Swift & Bold 2015

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS ASSOCIATION

SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

Guard Room, Peninsula Barracks, Winchester

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Swift and Bold 2015 Contents Foreword by Brigadier Hugh Willing CBE The Royal Green Jackets & Antecedent Regiments Photo History Site Royal Green Jackets Associa on Contacts Editorial 50th Anniversary Reunion Show RGJ VRN Photoshoot 50th RGJ Anniversary March 2016 Update Army Order No. 69/1965 Loca ons of GJ and RGJ Ba alions RGJA Branches Central England London North East North West Oxford Suffolk Wiltshire Winchester (Hampshire) Yorkshire The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum Regimental Titles Who Did Defeat The Imperial Guard at Waterloo?

French Landlady hid Bucks Ba alion OBLI Band Instruments from German Army Jan Chris aan Smuts Dedica on of the VC Memorial Stone of Rifleman George Peachment, KRRC 2nd Lieutenant Sidney Woodroffe The Borneo Reunion Friday 3 July 2015 at the House of Lords Borneo revisited Gulf War (1990-91) Memorial Dedica on Opera on Granb Waterloo Band and Bugles of The Rifles Rifles Officers’ London Club John Henry Stokes MBE BEM A Tribute to Lady Bramall Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Worsley Green Jacket Close In Memoriam

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 17 21 23 24 25 27 28 30 32 35 36 46 48 49 50 52 54 55 56 60 62 63 66 68 71 72

Swi and Bold swi andbold@rgjassocia on.info Produc on team: Kevin Stevens Major Ron Cassidy MBE Mike Marr Séamus P Lyons Arne Bergsand Crown Copyright © 2016 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 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 Associa on and all such adver sements are included in good faith.

Printed by Design + Print Ltd

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on wish to thank the adver sers who appear in this publica on for their generous support towards its prin ng and distribu on costs. We would also like to sincerely thank those individuals who have made private dona ons towards the cost of this publica on.

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.

REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION EMAIL ADDRESSES We currently have “rgjassociation.info” email addresses available for any member who would like one. Full details on the imap/pop and smtp settings will be supplied with your email address.

If you would like an association email address please write to: admin@rgjassociation.info with your preferred username and password.

Kevin Stevens JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 3

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

FOREWORD by Brigadier Hugh Willing CBE Chairman of the RGJ Association I am very pleased and privileged to be your Chairman during this special year in which we celebrate the events of 50 years ago when our Regiment came into being. It is also nine years since our successors, The Rifles, were formed on 1st February 2007. On that day a number of principles came into effect for the continuance of our old Regiment, which have guided the Association and the Trustees over the past nine years and which are worth repeating: • Maintain the spirit, history and traditions of the RGJ, whilst supporting The Rifles as our natural successor.

• Provide an inclusive all ranks social and information forum, through the RGJ Association, Officers Dining Club and RGJ web site, for those who have served as RGJ including TA/Cadets, between 1 Jan 1966 to 31 Jan 2007. Members of the former regiments, who served pre 1 Jan 1966, are welcome to join.

• Provision of executive direction, coordination and management support, including to remaining elements of the RGJ current organisation, to make possible eventual transfer to The Rifles (the Museum, Regimental Funds, RGJDirect and RAS/Ladies Guild/GJ Close benevolence).

• Establish a close working relationship with RHQ The Rifles, in particular on funding, regimental events, welfare and transfer of remaining elements.

• Become as organisationally and financially self sufficient as possible, reducing our reliance and burden on RHQ The Rifles to the minimum, but ensuring that genuine administrative and financial support is provided by them, as agreed in the founding Rifles Charter and subsequent agreements.

• Make arrangements as required in connection with funerals of deceased members, and for the maintenance of Regimental property and memorials.

When I read these principles again it is very clear that much has been achieved in bringing into being the The Rifles and their RHQ, and in passing on the ‘baton’ to them. But you would be wrong to think that this work is now finished. For example our President has been closely engaged in overseeing the transfer to the Rifles of our old RGJ property, pictures and silver, and this work is due to be completed in April 2016. We have also continued to rely on RHQ The Rifles and the Assistant Regimental Secretaries to help run the Association, and those days are now ending. Whilst Lt Col Jan-Dirk von Merveldt has agreed to continue to act as Secretary for the Association, providing that important and direct link into RHQ The Rifles, Mr Mike Marr the Assistant Regimental Secretary at Oxford will be handing over in the summer to Major Mike Leeming the job of Treasurer and Membership Secretary. Mike has been a stalwart of the Association during these past nine years and we are so grateful to him for all he has done.

But in looking back over these past nine years, I hope you will agree that your Association has achieved much and followed through successfully on many of the specifics outlined in the ‘Principles’. The RGJ Memorial at the National Arboretum has been renovated and improved under the watchful eye of the Central England Branch; the Light Division Garden of Remembrance at Sir John Moore Barracks continues to receive loving care and attention, as well as constant improvement, through the initiatives of the Winchester Branch; and the RGJ (Rifles) Museum as the keepers of our heritage, has grown into one of the best Military Museums in the country. But it is in the work undertaken each day by former Riflemen in the Branches across the country, in keeping you informed through the Website, through publishing this magazine and the E-zines, and in holding the Annual Gathering at Winchester, as well as other ‘one-off ’ events such as Greenstock, that we maintain the bonds that keep us connected, and for years to come. This is the Association’s most important role, and I would encourage you all to participate in these events and to take part in them each year, because your old friends and colleagues want to see you and catch up on times past.

4 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

So this year, our 50th, will see the Gathering at Winchester taking place on Saturday 9th July. The Team putting the events together have been working very hard to produce a most entertaining and special day for all the family; a fitting occasion on which we can truly celebrate our 41 years as a Regiment. And if you served with us, then you should be there.

There are many other activities taking place in 2016, organised as usual by our Branches, and also by RHQ The Rifles, in which we are invited to participate, and you can find all the details in this magazine or on the Website. All of these events, and the running of your Association, is done by volunteers giving up a great deal of their time to ensure that we maintain the spirit, history and traditions of the Royal Green Jackets. I thank them all for truly living the adage: “Once a Rifleman – Always a Rifleman”.

My best wishes for 2016 to all Riflemen and I look forward to seeing you at Winchester on 9th July.

Hugh Willing

The Royal Green Jackets & Antecedent Regiments Photo History Site It was decided by the hierarchy that the Association website should be the home of all RGJ photos, excluding our Antecedent Regiments. To this purpose, it has been linked to all the relevant photos shown on the Royal Green Jackets & Antecedent Regiments Photo History site.

Does this mean the end of the Photo History site (and I have had quite a few queries regarding this)? Most certainly not! The Photo History site offers a service unequalled by the Association site .i.e. a. Photos scanned at correct resolution (if you are unable to do so) b. Photo ‘noise’ eliminated c. All Scratches/Tears etc. rectified d. Photo Collage sent to Sender (or Relative) on request e. Photo Negatives scanned and Photos produced f. The opportunity for personnel from other Regiments/Corps who served at some time with the RGJ and Antecedent Regiments to have their photos published Please note ‘e’ above. I am sure there are many members who have negatives of their time in the JOURNAL 2015

Regiment. Please send them to me and I will do my best to produce suitable photos.

At the moment, the Photo History site consists of 39,284 photos and 1,626 pages.

I am in the process of making the Site more ‘Responsive’. This means enabling it to be viewed correctly on all screen sizes including Smart Phones.

At the same time, I am enlarging/enhancing photos inserted by my predecessors. I can only do this when time permits from my other Association duties so it will be a while before I can say ‘job finished’.

When sending photos, please remember to include Year/Location and Comments (if required).

Seamus P Lyons Webmaster SWIFT AND BOLD | 5

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Royal Green Jackets Association Contacts Contact list as at 1 March 2016 President

Maj Gen Jamie Balfour

01962 828524

admin@rgjassocia on.info

Chairman

CBE Brig HCG Willing CBE

01962 828524

admin@rgjassocia on.info

Vice Chairman

Lt Simon Booth-Mason

01962 828524

admin@rgjassocia on.info

Secretary

Lt Col J-D von Merveldt

0207 492 4936

london@the-rifles.co.uk

Treasurer & Members Secretary

Mr Mike Marr

01235 548018

oxford@the-rifles.co.uk

Editor

Mr Kevin Stevens

01865 452813

admin@rgjassocia on.info

Webmaster, RGJ Associa on

Capt William Shipton

01256 895719

bill.shipton@b nternet.com

In Memoriam Board

Mr Mark Adams

01442 380713

mark.adams@rgjassocia on.info

RGJ Photographic & Branch Sites

Mr Seamus P Lyons

01279 723908

Seamus.lyons@rgjassocia on.info

Database Manager

Mr Roy Baillie

01488 658681

membersdatabase@rgjassocia on.co.uk

Assistant Database Manager

Mr Tony Williamson

07891 367429

tonytjw2@aol.com

Branches: Australasian

Maj Gen Andrew Pringle CB CBE

Mr Chris Stewart

+61 (0)416 763 512 chrispstewart@hotmail.com

Aylesbury

•

Mr Alan Grant

01296 426765 alanrgrant@aol.com

Band and Bugles

David Timms

Mr David Timms

01304 820910 secretary@rgjband.com

Central England

Major Michael Leeming

Mr Peter Page

01922 694733 petepage71@hotmail.com

East Midlands

•

Mr Mar n Coates

01623 239299 marincoates53@yahoo.co.uk

Gosport & District

•

London

Col GF Smythe OBE

Mr Gary Driscoll

01708 442662 rgjldn@ntlworld.com

Milton Keynes

Brig MR Koe OBE

Mr Gary Brewer

01908 218715 g_brewer@b nternet.com

North East

Capt James Ramsbotham DL

Mr John Snell

01915 238472 snell3653@sky.com

North West

Brig David Innes

Mr Mark Lydiat

0151 283 03911 melydiat@yahoo.co.uk

Oxfordshire

Brig Robin Draper CVO OBE DL

Maj Terence Roper

07541 097127 chosenmanroper@gmail.com

Suffolk

Maj RD Cassidy MBE

Mr Gordon Pilcher

01394 270844 gordonpilcherrgj@yahoo.co.uk

South East Kent

Lt Col R Gray OBE TD

Mr Glenn Ternent

01843 297069 geordie_t@b nternet.com

Wiltshire

Brig G dv W Hayes CBE

Mr Gary Byrne

01985 211279 glm1184@b nternet.com

Winchester

Capt John Fritz-Domeney

Mr John Harper

07733 215810 johnharper1rgj@hotmail.co.uk

Yorkshire

Capt ABC Dollard

Mr Stuart Anderson

01757 618081 valerieanderson41@outlook.com

Notes: • Indicates that a Branch President has not been appointed.

Any amendments to the above contact informa on should be sent to Seamus Lyons.

6 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Editorial Welcome to your Swift and Bold journal for 2015 which though historical in nature normally will also cover the 2016 celebrations.

As I said in my opening line it is your journal and your opportunity to tell the wider membership what you or your branch have been doing in the previous year so it is disappointing to note that contributions have been extremely scarce. A comment made to me was that S&B follows on too closely behind the winter e-zine therefore people might struggle to find something new to write. This was a good point and one that I had already considered and as such we will compile only one e-zine each year meaning you will have a full 6 months between each publication. Hopefully this will make it easier for all concerned.

Can I also mention that most branches now have websites and these can also be used as an excellent source of information not only for branch members but also throughout the association and I would encourage all branch secretaries to use this facility in addition to the main website.

2016 sees the 50th anniversary of our founding as a regiment and the committee under the chairmanship of Simon Booth-Mason has been extremely busy putting together a programme of events for the day to reflect this anniversary, inside this publication you will find the programme of events. I hope you will make every effort to attend and enjoy the day – after all not many of us will be around for the centenary celebrations. !!!

I look forward to seeing many of you on July 9th.

Best wishes Kevin Stevens

The 76th Anniversary of The Defence of Calais, 23 - 26 May 1940

A Commemorative Service of Remembrance for The King’s Royal Rifle Corps, The Rifle Brigade and Queen Victoria’s Rifles will take place at The Greenjackets War Memorial in Calais on Wednesday 25 May 2016.

For further information, please contact the London Office.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 7

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

The Royal Green Jackets Association 50th Anniversary Reunion Show

Saturday 9th July 2016 at Sir John Moore Barracks, Andover Road,Winchester, SO22 6NQ Admission free for all RGJA/Branch Card Carrying Members and their Families/Guests, otherwise ÂŁ5.

Schedule of Events Friday 8th July

RGJ (Rifles) Museum open all day from 1000 hrs.

Car and Camping Parks open at 1800 hrs.

No entry before.

Saturday 9th July 1100 - 1130 hrs 1130 hrs 1200 - 1220 hrs

Turning of the Pages, Winchester Cathedral.

RGJ VRN and livery photo shoot. Report to Main Gate between 11.00 and 11.30.

Unveiling 2nd Tribute Chair o/s RGJ (Rifles) Museum, Peninsula Barrracks.B

1200 hrs

Park & Ride buses commence - King Alfred Statue / SJMB.SJMB.

1200 hrs

Gates at SJMB open. Spectator suggestion: Arrive promptly, please.

1330 - 1400 hrs

Romsey Old Cadet Band.

1400 - 1440 hrs

Waterloo Re-Enactment.

1440 - 1525 hrs

Quirinus Band & Bugle Corps.

1525 - 1600 hrs

Service of Remembrance by Regimental Padre Colin Fox. Bugler and Worthy Down Military Wives Choir.

1600 - 1645 hrs

Marching Riflemen fall-in by Battalions and Address by General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC (Gen), Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, late the Royal Green Jackets.

March Past by Battalions led by Brigadier Hugh Willing CBE, Chairman of RGJA and Salute taken by General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC (Gen) and Major General Jamie Balfour CBE DL, President of RGJA. Spectators to be seated.orthy Down Military Wives Cho

1700 - 1800 hrs

Finale - Musical Display by massed bands including The Rifles B & B / Association Buglers / Quirinus B & B. Sounding of Retreat.

National Anthem.

1830 - 1915 hrs

The Melodic Belles.

1915 - 1945 hrs

Gary Driscoll.

1945 - 2015 hrs

The Melodic Belles. ir.

8 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Display Stands Military Vehicles from Sp Coy 4 Rifles.

Classic car display.

Rifles Recruiting Team including Shooting Range.

Bouncy Castle / Face Painting.

Rifles C4C + SSAFA Hampshire.

Museum / Shop / Photos.

Picture Framing Group.

Regimental Clothing / Blazers.

Cockleshell Heroes Display.

Information / Commentary / Audio Centre & 1st Aid. (Possibly Medal Mounting and Repair Service.)

Dress Code Entrance to SJMB: Smart Turnout, ie no Shorts or Flipflops.

For those intending to parade: Blazer / Jacket / Tie / Beret / Medals optional. No Jeans/Trainers.

Food and Drink Food and Beverages available all day and into the evening.

1200 hrs

Bar opens. It will close 1/2 hour before and during Parade / March Past.

0100 hrs

Bar closes.

RGJ VRN Photoshoot

I think that on the whole anyone who has served in the regiment is generally proud of the fact - some more than others as proven by the number of ex Riflemen who on leaving the regiment purchase a private vehicle registration number for their civilian vehicles with those magic 3 letters - RGJ. Some even manage to go even that little bit further by obtaining a plate with a suitable prefix letter or number such as X3RGJ and so on.To say this practice has proved popular is a bit of an understatement as I believe through my contacts around the regiment there are now in existence some 50-75 private vehicles around the countryside displaying RGJ plates! Incredible - and this is beside those ex members of the regiment who have left and started a trade or service and now adorn their work or JOURNAL 2015

trade vehicles with some sort of tenuous regimental livery - RGJ Couriers and RGJ Plumbers immediately spring to mind.

Although we occasionally see the odd few vehicles with RGJ plates turn up at our reunions and other events where we all go ooh and aah at the coolness of it, nobody has actually said "That's absolutely brilliant lets now get them all together and show the world how proud we are of being an ex Rifleman". Until now that is!

Therefore on the 9th July this year we plan as part of (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 9

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

the 50th Anniversary celebrations to get together all owners and vehicles with RGJ VRN's for a very special and unique photograph.

To get the ball rolling and to put the word out a number of electronic notices have already advertised the event on various social media sites. To-date 29 owners have contacted me to say they wish to take part - which is a little surprising and far short of the numbers I am led to believe are out there. The message therefore is simple "If you plan to attend the photo with your vehicle and you haven't registered your intent with me - please do so as soon as you can". Alternatively if you know someone who has a RGJ VRN on his vehicle and plans to come to the reunion, and in all probability still hasn't registered their intention, it would be really

helpful to bring this reminder to their notice. I tried and failed miserably only the other day when I found myself behind a Volvo at a set of traffic lights in Eastleigh, Hampshire carrying the plate J70RGJ and various RGJ stickers (not yet registered as attending). Unfortunately before I could catch his attention he sped away and I lost him. I'll catch him eventually I'm sure!

Anyway to register your intent to take part in the photo please contact me at johnfd2@sky.com with your VRN and the make and type of vehicle. I will then get back to you with all the nitty gritty details. Unfortunately due to time contraints and other factors on the day if you fail to pre-register your vehicle as attending you will not be allowed to enter SJM Bks and take part. Seemples!

John Fritz-Domeney

50th RGJ Anniversary March 2016 Update for Saturday 9th July 2016 With our 50th Anniversary event approaching fast, you will all be wondering how the Schedule of Events is coming together? Thus a further update I thought would be beneficial especially as some of you will be travelling from afar and some forward planning will be required for you and your families.

Your Sub Committee has so far met seven times by the time you read this plus a Band’s Co-ordinating meeting shortly to thrash out some the finer details.

These meetings will continue into the lead up for the event. At this stage we do not know the exact numbers attending but maybe around 3,000 will not be an unreasonable estimate? As usual Roy Stanger and his team have worked miracles to make this a very special day for you. The planning committee have approached this with the following in mind- a wholly Regimental and family orientated day with activities for children, plenty of band music and free entrance to RGJA/Branch carrying card members and their families. The day is based around our usual annual reunion activities but much bigger.

Before I expand further, please can I ask your indulgence regarding dress code? This is a very special occasion and it is only correct that people are dressed appropriately. Please refer to the dress code that is highlighted under the Schedule of Events. This will be enforced and especially if you intend to join in the March Past, so please come suitably dressed. This will be a parade with our Band and Bugles and in front of the Chief of the General Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC (Gen), late Royal Green Jackets and your RGJA President Major General 10 | SWIFT AND BOLD

Jamie Balfour CBE DL. The Schedule of Events with timings may slightly change over the next 4 months but it gives you an initial idea of what is being planned. It is a busy schedule packed with lots of events. Timings will be strictly adhered to so please turn up promptly if you do not want to miss anything. Park and Ride buses have been laid on to help you with transportation requirements to/from SJMB. There will be two events in Winchester itselfThe Turning of the Pages in Winchester Cathedral and the unveiling of the second Tribute Chair outside the Museum in Peninsula Barracks. The Museum with its fantastic Waterloo diorama will be open from 1000hrs on the Friday so please do visit. Car and camping parks at SJMB open at 1800 hrs on the Friday before but we are working to try and improve this. Please also remember the SJMB is an active MOD training base ‘not owned by us’ so please stay with the allotted areas and act with consideration.

Massed Bands, a Waterloo Re-Enactment with guns, bangs/smoke and a variety of music are at the centre of our activities which will continue until 2015 hours after which there will be plenty of time to socialize with your mates of old and have your picture taken. A photographer will be at hand. The usual stands will be on site plus activities to amuse the kids.

We hope you will enjoy this special day, bring your mates and let’s hope the weather will be kind to us?

Simon Booth-Mason Chairman 50th RGJ Anniversary Sub Committee JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Army Order No. 69/1965 In 1965 the Defence Council issued a schedule to Army Order No. 1 of 1962.

A.O. 69/1965-continued

3

SCHEDULE Schedule to Army Order No. 1 of 1962 AMENDMENT NO. 6 Page 8. Columns 1 and 2. Delete “ The Green Jackets Brigade ” and all details and substitute :-

“ The Royal Green Jackets

All units and personnel of The Royal Green Jackets, including :1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets (43rd and 52nd).

2nd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets (The Kings’s Royal Rifle Corps).

3rd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets (The Rifle Brigade).

The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Territorial Army).

Queen’s Royal Rifles (Territorial Army).

3rd Green Jackets (The Rifle Brigade) (Territorial Army).

(With effect from 1st January 1966.) ”

____________________________________________________

By Command of the Defence Council,

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 11

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

LOCATIONS OF GJ AND RGJ BATTALIONS 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966

1GJ 43rd & 52nd Cyprus Cyprus Cyprus Warminster Warminster Penang Penang, (Borneo) Berlin Berlin

2GJ KRRC Tripoli Libya N. Ireland Ballykinler N. Ireland Ballykinler Berlin Berlin Colchester Colchester Penang, (Borneo) Penang, (Borneo)

3GJ RB Tidworth Wuppertal Germany* Wuppertal Germany* Cyprus Cyprus Cyprus Felixstowe Hong Kong, Borneo Malaya, Felixstowe

1RGJ

2RGJ

3RGJ

1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Berlin Berlin, (Cyprus), Tidworth (Cyprus), Tidworth Tidworth, (N/ Ireland) N/ Ireland, Celle* (Germany) Celle*, (N. Ireland) Celle* (N. Ireland) Celle*, (N. Ireland) Celle*, Dover (N. Ireland) Dover Dover, (Cyprus) Dover, (N. Ireland) Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hounslow Hounslow, (Aldergrove), NI Aldergrove Aldergrove Tidworth Tidworth, (Falklands) Tidworth Osnabruck*, (N. Ireland) Osnabruck*, (N. Ireland) Osnabruck* Osnabruck* Osnabruck*, (N. Ireland) Osnabruck* Disbanded

Penang Munster* Germany Munster* Germany Munster* Germany Munster* (Ballykelly) NI Ballykelly N. Ireland Ballykelly N. Ireland Ballykelly, Catterick Catterick, (N. Ireland) Catterick, Gibraltar Gibraltar, Tidworth Tidworth, (N. Ireland) Tidworth, (N. Ireland) Tidworth, Minden Minden* Minden*, (N. Ireland) Minden* Minden* Minden* Minden*, (N. Ireland) Minden*, Warminster Warminster Warminster, Dover Dover, (N. Ireland) Dover Dover, (N. Ireland) Omagh, N. Ireland Renumbered 1st Bn Omagh, Cyprus Cyprus, (Falklands) Cyprus Cyprus, Bulford, (Bosnia) Bulford* Bulford* Bulford*, Belfast Belfast Belfast, Preston Preston Preston, (Iraq) Preston, (South Armagh) Preston, (Kosovo) Preston 31 JANUARY RGJ ENDEX

Felixstowe Iserlohn* Germany Iserlohn* Germany Iserlohn*, Celle Celle*, Tidworth (Cyprus) Tidworth, (Cyprus,R Coy NI) Shoeburyness (N.Ireland) Shoeburyness (N. Ireland) Shoeburyness (N. Ireland) Shoeburyness, Berlin Berlin Caterham, (N. Ireland) Caterham, Londonderry Londonderry, Oakington Oakington, (Cyprus) Oakington Oakington, Celle* Celle* Celle*, (N. Ireland) Celle*, (N. Ireland) Celle* Celle*, Colchester, (Falklands) Colchester, (Falklands) Colchester, Gibraltar Gibraltar Gibraltar, Dover, (N. Ireland) Dover Renumbered 2nd Bn Dover Dover Dover, Belfast Belfast Belfast, Paderborn Paderborn*, (Bosnia) Paderborn*, (Kosovo) Paderborn* Paderborn*, (Bosnia) Paderborn, Warminster Warminster Warminster, Ballykinler Ballykinler, Bulford Bulford

N.B.

Brackets around place name indicates emergency tour.

12 | SWIFT AND BOLD

* indicates mechanized role in AFV432, Saxon or Warrior personal carrier.

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

RGJA Branches THE CENTRAL ENGLAND BRANCH Greetings to our fellow Chosen Men from around the globe. We’re well into 2016 as I sit and attempt to squash what has been a rather busy year into ‘bite size chunks. Be that as it may, I will begin by covering the period since the last Veterans Day and in part to avoid repetition following previous inclusions within the RGJ E-Zine.

POST VETERANS DAY ‘GREENSTOCK 2015’ Post Reunion 2015, much of our ‘main effort’ focused on the impending and much anticipated Rifleman’s’ event ‘Greenstock Festival’. The theme being ‘High On A Hill’. Chosen in the main because of the level of emotion that was evoked by the very many merry men that were gathered in a huddle the previous year (2014) at the first note on the bugle. Last year was no different except the huddle got larger and the cheers were louder!!

The 2015 event was much bigger in design and early configuration which proved to be the correct move. Everything was sited within the main field and fanned out from the Marquee, less those that arrived late whom ended up back filling the second field out toward Gamecock Barracks. The bar and stage were co-located at opposite ends with limited seating at the bar end. The stage was bigger but due to the amount of backline stage equipment, looked tightly packed when bands were performing.

Music this year was a fairly mixed bag though the highlights undoubtedlywere Birmingham Blues band ironically titled ‘The 58’s Blues Band’ also Black Country Ska covers group ‘The Sound a.k.a. Both were outstanding for different reasons but summed up what Greenstock is all about and contributed to a fantastic Saturday evenings’ entertainment.

The dancing was in typical ‘Greenjob’ fashion, something to be desired - less said about Craig Holyoake’s moves the better!!

The weekend is always preceded on the Thursday evening by a gathering of the ‘work party’. What that essentially means is, 8 - 10 people work, the other 45 party!!

The event last year was no different, a curry was provided by Abass (Sgts Mess Manager 30 Sig Regt) washed down with the contents of the 501 bar. Again, it was left dry by those in attendance - Beer, Beer, Beer said the Riflemen!! The downside being, trying to put a planned event together on the Friday morning with a crippling hangover.

Nonetheless, together it went and all was good by JOURNAL 2015

1800hrs when it officially commenced. On offer were: Well priced bar, 12 bands/performers, Bouncy Castle, Inflatable Games, cheap food (Indian & Burgers etc),Tattooist, Merchandise from varying sources and Exotic Coffee.

Saturday was a busy day with people arriving from early afternoon through to the evening. Though in truth, aided by the excellent weather that following some diabolical rain turned in our favour from the minute the build started to exactly half an hour post close down.

“The good Lord surely approves of Greenstock and bestowed his Sun upon us Green Jackets”. Which was rather fitting as Padre Major David Adams once again presided over the Service of Remembrance within the Marquee. Aided by 5 volunteer Buglers - lead by Pete Noble and Gary Freeland was well received. We were then fortunate enough to receive a briefing from the Deputy Chairman of the RGJ Association Simon Booth-Mason who in the absence of our President Michael Leeming addressed the congregation on matters relating to the Association including the 50th Anniversary event planned July 2016. Following that, a group photograph was taken from the 501 Club balcony of those that managed to extract themselves from their bashers/tents and caravans etc.

It was then a race to get to the bar as the music, beer and banter continued in earnest. I would at this point like to thank Nader Cheraghvand (an ex Rifleman, 2 RGJ) who was thrown in at the deep end when he was accepted and did us proud with a great performance.

There were plenty of other members who individually contributed toward the success of Greenstock.

They know who they are and have received praise individually from either myself or Guy Mynett.

(To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 13

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Thanks to the Greenstock Support Team (Mark Picken, Ray Gaffney, Gary Collins, Martin Gibbons, Dave Brown, Craig Robbins and Jon Blower also Denise Boomer who was relentless with her fundraising stalls and raffle in aid of the RGJ Museum Upkeep Appeal. Good effort folks.

It was decided that Greenstock Festival would be shelved for 2016 in order that the 50th Anniversary receive the respect that it warrants. Mainly in the hope that maximum attendance enjoy such a prestigious such an occasion which has been in the planning for a while. It is only right and respectful especially following the assistance and support we have received from the Association in putting our festival on. Presently, the future of Greenstock is undecided but the option for other branches within the Association to stage a similar event is open to all. Advice and guidance will be offered by myself and Guy Mynett and possibly support from with the RGJ Council.

NORTHERN IRELAND VETERANS PARADE Moving on, to September. On Saturday 26th saw our second attendance at NMA Alrewas in Staffordshire for the Northern Ireland Veterans Association Parade.

the stealthy trek to the Ash Grove memorial following the Service of Remembrance. It was a busy occasion and many Riflemen enjoying the splendour that is the National Memoriam Arboretum for the first time.

Of those we spoke to, they were certainly impressed by the standard of the grounds generally but more importantly, our very own memorial which continues to receive the love and care from The Central England Branch. The 2015 Parade was much slicker with timings which made the occasion more enjoyable.

This event looks like it will continue to grow annually and we at the CEBRGJRA will be there.

Following the Parade, we instructed our friends to make their way south along the A38 into Walsall where hospitality was provided at The Boathouse Pub in Rushall. Our first venture as an organisation into that establishment and one in which we will certainly use in the future following the fantastic food and service afforded us by the Landlord and his staff. Hopefully our friends and comrades appreciated the day and it was good to see and meet so many Riflemen and spouses that had made the journey to the West Midlands to enjoy it with us.

ROTY During the gathering within the pub, we conducted the

Parade SM ‘Guy Myne ’ gets the Chosen Men into order before the march off.

Onceagain the weather was particularly kind to us and the attendance was much larger than 2014. In addition to the Shropshire Branch of The Light Infantry, the NIVA also hosted elements of the UDR and ourselves which was again supplemented by our friends and comrades from the Winchester, North West and North East Branch. Though there were around 60 Chosen Men present, in truth around 45 paraded for 14 | SWIFT AND BOLD

annual ritual of presenting our ‘Rifleman of the Year Award’. This is something we within the Committee, do to express our gratitude to the individual who has contributed something positive toward the Branch.

On this occasion, it was a tough call as any one of (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Gary Collins is presented the Rifleman of The Year Award 2015 from Treasurer ‘Guy Myne ’.

three were deserved of it. However, it was felt that the framed cane was rightly presented to Mr Gary to Mr Gary Collins (3rd/2nd Bn) for toward Greenstock 2015 over the 12 months preceding the event. Good stuff!!

International Airport to commence the ‘Walkathon’ which essentially was a sponsored walk in teams, walking from the Airport along ‘A’ roads, 110 miles over a 30 hour period finally ending up at Tommys’ pub ‘The Railway Tavern’ in Stratford, east London.

The Brainchild of John Jones (3rd Bn) who came up with the idea earlier in the year whilst we were at Brecon doing the ‘Fan Dance’. The walk was in aid of ‘UK Homes 4 Heroes’ a charity dear to Johns’ heart. The event itself proved to be good humoured and culminated in an excellent social on the Saturday evening - despite blisters and tiredness, the beer flowed by the gallon. The amount raised topped £4k which is a great effort so thank you to those that sponsored the team.

Team Members: Admin/Drivers: Ray Gaffney (3rd Bn) and Tony North (2nd Bn).

Team 1: John Jones & Andy ‘Dodsy’ Graham (both 3rd Bn), Team 2: Mike Masnuick (3rd Bn) & Mr Lee Tilley, Team 3: Pete Page (2nd/1st Bn) & Shayne Austin (1st Bn), Team 4: Frank Hone (3rd Bn), Dave Savage (2nd/1st Bn) and Miss Amanda Huskisson (not in the picture).

NOVEMBER 2015 October drew a blank in preparation for two main events in November.

The first being our annual gathering at Centenary Square, Birmingham City Centre for the Remembrance Day Parade. This being our 4th year on parade, it was noted that BCC had got their admin spot on with the parade, route and service proving miles better in comparison to previous years. The weather whilst wet failed to dampen spirits and we were present and correct with 25 on parade. Craig Robbins (1st Bn) volunteered to organise and administer the event with pre-parade coffee in The Shakespear Pub which was followed up with an excellent buffet and post parade drinks back at the Shakespeare. A nice, clean pub though small and less than 2 minutes walk from where we were fallen out by the Parade RSM. As members slowly drifted away, the remainder of us (Colin Fleming, John Culkin (both 2nd Bn), John Kells (3rd Bn), Guy Mynett and myself) filtered up to Broad Street to enjoy some football in Wetherspoons only for the satellite TV to fail with 9 minutes of play remaining - doh!! Overall, great effort from Craig for his admin standby for 2016!!

Moving on to the weekend 27th - 29th November, Members of the Branch assembled at Birmingham JOURNAL 2015

Our thanks went out to Hertz Coventry for kindly donating 2 x Ford Tourneau Minibuses which were invaluable for the event. “Tony North does however, need to invest in a ‘pukka’ SATNAV as his mobile could not ‘cut it’ outside his Manner”!!

DECEMBER 2015 On Saturday 5th December, saw the Branch hold its’ first Riflemen’s Christmas Ball at Minworth Lodge & Social Club. An excellent venue with excellent service and those in attendance, around 140 enjoyed a superb evening. Live music, a comedian, money tree and excellent buffet were provided at little expense for the (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 15

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

pleasure of our patrons. Organised by Guy Mynett and Scott Newstead (3rd Bn) it was a fantastic night and once again ‘High On A Hill’ popped up on the sound system. Not wanting to let anyone down, the members took to the floor to conduct the adopted ritual ‘huddle’. This is now synonymous with the Branch at functions were alcohol is involved and proving quite popular with the ‘huddlers’!! “I suspect that this will become something of an annual affair judging by the level of support and appreciation expressed from attendees”. Well done Guy and Scott top night.

Finally, on Monday 7th December I was honoured to have been invited by Maj Roy Fitter (RIFLES Res) to attend the unveiling of ten carved stones dedicated to WW1 VC winners from the Birmingham/West Midlands region. The event was attended by HRH The Duke of Cambridge VIP guest with representatives from the military. My task in the absence of a representative from the RIFLES, was to accompany Mr John Wilcox (author) whom now resides in Wiltshire but originates

from Aston, Birmingham. John is the direct nephew of Alfred Wilcox who as a LCpl with 2/4 Battalion Ox and Bucks was awarded the VC for his brave actions at Levente in 1916. Following the unveiling, we were invited into the Halls of Remembrance where we were introduced individually to HRH Mr Wilcox gave an account of the gallant actions for which his uncle received his VC. It was indeed a proud moment for both Mr Wilcox and myself as I discussed numerous subjects with HRH including our association with the Ox and Bucks as an antecedent Regiment and The Central England Branch.

That summarises 2015 for the Branch as we continue to grow and look forward to this year and hope that collectively, we have an equally productive 2016. Our thoughts are with the families of those that have past particularly the latter part of last year including Lt Gen Sir Christopher Wallace who was supportive of us and our fundraising for the Museum.

Regards to all and hope to see many of you at the 50th Anniversary in July. Swift and Bold.

HRH Duke of Cambridge meets Branch Secretary Pete Page.

16 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

THE LONDON BRANCH 2015 – ‘Waterloo Anniversary’

days.

The previous year had been highly satisfactory having fulfilled our pledges for the Museum and other charities. Our aim this year was to concentrate on the twentieth anniversary since the Branch was formed with a slightly lower emphasis on fundraising. It was also decided to nominate the year as our ‘Waterloo Year’ (200th Anniversary) and use the battle as a theme to our activities.

The President then introduced General Christopher and also stated to members that he had been promised that they were not about to have a history lesson on the Peninsular War! The General began his address by thanking the Branch Members for their very generous

The other pleasing aspect of the year was a remarkable increase in the number of members in the Branch which resulted naturally in an increase in the number attending our functions.

Ladies Dinner Night We began our year’s activities with the Ladies Dinner Night held in the Victory Services Club, which was very well attended with over one hundred and twenty Members and guests present. It proved to be one of our best to date with two guests of honour attending, General Sir Nick Carter, KBE, CBE, DSO and Mrs Carter, and also Lt General Sir Christopher Wallace, KBE, DL and Mrs Wallace.

The evening began with a drinks reception. The Waterloo band and Bugles attended and sounded all the appropriate calls for dinner and during the evening.

The band played throughout the evening and everyone present appreciated the effort they made in not only playing regimental music but also popular theme songs, although the highlight of course was ‘High on the Hill’. A word of thanks must also be recorded for the KRRC ACF Detachment who assisted the Committee with the arrangements for the smooth running of the evening.

The speeches were given by the Branch Secretary, Gary Driscoll, who thanked all those involved in the arrangements for the evening, followed by Colonel George Smythe, Branch President, who gave a short State of the Nation update and thanked those branch members and guests present for their tremendous fundraising efforts throughout the year. He then gave some background information on the two V.I.Ps. After introducing General Nick he added a caveat that he had no idea what he would say in his speech but reserved the right as President to reply!

General Nick gave a very interesting insight into the difficulties involved in everyday life in the Army today and rounded off his time by producing some early photographs of he President and himself in bygone JOURNAL 2015

Presen ng the cheque for funding the pain ng.

contribution of ten thousand pounds for funding the commissioning of the painting commemorating the Routing of the Imperial Guard at Waterloo.

General Wallace gave a very descriptive talk on the contents of the painting, which was shown on a large screen and explained in detail the actions that took place at the decisive moment in the battle. He completed his time at the podium by giving a very personal and amusing background talk on our other guest claiming that he had reached the top possibly due to his influence in his younger days!

The party went on to the early morning with one or two of the die-hard managing to find breakfast at a local establishment before retiring to their beds or departing for home.

Waterloo Exhibition at the Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester The President and the Secretary with their wives were honoured to be invited to the Museum at which the president unveiled the picture on behalf of the London Branch Members in the recently renovated Waterloo display in the museum. Although the Branch had seen a screen image of the picture, without a shadow of doubt, the real thing is far more impressive and the Branch can be justifiable proud of their fund raising achievement.

(To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 17

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

thanked them for their support throughout the years

RGJ London Branch Secretary Gary Driscoll, actor Jason Salkey, a member of the re-enactment group, ar st Jason Askew and RGJA London Branch President Colonel George Smythe.

The Branch had been invited to have a private tour of the Waterloo display and painting at the Museum.

This visit took place on Saturday the 5th June and the Branch joined forces with one of our affiliated London Branches British Legion Clubs who ensured we had a full coach. Although we had a delayed start we managed to arrive on time to be met by Major Ken Gray who conducted the tour. It was an excellent tour which all present enjoyed the highlight, of course, was the painting of the Routing of the Imperial Guard which many of those present had contributed to in one form or the other. Once the tour was completed lunch was taken in the Guardroom restaurant and then time was spent in Winchester which had some very fond memories for one or two who had not returned to the Depot since their recruit training a long time ago. We departed for London tired but very satisfied we our day, a word of thanks to Ken Gray who drew the short straw for our visit but who was very informative and helpful throughout the morning.

Veterans’ Lunch at 86 St James’ The Branches Veterans’ Day lunch took place at Mark Masons Hall, 86 St James, and was very well attended. We entertained two guests both of which had been very loosely affiliated to the Branch in the pass. Although both had not served with the Regiment, one in particular, Major Tom Godwin MBE was known by some of those present from their Brecon days. As always a very substantial lunch accompanied by a great deal of wine and of course many stories of past days. The President addressed those present and 18 | SWIFT AND BOLD

in particular the effort made in their contribution to the Waterloo painting. He also thanked them for their generous contribution to the raffle of which the profits will be contributed to a RGJ cause later in the year. An excellent day and always well attended.

Annual Reunion, Winchester A small contingent made the trip to Winchester for the annual reunion which was lead by the Secretary, Gary Driscoll. Most of the London Branch members who attended made their own arrangements but the feedback was positive and one at which they had an enjoyable day. It is the intention of the Committee to make a major effort on behalf of the Branch to attend the 50th Anniversary in 2016.

Regents Park Memorial Service A large number of members and their wives paraded for the Regents Park RGJ Band Memorial remembrance service held on 19th July. The Secretary and Richard Frost laid wreaths behalf of the Band and the Regiment.

After the ceremony the Branch members retired to a local pre arranged hostelry for lunch and a few drinks before departing for home.

Battlefield Tour, Waterloo, Belgium This year the Branch Battlefield Tour was in line with the theme of the year and took the Branch to Waterloo, Belgium. The tour was over three full days and involved some detailed staff work to ensure pick up points and (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

timings were met and that there were no delays as timings were critical due to disruptions on the tunnel trains.

The tour got off to a good start with everyone arriving, and on time, however, on arrival at the tunnel terminus things went ‘belly up’ as the saying goes!

We were informed formed that there would be a fourhour delay due to difficulties with migrants on the track! Luckily, as a precaution, an advance party had been despatched the evening before and so we were able to adjust timings as the delay developed. The guides adjusted their programme and timings where changed on the move. Our aim was to complete a tour of the Battlefield ground and the Sandpit, the farm at La Haie Saint thereby setting the scene for the day of the battle and more importantly be back at the Hotel for the Dinner Night for which the timings could not be changed.

As the saying goes it will be alright on the night, this eventually was the case. We were able to sit down for dinner on time. After an excellent meal with ample wine a Waterloo Quiz chaired by the President, members dispersed to savour the delights of Waterloo.

An early start the next day took us first to the site of the cross roads, known as the Battle of Quatre Bras, which happened the day before the Battle of Waterloo. A very interesting tour of the area with a very informative description of the action in and around the site.

We then moved on to Chateau d’Hougoumont Farmhouse and toured the recently renovated site. This was an excellent tour culminating in an ‘outstanding’ digital film show and would highly recommended if you visit Waterloo.

We then made our way to the Waterloo Centre, known as the Lion’s Mound, where the brave hearted walk the ridge line and assembled at the site where the French Imperial Guard was routed which was the theme of the painting which had been commissioned by the Branch. The Branch then dispersed at the Visitors Centre for lunch with plenty of time to visit the museums, including the 360 degree indoor panoramic display of the Battle of Waterloo.

An early start on the Sunday morning in anticipation of delays at the Channel Crossing but to our surprise we sailed through even managing to catch and earlier train. We dispersed and the hardy stopped in London for a few last farewell drinks, An excellent weekend and well worth the effort.

Remembrance Sunday – Cenotaph Marchpast A small contingent of members attended the Ceremony at Westminster Gardens of Remembrance for the annual Remembrance Sunday is always a land mark day for the Branch. Although the format is the same numbers increase each year, this year was no exception. A larger than expected number of Riflemen assembled at the Bullfrog for coffee and breakfast and for some a warmer or two in to the bank before the parade. A large number of families were present and remained in comfort at the Bullfrog while those participating departed for House Guards Parade. Due to the large numbers on parade there was a certain amount of confusion during the parade assembly that the Riflemen enjoyed much to the frustration of the Parade Marshalls. A total of two hundred and thirty Riflemen marched past the Cenotaph which was very satisfying and was the largest single contingent on parade.

A majority returned to the Bullfrog where the numbers swelled to over three hundred during the course of the afternoon with members of RB and KRRC arriving.

Lunch was available and it was pleasing to see that many families stayed the course.

A word of thanks to the committee led by the Secretary Gary Driscoll who managed the whole affair and the staff of the Bullfrog who managed to cater for the Branches every need. An excellent day which was very worthwhile.

Andy McNab Fundraiser, Victory Services Club Our final major fund raising event of the year was the A McNab book signing, an

Chateau d'Hougoumont Farmhouse JOURNAL 2015

(To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 19

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

This evening turned out to be a great success but of

Four proud RGJ members in Whitehall at the Remembrance Sunday Parade.

auction of items donated throughout the year and a giant raffle with a majority of items donated from members and supporters of the Branch. Also so this year it was decided to try something different for the evening, we changed location and hired the Victory Services Club at Mable Arch which turned out to be an a very popular venue with our members.

The other major change was it was decided to broaden the scope of the evening and with the assistance of A McNab who had recently co-author a book with Dr K Dutton Called ‘How to Be Good Psychopath’ we had a joint presentation. Much to a very nervous President the evening was a tremendous success, we had a larger audience than previous years with a record number of attendees. There was a very informative joint presentation followed by lively Q&A session in which it was discovered that London Branch when a joint audience survey was completed that the Branch identified all the guilty partners who had committed mass murders. Must be something in the Branches genes!

The auction was a great success with a substantial amount of money raised for the Branches next charity project in 2016. A sincere word of thanks to all of those members and supporters who generously donated items and of course those who dug very deep into their pockets who we gratefully relieved them of their hard earned money. The final closing event was the grand raffle which once again was very well supported.

20 | SWIFT AND BOLD

course the work behind the scenes involved a great deal of effort and co-ordination, our committee to say the least were in overdrive not only on the evening but in the few days before the evening. Our east end ladies stepped up to the mark and manned the ‘Del Boy Case’ stand for which we thank them for.

Ladies Christmas Lunch, 86 St James The Ladies Christmas lunch in St James, Mark Mason Hall was very well attended supported by our ladies all of which contributed to a highly successful lunch and drinks reception. The pink and blue raffle was well supported and once again the Rifleman’s blue team massively out contributed the Ladies pink team. An excellent Christmas lunch was provided accompanied by a great deal of wine. This was a fitting occasion for Branch Members and their guests to end the year’s activities, everyone enjoyed themselves and departed to continue the movement or descend on the shops to indulge in some Christmas shopping.

This has been a highly successful year for the Branch, we have had an increase in membership, supported the Regimental Association and more importantly had a great deal of fun. The Branch wishes all members of the Regimental family a healthy and safe coming year and for those Riflemen still serving, if in harms, way take care.

Colonel (Rtd) George F Smythe London Branch President JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

THE NORTH EAST BRANCH Hello once again to all RGJ members.

The North East Branch continues to remain active throughout the North East of the UK during the second half of this year, which has seen members of the Branch attending various events throughout the United Kingdom. Some of these events are as follows: • RGJA Veterans day in Winchester • Waterloo Celebrations • Victory in Japan Day Sunderland parade • Walking with the Wounded and Military wives concert at the Sage Gateshead • The laying of the Memorial Stone for George Maling's VC in Sunderland • North East Branch Reunion Remembrance Weekend In June, we held a Branch meeting at the Royal British Legion in Sunderland which was well attended by our members, who, it is fair to say, were in high spirits.

During the meeting we discussed a range of items from the upcoming RGJA Veterans Day in Winchester, Armed Forces Celebrations being held in Sunderland to the planning for the annual Remembrance Reunion Weekend. The members held a raffle raising a marvellous £138.00 to go towards the charity fund.

In July, many of us made the annual pilgrimage to attend Veterans Day at Winchester and again this year, there was a really good turnout for the Parade and March Past. This event continues to allow all our members and other Branches to rekindle friendships with old and new acquaintances. This cannot be understated for the value it brings to all past and present Riflemen.

Many thanks are due to the Winchester Branch for all its hard work in making this day a special one.

Sunderland in 1888, the son of a general practitioner.

During the First World War, aged 26, Maling was a Lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps, attached to the 12th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own). He was awarded theVictoria Cross for his brave deeds on 25th September 1915 during the Battle of Loos, near Fauquissart, France. Lieutenant Maling worked for over 24 hours with untiring energy; under heavy shell fire, he collected and treated more than 300 men. During the morning he was temporarily stunned by the burst of a large high explosive shell, which wounded his only assistant and killed several of his patients. A second shell covered him and his instruments with debris, but he continued to work single-handedly with outstanding gallantry.

During our Branch meeting on Friday, 2nd October we were honoured to present the late WO2 Ginger Dixon’s silver Bugle to the Chairman of Sunderland’s Royal British Legion. WO2 Ginge Dixon was a highly respected chosen man, a much beloved brother Rifleman, a great leader and a friend to many within the Branch. The Bugle now takes pride of place behind the bar where everybody can admire it and without a doubt members will raise a glass or two for this inspirational Rifleman. The presentation of the Bugle was made

by Jake Cheetham and Pete Collins on behalf of Ruth Dixon, Ginge Dixon beloved sister. Ruth’s kind, thoughtful and moving gesture towards the NE Branch was met with a standing ovation by all members when the presentation was made to Vince Harris, Chairman of The Royal British Legion Sunderland. The North East Branch would like to thank Ruth wholeheartedly for her wonderful gift to our Branch. We are delighted that a part of WO2 Ginge Dixon will be with us during future meetings and know he will be remembered by his brother Riflemen. Rest in Peace Ginge.

In September, members travelled to the annual Service of the Northern Ireland Association at the National The 17th October saw some of our members were Arboretum in Staffordshire where, joining with other Branches, they paid their respects to those who died in the Northern Ireland conflict. Also in September, the North East Branch attended the War Memorial and Brother in Arms Wall in Sunderland for unveiling of the Memorial VC Paving Stone for George Maling. The Memorial was well attended by representatives from George Maling’s family, Branch Members together with Kenneth Richardson bearing our Standard.

Dave Nichol, Pete Collins, Jake Cheetham, Lynn and Vince, John Snell.

George Maling – A Sunderland First War Hero George Maling was the only person from Sunderland to receive the Victoria Cross during the First World War. George was born in Carlton House, Mowbray Road, JOURNAL 2015

present at the Mayor of Sunderland’s Charity Fundraising Concert with the Sunderland Symphony Orchestra.

(To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 21

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

In November, the Branch main event was our annual Remembrance Weekend, with many people including some members of The Rifles (who we were delighted to welcome) arriving from all over the UK and further away from France on Friday 6th and staying over until Monday 9th November. The venue for the Remembrance Reunion on Saturday 7th November was The Best Western Roker Hotel.

The weekend got off to a great start with the advance party of 153 members meeting at the Queen Vic Hotel for drinks and kinship on the Friday evening. A great night was had by all and set the scene for the main event on the Saturday night. Tickets for this evening were sold out 11 weeks before the event. Doors opened at 1800 hours and within 20 minutes all 261 members and their guests were seated and ready for the night’s entertainment. The Bugles of the Borneo Band opened with a performance of many of the bugle calls we all know and which brought back many memories. Supper consisted of a delicious curry which was well received by all. The raffle prize draw later on saw over 80 Raffle prizes being won. Ruth Dixon had kindly donated pictures from WO2 Ginger Dixon’s collection, these were auctioned and raised a grand total of £1660.00. The entertainment was provided

largest Parade in the UK outside London) formed up on a rather damp Sunday morning with 135 Riflemen making the largest contingent by far. We marched off to salute the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor and other dignitaries at 140 paces, drawing appreciative applause from those lining the streets. We were very pleased that our honorary member, Claire Neal, was able to be present for the Parade.

The Parade was followed by Lunch at the Roker Hotel and included around 200 members and their families, and we were honoured that The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Councillor Barry Curran and his wife Carol were able to join us. During lunch we held a further raffle and auctioned a Tower of London Poppy with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion The Branch Christmas Party was held in The Royal British Legion in Sunderland on the 5th December 2015, during which the Members will presented the RBL with a cheque for the funds raised during the auction and raffle at our Remembrance weekend.

On the 5th February 2016 the Branch held its Annual AGM at the Royal British Legion in Sunderland which saw the current committee being confirmed. During the meeting members discussed a range of items from the upcoming 2016 Regimental Birthday Celebration

Remembrance Parade.

by a fantastic group called Men in Black which had everyone dancing well into the early hours.

The Branch took the opportunity of this happy gathering to thank the outgoing President, Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux and the Chairman, Jake Cheetham for their support and work for over the past 7 years and welcomed the new President, Colonel James Ramsbotham and Chairman, David Nichol. The handover of the Presidency has already taken place.

The handover of the Chairmanship becomes effective on 1st January 2016.

The Sunderland Remembrance Parade (reputedly the 22 | SWIFT AND BOLD

in Winchester, Membership Fees, the Massed Band & Bugles of The Rifles event being held on Horse Guards on 1st and 2nd June 2016 and the Remembrance Parade Events for 2016.

The Branch continues to look forward to 2016 and wishes to express its utmost gratitude to the out- going President Nicholas Brigadier Prideaux and WO1 Jake Cheetham for their time, commitment and devotion to the development of the North East Branch and wish them every success and happiness for the future.

David Nichol Chairman JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Remembrance Parade Lunch.

THE NORTH WEST BRANCH Dear Fellow Riflemen

evenly for both charities. Well done Steve.

We have now completed our first full year as the newly formed North West Branch. We are all still new to the processes within the branch but we are now coming together as one unit and going forward. We still have some work to do but in time we will get to where we want to be.

This year we will not be holding a spring/Summer ball and this is a decision that was made due to the due to the preparation of the outing to Winchester for the 50th anniversary of the forming of the Royal Green Jackets in Winchester. Tom Fairclough has organised a coach and accommodation for up to 50 people from the North West branch who will be attending this celebration.

Our Riflemans dinner was held in the Atlantic Thistle Hotel in October 2015. This was again well attended by many members as well as a number of Riflemen from the Rifles. We had 2 guest speakers, Lt Col Philip Schofield and Alex Gardiner who made the evening well worth attending.

On Sunday 14th June 2015 Tom Fairclough laid a wreath on the Northern Ireland Memorial which sits at the back of St Georges Hall in St Johns Gardens.

Originally this parade was attended by various associations and was well attended. Unfortunately in 2015 this was a poor turnout with only Tom Fairclough and Mark Lydiat with a couple of other members attending. We have decided at our AGM that any future parades will be limited to after the main remembrance day parade in Liverpool, which we have done every year anyway since it was laid in 1994.

Again this year there was a very good turnout for the Remembrance Parade in Liverpool. After the parade many of our members got together in the Blacklers Rooms for a few drinks and refreshments with the aim to raise money for Care for Casualties and Soldiers Off Our Streets Charities. This was all arranged by Steve Donoghue who raise a total of ÂŁ510 which was split JOURNAL 2015

Our Riflemans dinner date will be announce shortly and we expect it to be around October again this year.

Once announced please get you application to us as soon as possible.

Over the past few months Ray Gerrard has been receiving applications and cheques. Although Ray is the Treasurer he is in the process of moving house and except that his mail has been redirected it would have gone missing. Please ensure that all correspondence comes to; The Secretary RGJ Association NW Branch 149 Pilch Lane Dovecot Liverpool L14 0LD Until next time, yours in green from the NW Branch.

Mark Lydiate Secretary melydiat@yahoo.co.uk 0151 283 0391, 07415 09219.

SWIFT AND BOLD | 23

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

THE OXFORD BRANCH In the past year the branch has focused on increasing membership and welcomes any new members including those ex members of the Rifles. We continue to support events in the County that are relevant to the Regiment especially where our WW2 Veterans are concerned. Support has been given to The Rifles in the City and in particular 7 Rifles and take every opportunity to portray The Rifles as the County Regiment in the local community.

We have also been establishing the branch as a “Stand alone” organisation now we have lost the support of the Oxford Office. Our thanks to those who have come forward to fill the breach namely Geoff Day, John Hudson, Roy Bailey and Andrea Isham. Our new President Brigadier (Retd) Robin Draper is now firmly in the chair in with his in indomitable style that brings much to the branch

OUOTC. Building jointly with Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum to raise money for Care for Casualties. this was well supported and a memorable few hours being able to see the other Alastair Murray.

On Sunday 24th May The Rifles exercised the Freedom of Oxford. The Branch was invited to take part and mustered about twenty who were still able to get around and be part of the marching contingent under the beady eye of our “Parade RSM” John Hudson. There was much grumbling in the ranks as we considered that The Rifles were not achieving 140 to the minute. We acknowledged the applause and cheers from the gathered throng as us bemedaled veterans could still do it!

Our thanks also go to Mike Marr for all his hard work for the branch in the past and the advice and support he is now giving in the changeover period. Also to Phil Evans who is standing down as secretary but will continue to support us by running raffles to help our funds. He will continue to be an asset to the branch I am sure.

We still have to fill the post of Secretary that is proving difficult. Sadly Roy Bailey will be producing his last “Lightbob” for the Branch in January 2016. We will With the The Rifles exercising the Freedom of Oxford. greatly miss his expertise in producing such a high standard newsletter. His attention to detail and The laying of a wreath on Major John Howard’s Grave enthusiasm is legendary and just hope we can replace on June 6th in Clifton Hampden is now become an him. annual event. this is well supported and retiring to the Barley mow after for jars is proving popular. There are We have been fortunate to have a good relationship with plans to install a Blue Plaque within the Church with the local media and have enjoyed much publicity to honour this great man. The branch will support this and being able to promote the Regiment in the where we can.

County. The Turning of The Pages Ceremony held in Christ Church Cathedral every two months has gone The annual Band Concert was held in July after dates from strength to strengthwith attendance and interest had to be changed this was again well supported. Our increasing. The branch has been influential in this thanks to Major Peter Clark, the Director of Music, and and sponsors a special ceremony on 11th November Capt Rick Fletcher PSAO A Coy 7 Rifles for making jointly with the Cathedral. it a great success. We were honoured to have Alan Tamblyn and some of his Bugle Association join the In March Al Murray, the pub landlord, fitted in a talk and question and answer session that was staged in the (To be con nued on next page) 24 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

In October members of the branch attended the

EBB Band Concert 2015

Waterloo Band during the concert. In future years this will be deemed a joint RGJ/Rifles event.

dedication of a gravestone to mark the VC of Edward Brooks OBLI at Rose Hill cemetery.

Terry Roper, Stubby Stephens and Derek Huggins along with other Chosen Men from various branches men made the pilgrimage to Waterloo on the 200th anniversary on a trip ably organised by Sandy Wells. It was great to catch up with Jake and Liz Cheetham an Derek and Val Hunter who were on the trip. We were welcomed to the battle site by Roy Bailey and his wife Annabel who had been the advance party from the 52nd Light Infantry. Needless to say that the hostelries of Brussels were sampled in true Rifleman style.

In late October several members of the branch visited the old Cowley Barracks, the depot of the OBLI, before the accommodation blocks, Moore and Napier, are demolished. The chairman is working with Oxford City Council to persuade the developers to mark in some way the significance of the site.

In September the chairman along with CO & Rifles were invited to a lunch at the Frewen Club in Oxford.

This gentleman’s club with many local businessmen as members had a relationship with the local Militia and then the TA Unit that goes back to the 1800’s and the club is keen to resurrect this relationship with A Coy and the RGJ Association. The logo of the club is crossed baker rifles and was formed from Rifleman in the Militia.

November 7th brought the annual reunion of the OBLI/ RGJ and now Rifles at Edward Brooks barracks. This was better supported this year with the numbers up a little that is encouraging. This was followed on Sunday with wreaths being laid by branch members at some of the Remembrance Day services across the County.

The Branch will deal with the changes and challenges that face us in true Rifleman style.

Swift and Bold Terry Roper, Chairman Oxford Branch

The Oxford Branch Reunion will take place on Saturday 12th November 2016.

SUFFOLK BRANCH Suffolk Branch will be holding their 30th Birthday Celebrations on Saturday the 11th of March 2017 at the Orwell Hotel Felixstowe.

Booking ref: BK70468.

We will be celebrating in style and extend the Invitation to all Green Jackets and their Partners.

Contact: Gordon at gordonpilcherrgj@yahoo.co.uk for more information.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 25

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

THE WILTSHIRE BRANCH Another busy year for the branch.

digging out those colourful shirts.

In February we gathered at the Hunters Moon for our first function of the year, the annual Ladies dinner night. A very good evening was had with well over forty members and their guests sitting down, one of our best attended functions for some time.

We want to take this opportunity to mention Pete Page and his Central branch for a great Greenstock, we had a good few members travel there and they all said how well it was organised and can’t wait for the next one in 2017. Well done to Pete and his gang.

In April we had Buffett lunch at the Thai Rice restaurant, Warminster. Due to the high numbers attending we had the place all to ourselves, Afterwards it was all back to the Old Bell to finish off what had been a great day. Well done to Phil and Val Ashby yet again, for very well organised functions.

October saw our 17th annual dinner and dance.

Thirty sixmembers and their guests sat down, the food, cabaret, and entertainment was again first class.

On May the 24th we joined forces with the Warminster Branch of the Royal British Legion in Heytesbury Village. We were helping them man the water point on the fifth and final day of The Forces Charity run/ march. This event retraces the route that the 2nd Bn Ox & Bucks took in 1942 from Devon to Bulford a total distance of about 135 miles. The oldest runner, a lady over 70 years who has taken part in over 250 marathons looked fresher than some of us handing out the water! You can be a team or run as an individual. Dutch Holland came through in a Project 65 tee shirt bearing L/ SjtTich Rayner’s name. Our branch may have an entry next year so “watch this space”. We had moved our location from previous years to the Red Lion pub and once the water point had closed we sat down to a very good Sunday roast. True to say the event doesn’t actually need that many of us to be there, but it is always a good excuse to get together with wives and partners.

Many branch members attended the reunion in Winchester in July, the weather was kind to us and we took the annual pilgrimage around the watering holes of Winchester, the Bakers Arms and the Westgate to name but two before the final stop at SJM Barracks for the main event. It was as usual well organised and we look forward to the “Big 50” in July 16.

August saw the annual branch BBQ and as is the tradition now the themed event is hosted by a branch member, this year CZ and JaxCiereszko hosted a Mexican themed affair which saw a good turn out with many over the top sombreros and some well dodgy moustaches along with the odd Mexican frog.

Well done to CZ and Jax for a great day (and night), excellent food and company. The host for #BBQ16 was announced and next year Gaz and Rosemary Peacock have volunteered to host it and decreed that the theme is to be Hawaiian. Some are already 26 | SWIFT AND BOLD

In deep conversa on during thr Branch Dinner Night.

This year in line with the previous years the branch supported the annual RBL Poppy appeal. The collection point was the Waitrose store in Warminster.

Friday and Saturday from 0900 until 1900hrs branch members manned the display dressed in regimental blazer beret and tie. The store was busy throughout the two days in spite of the appalling weather and the locals gave generously. The final total over the two day collection raised a total of £2119.98. Well done to all those who gave up their time and don’t forget, same time same place next year.

There was a good turnout again from the branch for the annual Remembrance parade held on the 8th of November with the branch highly visible at “Green Jacket corner”. The event is held at 1500hrs instead of the traditional time of 1100hrs and there is always a huge turnout for the event by the local population.

The Rifles Band and Bugles led the parade from the railway station to the war memorial through the town. Before the parade members met in the Old Bell in Warminster and prepared for the parade in the traditional Green Jacket way. Afterwards the branch as in previous years was invited to the Conservative club to join them in a bowl of hot stew.

(To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

and Bill over £600 was raised for this very worthwhile cause. Thank you to all those that sponsored them.

Christmas Eve saw the traditional gathering at the Conservative club and a good show of Christmas jumpers was to be seen, a great way to start Christmas and this annual event is firmly on the branch social calendar not least for the swopping of Christmas cards.

The AGM in January saw a new chairman take over from the outgoing Brian Darvill, who decided to step down after 7 years and Mike Walsh is the new man in the chair.

Brian was presented with a Kentchurch butler as a token of appreciation for all the hard work he Branch members at the poppy collec on that raised a total of £2119.98. has done on behalf of the Friday the 13th November saw us at the latest event branch. Thanks Brian we wish you and Blanche well in our social calendar, the annual skittles night, This and look forward to seeing you at the functions for was held at the Organ Inn Warminster and again many years to come. admirably organised by Phil and Val Ashby. Whilst the best skittler is rewarded with a magnificent trophy donated by David Smith the real challenge is avoiding the wooden spoon for getting the lowest score. Having won it for the last two years Brian and Blanche Darvill were anxious to avoid retaining it.

They succeeded (only just) and the holder of the wooden spoon for this year is Mags Caws with the award for the best skittler going to Bill Tyson, with Elaine Holcombe the ladies champion. Well done to all three.

The week before Christmas saw Mike Walsh and Bill Tyson, his wife Elaine along with his son Ronan, Chris Prevett and Steph Robinson took part in the “Walking home for Christmas” event organised by the charity “Walking with the Wounded”. The walk was about 12 miles along the scenic Kenneth and Avon canal and between Mike JOURNAL 2015

The outgoing Chairman Brian Darvill presented with a Kentchurch butler at the AGM. SWIFT AND BOLD | 27

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

WILTSHIRE BRANCH FORECAST OF EVENTS 2016 Month

Day

Date

Event

Venue

January

Thursday

7th

AGM

Consevative Club Warminster

February

Saturday

20th

Greyhound Racing and Dinner Night

Poole Dorset, BH15 2BP

April

Thursday Saturday

21st 23rd

Meeting St Georges Day Celebrations

Consevative Club Consevative Club Warminster

May

Sunday

29th

Project 65 March RBL Water Point + Lunch

The Red Lion Heytesbury

July

Saturday

9th

Thursday

14th

50th Anniversary RGJA Veterans Day Meeting

Sir John Moore Bks Winchester Consevative Club

August

Saturday

13th

Hawaiian BBQ

GAZ Peacock 155A Boreham Road

September

Thursday

22nd

Meeting

Consevative Club

October

Saturday

22nd

18th Annual Dinner

The Old Bell Hotel

November

Friday

11th

Armistice Day Parade

Fri/Sat Sunday

11th/12th 13th

Friday

25th

Poppy Collection Remembrance Day Lunch & Parade Skittles + Fish & Chips

CHAPEL OF ST LAWRENCE Waitrose Foyer Warminster Town Centre The Organ Inn

Thursday Thursday

8th 24th

Meeting X-Mas Eve Drinks

Consevative Club Consevative Club

December

THE WINCHESTER (HAMPSHIRE) BRANCH Right! Put your hands up if you like me were either mugged, persuaded or foolishly volunteered to write an article for this or any other of our periodicals and now realise that all those lovely original ideas you started with have all dried up. Or worse still (as in my case) already been used on previous pieces? Hmm let me see now… one, two, three… fifty three, fifty four … ok that’s enough, hands down, and welcome to the RGJ Writers Block Club and its affiliate ‘Entries must be in by yesterday!’

Of course there are many reasons for this condition.

Laziness and I will put it off until tomorrow being the main ones but there are two which really stand head and shoulders above all others. The first is sudden a realisation that very few of us have the journalistic and grammatical skill of say … Jeremy Clarkson. Particularly with his distinctive writing style of cramming every noun, verb, ad-verb, and adjective into a simple sentence and instantly creating an unforgettable picture in your head such as “Crikey the wind in my face is so strong my 28 | SWIFT AND BOLD

tonsils have now become lodged in my double man pouch!”. Talking about which… have you ever noticed how his writing style is also perfectly akin to that of a soldier’s skill at verbally exaggerating everything he does and sees? I reckon there is more than a bit of plagiarism going on there. OY! Clarkson where’s our 10%!

Leaving him aside for moment - in my case it was more than likely due to not paying enough attention to the delectable Miss Rymer. Oh how I together with all the other spotty male hormones on two legs in my classroom used to gaze adoringly at our schools Head of English.

Mind you we never really heard or understood what she was waffling on about as we were too busy deciding and arguing over which of us she fancied the most! Fat chance of that ever happening for so many reasons, not least because we were all knew Mr Shearer the Head of the Maths Department was showing her his equal angle (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

triangle after work. Anyway I guess in the long run it would have never been a harmonious and compatible union as she by now would be in her 90’s or pushing up daises somewhere!Not a particularly attractive thought that!

The other reason is that once you retire, life if you allow it to can become little mundane and quiet where nothing out of the ordinary seems to happen that you can talk about let alone report on, other than of course the occasional visit to a garden centre or stately home to see how the other half lived.

So thank God for the regiment and our association because this year has been a blast!

For example once Christmas and all of its festivities was out of the way our year kicked off with our branch AGM in February where Roy Stanger our Chairman in his usual ‘kinda stuff sort of way’ laid out a full and varied programme of activities for the year. Many of which have already been reported on in previous E-zines so I am not going to bore you to death again with all those stories.

However it is worth skimming across what the branch or individual members have been up to if for no other reason to show that we are not completely idle here in Hampshire. They are: • Branch and individual visits to military graves in France and the UK The ‘Fire up the Viano’ series. Read about them in the E-zines.

• Social Quiz and Skittles Nights – Evenings of fun questions at a knock down price!

• Clay Pidgeon Shooting (once a month) – aka the privilege of paying to annoy the residents of the village adjacent to the ATR! • Organising and running the RGJA Veterans Reunion – A total honour what else?

• Organising the KRRC Memorial Service on Remembrance Day in Winchester – another honour!

• Christmas Dinner and Dance at the South Winchester Golf Club - good food, good company and exercise – a bonus!

And a list of other events too numerous to mention otherwise you will fall asleep!

and valued member of our branch. Peter had been one of our founding members dating back to 1985 and had been actively involved in the organisation so many of our activities. Who could forget for example back in the late 80’s at Chilcombe ranges when he laid on an articulated lorry plus driver from his civilian company to give our wives and partners the chance to drive a stonking great juggernaut up and down the range road - mind you the road and its verges have never been the same since! In later years he was the lead for all our battlefield tours including one to the Royal Dockyard at Chatham where he showed us his cabin area on HMS Gannett which was a dormitory ship in the late 50’s and early 60’s and moored in the Hamble River as a dormitory ship for HMS Mercury (Naval School) where he was a pupil. An incredible and loyal friend to all Rifleman and the Regiment. He will be sorely missed.

So you see Hampshire and Winchester in Peter & Gilly French. particular has had a pretty good year all in all Memories of our lives our works and our deeds will live on in others. and I hope this lighted hearted way in which I have told you that hasn’t belittled what has been a great and fun filled year thoroughly enjoyed by our membership. Roll on 2016!

Best wishes to all fellow Riflemen and their families wherever they are in the world.

Sadly however the one cloud on our year was the loss of Peter French (ex 2GJ/2RGJ) a staunch JOURNAL 2015

A Rifleman like a friend is born – not made. He also allows you distance – but is never far away!

SWIFT AND BOLD | 29

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

THE YORKSHIRE BRANCH Peter Lyddon 1944 – 2015 This is not really a Branch Report but more of a series of memories of our former president Peter Lyddon MBE who died in October.

He joined the Yorkshire Branch at its inception in November 1997 when it was formed by David Bloomfield, and Mark Westbrook. David recently informed me that he had contacted Winchester and possibly as a consequence Peter was persuaded to join. He had recently left the Army (RGJ) and upon retirement as a Brigadier became the Chapter House Steward at York Minster. He lived at Huby, a village to the north of York, in a house on Gracious Street the address of which I’ve written many times on the envelopes of minutes, Christmas cards and other correspondence. I often wondered what the house was like.

Peter joined us either at the first or second meeting as we were his nearest branch and the only one so far to the north: at that time the North Eastern Branch did not exist. He accepted the office of Branch President and we were pleased and honoured that he had done so.

He was the first Brigadier I’d ever spoken to although I was once addressed by a General in Malaya when on parade. He asked me where I lived and when I told him that I came from Hull he asked me if I was familiar with Anlaby (which he mispronounced). I did not correct him. We were on first name terms with Peter.

He arrived at York Minster at about the same time as the present Arch Bishop, the ebullient Doctor John Sentamu. I remember the doctor boarding his launch at the Bishop’s palace to be conveyed up river to his inauguration and shouting down from the bridge, “ANY MORE FOR THE SKY-LARK?” The installation was shown on Yorkshire TV. Part of the ceremony involved some African drumming in which the prelate joined enthusiastically. Peter could be discerned in the background rocking and rolling with restrained abandon.

I never discovered what Peter’s duties were at the Minster but early in his career he invited the membership for a tour of the ancient place of worship, to be followed by a generous lunch at the adjacent college. I suspect he was using us as guinea pigs in order to rehearse his guiding skills for the future. Bill Broadbent who hadn’t been inside a church for many years was told forcibly by his wife to remove his flat cap within the hallowed surroundings.

30 | SWIFT AND BOLD

For several years Peter would appear as often as he could manage at our monthly meetings, sometimes accompanied by two fellow members from York who would otherwise have had to make the journey to Wakefield by train or bus. He came with us to the dedication of a brass plaque in honour of Rifleman Shepherd VC at the churchyard in Royston, in which town Shepherd lived. Amongst those present were the hero’s two sons. Peter, as the senior soldier on parade, as well as belonging to the same Regiment (KRRC) as Shepherd was prevailed upon to give an address and to perform the unveiling ceremony.

After a good many years Peter had the misfortune to fall victim to prostate cancer which he always referred to as “a water-works problem”. He made light of it but never managed to shake it off. By this time he usually only managed to see us at our AGMs. Eventually he had to contend with Chemotherapy which caused him a great deal of discomfort.

Two years ago he came to the April meeting and his hair which had once had the hue of a black bird’s wing had turned to silver. This year - 2015 - he looked much improved although he was still undergoing further treatment.

In September our Chairman Fred Williams was undergoing surgery at Huddersfield Royal. I sent Peter a card to let him know the situation: he used to write to our comrades in distress which they and their families appreciated – as I did.

A few days later I received a telephone call from Peter, who was phoning from St. Leonard’s Hospice in York.

His wife Nicky had passed on the card to him. He said, “I’m in the Hospice but it’s not the end. I’m just in for palliative care”. He wished Fred well with his operation and asked me to pass on his best wishes to our comrades in the Branch, and particularly to Harold Hillary who in his ninetieth year had moved to a Care Home.

About a week later I returned from a visit to Wakefield late in the evening of 7th October. My daughter told me she’d received a phone call from Edward Lyddon, Peter’s son, to say that his father had died peacefully that morning in the early hours. She added, “He did sound nice”.

Stuart Anderson, Hon Secretary JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 31

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM

2015/16 Report The Museum Report for this 2015 edition of Swift and Bold must start with a Tribute to Lt Gen (retd) Sir Christopher Wallace KBE who sadly died on 7 January 2016 whilst undergoing treatment for Amyloidosis, a rare disease that he had been battling for several years; his death was not unexpected given the condition he had but it was not anticipated that it would be so sudden. He had handed over Chairmanship of the Museum Trustees to myself, Brigadier (retd) Vere Hayes, at the end of October 2015 but retained a number of projects to complete himself as well as opting to continue to run the Friends of the Museum and the associated annual programme of evening talks and weekend Seminars. As I write this, a month after he died, there is still much to pick up but he has left the Museum in excellent shape after his years as Chairman of the Trustees. I can do no better than to repeat here what he wrote in the December 2015 E-zine.

During the 16 years I was Chairman I have witnessed great change in the wider museum sector and in the impact of that change on our Museum. Museums now have to be much more professionally and imaginatively run if they are to be sustainable over the mid to long term.

Success is dependent upon offering a great visitor experience. Good governance, high standards of curatorial care, interpretation and display, and a sound financial base are all essentials.

Our Museum is scoring increasingly highly on all these points. We have an excellent Board of Trustees with a wide range of professional skills; we have a small but dedicated permanent staff backed up by equally committed volunteers; and we have financial reserves that would enable us to weather a short-lived albeit not a lasting storm. Our growing reputation as a pro-active, innovative regimental museum is one in which I am very pleased to have been able to play a part.

He ended by saying: ‘I shall continue to give my fullest support to a Museum of which all of us in the Regiment, although I say it myself, should be proud’.

I think he is right, we should all be proud of the Museum that he did so much to develop and grateful for his dedication to researching, recording and displaying our Heritage. He will be greatly missed.

Turning to 2015, the main event of the year was the opening in March of the exhibition ‘With the Rifles to Waterloo’ created to coincide with the 200th commemoration of the battle of Waterloo. It has been a resounding success; the final total of visitors in year was 16,142, an all-time record 30% up over 2014, generating an increase of £12k in admission Lt Gen Sir Christopher Wallace 32 | SWIFT AND BOLD

(To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

income and a 69% increase in shop and on-line sales. As icing on the cake, the Museum received a MOD Sanctuary Runners-Up Award for the best Heritage Project in 2015, the first time in the history of these awards dating back to 1991 that a military museum has received a Heritage Award. If you have not yet visited the exhibition you are missing a treat; in particular the cleaned and restored diorama of the battle is magnificent and attracts favourable comment from all who see it and listen to the accompanying description of the events of 18 June 1815. A quirky detail that will amuse any of your children is the trade mark of the individual who made the diorama originally; Terence Cuneo, the artist used to hide a mouse in his paintings, Michael Buxton who created the Waterloo diorama used to put a figure urinating somewhere in his models. This only came to light when the diorama was being restored – see if you or your family can spot the figure, there are only around 30,000 to check!

Another feature of the Waterloo exhibition was the unveiling of a new painting by Jason Askew portraying the attack by the 52nd Light Infantry under the command of Col John Colborne on the flank of the French Imperial Guard. This attack, executed on his own initiative by Colborne was instrumental in the repulse of the Imperial Guard, triggered the collapse of the French forces that day and the defeat of Napoleon.

The Museum Trustees are very grateful to the London Branch who raised a magnificent sum of £10k to sponsor the painting; it hangs now in the Kincaid Gallery and is widely admired. The debate over how the Imperial Guard was repulsed – was it the Guards sudden appearance and musket fire as the French JOURNAL 2015

reached the crest of the Mont St Jean ridge or the shock of a flank attack by the 52nd – continues; a definitive conclusion may never be reached but the Askew painting portrays dramatically a key moment in the battle in which the 52nd and 95th played a part.

So what does 2016 hold in store for your Museum? The principal requirement for the year could be described as ‘consolidation’. The need to concentrate on delivering the Waterloo Exhibition has not been without cost to the day to day administration of the Museum and in particular the curatorial work that is essential; the alterations to the ‘old’ top floor layout of the Museum has removed many artefacts from display and documenting these changes has yet to be completed in full. In addition the Soldiers of Oxford Museum has returned a large amount of pictures, silver and some Regimental Colours, that were part of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire collection but were no longer required by them; checking the condition and provenance of these items, and disposing of any that it is decided should not be retained as part of the RGJ Collection, is time consuming but essential to complete correctly for the reputation of our Museum.

That said improvements continue and new displays will be opened during the year of which the case displaying the VC won by Lt Geoffrey Woolley QVR in April 1915 is perhaps the most significant. This will be the first time that an original VC has been on permanent display within the Museum and it has necessitated installing a secure case and CCTV to meet insurance requirements. The medal group including the OBE and MC also won by Geoffrey Woolley has been presented to the Museum by his son who will unveil the display case in March.

The Trustees are now considering whether the next ‘big project’ for the Museum could be creating a ‘For Valour’ Gallery based on the 59 VCs won by antecedent Regiments of the Royal Green Jackets. This would be a major undertaking, dwarfing the Waterloo Exhibition in terms of the alterations that would be needed within (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 33

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Museum as it is currently; any such project will be some time away - but watch this space!

Finally I do encourage you to visit the Museum when you come to Winchester for our 50th Anniversary celebrations in July. We are working on getting more photographs onto the VDU in the RGJ section of the Museum for you to look at and reminisce over; if you have pictures that could be included please send them in - BUT do make sure they are suitable for the Public to see and do not portray the Regiment in a bad light! Alternatively there will be a small display

of photographs on 9 July at Sir John Moore Barracks divided into years and battalions; you can bring along a copy of any pictures you may have and add them to the appropriate year/battalion at the Reunion. If you do so please put the detail on the back of ‘who, where, when’ so that we can archive them later; without that detail photographs are of much less historic value.

And don’t forget, a selection of 50th Anniversary merchandise is being stocked in the shop so keep an eye on line for what is coming in.

Brigadier Vere Hayes Chairman RGJ (Rifles) Museum Trustees

The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum 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

)$5 ,1 $'9$1&( 7+( 3(1,168/$5 :$5 3$,17,1*6 2) &+5,67$ +22.

)RUHZRUG E\ 3HWHU 6QRZ ,QWURGXFWLRQ E\ 3KLOLS +D\WKRUQWKZDLWH RUQWKZDLWH )LUVW PDUNHWHG DV ¶(SLVRGHV IURP WKH 3HQLQVXODU :DU LW·V RYHU SDJHV DQG IXOO RI VWXQQLQJ *UHHQ -DFNHW 3HQLQVXODU :DU KLVWRU\ DQG LPDJHV LQFOXGLQJ PDQ\ VFHQHV GHSLFWHG IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH +DUGEDFN ZLWK D GXVWFRYHU [ PP

Â… S S

$YDLODEOH IURP WKH 5*- 0XVHXP ZZZ VKRS PXVHXP FR XN DQG ZZZ ULIOHVGLUHFW FRP

ZZZ IDFHERRN FRP FKULVWDKRRNDUWLVW H PDLO LQIR#FKULVWDKRRN FR XN

6XSSRUWLQJ

E -zine

Please note that the next publishing date for E-Zine is 30 September 2016.

34 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Associa on

REGIMENTAL TITLES The three regiments that preceded The Royal Green Jackets and which merged on 1 January 1966 to form The Royal Green Jackets were: The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry The King’s Royal Rifle Corps The Rifle Brigade

The succession of titles used by these regiments prior to 1 January 1966 is listed below.

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (1741-1966) 1741 - Colonel Fowke’s Regiment of Foot 1741 - Colonel Graham’s Regiment of Foot 1746 - Colonel Kennedy’s Regiment of Foot 1747 - 54th Regiment of Foot 1751 - Renumbered 43rd Regiment of Foot 1782 - 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot 1803 - 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) 1755 - 54th Regiment of Foot 1756 - Renumbered 52nd Regiment of Foot 1782 - 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot 1803 - 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) 1881 - The Oxfordshire Light Infantry 1908 - Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1958 - 1st Green Jackets, 43rd and 52n

The King’s Royal Rifle Corps (1755-1966 1755 - 62nd (Royal American) Regiment of Foot 1756 - Renumbered 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot 1824 - 60th (The Duke of York’s Own Rifle Corps) 1830 - 60th (The King’s Royal Rifle Corps) 1881 - The King’s Royal Rifle Corps 1958 - 2nd Green Jackets, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps

The Rifle Brigade (1800-1966) 1800 - Experimental Corps of Riflemen 1800 - The Corps of Riflemen 1802 - 95th Regiment (Rifles) 1816 - The Rifle Brigade 1862 - The Prince Consort’s Own Rifle Brigade 1881 - The Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort’s Own) 1921 - The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own) 1958 - 3rd Green Jackets, The Rifle Brigade

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 35

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Who Did Defeat The Imperial Guard at Waterloo?

18 June 1815

T

HE ROLE OF the 52nd in the rout of the Imperial Guard at Waterloo has been mired in controversy, giving rise to what some historians have described as the biggest myth about the battle. As the highly-respected Napoleonic historian, Philip Haythornthwaite, has observed, this controversy has generated considerable heat but little light. Some new light has, however, been shed on the contribution of the 52nd earlier in the battle which will be covered in this article. Also, the article will look at the most controversial aspect of the 52nd in the battle, the 52nd’s rôle in the defeat of the Imperial Guard.

Looking southwest towards Hougoumont from the road running along the Mont St Jean ridge. In the foreground is the promontory known as the Tongue and referred to by the French as the plateau. Adam’s Brigade was deployed down the slope with its right against the Hougoumont enclosures near the cart with two horses. The French cavalry a acked from le to right. The Imperial Guard also a acked across this ground, wet and heavy from 18 hours of torren al rain before the ba le and churned up by the hooves of 9,000 French horses. By the me the Imperial Guard a acked, the ground was strewn with the bodies of dead and wounded men and horses.

The latest author to enter into the debate is Paul Dawson, who devotes an appendix to the subject in ‘Au Pas de Charge’. He holds forthright views: ’Yet, this myth is still peddled by a number of British historians and organisations, notably Nigel Sale and the Waterloo Committee. Indeed Nigel Sale believes there was a great cover up and conspiracy to stop the truth coming out that the 52nd Regiment of Foot and not the 1st Foot Guards defeated the Imperial Guard. This is total nonsense. Basing the account of the defeat of the Imperial Guard solely on the work of William Leeke, [Ensign, 52nd], George Gawler, [Lieutenant, 52nd] and letters from Generals Byng and Maitland [both commanding Guards’ brigades], and others to support his thesis, he produces a narrative of 36 | SWIFT AND BOLD

the events of Waterloo and the attack of the Imperial Guard that says nothing new, is overtly biased in its conclusions as it is written explicitly to support the fanciful ideas of William Leeke, [principally that the 52nd defeated the Imperial Guard single-handed] and also in its lack of French, Dutch-Belgian, Hanoverian, Nassau and Prussian sources, is yet another example of the Waterloo Myth being kept alive, through British army tradition of the Royal Green Jackets and poor ‘histiography’.

While many who’ve read Sale might agree with some or much of this, the last few words highlighted in red’ (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Ensign William Leeke.

By kind permission of Andy Browning.

cannot rest unchallenged. The late Lieutenant General Sir Christopher Wallace grappled extensively with the thorny matter of who the 52nd routed when commissioning the Waterloo Bicentenary Commemorative Painting by Jason Askew of the action which hangs in the Museum’s new Kincaid Gallery. With his characteristic thoroughness, General Christopher consulted widely and patiently. He went further, and allocated one of the Waterloo seminars last year specifically to ventilate discussion of both aspects of the controversy. Nigel Sale (‘The Lie at the Heart of Waterloo’) put forward his controversial view and the established Waterloo historian, Andrew Field, the more widely-accepted view, which draws on his extensive research and knowledge of French as well as all other sources. Another Museum expert and Wellington Archive career researcher, Stephen Petty, gave a robust and critical rebuttal of the conspiracy theory. Several seminar participants who arrived as Sale acolytes, left with their faith in his thesis eroded.

Dawson’s book and another by the prolific Peninsular and Waterloo historian, Gareth Glover, were published too late for the Museum’s seminar. Rude to the point of professional offensiveness, Dawson goes further in ‘Au Pas de Charge’ and asserts that the 52nd did not rout any part of the Imperial Guard. He argues that the 4th Chasseurs, who most historians place as the leftmost formed body in the Imperial Guard attack, were one of the battalions on the right. His assertion is JOURNAL 2015

that the body attacked by the 52nd were line infantry from Reille’s 2nd Corps, supporting the attack of the Imperial Guard from the French left at Hougoumont.

So, not only do we have the outlying view of Sale at one end of the spectrum but now have Dawson’s equally controversial view at the other end! Who is right?

Where does that elusive beast, ‘the truth’ reside?

Andrew Field and I have examined Dawson’s thesis in considerable depth, returning to the French source material used by both of them, as well as examining other sources. My conclusion is that Dawson, like Sale, has set out to prove a point, an opposing one to that of Sale and to the extent of wanting to discredit him. By doing so, he has compromised the objectivity, integrity and plausibility of his work by cherry-picking source material to support his case and ignoring sources which might challenge it. This is a pity - both Sale and Dawson have spent an immense amount of time and effort researching and assembling their propositions yet both, from opposite ends of the spectrum of plausibility, have committed the same cardinal error of selective source usage. As with Sale’s view, I do not accept Dawson’s thesis nor will do so until there is convincing new evidence to overturn the current conventional view, espoused most recently and comprehensively by Andrew Field (‘Waterloo: The French Perspective’), that it was the 4th Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard who were flanked, attacked and routed by the 52nd. Andrew Field has been in correspondence with Paul Dawson who suggested he has further corroborating evidence to support his thesis, but this is not currently available.

Colonel Sir John Colborne, CO 52nd, (right), and his Corps Commander, Lord (Rowland) Hill, by Jan Pieneman, 1824.

By kind permission of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

(To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 37

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

But first, there is new light shed on the 52nd and the 2nd Division during the massed French cavalry attacks in the afternoon of the battle from c 1600 hrs to 1830 hrs.

Gareth Glover’s ‘Waterloo: The Defeat of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard’ brings valuable new material from largely previously-unpublished letters and papers of Sir Henry Clinton. He commanded the 2nd British Infantry Division which comprised Sir Frederick Adam’s 3rd (Light) Brigade (52nd, 71st, 2/95th and two companies of 3/95th) and brigades of King’s German Legion and Hanoverian Militia. From these papers, we now know that, from the time the 2nd Division was brought forward from its reserve position behind Hougoumont to help counter the cavalry charges c 1600 hrs until the end of the battle, Adam, Clinton and Wellington were close at hand and often hands on, as one would expect.

Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton, GOC 2nd Bri sh Infantry Division. (RGJ Museum)

Having ordered each battalion to form line in four ranks, Wellington moved Adam’s Brigade down the slope, with the 52nd in a second line, to form a ‘breakwater’ in front of the ridge to blunt the French cavalry’s momentum, protect the artillery and support the Allied troops holding the grounds of Hougoumont.

This exposed them to the formidable French guns which took their toll, particularly on the 2/95th. When the forward battalions formed square, a substantial gap was opened between them. Colborne spotted 38 | SWIFT AND BOLD

the risk and, without orders and so on his own initiative, immediately deployed his battalion into two squares and plugged the gap. Adam was suitably complimentary about Colborne’s move.

Having seen the steadiness of the British veterans advancing under heavy fire, a French cavalry officer later said to colleagues that he had remarked at the time that these were ‘Spanish’ veterans who they would not break. And so it proved. Lieutenant Charles Holman, 52nd, a Peninsular veteran, recorded in his journal: “We advanced within 200 paces of this mass of cavalry [cuirassiers]. In a few minutes they made a most desperate charge on us but were suffered to approach within 25 paces when they received a fire which nearly annihilated their advanced squadrons.

They attempted it twice but were each time repulsed.

The enemy [infantry] having got possession of the orchard at Hougoumont we were obliged to retire to the top of the hill and part of our division [including the 3/95th] was sent to drive them from it.” The 52nd Peninsular veterans described the cannonading they received in this part of the battle as the worst they’d experienced. Although casualties were taken, Wellington’s use of this seasoned part of his reserve, together with the rest of Clinton’s Division, proved highly effective – its part both in the defeat of the cavalry attacks and the defence of Hougoumont has hitherto been overlooked until Glover’s recent valuable and welcome research and scrutiny.

Once withdrawn onto the reverse slope for protection from the artillery, Adam’s Brigade, although they did not yet know it, were positioned for their next great contribution to the battle. It was not long before a French cavalry colonel arrived at the 52nd’s position having deserted. He gave himself up and told Colborne that Napoleon was preparing almost the last of his reserves of the Imperial Guard to attack the ridge and try to break through the Allied position before the Prussians reached the battlefield in overwhelming strength. The Frenchman was taken off to Wellington, who was close by, and who now had about half an hour to prepare for Napoleon’s last throw of the dice.

Could the Imperial Guard provide the coup de grace as they had always done in the past, and, most recently, only two days before at Ligny, and deliver Napoleon victory as he stared defeat in the face?

The account which follows draws heavily on Andrew Field’s ‘Waterloo: The French Perspective’. Because of space constraints, it stops at c 2000hrs and so covers only the most controversial first part of the rout of the Imperial Guard. It also draws on some underused source material e.g. from the Dutch National Archives (quoted in Veronica Baker’s admirable ‘Wellington’s Hidden Heroes’ which amplifies Field’s observations about the Dutch-Belgians).

(To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Leeke’s annota ons in his Siborne mapbook showing the ‘breakwater’ deployment of Adam’s brigade in squares.

By kind permission of Andy Browning.

By the me the Imperial Guard a acked the Allies on the Mont St Jean ridge, Napoleon was figh ng the Prussians, (black), arriving in increasingly overwhelming numbers.

By kind permission of Nick Lipscombe.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 39

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page) Private, 52nd (Oxfordshire) Light Infantry TThe 52nd was the sstrongest ba alion on tthe field of Waterloo, numbering 1,100 bayonets. It had added tto its usual considerable numbers by taking the eeffec ves from its 2nd Ba alion and receiving a dra from the South Hampshire mili a. Its sstrength enabled it to operate in two wings. o

Private, 1st Grenadiers a Pied, Imperial Guard Previously undefeated, the Old Guard had hitherto carried all before them.

Both images by kind permission of Clive Farmer.

The Imperial Guard deployed five battalion squares in staggered echelon with the right square against the main highway just south of La Haie Sainte Farm, which had fallen to the French an hour or so earlier after a protracted and heroic defence, giving the opportunity to break through the Allies’ centre. Between the squares were pairs of guns from the Imperial Guard Horse Artillery. A sixth battalion was sent to guard the Hougoumont flank. The six were drawn from the 3rd and 4th Regiments of Grenadiers and Chasseurs, still known as the ‘Middle’ Guard although re-designated as Old Guard when Napoleon reformed the Imperial Guard prior to the campaign. Further back, in reserve near Napoleon’s headquarters at La Belle Alliance, ‘were the 2/2nd Grenadiers, the 2/1st and 2/2nd Chasseurs as well some Imperial Guard heavy cavalry and more guns. There was also to be support from the troops already north of La Haie Sainte and from those deployed against Hougoumont.

Napoleon’s plan was for the five squares to march north, parallel to the main highway and hit the Allied troops on the ridge in a succession of hammer blows.

Later, when in exile, he wrote that it was his intention 40 | SWIFT AND BOLD

for the three reserve battalions to join the assault. This did not happen. Having led the assault troops forward to La Haie Sainte, Napoleon handed over command to Marshal Ney. Rather than marching north, the squares were led north west, with the three squares on the left probably drifting further to their left, perhaps due to the promontory extending from the ridge referred to as the Tongue and, by the French, as the plateau. The result of this has led some writers to believe there were two or even three attacks or, at least, several phases of the main attack. The first to hit the top of the ridge were the 1/3rd Grenadiers (1) (see map on page 43) who combined with troops from 1st Corps (2) to push back the Brunswick battalions (3) which had been personally led forward by Wellington.

Seeing this, the Prince of Orange took the initiative and bravely led forward Kruse’s Nassauers and what remained of Kielmannsegge’s brigade. Sadly, the Prince was wounded, which demoralised his troops further (for they were already short of ammunition), (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

and the counter-attack fizzled out (4).

Wellington knew that these troops, having had several hours in action and a rough time at Quatre Bras two days before, would be likely to be approaching their breaking point. Consequently, he had already moved his reserve infantry division of Dutch-Belgians under General David Chassé into a supporting position when the attack was imminent. The Belgian Chassé was a Peninsular veteran who’d fought in French service and was known as ‘General Baionette’ for his like of using cold steel. He went forward because the British artillery fire was faltering and found it was because they were running out of ammunition. The first thing he did was to order up his own hitherto-uncommitted horse artillery, six guns and two howitzers, before returning to put himself at the head of Detmer’s brigade and leading it forward. Furthermore, he saw the Allied troops breaking and nothing between his JOURNAL 2015

leading battalion from Detmer’s brigade and the Imperial Guard. He, too, seized the initiative and, without orders, personally led the charge which routed the 1/3rd Grenadiers (5). The next Imperial Guard battalion, the 4th Grenadiers, had also reached the top of the ridge and, with its supporting horse artillery, poured musketry and grapeshot into Colin Halkett’s 5th Brigade which, after a brief firefight, fled for cover in panic (6). Fortunately, Chassé’s fresh troop of horse artillery soon put the French guns out of action. Two more of Detmer’s battalions had also moved forward which, with the Belgian guns, both saved Halkett’s brigade from annihilation and sent the 4th Grenadiers back down the slope (7).

The two battalions of the 3rd Chasseurs arrived on the Tongue almost simultaneously (8).

Their accompanying artillery did great damage to the Allied artillery until they, too, were silenced by Belgian guns. As the Chasseurs advanced along the Tongue, their ranks were devastated by British guns firing canister. On they came, surprised not to be meeting Allied infantry and seeing only a few mounted officers. But surprised they were to be, for Wellington had ordered Maitland’s Foot Guards to lie down for protection from artillery fire and was on hand to launch them from little more than 30 metres at the Chasseurs: “Now, Maitland, now’s your chance!” Up rose probably 800 of the 3/1st Guards in four ranks. The Chasseurs desperately tried to deploy into line to maximise their fire power but were destroyed by the weight of the Guards’ volleys and the continuing storm of canister. General Michel, leading the Chasseurs, was killed. In came the bayonet charge from the Foot Guards which broke the Chasseurs who turned tail and started rushing down the slope, pursued by the frenzied Guards. “We poured in a volley close” Lieutenant Colonel James Stanhope, 1/3rd Foot Guards, wrote home the following day, “which mowed down the front ranks, cheered and charged, they were completely routed.” On went the Guards to the foot of (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 41

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

the slope, driving all before them, but leaving a huge gap on the ridge.

shoulders and moved on to attack the left flank of the French. This was an amazing body of the Imperial Guards who, on perceiving us, threw back their left as if on parade to receive us. We marched with sloped

Imperial Guard squares advancing towards the ridge.

By kind permission of Andrew Field.

And danger was approaching in the form of the strongest Imperial Guard formation, the 4th Chasseurs, numbering some 800. Uncharacteristically disordered, the Foot Guards managed to rush back to their original position; the Chasseurs pressed on, seeing the chaos and sensing an opportunity. Also alert to the danger was Colborne. For the second time in the day, and again without waiting for orders, he took the initiative and moved his battalion, which was in four ranks, down the slope to take the 4th Chasseurs in the flank (10). General Adam rode over to Colborne to ascertain what he was intending: “Make that column feel our fire” was his reply, Adam quickly left to get his other battalions moving in support of the 52nd.

Colborne detached one company to provide a skirmish line to protect the rest of the Battalion while each company wheeled into position to flank the Chasseurs.

During this firefight, most of the 52nd’s 10% casualties were taken. Lieutenant Charles Holman: “With redoubled vigour we immediately brought up our right 42 | SWIFT AND BOLD

arms until we arrived within about 30 paces when we gave a shout and charged; the French immediately gave way when we made pretty havoc among them.”

The head of the Chasseurs formation was also assailed by the 2/95th. Its acting CO, Captain Joseph Logan, wrote in a letter on 10 July: “Lord Wellington rode up to me and ordered I should attack them immediately….. such a carnage I never before beheld. The firing of the guns etc was so great that the man next to me could not hear my orders. After some desperate fighting the French began to retire and you may be certain we stuck to their breasts.” General Clinton, too, was on hand to order the rest of his division to support Adam.

This version of the rout of the Imperial Guard has several parts of Wellington’s Allied army playing key roles in the defeat of the Imperial Guard and, of course, Wellington himself. No single unit can (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

By kind permission of Andrew Field.

claim the credit to the exclusion of others. Each successive element in the Imperial Guard’s attack was defeated comprehensively. The cumulative effect of these three successive defeats was as devastating on French morale as it was unprecedented.

The previously unimaginable had not just become real but turned into a nightmare. Each part of the Imperial Guard must have become increasingly aware that something awful was happening. But these were proud, disciplined warriors.

The 4th Chasseurs, like the other attacking formations, kept their shape, and were still able to execute a complex manoeuvre in battle conditions “as if on parade.” So what accounts for the disintegration of both the attacking Imperial Guard units and the French army as a whole?

No doubt it was the coalescence of several factors in addition to the (To be con nued on next page)

A controversial Siborne map showing a large body of the Imperial Guard (blue) ascending the slope about to be flanked by the 52nd (red). In fact, Leeke’s pencil annota ons show the 52nd making their a ack several hundred metres down the slope. The 52nd swept diagonally across the ba lefield, supported by the rest of Adam’s Brigade, towards the main highway, (posi ons reached are shown in black ink), driving the fleeing Imperial Guard before them.

(Andy Browning).

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 43

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

blows the Imperial Guards suffered. One major factor was perhaps the biggest lie at the heart of Waterloo: Napoleon had lied to his army. Knowing that the sightings of troops on his right flank were Prussians, he deliberately had the news spread throughout his troops facing Wellington that it was Marshal Grouchy’s wing of 33,000 on its way to assure victory. Understandably, a wave of euphoria lifted French spirits and revived their resolve. But when the ghastly truth became known that Napoleon had betrayed their trust, the Imperial Guard had been routed and, furthermore, that the pivot of their line, between Lobau’s 6th Corps and Durutte’s Division of 1st Corps, was being overwhelmed by the Prussians, panic ripped through his army like a tsunami, devastating morale and any thought of victory. Order turned to chaos; a very fine,

if flawed, army disintegrated progressively, with a few exceptions, into a routed rabble.

For the second time in the battle, Colborne’s rapid appraisal of the circumstances, willingness to seize the initiative without waiting for orders and selection of the appropriate tactical response were supremely effective. His precisely-timed intervention of his strong Battalion was the straw which broke the camel’s back.

His was a superb manoeuvre, brilliantly executed by the only Allied battalion on the field of battle with the leadership, necessary light infantry training, experience, numbers and confidence to pull it off. It was Swift and it was Bold.

Nick Haynes (To be con nued on next page)

The Rout of the Imperial Guard by Jason Askew (RGJ Museum). The 52nd’s a ack was supported on their le by the 2/95th.

The Tongue in the background was the scene of the 3/1st Guards repulse of the 1st and 2nd Ba alions of the 3rd Chasseurs.

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM ‘With the Rifles to Waterloo’ A major permanent exhibition about Wellington’s defeat of Napoleon on 18 June 1815.

44 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Major Chalmers leads the charge of the 52nd over the dead and wounded 4th Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard. Ensign Leeke carries the Regimental Colour – in front of him is Colborne, whose horse had been shot from under him. Ensign Ne les, carrying the King’s Colour, and the Colour Serjeant with him, were both killed by roundshot as the 52nd descended from the ridge. In the heat of the ac on, the Colour was forgotten but was found the following morning by gunners.

By kind permission of Hugh Dumas.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 45

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

FRENCH LANDLADY HID BUCKS BATTALION OBLI BAND INSTRUMENTS FROM GERMAN ARMY AT DUNKIRK REARGUARD 1940

Buckinghamshire Ba alion OBLI Cap Badge 1908-46

Amongst the horror and carnage of the 1940 Retreat at Dunkirk and the subsequent brutal reprisal killings by the Germans on the local French population who had helped the British Army, was a defiant elderly French Landlady who had helped an English soldier from Aylesbury in the Buckinghamshire Battalion.

210 Bucks Battalion troops later returning to England.

Many of the Bandsmen were Stretcher-bearers in the Medical Section of HQ Company. The German 8th Panzer Division Chief of Staff Oberst Kurt Zeitzler later said of the Bucks Battalion soldiersat Hazebrouck “They were tough all right … they were Men of Steel”.

The 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was part of the B.E.F. in 1940. The Buckinghamshire Battalion had been raisedas a Territorial unit in the County in 1908 and although was Light Infantry had retained many “Rifles” traditions and customs,including a black Maltese Cross capbadge and a Rifles Charcoal Grey Dress Uniform and black Cross Belt,from their antecedent Bucks Rifle Volunteer Corps of 1859. The Bucks Battalion had a Regimental Band anda Bugles Platoon and the Regimental March was “I’m Ninety Five” which they had “borrowed” from the Rifle Brigade, whilst the remainder of the OBLI marched to “Nachtlager in Grenada”. Two Territorial battalions 1/1 and 2/1 Bucks had fought on the Western Front in World War One including 2/1 Bucks at Fromelles on 19/20th July 1916 with the Australian Army.In 1939 the 1 BUCKS Battalion HQ was at the Drill Hall in Oxford Road Aylesbury, and Rifle Companyswereat Wolverton, Aylesbury, Princes Risborough and High Wycombe.

Prior to deploying to Waterloo early in May 1940, Corporal Stan Fowler (see photo) of the Bucks Battalion Regimental Bandhad asked his Wahagnies billet elderly French Landlady if he could hide 13 of the Regimental Bandmusical instruments in her house and she agreed.

Stan Fowler (Cornet), his cousin Bandsman Harry Carr (Tuba) and their uncle SerjeantJoe Cripps (Trombone) were from the village of Waddesdonnear Aylesbury and they were all serving in the Bucks Battalion Pioneer Platoon, and they also played in the Bucks Battalion Regimental Band. Later in the War Harry Carr married Joyce, the sister of Bandsman Jim “Topper” Hopkins (Trombone) of Haddenham. On 28th May the German 2nd Battalion 497 Regimentcommanded by Colonel Hocker Heinrich entered Wahagnies and executed 17 civilian Frenchmen as reprisals for local French Resistance activity. The elderly French Landlady’s house was searched by the German troopsbut she did not disclose the hiding place despite being threatened and charged as a collaborator with the British Army.

In January 1940 the Bucks Battalion was billeted in the village of Wahagnies (pronounced “Warknees” by the English soldiers) on the France/Belgium border.

Following the invasion of Belgium in May 1940, the Bucks Battalion deployed eastward to the village of Waterloo; Serjeant Strange (Bugler) later wrote that the Mortar Platoon had dug in at the base of the Lion Mound on the Waterloo battlefield – 125 years earlier in 1815 the 52nd Oxfordshire Light Infantry had decisively attacked Napoleon’s Imperial Guard at Waterloo (“The Lie at the Heart of Waterloo” by Nigel Sale 2015). The Bucks Battalion then redeployed to Hazebrouck and engaged the German 8th Panzer Division on 27/28th May as part of the Dunkirk Rearguard, with only about

The Bucks Battalion was quickly reformed in England after Dunkirk and in October 1940 the Honorary Colonel Lord Cottesloe of Swanbourne had set up a County Subscription Fund in Buckinghamshire and bought a replacement set of reconditioned silver-band instruments for the Band and Bugles. During WW2 as well as a Regimental Band the Bucks Battalion musicians also ran a popular Dance Band; there having been a very strong tradition of Brass and Silver Bands in North Buckinghamshire. In 1941 the Bucks Battalion’s 2 Honorary Colonels Lord Cottesloe and H.R.H. Princess Marina inspected the Regimental

46 | SWIFT AND BOLD

(To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

In 1946 the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was disbanded.

In 2014 a brass trombone stamped BUCKS BATT was handed into the Rifles Oxford Office together with a copy of a letter from SSAFA to Mr Lawrie, 65a Tring Road, Aylesbury in 2002. The Boosey& Co. records show this trombone was made in 1924, and it could be one of the original 13 Band instruments hidden from the Germans in 1940 at Dunkirk. It is now held by the Bucks Military Museum Trust (www.bmmt.co.uk) who hold the Bucks Battalion regimental property in trust.

Captain Christopher Coade (ex 4&5 RGJ Aylesbury 1983-95) is researching the Bucks Battalion Regimental Band and there are 2 specific points he wants to clarify: • Does anybody have any information about the Bucks Battalion’s 3 months in the village of Wahagnies in early1940 and in particular the remarkableelderly French Landlady, whose name remains unknown.

Harry Carr (le ) and Stan Fowler back in England 1940.

Band and Bugles in Devon with their new Band instruments and black Rifles Side Hats. The OBLIWar Chronicle records that the Bandmaster was Mr Geoffrey Hardy of the K.R.R.C. and that the “Keel Row” was played – the C.O. Lt Col J.E. Dunbar Kilburn remarked “Mr Hardy and his Boys will make Noises”.

On D-Day 6th June 1944 the Bucks Battalion and Serjeant Stan Fowler landed back in France with their Commanding Officer Lt Col Ronald Sale (father of Nigel Sale). In October 1944 Serjeant Stan Fowler went back to the village of Wahagnies and knocked on the front door of his old billet. The delighted elderly French Landlady welcomed his back into her house and she and her elderly husband and sister ripped up the wooden floorboards of their cellar and gave him back the 13 Band instruments, which were then returned to England.The C.O. Lt Col H.H.H. Boehm wrote a Letter of Thanks to the French Landlady. The remainder of the other old Band instruments had been found by the Germans in another local hiding place in 1940. The OBLI WW2 War Chronicle Volume IV page 155 has further details as does the 1 BUCKS War Diary but neither gives the Landlady’s name.

JOURNAL 2015

Boosey 1924 trombone stamped BUCKS BATT. (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 47

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

07932 012549.

• In the 1970’s the “Dark Mutterings” among the Bucks Battalion Old Comrades Association (O.C.A.) Veterans in Aylesbury was that the Bucks Battalion Regimental Band instruments had in 1946 “Gone to Oxford” – which would have been the OBLI Regimental Depot at Cowley Barracks, Oxford.

Bucks Battalion regimental property was engraved either with their Maltese Cross capbadge orwith the Swan of Buckinghamshire. The fate of the Bucks Battalion Band instruments in 1946 is unknown.

The last known Bucks Battalion Regimental Bugler at Hazebrouck in 1940 Bugler Derek Hawes of High Wycombe died in 2015 aged 96 years; a month after “I’m Ninety Five”. He joined the Bucks Battalion Bugle Platoon in 1934 at the age of 15 together with 2 other young High Wycombe friends. Sadly his 2 friends Bugler Weedon and Bugler Hatt were both killed at Hazebrouck in 1940. After the War Bugler Hawes returned with his son Paul and Bucks Battalion O.C.A. Veterans and he played the “Last Post” at Hazebrouckcemetery at the CWGC headstones of the Buckinghamshire Battalion.

If anybody has any further information then please contact me on ccoade@hotmail.co.uk or by telepnone

Christopher Coade

JAN CHRISTIAAN SMUTS

A Calais casualty, Rifleman Richard Golding recovering from injuries sustained at the Defence of Calais. His visitor is General J. C. Smuts accompanied by the Canadian Sister of the ward.

Jan Christiaan Smuts (24 May 1870 – 11 September 1950) was a prominent South African and British Commonwealth statesman, military leader and philosopher. In addition to holding various cabinet posts, he served as prime minister of the Union of South Africa from 1919 until 1924 and from 1939 until 1948. He led a Boer Commando in the Second Boer War for the Transvaal. During the First World War, he led the armies of South Africa against Germany, capturing 48 | SWIFT AND BOLD

German South-West Africa and commanding the British Army in East Africa. From 1917 to 1919, he was also one of the members of the British War Cabinet and he was instrumental in the founding of what became the Royal Air Force (RAF). He became a Field Marshal in the British Army in 1941, and served in the Imperial War Cabinet under Winston Churchill. He was the only man to sign both of the peace treaties ending the First and Second World War. JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Dedication of the VC Memorial Stone of Rifleman George Peachment, King’s Royal Rifle Corps Recently the Rifles Regimental representative in the North West, Lt Col (Retd) Ian Sawers, was asked to assist Bury Council with organising a ceremony to mark the dedication of the VC memorial stone of Rifleman George Peachment VC, King’s Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC).

At an initial meeting in Bury to plan the dedication ceremony, it was agreed that George Peachment’s descendants would be invited to the event as well as local dignitaries, serving soldiers of the Rifles and former members of the KRRC. Descendants of Capt Dubs would also be invited to take part if they could be located.

The first port of call was the Royal Green Jackets Museum at Winchester where a keen volunteer researcher, Blair Southerden, agreed to make a start. He at once discovered that Guy Dubs had died in service (probably because of his wounds) in 1930 but that he had one son, Angus, who had been commissioned into the 16/5th Lancers and who had won an MC in Italy in 1943.

The trail went cold for a while until another search revealed that Angus had a son born in Hamburg in 1947. A further search showed that the boy’s name was William, but thereafter there was no trace.

This was highly unusual because, in the 21st Century, very few people have no internet profile whatsoever!

The Home HQ of the 16/5th Lancers were approached and were most helpful. They soon spread the word and a short while later Col Sawers spoke to Lt Col Mark Illingworth, a retired officer of the regiment.

Col Illingworth remembered his father being chums with a Capt Angus Dubes.

Bill Dubes, Barbara Peachment and Rev Hugh Bearn at the memorial stone.

On 25 September 1915, the 18 year old Peachment was acting as orderly to his Company Commander, Captain Guy Dubs, when the Company was ordered to advance at the start of the Battle of Loos.

In the fighting, young Peachment saw that his OC had been wounded, and so ran from the shelter he had taken to the exposed position where Capt Dubs lay.

In the course of dealing with Dubs’ wounds, Peachment was killed and was subsequently awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. Guy Dubs survived his wounds but Peachment’s body was never recovered.

JOURNAL 2015

“Dubes?” queried Col Sawers, “No, this chap was called Dubs!” Eventually it transpired that the family name had been changed to ‘Dubes’. Col Illingworth is a keen genealogist and he conducted a quick search and soon an address for William Dubes was found.

And so, on 20 September 2015, Barbara Peachment, widow of Stan Peachment (George’s great nephew), met William Dubes and his son Michael (grandson and great grandson of Guy Dubs) for the first time.

And as William so candidly put it, had it not been for the gallantry of the young George Peachment, that historic meeting might never have taken place!

(To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 49

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Date of Act of Gallantry: 25 Sepember 1915 Place: Near Hulluch, Loos "The London Gazette", dated the 18th November, 1915, records the following citation:"For most conspicuous bravery near Hulluch on the 25th Sept., 1915. During very heavy fighting, when our front line was compelled to retire in order to re-organise, Pte. Peachment, seeing his Company Commander, Captain Dubs, lying wounded, crawled to assist him. The enemy's fire was intense, but, though there was a shell hole quite close, in which a few men had taken cover, Pte. Peachment never thought of saving himself. He knelt in the open by his Officer and tried to help him, but while doing this he was first wounded by a bomb and a minute later mortally wounded by a rifle bullet. He was one of the youngest men in his battalion and gave this splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice."

George Stanley Peachment's body was never identified and he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial at Dud Corner Cemetery, close to where he was killed.

Unveiling Ceremony of VC Memorial 2nd Lieutenant Sidney Woodroffe Speech by Brig Rob Thomson CBE, DSO (late The Rifles) given at the unveiling ceremony of a Victoria Cross Memorial in memory of 2Lt Sidney Woodroffe VC, The Rifle Brigade, on 30 July 2015 in Lewes, Sussex “It is a great privilege to be here today and, alongside The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, to mark the courage of a young officer 100 years ago, who served in one of the modern day RIFLES famous antecedent regiments, namely the Rifle Brigade. If commissioned today, Sidney Woodroffe would be in one of 5 regular Rifles battalions who have all served in Iraq and Afghanistan and he would have felt very much at home, both with the officers and the Riflemen.

Sidney Woodroffe was born in Lewes on 17 Dec 1895, educated at Marlborough College and commissioned into The Rifle Brigade on 23 December 1914. He accompanied the 8th (Service) Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (8 RB), to France in May 1915 as a platoon commander in A Company. His VC citation describes his act of gallantry on 30 July 1915….. ‘The enemy having broken through the centre of our front trenches, consequent on the use of burning liquids, this Officer’s position was heavily attacked with bombs from the flank and subsequently from the rear, but he managed to defend his post until all his bombs were exhausted, and then skilfully withdrew his remaining men. This very gallant Officer immediately led his party forward in a counter-attack under an intense rifle and machine-gun fire, and was killed while in the act of cutting the wire 50 | SWIFT AND BOLD

obstacles in the open.’ (London Gazette, 6 September 1915) Woodroffe’s commanding officer later wrote to Woodroffe’s father describing his son as ‘simply one of the bravest of the brave … He risked his life for others right through the day and finally gave it for the sake of his men.’ He was not the only Woodroffe to die in the Great War. Two older brothers also joined The Rifle Brigade. Kenneth, the eldest, was killed at Neuve Chapelle on 9 Jul 1915. Sidney would have known his brother had been killed in action before he was himself killed. Leslie, the middle brother, served with Sidney in 8 RB and was severely wounded at Hooge. He later recovered from his wounds, returning to France on 1 June 1916. Tragically on the very day of his return he was wounded again and died in hospital on 4 June 1916. The pain to the parents of all three sons being killed in action in a little over a year can only be imagined and the grief too awful to contemplate. Woodroffe’s parents received their son’s VC at an investiture by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 29 November 1916. The VC was sold privately to Lord Ashcroft in 2001 and is today on display in the magnificent and humbling Ashcroft Gallery of the Imperial War Museum in London. 2nd Lieutenant Woodroffe has no known grave but is commemorated on the Menin Gate.

We salute his service and his sacrifice. Having had (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

the privilege of commanding today’s Riflemen on operations, I can assure you that whilst the context has changed greatly, there is no change to the human demands placed on today’s soldiers. Your young servicemen and women show extraordinary amounts of conviction, courage, character and compassion and have done so in some of the harshest and most complex environments in the modern and not so modern world. It is therefore a great privilege to include Rifleman Jacobs in our regimental team today – he was awarded the prestigious George Medal for his exemplary courage and selflessness in Sangin almost six years ago. I think Lieutenant Woodroffe would be honoured to know that a young, courageous and tough Rifleman who has followed in his steps of service is here today in Lewes to mark Lieutenant Woodroffe’s sacrifice.

Thank you for including us and for your hospitality. As Woodroffe would have heard on those harsh French fields of battle, Bugle Major, ‘Sound the Advance’.”

Date of Act of Gallantry: 30 July 1915 Place: Hooge, Belgium Citation: "On 30th July, 1915, at Hooge, the enemy having broken through the centre of our front trenches, consequent on the use of burning liquids, this officer's position was heavily attacked with bombs from the flank and subsequently from the rear, but he managed to defend his post until all his bombs were exhausted, and then skilfully withdrew his remaining men. He immediately led his party forward in a counter-attack under an intense rifle and machine-gun fire, and was killed while in the act of cutting the wire obstacles in the open."

(London Gazette, 6 September 1915)

Sources (pages 49-51): THE RIFLES NETWORK and ‘Focus on Courage’ by Lt General Sir Christopher Wallace and Major Ron Cassidy MBE

The aim of Armed Forces Day is to honour the contribution of military personnel past and present and gives the nation an opportunity to show support and thank the men and women who serve.

Preparations are in full swing ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25 June 2016.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 51

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

50 years ago 3GJ left for unaccompanied tour in January 1965 to Hong Kong, Malaya and Borneo to return in January 1966, having changed our title on 1 January 1966 to The Royal Green Jackets.

The Borneo Reunion Friday 3 July 2015 at the House of Lords

Order at last!

The Borneo reunion attendees, names as on the invitation cards.

Simon and Jude Adamsdale, Frank Allen and Liz Desmond, Trevor Anderson and Mrs Samantha White, Roger and Jenny Annett, Mr T Bailey, Mick and Ellen Bardo, Davidand Linda Bennyworth, Mr and Mrs Bond, George and Barbara Caldwell, Major-General Sir Michael Carleton-Smith, Mr Daniel and Mrs Patricia Carraway, Major Ron and Mrs Shirley Cassidy, John Chadwick, Peter Chismon, Robert and Helen Clarke, John Hudson Corr and Sarah Jane Parr, Major and Mrs George Correa, Kelvin Crumplin and Korneliya Yordanova, Jake Cuddy, Anthony Cusack, Mr & Mrs JA Dennis, Keith and Kathryn Diggens, Michael Dikomite, Stephen and Irene Donoghue, Michael and Kathryn Dore, Mr and Mrs Michael J Downey, Mr Adam and William Easdon, George and Suzanne Evans, Mr Richard Clive Frost MBE, Mr Kenneth and Mrs Ann Gillingham, Major Mike Gleeson MBE and Mrs Janet Gleeson, Major K Gray and Ms H Needham, Brigadier Colin and Mrs Jane Harrisson, Terence and Mariyn Haynes, Mr Robert and Mrs Sandra Helm, Major Mike Hill and Mrs Julie Gallagher, Dr Jane Hood and Alexander Hood, Mr Stephen Horsley, Lt-Col Tom and 52 | SWIFT AND BOLD

Mrs June House, Charlie and Dean Hughes, John and Ruth Jackson, Stuart and Cherrilyn Keogh, Mr Brian Lavery and Mrs Jean Phillips, Mr and Mrs Lavin, Mr Peter Layton MBE and Mrs Marianne Layton, Mr and Mrs Tony Lymer, Major Charles and Sue Marriot, Simon Marriott, George Martin, Ron and Pauline Masterman, Mr J Matthews and Ms J Lawrence, John Davis-McMullan, Paul Middleweek, Mr Michael and Mrs Jacqueline Mizon, Jim Mulvaney, Gordon Neale OBE and and Mrs Elizabeth Neale, Revd. Brian Nicholson and Mrs Hilary Nicholson, Norman Nickson, Richard Noyce, George Nurse, Major James and Mrs Eileen O’Shea, Robert Pasley-Tyler, General the Lord Ramsbotham GCB, CBE, SarjuDas (Formerly Christopher Freeman), Mr and Mrs John and Paddy Scott, Major Mark Scrase-Dickins CMG, Bob and Sarah Sellers, Nicholas Shaw, Sam Sheppard CBE, Robert and Ann Small, David J Smith, Colonel George OBE and Mrs Ruth Smythe, J D Stephens, Major and Mrs Alastair Stewart, Mr and Mrs A T Storey, Kenneth J Swann and Sandra J Swan, Brigadier J M Taylor, Mrs J M Taylor, Lieutenant Colonel W J Taylor MBE and Mrs E A Taylor, Michael Taylor, Mr Michael (Taffy) Thomas, Mr (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Both Lord Ramsbotham and Maj-Gen Sir Michael Carleton-Smith gave rousing speeches, the Revd Brian Nicholson (ex Pl Comd B Coy) said prayers and finally, Major Cassidy proposed and all there toasted, Absent Friends, who were, Rifleman David Gray died 11 August 1965, Sergeant Tony Martin died 1 September 1965, Rifleman Harold Donoghue died 30 November 1965, Rifleman Martin Reese died 18 December 1965, Corporal Richard Poole injured 23 November 1965 and died 18 November 1966.

There were those unable to come to the reunion, some almost at the last moment because of illness, many who had paid and not requested a refund, indeed donated to the reunion and one who I will not name who paid for the invitation cards. Thank you all, the Some of the ladies and we thank you all for your support. accounts balances. Those unable to be with us because of illness were, The CO and Mrs Tolly Toleman, Simon Toynbee, Mr Raymond Lt Col Mark Bond who retired as a Major-General, and Mrs Sharon Truscott, Mr and Mrs A P Walker, Mr John Spedding, Mike Dewar, Jack Francis, Nobby Bob Walton and Sandra Fergusson, Fred and Nelle Chapman, Brummie Stokes also our CO’s godson Ward, Mr Kenneth and Elizabeth West.

Mark Butler son of the late Major-General Hugh Butler.

We two can relax now!

Footnotes by Major Ron Cassidy MBE: Some 50 years on, it was staggering to see so many faces not seen for so many years and for me it was so rewarding; do it again I am not so sure for although I started to adver se in 2011, three days before the event I received the last cheque (No name no pack drill).

Everybody who wanted to go I made sure was invited, some couldn’t go like those who were sick, others decided not to go but everyone who served in Borneo was given the chance to a end.

The added touch was the ladies, what great support they gave and I thank them one and all. People travelled from all over the world a sure sign of what their friendships and The Rifle Brigade meant to them.

Gen Lord Ramsbotham was the sponsor of a reunion of The Rifle Brigade held on Friday at the House of Lords to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Borneo campaign.

Published in the Daily Telegraph on Monday 6 July 2015.

JOURNAL 2015

Borneo medal General Service Medal with Clasp Borneo SWIFT AND BOLD | 53

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

BORNEO REVISITED Stephen Chalder ex 3GJ and 3RGJ I joined the Green Jackets in 1965. At the end of training we were given the opportunity to go to Borneo. This was my first posting, at the age of 17, and it was a rite of passage for me in many ways and one of the most exciting and memorable periods of my life.

After two weeks jungle training under Sergeant Steve Horsley I joined 13 Platoon. We patrolled the jungle surrounding the camps and were centred at Balai Ringin. Of my fellow jungle riflemen I recall Tolly Tolman, Frank Allen, Colin Metcalfe, Sgt Fisher, Bill Bingham, Cpl Dobson, Lou Virgo, Dodger Vigers and Riflemen Greensleeves and Williams.

13 Pl 3GJ (RB).

I have always had a longing to go back so in 2011, I travelled with my son to Kuching via Kuala Lumpur.

The journey took 22 hours, so we were both exhausted and relieved when our hotel, just on the outskirts of Kuching turned out to be a delightful conversion of a former colonial house and school. Since that trip I have returned to Borneo annually and have formed friendships with the staff at the Basaga Hotel and it has become a home-from-home for me.

The landscape of thick jungle has now been replaced with fields of palm oil.

The campon now consists of two-storey flats, a few shops and eating houses. The bridge, over the river however, was a familiar sight. On our return to Kuching we were invited to the annual Gawai Festival which celebrates the harvest. This is four days of eating, drinking (rice wine) and dancing and we were welcomed into the community there.

At the hotel we were befriended by a local Iban family who have been my hosts during my regular trips to the country and I love to go to their home and visit their plantation on which they grow rice, fruit and vegetables. This friendship has enabled me to travel throughout the area and see sights that are not on the tourist map. I have visited caves, places of pilgrimage, taken trips up the river and backpacked in the jungle. I have been to national parks to observe the orangutans. I have been present at three weddings and one funeral and numerous family events. I have visited their grandmother, who is 91, and lives in a longhouse in the middle of the jungle, four hours journey from Kuching. Her brothers fought the Japanese during the Second World War. During one of my trips I was taken to Bunan Gega (Gunan Gajak) I received a wonderful welcome there from the head man and was invited into the long house to join the festivities. Photographs line the wall of the

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak and is now a major city with a mixture of old and new buildings. It was still recognisable, as the Chinese market was unchanged with food stalls offering every type of cuisine at very low prices. The cinema (sadly) is long gone.

Once we had adjusted to the unbearable heat, our next stop was Serian, a 90 minute journey from Kuching, from where we took a further bus to Balai Ringin which was the former base camp and is now a school. The locals on the bus were keen to know who we were and enthusiastic about the role of the Army at that time.

54 | SWIFT AND BOLD

Commemora on Wall.

(To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Green Jackets who served there. I was introduced to an ex-tracker who described us as “brave young men”. He said that he would be speaking Indonesian instead of Malaysian without the British help at that time. I asked to see the former camp and was escorted there. It has returned to jungle now and the hill where the camp had been was impossible to attempt. The air drop zone has now been built on.

Locals still swim in the river.

The first time I went to Borneo as a 17 year old I was tattooed on the shoulders by the Iban tracker in 13 Platoon. On my visit in 2012 I was persuaded to have more, and agreed to have 2 further tattoos representing the Iban tribe on my back. I was told by my host that I am now a member of the Iban tribe!

Stephen and Iban host.

Should anyone like to accompany me on my next trip please contact me. My email address is stephen.chalder@live.co.uk

Gulf War (1990-91) Memorial Dedication Sunday, February 28, 2016 To mark the 25th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War (90-91), a memorial has been dedicated at the National Arboretum in honour of the 47 British personnel who died in the liberation of Kuwait and all those who fought in the conflict.

The memorial which has been commissioned, designed and built by The Gulf War Memorial Trust (GWMTA), comprises of three pillars representing each of Britain's three Armed Forces. The centre stone of the memorial carries the image of the reverse of the Gulf Medal, engraved in black granite.

Each of the 47 pavers on the memorial, which are laid out in concentric circles, carries the name of one of the fallen. Beneath the centre stone, there are 48 poppies from the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2015, one poppy for each of the "47 fallen" and one solitary poppy for all of the veterans who have passed away since the Gulf War. The memorial, which is aligned on a compass bearing of 302 degrees from true north - the compass bearing from Kuwait to the Arboretum - carries an inscription in English, Latin and Arabic. The inscription reads: "In Memory of the 47 fallen comrades, and to those who fought in Operation Granby (1990-91) The Liberation of Kuwait, those who subsequently passed away and also those that contributed to fight their own battles, long after the funds fell silent. Lest we Forget."

Fundraising for the memorial was carried out by the GWMTA committee members, family and Regimental Associations. Contributions have included two very generous donations from Mr Khaled Al-Duwaissan (The Kuwaiti Ambassador to London) and the citizens of Kuwait totally £35,000.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 55

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

25 years ago

RATS OF GREEN ANTI-TANKS IN THE GULF On the morning of 16th September 1990, the First Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets was informed that it would have to supply a number of men to go to the Gulf with various units of 7 Armoured brigade.

Commanders were tasked and decisions were made.

By about 1300 Hours people were beginning to learn of the plans that had been hastily made for them.

Rumours were various as to timings, but the fact was, they were going to a war zone. 10.00 hours the next day saw two Chinook helicopters land on the large playing field within Mercer Barracks, Osnabruck. Half an hour later they took off, carrying with them about 60 anxious members of the Battalion. This number included members of the ACC and REME. Among the Green Jackets on board was a complete Milan section of fifteen men, a Mortar detachment of 5 men, signallers both from the signals platoon and around the Battalion and various others to go to numerous tasks, including the manning of sections within the rifle companies of 1 Staffords, with whom the majority were to serve.

On arrival at Fallingbostel, the home of seven armoured brigade, the men to be attached to 1 Staffords were assembled in the old NAAFI shop for a welcome brief from the C.O. Lt Col Charles Rogers. He informed the men that they would probably fly to Saudi Arabia on or around the 6th October, around 2 and a half weeks away. The Milan section among the men, led by Sgt Billy Billison flew to Saudi on 27th October after 6 weeks training with the Staffords Anti-Tank platoon.

In this time the Green Jackets had already made their mark with their proud allegiance with their cap badge and other regimental feelings that the men of 1 Staffords never really did understand.

On arrival in Al-Jubail, the coastal port that was to be home during the first five days, the heat became obvious very quickly. Along with various briefs (including one about how a desert hat should be worn) some of the administrative tasks that had to be carried out became quite tedious. Day two found the whole platoon on the sand coloured warriors, servicing them after their long sea voyage and preparing them for what was to come. Day six saw Support company move into the desert area about an hour away from Al-Jubail. There was no respite in the pace however, as everybody went straight into a two week exercise to learn how to adapt to working with Milan in the desert, and with Warrior, which they had received along with Grenadier Guardsmen rarden gunners, only days prior to the vehicles sailing from Emden docks in Germany.

56 | SWIFT AND BOLD

It didn't take long to become familiar with the new vehicles. Certain pieces of equipment had been deemed unnecessary or out of place in the Milan role, and had therefore been removed in Fallingbostel.

Living in the desert wasn't the awful experience the men had expected it to be. Although not similar to being in the field in Germany, obvious differences being the sand, heat and the complete lack of natural shelter, the routine for living from a vehicle was much the same.

The men from the RGJ had, on arrival in Fallingbostel taken on the roll as the reserve section, C/S 34. They kept the callsign but the platoon commander, Captain Tim Sandiford decided to use one of his own sections as reserve, and put Sgt Billison's section to work with B Company. The RGJ section soon proved their resilience, flexibility and professionalism by winning all inter section competitions and impressing everybody that saw them work, both in Germany and after deployment. So much so in fact, that they were very much left alone to do things in their own inimitable way.

Mid November through to early January saw 1 Staffords settle into the fifteen day routine of twelve days in the desert followed by three days in camp 4.

The Americans had set up a number of R&R locations in what used to be camps for foreign oil workers.

Apparently the numbers went into the twenties, and Camp 4 was designated to 7 Armoured Brigade.

Those three days in camp 4 gave the men a chance to shower, get laundry done and enjoy other small luxuries such as a burger bar, shop and the odd visit to places otherwise unseen like the beach and local markets etc. A good deal of the time was spent on sports too. Each of the company's rotated through camp 4 in turn, one handing over to the next.

Company locations in the desert were changed every couple of weeks for sanitary reasons, to ensure that any one piece of desert didn't become littered with over used ablutions areas.

Early December saw the visit of Kate Adie's news team to B Company's location. It is said to have been she who saw Cpl Mac Macfadyen walking up the hill with the sections mail sack, and gave the cry "Follow that mail sack" to her team who followed her sprint across the sand in her pursuit of the said sack of mail.

(To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

On arrival at the section location (approximatel 300 meters from Coy HQ) the camera was rolling and the dishing out of mail remains on video tape as several people's claim to fame.

unpronounceable name, while the vehicles were moved by low-loader. This was the secret move that had been planned at the top levels. The dis-information move that put the division so far to the west that the entire formation was no longer to the south of Kuwait, but Iraq itself. This position, parts of it previously prepared

The group in the desert

The Anti-tank platoon assembled for Christmas, allowing some platoon training to be organised around the sports that were becoming ever more popular.

Christmas day itself was cold and windy, proving that winter, in one form or another, comes to all. Rumour was that the previous winter it had rained three times!

In early January the Battalion reformed again into company groups, occupying yet more new locations, still about an hour from Al-Jubail. It was while in this location that news of the first air strike was received on the 17th. The first scud attacks followed, resulting in many a "Gas Gas Gas" being heard, thankfully in vain.

Soon after, the Battalion moved North approximately 100 Km to a new area, which was only occupied for about ten days. There was a major change in the sand. The large grain dry loose sand further south was replaced now by a much more clay like substance. It was darker in colour, harder to dig but easier to live in. Trench sides would now stay straight rather than turning into the "pits" that every previous attempt had produced.

The next move was the big one. It entailed an air move for the troops from an airfield with a completely JOURNAL 2015

by Egyptian troops, was where radio silence wasn't just the rule, it was the absolute law. Radio's weren't even to be switched on.

This position was occupied for a month. It was here that the intelligence briefs were given, here that all the final preparations and rehearsals for the big push were done. This included the fitting of the extra (Chobham) armour to the warriors, the receiving of anti-anthrax vaccines and still more "Gas Gas Gas". It rained here too. In fact it didn't just rain, it teemed. It was from here that final letters were written, parcels of unwanted personal kit sent home and anti-capture precautions taken.

This position was finally abandoned for another called area RAY. This was to be the final concentration area.

It was occupied for a week. Another final letter home was followed by yet another.

At last, on Sunday 24th February 1991, the move to the staging area. We would in British battle procedure call it the Assembly area. The assembly of such a large amount of armour had seldom if ever been seen before.

(To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 57

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Vehicles were parked almost nose to tail and columns stretched three hundred Metres or more. The space between columns was less than 30 metres, and from column number one, vehicles reached to the horizon.

All this was happening six kilometres from Iraqi soil.

Finally the word to move came. Column after column peeled off from the right until at last B Company was moving. At 1130 hours on Monday 25th Febuary, the MILAN section was on its way too. The Iraqi border was crossed before too long, and evidence of small skirmishes soon became apparent. The odd burnt out vehicle was soon spotted, along with a small makeshift compound for POW's. This day was spent moving and waiting while the forward Battlegroups carried out recce's of various positions. Occasional small groups of surrendering Iraqi soldiers were seen from a distance.

was a nightmare. A brief engagement resulting in the destruction of 2 enemy vehicles, later resulted in Cpl Bill Tyson being awarded a mention in despatches.

The remainder of the day was spent passing through abandoned enemy positions, each with its own small band of surrendering Iraqi soldiers waving anything white they could lay their hands on.

The following day saw the Division move into Kuwait, and a day later the cease-fire was announced. The occasional location change over the next couple of days, and a day spent clearing area's for anything untoward, eventually resulted in the Battalion settling down to the north of Kuwait city, where it stayed until preparations to fly home were under way.

Friday 15th March saw this final position packed up and abandoned. After five days of shuffling and moving around, packing and handing in all sorts of

Mounted on!

The 26th February began for most, at 01.00 hours with the deafening sound of the launching of an artillery barrage by our own troops. Shortly afterwards, word of a withdrawal command by Saddam were sent down the chain of command. It was later heard that President Bush was waiting for a formal declaration before any cease-fire would be implemented. None came. Daybreak saw B Company moving quite quickly through abandoned enemy positions in a quite horrendous sandstorm. Identifying vehicles 58 | SWIFT AND BOLD

equipment, including all the unfired ammunition, the men of 1 RGJ finally arrived back in Osnabruck at 1330 hours on Wednesday 20th March, to a champagne reception hosted by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Stanford-Tuck.

Capt Brian Darvill BEM RGJ, also served on Operation Granby, as a Forward Air Controller with 7 Armoured (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

Brigade, deploying into theatre on the October 22nd 1990, returning home to the UK on March 16th 1991.

Cpl Rob Jackson was one who served with the Royal Irish Hussars. His Commanding Officer at the time, Major General Arthur Denaro since wrote: “It was a privilege and a pleasure to have representatives of your fine Regiment alongside us, as we all moved 'swiftly and boldly' to liberate Kuwait.”

Two members of the Staffordshire regiment lost their

lives during the conflict: Pte’s Carl Moult and Shaun Taylor. In all, 47 lives were lost as a result of the Gulf War, a fact remarkably now noted by the creation and installation of the Gulf-War memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum which was unveiled on Sunday 28th February this year, fittingly, 25 years to the day, of the cessation of hostilities.

Both Brian Darvill and Bill Tyson, together with their wives Blanche and Elaine, found it a privilege to attend the Unveiling and Dedication service along with many former comrades from the conflict.

The Gulf-War Memorial at the Na onal Arboretum which was unveiled on Sunday 28th February this year.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 59

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Waterloo Band and Bugles of The Rifles

It gives us great pleasure to bring you this contribution to Swift & Bold, probably the first for many years?

Therefore perhaps a quick recap on our heritage is needed. The Waterloo Band was raised in 1987 by Warrant Officer Class One John Morgan as part of the 5th Battalion, Royal Green Jackets. Its original home was Slade Park Barracks in Cowley, Oxfordshire.

After many years as an unofficial band, it gained formal recognition on 1 October 1995 and granted an establishment of 35 musicians. As an outcome of the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, the Band became part of the Royal Rifle Volunteers, one of several TA infantry multi-cap badged battalions. Although this was a regiment in its own right, all members continued to wear their parent regimental cap badge and dress.

In 2005, with the retirement of WO1 Morgan, the Band welcomed a new Director of Music, Major Peter Clark, having recently retired as Director of Music, Army Air Corps. The formation of The Rifles in February 2007 saw the Waterloo Band re-badged and retaining its original honorific title. A re-location to a purpose-built band block in Edward Brooks Barracks at Abingdon, Oxfordshire took place in June 2009. From this new base many highlights include ‘Swift and Bold’ at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012 featuring the massed bands of The Rifles. July 2014 saw a first time appearance in the Basel Tattoo, Switzerland, second only to the Royal Edinburgh as the biggest in the world.

It certainly has been a very busy last twelve months for the Band & Bugles. Remembrance Sunday saw us presenting a short concert before a march through the streets of Reading and a Remembrance Service.

We were back there again in December performing a Christmas concert at St George’s Church hosted by 7 RIFLES. This gave the Band a chance to showcase its talent, aided by some cadets from the Corunna Band of Oxfordshire ACF and Cpl Chris Evans playing the Northumbrian Pipes to great acclaim as well as some aptly seasonal numbers.

Our small quartets and quintets of clarinets, saxophones 60 | SWIFT AND BOLD

and brass seem to be popular wherever they travel. The Brass Quintet never miss the opportunity to impress. An audience with CGS, General Sir Nick Parker, brought forth much favourable comment among the masses attending the RGJ Association London Branch Ladies Dinner in February 2015. Thanks to Gary Driscoll for hosting us.

The month of March brought our first ever ‘Flash Mob’ when passers-by were left stunned on a Saturday afternoon in Oxford after a military marching band seemingly appeared from nowhere, and took over Broad Street before melting away equally as quickly less than 10 minutes later. The footage is available to watch on YouTube or our Facebook page and raised our profile in the local area both on the day, in the local press and on social media as an aid to recruitment.

A special occasion last April was our participation in the various ceremonies in and around Ieper (Ypres) to commemorate Lt Geoffrey Woolley, Queen Victoria’s Rifles. He was the first Territorial Officer to be awarded the Victoria Cross 100 years previously, defending Hill 60 from repeated and fierce enemy attacks. Performing Zorba’s Dance leading up to the Menin Gate resulted in many of the tourists present reaching for camera phones. I think the hundreds present enjoyed our presence in the daily ceremony. One of our musicians, LCpl Terry Hissey, laid a poppy wreath appropriately dedicated in memory of the musicians that have fallen in conflict. (Yes musicians had an operational role in both wars!).

Our Annual Camp this year was split between two separate weeks. The first at the end of May started with participation in the Freedom of Oxford parade, (an impressive local showcase for 7 RIFLES), followed by a move to RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall and concert performances at the church of St Columb Major and Lands’ End. Sjt Jackie Mann, Cpl Sara Costello and LCpl Lisa Hines formed an impromptu Rifles version (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

of the Andrews Sisters, singing along to Wartime Memories with some LI veterans, it made their day!

Of course we had to play High on a Hill as well, so we obliged. En route home we travelled back via the Prince of Wales Stadium, Cheltenham to support the Waterloo Cup rugby match. A new annual interregimental competition of The Rifles vs Household Division. (We won by 18 points to 16). Camp culminated in the Homecoming Parade of 2 RIFLES in Croydon.

June saw another very busy month the highlight being our inclusion in three high-profile events in four days commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo: Sounding Retreats in Oxford and at Westonbirt School for their Waterloo Ball, and participation in central London for events commemorating the Waterloo 200 Despatch. Each member will always remember marching at Rifles pace down The Mall and past Buckingham Palace. This must be on every military musician’s bucket list.

August was a much needed period of block leave and a time to reacquaint ourselves with our families, although some members supported other Reserve bands at engagements over this time. A very busy autumn period, with the bugles attending a concentration in Winchester, five members supporting 6 RIFLES’ Salamanca Band on annual camp in Georgia and Armenia and the rest of the Waterloo Band performing in Oxford Town Hall. The Royal Berkshire Show gave us an audience of several hundred and best of all; the two reserve Rifles Bands had their own spot at the Massed Army Reserve Bands display in Tidworth last September.

Our second week of Annual Camp also involved a lot of travelling, even more as the Band and Bugles participated in the Bermuda Tattoo in October. (Has the Band ever been further afield?) Here members were able to work with musicians from America, Canada and Jamaica. It was an unforgettable experience ... and that was just the time spent on the beach and getting drenched one night in the arena. We have also been performing with our sister Army Reserve Band as far afield as Chepstow, Bristol, the Rugby World Cup in Exeter and the Tidworth Military Musical Pageant.

Looking ahead we have the Massed Bands and Bugles Sounding Retreat on Horse Guards Parade in early June. Alongside the three Rifles’ professional bands, we have guests including the Querinus Band & Bugle Corps from Germany – a modern RGJ ‘re-enactment group’. This will be the first time since 1993, that the Light Division or Rifles have had Horse Guards all to themselves …. it will be special!

The Waterloo Band and Bugles continues to be a dynamic and growing organisation having improved its publicity this year embracing social media through Facebook and Instagram. Through this and personal recommendations, over the last three years the band has welcomed nine new members transferring from the Army Medical Services Band and one from the Regular Rifles Band. Presently Facebook is bringing in many enquiries from potential recruits which is fantastic. To ensure its long term future the Band needs to lower the average age of its membership. However, fifteen members have recently been honoured with long service awards totalling 350 years service to the TA-Army Reserve, a great achievement.

Sjt Jackie Mann and LCpl Terry Hissey

The Waterloo Band and Bugles of The Rifles The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the Rifles is part of 7 Rifles and rehearses in our own purpose-built modern band block on the same site as A Coy at Edward Brooks Barracks, Abingdon. We wear the same uniforms, play the same type of music and get paid the same as our colleagues in the Regular Army, but only part- me. We fit the band commitment of training and engagements around our full- me jobs, at evenings and weekends.

The band’s regimental tradi ons date back as far as the Peninsular Wars, and includes the use of the silver bugle (both played and worn) and a dis nctly fast marching speed of 140 paces per minute; our regiment ‘Sounds’ Retreat, as opposed to other regiments that ‘Beat’ Retreat.

The Waterloo Band and Bugles perform locally, across the UK and interna onally both for military and public events. Last year the band played at the Basel Interna onal Ta oo in Switzerland, this year we will be a ending the Bermuda Ta oo.

The band and bugles perform altogether in a marching band for events such as Freedom and Homecoming Parades, and marching displays for county shows, garden par es and charity events, and as a sit-down 35 piece concert band performing a wide range of music from tradi onal classical pieces and show tunes to modern pop arrangements. We can break down into a Mess band, brass quintet, clarinet quin `tet and saxophone quartet for smaller venues. Our bugle platoon performs both with the band and alone as a platoon or in smaller numbers playing tradi onal calls, for example for weddings, funerals and Remembrance ceremonies.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 61

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Rifles Officers’ London Club Report 2015 This is the first time the London Club has ventured an article for this publication in many years so this article is more of an overview which we hope might prick readers’ interest enough to come and see us! The Club is open to all officers and former officers of The Rifles and its forming and antecedent Regiments, providing they pay a subscription to The Rifles Officers’ Club or to the London Club direct. Membership of the RGJ Dining Club (I hope you’re keeping up!) does include membership of The Rifles Officers’ Club but membership of other forming and antecedent Regimental clubs do not so members of those have to subscribe separately. The Club operates from the 7RIFLES Officers’ Mess and adjacent rooms at 56 Davies Street in the heart of Mayfair and provides daily lunch and a number of events spaced throughout the year. Members may also hold personal and business events such as lunches, drinks parties and dinners by arrangement. Catering is provided by resident chef Ben Farragher of Pink Food Ltd and Jascots are the Club vintners. It could be said that food and wines are incidental to what we do but we still do them rather well!

The London Club really exists to use enjoyable social occasions to bring together serving and former officers. The aim is to have fun together but also to enable former officers to be well informed about the current Regiment and to support it in the community in a variety of ways. The Club also undertakes engagement with civil and business leaders in the Capital and provides a hospitality platform for various current and antecedent Regimental groups and events such as lunches, dinners and drinks parties.

Foremost amongst Club events are our quarterly Business Breakfasts which, over the last 16 years have been addressed by a glittering group of speakers some of whom have responded to speculative invitations and other who have served in the Regiment or are part of our wider friends and relations. Recent speakers have illustrated this well in the shape of our very own Tobias Ellwood MP, Minster at the Foreign Office and RIFLES reservist, Baroness Dido Harding, CEO of TalkTalk and granddaughter of two general officers from antecedent regiments and John Nelson, Chairman of Lloyd’s of London whose father took part in the Defence of Calais with The Queen Victoria’s Rifles, formerly of 56 Davies Street!

We try to have a current affairs/issues dinner each spring and the last was held in 2014 when we were addressed by the Colonel Commandant, then CLF and CGS-Designate. We often have a very special Game Dinner and the last of these was addressed very 62 | SWIFT AND BOLD

amusingly by Jonathan Young of The Field. We usually have a historical dinner in late autumn, the 2014 event having been addressed by Sir Max Hastings. Another highpoint of the year is our Pre-Christmas Drinks party which is regaining the popularity of previous years. At the 2015 event, every serving Battalion was represented to a greater or lesser extent and there was a great buzz. Partly responsible for this were Chef Ben’s wholesome canapes and the consumption of the allowance of champagne, and then some more.

Needless to say the event ran well into “injury time”!

Of antecedent Regiment events, the Devon & Dorset Officers’ Club Dinner is a small but much enjoyed event and, at the time of writing, The RGJ Dining Club Dinner in the Drill Hall for 2016 already has 225 diners booked! We have a succession of lovely family events and by the time you read this Maj-Gen Patrick Sanders will have had his surprise 50th Birthday party! The part the Club is privileged to play in so many family lives is illustrated by the fact that Patrick and Fiona also had their wedding reception at the London Club.

We also enjoy hosting RIFLES-led business events and, amongst others, in 2015 we hosted a formal dinner for the International Leadership Group of Kellogg Brown and Root and an international conference for Dexam, including a cookery demonstration! With such occasions and with our Business Breakfasts the London Club is very much playing its part in Civil Engagement.

Many of you will have observed the big hole opposite 56 Davies Street which is destined to become the West End portal for Cross Rail’s Elisabeth Line.

Understandably Grosvenor Estates wish to capitalise on this by turning our site into a wonderful new shopping centre. They are currently searching for a nearby site both for 7RIFLES and for the London Club but are having difficulty in locating both entities in a “Clubbable” area. Should this prove impossible and “F” Coy 7RIFLES have to move outside the West End then the London Club will seek to make a strategic alliance with another established client of like mind.

Whilst it would be sad to lose our very unique situation then are likely to be advantages to this too and we will continue to run events that bring our members together in a new location.

There is likely to be “No move before” 2018 so the Main Effort in the meantime is to be a lively Club with a cohesive membership that we can take with us to whatever location and in whatever form is required of (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

us. To be a part of this and all the fun, please make sure that your details are correct on http://groupspaces. com/RiflesLondonClub. This is a site which maintains our membership lists and through which we advertise events, and which enables members to buy tickets for events on-line thus saving our few Club staff much time and effort. You can not only book daily lunch through the site too but you can even see who else will be there!

Other innovations for 2016 are that we will be holding a

Monthly Members Lunch on the 4th Thursday of every month, which will normally be a carved roast, a classic Davies Street menu. This will give members a chance to enjoy the Club knowing that there will be plenty of other members and their guests there too! Also, if it is your birthday and you bring at least four friends with you to lunch to celebrate, we will make you a present of your own lunch. All the more reason to have your date of birth entered on your record in Group Spaces!

Lt-Col Simon Hill TD Chairman The Rifles Officers’ London Club

John Henry Stokes MBE BEM ‘Brummie’

On Friday the 22nd of January 2016, I along with Mike Walsh, both of the Wiltshire Branch of the Association, travelled to Hereford Cathedral to attend the funeral of the former Green Jacket, SAS soldier and elite mountaineer, known by all as 'Brummie'.

The vast majority of you who are reading this article will not have known him, but many of you will have heard of him and of his achievements. Those who served in 3Green Jackets (Rifle Brigade) and then 3RGJ, in the second half of the 1960's, knew Johnny Stokes well.

Born in the mining community of Hamstead, just outside Birmingham, as a child he was frequently in JOURNAL 2015

trouble for stealing. By the time he was 13 he had a gun. At 17, on the advice of a judge, he enlisted in the Army.

In 1966, at the age of 21, he passed the selection course for the SAS were he served for almost 20 years seeing action in many parts of the globe. While in Dhofar he was shot in the leg, necessitating the removal of a kneecap.

In 1975 he was a member of the expedition to Everest's neighbouring peak of Nuptse, Four men died on that (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 63

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

particular trip.

The Everest Conquest In 1976 he was part of a 28-man Army Mountaineering Association team which ascended Everest.

On May 14th, Brummie and his climbing partner On May 14th, Brummie and his climbing partner Michael (Bronco) Lane were established at Camp 6, at 27,000 ft, ahead of the planned ascent of Everest’s southwest face the following morning.

cost Bronco dearly, as he later had to have the five frostbitten finger-tips of his right hand amputated.

Both men lost their toes.

The next morning, as they struggled from their bivouac site, they were met by the second pair to try for the summit, who had expected to find them dead. Having dosed the severely weakened pair with oxygen and hot soup, they began the descent that would last five days. Both men were awarded the British Empire Medal.

After Everest came a long period of rehabilitation during which he had to learn to walk, run and climb again on what remained of his feet. Once he was judged fit for service, he took part in the Falklands campaign.

He led an expedition in 1983 to North America’s highest peak, Mount McKinley in Alaska as preparation for an attempt on Everest’s North Face. This attempt ended in tragedy on the 3rd April 1984 when an avalanche hit their advanced base camp, killing one team member and Brummie receiving a fractured neck.

He left the Army in 1985 and obtained permission from the Seen together on Everest, Brummie on the right) Chinese to attempt the NorthThe following day, May 15th a severe storm made East ridge, Everest’s only remaining un-climbed route, movement impossible. There were concerns that a with a team of ex-SAS and top civilian climbers. The prolonged stay at such high altitudes might weaken the attempt had to be abandoned at 26,000 ft because of pair, but they were keen to press on. Brummie radioed, high winds.

“There’s only one way we’re going and it’s not down.”

Next day they set off early and by mid-afternoon had Brummie was expedition leader on a further attempt reached the summit, where they collapsed in a heap, in 1988. Two of the party succeeded in crossing Brummie had become the 4th Englishman to reach the perilous Three Pinnacles, thus completing the Everest’s summit. hitherto unconquered stretch. But Brummie could not accompany them as he had suffered a cerebral On the way down, the route became impassable owing oedema and had to be evacuated. to “white-out” weather conditions. So they huddled down to make an improvised camp for the night, “We Giving Back scraped a little hole in the snow,” Brummie recalled, In 1991 Brummie and his wife Lynn, founded the “Bronco hit me to wake me. I did the same to him. We Taste for Adventure Centre, providing activity days were keeping each other alive.” The mercury dropped for underprivileged children, people with physical and to around -20C, made colder by the wind chill. learning disabilities, and the elderly. This enterprise became his passion.

Brummie’s vision began to fail as agonising snow blindness set in. He tried to undo the valve in their last Originally they set up in their back garden, as Lynn canister of oxygen, but his fingers were too weak for explains, “Brum felt he had a wealth of experience and the task. knowledge, he wanted to put something back into the youth. Kids were getting into trouble, they had nothing Bronco took it from him and removed his own gloves (To be con nued on next page) to open the valve. The decision saved their lives but 64 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

to do and he wanted to really direct their paths in a better way.”

He leaves his wife of 35 years, Lynn and their two sons, Samuel and Benjamin.

In 2004, Brummie was awarded the MBE for his services to his community.

On his funeral service booklet was written: “Better to light a few candles, than to complain about the dark”

Reflection What must be remembered when we reflect on Brummie’s achievements, both as a soldier but more so as a mountaineer, is that this was a time before the GPS, satellite navigation systems that can pin-point your location on the mountain or have up to the minute weather information available. The earlier expeditions didn’t have the purpose built clothing with their lightweight, thermal, wind and waterproof properties, that we take for granted today. Look again at the picture of him on Everest, see what he is wearing. It was long approach walks in, carrying all your equipment and supplies and a longer walk out at the end.

Brummie Stokes was one of those characters that you may only meet once, if at all, in your life. Full of energy, (he was seen a few days before he died, doing his supermarket shop caring his oxygen bottle with him!), always encouraging to others, he would say to the young kids that came to his Adventure centre, “you can be your wildest dreams”. He had that certain air about him, a confidence that comes with a total belief in oneself and ones own ability.

A true professional soldier. A world acclaimed mountaineer. A person who gave back to others.

JOURNAL 2015

John ‘Brummie’ Stokes, born August 28 1945, died January 10 2016 - aged 70

Now, is his time to rest.

David J Smith 3GJ/3RGJ/R Coy SWIFT AND BOLD | 65

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

A Tribute to Lady Bramall 1922 - 2015

Address by Nicolas Bramall at Lady Bramall’s Memorial Thanksgiving Service at All Saints, Crondall on 15 September 2015 The last reading from the letter to the Corinthians, on the importance of love is an appropriate place for me to start, when talking about my Dear Mother because love for her husband and family were central to her life.

She died at the age of 93 and her life spanned interesting and historic times.

She was born 4yrs after the end of the Great War, in 1922. Christened and always known as Avril (being born in April) but her first name was actually Dorothy (a name she didn't use and clearly didn't much like).

There was a reason for her being named Dorothy; her maiden name was Vernon, originally De Vernon, originating from Vernon on the Seine, North West of Paris. Two of the 100 knights who came over with William the Conqueror in 1066 were Vernon's. They were rewarded with lands on which they built fortified castles or Halls, in Vernon's case the very famous Haddon Hall, in Derbyshire. Later in the reign of Henry VIII the only daughter of that line of the family eloped with one John Manners, brother of the first Earl of Rutland. She was known as Sweet Dorothy of Haddon Hall and ever since Vernon girls have tended to have Dorothy in their name.

I hope you will excuse this historical digression, I mention it only to show that her family are steeped in the rich tapestry of English History.

Her own background was rather simpler and rather more austere. Her Father, a retired army Officer. Her Mother (known as Bundy), to whom she was devoted and who actually died the same day as my Mother, July 22nd, had strong Indian Army connections. They came to live near Maidstone in Kent 1939.

66 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Mum was at school at Westonbirt in Gloucestershire, but in Kent found herself unwittingly in the very front line with the outbreak of the Second World War and the unfolding struggle with Hitler and Nazism.

It must have been a fairly traumatic experience for a young girl with the Battle of Britain raging overhead, the threat of invasion imminent, the horrors of doodle bugs and V rockets, rationing and all the other privations of wartime Britain. It was an experience that undoubtedly shaped her future life.

As soon as she was old enough she joined the V.A.D. at Leeds Castle where, in June 1944 she helped tend the wounded and dying as they returned from the Normandy Beaches. She was later to become an active member of the Red Cross.

Avril's brother, Dick Vernon, himself a distinguished war and peacetime soldier who, incidentally had actually signed the Operational Orders, (on behalf of Field Marshall Montgomery) to launch 7 Divisions on to the Normandy Beaches served in the same Regiment as my Father, the 60th. Rifles (King’s Royal Rifle Corps.) he, with his wife Hazel, a contemporary of my mother's at Westonburt were instrumental in their first meeting. Parties at the Vernon's, hunt balls in Hampshire, dinners and Lunches in London brought romance, (although I believe not immediately). They were married amidst the Norman splendour of Winchester Cathedral, in 1949 and the outcome was a deep lasting bond that I think could be said to have most successfully stood the test of time – 66yrs.

She was of course first and foremost a wonderfully loyal and loving wife to Dwin and devoted mother to Sara and me. I remember when I first arrived at my prep. School Elstree I received a letter from her every day for the first week, it got rather embarrassing! I had to write back “Dear Mater, please stop!”

She saw both Sara and me through tricky adolescences in the late sixties and in my case most of the seventies! She was usually patient, always supportive, if not a little perplexed by the changing times and in my case long hair, Afghan coats and Hendrix!

She was also Grandmother to Alexander and Charlotte and great grandmother to Harrison, Harry, Honey and Oakley.

Her greatest attribute and I saw it demonstrated often was a unique ability to put people from all walks of life at their ease, so that even the most junior subaltern and his most nervous of wives were made to feel completely at home as though they were the only people in the room who really mattered. She was a Taurean and at times stubborn, determined definitely, fiercely loyal and despite a chronic back problem possessed considerable stamina. She had need of all these qualities during her married life.

Lengthy separations, and numerous moves; Tripoli, Camberley, Berlin, Penang, Verden, Hong Kong, London and many more. During that frantic criss-crossing of the globe she entertained (with some help) literally thousands of people from Riflemen to Royalty, sat outside countless Officers messes, with only “I'll just be a minute darling” to sustain her, given prizes, drawn raffles, chaired SAFFA meetings, launched a ship; H.M.S. Swollow, organised households with a myriad of staff and provided support and guidance to a multitude of army wives. She did it all without fluster, with grace, charm, elegance and with considerable modesty. She might have surrendered some personal ambition, goals and dreams unexplored, but I'm not sure about that, what I am certain of is that she had an extraordinary colourful, exciting and wonderfully varied life.

She was loved and greatly respected in her own right and made a unique but understated contribution as one half and vial component to a winning combination. “Dwin and Avril” trips off the tongue as easily as, if you'll excuse the cricketing analogy, as Lindwall and Miller or Truman and Statham! Her latter days were spent here, in Crondall at Bathurst House, there were still duties to perform in London as the wife of the Lord Lieutenant and Chairman or the Dorchester Hotel. She loved the house, the village, ham egg and chips, a glass of Chardonnay and a chocolate brownie at the Plume of Feathers. She bore her relentless decline with dignity and without a murmur; Mum would have been amazed to see so many people here today.

We will all miss her.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 67

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Worsley October 4th 1960 - January 24th 2016 Special forces veteran and explorer who strove to complete the first solo crossing of Antarctica

Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Worsley, was the only person ever to have completed the two classic routes to the South Pole established by his Edwardian predecessors, Scott, Amundsen and Shackleton; his

third expedition to the Antarctic, however, ended in tragedy.

A special forces veteran who had served in Bosnia and Afghanistan, Worsley was a descendant of Frank Worsley, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s skipper on Endurance, and confessed to being a Shackleton obsessive. After a distinguished 36-year career in the Army, on November 14th last year he set off on the most challenging expedition he had ever attempted, hauling a 148kg sledge in a bid to complete the first solo crossing of Antarctica,from Gould Bay to the Ross Ice Shelf via the South Pole, unaided and unassisted even by a dog sled team. Shackleton had failed in the same attempt 100 years earlier when Endurance was crushed by pack ice even before he had set off.

Henry Worsley aimed to complete the 1,100mile journey in 75 days, to mark the centenary of Shackleton’s expedition and to raise money for the Endeavour Fund, which supports injured servicemen and women, and of which the Duke of Cambridge is patron.

In his daily audio diaries Worsley spoke of battling ferocious storms, temperatures of minus 40C and bouts of depression, becoming disoriented by whiteouts and navigating down a 6,000ft glacier with the constant threat of falling into a crevasse. On one occasion he lost a front tooth after biting into a frozen (To be con nued on next page)

68 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

energy bar and on another he was trapped in his tent by a storm that wiped out an entire penguin colony.

Having reached the South Pole on January 3 and after raising more than £100,000 for the Endeavour Fund, he was just 30 miles short of his goal when he collapsed, unable to go any further. After two days trapped in his tent, he was airlifted to hospital in Chile, where he subsequently died from bacterial peritonitis.

1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets, on a tour of Bosnia.

He commanded 2nd Battalion, Royal Green Jackets, from 2000 to 2002. Altogether he completed four tours with the SAS, including two tours of Afghanistan where, in 2006, he was the first member of the coalition forces to enter Helmand province – as part of a recce operation. He played cricket for the Army, and his last job before his retirement in October 2015 was as special forces liaison officer in Washington.

Worsley recalled that whenever he faced a

Alastair Edward Henry Worsley was born on October 4 1960 in London into a military family. His father, General Sir Richard Worsley, GCB, would serve as Quartermaster General of the Army in the early 1980s.

Henry’s interest in polar exploration began as a boy when he came across accounts of the exploits of Shackleton and Scott in the his prep school library, though it was the story of Shackleton’s Endurance expedition that really inspired him.

challenging situation he would ask himself: “How would Shacks get out of this then?” He had asked this question in Bosnia, when he had become separated from his comrades and trapped in a small café by a violent, stone-throwing mob, who were trying to flush him out. “I had to be decisive and make a move as Shackleton had done,” he wrote. “I made a dash for it and somehow avoided the rocks and bottles as I ran for cover.”

From Stowe, where he excelled in sports, captaining the school’s cricket team, Worsley trained at Sandhurst and was commissioned into 3rd Battalion, the Royal Green Jackets, in 1980. He went on to become adjutant of his battalion and accomplished the rare feat of passing both the selection for the SAS (in 1988) and, a few years later, for “special duties” in Northern Ireland, where he served with 14 Intelligence Company – work for which he was appointed MBE in 1994.

A friend has recalled Worsley telling him how, to calm his nerves during his first time in a war zone, he had taken up sewing as a hobby. He was delighted in later years to be given a cushion by an inmate at Wandsworth prison, where he had volunteered to teach needlework. His kindness and concern for others also shone through in his polar adventures.

For two years from January 1996 he commanded

(To be con nued on next page)

JOURNAL 2015

He embarked on his first major Antarctic expedition in

SWIFT AND BOLD | 69

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

(Con nued from previous page)

2008-9, when he joined forces with two descendants of, respectively, Shackleton and Jameson Boyd Adams, a member of Shackleton’s team on the “Nimrod” expedition to the South Pole of 1908-9, which the team hoped to complete, Shackleton having stopped about 100 miles short of the prize to head for home. The expedition led the three men, with Bill Shipton, an old comrade-in arms of Worsley’s, to set up the Shackleton Foundation, an organisation which provides seed-corn funding for social entrepreneurs working with disadvantaged young people.

In his memoir In Shackleton’s Footsteps (2011), Worsley described how, on entering Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds, he stopped dead in his tracks: “Despite the silence, I could hear Shackleton and his men chatting, laughing and coughing. I could smell the tobacco, the tea and the coal burning in the stove. I could even hear the invitation to come over and join them for a brew. In the kitchen area, dried hams hung from the wall. Jars of pickled onions and golden syrup stood in neat rows beside stacks of chipped enamel plates. Safety pins, buttons, matches,

candles and frayed bootlaces lined the shelves.

Everywhere I looked, there were items that had been touched, eaten from, read, washed in, slept on or owned by the 15 men who for a year had called this most southerly refuge their home.”

Three years later, in 2011-12, Worsley returned to Antarctica, leading a team of six soldiers in a race along the original 1912 routes charted by Captain Scott and Roald Amundsen to be first to the South Pole. He led the Amundsen route from the Bay of Whales, up the Axel Heiberg Glacier to the South Pole, a 900-mile unsupported journey.

In 1993 he married Joanna Stainton who, in a recent interview, described her husband as a man of “enormous mental strength” who felt a huge sense of responsibility to the Endeavour Fund: “He believes that he was one of the lucky ones in the Army – he was never injured but lots of colleagues were.”

She survives him with their son and daughter.

The Daily Telegraph, 26 January 2016

A new state-of-the-art polar research ship could be named after Henry Worsley A new state-of-the-art polar research ship could be named a er Henry Worsley, the explorer who died trying to make the first unassisted solo crossing of the Antarc c in January. The Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) new polar research vessel will be the UK's largest and most advanced research ship yet. The £200 million vessel will set off for Antarc ca in 2019 and NERC is seeking ideas for the name it should bear on its hull. Sugges ons so far include RSS (Royal Research Ship) Henry Worsley (Henry Worsley’s family think this is a marvellous idea), and RRS The Beagle a er the ship Charles Darwin travelled on as a young naturalist.

Lt Col Henry Worsley, late The Rifles, was on his third major to the Antarc c expedi on and was just 30 miles (48km) from becoming the first adventurer to cross the con nent unsupported and unassisted when he had to call for help and was airli ed off the ice and was flown to a hospital in Punta Arenas in Chile, where he was found to have bacterial peritoni s. He underwent surgery but died days later.

The public are vo ng for the name on this site: nameourship.nerc.ac.uk

70 | SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

GREEN JACKET CLOSE 12th January 2016 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 27 residents consisting of: Couples x6 Widows x1 Widowers x 5 Divorced x5 Separated x 3 Single x1 b. Age groups of residents: 1 in 40s 7 in 60s 13 in 70s 5 in 80s 1 in 90s c. The 27 residents' ages add up to 1,943 years. The average age being 71 years. d. Regiments: 1 x Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 3 x King's Royal Rifle Corps 2 x Rifle Brigade 3 x Rifle Brigade/Royal Green Jackets 5 x Green Jacket Brigade/Royal Green Jackets 8 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.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 71

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

IN MEMORIAM

Pat Walsh Sgt Graham R Morris Derek Mellish Col RS Stewart-Wilson MC Brian Southion Tom (Dinger) Bell Steven George Gulliver Major TN (Noel) Thistlewayte Major JC Green-Wilkinson MBE MC Ron Petch Bob Restall Ben Curtis Bryan ‘Taffy’ Rowlands Cpl RW Dunbar CFR Barclay CMG P M Reynolds L/Sgt Raymond (Tich) Rayner Arthur (Jim) Davis Capt HBS Gunn Leslie H Fuller Capt Bob Ferrand Arthur Richardson L/Cpl Tom Hanlon Paul W Finch George S R Colman-Wood Bert Darby Bugle Major Steve Chapman Major Gerald Royle Windybank Carter Hugh McColl Pte Colin Blackburn Steve Poole Joe Miskiri Alan Sykes Eric Gordon Pool Amos Martin Lt Col D C (David) Stanley OBE RD John Raczka Peter Watts Kenneth Douglas Trinder Sir Philip Goodhart WO1 Michael Leslie Jordan Cpl W (Billy) Arnold Dennis George Avey Sgt (SI) Colin Ponting David E M Warwick Paul Curran Sjt John “Dickie” Brooks Patrick Walsh 72 | SWIFT AND BOLD

1RGJ OBLI 1GJ RB/Staffs RB RGJ 3RGJ KRRC/Para/GJ&RGJ RB 6 OBLI 2RGJ KRRC 1RGJ RB RB OBLI OBLI RB KRRC OBLI KRRC OBLI 2 & 3RGJ OBLI KRRC 1 OBLI 1GJ/1RGJ RB/3GJ/3RGJ 1RGJ 1 OBLI 1RGJ Band 2GJ/2RGJ 2 OBLI RB 1 & 3RGJ 4 OBLI RGJ 1RGJ 3RGJ KRRC & Para 2RGJ RGJ RB APTC (att 3GJ) OBLI OBLI & RGJ 2GJ & RGJ

19th January

2nd February 14th February 24th February 25th February 6th March 12th March 13th March 14th March 15th March 29th March 2nd April 14th April 25th April

14th May 16th May 18th May 22nd May 29th May 6th June 13th June 21st June 22nd June 25th June 27th June 1st July 3rd July 5th July 5th July 12th July 15th July 17th July 25th July 30th July 31st July 31st July 1st August JOURNAL 2015

The Royal Green Jackets Associa on

G R A Conques John R Grantham Len Port Capt A.W. Drysdale Cpl Chris Webb Brigadier PJ Lyddon MBE Maj Gen MJH Walsh CB, CBE, DSO, DL, KStJ Cpl Terry Stanton Capt Edward Brewster Taylor Edmund Cecil Skepper John (Jack) Thomas Heron WOII Mike Alagoa George Coney George French Len Port Capt RD (Dick) de V Gaisford Julian B de Salis L/Cpl Kenneth E Smith Cpl JET Massey (James/Jim) Sgt Pat Bibby Cpl Godfrey Yardley Sgt AEP (Tony) Simmonds C/Sgt Alan Ward Maj Stephen Hayward-Smith Cpl Terry McCourt Robert Patrick Sime Capt David C Humphreys Sgt Peter French Frederick Charles Pinner

OBLI OBLI KRRC KRRC, QVR & QRR OBLI KRRC & Para RB/KRRC RB 2RGJ & SAS 4RGJ RB 2KRRC KRRC RB/GJ/RGJ KRRC & QWR 2GJ/2RGJ 2GJ/2RGJ 3RGJ OBLI OBLI 2RGJ RGJ/Rifles KRRC/2GJ RB/RGJ OBLI KRRC/2RGJ

3rd August 6th August 18th August 3rd September 25th September 7th October 10th October 13th October 14th October 17th October 19th October 20th October 23rd October 3rd November 4th November 8th November 12th November 16th November 16th November 17th November 8th December 8th December 11th December 14th December 15th December 20th December 21st December 28th December December

Rest in Peace

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 website.

JOURNAL 2015

SWIFT AND BOLD | 73

Our Sheds are 100% Pressure Treated and last up to 4 times longer!

Sales Tel: 01695 51442 e-mail: sales@solidsheds.com www.solidsheds.com

Made by Green Jackets for Green Jackets LOG CABINS

PENT SHEDS

POTTING SHEDS

SUMMER HOUSE

WENDY HOUSE

Head Office/Factory/Showsite:

10 Greeney Place, Skelmerdale, WN8 9SA - Tel: 01695 51442

Sales:

Lady Green Garden Centre Trebaron Garden Centre Burleydam Garden Centre Planters Garden Centre Trowell Garden Centre High Legh Garden Centre

Lady Green Lane, Ince Blundell, Merseyside L38 1QB 174 Southworth Road, Newton-Le-Willows, W12 0BS Chester Road, Little Sutton, South Wirral CH65 1QW Trinity Road, Freasley, Tamworth B78 2EY Stapleford Road, Trowell, Nottingham NG9 3TG High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 0QW

Tel: 01695 589210 Tel: 01695 589207 Tel: 01695 589209 Tel: 01827 371014 Tel: 01695 589205 Tel: 01695 589211

Skinners Sheds Ltd The Cheapest Log Cabins In The South!

Free Pressure Treatment, Delivery and Erection!

Our Sheds Are 100% Pressure Treated And Last Up To 4 Times Longer.

Order Online Today @ www.skinners-sheds.com Christmas - Retail Kiosk Pent Sheds Apex Sheds Na onal Trust Sheds Workshops Po ng Sheds Mini Store Tool Tidy Log Store Greenhouses Budget Summerhouses Wendyhouses Loglap Cabins Garages Garden Offices Beach Huts Custom Buildings Interlocking Cabins Contemporary Range Stable & Field Shelters Animal Houses

Head Office

Skinners Sheds Ltd Ninfield Road, Bexhill, East Sussex TN39 5JP, Tel: 01424 716716

Sale Representatives

Millbrook Garden Centre - Station Road, Southfleet, Gravesend, Kent DA13 9PA, Tel: 01474 537719 Canterbury Garden Centre - Canterbury Road, Herne Common, Kent CT6 7LJ, Tel: 01227 370985 Wyevale Garden Centres - Montefiore Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8BW, Tel: 01843 592954 Wyevale Garden Centres - Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6QJ, Tel: 01892 838186 Wyevale Garden Centres - Ham Street Village, Nr Brenzett, Nr Ashford, Kent, TN26 2QP, Tel: 01233 731044 Wyevale Garden Centres - Bexhill Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN38 8AR, Tel: 01424 201500 Select Garden & Pet Centre - Main Road, Sunbridge, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6ED, Tel: 01959 569259 Highgrove Garden Centre - Staplehurst Road, Marden, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 9BT, Tel: 01622 831019 Millbrook Garden Centre - Tubwell Lane, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 3RJ, Tel: 01892 660210 Blackbrooks Garden Centre - Sedlescombe (Main A21), East Sussex, TN33 0RJ, Tel: 01424 871123 World of Water - Ersham Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2RH, Tel: 01323 847005 Lewes Garden Centre - Newhaven Road, Kingston, Nr Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3NE, Tel: 01273 489489 Findon Garden Centre - Rogers Lane, Findon, West Sussex, BN14 0RE, Tel: 01903 877286

Tthe site continues to accommodate some MOD offices, including the Regimental Headquarters of The Rifles, and Winchester’s Military Museums. Peninsula Square with its smart houses and landscaped gardens is also one of the most desirable places to live in Winchester.

The Barracks today.