address in your web browser and following the instructions therein. http://www.royalgreenjackets.co.uk Jamie Balfour - President The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association
Royal Green Jackets Association Membership Application Form Post with cheque for £10 Annual Subscription or £100 for Life Membership. Made payable to RGJ Association to: RGJA Membership Secretary, Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Rd, Shippon, Abingdon, X13 6HW. Tel: 01235 546018
Surname: …………….……………………………… Service Number:………………………………… Forenames: ……………….…………………………. Rank: …………………………………………… Address: …………………………………………….. Decorations, Degrees etc: …………………..…... ………………………………………………………. Nickname: ……………………….…………….... ………………………………………………………. Date of Birth: ……………………..…………….. Postcode: …………………………………………… Date of Enlistment: ……………………….......... Married/Single*
Bns in which served: …………………………....
Telephone No: ………………………………………… E-Mail address: ……………………………………………………………………………………… RGJA Branch Member Yes/No*
Name of branch…………………………….…..
Other regt/ex-service organisations: ……………………………………….. Please tick box as to method of payment :
Standing Order Cheque
(* Delete as appropriate)
Please send the completed SO to your bank
The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association (Officer Membership) Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to:
Instructions to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit
The Rifles (London Office) (RGJ Officers) 52-56 Davies Street London W1K 5HR
Originator’s Identification Number 6 7 3 4 9 4 Name(s) of Account Holder(s)
Reference Number
R H Q R G J
Instructions to your Bank or Building Society
Bank/Building Society Branch Sort Code Please pay The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association (Officer Membership) Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
Bank/Building Society account number
I understand that this Instruction may remain with The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association (Officer Membership) and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/ Building Society.
Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society
Details of Signatory:
To: The Manager Bank/ Building Society
Signature (1): Signature (2):
Address:
Date:
Contact Address:
Post Code: Post Code
Phone/E-mail: Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debits from some types of account The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association (Officer Membership) This guarantee should be detached and retained by the Payer The Direct Debit Guarantee
This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. The efficiency and security of the Scheme is monitored by your Bank or Building Society. If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association (Officer Membership) will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If an error is made by The The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association (Officer Membership) or your Bank or Building Society you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your Bank or Building Society. Please also send a copy of your letter to us.
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TELFORD BRANCH Mr John Brown E:rgjtelford@talktalk.net
Luckily for me this year has seen an improvement to my health. I am still trying to run this rabble, but our meetings have not been as frequent as I would like. Our web site has been handed over to the main Internet branch people. Unfortunately I have not had the time to maintain it the way I would have liked. In May some of us attended an excellent day at The National Memorial, it was good to see some of the old faces we had not seen for many years. Our Monument is certainly in pride of place as you enter the beautiful gardens.
Alan & Pat Reader (KRRC) are still trying to get around the world in eighty days; I think they’ve covered every continent on the planet so far. Ken Hayward (2 RGJ the old one) has got himself and his dog on “Facebook” he keeps sending out things to join for every one, (I really think he needs to get out more), Bob Hilton (RB) is finally having his hernias done at the end of Nov. We all wish him the best of luck (Lay off the bacon butties). Garry Cresswell (3 RGJ) is 50 this year. Pete Free (2 RGJ the old one) and his wife Vanda have not been very well this year, everyone sends their best wishes.
Congregating for the service
As Christmas approaches all our thoughts turn to the many Riflemen that will be apart from their families and friends over the holiday period. Keep your heads down lads and stay safe, all the best in the New Year.
WILTSHIRE BRANCH Mr Pat Bibby E:patrickbibby@hotmail.co.uk
Wiltshire (Warminster) Branch “Warminster” no doubt this will bring back memories for a lot of you, either in the Demo Battalion or on a course. The old School of Infantry is now called the Land Warfare Centre. The signals course is still running in the same building although it is called CIS Division… (CIS??... Who knows, and Mortars, Antitank & Recce Courses work out of the old Platoon Commanders and Skill at Arms Wings. The HQ Infantry remains in the clock tower building (known to us in the cold war days as The Kremlin) The QM’s Dept is promising to improve the soldier’s accommodation “any day now”. There are people who have completed 22 years service waiting for this “any day” to happen. Things change but not that much. The Warminster Branch is well run with Danny Hunt as Chairman (so it would be wouldn’t it?) Bill Tyson looks after our finances (better than the country’s top Bankers apparently). We have never asked the Chancellor for a bail out even though Phil Ashby does his best to spend as much of the funds as possible.
2008
Talking about pictures did you know Dick Lettington was an accomplished artist?before you go down the ‘well he does like his whiskey route’ he exhibits paintings in the library.
What have we been up to then? We filled a coach up on that blistering hot day at the National Arboretum. The marble plaque was made locally and all the local papers had pictures and articles about it. The stonemasons were particularly proud of their work and keen to show it. We also managed to hog the local papers as the branch appeared in several articles presenting a Rifles at Waterloo Picture to the Conservative Club where we have our meetings, as they wanted give their main room a more military flavour, it did the job and is now in the most prestigious position in the place, they even moved Margaret Thatcher to fit it in.
Dave Smith organised another discount coach for the Poole Dogs Racing Night and drove us there as fast as he could in order to get the best seats in the restaurant but Billy & Terry Hughes had already bagged them for us. Well done the Hughes for raising a small fortune for Help the Heroes by the way. The big tip of the night from Mark Evans was pick the dog that squats down and does his doings
FM with Picture and JO JO Team
Branch Presentation to the Conservative Club
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just before the race as he will be lighter therefore will run faster. Good Tip. As soon as a dog went there was a big rush for the tote but before the off all the other dogs did the same! We all left with our shirts on and some fanning themselves with their newly acquired wads. It was a great night and as good as the horseracing the previous year. Will we go again? As soon as Phil can find a space in the entertainment programme no doubt. Groups also went to the reunion and passed on all the news. We have not had a group holiday abroad this year, it would be hard to match our Portugal and Dominican Republic trips, Europe or the Caribbean? A decision will have to be made for next year. Bob & Elaine Holcombe keep leaving brochures on the Caribbean about. They bought their son Pete and his mate Bob and their partners with us last time as they are both local firemen it paid dividends on the Remembrance Day Parade since they have a prominent place and give us the thumbs up as they pass which normally turns a few heads. The annual summer Barbecue’s are always really good and are fancy dress. The theme this year was ‘Space’ and hosted by Gwyneth and Lee Massey It was easy to recognise the closest Trekkie, fans Richard and Jackie Crerezko, Bob and Jan also Christine Byrne. She looked smashing in her black boots, black tights and short dress but Darth Vader’s wife, Carol Davies had a long blond wig, fancier tights,
Bar-B-Q. A branch out of this world
shorter dress and higher boots, there were cheers all round when she arrived. It turns out Owen picked the dress whilst she was still at work ‘surprise surprise’. Carol said that she is picking the dress next time and borrowed her sons death ray to give Owen a blast. In October we are having our Ladies Dinner Night. This one is our 10th Anniversary and so far 33 people have paid to go. It will be held in the Hunters Moon (Chopper Harris’s old place). Info for Chelsea Fans only, we always go for a place with a nice function room and exclusive bar. Then next it will be
Remembrance Sunday and soon Christmas Eve drinks in the Rose & Crown where we pack the pub out. Mickey Walsh turns up from Germany. It is a good time for whistling balloons, party poppers etc, although Maggy and Dave Caws managed to get the silly string confiscated by the barmaid last year. If you pass close to Warminster be sure to switch your radio on as Brian & Blanche Darvill and their daughter help run the local radio station and the RGJ band and bugles are often played on air, (Brian also placed a wreath at Pegasus Bridge this year) those years in Signals Div paid off in the end.
WINCHESTER BRANCH Mr Gary Byrne
E: glm1114@btinternet.com
When I wrote our last Article for the 2007 edition of 'Swift & Bold' it was a sad day for our Regiment and its family of readers of our outstanding magazine. But now as I put pen to paper I have a new spring in my step with the revival of 'Swift & Bold under the guidance of Ken Ambrose and his team. Well done. Since our AGM last February the Branch has enjoyed a full programme of events, organised by an on the ball Entertainments
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Committee, they produced Quiz Nights, Ladies Dinner Night, Remembrance Day Lunch, Game Nights verses the ATR(W) Sgts Mess and an excellent Battlefield Tour to Calais in the summer. The Annual Reunion this year produced an excellent turnout of Riflemen and their families, our thanks go out to the Branch and the RHQ Team at the reception point at ATR(W) for the way they handled the throngs of attendees I'm sure the
Regiment would also like to thank Ron Frampton and his team for the way they handled the watering hole for the evening, well done once again. Our thanks also go to W01 (RSM) J Allen, 4 Rifles for the admin party from the Battalion he laid on plus Support Company with the Bulldog (AVF 432) Mortars & Sniper Section Stands. We send our best regards to all 'Green Jackets' worldwide and wish them a Happy New Year and hope to see them all at the 2009 Reunion. Celer Et Audax.
2008
Approach to German Gun Emplacement
KRRC and RB Memorial Stone
A fallen member of the Regiment
Winchester Branch Members at Calais
Calais Memorial
Entrance to one of the Military Cemeteries
Calais Battlefield Tour 19th July 2008 At 0600 hrs on July 19th 2008 nine (9) bleary eyed people, Keith Kneller 1st Bn, David Marsh 3rd Bn, Chris and Bill Mitchell 2nd Bn, Derek Milam 2nd Bn, Peter French 2nd Bn, Pat Connolly RAOC, Frank Goodridge REME and the driver, John Harper 1st Bn, boarded the Mini Bus at Green Jacket Close (kindly provided by Major R. Stanger) bound for Dover Port and ultimately Calais and the Battlefields.
headlines attributed to him, in a gravelly Churchill type voice. He fooled no-one! "Never in the Field of Human Conflict .................etc, etc”
minutes of wandering around the corridor in a drunken stupor, he found the lift to go down to the Night Porter who just stared at his manly body as he staggered out of the Lift. He then persuaded the Night Porter to take him up to the room and let him in!
Once onboard the Ferry, most of us went straight to the Canteen for a good old English breakfast, but, we settled for the French rubbish put before us instead, reminiscing as to how much it looked and tasted like an old Army Breakfast! Who said the French could cook? There were also a few mutterings as to how rough the crossing was - poofters the lot of them just because we were in a force 9 gale and the waves were breaking over the bow. The Tour started as soon as we landed and John G took us to some German Gun Emplacements just outside of Calais -are they BIG or what, and the Germans only took 3 months to build them. Then again, they did have as much unpaid Labour on hand as they wanted! We left the Gun Emplacements and went to the Calais War Museum which is situated in the Park in an old German Bunker! Well worth a visit! Kneller played the fool by sitting in the corner of a room dedicated to Winston Churchill and narrating some of the
2008
After a quick NAAFI Break in Calais we went to La Attac which was held by a Searchlight Battery RA and was the first to see action against the Germans. We moved a short distance and found ourselves at the Command Post of Airy Neves who was killed by the IRA after the War. We stopped at more than one War Grave Cemetery along the way and were all suitably moved! Then it was back to a Bar in Calais for a well deserved refreshing drink before going to the Hotel to get washed and changed for the Evening Meal. Our meal was very good and along with 4 Ltr Red Wine, 2 Ltr of White Wine and of course copious amounts of Beer to wash it down, we had an enjoyable evening, helped by inter battalion rivalry and the company of the lovely Lindsey. The 1st Battalion came out on top of course. We retired to our rooms for the night at about 2 o'clock or so and had a good sleep. Well, all bar Keith Kneller that is who, about 3.30 am decided to go to the Loo and, being half cut, he missed the handle to the Loo and found himself in the corridor in just his undies. The door clicked shut after him and after ten
Sunday Morning came soon enough and we went to a Farm approx 4 miles West of Calais which had been held by Queen Victoria Rifles (QVR) and worked our way back to Calais, following the same routes taken by the KRRC and RB in their retreat back to the Docks, where we laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Green Jackets Association. Next stop was DUNKIRK and the Beaches where, with a little bit of imagination you could see in your mind’s eye the long lines of men, stretching out into the sea, waiting to be lifted off the Beach and onto the many little ships sent from England to get them. We returned to the Ferry and arrived back in England, armed with the knowledge that many of the boys from the QVR's, KRR's and RB's never returned and are in a Cemetery not far from where we trod in the last few days! We can only say a BIG thank you to those brave men who died for us in the Defence of Calais
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www.greenjackets.info The main Website can be found by typing http://www.greenjackets.info in your connected web browser. You are taken to the index page and a small menu which will allow you to jump to any one of the subjects mentioned but clicking on any of the small pictures will take you to the introductory page and from there you can move to the homepage where news and events and a host of various other areas of the Website are open to you. Looking at some of the many areas of the website the first subject to be covered has to be the regimental history section.
Kevin Stevens - Webmaster
ASSOCIATION WEBSITE By Kevin Stevens - Webmaster The RGJRA Website has been in existence for over 10 years however to read how it has evolved please see the section on the Internet Branch. The Website team comprises of: Kevin Stevens Mark Adams Ken Ambrose John Gard
Webmaster Deputy Webmaster Technical Consultant Web space Administration
Regimental History In the last 12 months these pages have been expanded to cover just about every facet of regimental history, from senior officers and their appointments to Regimental Sergeant Majors covering the 41 years of our history. Also covered is a full list of all honours and awards the regiment has won or been awarded throughout its relatively short history from peerages down to Mention in despatches. A final section covers the roll of honour which spans the Green Jacket Brigade, through the Royal Green Jackets and continues today with The Rifles. Every known death of a serving soldier is listed no matter what the cause. Guest Books and Bulletin Boards Throughout the history of the Website there has always been a guest book and the archives of these from the very first entry are available for reading.
Bulletin boards were initially added to the Website to replace the original guest books but they proved unpopular and were replaced by a simpler format and are now used for specific subjects such as “in the news”, “contacts” and most importantly “In Memoriam”. It is to these bulletin boards that people look for the latest news. Officers Club An area of the Website is set aside for links to the Officers Club Website and information regarding those in charge of the various aspects of the club can be found. Photographs About four years ago we were contacted by Bert Henshaw who asked if we could make use of his photo collection and as they say the rest is history. On a separate Website linked to the main one are over 40000 photographs and just about every regimental magazine ever produced? This particular aspect will continue to grow as time goes by. Finally I could not finish without saying more about Bert Henshaw who supplied literally thousands of the photos not only contained within the Photo Archives but also as background images on the Website. Sadly Bert died of cancer on 28th October. May he now rest in peace? His contribution will continue to live on.
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The finest wines and spirits simply sold. We have a range of wine to suit every pocket and palate. Please contact Alex Nall to discuss your requirements or visit the website at www.southwellvintner.com The Southwell Vintner Ltd. Unit 3, Old Dairy Buildings, Winkburn, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 8PQ T: 01636 636 126 E: info@southwellvinter.com
Database RGJR Association. We encourage everyone to pay their subscription fee of £10.00 PA or £100.00 life subscription to gain the greatest possible benefits from the database and support other Association activities. Officer’s subscriptions are taken from their officer’s club membership.
Ken Ambrose - Webmaster
DATABASE REPORT 2008 By Ken Ambrose Database Manager In my view the Database is the single most important innovation since the introduction of the Association web site back in 1997. The designer and creator, Bill Shipton, deserves all possible praise and recognition for having created a work of art in IT terms that allows all registered users to not only communicate with each other but at the same time retain control of the amount of their personal information that is available to anyone viewing it. The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association Database (www.royalgreenjackets.co.uk) was launched in May 2008 following several weeks of testing to ensure it fulfilled the criteria laid down by the RGJRA Management Board. Everyone who has served in the RGJ is entitled to join the database. This also extends to members of the former Regiments if they wish to apply for Database entry. To access all the information held you do have to be a paid up member of the Central branch of the
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Anyone can register as a user but their record details can only be viewed by subscribing members of the Association so it is only as a subscribing Association member that you can view the records and contact details of all of the (as I write) 5200 + registered users. You can also add your own photograph to your record which is displayed within a Rogues Gallery. However, we do ask you to confine photograph content to that of yourself only and not pictures that include family members or friends. Not only does the Database keep us in contact with one another but it also tracks membership renewals and through Mike Marr, the Membership Secretary, controls the access of new members and those who have allowed their membership to lapse for whatever reason. Officers, point of contact is provided by Lt Colonel (Retd) Jan-Dirk von Merveldt who can be reached by email at london@the-rifles.co.uk or on his London office telephone numbers at 0207 491 4936 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday or in Winchester at 01962 828529 on Monday and Friday. Should it be required you will find his office postal address within these pages under Green Jacket Contact Addresses. You can reach me by email at membersdatabase@royalgreenjackets. co.uk or by telephone (please leave your name and number on the answer service for the rare occasions when I am not in) at 01296 711967. I look forward to receiving your application and may I take this opportunity to wish all Green Jackets everywhere a happy and prosperous 2009. Ken Ambrose Database Manager
The King’s Royal Rifle Corps Association Hon Secretary: Richard C Frost MBE 52/56 Davies Street, London W1K 5HR T: 01689 827189 / M: 07770 226937 E: krrcassn@hotmail.com Dear Fellow Riflemen, A warm welcome to you all from the 1,621 members of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps Association on the production of this first edition of your Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association Journal. Many of you also hold membership of the KRRC Association and receive our own Annual Journal each March, having served in 2GJ/ KRRC or 2RGJ and we welcome this further strengthening of our Regimental ties that will bind us ever closer as the years roll by. The KRRC Association has had another eventful year having held our Annual Band & Bugles Concert in February at Davies Street in Mayfair, the home of Green Jackets in London, followed in May by the first official combined Annual Reunion between us and the Rifle Brigade Association. This proved to be most successful and we look forward to renewing friendships made this coming year. Also, in May we attended the 68th Annual Memorial Service at Calais where the 30th Infantry Brigade comprised of 2KRRC/QVR/1RB and 3RTR fought so valiantly to hold the town against overwhelming odds in 1940. In November we gathered at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the Annual Remembrance Day Service to honour all those who had served in the Armed Forces throughout the years, and afterwards making our way to Davies Street for lunch followed by the traditional Service in St George’s Church, Hanover Square, held for many years previously by 4RGJ. Within this Journal you will find how you can help support the numerous branches of the RGJRA, and indeed, if you wish to learn more about the King’s Royal Rifle Corps Association please feel free to contact us as shown above. “Celer et Audax”
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Club and Association today is to organise the occasions for Riflemen to be reunited with and maintain contact with their fellow riflemen in convivial surroundings at a variety of social events and memorials.
The Rifle Brigade Club and Association Chairman: Brigadier CJM Harrisson, CVO OBE President of the Association: Brigadier CJM Harrisson CVO OBE Chairman of the Association: Major RD Cassidy MBE Secretary of The Rifle Brigade Club and Association: Major K Gray. The Rifle Brigade Club and Association were formed with the primary aim of caring for and looking after the welfare of Riflemen of all ranks and providing them with assistance and support in times of hardship, ill health and difficult personal circumstances. The main purpose of the
The first Club dinner for officers of the Regiment took place on the 25th of August 1813-just prior to the Storming of St. Sebastion. A trench was dug round a parallelogram of greensward, which served for the table while the diners sat on the opposite bank with their legs in the trench. The three battalions involved were to meet again for dinner just after the occupation of Paris in 1815. Today the Club holds a Dinner and Regimental Lunch annually. The Association, which was formed in 1908, is thriving and well supported. Association dinners take place annually in Winchester. The Association also organises annually a Service of Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral, a Service of Commemoration at the Regimental Memorial in Calais, the celebration of the Regimental Birthday, and a London Dinner.
The Rifle Brigade Association Journal and two newsletters are also produced annually. The Club and Association take part in the Remembrance Service at the Rifle Brigade Memorial in Grosvenor Gardens and since the late 1960s this has become established as The Rifle Brigade and The Royal Green Jackets Service of Remembrance ‘in memory of all ranks of The Rifle Brigade and of The Royal Jackets who have died on Active Service’. About 200 present and former Riflemen attend the Service, some today in Rifles uniform. The Rifle Brigade Club and Association have always maintained the closest relationship with and taken great pride in the achievements of The Royal Green Jackets between 1966-2007 and it is truly heartening that the bond between the two Regiments will live on with the formation of the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association which many of our Members have joined. Once a Rifleman – always a Rifleman!
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY CENOTAPH PARADE Every year the London Branch organise the Royal Green Jackets contingent of marchers who parade and march past the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday. In the Association’s calendar this event is second only to the reunion held at Winchester, and all former Green Jackets are welcome. The numbers attending have steadily risen and currently the Association muster about 170.
facilities, and it was too far from Whitehall. The central meeting place problem was eventually solved by contacts within the licensing authorities, who granted a special Sunday Licence in order for the Branch to meet in a local public house, the Theodore Bullfrog.
Initially, the Branch obtained passes from the KRRC Association’s allocation, however, following negotiations with the Royal British Legion the London Branch were able to ensure that not only is the branch allocated a block of parade passes, but also allocated a parade slot as a
When the Branch first joined this parade in 1999 we only managed 35 marchers. It soon became apparent that these low numbers were owing to organisational difficulties and not the willingness of members to parade. There was no central meeting point, local enough to Whitehall, before and after the parade. The Drill Hall at Davies Street was available, but it imposed extra numbers on already limited Ready to move off
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Cenotaph Marchers
In the Theodore Bullfrog after the parade
On the move
Regiment on Whitehall. The London Branch Secretary controls the security passes for the Royal Green Jackets contingent. Branch members are informed by letter, and non-branch members can obtain details about obtaining passes through the website.
parade itself is a friendly gathering of all service orientated people from the very old to the very young. There is a great sense of comradeship and pride for those taking part. Following the march past, a group photograph is taken of our marchers, and then we head back to the ‘Bullfrog’ for old friends to meet, to share stories, down a couple of drinks and if hungry, try some of the ‘Bullfrog’s ‘bangers and mash’.
The service and the march past take place on Whitehall. Each year the President nominates a representative to carry and present the regimental poppy wreath. The
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100 Travelling Fellowships are available annually within the following broad groupings: Adventure, Sports & Expeditions The Arts & Crafts
This event is growing in stature each year with numbers on parade ever increasing: we are only surpassed by the Parachute Regiment. The numbers for the 2008 parade already exceeds last year’s attendance. All Royal Green Jackets are welcome, Riflemen and Officers. It is a fitting occasion to remember past friends and rekindle old friendships on a very special day. The London Branch welcomes you all and hopes to see you in the future.
Business, Industry & Commerce The Citizen & Society Education & Training Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Medical & Health Professions & Public Services Science & Technology Young People For detailed categories see
wcmt.org.uk Apply online
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YOUSUF KARSH/CAMERA PRESS
The day begins at 8am when the doors of the ‘Bullfrog’ open for tea or coffee, or even a brandy for a warmer in the bank. The ‘Bullfrog’ is only five minutes walk from the Horse Guards Parade Square. Friends or families who do not march can remain in the comfort of the ‘Bullfrog’ and watch the parade on a large plasma screen.
The Rifles (as at 31st March 09) The Rifles established: 1 Feb 2007 Forming Regiments: The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry (DDLI) merged with The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBWLI -1 Bn), The Light Infantry (LI-2Bns) and The Royal Green Jackets (RGJ – 2 Bns) to form The Rifles. Size: 5 Regular Bns, 2 TA Bns, 2 Independent TA Coys Over 100 affiliated Cadet Detachments Numbers: 460 Regular Officers 220 TA Officers 4,500 Regular Riflemen 1,500 TA Riflemen 12,000 affiliated Cadets (ACF & CCF) Locations: Regular Battalion’s locations: 1 RIFLES, Beachley Bks, Chepstow NP16 7YG – 3 Cdo Bde 2 RIFLES, Abercorn Bks, Ballykinler, NI, BFPO 805 – 19 Inf Bde 3 RIFLES, Redford Inf Bks, Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH13 0PP – 52 Inf Bde 4 RIFLES, Kiwi Bks, Bulford Camp, Salisbury, Wilts SP4 9HZ – 12 Mech Bde 5 RIFLES, Alanbrooke Bks, Paderborn, Germany, BFPO 22 – 20 Armd Bde TA Battalion’s locations: 6 RIFLES, Wyvern Bks, Exeter, Devon EX2 6AR, based on the West Country and largely incorporation former D&D and LI TA. 7 RIFLES, Brock Bks, Oxford Road, Reading Berks RG30 1HW, based on the Home Counties and London and largely incorporating former 4RGJ and 5RGJ TA. Two Rifle Companies based in London, Davies Str and West Ham. Independent TA Companies locations: D (Rifles) Coy Bishop Auckland, Durham E (Rifles) Coy Shrewsbury, Shropshire
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Operations: Regular Battalions: High operational tempo since just before and after formation of the regiment. 1 RIFLES came back from Iraq in Sept 06. 2 RIFLES came back from Iraq in March/Apr 07. 3 RIFLES came back from individual company postings in Iraq & Afghanistan early in 07. 4 RIFLES returned from Basra/Iraq in Dec 07. 1 RIFLES are currently an operational tour in Afghanistan (Nov 08- Apr/May 09). 2 RIFLES returned from a peace support operations in Kosovo in Jul 08. 3 RIFLES rotated their Rifle Companies through the Falkland Islands in Aug 08. 5 RIFLES deployed on a 6 month operational tour to Iraq at the end of Nov 08. 2 RIFLES deploy on a 6 months operational tour to Afghanistan in Mar/Apr 09. 4 RIFLES have been warned for operations in Afghanistan in the summer of 09. 3 RIFLES are due to take over from 2 RIFLES in Afghanistan in the autumn of 09. A Coy of 4 RIFLES is due to deploy with 3 RIFLES to Afghanistan in the autumn of 09. TA Battalions: TA contribution has been significant in the form of composite companies and lots of individual reinforcements for both Iraq and Afghanistan. A composite company of 6 RIFLES returned from Afghanistan in May 07. A composite company of 7 RIFLES returned from Afghanistan in January 08. 6 RIFLES have dispatched a TA company (Corunna Coy) of 110 to Afghanistan with 1 RIFLES. 7 RIFLES are sending a contingent with 2 RIFLES to Afghanistan on Mar 09. High Operational Tempo: The current high operational tempo has given the new regiment a true baptism of fire and has helped to bind it early on in its existence through common operational experience. Hardly a patrol or convoy, in their current operational theatres, return to base without having had some sort of contact or fire fight often at uncomfortably close quarters employing
every weapon in the armoury including hand-grenades. Having returned to base they are then additionally exposed to intense mortaring. Casualties: Sadly as a new and young regiment we have already had 16 (as at 17 Mar 09) operational fatalities and an uncomfortably high casualty rate with severe injuries and loss of limbs, sight and other lasting damage which will require life long support and aftercare from regimental and other benevolence funds. Recruitment: Officers Officer recruitment is going well. There is a realisation that the large/large regiment with 5 Regular battalions and 2 TA battalions offers many more varied career opportunities than single battalion regiments. Riflemen Holding up well but could always be better. Important that old regimental and cap badge, county, regional and most importantly family loyalties and connections are carried forward into the new regiment. The Merger: The merger and amalgamation of the four proud regiments forming The Rifles, with a history and traditions stretching back to 1685, has not been without some pain and sadness. However all the serving elements of the forming regiments have come together very willingly and are very keen and proud to be able to adopt the ethos and traditions of the “Riflemen”. The Rifles look to the future with confidence and anticipation and with the support of the “Old and Bold” of their forming and antecedent regiments we will succeed. The motto of The Rifles is “Swift and Bold” and you will note that The Buttons are Black and the Jackets are Green.
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THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS THE FORMATION AND ORIGINS OF THE REGIMENT On 1st January 1966 The Royal Green Jackets was formed as a single large Regiment. Its creation followed logically from the composition of The Green Jackets Brigade in 1958, which grouped together three former singlebattalion infantry regiments: The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, The Kings Royal Rifle Corps and The Rifle Brigade. A family tree of these regiments and their antecedents is shown later. It was no accident that these particular regiments came together so easily. They each share a distinguished past, with similar histories, traditions and ethos. They, and the Royal Green Jackets as their heirs, laid claim to being forward looking and innovative, responsible for the development of much of the new thinking in the British Infantry in the fields of tactics, training, equipment and manmanagement from the mid-eighteenth century onwards. The leadership of such distinguished officers as Henri Bouquet, Francis de Rottenburg, Coote Manningham and Sir John Moore generated a succession of advanced ideas later to be adopted as ideals by the rest of the Army: open order tactics and mobility in place of rigid drills and deliberate movement, camouflage and concealment in place of closely formed ranks of red coats, individual marksmanship in place of massed musket fire, intelligence and self reliance in place of rigid obedience instilled by the fear of brutal punishment. The Peninsula Campaign was where these new professional soldiering skills and tactics first achieved major operational success, and where Green Jackets made their name. Green Jackets have always been operationally focused and at the forefront of action throughout the years, by role and tradition “First in
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and last out”, and their 59 Victoria Crosses is a number matched by no other regiment until the formation of The Rifles in 2007. Since its formation in 1966, Green Jackets have served with distinction on operations in every theatre; in particular in Northern Ireland from 1969 to the present day, where the regiment has had an almost continuous presence, and has played a decisive and influential role in the campaign. Its officers and riflemen have continued to display the professional approach, mutual trust and unique spirit that is the Green Jacket way, embodied in the regimental tradition of the “Fighting, Thinking Rifleman” and the Regimental motto – ‘Swift and Bold’ given to the 60th Royal Americans at Quebec by General Wolfe in 1759 as ‘Celer et Audax’.
Sunge Sekayan Action Aug 1965
Leeson Street Patrol by Terence Cuneo Sept 1971
Dates of note. 1. 1st January 1966: Formation of the Royal Green Jackets. 2. 1st January1968: Light Division formed: Lt-Gen Sir Anthony Read, KCB, CBE, DSO, MC appointed as Colonel Commandant. 3. 1968: The Royal Green Jackets Association formed. 4. 1st January 1968: Bracketed titles worn since formation in 1966 removed. 5. 1971: 3rd Battalion reduced to one coy-R Company. 6. 1972: 3rd Battalion reformed. 7. 1985: Regimental Depot at Peninsula Barracks, home to Green Jackets since 1858 closes, the Regimental Museum remains there to this day. Training of recruits undertaken at Sir John Moore Barracks Winchester and subsequently Catterick. 8. 1992: The Regiment reduced to two battalions. 9. 1st February 2007: The Royal Green Jackets taken out of the Order of Battle and merged to form The Rifles. 10.1st February 2007: The Royal Green Jackets Association changes its title to the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association.
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THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS FAMILY TREE
2007 The Rifles
1966 The Royal Green Jackets
1958
1958
1958
1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd
2nd Green Jackets, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps
3rd Green Jackets, The Rifle Brigade
1921 The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own)
1908 The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
1881
1881
1881
The Oxfordshire Light Infantry
The King’s Royal Rifle Corps
The Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort’s Own)
1830
The Prince Consort’s Own Rifle Brigade
1862 The 60th , The King’s Royal Rifle Corps
1824 60th, Regiment, The Duke of York’s Own Rifle Corps
1816 The Rifle Brigade
1803
1803
43rd (Monmouthshire) Regt of Foot (Light Infantry)
52nd (Oxfordshire) Regt of Foot (Light Infantry)
1802 95th (Rifle) Regt of Foot
1800 1782
1782
43rd (Monmouthshire) Regt of Foot
52nd (Oxfordshire) Regt of Foot
Experimental Corps of Riflemen
1755
1755
54th Regt of Foot, renumbered 52nd in 1756
62nd or Royal American Regt of Foot, renumbered 60th in 1756
1741 54th Regt of Foot, renumbered 43rd in 1751
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The Royal Green Jackets 1 January 1966 to 31 January 2007 Colonel-in-Chief: Her Majesty the Queen Deputy Colonel-in-Chief: HRH the Duke of Gloucester KG, KP, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, ADC (P) 1966-1974 Representative/Regimental Colonels Commandant 1966-2007 Colonels Commandant are listed in the rank and with the decorations they held at the conclusion of their appointments FM Sir Francis Festing GCB, KBE, DSO, DL Rep Col Comdt: 1966-68 Col Comdt: 3 RGJ 1966-68
FM Sir Edwin (later Lord) Bramall GCB, OBE, MC,ADC (Gen) Rep Col Comdt: 1979-83 Col Comdt 3 RGJ: 1973-84
Gen Sir Edward Jones KCB, CBE Rep Col Comdt: 1992-94 Col Comdt 3 RGJ: 1988-92 Col Comdt 2 RGJ: 1992-94
Maj Gen EA Williams CB, CBE, MC Col Comdt 2 RGJ: 1966-70
Gen Sir Frank Kitson GBE, KCB, MC, ADC (Gen) Rep Col Comdt: 1983-85 Col Comdt 2 RGJ: 1979-86
Maj Gen JP ( later Lt Gen Sir John) Foley (later DL) KCB,CB, OBE, MC Col Comdt 1 RGJ: 1991-94
Gen Sir John Mogg GCB, CBE, DSO, ADC (Gen) Rep Col Comdt: 1968-73 Col Comdt 1 RGJ: 1966-70 Col Comdt 3 RGJ: 1971-73 Lt Gen Sir Richard Fyffe KBE, CB, DSO, MC Col Comdt 3 RGJ: 1968-71 Gen (later FM) Sir Roland Gibbs GCB, CBE, DSO, MC, ADC (Gen) Col Comdt 2 RGJ: 1971-78 Gen Sir Thomas Pearson KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC (Gen) Rep Col Comdt: 1973-77 Col Comdt 1 RGJ: 1970-77 Lt Gen Sir James Wilson KBE, MC Rep Col Comdt: 1977-78 Col Comdt 1 RGJ: 1977-81
Gen Sir Roland Guy GCB, CBE, DSO, ADC (Gen) Rep Col Comdt:1985-86 Col Comdt 1 RGJ: 1981-86 Gen Sir James Glover KCB, MBE Rep Col Comdt: 1986-88 Col Comdt 3 RGJ: 1984-88 Gen Sir Robert Pascoe KCB, MBE, ADC (Gen) Rep Col Comdt:1988-91 Col Comdt 1 RGJ: 1986-91 Gen Sir David (later Lord) Ramsbotham GCB, CBE, ADC (Gen) Rep Col Comdt: 1991-92 Col Comdt 2 RGJ: 1987-92
Maj Gen CGC Vyvyan CB, CBE Col Comdt 1 RGJ: 1994-2000 Lt Gen Sir Christopher Wallace KBE, (later DL) Rep Col Comdt: 1995-98 Col Comdt 2 RGJ: 1995-98 Maj Gen ARD Pringle CB, CBE Regt Col Comdt: 1999-2001 Col Comdt 2 RGJ: 1999-2001 Lt Gen AMD Palmer CB, CBE Regt Col Comdt: 2001-05 Col Comdt 1 RGJ: 2000-05 Maj Gen NJ Cottam CB,OBE Regt Col Comdt: 2005-07 Col Comdt 2 RGJ: 2002-05
Battalion Postings 1966 - 2007 1st Battalion
2nd Battalion
3rd Battalion
1966-67 Germany, Berlin
1966 Malaya, Penang 1966 Borneo
1966-67 UK, Felixstowe 1966 Borneo
1967-1970 UK, Tidworth 1967-1968 UN, Cyprus 1969 N.Ireland Province Wide
1966-67 Germany, Munster 1967-71 Germany, Munster
1967-68 Germany, Iserlohn 1968-70 Germany, Celle
1970-74 Germany, Celle 1971 N.I Belfast 1972 N.I Belfast 1973 N.I Belfast
1971-73 N.I BallyKelly Ops Province wide
1970-71 UK, Tidworth Cyprus (UN)
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1st Battalion
2nd Battalion
3rd Battalion
1974-78 UK, Dover 1974-1975 N.I S.Armagh 1976 Cyprus UN/ESBA 1977N.I Belfast
1973-75 UK, Catterick 1973-1974 Belize 1974 N.I S.Armagh 1974-1975 N.I Belfast
1971 3rd Bn reduced to representative Company (R) UK, Netheravon R Coy 1971 N.I Belfast
1978 - 1980 Hong Kong
1975-77 Gibraltar
1972 3rd Bn reformed
1980-81 UK Hounslow 1981 N.I S.Armagh
1977-79 UK Tidworth 1979 N.I S.Armagh
1972-75 UK Shoeburyness 1972-74 N.I Belfast
1981-83 N.I Aldergrove Ops Province wide
1980-86 Germany, Minden 1981-1982 N.I Belfast 1985-1986 N.I Belfast
1975-77 Germany, Berlin
1983-87 UK, Tidworth1984-1985 Falkland Islands 1986 N.Ireland Ops Province wide
1986-88 UK, Warminster
1977-1978 UK, Caterham 1977, Belfast, one month
1987-1992 Germany, Osnabrùck 1987 N.I Armagh 1990-1991 1st Gulf War (Coy) 1991-1992 N.I Tyrone
1988-1991 UK Dover 1989 N.I Fermanagh 1991 1st Gulf War (Band)
1978-1979 N.I Londonderry Ops Province wide
1991-92 N.I Omagh, Ops Province wide
1979-1982 UK Oakington 1980 Cyprus (UN) 1982-87 Germany, Celle 1984-85 N.I Belfast 1987-89 UK, Colchester 1987-88 Falkland Islands (Coy)19891991,Gibraltar 1989-1990 N.I Platoons 1991-92 N.I S. Armagh
25 July 1992: The 1st 2nd and 3rd Battalions merged into two battalions. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions re-designated as 1st and 2nd Battalions.
1st Battalion
2nd Battalion
1992-93 N.I Omagh, Ops Province wide
1992-95 UK, Dover
1993-96 Cyprus, Dhekelia, 1994 Falklands (Coy) 1995 Falklands (Coy)
1995-97 N.I, Belfast, Ops Province wide
1996-99 UK, Bulford, 1996 Bosnia
1997-2001Germany, Paderborn 1999-2000 Kosovo , 2001 Bosnia
1999-2002 N.I Belfast, Ops Province wide
2001-03 UK Warminster
2002-07 UK, Weeton, Sierre Leone 2002 N.I Belfast 2003, Iraq 2004 N.I S. Armagh 2005 , Kosovo 2006, Iraq 2006
2003-05 N.I Ballykinler, Ops Province wide 2005-07 UK Bulford
1 February 2007 Re-designated 2 RIFLES
1 February 2007. Re-designated 4 RIFLES
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THE REGIMENTAL MEMORIAL The Royal Green Jackets Memorial is situated at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas. Staffordshire. It was unveiled on 11 May 2008 by Field Marshal The Lord Bramall of Bushfield, KG, GCB, OBE, and MC. The Memorial is dedicated to all those who served in the Royal Green Jackets, 1st January 1966-31st January 2007. Alongside the memorial three trees have been planted each with a Regimental plaque inscribed with the details of the former Regiments. The Royal Green Jackets Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum
Essential Reading Material FOCUS ON COURAGE THE 59 VICTORIA CROSSES AWARDED TO THE ANTECEDENT REGIMENTS OF THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS
SWIFT AND BOLD A PORTRAIT OF THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS 1966-2007 This portrait describes the origins, characteristics and ethos of the Green Jackets culminating in their formation as The Royal Green Jackets in 1966. This beautiful hardback portrait records the evolution of the Regiment from its illustrious forebears, and documents the Green Jackets way to leadership and illustrates the unique contribution to the Army made by the Royal Green Jackets over 40 years.
59 Victoria Crosses have been awarded to the antecedent regimentsThe Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps and The Rifle Brigade.
Swift and Bold book cover
Over 75,000 words contained in 192 pages with over 250 images, it reflects a truly great Regiment. This portrait is a must for all members of the Regiment and also for those who have an interest in military history. To purchase telephone the Royal Green Jackets Museum at Winchester: T: 01962 828550.
The book Focus On Courage provides an authoritative record and account of the extraordinary acts of bravery of the 59 Regimental recipients of the Victoria Cross, including photographs and biographical information. It places these acts in context, graphically describing the nature and horrors of the battlefield and the dangers to which each recipient was subject. It also chronicles the circumstances that gave rise to the introduction of the Victoria Cross and answers frequently asked questions. To purchase telephone the Royal Green Jackets Museum at Winchester. T: 01962 828550.
Focus on Courage book cover
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The Royal Green Jackets Roll of Honour The following Officers and Soldiers died whilst serving with the Royal Green Jackets between the years 1966 and 2007 Rank
Initials
Name
Battalion
Location
Date
Month
1966 Cpl Rfn Rfn Cpl Rfn
R AC RMT R JA
Poole Kelway Webster Cross Cullen
3 RGJ 2 RGJ 2 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ
Unknown Borneo Borneo Germany Germany
Unknown 31st 31st 17th 6th
Unknown March March August November
1967 Sgt Brig Cpl Col Rfn
MAA AHS PM PR AE
Cameron Mellor OBE Patrick Hayter Brown
3 RGJ RGJ 2 RGJ RGJ 2 RGJ
Germany England Germany Australia England
4th 26th 7th 25th 28th
April August September October October
1968 Lcpl WO2 Sjt
DJ BJ RA
Dixon Dunwell Smith
2 RGJ 2 RGJ 1 RGJ
England Germany England
8th 29th 13th
January October November
1969 Capt Lcpl WO1 Lcpl Lcpl Rfn
RF MW TJ MJ MD JPB
Rodgers Mosley Byrne Pearce Boswell Keeney
Rifle Depot 1 RGJ 2 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ
England England England N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland
2nd 22nd 14th 26th 25th 25th
March April July September October October
1970 Rfn Csgt Capt (QM) Rfn Rfn
A RF WH S MA
Cottriall Fry Norbury Fisher Hamblin
1 RGJ 4 (V) RGJ Rifle Depot Rifle Depot 3 RGJ
Germany England England England England
21st 5th 5th 3rd 21st
May July July October November
1971 Rfn Rfn Cpl Rfn Rfn Major
RP K R D JCE TEF
Hill Chavner Bankier Walker Hill Taylor
3 RGJ 3 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 2 RGJ RGJ
Cyprus Cyprus N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland Dhofar
2nd 4th 22nd 12th 16th 7th
January January May July October November
1972 Major Cpl Sjt Rfn J /Rfn Rfn Lcpl Cpl Rfn Lcpl Rfn
RNH CC PJ JW RD J D IR D IR JR
Alers-Hankey Cook Martin Taylor Woodhouse Meredith Card Morrill Griffiths George Joesbury
2 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 2 RGJ JR Coy 2 RGJ 1 RGJ 3 RGJ 3 RGJ 3 RGJ 3 RGJ
N.Ireland Germany Germany N.Ireland England N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland
30th 11th 13th 20th 11th 26th 4th 28th 30th 10th 8th
January March March March June June August August August September December
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Rank
Initials
Name
Battalion
Location
Date
Month
1973 Pte Rfn
RB NAB
Roberts Allen
LI/ 3 RGJ 1 RGJ
N.Ireland N.Ireland
2nd 26th
July November
1974 Rfn Rfn Bdsm Rfn Rfn
A HM MS KG ME
Mulgrew Hutton Bayliss Porter Gibson
3 RGJ 2 RGJ Rifle Depot 3 RGJ 1 RGJ
Singapore England England England N.Ireland
20th 6th 27th 15th 29th
April June September November December
1975 Rfn Major Csgt Rfn Rfn
DP JRC DV CJ MR
McGarry Radclyffe Dawes Radmore Sinclair
3 RGJ Rifle Depot 3 RGJ 1 RGJ 3 RGJ
Germany England England England Germany
13th 15th 4th 4th 13th
January September November December December
1976 Lt Col Rfn Sjt Lcpl Rfn
MWM RM EE RP KJ
Tarleton Walsh Bedford McMahon Rowland
3 RGJ 3 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 3 RGJ
England Germany England England England
15th 4th 11th 11th 31st
February October December December December
1977 Rfn Rfn Rfn Cpl
SD R MR WJ
Lambourne Watson Thompson Smith
Rifle Depot 2 RGJ 3 RGJ 1 RGJ
England Gibraltar England N.Ireland
13th 15th 17th 31st
July July July August
1978 Lt Col Rfn Major J.Rfn
ID NW TB PT
Cordon-Lloyd Smith Fowley Flaherty
2 RGJ 2 RGJ RGJ Rifle Depot
N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland England
17th 4th 24th 18th
February March April November
1979 Brig Rfn
TGH PC
Jackson Fairway
HQ Lt Div Rifle Depot
England England
3rd 24th
April July
1980 WO2 Rfn Rfn Col
PJ PJ CJ JSC
Bayliss Simons Watson Simmons
3 RGJ 3 RGJ 3 RGJ RGJ
Nigeria England N.Ireland England
21st 4th 19th 8th
March May July August
1981 Rfn Rfn Rfn LCpl Rfn LCpl LCpl
ME A JW G WH GT SJ
Bagshaw Gavin King Winstone Williams Dean Chappell
1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ Rifle Depot 1 RGJ 1 RGJ
N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland Wales N.Ireland England
19th 19th 19th 18th 4th 16th 11th
May May May May June July August
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Rank
Initials
Name
Battalion
Location
Date
Month
1982 Capt Rfn Rfn Rfn Rfn Cpl Cpl Rfn WO2 Cpl Cpl Bdsm Bdsm Bdsm Bdsm WO2 CSgt
TP DR NP AM TP RE ET MJ G RA JR GJ KJ LK J JP SJ
Fetherstonhaugh Holland Malakos Rapley Flint Armstrong Walpole Wood Barker Livingstone McKnight Mesure Powell Smith Heritage Devine Walton
RGJ 2 RGJ 2 RGJ 2 RGJ 2 RGJ 1 RGJ 3 RGJ Rifle Depot 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 3 RGJ 2 RGJ
Germany N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland England Falkland Isles Falkland Isles England England England England England England England England Germany Germany
11th 15th 25th 25th 10th 19th 19th 22nd 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 13th 8th
February March March March May May May June July July July July July July July August December
1983 Rfn Officer Cadet
DA DMH
Grainger Litton
1 RGJ Sandhurst
N.Ireland England
10th 12th
April August
1984 Rfn Major Gnr
AD HL TP
Jackson Ruck-Keene Utteridge
3 RGJ 3 RGJ 1 RHA/3RGJ
Germany England N.Ireland
5th 31st 19th
February August October
1985
NIL ENTRIES
1986 Rfn Rfn CSgt LCpl
DA ACR PJ RI
Mulley Chapman Bryant McGowan
1 RGJ 3 RGJ Lt Div Depot 3 RGJ
N.Ireland Germany England Germany
18th 22nd 31st 16th
March April August December
1987 Colonel Rfn LCpl Rfn Cpl Cpl
P J TW RA ERP R
Treneer-Michell Milward Hewitt Sharp Jedruch Elliott
RGJ 3 RGJ 1 RGJ 2 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ
England England N.Ireland England N.Ireland England
27th 1st 19th 21st 31st 29th
May July July July July September
1988/1989
NIL ENTRIES
1990 Rfn Rfn Rfn Rfn Rfn WO1 Cpl Sgt
R DW CJ PW J CJ D LS
Donkin Parfitt Jackson Virgo Scott Manning Lepp Ubhi
1 RGJ 1 RGJ 1 RGJ 2 RGJ 1 RGJ 2 RGJ 2 RGJ 3 RGJ
Germany Germany Germany England USA England England Kenya
6th 6th 8th 1st 18th 27th 28th 20th
April April May July July August August December
1991 Sjt LCpl
TJ WJ
Ross Harris
1 RGJ 2 RGJ
N.Ireland N.Ireland
18th 8th
October November
38 |
2008
Rank
Initials
Name
Battalion
Location
Date
Month
1991 Rfn Cpl Sgt Cpl
C MC SR LD
Williams Maddocks Eyles Wall
2 RGJ 2 RGJ 3 RGJ 2 RGJ
N.Ireland N.Ireland Germany N.Ireland
8th 14th 1st 12th
November November December December
1992 Rfn Rfn
JS RA
Smith Davey
1 RGJ 1 RGJ
N.Ireland N.Ireland
10th 29th
August October
1993 Rfn Rfn
DT PK
Fenley Ennals
1 RGJ 2 RGJ
N.Ireland England
17th 13th
February March
1994 Rfn Sjt Rfn
A RJ JA
Dunne Naylor Lagan
2 RGJ 1 RGJ 2 RGJ
England Cyprus England
4th 13th 18th
February October October
1995 WO2
KP
Theobold
2 RGJ
N.Ireland
2nd
October
1996 WO1
L
Collins
3RGJ
England
6th
December
1997 Rfn
RS
Blackledge
1 RGJ
Kenya
5th
November
1998 LCpl Rfn
A WN
Smith Beckley-Lines
1 RGJ ITC Catterick
England England
24th 18th
May September
1999 Rfn Rfn
CBA P
Bird Morris
2 RGJ 2 RGJ
Germany England
25th 3rd
March April
2000 LCpl Rfn
DJ OM
Cronin Alford
2 RGJ ITC Catterick
Kosovo S.Africa
14th 27th
March April
2001 Rfn Rfn
JI DR
MacKenzie McLaughlin
ITC Catterick 2 RGJ
England England
9th 20th
February May
2002 Cpl Rfn
M IJ
Phillips Coman
1 RGJ 1 RGJ
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
27th 27th
January January
2003 Rfn Rfn
JA AR
Dupee Elliott
1 RGJ 1 RGJ
England England
19th 19th
August August
2004 Rfn
VC
Windsor
2 RGJ/1 LI
Iraq
21st
January
2005 Rfn Rfn
D LC
Hudaverdi Jamieson
1 RGJ 1 RGJ
England England
4th 4th
April April
2008
| 39
The Royal Green Jackets - Former Regiments VC Winners Rank
Initials
Name
Date
Place
Regiment
Rfn Lt Lt Lt Rfn Rfn Rfn Lt Rfn C/Sgt Lt C/Sgt Rfn Rfn Bglr L/Cpl Bglr Ensign Capt Cpl Rfn Rfn Rfn Rfn Capt Rfn Lt Col Rfn Lt Capt Lt Rfn Lt Maj Lt Lt CSM A/Cpl 2nd/Lt L/Sgt Rfn 2nd/Lt Rfn Cpl Maj Sgt 2nd/Lt CSM Sgt Sgt Sgt Rfn L/Cpl L/Sgt Sgt Rfn L/Cpl Rfn Lt Col
F HH WJM CT J R R J S S AS G J J W H R EA H W D V S H FA T RH F PS WN FHS AE LAE JE JHS JFP H CR GH DW W SC GS AG WLaT A GE E E WF AJ AE JA JE W W A J VB
Wheatley Clifford Cuninghame Bourchier Bradshaw Humpston McGregor Knox Turner Garvin Heathcote Waller Thompson Divane Sutton Smith Hawthorne Phillipps Wilmot Nash Hawkes Bambrick Shaw Addison Smith O`Hea Buller Corbett Marling Congreve Roberts Durrant Price-Davies Gough Dimmer Butler Daniels Noble Woolley Belcher Mariner Woodroffe Peachment Drake Congreve Gill Cates Brooks Cooper Burman Knight Shepherd Christie Woodall Gregg Beesley Wilcox Beeley Turner
1854 1854 1854 1854 1855 1855 1855 1855 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857 1857 1858 1858 1858 1858 1858 1859 1864 1866 1879 1882 1884 1899 1899 1900 1901 1903 1914 1914 1915 1915 1915 1915 1915 1915 1915 1915 1916 1916 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1917 1918 1918 1918 1918 1941 1942
Sebastopol Inkerman Sebastopol Sebastopol Sebastopol Sebastopol Sebastopol Sebastopol Delhi Dehli Dehli Dehli Dehli Dehli Dehli Dehli Dehli Dehli Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Bareilly Lucknow India New Zealand Canada Zululand Egypt Sudan South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa Somaliland Belgium West Africa France France Belgium Belgium France Belgium France Belgium France France France France Belgium Belgium Belgium France Palestine France France France France North Africa North Africa
Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade KRRC KRRC KRRC KRRC KRRC KRRC KRRC 52nd Light Infantry 52nd Light Infantry KRRC Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade KRRC Rifle Brigade 43rd Light Infantry 43rd Light Infantry Rifle Brigade KRRC KRRC KRRC Rifle Brigade KRRC Rifle Brigade KRRC Rifle Brigade KRRC KRRC Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade QVR LRB KRRC Rifle Brigade KRRC Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade KRRC Rifle Brigade Ox&Bucks LI KRRC Rifle Brigade Post Office Rifles KRRC Finsbury Rifles Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Rifle Brigade Ox&Bucks LI KRRC Rifle Brigade
40 |
2008
Internal Welfare Support GREEN JACKET CLOSE As a result of an appeal in memory of Riflemen who lost their lives during the Boer War, sufficient money was raised in 1904 to build 8 two-bed roomed cottages on a site in Stanmore Lane, Winchester, which was leased from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and was subsequently purchased. The cottages have all been modernised and 5 of them have each been converted into 2 one-bed roomed flats. In addition 4 two-bed roomed houses, 2 two-bed roomed flats and 2 one-bed roomed flats have been built on the site increasing the total number of housing units available to 21. Eligibility Residents must be former Riflemen or their widows who are in need of assistance. A register of applicants is kept by the RHO in Winchester. Application to be registered must be made in writing to
the Assistant Regimental Secretary Finance together with testimonials or other evidence of character and stating qualification for appointment. In selecting residents, consideration is given to age (usually over 60), length of service, character, financial situation and any special circumstances such as war wounds or other physical disability. A list of those interested is maintained and a points system is used to determine priority; these are given for: a. Rank: b. Service: c. Age: d. Disability: e. Special Consideration: i.e. hardship; service for/in Regiment after retirement; Regimental service in TA after retirement. Although some preference will be given to RGJ applicants, applications for all former and antecedent regiments are welcome.
Conditions of Occupancy a. Residents pay a Weekly Maintenance Charge of approximately 50% of the Fair Rent as assessed by the Local Authority and are responsible for utility bills and Council Tax. Residents are helped to secure appropriate advice from the Local Authority and other agencies by the Resident Warden, to claim housing and other benefits. Maintenance is carried out by The Riflemen's Aid Society (and in due course this will be transferred to The Rifles Benevolent Trust) although residents are expected to make good any damage caused by any act of negligence on their part. b. Residents must obey the conditions of occupancy drawn up by the RHO. These are to ensure that no resident performs any act or behaves In such a way that other residents are inconvenienced or that the general amenities of the cottages are lessened.
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“Marksmanship Principles”
Accuracy International is proud to support the RGJRA and The Rifles Accuracy International Ltd P.O. Box 81 Portsmouth, Hants ai@accuracyinternational.org www.accuracyinternational.org
Internal Welfare Support THE LADIES GUILD Organisation and Income The Guild Is composed of the wives of serving and retired officers who pay an annual subscription into its funds In addition it has a capital fund which produces an income. Donations are also received from Battalions as a gift or as a result of fund-raising. The Guild is run by an elected, voluntary Executive Committee of around 14 of these wives, who stand for re-election every three years. Aims The Guild's main role is the relief of wives, widows, children and other dependants of Riflemen end deceased Riflemen who are In need, hardship or distress. In addition to making grants for immediate relief in a financial crisis, the Guild specialises in the following forms of assistance:
THE RIFLES BENEVOLENT TRUST General The Rifles Benevolent Trust was formed as a result of the amalgamation of four Regiments known as the Forming Regiments on 1 February 2007. They were: Organisation The Rifles Benevolent Trust is a Charity, established by a Deed dated 1 April 2007 registered with the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales. The Trustees are the eight senior serving officers on The Rifles Regimental Council (Ex Officio) and a further 8 to 12 Nominated Trustees with appropriate skills. The offices are in Peninsula Barracks, Winchester where the Assistant Regimental Secretary Finance and his assistant deals with the day to day running of the Trust and the maintenance of accounts. Cases requiring grants are dealt with at once by either: a. Regimental Headquarters by the Assistant Regimental Secretary Finance or in his absence another nominated Assistant Regimental Secretary from the Regimental Headquarters,
42 |
a. Personal visits by members to families in distress. The Guild has members in many parts of England and is usually able to arrange visits. b. Assisting battalion wives club in a deserving charitable activity, such as payment of transport costs or other similar expenses c. All Ladies' Guild widows are given a grant at Christmas, together with a personal letter from the Chairman and a Regimental Christmas card. Any widows over the age of 70 receive an additional fuel allowance. Requests for Financial Assistance Most cases are referred to The Ladles' Guild by the Trustees of The Rifles Benevolent Fund. These cases usually come through an outside agency, such as SSAFA, Forces Help or The Royal British Legion, who will have visited the wife or widow, assessed their problem and written a report.
b. City/County Assistant Regimental Secretaries whose areas of responsibility are shown at Annex B to this guide. Application of Income – Eligibility The income and capital of the Trust can be used to give assistance in any of the following cases: a. The relief in deserving cases of those eligible who are in distress as a result of wounds, sickness or other causes beyond their control. b. The relief of widows and dependent children of deceased officers, riflemen or soldiers in needy circumstances. c. The maintenance, education or advancement in life of children of deceased officers and soldiers for whom no parent or relative is able to make provision. d. The granting of allowances or financial help (by way of a grant) in the cases of distress to officers, riflemen or soldiers, widows or dependent children to assist them in temporary difficulties or enable them to gain suitable employment.
Any widow whose husband died whilst serving is automatically taken on by The Ladies Guild. NB: The Ladies Guild originates from the Royal Green Jackets and its Antecedent Regiments. At present there are only sufficient funds and organisation to continue to look after ex Royal Green Jackets widows. The Chairman of the Guild Is In discussion with Commanding Officers and other senior representatives of The Rifles as to how its activities can be widened to Include all elements of the new Regiment. Charity Number 228955 Principal Address Regimental Headquarters Peninsula Barracks Romsey Road Hampshire S023 8TS
e. The granting of relief in cases of hardship or distress to dependants of officers, riflemen or soldiers, whether relatives or not. Requests for assistance a. Serving Officers and Riflemen. Applications should be made through the chain of command. b. Ex-Officers, Riflemen and Soldiers or Civilian Dependants. Individuals should make applications in the first instance to the nearest office of SSAFA Forces Help or The Royal British Legion (Welfare Agencies) who will send a report to RHQ or the appropriate office; this is by far the quickest method. Individuals may approach RHQ or the City/County offices directly but must be aware that a report will be required from an independent exservicemen's Welfare Agency. Applications from Welfare Agencies will be dealt with either by The Assistant Regimental Secretary Finance at Regimental Headquarters or by City/County Regimental Secretaries.
2008
Museum and Shop
Her Majesty the Queen honours former Bugle Major It was announced in the New Years Honours List 2009 that former Bugle Major John (Johnny) Powell has been honoured with the Royal Victorian Medal (silver) for services to HM the Queen. The notification appeared in the Daily Telegraph for 31st December 2008 and reads:
Some of the survivors from The Warren Hastings
The Royal Green Jackets Museum
Opening Hours The Museum is open: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last entry 4.15 p.m.) Sundays 12 Noon to 4 p.m. (Last entry 3.15 p.m.) The Museum is closed on Sundays from the end of October to the beginning of March and also over Christmas and the New Year. Visits to the Museum’s archives are by appointment only.
RESEARCH 2nd Lt John Cheney's World War 1 Helmet
THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS MUSEUM AND SHOP Our Address The Museum’s postal address and contact details are: The Royal Green Jackets Museum Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road Winchester, Hants, SO23 8TS Tel: 01962 828549 e-mail: museum@royalgreenjackets.co.uk Admission Charges Adults £3 per person Senior Citizens £2 per person Children/Students £1 per person Family groups £6 per group Service personnel and Friends of the Museum are admitted free.
2008
RVM Silver John Daniel Powell, Yeoman Bed Goer, Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard. Queen Victoria established the Royal Victorian Medal in April 1896 as a reward for personal service to the Sovereign or the Royal Family, and as a mark of royal esteem. The Medal is conferred upon civilians and non-commissioned military personnel. Although the Medal is related to the Royal Victorian Order, it differs in appearance and in the way it is worn. For those who are not aware John sadly died after a lengthy illness on January 8th 2009. His wife Jenny, will be presented with his medal by the Queen.
Information Available The Museum archives are a most useful first port of call for those seeking information about the actions, battles and engagements of the battalions of the Regiment and its antecedent regiments, or to research any other matter relating to the history of the Regiment. The archives are a less useful source of information about former members of the Regiment and its antecedent regiments, although there is a fairly comprehensive record of those who served as officers. Limitations The Museum does not hold the Service records of those who have served in the Regiment. Members of the public who wish to access such records should consult the Army Museums Ogilby Trust which provides extremely useful advice about what to do. The same website lists the succession of titles by which the regiments of Cavalry and Infantry have been known since their formation. Royal Victorian Medal - Front
| 43
Obituary Notices February 2007 – 14th January 2009 Forster, Cyril – KRRC – 10th February 2007 Raper, David – RGJ – 12th February 2007 Laker, Joe – KRRC-RB-RGJ - 13th February 2007 Lee, Daniel – 2 Rifles KIA Iraq 27th February 2007 Newton, Joe – RGJ – March 2007 Cox, Ron – KRRC – 5TH March 2007 Lincoln, Aaron 2 Rifles KIA Iraq 2nd April 2007 Iles, Arthur – RGJ – 11th April 2007 Gillan, Bob –DCM – RB – 22nd April 2007 Donnachie, Paul – 2 Rifles KIA 29TH April 2007 Coleman, Robert – RGJ – 1st May 2007 Jones, General Sir Edward, KCB, CVO, CBE–RGJ–14th May 08 Brookes, Jeremy – Cpl, 4 Rifles KIA Iraq – 21st May 2007 Wilson, Rodney – Cpl, 4 Rifles KIA Iraq – 6th June 2007 Vakabua, Edward – 4 Rifles - Accident Iraq- 6th June 2007 Cooper, Bill – KRRC, RB – June 2007 Owen, Taffy – KRRC – June 2007 Harding, Major Paul, KIA Iraq 19th June 2007 Rigby, John – Cpl 4 Rifles, KIA Iraq – 22ND June 2007 Williams, Colonel David, RB, RGJ – 23rd June 2007 Owen, Brigadier Kit, LVO OBE MDA – RGJ – 28TH June 2007 Wells, Frederick – RGJ – June 2007 Butler, Major General HGD, CB DL – RGJ – 10th July 2007 Brown, Colonel, WAC – RAPC At` 3RGJ 1964-1969 July 2007 Hughes, Doug – KRRC – August 2007 Deedes, The Lord – KRRC, QWR - August 2007 Vallentyne, Peter – RGJ – 1st October 2007 Brown, Oliver – RGJ – 7th October 2007 Poe, Major JL – 30th October 2007 Cope, Colin – RGJ – 11TH November 2007 Cole, Marion – Wife of WO11 Len Cole–RGJ–November 2007 Long, Nathan – 4 Rifles RTA Bulford - 21st November 2007 Knight, Paul – 4 Rifles RTA Bulford – 21st November 2007 Dixon, Steve – RGJ – Iraq November 2007 Hickmott, Bernie senior – RGJ – 26TH November 2007 Everett, Ronald – Rifle Brigade – December 2007 Gray, Josie - wife of Major Ken Gray RGJ – 20th December 2007 Richardson, Dick – RGJ – 22nd December 2007 Paton, Mick – RGJ – 3RD January 2008 Alderton, Charlie – QVR – January 2008 Sandford, John – KRRC – January 2008 Johnson, Johnny – 2RGJ – February 2008 Tuthill, Albert – KRRC – 1st March 2008 Stephenson, Anthony–E Coy Rifles, 4 Mercian–3rd March Delmas, Julian – KRRC – 5th March 2008 Watterson, Sam – 1 Rifles – 8th March 2008 Balls, Bryan – Major – RGJ – 9TH March 2008 Kelly, Carmen – wife of Cpl Mick Kelly RGJ–10 March 08 Pinker, Steve – RGJ – 26TH March 2008 Lamb, June, wife of ex Cpl Peter Lamb RGJ 29th March 08
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Berry, Peter – RGJ – April 2008 Colvile, Robert, Major, TD. Oxf&Bucks – 5th April 2008 Shreeves, George Major- KRRC – April 2008 Atkinson, Paul – 3 Rifles –RTA – 12th May 2008 Edwards, Denis - Oxf&Bucks – 20th May 2008 Rattigan, Mick DCM, BEM – RGJ – 21st May 2008 Taylor, Bert - Oxf&Bucks – 25TH May 2008 Rosser, Ian – RGJ – 28th May 2008 Jackson, Mick – RGJ - 1st June 2008 Blacker, Edward – RB – 5th June 2008 Baldwin, Ricky –RGJ – 9th June 2008 Emberton, Gordon – RGJ – 21st June 2008 Rattigan, Val–wife of Mick Rattigan-RGJ–27thJune 08 Montgomery, JRP Col, MBE, MC-Oxf&Bucks–27th June08 Bolton, George William – KRRC, RB – 23RD July 2008 Watts, MAG Colonel (Mark)– 31st July 2008 Evans, (Bins) MM – RGJ, SF – 6th August 2008 Rutherford, JT – KRRC – Chelsea Hospital – 13th Aug 2008 Brett, Martyn G- 4RGJ – Date unknown Perry. Frank – QWR – 16th August 2008 Agostini. Victor – QWR – 20th August 2008 Steele, Christopher - Major –RGJ – 1st September 2008 Heslin, (Ted) – RGJ – September 2008 Bolt, Taffy – RGJ – 4th September 2008 Newsome, Henry – KRRC – September 2008 Lister, Edward- KRRC-QWR – September 2008 Doherty, James Gregory- RGJ - 19th September 2008 Fitzpatrick, Steve – RGJ – 28th September 2008 Gentry, RGB, Major-1st &2nd Oxf&Bucks LI– 8TH Sept 2008 Nicol, JW, Col–ex CO (Oxf&Bucks LI)– 29TH Sept 2008 Prior, Charles Henry- RB – 30th September 2008 Drury, Colin - 1st Oxf&Bucks LI – 2nd October 2008 Finch, Dennis–70th & 2nd Bn (52nd) Oxf&Bucks LI- 4thOct08 Kinrade, Dorothy–W/O of Capt S Kinrade–RGJ-8th Oct 08 Moore, Alfred – RB-KRRC- October 2008 Warren, Ben – 2RGJ-4Rifles- 5Rifles - October 2008 Henshaw, Albert – 43rd&52nd-1RGJ- 28TH October 2008 Sainsbury, F, Major- MC–RB-2RGJ-3RGJ-4TH Nov 08 Branch, Stanley-3GJ-3RGJ- 1RGJ – 4th Nov 2008 Cole, Joseph – Rifle Brigade – 12th November 2008 Young, Phil – RB- RGJ – 25th November 2008 Edwards, Clive - RGBW/Rifles – 27th Nov 08 Craze, Tom–Major (Retd) -Rifle Brigade – 6th Dec 2008 Dench, William – 1KRRC – December 2008 Pratt, Phil – 2KRRC – December 2008 Nash, Stuart,– 1 Rifles- KIA- Afghanistan - 17th Dec 2008 Young, Jim – KRRC – 28th December 2008 Reed, Christopher– 6 Rifles– KIA-Afghanistan –1st Jan 09 Powell, John – 3GJ, 3RGJ – 8th January 2009 Andrews, Andy – KRRC – January 2009
2008
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