THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION SWIFT AND BOLD
JOURNAL 2012
The Royal Green Jackets Regimental AssociaÆ&#x;on
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JOURNAL 2012
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THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Swift and Bold Journal 2012 Contents Foreword by Major General Jamie Balfour CBE DL Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on Contacts External Addresses Editorial note RGJRA Reunion Timings Calendar 2013 RGJRA Website Report 2012 RGJRA Branches Australasian Aylesbury Band and Bugles Central England London Milton Keynes North East North West Oxford South East Kent Suffolk Wiltshire Winchester The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum Swi and Bold - The Origin of the Regimental Mo o General James P Wolfe End of the 3rd Ba alion, The Royal Green Jackets The Peninsular War - The Ba le of Fuentes de Oňoro, 3rd - 5th May 1811 Normandy and The D-Day Beaches Tour Some of the Rifles used by The Royal Green Jackets and the antecedent Regiments 2 RIFLES Malaysia Day in Sandakan The Rifles Benevolent Trust Green Jacket Close In Memoriam
4 5 6 7 7 8 10 11 11 13 14 15 17 20 21 22 22 24 25 26 27 28 30 30 31 32 40 41 42 44 46 47 49
Front cover: The 25th Anniversary of the Ladies Dinner and Dance of the Suffolk Branch, The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on, 17 March 2012. Bugle-Major McCann and L/Cpl Brockman with Rebekah Jones, granddaughter of Joe and Fee Mills, on the le and Jessica Macleod, granddaughter of Del and Pom Hemsley, on the right. Back cover: The RGA marching con ngent heading towards the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday 2012.
ADVERTISERS JCB - Michael Leeming WCMT - Maj Gen Jamie Balfour Central England Branch - Peter Page Rifles Property Services Rifles Shop - Rick Millward The RGJ (Rifles) Museum - Nick Haynes Boden - John Boden The Rifles Shop - John Fritz-Domeney Solid Sheds / Skinners Sheds - Andy Hayes KBR - Maj Gen Andrew Pringle
Crown Copyright This publica on contains official and personal contact informa on. It should therefore be treated with discre on by the recipient. The views expressed in the ar cles in this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise of the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on or the Ministry of Defence. No responsibility for the goods or services adver sed in this journal can be accepted by the publishers, printers or the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on and all such adver sements are included in good faith. Printed by World Print Direct Ltd, London.
Dona ons Page 2 6 16 25 31 34 43 48 51
The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on wish to thank the adver sers who appear in this publica on for their generous support towards its publishing costs. We would also like to sincerely thank those individuals who have made private dona ons towards the cost of this publica on. JOURNAL 2012
Swi and Bold swi andbold@rgjassocia on.info Editorial team: Seamus P Lyons Major Ron Cassidy MBE Arne Bergsand Artwork and produc on: Arne Bergsand Adver sements: Mike Marr Seamus P Lyons
Swi and Bold has kindly received £1,395 from the following contributers: Bieber, R Bryson, J R B Casson-Crook, P A J Cohen, J Garner, D R Gould, R J Hough, D Li lehales, P G Mason, J Maxwell, A Wesson, J M C SWIFT AND BOLD | 3
The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on
Foreword by MAJOR GENERAL JAMIE BALFOUR CBE DL President of the RGJ Regimental Association look at www.shop.rgjmuseum.co.uk.
Dear Fellow Riflemen, Welcome to the 5th edition of Swift and Bold, our Regimental annual journal. This records the key events and branch activities during 2012, and reminds us of our living traditions and history, now carried forward in The Rifles and our Association. Above all it demonstrates that the friendships made when we were younger last forever, and that “Once a Rifleman always a Rifleman” remains as true as ever. It is only appropriate that I start this foreward by paying tribute to Ken Ambrose whose sad death has deprived us all of a true Regimental friend and brother Rifleman, this very journal and the website are the living tribute to all that he did for us all. I will not repeat the wonderful eulogies and comments made about him at his funeral and on the website, but without his huge presence and attention to detail, literally day and night working on the website, the Ezines and the journal, we would not be where we are today as such a joined up regimental family. Ken will be much missed as an outstanding, honourable and true example of what we all strive to achieve, to be a professional thinking Rifleman. Can I follow this by thanking all those who have rallied round to maintain the website and take this and the journal forward in true Green Jacket style, I am very grateful. My thanks also to the Winchester Branch for organising yet another excellent Veteran’s Day at Winchester, and it was very good to see many who I had not seen for years. It gets better and better, this year its on Saturday 13th July so do encourage as many as possible to come, especially to those who have not been before. Can I remind you of the RGJ Museum shop, where you can now buy regimental items on-line, its our regimental shop so do have a 4 | SWIFT AND BOLD
The last year has seen John Poole-Warren hand over as Chairman of our Association to Hugh Willing. Our thanks to John for all that he has done for us in his own indomitable way, not least in supporting the branches who go from strength to strength as you will see in this journal. Many of you will know Hugh who served in the old 2 and 3 RGJ, and commanded the new 1RGJ, and I know that he has the interest of all Riflemen very much at heart. As the withdrawal from Afghanistan begins after 12 long years of operations, it is worth reflecting that Iraq and Afghanistan are to many serving or recently serving Riflemen, what Northern Ireland and Borneo were to many of us. While the context of the campaigns were very different, the pressures on individuals are very similar, especially once a veteran, and these often take many years to come to the surface, often resulting in hardship and sadness. If I had one favour to ask you all in the year ahead, it would be to look out for fellow Riflemen in need and go the extra mile to help them with their problems. There are many organisations out there; C4C, The Rifles Benevolent Fund, SSAFA, ABF The Soldiers Charity, Combat Stress etc; who are there to help, but it is often making the initial enquiry that is the most difficult. It is where a friend, a fellow Rifleman, can make all the difference in an act of kindness, and perhaps tough love at times, in the true spirit of “Once a Rifleman always a Rifleman”. Finally for those of us who were privileged to attend The Rifles concert in the Albert Hall last year, for an unmatched evening of Rifles music, will know that our heritage lives in, even though in my view there were not nearly enough bugle marches! So please enjoy this journal, encourage fellow Riflemen who are not members of the Association to join and come to the Veteran’s day on the 13th July, where I look forward to see many of you again, and marching past! My very best wishes for 2013. Yours sincerely Jamie Balfour JOURNAL 2012
The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on
Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association Contacts President Chairman Secretary Members Secretary Webmaster Dep Webmaster Database Manager
Maj Gen Jamie Balfour CBE Brig HGC Willing CBE Lt Col J-D von Merveldt Mr Mike Marr Mr Kevin Stevens Mr Mark Adams Mr Roy Baillie
01962 828524 01580 831 724 0207 491 4936 01235 548018 01865 452813 01442 380713 01488 658681
admin@rgjassocia on.info admin@rgjassocia on.info london@the-rifles.co.uk oxford@the-rifles.co.uk webmaster@rgjassocia on.info greenjackets_2001@yahoo.co.uk membersdatabase@rgjassocia on.co.uk
Australian
Maj Gen Andrew Pringle CB CBE
Mr Chris McDonald
+61 (0)408 937 165 cvmcdonald@bigpond.com
Aylesbury
•
Mr Alan Grant
01296 426765 alanrgrant@aol.com
Band and Bugles
David Timms
Mr David Timms
01304 820910 secretary@rgjband.com
East Midlands
•
Mr Mar n Coates
01623 747817 mar nswi andbold@yahoo.co.uk
London
Col GF Smythe OBE
Mr Gary Driscoll
01708 442662 rgjldn@ntlworld.com
Midlands Central
•
Mr Peter Page
01922 694733 petepage71@hotmail.com
Milton Keynes
Brig MR Koe OBE
Mr Gary Brewer
01908 218715 g_brewer@b nternet.com
North East
Brig NM Prideaux
Mr John Cheetham
01915 480189 rgj.north.east@b nternet.com
N. Ireland
•
Mr Len Cook
Branches
lenny.cook@b nternet.com North West
•
Mr Ray Gerrard
01744 732501 ray.gerrard@talktalk.net
Oxfordshire
Brig Nigel Mogg DL
Mr Mike Marr
01235 548018 oxford@the-rifles.co.uk
Shropshire
•
Mr Tom Fairclough
01691 777172 tomfairclough@fsmail.net
Suffolk
Maj RD Cassidy MBE
Mr Gordon Pilcher
01394 215925 gordon.pilcher@ntlworld.com
South East Kent
Brig James Plastow MBE
Mr Glenn Ternent
01843 297069 geordie_t@b nternet.com
Telford
•
Mr John Brown
01952 502362 rgjtelford@talktalk.net
Wiltshire
Brig G dv W Hayes CBE
Mr Gary Byrne
01985 211279 gchabyrne@aol.com
Winchester
Capt John Fritz-Domeney
Mr John Harper
01962 882481 johnharper1rgj@hotmail.co.uk
Yorkshire
Brig PJ Lyddon MBE
Mr Stuart Anderson
01757 617056 li lewood3741@hotmail.co.uk
Notes: Any amendments to the above contact informa on should be sent to Roy Baillie. • Indicates that a Branch President has not been appointed.
Please note that full postal addresses for the above are available through a search on the Associa on database at www.royalgreenjackets.co.uk. JOURNAL 2012
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External Addresses ARMY BENEVOLENT FUND Mount Barrow House,16 - 20 Elizabeth Street, London, SWIW 9RB. Tel: 0845 241 4820 Fax: 0845 241 4821 E-mail: enquiries@armybenfund.org ASSOCIATION BLAZERS Barrington Ayre Tailor. Tel: 0845 300 9014 E-mail: info@barringtonayre.co.uk Web: www.barringtonayre.co.uk MEDALS (first application) Veterans Agency (SPVA), Joint Personnel Administration Centre, MOD Medal Office, Building 250, Innsworth Station, Gloucester, GL3 1HW. Tel: 0141 224 360 SECRETARY KRRC ASSOCIATION Mr Richard Frost MBE, 52 - 56 Davies Street, London, W1K 5HR. Tel: 020 7491 4935 E-mail: krrcassn@hotmail.com SECRETARY RB ASSOCIATION Mr Geoff Pain, 75 St Catherines Road, Winchester, SO23 0PS. Tel: 01962 856249 E-mail: rba.hon.sec.g.pain@talktalk.net SERVICE RECORDS Army Personnel Centre Secretariat, Disclosures 2, Mail Point 515, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G3 8EX. (Or complete the form at www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/sar.pdf) SSAFA FORCES HELP 19 Queen Elizabeth Street, London, SE1 2LP. Tel: 0845 1300 975 E-mail: info@ssafa.org.uk THE RIFLES BENEVOLENT TRUST The Secretary, RHQ The Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hants, SO23 8TS. Tel: 01962 828526 E-mail: secbenev@the-rifles.co.uk THE UNION JACK CLUB 225 Union Street, London, SE1 0LR. Tel: 020 7633 9206 E-mail: admin@ujclub.co.uk THE VETERANS AGENCY Norcross, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 3WP. Tel: 0800 169 2277 E-mail: veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk REPLACEMENT MEDALS Paul Symes, Medals Plus, 29 Craven Way, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 8NS. Tel: 01235 201 198 E-mail: paul.symes1@ntlworld.com THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION UK Headquarters, 199 Borough Hill Street, London, SE1 1AA. Tel: 020 3207 2100 Contact Legionline 08457 725 725
Members Database
It is important that information held on the Database is accurate and up to date, for example the Service Records. Therefore, would all members go to the Database and check content. Those requiring assistance, please contact Roy Baillie at membersdatabase@rgjassociation.co.uk. 6 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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Editorial note To say the death of Ken Ambrose came as a shock would be an understatement. He was the driving force behind the Swift and Bold Journal and now he was gone! Production, of course, was suspended whilst we mourned the loss of a great Rifleman and friend and said goodbye to him at his Funeral (which was attended by over 150 mourners,many wearing their green berets and their Regimental ties). I won’t say the Association Team panicked, but there were a lot of emails flying about! It was agreed that Kevin Stevens would become Team Leader and be the voice that spoke to the hierarchy. He would also take over the editorship of the E-zine with production being continued by Arne Bergsand. Arne and I volunteered to take over the Swift and Bold Journal as well as continuing with the E-zine and Photographic Site. We are also greatly relieved to have the continued assistance of Major Ron Cassidy (Retd) for Proof Reading and anything concerning Regimental Issues, etc. Of course, everything that Ken had for the 2012 Journal was on his computer but permission was given by Penny to travel to her house and see what could be found. We retrieved what we could except for the S&B Templates but these have now been made by Arne. E-mails were also sent out to Branches, prospective Advertisers etc. asking them to resubmit Articles/Advertisements which we are pleased to say they have done. In fact, we have so many Articles that we are unable to produce them all due to cost and production restrictions. For this we apologise and intend to publish them in the quarterly e-zines. It’s not until you’ve been chucked into the deep end that you realise the vast amount of work and time involved in the production of the Journal. It is the Editorial Team’s intention though to continue Ken’s legacy for the enjoyment and information of all Association members and Advertisers. Seamus P Lyons Editorial Team Member
RGJRA Reunion Timings The Winchester Veteran’s Day Reunion on 13th July 2013 at Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester, Hants. 1400hrs 1400hrs - 1745hrs 1800hrs 1815hrs 1830hrs 1850hrs 1930hrs 0100hrs
Gates open at Sir John Moore Barracks Bar opens and Static Displays Form up for Parade Parade Service Chairman`s Address followed by March Past Sounding Retreat Bar and Restaurant re-opens Bar Closes
Association members will be charged £5 entrance fee. £10 will be charged for non-members.
The Oxford Branch Reunion will take place on Saturday 9th November 2013 at Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholwell Road, Shippon, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6HW. 1900hrs 1945hrs 2030hrs 2100hrs 0030hrs 0100hrs
Bar opens Waterloo Band & Bugles of the Rifles commence playing Public Address Curry supper on payment Bar closes EBB closes
All Association members and their guests welcome. Non-members are charged £5 admission. JOURNAL 2012
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Calendar 2013 Date
Loca on
Contact
Christ Church, St Aldates, Oxford Memorial Chapel RMAS Winchester Cathedral The Keep, Bodmin St Paul’s Cathedral, London
Oxford Office RMAS RHQ
Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon 10 County Office Loca ons Davies Street, London Bath Cricket Club
Oxford Office 4 RIFLES Salisbury Office Taunton Office
Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Winchester Cathedral
Oxford Office RHQ
Paardeburg Dinner Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1045 hrs) Band Concentra on and Bugle Concentra on + Insp/Comp Bligny Officers’ Club AGM RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club Lunch RIFLES & LI Associa on, Bristol Inter Branch Ski les Compe on Herefordshire LI Officers’ Dinner Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) DLI Associa on Indoor Games
Sandy Lodge Christ Church, St Aldates, Oxford Winchester Shrewsbury Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Fry’s Club, Keynsham
Bodmin Office Oxford Office DOM/Senior Bugle Major Shrewsbury Office Oxford Office Taunton Office
Hereford Winchester Cathedral Fencehouses
Shrewsbury Office RHQ Durham Office
Apr TBC TBC 10 13 16 18 19 20 21 23 27 28
Officer’s Club Lunch DLI Associa on Execu ve Mee ng (AGM) SOM LI Officers’ Lunch St Audries Bay Lunch – 9 SOM LI Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club Lunch D and D Officers’ Club Lunch SCLI/LI/RIFLES Reunion RIFLES Freedom Parade RIFLES Regimental Secretaries Mee ng (1030 hrs) RIFLES Freedom Parade RIFLES & LI Associa on Somerset Jellalabad Lunch
Bodmin
Bodmin Office Durham Office Taunton Office Taunton Office RHQ Oxford Office Dorset Office Taunton Office Dorset Office RHQ Shrewsbury Office Taunton Office
May 3 4 4-6 11-12 12
RIFLES & LI Associa on Somerset, Malaya Reunion Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1045 hrs) Bodmin Steam at War Ten Tors ABF Sounding Retreat (C4C)
Lawns Club, Taunton Christ Church, St Aldates, Oxford Bodmin Dartmoor St Cross, Winchester
RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club Lunch Rifle Brigade Regimental Lunch D and D Officers’ Club West Country Dinner RIFLES & LI Associa on Somerset – Norton Radstock Branch Annual Dinner D and D Regimental Associa on Reunion Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) KRRC & RB 73rd Calais Memorial Service RIFLES & LI Officers’ Lunch Sounding Retreat & Regimental Recep on
Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Cavalry & Guards Club Exeter Standerwick Centre, Frome
Taunton Office Oxford Office Bodmin Office Bodmin Office RIFLES County Colonel Winchester Oxford Office RHQ (Maj K Gray) Dorset Office Taunton Office
Exeter Winchester Cathedral Calais Royal Bath & West Showground Royal Bath & West Showground
Devon Office RHQ London Office Taunton Office Taunton Office
Devizes, St John’s, Devizes Wadebridge Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Davies Street, London Shrewsbury
Bodmin Office Salisbury Office Bodmin Office Shrewsbury Office Shrewsbury Office Salisbury Office Shrewsbury Office
Jan 1 5 13 15 16 16 17 24 25 25 Feb 1 14 19 Mar TBC 2 11-14 14 14 16 16 19 24
16 16 17 17 18 21 22 30 30 June 3 4 6-8 7-9 7 7 8
Events Royal Green Jackets Regimental Birthday Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1045 hrs) Unveiling of memorial plaque at RMAS Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) Bodmin Associa on AGM 1900 hrs Anniversary of the death of Sir John Moore wreath laying at Evensong Service RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club Lunch 4 RIFLES Pre Op Tour Regional Briefings 59-94 DERR Officers’ Lunch RIFLES & LI Associa on, Somerset, Bath 6th Anniversary of The Rifles Forma on RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club Lunch Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs)
Monte Cassino Dinner RIFLES Freedom Parade & RGBW Reunion Parade & Service Royal Cornwall Show LI Reunion Weekend Recep on and Sounding Retreat 59-94 DERR Officers’ Lunch Bligny Church Service
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Mount Somerset Hotel St Audries Bay Winchester Cathedral Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Dorchester Reform Club Taunton Wimborne Minster Davies Street, London Birmingham Taunton Rugby Club
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RGJA Oxford Branch Band Concert Colonel-in-Chief’s Birthday Sounding Retreat – Horse Guards DLI Officers’ Dinner Club - Annual Luncheon D and D Officers’ Club Lunch Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) Celer et Audax Club Regimental Lunch 43rd & 52nd Regimental Lunch RIFLES Northern Cocktail Party and Sounding Retreat RIFLES Freedom Parade Armed Forces Day RIFLES Freedom Ceremony (Ceremony only – no parade)
Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Horse Guards Parade, London Davies Street Warminster Winchester Cathedral Cavalry & Guards Club Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Durham Leeds
Oxford Office DOM The Rifles Band Durham Office Dorset Office RHQ RHQ Oxford Office Durham Office Pontefract Office
Lyme Regis
Dorset Office
July TBC 6 6-7 11 13 13 13 13 14 16 18 20 22 27 28
LI Club Lunch Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1045 hrs) Bodmin Heritage Day RIFLES Officers’ Club Dinner RIFLES Freedom Parade RGJA Veteran’s Day RGBW Officers’ Club Lunch The Rifles and RGBW Salisbury Reunion The Rifles & RGBW Drumhead Service & Lunch Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club Lunch 31st Anniversary of Regents Park bomb The Rifles, Salamanca Day The Rifles & RGBW Reading Reunion The Rifles & RGBW Cenotaph Service & Lunch
The Wardrobe, Salisbury Christ Church, St Aldates, Oxford Bodmin Royal Hospital Chelsea Ross-on-Wye Winchester Salisbury South Wiltshire Golf Club The Wardrobe, Salisbury Winchester Cathedral Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Regents Park
Salisbury Office Oxford Office Bodmin Office RHQ Shrewsbury Office
Brock Barracks Reading
Salisbury Office Salisbury Office
Aug 20
Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs)
Winchester Cathedral
RHQ
Sept TBC 6 6-7 7 7 7
Sounding Retreat Taunton 1st & 2nd Bn DLI Sjts Mess Dinner RIFLES Golf weekend Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1045 hrs) Harry Lowe Dinner RIFLES Northern Dinner
Taunton Durham
Taunton Office Durham Office Bodmin Office Oxford Office Durham Office Durham Office
8 8 (TBC) 17 19 19 21 25 (TCB)
DLI Associa on Annual Reunion Rally Day at The Keep RIFLES Freedom Parade Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) Wiltshire (DERR) Officers’ Regiment Luncheon Club RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club Lunch KRRC Delhi Lunch Officers’ Club Lunch
Christ Church, St Aldates, Oxford Dunelm Club, Durham College of St Hild & St Bede, Durham Durham Cathedral The Keep, Bodmin High Wycombe Winchester Cathedral
Salisbury Office Salisbury Office Salisbury Office RHQ Oxford Office London Officve
Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Davies Street, London Taunton Racecourse
Durham Office Bodmin Office Oxford Office RHQ Salisbury Office Oxford Office London Office Taunton Office
Oct TBC 4 5 10 15 16 17 24
Awards Dinner D and D Officers’ Club Lunch Associa on Dinner LI Club Dinner Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) The Rifle Brigade Regimental Dinner RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club Lunch Celer et Audax Club Regimental Dinner
Davies St, London Exeter Shrewsbury Cavalry & Guards Club Winchester Cathedral Cavalry & Guards Club Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Cavalry & Guards Club
RHQ Dorset Office Shrewsbury Office RHQ RHQ RHQ (Maj K Gray) Oxford Office RHQ
Nov 1 3 5 7 7 9 9 9 10 16
DLI Faithful Inkerman Dinner DLI VC Stone Annual Ceremony Inkerman Day RBL Field of Remembrance Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1045 hrs) RGJA Oxford Branch Reunion RIFLES & LI Associa on Taunton Branch Dinner Remembrance Sunday D and D Officers’ Club London Dinner
Fencehouses DLI Museum Westminster Abbey, London Winchester Cathedral Christ Church, St Aldates, Oxford Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Taunton Rugby Club
Durham Office Durham Office Durham Office London Office RHQ Oxford Office Oxford Office Taunton Office
Davies Street
Dorset Office
Dec 5 17 25
RIFLES Officers’ Oxford Club AGM & Christmas Lunch Turning of the Pages Ceremony (1055 hrs) King’s Royal Rifle Corps Regimental Birthday
Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Winchester Cathedral
Oxford Office RHQ
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RGJRA Website Report 2012 The North East branch will, by the time you read this, have taken over the running of their own branch website but remaining on our server, Eamonn Loftus will be their IT rep and we have agreed to keep a watching brief for the first 6 months or so in case of mishaps. It has always been our goal to hand over the running of branch websites to the branches themselves and the North East are leading the way. I wish Eamonn good luck as he ventures into the mysteries that is building and maintaining a website.
Kevin Stevens
2012 has been a reasonably quiet year for the main website most probably due in large measure to the success of the RGJ Database mass mailing system and the excellent ezine published by Ken Ambrose meaning that more people have been using these to advertise their events etc. rather than relying on the website where, although numbers visiting remain constant and in fact have risen slightly, there is no guarantee their particular event will be noticed. The website still remains the main focal point as it is from there that branch websites, the database, the various guest books and of course the bulletin boards can be accessed and the rebuild of the website (version 7) is now well under way and the team members have already viewed the basic layout. There is still much work and consultation to be gone through before it is finally launched as such items as content are discussed. There is also the small matter of training myself and the others in the art of updating a website built to an entirely different method from that which we have employed for the last 10 years or so. 2013 looks to be a busyyear!!! The branch websites which either Ken or I have built have had an interesting year, in 2011 the Wiltshire branch went independent of the website team and built their own website on their own choice of server and that is now up and running but having lost one branch website we gained one in the form of the Central England Branch, there are also plans for a branch website in the Nottinghamshire area. This is still in the very early planning stages Hopefully this time next year I will be reporting on their success. 10 | SWIFT AND BOLD
The guest books remain popular and continue to be overseen by my deputy Mark Adams, by far the most popular is the members private guest book which as many of you will know can only be accessed initially by application to one of the team, as I write this the stats read 51569 entries in the Guestbook and accessed 799860 times. I expect we will top the million visits this year which is no mean feat. Away from the business of websites a few weeks ago I had cause to attend a funeral in Preston where I met my wife’s uncle for the first time, he is 92 (ish) and an x Royal Marine and as you can imagine had a few tales to tell however it was during the unfortunately far too short conversation he mentioned his daughter, my wife’s cousin of course, was also married to a Green Jacket who lives across the water in that land we all know so well. In 20 odd years of marriage this fact had never once come to light. I am unsure how the wife is reacting to the news there are in fact 2 Green Jackets in her family and not one as she first thought!! Finally last week as I sat outside a shop in a local retail park I was approached by an elderly and rather distinguished gentleman. He said he had to stop and talk as he had spotted the RGJ badge on the rear of the car. He introduced himself as Patrick Lawrence, he had been a TAVR doctor attached to the RGJ TAVR here in Oxford for many years and will be familiar to those of the Oxford branch. He said he recognised me to which I replied that he didn’t recognise me half as much as he thought he did, I went on to explain he had been my doctor when I was but a child and that was over 50 years ago!! They say the world is getting smaller and I am inclined to agree with them giving my two experiences of late. Kevin Stevens Webmaster RGJRA JOURNAL 2012
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RGJRA Branches THE AUSTRALASIAN BRANCH My Greatest fear in February 2007 when the RGJ became part of the Rifles was what I believed to be gradual decline in interest with all things Green Jackets. This is said without any negativity or animosity towards the new Rifles Regiment. Unfortunately in Australia the facts are that Anzac Day on 25th April each year is a National public Holiday and set aside for remembering the fallen troops primarily from Anzac Cove, and later conflicts such as WW2 & Vietnam. The British Ex Services community in Australia has been included for many years now. As most of you will be aware, this Branch has taken part in these Anzac Day marches for the previous 12 years and plans to do so again in 2013. However, sadly the Ex British Services associations in Australia are dwindling to very low numbers. In particular the Guard’s Association, Royal Marines, Para’s and Services Corps Associations are now very low in membership. Ever since this Branch started it has displayed a significantly higher and more enthusiastic membership than those mentioned. This has been helped by having a good number of Royal Green Jacket members; however we have a fair number of antecedent Regiments amongst our membership, RB, KRRC, GJ Brigade & Ox & Bucks. The later antecedent regiment members did not wear “The Royal Green Jackets” hat badge, which was behind my fear in 2007, they have no real connection to The Rifles Regiment and only a tenuous one to “The Royal Green Jackets” Regiment. As may be fairly obvious, we are now approaching a period where some of the antecedent regiment guys are getting to an age where marching on Anzac Day is not within their capability due to ill health and or age.
Secretaries and Chairman of other Branches of our Association in the UK have often contacted me in bewilderment as to how I was able to entice our members in the Eastern States of Australia, to travel 5000 kilometres in order to put on a green blazer and beret and march on Anzac Day in Perth. Apparently some of the UK Branches were having trouble getting member to travel 3 miles down the road to a branch meeting! Well, it certainly wasn’t my powers of persuasion, simply a love for the Regiment that made people want to travel incredible distances to march in green and have a beer with another Green Jacket that they may not even have known before or served with. Traditionally in Australia, Remembrance Day on 11th November has been largely an Ex British Services day, as the Australians obviously lean towards Anzac day. These remembrance services have also suffered increasingly low numbers over the years, again fortunately in Perth Western Australia bolstered by the Green Jackets membership. However the Ex British Services, including the Royal Green Jackets are now seeing noticeably declining presence at these events. Why, you may ask, it is certainly not the distance from the UK or specifically Winchester, the sound of a silver Bugle still makes the hair stand up on the back of peoples necks, they are still incredibly proud of their Regiment, so why the decline in interest, with the other Association suffering the same ailment. I was for some time concerned that losing “The Royal Green Jackets” to the Rifles Regiment was a probably cause, but this does not explain why other Regimental Associations also suffer the same problem. I had the honour of being quoted in 2009 I think it was, at the Winchester Reunion in a speech by Jamie Balfour, after I had been working in close proximity to The Rifles Regiment at Sangin Forward Operating base in Afghanistan. I had said in one of our Branch newsletters that “If it sounds like a Green Jacket, marches like a green Jacket and looks like a Green Jacket, then it’s probably a Green Jacket. I had made that observation after witnessing three separate Battalions of the Rifles in Afghanistan and
General Pringle with Geoff Tarbin, the Branch Treasurer. JOURNAL 2012
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how I was struck by the similarities. So, for me at least, I see the relevance of The Royal Green Jackets and how the link to The Rifles is almost as seamless as it could possibly be. Over the last few years, we, and I say that as the “Royal We” have lost an incredible amount of “our mates”. Choggie Colman, Dave Peppiat, to name two from 3RGJ amongst the many that we have lost, and most recently Ken Ambrose, a man that helped me enormously in many ways and a man that this Association owes a great debt. So if collectively, we are still very proud of our Regiments (including the antecedent and Light Infantry guys within this Branch) and those in the UK branches. If we still cringe when we see a name of one of our old mates (not so old, some of them) that appear in the “Memoriam Board”, why are Branches seeing less people turn up at events including the Reunion in Winchester? Is it perhaps the same
old war stories being told? I doubt that, as to my reckoning, apart from Mr Tyson and Mr Lindfield, there are very few “Royal Green Jackets” that have many real war stories to tell, apart from NAAFI fights, VW Golf’s being run over by 432’s, stolen bicycles from the Cambridge University set being thrown into the water tanks. The bond we share as a regiment is bigger than those stories. How many Green Jackets became successful authors? Including RFN Bowlby, How many real stories from our Regimental past fuelled the books by Mark Urban, or ‘With the Green Jackets by Percy Groves, or Dorset Rifleman, or 25 years in the Rifle Brigade by William Surtees, or the timeless Classic Jackets of Green by Arthur Bryant, and recently JJ Jones from 3RGJ. How many Green Jackets successfully served in 22 SAS, and are still on the active reserve list (those who wrote books under pseudonyms or not, or explored the Antarctic (Henry Worsley), how many have gone on to become renowned leaders in private enterprise (McNiff, Pringle), how many are putting out Fires in (To be con nued on next page)
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London (Wilksy), driving Black Cabs (Ginge), giving it large on Oil Rigs spending hard earned dosh on EBAY fashion web sites (Chappy) or making a success on Stage with his singing and acting (Kev Curtin). Some of our old mates, and new ones met through the Association Branches are getting old, ill and infirm, some of the younger ones are making new lives in “civvie” street, trying to make the big bucks in various conflict areas such as Iraq a few years ago, Afghanistan and now anti piracy operations providing security to international vessels (Darrell M’ 2RGJ, Sam Mc, 3RGJ amongst others). Where ever they are, whatever they are doing, whatever their state of health one thing remains un-changed, they are Green Jackets. One old saying that was often floated in 3RGJ,
was “everything that is necessary and nothing that isn’t”, it may have originated in The Rifle Brigade but I am sure somebody may correct me such as Ron Cassidy, whom if you were not aware, probably knows more about our Regiment than anyone ever will. However it is “necessary” that we keep the Association Branches going strong. Don’t wait to hear another old mate’s name that has passed away before his time, to reflect on what the Regiment means to you. Logging on to FaceBook will not keep the Regiment alive or make sure that our history is not lost or our mates cared for when they are in declining health. It “is” necessary that you as a former Rifleman, from the greatest living Regiment in any Army in the world, support your Association and each other, don’t let any of our mates die alone like Choggie. Look after the Association, while we still have it. Chris McDonald Secretary
THE AYLESBURY BRANCH Whilst our paid up membership stands at 20 we struggle to get more than a handful attending our monthly meetings. Despite efforts to encourage attendance there seems to be an unexplainable reluctance to turn up. We will continue to strive in the future to rectify the situation. The branch dinner was held in April and was a huge success. The Chairman was unable to attend due to a family bereavement. Maj Gen Greg Smith relinquished his post as Branch President due to his increased work load. The branch owes him a great debt of gratitude for all the support he has given the branch over the years and to show our appreciation he was presented with a gift. We are still actively looking for a replacement. We do have a candidate but due to the Chairman’s personal affairs nothing has yet been decided. We hope to rectify this in the near future. Mr Terry Burrows has retired from full time work and decided that as he intends to be out of the country for extended periods he could no longer commit to the secretary’s role. Terry has put a lot of work into the branch for many years and he was also presented with a thank you gift. I feel sure we can call on Terry to help out as and when needed. It is difficult finding a replacement as nobody appears to want to make the commitment so for the JOURNAL 2012
time being the Chairman is filling the post. In June the Bucks Battalion Old Comrades Association in conjunction with the branch held their annual reunion at the Railway Club. Sadly the “old boy’s” numbers are dwindling fast and there were only 4 of them in attendance with an average age of 93. However with the addition of the branch members it turned out to be a good afternoon with lots of war stories being passed around. It was decided by the BBOCA members that because the numbers were so few now the 2012 Remembrance parade would be the last time the Bucks Battalion Standard would be paraded. It is to be laid up in the TA Centre in Aylesbury and the branch is taking on this task. In July several members of the branch and their ladies, at the invitation of the local RM Association, attended the “Music of the Night” event laid on at the Plymouth Citadel by 29 Cdo Regt RA. This coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Regiment’s service In Plymouth. The event was an extravaganza of music from a variety of West End musicals accompanied by hundreds of theatrical dancers. This was supplemented by military music and culminated in the 1812 Overture using the Regiment’s guns. (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 13
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The evening was a tremendous success but unfortunately it will never be repeated as this was the last performance. It was a privilege to be there. The following day 29 Regt paraded through the town and this was followed by a branch “bonding “session courtesy of Wetherspoons. September saw the sad passing of our oldest member. John Brown was 98 years old and for many years was the Chairman of the Bucks Bn OCA. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and will be sadly missed by everyone who ever met him. We managed to get the services of a bugler for the funeral and this was greatly appreciated by the family. RIP John.
Albert Hall was a great success as I’m sure everybody who attended will agree. In addition it produced a good result for C4C with some well deserved funds. It was also a good opportunity to catch up with some “old” friends. The Remembrance Sunday parade in Aylesbury was again a memorable occasion with a record turnout from the public. Fortunately the weather was in our favour. Following the parade the branch laid on a buffet at the Railway Club which was attended by over 100 people. Our best wishes go to all other branches for a successful 2013. A Grant Aylesbury Branch
The Rifles Band and Bugles concert at the Royal
THE BAND AND BUGLES BRANCH There are 309 members with current details in our database there are 30 plus that I am still chasing. Regents Park Memorial - 2012 was the 30th Anniversary and was well represented by various groups / association members / Ex Band members and families. A small service was conducted by Padre Barry Burbridge followed by the last post and reveille performed by members of the Bugle platoon 7 Rifles. I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of myself and members of 1 RGJ Band to thank Richard Frost and Gary Driscoll for arranging this. Please note the London branch will be attending the bandstand on the nearest Sunday to the 20th July; we will still be there on the day. We held our annual reunion in October last at Winchester -- there were 116 signed in members and some 30+ Guest’s (with only one complaint). A small Band consisting of members of the Waterloo Band of the Rifles and reunion members along with 100’s of buglers entertained the remainder for approximately an hour. A few pieces were played - one of them was not Finlandia - Bugle marches were plentiful all rounded of with regimental marches. I was asked if the band could play longer 14 | SWIFT AND BOLD
next year - I will do my best - start at 1200 finish 1400. A small raffle (less but more expensive prizes) and a members’ only cash draw were done whilst lunch was being served. The reunion came to a close at 1800 – a few members continued straight into the evening’s entertainment put on by the club whilst others went for a change of shirt returning ready to start again – I fell into bed at ?? Sunday morning. Due to ever increasing cost’s we are no longer going to produce an annual newsletter but will be adding periodically to an on line newsletter on the band and bugles website www.rgjband. com. Older members without internet access will be able to obtain a printed copy requests to be made via the band web site facebook or by e-mail. David Timms
IF YOU ARE EX BAND OR BUGLES AND INTERESTED IN REUNION PLEASE CONTACT: David Timms at secretary@rgjband.com
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THE CENTRAL ENGLAND BRANCH Since it’s inception, the Central England Branch have been progressing slowly with building up it’s membership in recruitment, raising funds and promoting the branch. From a casual conversation over the phone the branch was born on 22nd May 2012. The initial meeting at The Towers PH in Perry Barr involved four people, three of which are now committee members the fourth unfortunately having to withdraw through work commitments. Our initial aim was to feed the idea of the branch via networking on the various mediums (Facebook and website) and the most fruitful, via the tried and tested Mk 1 ‘word of mouth’. The first actual meeting took place at The RBL Sutton Coldfield on 24th June 2012 with 6 people in attendance essentially sowing the seed toward what we now have in a collective of like minded individuals with a proud and strong desire to maintain the regimental ethos and uphold the good name of The Royal Green Jackets. Following some political wrangling over naming issues and insignia, it was mutually agreed that the organisation be known as the ‘Central England Branch’ as opposed to the West Midlands Branch for two reasons: Firstly, the last component of the West Midlands branch faded without a murmur due to lack of support and interest. For that reason and like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, was essential that any new group needed ‘re-branding’. Secondly and more importantly, it was felt that by using the ‘Central England’ caveat allowed us to mop up those geographically displaced people who’s region is not currently covered by an existing branch. To date, this is proving fruitful with members hailing from Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire as well as those dotted across the West Midlands region and even one or two who have flown south!
The Remembrance Parade on 12 November 2012.
At the time of writing (December 2012) we have 25 paid up members with 3 to 4 non members attending the various functions we have held. December’s E-zine outlined our initial social event and a good time it was too which was swiftly followed up with Remembrance Sunday. Another great day was had by all in attendance which also provided us with three new members joining with Gary Collins, Chris Bladdon and Scott Newstead welcomed into the fold by our band of brothers. From the onset, the committee have been mindful of the fact that the fine line between maintaining interest and expectation at these austere times is a thin one and the decision was taken in the early stages that social occasions would take place quarterly (except Remembrance, the Reunion and the planned Salamanca day) with committee meetings taking place between events. This appears to be working well and the opportunity for members to voice their views being readily available prior to committee meetings. Similarly the decision to rotate venues appears popular thereby allowing us to cherry pick the location to suit the event. Whilst we have used the Nautical Club twice we have other options available and again we plan to vary them next year especially where we have ‘friends in the butts’ so to speak!! The next planned event is now in motion with newly appointed PEC Dave ‘Scotty’ Brown making the
Some members of the CEB having a great me. JOURNAL 2012
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necessary arrangements along with Frank Hone and Ray Gaffney for our function on 2nd February 2013 at the Port and Ale in Tipton which will be a double header i.e: fundraiser and games night with the gauntlet laid down to our colleagues over at the East Midlands Branch. More on this later!!! In terms of Branch structure, we have for admin purposes adjusted to the right slightly in that Mark Picken (former Secretary) now becoming Chairman with Pete Page (former Chairman and IC steering group) now the Secretary. Guy Mynett continues in his excellent role as Treasurer and Dave Brown becomes the new PEC with Tim Harvey as IC Recruitment/Ents and Craig Jenkins as Property Member. Also we are pleased to have Peter Knight on board who has recently become a member and with his previous experience as the Chairman, will prove invaluable to the current committee and the success of this branch. We will no doubt find a suitable role for Pete in due course. Also we are looking to identify a President who is willing to put his name to future projects that are being considered by the committee in particular, sponsorship which will
CEB Mee ng Pete Page, Guy Myne , Terence Cole and Pete Knight.
be discussed at the next committee meeting. We are always looking to recruit new (and old) members to the branch. Therefore if you live between mid Wales across to the wash and south to Gloucester please contact us via our facebook page (Central England Branch RGJRA). In the meantime, best of wishes to all our comrades across the globe, regards CEBRGJRA ‘Swift and Bold’. Pete Page
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THE LONDON BRANCH Black Button Club The Branch stepped off with a Black Button Club, which was held in the bar at F Coy 7 Rifles at Davies Street when a number of Members assembled for a get together. It was rewarding to see a number of new faces and we hope they continue to attend in the future. 4RGJ Reunion - Cedars After a successful 2011 the Branch was slow to kick start their activities in 2012. The last event in the previous year was an invitation to participate in a 4 RGJ reunion at the Cedars in West Ham. This proved to a very well attended reunion when many a lost Rifleman came out of the woodwork and proved to be good recruiting venue for us. Ladies Dinner Night The Ladies Dinner Night took place in late February and once again lived up to expectations. A total of 142 sat down to dinner at the V&A Club in London, a slickly managed evening masterminded by the Branch Secretary. The Branch’s VIP Guest was Mrs Rebecca Maciejewska, Fundraising Co-ordinator for Care 4 Casualties, who was accompanied by her husband Brigadier Justin. After dining and two short speeches by the President and the Secretary our Guest addressed the meeting and gave an excellent speech with regards the Rifles Care 4 Casualties Charity (C4C) and how they spend our donations. It was extremely informative and brought home the reality to many attending of the terrible toll taken on our Riflemen. The Branch presented Rebecca with a cheque for £8,500 as a donation to C4C. The Branch would like to thank Rebecca and the Brigadier for taking the time and trouble in attending as we know how time consuming these events are in their busy lives. The evening was completed with entertainment and dancing until the early hours of the morning. The musicians and buglers of the Waterloo Band were at their best with the buglers performing par excellent. A word of thanks must be given to the Secretary, Gary Driscoll and the other Committee Members who make the evening such a success. 7 Rifles Bugler Competition The Branch was approached by the Waterloo Band with a request to sponsor the prizes for the Commanding Officers Bugle competition in March. The Branch fully supported this request and agreed to finance the prizes for the winners of the CO’s Bugler, the Adjutant Bugler’s and the RSM’s Bugler. JOURNAL 2012
The Secretary and his wife, the Treasurer, were invited to attend the competition at Oxford to watch and present the prizes to the winners. The Branch purchased engraved silver tankards for the winners in each group and the Branch was pleased to support this event. Winner of the CO’s Bugler was Rfn N Aldridge, Adj’s Bugler winner was Rfn T Elford and winner of the RSM’s Bugler was Lcpl J Brockman. Congratulations to them all.
Dinner Night at the Victory Services Club.
Calais Memorial Visit The annual trip in support of the Rifle Brigade Association to Calais was well supported by the Branch with a total of twenty seven members attending. An early start from Davies Street and late return from Calais incorporating an extended ‘Black Button Club’ on arrival back in London was no deterrent for those members who made good use of this memorable day.
Calais Memorial Service.
Veterans Day Lunch Veterans Day lunch was held in the Mark Masons Hall in St James. This was once again extremely well supported which for the third year in succession had an increase in numbers. The branch members (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 17
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invited a number of veterans including some from long gone regiments and organisations. A yachtsman from the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Norfolk Regiment to name a few. The Branch’s guests were General Charles Vyvyan who attends each year and who this year agreed to be the escort for our latest recruit from the Royal Hospital. General Jamie Balfour and Lt Col Jan-Dirk completed our Green Jackets family guests. We welcomed our latest recruit Patrick Cody who joined the Branch on arrival at the Royal Hospital. Patrick served with the KRRC and we look forward to welcoming him to our other events during the coming years. We also would like to thank the London Black Cab Veterans Association for sponsoring two members of our former Regiments to attend the Veterans Lunch. They provided transport and lunch for both Rifleman, one served in the RB and the other the KRRC. The event was completed by a highly successful raffle, which raised a substantial amount for our nominated charity. A word of thanks must go to the Secretary and the Committee for their time and effort in making the arrangements for the day. Regents Park Band Memorial Ceremony The Branch supported the annual Regents Park Band ceremony with a large contingent and laid a branch wreath to mark the occasion. After the ceremony members and wives retired to the local restaurant for lunch and drinks. A fitting day to remember Bandsmen, especially for a number of those attending who had the privilege of knowing them before their murder by the IRA on that dreadful day. Black Button Club A Black Button Club Karaoke Fundraising Night was organised by the Secretary at the notorious Blind Beggar Pub in the East End. The establishment is well known for its connection with the Kray twins and I am not sure if they were prepared for the performances of our members! It proved that our members are not singers (with the exception of one) but are very generous when donating to Green Jacket charities. Freedom of the Borough of Newham to G Company, 7th Battalion The Rifles Several of our members went along to Stratford in London’s East End to join the families to cheer on the serving soldiers of G Company 7 Rifles. G Company were given the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Newham. The Parade took place outside 18 | SWIFT AND BOLD
the Old Town Hall. The Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales and Major General Greg Smith, received the Salute and inspected the soldiers on parade. The families and our members were also invited into the Old Town Hall for refreshments afterwards.
The Mayor of Newham inspects G Coy, 7 Rifles.
Royal Hospital Chelsea Founders Day Parade In the early (wet) summer, the Branch was fortunate enough be invited to the Royal Hospital Chelsea Founders Day Parade. This event was well attended by the men from the Old Brigade and HRH Sophie, the Countess of Wessex was in attendance. Thankfully the rain held off until the end of the parade, allowing the Old Boys to take a full marchpast and salute from HRH in their lovely red coats. It was especially pleasing to see Patrick Cody our Royal Green Jackets In Pensioner and also another London Branch member, Jim Clark. Jim lives and works at the Royal Hospital. He was dressed in his ceremonial uniform as Infirmary Porter Sergeant and had the honour of taking part in the parade.
The Infirmary Porter Sergeant, Jim Clarke ex 2RGJ. (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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Battlefield Tour - France It was decided to return to Ypres for this year’s Battlefield Tour, visiting sites that we had previously not visited before and therefore broaden our knowledge in other areas. On day one we travelled to Arras to tour the Wellington Quarry Tunnels complex that is a huge complex under the city. Although the tunnels had been in existence from before the war they were greatly extended for the final battle of Arras in 1917. Tunnelling Companies of the New Zealand Army Engineers carried out the expansion and it difficult to describe the size and length of the expanded complex carried out. A total of 28,000 soldiers were massed under ground ready for the attack in relative safety. The complex contained aid posts, kitchens, washing and toilet facilities and bunk beds for all those involved. On ‘H’ Hour they emerged within yards of a startled enemy in complete surprise.
Ba lefield Tour, Hill 60.
Lunch was taken at the Old Blighty Cafe, which is owned by an English couple and is full of WW1 memorabilia and is well worth a visit. The remainder of the day was spent in visiting lesser known corners of the Battlefield, which provided an interesting view of life in the forward trenches and support areas. Arriving late back at the hotel did not deter members however from exploring the town and then somehow managing to return in time for the coach on day two! The second day after an early start and for some a painful one, we concentrated on the Ypres Salient and again on lesser-known sites. We also visited areas that involved both the RB and KRRC. We visited the grave of the RB VC and Members were intrigued by the fact that a great many of the regimental numbers of the RB & KRRC had a prefix of a letter R, S and Z on the gravestone. Our guide could shed no light on the matter and so it was decided that the President should solve the mystery. He contacted the oracle, Major Ron Cassidy in JOURNAL 2012
Winchester and after a false start and a quick visit to the archives all was revealed and the problem was solved. After a full and excellent day we returned to our hotel for dinner and the next morning returned home tired but happy after a rewarding trip. A word of thanks to Alison our Tour Manager from Rifleman Tours who somehow managed to cope with the sense of humour of the branch members and remarkably survived the weekend relatively unscathed! Care for Casualties Band and Bugle Concert – Royal Albert Hall A strong contingent of over one hundred attended the Albert Hall for the Care for Casualties Band and Bugle Concert in October. Not only was the evening a great success it was also an evening when many friends met again and renewed many memories. All members of the branch were extremely proud that Charlotte Dee, wife of one of the London Branch members, was given the privilege of singing two solos, bringing the night to a close in true Proms style with Land of Hope and Glory. Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday fell this year on the 11th November and the branch expected a larger than usual turnout. The Committee was not disappointed and the number on parade was the largest to date. Although the London Branch made up the majority of those on Whitehall for the ceremony it was pleasing to welcome many new faces that were attending for the first time. Once again before and after the parade we had the use of the Theodore Bullfrog, the numbers swelled considerably with contingents from Grosvenor Square and others who had attended their own parades throughout London. The numbers were in excess of four hundred. The gathering after
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the parade is now firmly established as a social meeting point for all Rifleman and their families and all are very welcome. Andy McNab Book Signing Night The branch’s major fund raising night was held on the 13th November at the Cedars, West Ham Drill. Owing to the fact that it followed two days after the Remembrance Parade the Committee was concerned that numbers would possibly be lower than in previous years. Although this was the case the draw of Andy McNab and also an outstanding number of very generous prizes for both the raffle and auction, a very substantial amount of money was raised. Gary Driscoll proved to have mastered the art of auctioneer and the rumour is that he has been watching the Flog It TV show. It is difficult to mention all those associated with the successful evening but the Branch Committee led by the Secretary, were really the driving force behind the evening. A word of thanks also must go to Colonel Mike Smith and Rebecca Maciejewska whose
presentation set the scene for the night and supported the event. Houses of Parliament Tour Our final Black Button Club was a gathering in London. A tour was arranged of the Palace of Westminster sponsored by Damian Collins, a local Member of Parliament, to whom we are very grateful. Owing to the large numbers attending, two groups were formed and both had excellent guides provided. On completion we retired to the Mark Masons Hall for Christmas Lunch. It proved to be a great success especially with the branch’s ladies who lobbied the President for a Ladies Christmas Lunch and shopping day in 2013. As the year draws to a close we would especially like to thank all those branch members and others who have supported the Branch throughout the year in one way or another, particularly for their generosity, thus enabling us to donate to the Care for Casualties charity who need every penny. Those Riflemen who are in harms way, take care and the London Branch wishes you a safe return.
THE MILTON KEYNES BRANCH 2012 started well for the branch with a fantastic evening at John Howard Barracks, home of E Company 7 Rifles, where we held our RGJ End Ex party and swung the lamp well into the night. It was great to share the evening with the officers and Riflemen of E Company and good to see that nothing really changes except by name. A Rifleman is a Rifleman is a Rifleman. All success to The Rifles!
were invited to the Milton Keynes Dons for one of their matches when The Dons organised their own Armed Forces Day and my own club, Leeds United, regularly have members of The Yorkshire Regiment at matches throughout the season and if anyone has any doubt as to what fans feel about this you should listen to the standing ovation that goes on and on. Well done the Footy Clubs!
On the home front Lofty Brewer continues to keep us on the straight and narrow with Phil Benson managing finances superbly and keeping us out of debt. He would get my vote for Chancellor!
Paddy Proctor
In July we attended the Regents Park memorial service in company with other old Riflemen and the families of the Bandsmen killed on that terrible day in 1982. It was good to see so many people paying their respects but tinged with sadness at seeing the Bandstand looking so shabby. Football is not always in the news for the right reasons but something I have noticed over the last few seasons is the way that some of the clubs go that extra mile to make our service men and women feel appreciated. Riflemen from E Company 7Rifles 20 | SWIFT AND BOLD
Milton Keynes Branch on tour to Normadie in 2012. JOURNAL 2012
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THE NORTH EAST BRANCH Welcome once again to the North East Branch of the RGJ Association and its entry for the 2012 Swift and Bold magazine. Our standard and bearer attended the funeral of Nick “Butch” Butcher in Perth on the 28 May 2012. Our deepest sympathy goes to all his family and friends and a group of Riflemen from all over the country were in attendance to give him a true RGJ send off. Our President Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux and his wife Amanda attended our AGM at the end of May 2012 and oversaw the proceedings and election of the Committee for 2012 and planning for its events. At each Branch meeting (3 prior to the extra Remembrance Weekend meeting) we have attained an attendance of around 35 Rfn so we think we must be getting something right. Throughout the early summer months the members of the Branch were actively involved in the Armed Forces Day Tattoo on 30 June 2012, which was held in Sunderland. R Holman was our Standard Bearer with S Bonallie as escort. In July, the Branch Members headed South to Winchester to attend the annual Veteran’s Day and despite a very wet and inclement weekend it was enjoyed by everyone, even if the campers amongst us, who were in a very muddy field, didn’t allow this to spoil their fun and with true RGJ spirit, Riflemen and their friends, families had BBQ’s despite the frequent downpours. This year we had to miss our pilgrimage to our President’s Cottage for the annual Brunch but it will happen in 2013. Also this summer, one of our long serving members, Gordon Neale MBE, was heavily involved in the Olympics, having the honour of carrying the torch on its journey to the Olympic Village and commentating on events in the Para Olympics. In October 2012, Jake presented Geordie Adams with a Rifleman’s poem and plaque after completing his 41 years of service with Regular and Territorial Army and Cadets. Everyone will agree that this is a massive amount of patriotic service from George. JOURNAL 2012
Well done that Rifleman. Also in October, a large number of Branch Members attended the Royal Albert Hall in London for the Swift and Bold concert by the Massed Bands and Bugles of the Rifles in aid of Care For Casualties. This was the highlight of the Regimental year with a capacity audience witnessing this superb event. Our Remembrance Weekend opened with the Borneo Rifles Buglers, who provided a splendid rendition of our Regimental Bugle Calls. One of the Buglers present had played ‘High on a Hill’ at the Royal Albert Hall in October. The Grand Room at the Roker Hotel was decorated with 43rd and 52nd /RGJ Flags, Monty, our Standard and the hand painted Buglers. Live music and a disco entertained us and we danced the night away. The grand raffle pleased all the winners who had 79 prizes to pick from. The Auction raised £300 for the C4C - looking after our own. During the course of the evening Jake Cheetham presented the sisters of Rifleman Dave Mulley, 1 RGJ, Edna and Linda Mulley with a framed replica N.I. GSM as their brother’s medal was stolen from their Mum’s house. Dave Mulley, aged 20, was killed in Northern Ireland on 18 March 1986 by an IED while on foot patrol in Castlewellan, County Down. Russell Holman one of our Members was one of the pallbearers at his funeral. The Sunday Remembrance Parade had 109 Members on parade. We were the first contingent of Veterans to march off to salute the Lord Mayor so we marched at Regimental pace, a cracking pace for old men for half a mile! All the 2000 plus spectators clapped and cheered as Bugler Elliott sounded the eyes right. Our membership continues to grow and we hope to find 20 more Riflemen in the northeast in 2013 and once again make our parade in Sunderland the biggest and best in the country outside of the capital. The new venue of our Remembrance Weekend at The Roker Hotel was a huge success and anyone wishing to experience it had better book early for 2013. After a very successful, sombre parade on Sunday, we all retired to the bar bringing the (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 21
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weekend to a fabulous end with a meal, a few beers and lots of lamp swinging, Asbach tasting. The Branch’s year came to an end on New Years Eve where a group of Riflemen and families celebrated together at the Stadium of Light with a meal and lots of liquid refreshments. Now we are getting ready to plan next year’s programme to make it bigger and better. Malcolm Donnison
THE NORTH WEST BRANCH It has been a quiet year this year. Our membership has reduced slightly but this has happened before and we have recovered. Maybe the recession has hit us all a little hard this year. Our membership for 2012 stands at 33 paid up members, 13 Country Members and 8 people remain on our mailing list. We expect that next year out membership will improve. The annual remembrance parade was held in Liverpool was attended by a number of Green Jackets who march on and off the parade and a poppy wreath was placed on the cenotaph as well as the Northern Ireland memorial.
The annual dinner this year attracted 28 members. It was held on Saturday 1st December 2012 at the Royal Hotel, Marine Terrace, Waterloo, Liverpool. It was held in the Waterloo Suite and as the name suggests the room is themed around the Battle of Waterloo. A very good night was enjoyed by all. The reputation of our annual dinner must be spreading afar as this year we had people from Yorkshire and even the Isle of Mann attending. Here is hoping we all have a better 2013 than we had in 2012. Gareth Dixon and Ray Gerrard
THE OXFORD BRANCH The branch continue to meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 20.00hrs in the Volunteers Bar at Edward Brooks Barracks, Abingdon - the home of A Company 7 Rifles. All Association members are welcome. Some 38 members and their partners enjoyed the first of our lunches in the Officers Mess on Thursday 12th April, including WW2 veteran Harold Langford, ex 52nd Airborne. Our speaker Lt Col (Retd) Ingram Murray, who is involved with the Soldiers of Oxfordshire and the Bucks Military Museum Trust, spoke about the wartime glider borne operations, supporting this with an excellent photographic display which members were able to peruse both before and after the lunch. On Thursday 10th May some 43 of us set forth to the magnificent Royal Hospital at Chelsea. During our tour the history of the magnificent Wren designed buildings, much of it dating back to 1692, was explained. Some were very tempted to stay for lunch 22 | SWIFT AND BOLD
in the Great Hall, having looked at the in-pensioners menu and one made serious enquiries about moving in as he so liked the look of the place! During the afternoon many of the party looked round the neighbouring National Army Museum commenting on the excellence of the permanent displays and the temporary War Horse exhibition, which linked the factual role of the Army Horse to the West End production of Michael Morpurgo’s book. On Sunday 10th June with the kind permission of the Rifles the Waterloo Band and Bugles, who are based at Edward Brooks Barracks, gave their annual Summer concert of popular music to a modest but appreciative audience of members and friends. The bar was open and a good curry available to add to the proceedings. Brigadier Robin Draper formally thanked the band on behalf of those present. Our second lunch took place on 12th September (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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The Waterloo Band hold member’s a en on at the June concert.
when some 34 of us listened as Waterloo Band PSI Roger Betts regaled us with tales from his life as an Army musician, at least those which could be repeated in mixed company. Like many others the branch supported The Rifles Musical Extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall on the evening of Thursday 18 October. Some 37 members and friends enjoyed an excellent programme of music involving all 3 Rifles bands and about 80 buglers drawn from across the regiment including the Durham and Somerset ACF’s. The day of the Abingdon reunion, Saturday 10th November, was a busy one. In the morning was the bi-monthly Turning the Pages ceremony in Christ Church Cathedral. This was attended by around 70 people including several members of the US Armed Forces and a senior member of Oxfordshire County Council. The ceremony was slightly different from usual as not only was it a service of remembrance but also included a dedication of the new standard of the
Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars. There was the usual convivial get-together afterwards over sherry in the Priory Room, but sadly no Lawrence Belcher to entertain us with his monologues. Canon Rowland Meredith the presiding minister had to announce that, because of the increasing attendance at Turning the Pages, his stocks of sherry were running low! There was no such shortage of alcoholic drinks at the Reunion at Edward Brooks Barracks that evening. There was a good turnout (perhaps not as large as last year); the usual splendid performance by the Waterloo Band and Bugles of The Rifles; and we were treated to two speeches instead of the usual one. The first was the usual inspiring exhortation by Brigadier Robin Draper who reminded the meeting of the sacrifices made by members of the Rifles in Afghanistan. As well as supporting the Regiment’s Care for Casualties charity, he urged those present to give moral support to families who have been bereaved by attending any repatriations at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, if possible. The second speech was by another Brigadier, David Innes, who spoke of the new museum which was gradually taking shape at Woodstock. This would not be just a museum about the soldiers of Oxfordshire but a record of conflict within the county, going back to Roman times. On Remembrance Sunday the Oxfordshire (The Rifles Battalion) ACF laid an Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry wreath at the Rose Hill memorial on behalf of the Old Comrades. At the same time some members of the branch attended the church service in St Giles, Oxford and afterwards met at Falklands House, home of the Oxford University Officer Training Corps. All in all , a memorable Remembrance weekend. Our final act of the weekend was to hold our AGM at the end of November where the usual officers were re-elected but with the extra addition of Roy Bailey as newsletter editor.
Canon Roland Meredith welcomes Conduc ng Officer Brig (Retd) Robin Draper (right) for the Oxf & Bucks Light Infantry and Ronald Barnes for the QOOH at the Turning the Pages ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. JOURNAL 2012
The first issue of the new branch newsletter, entitled The Lightbob, has been produced and sent out to members. It is intended to publish it three times a year; in January, May and October. Mike Marr & Roy Bailey SWIFT AND BOLD | 23
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THE SOUTH EAST KENT BRANCH I have great delight in announcing the South East Kent Branch of the Association is up and running. With our sincere thanks to all the hard work the Committee has put in, I must at this stage thank the following for everything they have done to help establish our branch; Bob Newman our Secretary and internet guru, Heather Love our Treasurer, Tommy Love who’s 60th birthday party set us off, George Nash who’s ability to contact ex members is beyond belief, Jim Barrett who’s contact skills have been invaluable, John Frackleton our photographer and hands on member and Gary Sayell our historian.
Outside the branch we have had great help and advice from John /Jake Cheetham, also Mike Marr from Oxford, our first point of contact with the main association who kindly passed us on to the late Ken Ambrose at Winchester who had been a fantastic
help in establishing databases and sharing info. Finally it is with great joy that we welcome Brig James Pasco who has agreed to be our branch President. Our first 4 months as you can imagine have been hectic to say the least. As with other branches our problem has been trying to contact the 212 known members who live in the South East Kent Area, not all members are on line. We hope with this article to reach many more future members. Our Headquarters are in the Dover Sea Angling Club at 14 Priory Street Dover, We will be holding the following meetings; Committee Branch March 21st March 28th June 20th June 27th Sept 19th Sept 26th Nov 21st Nov 28th We held our first Christmas Party in the Blue Bird Club in Dover, a great time was had by the 100+ members and family who attended, and we raised a considerable amount of money from the auction of some donated Regimental prints. We intend to hold another Christmas Party on the 7th December so book early! During the evening we passed round a proforma asking everyone what they would like the committee to organise for the year ahead, from that we hope to have a family picnic and a black tie dinner in June/July, more details to follow. The Website for the branch is: www.rgjrasoutheastkent.com Glenn Ternant
The 30th Anniversary of the Regents Park bombing Members at Regents Park Bandstand remember those who died on that fateful day on 20 July 1982.
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THE SUFFOLK BRANCH The branch has had a very good year, with membership remaining stable. Our first event of the year The Ladies Dinner Dance went off exceptionally well with over 140 people sitting down to enjoy a great night. The Waterloo Band and Bugles excelled themselves as always. There were a few surprises in store for the branch and the secretary who were presented with gifts to mark their 25th year of existence and service. A presentation of a Royal Green Jacket plaque was also made to the Manager of the Orwell Hotel as a thank you for all they've done for us over the years, this has been mounted and is on proud display in the reception area. Our annual BBQ was very well attended and our hosts Larry & July Lamb surpassed themselves with a fantastic array of food and desserts. We were very pleased to welcome amongst others who had travelled from afar Ron & Shirley Cassidy. Ron normally being tied up with organising and attending the Rifle Brigade BBQ in Winchester was able to join us as this event has now ceased. The weather was very kind and most stayed outside till quite late in the evening. A very quiet summer with holidays being enjoyed by nearly all meant that our monthly meetings suffered with lack of attendance although we managed to get together a quorum in most cases to enable us to continue and have a beer at the same time.
new attendees including Tony & Janet Uyl, and Keith Pardoe. Names are still rolling in for what should be another great evening. As a Branch we owe our departed friend and fellow Rifleman Ken Ambrose a great deal, his efforts and support over the years for this and all other branches has been well documented. We and the Regiment have much to be thankful for. Thanks Ken RIP. Diary of events: 2013 Saturday 16th March Ladies Dinner Dance. Date to be confirmed June/July BBQ. Saturday the 25th of August Regimental Birthday dinner. Sunday the 10th of November Remembrance Sunday Lunch. Meetings are held on the 1st Friday of every month at the Royal British Legion, Mill Lane Felixstowe,19:30 for 20:00hrs. All welcome. For more information on the Suffolk Branch or details of any of our events which are open to all, please contact the secretary. Gordon Pilcher Secretary Suffolk Branch
Remembrance Sunday had the branch parading behind our Standard and marching along with our friends from the RAF Regimental Association this was followed by a lunch at The Orwell Hotel. As the berries have just started to turn red on the plant Gordon's wife Jan was presented with on the evening of the dinner dance it means, She was told, that it's time to start organising the next dance so steps are now well underway (to find a new home for it). We are pleased that as well as our normal stalwarts we will be welcoming several JOURNAL 2012
www.riflespropertyservices.co.uk
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THE WILTSHIRE BRANCH WILTSHIRE BRANCH REMEMBER The Wiltshire branch took a very active part in the Remembrance weekend in Warminster this year. It began with selling poppies all day on Friday at Waitrose supermarket for the Royal British Legion in aid of the annual poppy appeal. The sum of £334.12 was raised by kind donations from the local community. On Saturday Phil Ashby, the entertainments manager organised a Concert of Remembrance which was held in the Conservative club. The club provided the venue for free and Warminster Brass band kindly provided the entertainment, playing a selection of military music. A raffle was held during the interval again to raise funds towards the poppy appeal with all prizes kindly donated from local businesses. The raffle raised £401.60 and collection boxes raised £187.99 making a grand total of £589.59. Sunday began with members attending the Armistice Day Parade at The Chapel of St. Lawrence at 1100hrs and then the Remembrance Day Parade held by the Cenotaph at 1500 hours. The day ended with returning to the Conservative Club where soup and stew were provided for all who took part in the parade.
Waitrose collectors.
SKITTLES Once again one of our favourite events skittles and fish and chips at the Organ Inn, an added adventure for me as I am still wheel chair bound. However a great time was had by all cheers to Phil and Val for organising the event yet again. It is at this point I feel I should specially mention 26 | SWIFT AND BOLD
Remembrance at “Green Jacket Corner”.
our worthy secretary Gary Byrne not being the best at skittles, but then who is. He felt compelled to use modern technology to assist him in the shape of a laser; we all laughed right up until he hit two skittles, hmmm cheating maybe but remember it was Gary. THE AGM 2013 Our AGM commenced at 20:00 on the 10th January 2013 with a pretty good turnout, plus a welcome surprise in the shape of our Branch President Brig “Gabby” dv Hayes. Who spoke to us on the various subjects close to our hearts such as fund raising and the Regimental Museum with any ideas for products for the museum to sell, plus a dabble into things to come a good chat ensued. The Brigadier, once he had paid his subs, was allowed to leave totally unmolested. Many topics approached for the future included a variety of subjects from trips to the National Arboretum, the approval of the “Smith Trophy” for the annual skittles night, Project 65 in conjunction with the RBL on the 26th May, videos of this are on our website. Major events discussed with fervour were the Glam Rock BBQ 10th August hosted this year by Leslie McCoy who is our fully paid up lady member, I predict great things there. But hotly talked about is the Wiltshire Branch’s invasion of Gibraltar in midOctober disguised as Phil and Val Ashby’s 30th anniversary, should we warn Gib? We also discussed the donation of funds to the Regimental Association in our wills that was interesting. We discussed the website and the idea of sending the minutes out by e mail (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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to save Phil Ashby some bike tyre rubber and stamps, we are looking into this. After the close of the meeting we descended on the buffet and a few glasses of “refreshment.” I think that at this point we must extend our thanks to Phil Ashby for his tireless commitment to ensuring our Branch has something to do and look forward to throughout the year, this thanks extends to all who help him in this difficult task.
To see what the Branch is up to or to find a familiar face visit our website at www. wiltshirebranchrgjra.co.uk and please leave a comment or message in our guest book we would love to hear from you, this is a family site so I would ask for it to be treated as such. Should you need to contact us directly then first contact is myself on e mail glm1114@btinternet. com. We will always have fun. Lee Massey, Wiltshire Branch
THE WINCHESTER BRANCH A Happy 2013 New Year to all Swift and Bold readers from the home of the Regiment (Winchester).
as an in-pensioner and will now attend London Branch gatherings (thanks to Garry Driscoll)
This year seems to have flown by at a great rate of pace which started off at the County Arms on the Regimental birthday. An excellent turnout was achieved and our thanks go to Ian and Steff for their kind hospitality at the pub. They will be moving on later this year to another venture in their lives but the branch will retain this watering hole for future birthdays.
The “A” Team of the Branch (Veterans Day Gofers) did an outstanding job once again at the annual Veterans Day gathering at the ATR(W) in July. This also included Del Milam and his team of gardeners who have taken on the job of the upkeep of the “Light Division Garden of Remembrance” within the barracks. We do hope you like the results we have managed to achieve.
February saw the branch appoint a new committee at its AGM which included John Harper as Secretary, Del Milam and Terry Young as Welfare members, Ian Skittlethorpe as Entertainments and Peter French as Battlefield Tours. A full programme of events was organised by the committee for the 2012 period which now includes the Turning of the Pages in Winchester Cathedral. Our meetings are still carried within the Sgts Mess ATR (W) (having now ceased to be an ATFC) on every second Tuesday of the month starting at 1930 hrs approx (If any ex Riflemen live in the Hampshire area and would like to come along and join us they would be most welcome).
Peter French was outstanding in laying on a home front (Dover and Kent area) battlefield tour event which covered WW1 and WW2 actions, this included the Connaught Barracks area which many of us will remember in our service to the Regiment.
Social days and evenings which were planned during this report period included a Games Night to which Green Jacket Close were invited, a BBQ and clay pigeon shoot organised by Peter Andrews and Pat Lowe (which was very successful), plus members attending the Queens Jubilee and Olympic Games. New branch members we have managed to recruit are Roger Downton (ex 1 RGJ), Mike Hunt (father ex 2 RGJ), Pat Mulvihill (ex 4 RGJ), George East (ex 2 RGJ), and Pete Smith (ex Bugle Maj). We have said farewell to Pat Cody but not goodbye to the regiment. Pat has joined the Royal Hospital Chelsea JOURNAL 2012
Peter Andrews and John Harper were on the go to get the Christmas party organised, and once again the South Winchester Golf Club had the pleasure of our company. The theme this year was Hollywood Stars and the members dressed to thrill with a James Bond, Arabs, Norman Wisdom, Cher etc. The winner was Chris Mitchell as an Officer and Gentleman (complete with naval uniform). It was also a pleasure to see Jamie and Carolyn Balfour join us for this party. As we approach Christmas and the New Year may we the Winchester and District Branch wish all “Riflemen” of the Regiment a Merry Christmas and hope to see you all in 2013. Celer et Audax Maj (Retd) Roy Stanger Chairman Winchester and District Branch SWIFT AND BOLD | 27
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THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM Report 2012 The last year proved to be a much better year than expected for the Museum. Visitor numbers fell by 3% from 13,367 in 2011 to 12,884 in 2012 but not by the 10% forecast. Income from admission, shop sales and museum research reached record levels. A healthy excess of income over expenditure in funding the Museum’s running costs was achieved and a legacy of nearly £10,000 was received from the estate of the late Colonel Ian McCausland to fund improvements to the First World War display area. However, such a comfortable state of affairs is likely to be short-lived. In particular, the Museum’s Trustees envisage some challenging years ahead as the MOD reduces the current level of funding support to the Museum to nil by 31 March 2030. This will require the Board to re-examine the way the Museum does its business and its appeal to the wider public, to seek new ways of generating additional income and reducing expenditure, and to ensure that the long-term future of the collection, and access to it, is safe-guarded in perpetuity for public benefit. Concurrently there is much else to occupy Trustees as the Museum seeks to achieve Arts Council England re-Accreditation in 2013 and to play a full part in events surrounding the Centenary of the Outbreak of the First World War in 2014 and the BiCentenary of Waterloo in 2015. The Museum is also in negotiation to achieve a lease from MOD of the building it occupies and is considering moving from unincorporated to incorporated charitable status. During the past year the Museum has organised a programme of events comparable to previous years including a temporary exhibition in the spring titled: ‘Two for the Price of One: Sir Harry and Lady Smith’. This exhibition marked the Bi-Centenary of the fortuitous meeting and marriage a fortnight later of the dashing Captain Harry Smith of the 95th Rifles and the 14-year old Spanish noble-born Juana Maria de Los Dolores de Leon in the aftermath of the infamous sacking of Badajoz in April 1812. Other notable achievements during 2012 included depositing the Museum’s archives for a minimum period of 20 years with Hampshire Record Office (HRO) in order that they may be better preserved in 28 | SWIFT AND BOLD
The Mayor of Winchester signing the visitors’ book during the Harry Smith exhibi on.
appropriate environmentally-controlled conditions. This required a great deal of preparatory work by the staff, including volunteers, to ensure that the archive collection, still owned by the Museum, was correctly boxed and catalogued in a manner acceptable to HRO. This arrangement is generally considered a ‘win, win’ for all concerned, allowing the archives to be properly looked after by trained archivists and providing easier public access. The Museum staff will continue to respond to research enquiries, referring those requiring specific access to the archives to HRO for answer. Likewise HRO will refer enquiries they do not have the background knowledge to answer to the Museum. As in previous years, the Museum was donated a number of very welcome items, including the orders, decorations and medals awarded to LieutenantGeneral W.H.E. ‘Strafer’ Gott CB CBE DSO* MC, Commander (Designate) of Eighth Army at the time of his death on 7 August 1942; the First World War Military Cross awarded to Captain W.O. Luscombe (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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for their very considerable efforts. Without them the Museum would not be flourishing as it presently is. Lt-General Sir Christopher Wallace
The medals of Capt E.R.T. Duncanson MC KRRC.
of The Rifle Brigade; and the Second World War Military Cross awarded to Captain E.R.T. Duncanson of The King’s Royal Rifle Corps for his gallantry at Calais in May 1940. The Museum also used its Endowment Fund to acquire two watercolours, each of a 95th Rifles officer c.1814-16. For the staff, 2012 was even busier than 2011, with a great deal expected of them. The Museum, however, is very fortunate to have extremely loyal and committed staff, supported by a small number of equally committed and loyal volunteers. This report provides opportunity to thank them publicly
Watercolour of 95th Rifles officer c.1814-16.
To contact the Museum, telephone or e-mail the Curator, Christine Pullen. Tel: 01962 828549 or e-mail: curator@rgjmuseum.co.uk To purchase items from the Museum Shop, for information about forthcoming events, and to read interesting articles about the Museum, visit www.rgjmuseum.co.uk
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Swift and Bold
The Origin of the Regimental Motto Regimental Records state that Major-General James Wolfe was so impressed with the alertness, intrepidity and spirited conduct of the grenadier companies of the 2nd and 3rd Battalion of the 60th Royal Americans before Quebec that he conferred on them the motto Celer et Audax (Swift and Bold). The exact occasion on this spirited conduct’ is not certain. An analysis of the possibilities is included in the KRRC Annals, Volume I, Appendix 1. Most probably it was on 9 August 1759 when it is believed that the grenadier companies, who were escorting Wolfe at the time, had a sharp encounter with the enemy and that he was extremely pleased with the outcome. The relevance and significance of General Wolfe’s gesture seems to have attracted little attention thereafter until, sixty-five years later, permission was sought to resume use of the Motto. The reply, dated 11 October 1824 and addressed to the Regiment’s commanding officers from the Deputy Adjutant General at Horse Guards, stated: I have the honour to acquaint you, by direction of the Commander-in-Chief, that His Majesty has been pleased to permit the 60th Regiment, ‘The Duke of York’s Own Rifle Corps’, to resume the motto ‘Celer et Audax’, which was formerly worn by the Regiment in commemoration of its distinguished bravery whilst employed with the British Army in North America, under Major-General Wolfe, in the year 1759. The Motto subsequently played a central role in underpinning the Regimental approach to soldiering, occupying pride of place on the Regiment’s cap badge and accoutrements. On 1 January 1966 the English translation ‘Swift and Bold’ was adopted as the Regimental Motto of The Royal Green Jackets. The Motto was later taken up by the then newly formed The Rifles in February 2007. From “A Brief History of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps” by Lt-General Sir Christopher Wallace. “The King’s Royal Rifle Corps…the 60th Rifles. A Brief History: 1755-1965” by Lieutenant-General Sir Christopher Wallace. The book is obtainable from the Regimental Museum (Telephone number: 01962 828549).
Major General James P Wolfe (2 January 1727 - 13 September 1759) was a Bri sh Army officer, known for his training reforms but remembered chiefly for his victory over the French in Canada. The son of a dis nguished general, Lieutenant-General Edward Wolfe, he had received his first commission at a young age and saw extensive service in Europe where he fought during the War of the Austrian Succession. His service in Flanders and in Scotland, where he took part in the suppression of the Jacobite Rebellion, brought him to the a en on of his superiors. The advancement of his career was halted by the Peace Treaty of 1748 and he spent much of the next eight years in garrison duty in the Sco sh Highlands. The outbreak of the Seven Years’ War in 1756 offered Wolfe fresh opportuni es for advancement. His part in the aborted a ack on Rochefort in 1757 led William Pi to appoint him second-incommand of an expedi on to capture Louisbourg. Following the success of this opera on he was made commander of a force designated to sail up the Saint Lawrence River to capture Quebec. A er a lengthy siege Wolfe defeated a French force under Montcalm allowing Bri sh forces to capture the city. Wolfe was killed at the height of the ba le due to injuries from three musket balls. Wolfe’s part in the taking of Quebec in 1759 earned him posthumous fame and he became an icon of Britain’s victory in the Seven Years War and subsequent territorial expansion. He was depicted in the pain ng The Death of General Wolfe. This pain ng became very famous around the world. Wolfe was posthumously dubbed “The Conqueror of Quebec”, and also “The Conqueror of Canada” since the capture of Quebec led directly to the capture of Montreal which ended French control of the country. 30 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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On parade for the last time:
End of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets THE true rifleman always looks forward; this was the spirit in which officers and men of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets, characteristically took the dispersal of their battalion. Sad though the occasion was, there was nothing sentimental or emotional about it, the event being marked by a reorganisation parade at Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth, taken jointly by the AdjutantGeneral, General Sir John Mogg, as Colonel Commandant of The Royal Green Jackets, and Lieutenant-General Sir Richard Fyffe, Colonel Commandant, 3rd Battalion. Three hundred men, with band and bugles, gave an immaculate display of drill and parade ground movements, and when it came to the famous "double past" the dressing was faultless-not so easy, with thick rubber-soled boots on turf made heavy by recent rains. The Green Jackets have always had a high marching reputation and their pace of 140 to the minute-quicker still on ceremonial parades-is also maintained on training and operations to give a JOURNAL 2012
speed of four miles an hour, one mile an hour faster than ordinary infantry. Their rifles are never carried at the "slope" or "shoulder" but always at the trail; bayonets - never fixed on ceremonial parades are called swords because of the distinctive long bayonet with a flat blade issued with the old Baker rifle; the rifle sling is always worn loose so as to be ready to support the rifle in the prone position. It is a guiding principal in the regiment that quick marching and quick, silent drill on the parade square make for quick thought and quick action on the battlefield. Adaptability has always been a Green Jacket quality and the re-deployment of officers and men of the 3rd Battalion within the remaining 1st and 2nd battalions, the new independent company and The Light Infantry presented no problems. The new company, the 3rd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets Representative Company is, now at Netheravon in a special role under Headquarters 5 Airportable Brigade. From the Soldier magazine, 1971. SWIFT AND BOLD | 31
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The Peninsular War
The Battle of Fuentes de Oňoro, 3rd - 5th May 1811 New Green Jacket Sources Clear Confusion
French Cavalry a ack the Light Division at the The Ba le of Fuentes de Oňoro.
The Battle of Fuentes de Oňoro, (Fuentes), was fought on the Portuguese/Spanish border west of Ciudad Rodrigo from 3rd – 5th May 1811, was one of the battlefields visited on last year’s Salamanca Bicentenary Tour and rightly so as it has some important Regimental history. As was clear on the recce for the Tour, there was considerable confusion both about some of the sequencing of events and where they occurred. These were particularly relevant to the Light Division and required clarification. Although the Regiment was well represented by contemporary commentators from the imperious Sir William Napier (then a captain in the 43rd) to 95th Rifles’ officers such as Captain Jonathan Leach, 1st/95th, and that pair of mischievous subalterns Second Lieutenants George Simmons and John Kincaid, then 2nd/95th, pieces of the jigsaw seemed to be missing. A more coherent narrative was needed for the Tour and this article is a result of the research which produced 32 | SWIFT AND BOLD
it. This article is about what was going on at the regimental level and only makes reference to the “big picture” to put regimental actions in context. Sources used include those which may not have been published previously or used in their entirety. They include the journals of two officers of the 43rd Foot, Captain John Duffy and Lieutenant William Freer and a letter of Ensign Charles Dawson, 2nd/52nd. These accounts allow many of the other often more colourful accounts and memoirs to be corroborated, corrected or put in context. Another source is Wyld’s Atlas of the Peninsular War, published in 1840. The survey work for Fuentes was done in late 1814 by the gifted Second Lieutenant Thomas Livingston Mitchell, 95th. The battle was fought after the failed French Third Invasion of Portugal. Having driven the Light (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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Division across the Coa the previous July and taken Almeida in August, Marshal André Masséna pursued Wellington to within 30 miles of Lisbon where he came up against the Lines of Torres Vedras. The winter before the Lines was awful for the French. They starved and, having unsuccessfully tried to breach the Lines, had to withdraw to Spain and did so, pursued by Wellington with the Light Division very much in the van. In April 1811, the French were back in Spain and the Light Division on the line of outposts along the Azaba river they had been forced from the previous July. Thus was set the scene for the battle of Fuentes de Oňoro. Masséna resolved to relieve the now-beleaguered French garrison in Almeida, defeat Wellington and salvage his battered reputation.
The Iberian Peninsula
Wellington deployed his army of 38,000 on a 20 mile front with his six infantry divisions covering the central 7 miles which commanded the three principal roads from Ciudad Rodrigo to Almeida. Cavalry brigades covered the northern and southern extremities. The strong point of Wellington’s position was the heights above the village of Fuentes which commanded the road to Almeida via Vilar Formosa. In this area, Wellington deployed the 1st, 3rd, 7th and Light Divisions, the latter as a reserve “flying corps, ready to be despatched to any point of this extended position most menaced “ according to Leach. Masséna recognised that this was the key to Wellington’s position and deployed his strongest column of two corps, nearly 30,000, to force it. The JOURNAL 2012
5th and 6th Divisions covered the northern routes. Although in many ways a strong position, Wellington had two vulnerabilities. First, he was outnumbered by 10,000 and did not really have enough troops to cover the extended front. He did, for once, have more guns, 48 to 42, and this was to have a material effect on the outcome. Second, he had the gorge of the Coa river 5 miles behind him with only the bridge at Castelo Bom intact. The bridges below Almeida and Pinhel had not yet been repaired after being blown by the French. In the Light Division were the 1st/43rd, 1st and 2nd/52nd, 1st/95th, a company of 2nd/95th and the 1st and 3rd Caçadores (Portuguese light infantry, some of whom were rifle-armed). There were Rifles’ skirmishers in the 1st and 3rd Divisions. The 1st had two companies from the 5th/60th and a company from the 3rd/95th; the 3rd, three companies from the 5th/60th. They were to be in the thick of the fighting in the village of Fuentes on 3rd May. The battle opened at around 14h00 on 3rd May with a feint attack in the north. Wellington had already anticipated this for, about noon, according to Duffy, he moved the Light Division to a reserve position between the 5th and 6th Divisions. About two hours later, according to Simmons, 2nd/95th, “a very heavy cannonade commenced on both sides.” Ten battalions, 4,000 strong, were earmarked to attack the 2,300 Allied light troops under Lieutenant-Colonel William Williams, 5th/60th, who were holding the village. The attack of the first brigade forced the Allies to give ground. Williams deployed his reserve battalion and drove the French out of the village. The next brigade resumed the attack, again forcing the Allies back. Williams was severely wounded. Wellington successfully counter-attacked and pushed the French out of the village after a bitter fight. Finally, in the late afternoon, Masséna ordered a further four battalions into the fight but they made little progress. The Allied defence of Fuentes had held. The bloody struggle cost the Allies 259 casualties while the French lost 652. The casualties of the 3rd/95th were amongst the heaviest. At the end of the day there was stalemate. No fighting occurred on 4th May. However, major plans were afoot. Masséna carried out a major cavalry reconnaissance of Wellington’s right in preparation for a possible left hook to turn Wellington’s flank while keeping him committed in (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 33
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Fuentes. The recce revealed how lightly-held Wellington’s right was. Wellington was well aware of the vulnerability of his right and decided to swing it back 90 degrees, pivoting on Fuentes and anchoring on Freineda. This was a risky movement which required great steadiness from his infantry. He prepared for Masséna’s move by moving the 7th Division forward to the high ground about a mile west of Poço Velho and ordering another of its battalions [the 85th] into the village and woods to reinforce his piquet line. Also, after dark, he sent forward two squadrons of the 14th Light Dragoons under Captain Thomas Brotherton to support
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Sánchez, whose brigade of 1,600 Spanish irregular lancers were holding the area around Nave de Haver. Last, he withdrew the Light Division from its reserve position back nearer the 1st Division west of Fuentes de Oňoro. The Division, their nickname in the army, had already observed the French thinning out their right in preparation for the left hook. A further bonus was the return from leave that morning of their commander, Brigadier-General Robert ‘Black Bob’ Craufurd. A controversial figure, he was, at his best, hugely competent and Wellington would have been delighted and relieved to have had him back after his stand-in, the erratic and incompetent Guardsman Erskine, known by the lads as “Ass-skin.” In the early hours of 5th May, c 03h00, piquets reported substantial southward movements of French troops. The battle on the right was to be one of movement in sharp contrast to the attritional prize fights for the village of Fuentes on the 3rd and later on the 5th. By first light, the French were in position, having moved 16,000 infantry and four brigades of cavalry opposite Poço Velho and another two cavalry brigades east of Nave de Haver. Brotherton and Sánchez were in for a shock. Brotherton: “I commenced the battle by running away with two squadrons, for about two miles, pursued by a brigade of French cavalry. Just at daybreak in the morning, however, having requested him [Sánchez] to show me where his piquets were posted, he pointed out to me what he said was one of them, but it proved to be a whole regiment of French cavalry dismounted. They mounted immediately and advanced. I still thought the Spaniards would make a (To be con nued on next page)
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stand, as cavalry alone never ought to have carried the village; but Don Julián took himself off immediately to the mountains [Freineda], and left me with my two squadrons to shift for myself.” Masséna’s main thrust, too, was underway west into Poço Velho by the 6th Corps and cavalry. This attack also started around first light. As the piquets were being driven in, Brotherton arrived. “I was pursued by the whole French cavalry towards Poço Velho, which, as I approached , I saw was occupied by red-coats [the 85th], and began to breathe and feel secure. As I approached I found our infantry posted with great regularity and steadiness. When they commenced firing on them, they most effectively checked them, bringing down numbers of men and horses. This gave me the liberty of retiring leisurely to the position where the army was drawn up, and the battle then commenced in earnest.” The piquets were under overwhelming pressure. One of their officers wrote home: “At the same moment the cavalry retired, three columns of infantry advanced from the wood opposite us, in double quick time, shouting and drums rolling - one column took the right of our regiment, another the centre and the third the left. I must inform you that we were in extended order from right to left of our wood. We waited coolly till they came within 50 paces, then fired and retreated for several hundred yards, took up a new position behind an old wall, and kept them in check for about an hour afterwards, till we were relieved by the Rifle Corps; we unfortunately lost a number of men.” Help had arrived. The remainder of British cavalry, Horse Artillery (Bull’s Troop) and the Light Division had been ordered forward at daybreak. The cavalry and horse gunners would have got to the area within half an hour, the Light Division probably in just over an hour. But at least there were now more cavalry and artillery to cover the withdrawal of the piquets as they rejoined the 7th Division. By now, perhaps 07h30, Bull’s guns which were in action around the position of the 7th Division were starting to cause the French cavalry casualties. The French cavalry advanced in strength to take out the guns. This move coincided with the arrival of the Light Division. Beckwith’s 1st Brigade was first on the scene. Duffy: “the Rifle Regiment ... and some of the Caçadores were thrown into the wood on our left flank while advancing - part of the 7th Division JOURNAL 2012
were formed on some broken ground on our right flank.” Freer: “On arriving we [the 1st/43rd] formed line in the open space between [the 7th Division] and a wood occupied by the Rifle Corps and 3rd Caçadores.” Duffy: “We had scarcely reached the end of the wood when part of our cavalry charged part of the enemy’s advancing in great force. “Kincaid: “Our Battalion was thrown into a wood, a little to the left and in front of the division engaged [the 7th], and was instantly warmly opposed to the French skirmishers; in the course of which I was struck with a musket-ball on the left breast, which made me stagger a yard or two backward.” By now, it was probably approaching 08h00. It is interesting that Freer also gives valuable information about the formations used. Beckwith’s brigade put two of its three battalions out front in skirmish order. It was the first major involvement in an action for Dawson: “When we came up we [The Division] sent part of the 95th to relieve them [the 85th], as they had lost a great number of men. We halted upon a plain opposite to a large wood where the French were and had the pleasure of seeing our Artillery upon some heights on our right, playing in upon them in grand style, they were however shortly after obliged to retire, as the enemy’s Cavalry & Artillery were quickly advancing; then commenced the engagement. We had an opportunity of seeing the Enemy’s Cavalry Charge the Chasseurs Britanniques, who were in line, they gave them a pretty warm reception so as to make them turn tail, after firing the front Rank came down to the Kneel, and the rear rank to the Charge, they did not try them a second time. The Royals [1st Dragoons] made three very pretty charges indeed & have been fortunate in not losing many men and not one officer.” In the woods, a “sharp fire was kept up for some time” between the skirmishers, according to Leach. The jocular Kincaid chose to describe it as “a tame skirmish after a sharp start.” To Corporal Edward Costello, 1st/95th, we owe a typically vivid account of a company of Baker-armed riflemen going to work: ”a smart action had commenced in the wood ... and our company was ordered to take ground to the front, where the 85th regiment were very roughly handled by the enemy. Opposed, with their conspicuous red dresses, to the old trained French tirailleurs, it is no wonder that the gallant 85th should have suffered so severely. When we (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 35
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came up, however, our practised fellows, in their dark clothing, from the murderous nature of our arms, soon turned back the advancing French.” Freer’s account is a very valuable summary of events, their sequence and location. His battalion was well positioned to see what was going on and, being mounted but not engaged, he (and Duffy) would have had a good view. Freer: ”We had not been long in this position [after arriving] before we observed the enemy forming columns in the wood opposite to that occupied by the sharpshooters, and on our right between Poço Velho and Nave de Haver their cavalry collected in great force although played upon by some guns of Bull’s Horse Artillery. The object of the latter formation was to take the guns, which they attempted by moving rapidly forward, following the cavalry to time, and had passed the guns and continued to charge against our horse, who falling back between the Light Division and [the 7th Division], gave part of the latter Brigade an opportunity of giving them a volley, which had the effect of breaking them and causing them to retire in a confused manner. Our cavalry then followed them up and took a number of prisoners. The Royals behaved uncommonly well and made a severe example of a regiment of Horse Grenadiers. The Guns when passed by, by the enemy, succeeded in escaping by charging through them and joining the cavalry.” This is the famous escapade of Captain Norman Ramsay extricating two guns of Bull’s Troop. Wellington could now execute the last phase of the realignment of his right, the withdrawal of the 7th Division covered by the Light Division to their new positions from Freineda east to the Turones, linking with the 1st Division. Freer: “The Division after these events formed squares of Regiments and shortly after, the whole retired, [the 7th Division] by the high ground in the rear of the Turones and the cavalry and Light Division direct on the Guards who formed the right.” Meanwhile, by this time, Masséna had renewed his attack on Fuentes with two divisions and had come up against the three British battalions defending it. The Light Division’s withdrawal was to be accompanied by growing numbers of French cavalry which had already threatened their front and flanks. Simmons: “the enemy making a rapid movement round the right of the wood, some light companies of different regiments [probably the 2nd Caçadores] and a company of ours were sadly 36 | SWIFT AND BOLD
mauled by the cavalry”. Leach: “We were, therefore, directed to retire from the wood, to form squares of battalions, and to fall back over the plain on the 1st Division”. Simmons’s company rejoined the main body and “formed column at quarter distance ready to form square at any moment if charged by cavalry, and in this way marched to that part of the position where the Guards were formed in line.” Dawson wrote: “After their Cavalry had charged ours, we expected they would have come down upon us, so we formed into 3 hollow squares, and waited for them, but they did not advance as far but got in amongst our Artillery. Captain Hutton of the Royals rallied his men and with the assistance of the Horse Artillery men, drove them away.” The square of the 2nd/52nd was well sited for protection from artillery fire. Dawson continues: “All this time their cannon were playing upon our squares but were not able to hit the exact place where we were, as there was a small elevation of ground that covered us. Their shot went rather close over our heads. This having been the first time I had stood to be shot at by Cannon, I must confess that I did not much relish it, but after a few shots had passed, it became more familiar to me.” Dawson describes what prompted the start of the famous “masterly manoeuvre”, the withdrawal of The Division: “At this time the enemy was bringing up more Artillery on the long trot. It was thought advisable for us & for the Artillery to retire. We moved off in squares as regularly as on a field day, this manoeuvre of General Craufurd’s, I understand, was generally admired, as we were safe from Cavalry if they had attacked us.” One of the 2nd/52nd‘s senior Lieutenants, John Dobbs, describes both how The Division conducted its manoeuvre and how difficult maintaining formation was when marching in square. He seems to have ignored the presence of the 95th and both Caçadores regiments! “With the most perfect coolness the three battalions of the 1st of the 43rd and 1st and 2nd of the 52nd, formed an echelon of squares which covered the retreat of our Horse Artillery. This was done under alternate squares, under a heavy cannonade, the balls sometimes hopping in and out of the square. The distance was about three miles, and marching in square a most difficult operation, as if the correct line is not kept by the front and rear faces, or the sides in file marching not (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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looked up or well covered, the square must be broken.
performed this movement, the whole time exposed to a cannonade, and followed across the plain by a numerous cavalry, ready to pounce on the squares if the least disorder should be detected, has been KEY Cork oaks
Freineda Riv er T our ões
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7 Div withdraw towards Freineda
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1. French cavalry charge 7 Div. 2. Ramsay’s guns are overrun. 3. CB’s 51st and Portuguese infantry volley; French cavalry retire; Royals and 14th LD countercharge; Col Lamotte and 200 captured. 4. 7 Div begin withdrawal to the west.
Poço Velho
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5. More French cavalry arrive and threaten Lt Div. 6. Lt Div form squares.
Withdrawal of 7th Division covered by Light Division. 0730 hrs - 0830 hrs.
The battle was now probably approaching mid-morning. The 7th Division were safely away and the Light Division on their way to their new position. The 1st and 3rd Divisions and Ashworth’s Independent Portuguese Brigade would have redeployed to meet the expected advance of the French infantry columns north from Poço Velho. The columns did, indeed, head due north towards the 3rd Division which was on a west/east alignment. The Light Division and British cavalry were left to the French cavalry. It would have taken at least an hour for The Division to reach the Guards Brigade on the right of the 1st Division, the nearest formation, which was aligned north/south.
acknowledged by hundreds of unprejudiced persons (unconnected with the Light Division), who witnessed it from the heights, to have been a masterpiece of military evolutions. We sustained a very trifling loss from the cannonade, and reached our station in the position near the 1st Division.” Kincaid: “The execution of our movement presented a magnificent military spectacle, as the plain, between us and the right of the army, was by this time in possession of the French cavalry, and, while we were retiring through it with the precision of a common field-day, they kept dancing around us and every instant threatening a charge, without daring to execute it.”
The Division’s “masterly manoeuvre” is described by Rifles’ officers in “broad brush” terms. Leach: “The steadiness and regularity with which the troops
The Division passed through the 1st Division and
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took up a position in reserve behind the Guards. Four or five Rifles companies (accounts differ) and the 3rd Caçadores from the 1st Brigade were sent forward and deployed to prevent an incursion along the right bank of the Turones. Kincaid: “We took up our new position at a right angle with the then right of the British line, on which our left rested, and with our right on the Turones.” Freer: “On reaching the right of the line, we formed thrown back so as to prevent turning and sent into the broken ground a little [to] the front and right the 3rd Caçadores to prevent its being taken possession of by the enemy.” Duffy: “The enemy advanced with a strong body of infantry in column together with their cavalry and some guns on towards the Position under a heavy fire from a 9 pounder battery of ours and other guns on their right - when they had approached within cannon shot the columns halted and in short time moved to their right flank into the wood - the greater part of the cavalry formed in the dip of ground in front - their artillery kept up a heavy fire for some hours afterwards until silenced by our guns.”
of our artillery; and contented himself by sending out swarms of light troops to amuse us, as the term is. Four companies of our corps, under Major [Peter] O’Hare, being sent into the rocky valley of the Turones to check these gentry who were endeavouring to penetrate between the 1st and 7th Divisions, drove them out from amongst the rocks and stone walls which they endeavoured to occupy.” Kincaid gives a vivid picture “we occupied a low ridge of broken rocks, against which a rat could scarcely have hoped to advance alive”. Meanwhile, the rest of The Division was moving further back. Dawson: “Our Artillery took up their station on some rising ground & we moved off to our left, supposing that their Infantry would advance, but not finding them anxious to move forwards, we moved towards Fuentes, in rear of the Guards & Highland Brigades; the enemy’s Guns were pointed & firing in that direction, as our Artillery was upon the hill before the Guards. We passed by some Rocks where almost every other shot pitched within 3 or 4 yds of those who passed. Not a man of the Division was hurt. We halted upon a hill not far from
The Light Division’s Masterly Manoeuvre Realignment – 0830 hrs - 1030 hrs
Skirmishers eventually tried to work their way round the 1st Division’s right. Leach: “Masséna now halted Junot’s corps pretty well out of range 38 | SWIFT AND BOLD
Fuentes, the Enemy perceived us, and saluted us (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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with a few shot which made us retire. When halted we found that we were still within range, and were obliged to retire further still.” Kincaid continued that “In the course of a short time, .... our division was withdrawn, and placed in reserve in rear of the centre.” In Fuentes, the French made little progress. At midday, two further French divisions were thrown into the fray, a move which was successfully countered. At 14h00 a last French attack failed. The failure of the French to capture Fuentes, turn the 1st Division’s flank and create the conditions to roll up Wellington’s right plus the fact that the 36 Allied artillery pieces comprehensively outgunned the 24 French ones west of Fuentes dissuaded Masséna from pushing home an atttack from the south. So what had started the day as a bold, ambitious manoeuvre petered out on the plain south of Fuentes. And with it went Masséna’s hopes of redemption. News of his sacking, initiated after the failed Third Invasion, reached him a couple of weeks later. From their reserve position, the 1st Brigade of the Light Division was sent into Fuentes. Kincaid: “A little before dusk, in the evening our battalion was ordered forward to relieve the troops engaged in the village, part of which still remained in possession of the enemy, and I saw, by the mixed nature of the dead, in every part of the streets, that it had been successively in possession of both sides. The firing ceased with the daylight, and I was sent, with a section of men, in charge of one of the streets for the night.”
The 95th Rifles at the Ba le of Fuentes De Oñoro, 5th May 1811.
So, after another bloody day’s fighting, Fuentes still remained in Allied hands. French casualties were 2,200; the Allies, 1,450. On the right, the casualties were relatively light. Most were amongst the cavalry - 20% for the French; 10% for the Allies. Understandably, the 85th suffered worst with 25% casualties with a high proportion captured presumably unable to escape. The Light Division’s were a remarkably low 1.4%, a testament to the skill with which it and its battalions were handled and the tremendous support and protection it received from the cavalry and horse gunners. The Light Division and the detached RGJ antecedents had showed great skill and character in this battle and had done Wellington proud. They have left a great legacy of both words and deeds. Nick Haynes
Note: A longer version of this ar cle, complete with references, is available from Nick Haynes, joinus@thepeninsulaplace.com, who will also answer queries where requested. Fuentes de Oñoro A small town and municipality in the province of Salamanca, western Spain, part of the autonomous community of Castile-Leon. It is located 124 kilometres from the provincial capital city of Salamanca, and has a population of around 1400 people today. Fuentes de Oñoro is a border town, and is now, particulary since the railway was built, directly connected to the Portuguese town Vilar Formosa. In 1811, the two towns were 4 kilometers apart. In the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro, Spain (3-6 May 1811), Wellington’s Army checked an attempt by the French Army of Portugal under Marshal André Masséna to relieve the besieged city of Almeida. The dates of the battle are usually shown as 3rd-5th May although the French did not withdraw until the 6th. JOURNAL 2012
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Normandy and The D-Day Beaches Tour 21st – 24th September 2012 The weekend started with a 5.30hrs muster at the Blakelands TAC. Once the 14 of us were all present we boarded the coach for the Ashford International Railway junction of the M20 as we needed to pick up two people who had also booked onto our tour. Before long we were on our way to the Euro Tunnel for our 0830hrs crossing. Once in France we headed to Dieppe for lunch before continuing onward to Caen to book in and settle into our hotel rooms before spending the evening checking out the sites of the historical town of Caen. The next morning after a continental breakfast (how we missed the bacon, eggs, sausage etc) we paraded in our blazers and berets and set off for Pegasus Bridge. We looked looked around the new
The group in front of Pegasus Bridge.
bridge area, visited the Café Gondree, the bust of Major John Howard and the glider landing zones. Mick Jones laid a Royal British Legion wreath at the foot of Major Howard’s bust whilst our tour guide Tony Eden (Rifleman Tours) talked us through how D Coy 2 Oxon & Bucks LI took the bridge. We then made our way over to the museum. We looked around the museum at our leisure before coming together on the original Pegasus Bridge to pay our respects as Lofty Brewer laid a RGJ wreath on behalf of the Milton Keynes Branch. 40 | SWIFT AND BOLD
After a tour photograph session it was time to move onto the Merville Gun Battery near to Caen. When we arrived at the Gun Battery Tony explained how it was taken by the 9th Parachute Battalion and the importance this successful operation held. To our surprise and delight, on our return to the coach Tony and his two colleagues had set up a little bar for us where we were invited to have teas, coffees and more importantly beers and a choice of 3 spirits which was most welcome. We then made our way to a very special part of the tour, to visit the grave of Lt Den Brotheridge, 25 Plt Comd. Lt Brotheridge was killed crossing the bridge in the first minutes of the assault and therefore became the first member of the invading allied armies to die as a result of enemy fire on D-Day. After locating his grave the group paid their respects whilst Phil Benson laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch. Arromanches, also part of Gold Beach, arriving at the cliffs above the town to view the remaining sections of the Mulberry Harbour. From here we made our way to the 360⁰ cinema which gives a powerful visual and audio account of the early hours of D-Day. We then moved on to visit the section of Gold Beach where the Green Howards came ashore before moving up to the village of Crepon where we visited the Green Howards memorial. Here, Tony described how CSM Stanley Hollis VC gallantly took out 2 German pillboxes single handed. It was now time for a coach ride to Juno Beach where the Canadians came ashore. We saw the famous house that appears on the black and white beach landing as the doors open on the landing craft prior to disembarkation. From here we made our way to Sword Beach before heading off for our final venue of the day, picturesque Honfleur where we all enjoyed an evening meal. Honfleur is (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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famous for its beautiful harbour area surrounded by restaurants which offer the very best in local cuisine. Finally it was time to get back to the coach for our journey back to the hotel for a few night caps before heading to bed (for some of us anyway!!).
both the beach landing areas of Utah and Omaha. However, on reaching the top they discovered the absence of the guns in their positions. The next day the Rangers located the guns and attempted to destroy them. From here we moved on to Utah Beach which was the most westerly beach landing zone on D-Day.
We awoke the next morning to a change in the weather, having rained all night it was now showery. Our first port of call was the German Cemetery at La Cambe where the remains of 21,222 German soldiers, sailors and airman lay. One of the most famous German soldiers Michael Wittmann, a German Waffen-SS tank commander during the Second World War, is buried in this cemetery. Wittmann rose to the rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer and was a Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross holder.
It was now getting late as we made our way along the coast to Omaha Beach whilst Tony explained the name, “Bloody Omaha” due to the amount of American casualties. Unfortunately, by the time we reached our final destination, the Colleville US Cemetery, it had closed so, after what seemed to be a 43 point turn in the bus, we headed back to the hotel, briefly stopping in Bayeux to visit the British cemetery. A final wreath was laid whilst Tony spoke of the importance of remembrance.
We moved on St Mere-Eglise where we visited the church and the Airborne Museum. The paratrooper dummy hangs from the church spire, a reminder of Paratrooper John Steele of the 505th PIR whose parachute caught on the spire of the town church. He hung there for 2 hours pretending to be dead before he was taken prisoner by the Germans. Our next visit was to the Easy Company memorial at Brecourt Manor.
The weather worsened again, with heavy rain which continued into the night alongside strong winds.
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It was now time to make our way back along the Normandy coast to take in La Pointe du Hoc where, on 6th June 1944 at 0545hrs, the American 2nd Rangers scaled the cliffs using rope ladders in order to take out a major coastal battery which threatened
Our journey home included a visit to Citi Europe for a quick shop before boarding the train and heading back to Milton Keynes. An excellent but exhausting weekend was had by all. A big thank you goes to Tony Eden and the staff at Rifleman Tours www.riflemantours.co.uk, we would recommend them to any branches looking to tour anywhere in Europe. Paddy Proctor, Milton Keynes Branch
Some of the Rifles used by The Royal Green Jackets and the antecedent Regiments
The Baker Rifle.
1800 – 1837 1837 – 1851 1851 – 1866 1853 – 1866 1866 – 1871 1871 – 1888 JOURNAL 2012
The Baker Rifle The Brunswick Rifle The Minie Rifle (3 Band) The Short Minie Rifle (2 Band) The Snider Rifle The Martini-Henry Rifle
1888 – 1901 1901 – 1960 1944 – 1960 – 1987 1965 – 1966 1987 – 2007
The Lee-Metford Rifle The Lee-Enfield SMLE and variants The Lee-Enfield No 5 (Jungle Carbine) The SLR L1A1 The Colt AR15 The SA80 SWIFT AND BOLD | 41
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2 RIFLES busy with training and welfare provision to the families left in camp.
2 RIFLES started 2012 still largely deployed on Operation HERRICK 15. The Battalion was spread between the Brigade Advisory Group assisting the Afghan National Army Brigade in Helmand, and A and C Companies ground holding under a 5 RIFLES Battlegroup Headquarters. There was also a sizeable Rear Operations Group in Ballykinler. Working so closely with the Afghans was a rich experience, at times frustrating but mostly rewarding and interesting: the six months rushed by as all ranks trained, developed and fought alongside the young Afghan Army. The tour was quite different from the Unit’s previous Afghanistan tour in 2009 and fewer injuries and fatalities were sustained. Even so, Improvised Explosive Devices killed LCpl Peter Eustace of the Mortar Platoon and Captain Rupert Bowers of 2 MERCIAN who was serving with the Battalion. A handful of other Riflemen also suffered injuries that have prevented them returning to infantry soldiering. Still others with minor injuries have since recovered and are back into the swing of things. The large Rear Operations Group kept themselves
Sjt Mark Kelly leads his team in Nahr-E-Saraj South. 42 | SWIFT AND BOLD
By May the Battalion had recovered, enjoyed some leave and a medals parade attended by many local and historic supporters of The Rifles and its antecedent regiments, all presided by the Royal Colonel HRH The Earl of Wessex. We bade goodbye to many people who moved on including the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Bill Wright MBE and welcomed Lt Col Mark Gidlow-Jackson MBE. As has been well publicised, the military commitment to the Olympics was increased rather late in the day, but to everybody’s credit 2 RIFLES changed our plans and cheerfully adapted to new orders. It was almost on the scale of our previous deployment: several hundred Riflemen and attached capbadges from the camp spent nearly two months assisting and to a degree coordinating the security of Earl’s Court where the volleyball took place. What we did not know was that volleyball games last far longer than athletics or rowing and scores of countries were competing! This meant that that venue had among the longest hours of all, from 0700hrs to 2300hrs most days, meaning the troops had to be carefully managed in shifts to prevent them becoming tired and losing enthusiasm. Even so, the Riflemen as you might expect made the best of the situation by engaging in healthy banter with the spectators and were able to attend some of the Olympic events whilst doing an excellent job of Venue Security. A lucky few Officers NCOs and Riflemen joined the Regimental Colonel in going to Salamanca to celebrate the bicentenary of the Battle Honour and were particularly struck by the warm regard in which the residents still hold Riflemen (and equal dislike of the French!). Summer leave came as a welcome break in this post-tour schedule which had already been busier than we had expected. In September we got down to our core business again with a Rifleman to LCpl JNCO Cadre in Northern Ireland and Otterburn. The other Battalions sent some Riflemen and many in the Second Battalion who had performed well on operations showed their potential for command. Typically, this Cadre was not without incident – one of the officers (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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received a grenade fragment to the face when running his range, but was back to work within days. Rfn Wilson was taken off the final exercise for a day to go to London and be awarded his Military Cross with appropriate pomp and circumstance, then came straight back to cam cream and crawling the next day, no special treatment in the field!
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The Reconnaissance Platoon were able to display their capability in a NATO Patrol competition in the Czech Republic which opened some young soldiers eyes to the Alliance and other forces. Along similar lines, in October some NCOs were flown to Australia by the Australian Army to instruct them on how to advise the Afghan Army. It is fair to say that the Rifles as a whole have possibly the best corporate knowledge of doing this now, with Battalions having fulfilled the vital BAG role many times. Remembrance Sunday was duly marked on camp by a service in the week and on the day itself which was poignant as ever, and by members of the Battalion attending services around the country run by the Associations, from Durham to Devon.
Cpl Nick Shu leworth, Capt Mar n and Maj Maguire of A Coy sharing a smile with the Royal Colonel HRH the Earl of Wessex at the Medals Parade.
Christmas week was a suitable send-off to a busy year with plenty of good natured parties. In The WO & Sjts’ Mess joined the Officers’ Mess on a history lesson at HMS Caroline which fought in the Battle of Jutland 1916. 2013 is shaping up to be as exciting, the highlights being the Overseas Test Exercises in Germany and Canada and promising times for the Battalion’s Rugby and Boxing teams. Capt. Mark Shawyer, 2 RIFLES
The Regimental Shop of The Rifles Can Provide RGJRA Members with
RGJ Lapel Pins, Regimental Ties, Umbrellas, Rifle Green Berets and Blazers, RGJ Hat Ribbon, and RGJ Wall Plaques. View & purchase online at: www.riflesdirect.com Payment by credit/debit card. To order by telephone call 0845 6434584 Payment by Credit/Debit card. Or by writing together with personal cheque to: Riflesdirect, RHQ The Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Winchester. SO23 8TS. JOURNAL 2012
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MALAYSIA DAY IN SANDAKAN Britain emerged from WW2 economically and physically exhausted, but victorious and with its empire intact. The austerity of Britain under wartime siege continued until the promise of prosperity emerged in the early 1960’s. This period also marked the dismantling of the greater part of the British Empire in which former colonies attained independence with the frequency of an oak tree shedding leaves in late autumn. Malaya had achieved its own independence in 1957, and it’s visionary premier, Tunku Abdul Rahman, sought to hasten independence for Singapore and the British Borneo colonies of Sarawak, Brunei and North Borneo by mooting the concept of Malaysia. These territories wanted their independence, but Britain, thought they were too small and unready for self-rule. However, by joining Malaya to create the Federation of Malaysia, the objection to self-determination was removed. The tiny Borneo colonial territories sat on the north-eastern corner of the world’s 3rd largest island. The remainder of which belonged to Indonesia, one of the world’s most populous nations. The borders between the states were lines on a map, but on the ground were mostly unmarked and indistinct under the rainforest canopy. With the exception of some rubber and oil palm plantations, little had changed with time in the colonies. They existed largely as they had for decades before. The centres of population were all in coastal conurbations with no trunk road connections between them. In 1963, they were linked directly by sea transport, and a single DC3 (Dakota) aircraft of Borneo Airways. The hinterland was populated by primitive tribesmen who lived their lives in the forests much as their ancestors had done before them. But these domains were endowed with enormous natural resources in their fishing grounds, hardwood timber, oil and mineral deposits. After some preliminary exploitation during the Japanese occupation, they were now ripe for development. The geographic proximity of the soon to be independent states to the burgeoning industrial economy of Japan, with its insatiable appetite for raw materials, provided a ready market to stimulate further growth of industries to garner their latent riches. The MacMillan government despatched a commission under Lord Cobbold in 1962 to investigate the feasibility of granting the colonies their independence according to the Rahman plan. He reported back that the majority of the peoples of these territories were in favour of the formation 44 | SWIFT AND BOLD
of Malaysia. The Cabinet fell in with the idea, and it became government policy. Britain would support the formation of Malaysia and grant the minor territories their independence into the newly created Federation of Malaysia. Although this suited Britain and the provinces that the plan directly involved; it was less enthusiastically beheld by other nations in the region. The Philippines upheld an ancient claim on British North Borneo (Sabah) from the time it was leased to a British Chartered company by US interests in the late 19th century. It had become the crown colony of British North Borneo only in 1946. The Philippines denied the legitimacy of the colony’s decision to federate into Malaysia once it was free of British rule. It was uncertain what they intended to do about it should the amalgamation occur. Kusno Sukarno, the President cum dictator of Indonesia saw the emergent Federation as a disruptive and potentially destabilising economic and political force in southern Asia. He claimed that Malaysia was nothing more than a device for Malaya to acquire an empire for itself. He held that the smaller territories would come under the domination of Kuala Lumpur and the overall effect for them would be to change one distant colonial master for another more local overlord. Sukarno also saw this as a direct threat to Indonesia and vowed to prevent the Federation coming into being; by force of arms if necessary. He had other ideas for these territories, and harboured a vision of forging a mutual economic and political organisation with himself at its head and Indonesia at its core. Sukarno began assembling forces at the Indonesian borders with the colonies. The world waited to see what he would do should the territories become independent, and Malaysia come into being. Meanwhile, the only apparent adversities were in the increased vehemence of Sukarno’s rhetoric. Less obvious was the clandestine assistance he was giving to the remnants of the failed rebellion of the past year. Not everybody in the 3 states welcomed the amalgamation with Malaya and Singapore. Many considered the prospect of (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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Malaysia with misgiving. Those decisions affecting their lives and future would be made for them in distant Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. They would become poor cousins of the Federation and the Malayan and Singaporean majorities could swamp their wishes and opinions in Council. Sukarno infiltrated army advisers and subversives into the territories to feed this discordant belief and encourage the creation of a sleeping fifth column that could rise against Malaysia should it come into being. It was into this politically uncertain environment that the Royal Navy disembarked 1Green Jackets (43/52) down the gangways of HMS Albion in July 1963 for its second tour of duty in Borneo. In the absence of an immediate military objective, the Regiment was dispersed by companies and deployed to give aid to the civil power. For Letter ‘C’ Company, this meant a return to Sandakan on the northern coast of North Borneo. Sandakan had been the capital of North Borneo, but was destroyed by bombing during WW2. The cost of rebuilding was too high for the British Chartered Company that ran North Borneo and it became a Crown Colony and the capital shifted to Jesselton. It was now becoming a major port for the
and oil palm plantations. These camps were extremely remote; access was by river only and they were prey to raiding parties from the nearby Philippine Islands. Armed pirates frequently and easily attacked them. The camps had no defence other than the infrequent police marine patrols. The raiders rigged banks of outboard motors in false sterns of the raiding fishing boats, which meant they could outrun the police launches and make their getaway when discovered. A rifle section accompanied each launch patrol to provide additional armed assistance should it become necessary. Meanwhile, the political rhetoric concerning Malaysia continued. It was increasingly positive from Kuala Lumpur, and its more heated antithesis came from Djakarta. The date that the Federation of Malaysia would come into being was fixed finally for 16th September 1963. All of the former colonial territories except Brunei would federate into Malaysia on that day. The Sultan of Brunei had earlier decided to withdraw from the negotiations and opted out of the merger. His tiny, oil rich kingdom would remain under direct British protection. Malaysia Day would be a public holiday and the event marked with parades and celebrations. Part of Letter ‘C’ Company would march past a saluting
‘C’ COMPANY MEN ON PARADE Malaysia day at Sandakan.
export of forest products. The Company’s work consisted of village patrols to seek out any hidden rebels, and to accompany police patrol boats along the rivers, where remote lumber camps were felling hardwoods and planters followed on to cultivate the cleared land with rubber JOURNAL 2012
base and various dignitaries on the Padang at Sandakan. Elements of the Regimental band were present to punctuate the proceedings with renditions of (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 45
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‘Mechanised Infantry’ and ‘Sambre et Meuse’: all at 140 paces per minute. The Company formed up in its best olive drab uniform with highly polished ammunition boots to provide a military guard and conduct the march past. A festive atmosphere prevailed among the crowd that lined the perimeter of the Padang. Flags and bunting flew and happy and enthusiastic voices applauded the sequences that led to the Union Jack being lowered for the last time and the flag of Malaysia raised in its stead. It was at this point that we expected trouble to flare up. We felt for the lump in our pockets that was the spare magazine with ten rounds of live ammunition we all carried onto the parade. We were briefed to expect hostilities to commence the instant the flags changed. Intelligence believed that Indonesian regulars had infiltrated into the area as guerrillas and would support a revolt by armed fifth columnists to take over the town. It was not known how many of them there were or what equipment they carried. We had to assume they were well armed, well trained and committed to their task; as any soldier working in a hostile environment must be. It was our job that
day to take them on should they show themselves, restore order and protect the dignitaries and public in any consequent altercation. But nothing happened! If there were fifth columnists and Indonesian troops there that afternoon, they did not act. The parade passed off without incident. It became a memorable day for the right reasons. The Malaysian flag now flew languidly above the Padang, and everybody went into the town to continue the celebrations. That evening, Band Sjt. Fred Shore and the Regimental dance band were playing to a full and enthusiastic audience in the auditorium of the Curium Hotel. Among the applause came calls for various musical numbers and none were delivered more vociferously than from the two British pilots of the Borneo Airways DC3 that were on a stopover for the night in Sandakan. The band thought they recognised the co-pilot, and it turned out that he was a demon trombonist in a jazz club in Southampton. Fred and a number of the bandsmen had visited the club when the Regiment was stationed at the School of Infantry in Warminster before its posting to Penang. They had him on stage and blowing in double quick time to create a fitting end to Malaysia Day in Sandakan. Peter Thomson
THE RIFLES BENEVOLENT TRUST General All members of the regimental family, past or present, should be alert for cases of hardship, which need and want assistance, and take the time and trouble to bring these, in confidence, to the attention to their local Rifles Regional Office, RHQ in Winchester or appropriate Battalion Welfare Office. 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 46 | SWIFT AND BOLD
e.
(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. 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. Applications from those serving should be made through the chain of command. There is an application form (Rifles Benev 1) which is passed to the Commanding Officer for his recommendation and onward to Regimental Headquarters for action by the Assistant Regimental Secretary Finance. 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. JOURNAL 2012
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GREEN JACKET CLOSE 16th January 2013 1.
Green Jacket Close consists of 21 units off Stanmore Lane, Winchester. Details are: a. 3 x semi-detached 2 bedroom houses, built in 1904 b. 10 x 1 bedroom flats, built in 1904 and converted in the 1960s c. 2 x 1 bedroom flats, 2 x 2 bedroom flats, and 4 x maisonettes, built in 1966
2.
Update of residents: a. Marital status There are 24 residents consisting of: Couples x4 Widows x5 Widowers x5 Divorced x3 Separated x3 b. Age groups of residents: 2 in 50s 10 in 60s 5 in 70s 4 in 80s 3 in 90s c. The 24 residents' ages add up to 1,760 years d. Regiments: 1 x Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 4 x King's Royal Rifle Corps 2 x Rifle Brigade 3 x Rifle Brigade/Royal Green Jackets 4 x Green Jacket Brigade/Royal Green Jackets 6 x Royal Green Jackets
3.
Eligibility Green Jacket Close accommodation will be let to: a. A married couple, civil partnership or partnership (of not less than 5 years standing in the latter case) where the qualifying ex serviceman is aged 60-70 years (except in special cases), and subject in the case of the ex serviceman to service qualifications in the Rifles or one of its forming or antecedent Regiments. b. Any individual aged 60 - 70 years (except in special cases) who has the requisite service qualification in the Rifles or one of its forming or antecedent Regiments. c. A Regimental widow, civil partner or partner aged 60-70 years (except in special cases), subject to the necessary service and marriage or partnership qualifications.
4.
Application a. It is quite acceptable to apply to be put on the waiting list before the age of 60 is reached. Applicants should apply to the Rifles Secretary Finance, RHQ the Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8TS. b. Applicants should bear in mind that the homes are covered by a Trust Deed, regulated by Charity Commissioners. As such, the Rifles Benevolent Trust is required to allocate vacancies to those in need of assistance.
5.
Charges Applicants should be aware that all properties are unfurnished and residents pay their own Council Tax, water rates and utility bills and also a maintenance charge of approximately ÂŁ65.00 per week.
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IN MEMORIAM
OBITUARY NOTICES 2012 Moore, Jim Carlyle-Clarke, Richard John Farquhar, P G P Brown, William Alfons Bristow, Michael O’Hara, Mick Doyne, Patrick Robert Hulbert, Johnny Dalton, Mick Twynam, Frank Owen, Bob Shaw, Ted Parry, Ian Dixon, Ron Attwater, Richard Henry Francis Twitchen, Dennis Dougherty, Stephen Reading, Dennis Carrington, Charles Opoku, Frank Brandy, Kennedy (Kenny) Dartnall, Fred Hopkins, G D B (Geoffrey) Bradford, Tony Blanks, Patrick Hardy, M J (Michael) Booth, D J Hyde-Thomson, CBE DL Paul Cater Jones, Thomas Gill, Brian Anderson, Fritz Fox, George Sturgess, John Taylor, Francis Julian Byass Brown, Robert (Topper) Marshall, J E A Houghton, Johnny Nixon, Thomas (Tom) Sheddon, Martin (Bomber) Compton-Lowe, Derek Blunden, George Frederick MBE McCoy, Al Hircock, Keith Peck, Geoff Slater, James Cannon
2KRRC Lt KRRC 60th Rifles 3GJ/3RGJ 60th Rifles CSgt 2GJ/2RGJ 2Lt (NS) 1RB/3GJ Rfn RB National Service 1RGJ 1KRRC Lt Col, Formerly Director of Music The Light Division Ox & Bucks and 4RGJ 2GJ/2RGJ 3RGJ 1GJ/1RGJ 2RGJ Bugler Sgt 3RGJ/Adjutant Generals Corps Sgt RB, In Pensioner Royal Hospital Chelsea KRRC 3RGJ RGJ 1KRRC KRRC/QVR (TA) Major 1RGJ/2RGJ/Rifle Depot/4RGJ/7LI 1KRRC RB Capt 1RGJ Capt Ox&Bucks KRRC LCpl 3RGJ 3RGJ Bugler 2KRRC 2KRRC Capt Ox&Bucks/LI/1GJ/RGJ 1st,2nd,12thBns KRRC RB RB/RGJ/R Coy 1RGJ 1RGJ RGJ Major RB/3GJ/RGJ 2RGJ 3RGJ Cpl 1RGJ Major 1KRRC
January 2012 30 January 2012 February 2012 February 2012 February 2012 1 February 2012 1 February 2012 2 February 2012 15 February 2012 15 February 2012 19 February 2012 19 February 2012 23 February 2012 27 February 2012 29 February 2012 March 2012 4 March 2012 6 March 2012 8 March 2012 17 March 2012 April 2012 April 2012 2 April 2012 3 April 2012 7 April 2012 8 April 2012 16 April 2012 23 April 2012 25 April 2012 29 April 2012 May 2012 6 May 2012 10 May 2012 12 May 2012 17 May 2012 23 May 2012 28 May 2012 June 2012 June 2012 12 June 2012 18 June 2012 26 June 2012 July 2012 July 2012 July 2012
(To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2012
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(Con nued from previous page) Coughlan, Patrick 2RGJ Lieutenant General Sir David House GCB KCVO CBE MC Willie, Dave Rfn RB/KRRC Howkins, Gary 4RGJ Williams, Dennis MBE Major RB & RGJ Chesterman, Andrew Lieutenant 3 Rifles Afghanistan Lawless, Peter Major Ox & Bucks, 1 and 4RGJ McDonnell, Kieran (McPig) RGJ Brown, John 1st Buckinghamshire Bn (TA) Ox&Bucks LI Marsh, Ron 1Rangers/9KRRC Knott, Pete WO2 1/3/4RGJ Sargeant, Charles Henry (Chas) 1/3RGJ Goodwyn, John, Greville,Cunliffe Major 1RGJ Mutton, Frederick Rfn 2nd/10th/12th Bns KRRC Tomlin, Chris 2RGJ Duncan, Jeff 3 & 1RGJ Curson, Leigh 2RGJ Dodd, Phillipson 2RGJ Sullivan, Peggy Wife of ORQMS Jimmy Sullivan KRRC Hastie, R J CSgt KRRC/RGJ Gittings, William (Bill) KRRC Bagley, Peter KRRC Barrett, David Charles QW’s/KRRC Cowan, Fred KRRC/2RGJ St .Aubyn, Thomas Edward CVO, DL Major KRRC Thompson, Valerie Wife of WO2 “Tommo” Thompson 3RGJ and R Coy Bowring, Peter RB Burke, Bernie RB/3RGJ Willoughby, John WO2 1GJ/1RGJ McCormick, James 1RGJ
5 July 2012 14 July 2012 20 July 2012 22 July 2012 11 August 2012 9 August 2012 17 August 2012 27 August 2012 September 2012 2 September 2012 5 September 2012 3 October 2012 13 October 2012 16 October 2012 19 October 2012 21 October 2012 27 October 2012 3 November 2012 19 November 2012 20 November 2012 22 November 2012 24 November 2012 25 November 2012 29 November 2012 29 November 2012 1 December 2012 1 December 2012 12 December 2012 16 December 2012 24 December 2012
LEST WE FORGET “They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them.” The brief information given above is supplemented by full Obituary entries on the Royal Green Jackets web site`In Memoriam` Bulletin Board at http://63196.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=63196 50 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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