THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS ASSOCIATION
SWIFT AND BOLD
JOURNAL 2016
From The Royal Green Jackets to Space!
The Royal Green Jackets Associa on
Swift and Bold 2016 Contents Foreword by Maj Gen James Gordon CB CBE, President of the RGJA Royal Green Jackets Associa on Contacts Editorial The RIFLES Freedom Parade in Winchester & RGJA Reunion on 8th July In the Beginning Cpl JW Seeney 2 RGJ The 50th Anniversary of the Forma on of the Regiment Foreword by Field Marshal The Lord Bramall of Bushfield KG GCB OBE MC JP DL Address by Major General Jamie Balfour CBE DL Address by General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC (Gen) The Gathering RGJA E-mail Addresses RGJA Branches Aylesbury Branch Band and Bugles Branch Central England Branch The London Branch The Oxford Branch The Wiltshire Branch The Winchester & District Branch The Yorkshire Branch The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum Lt Col Henry Worsley MBE gaze ed with posthumous award of the Polar Medal The Somme - A Family Remembers Somme stretcher bearer who won THREE medals in THREE weeks Old Comrades Reunion Egg in Hot Water WW1 Medals: Rifleman Francis Reginald Layton - Rifle Brigade Unveiling of the Cyprus Emergency Memorial The RIFLES 2016 Gulf War Memorial The 77th Anniversary of The Defence of Calais Armed Forces Day 2017 Stained glass windows in the Light Division Chapel Regents Park Lovingly Remembered In Memoriam
4 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 11 12 17 17 17 18 20 23 28 32 34 38 41 43 44 47 48 48 49 51 53 59 59 59 60 60 61
SwiŌ and Bold swi andbold@rgjassocia on.info ProducƟon team: Kevin Stevens Major Ron Cassidy MBE Mike Marr Séamus P Lyons Arne Bergsand Crown Copyright © 2017 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 Print Gurus.
Front cover: Major Timothy “Tim” Peake CMG graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served as a platoon commander with the Royal Green Jackets, and was promoted to lieutenant on 8 August 1994. On 9 July 1997, he was transferred to a regular commission, receiving a promo on to captain on 20 August.
Peake le the Army in 2009 a er 17 years of service and was selected as an ESA astronaut in May the same year. He became the first Bri sh ESA astronaut when his long-dura on flight to the Interna onal Space Sta on was launched on 15 December 2015. Tim returned to Earth on 18 June 2016. Back cover:
Members of The Napoleonic Associa on of Great Britain performing at the The 50th Anniversary of the Forma on of the Regiment.
Members Database It is important that information held on the RGJA Database is accurate and up-to-date, for example the Homke Address. Therefore, would all members go to the Database and check content. Those requiring assistance, please contact Roy Baillie at rgjdatabase@btinternet.com
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FOREWORD by Maj Gen James Gordon CB CBE President of the RGJ Association I was not quite expecting it, and it was a surprise when Major General Jamie Balfour announced at the Green Jackets dinner that I was taking over from him as President! Not only a surprise, but, after 40 years in the Regiment, much more an honour. So it is with great pleasure that I write my first foreword to Swift and Bold. But first, a big ‘thank you’ to Jamie Balfour for all he has done as President of the Association over the last 10 years to get the organisation on a sound footing. Like all volunteers, it takes much personal time, dedication and commitment, often unseen and not recognised, but vital to ensure that we get the governance and process of how we manage ourselves right. Having taken over, I know we are in a good position. I have spent much of my later service in the Army overseas, serving in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Oman, so I have not been able to get back to attend the summer Gatherings as much as I would have wished. Attending the 50th Reunion last year was very special, not just because it was such a wellorganised event, but because I was reminded most strongly that once a Rifleman, always a Rifleman. It was very good to meet so many old friends and comrades, some not seen since the day I first joined the Regiment in Caterham in 1977. It is this that gives the Regimental Association its heart. This year’s Gathering on 8th July, albeit on a slightly smaller scale, promises to be the same. We will be joining our successors, The Rifles, as they exercise their Freedom Rights to march through Winchester for the first time to mark the 10th anniversary of their formation. And also we have been given the honour of providing a Guard of 100 Greenjacket Riflemen from all Branches of the Association who will march as well – an opportunity for the ‘Old Guard’ to pass on the Freedom Rights to the new. Once again Roy Stanger, John Fritz-Domeney and the Winchester Branch are leading the organisation of both events. So, it promises to be a wonderful day - get down to it and encourage your friends to do the same; no excuses! And by now you will have heard that ATR Winchester is due to be closed and sold off, but not before 2020. However we plan to continue to hold our summer Gatherings in Winchester after this date as the Commandant at Worthy Down, which will become the Defence College of Logistics from 2018, has generously offered to make his facilities available to us thereafter. Finally, I have been very impressed by all that is being done by many, giving up much of their time to keep alive our distinct Greenjacket brand, either by running our Branches across the country, looking after our memorials or organising our reunions. Hugh Willing hands over the Chairmanship of the Association to Colonel Carron Snagge after the summer reunion; Michael Leeming has taken over as Treasurer from Mike Marr, who is still looking for a replacement as the Membership Secretary. Again I would like to thank them both for all they have done for the Association over the years, and welcome Michael Leeming and Carron Snagge to the Association Committee. My best wishes for 2017 to all Riflemen and I look forward to seeing you in Winchester on 8th July 2017.
Jamie Gordon 4 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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Royal Green Jackets Association Contacts Contact list as at 15 March 2017 President
Maj Gen James Gordon CB CBE
01962 828524
admin@rgjassocia on.info
Chairman
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
020 7492 4936
london@the-rifles.co.uk
Treasurer
Maj Michael Leeming
07803 341929
michaelleeming@hotmail.com
Members Secretary
Mr Mike Marr
01235 548018
oxford@the-rifles.co.uk
RGJA Webmaster
Capt William Shipton
01256 895719
bill.shipton@b nternet.com
Editor
Mr Kevin Stevens
01865 452813
admin@rgjassocia on.info
Photo History & Branch Sites
Mr Séamus P Lyons
01279 723908
Seamus.lyons@rgjassocia on.info
In Memoriam Board
Mr Mark Adams
01442 380713
mark.adams@rgjassocia on.info
Database Managers
Mr Roy Baillie
01488 658681
rgjadatabase@b nternet.com
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 mar ncoates53@yahoo.co.uk
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 OBE DL
Mr Mark Lydiat
01512 830391 marklydiat@yahoo.com
Oxfordshire
Brig Robin Draper CVO OBE DL
Maj Andrew Bowes
07773 200085 a.bowes@b nternet.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
07545 966826 gasa102@gmail.com (Mike Walsh)
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. JOURNAL 2016
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Editorial Welcome to this edition of Swift and Bold. 2016 was both a busy and enjoyable year and although the highlight of the year for many was the 50th Anniversary celebrations in Winchester we are also aware that our branches were working hard at various events throughout the entire year. Most notable amongst these would have to be the annual Remembrance Day parades organised by the London and North East branches, it would seem that these as well as the parades attended by our other branches are gaining in popularity each year. At the Cenotaph organised by the London branch we are restricted on tickets for both security and logistic reasons which otherwise might see association members turning up in their hundreds. Last year we even got a brief, very brief, look at our members marching, of course at a rather more sedate pace than we would normally march at so as not to overtake those in front of them and leave those behind - way behind!! Although we covered the 50th celebrations in the autumn e-zine we are reproducing it again here in S&B so that you have a hard copy to look back upon in years to come and of course for those who are not connected to the internet so would not have received the e-zine and there are still a few amongst us….. 2017 will see changes at the top of our association with Major General Jamie Gordon taking over from Major General Jamie Balfour as President and Colonel Carron Snagge taking over from Brigadier Hugh Willing as Chairman, Major Mike Leeming has taken over as Treasurer from Mike Marr although Mike M will be continuing as membership secretary until a new ‘Volunteer’ is found. In the 10 years since, we as a regiment, were merged with the others the association has been successfully administered by those retiring and I would like to thank them for the hard work they have put into given us such a solid base from which to further grow and welcome Jamie Gordon, Carron Snagge and Mike Leeming as they step in to their respective roles. Of course we would not be an Association without our Branches and the hard work their Committees do to recruit new members and organise functions throughout the year, we wish you continued success. Enjoy 2017. Kevin Stevens
The RIFLES Freedom Parade in Winchester & RGJA Reunion The RGJ Association Gathering on Saturday 8th July 2017. The Rifles Freedom Parade in Winchester City commencing 1100hrs and afterwards RGJA Reunion at Sir John Moore Barracks, Andover Road, North Winchester, Hampshire SO22 6NQ. Reunion timings: 1400 hrs 1400 hrs - 1830 hrs 1400 hrs - 1615 hrs 1400 hrs 1500 hrs 1600 hrs 1630 hrs 1700 hrs - 1745 hrs 1800 hrs 1830 hrs - 1915 hrs 1915 hrs - 1945 hrs 1945 hrs - 2030 hrs 0100 hrs
Gates open at Sir John Moore Barracks. Park & Ride continuous bus service - King Alfred Statue/SJMB. Bar opens and Static Displays. Food and Beverages available all day/evening. The Jam School Big Band Swing Band. Romsey Old Cadet Band. Service of Thanksgiving. Marching Riflemen fall in by Battalions and Address by Maj Gen Jamie Gordon, President of RGJA. Parade RSM Jake Cheetham. Sounding Retreat with The Rifles B & B and RGJA Buglers. National Anthem & Flag lowering. Bar re-opens. The Melodic Belles. Gary Driscoll. The Melodic Belles. Bar Closes.
Association members will be charged £5 (Family/Guests free). £10 will be charged for non-members. Dress: Smart turnout, no ‘flip flops’ on entering SJMB. If Marching, beret/blazer or jacket/medals optional/tie/ white shirt/grey flannels. No jeans/trainers or shorts. Note:
Above timings subject to alteration. Further information will be published on the Association website.
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In the Beginning In the beginning there was the word, and the word was God. All else was darkness, and void, and without form. So God created the heavens and the earth. He created the sun and the moon, and the stars so that light might pierce the darkness. And God divided the earth between the land and the sea, and these he filled with many assorted creatures. The dark slimy creatures that inhabited the waters and the murky depths of the oceans He called sailors and dressed them accordingly, and told everyone to say ‘hello Sailor’! The flighty creatures of the air He called airmen, and these he clothed in overalls which were crumpled and scruffy. The lower echelon of the creatures which knew not whether they were from the land or the sea He called marines. And with a twinkle in His eye and a sense of humour only He could have, He gave them trousers too short, hats too big and pockets in which to warm their hands. To adorn their uniforms He gave them badges and lanyards, and funny hats and all sorts of shiny things that glittered in the sun. (Well, when you’re God you can afford to get carried away from time to time!) And on the seventh day God rested.
God was NOT happy! So He thought about His work and with infinite wisdom He created a divine creature which He called soldier. These soldiers which he created in His own image were to be all things to all men, so He gave them many wonderful garments. He gave them lovely uniforms so that they would look practical and efficient. He gave them combat clothing so that they could wage war against the forces of evil and Satan. At the end of the eighth day God looked again upon the earth, and the land and the sea and saw that it was good. But was God happy? God was NOT happy! He suddenly realised what was missing, so he took the very best of the creatures called soldiers, trained them in a way which only He could do and from that day on the chosen few were called Green Jackets. He gave them lovely green berets so that they might curry favour with the ladies and impress the hell out of everybody else. Was God happy now? God was NOT happy, because in the course of His labours He had forgotten to give himself a greet beret. So He thought about it, and thought about it, and finally sighed with resignation and accepted that.... well....after all, not everyone can be a Green Jacket!
And on the eighth day God looked down upon the earth, and the land and the sea and He was not happy.
Anon
Correction
Award of a Mention in Despatches in 1972 Cpl J W Seeney 2 RGJ The (upcoming) 45th Anniversary of the Stanley’s Walk incident in the Bogside (I Coy 2 RGJ, 14 March 1972) has brought to light that the award of a Mention in Despatches (MID) to 24064507 Corporal Jeffery Walter Seeney (Ref: London Gazette 3 October 1972, Supplement: 45793 Page: 11635) has, over the years, been incorrectly documented in a number of RGJ Publications and References with Cpl Seeney’s name misspelt. We regret the error that was made and has been perpetuated over the years; it will be corrected in any future Regimental publications. We are happy to note the correction. HCG Willing, Brig, Chairman RGJ Assn G de VW Hayes, Brig, Chairman RGJ (Rifles) Museum
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The 50th Anniversary of the Formation of the Regiment The 50th Anniversary of the Formation of The Royal Green Jackets in 1966 held at Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester 9th July 2016. The Foreword by Lord Bramall and The Address by Maj General Jamie Balfour of the Anniversary Programme are reproduced.
Foreword by Field Marshal The Lord Bramall of Bushfield KG GCB OBE MC JP DL
Fifty years have passed since I wrote 'Leadership - The Green Jacket Way'. At that time I was commanding 2nd Green Jackets (KRRC) in Penang and we were about to be transformed into a new and large Rifle Regiment. My purpose in writing that short document was to provoke thought, but also to ensure that we passed on our unique style and ethos which had long marked us out as ahead of our time. For the fortyone years of our existence as members of that fine Regiment - The Royal Green Jackets, I am certain that this unique way of doing things was more than successfully achieved. And not only that, it was also passed on to our successors, The Rifles, who were forged very quickly in the fire of Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan, and importantly have lived up to our traditions and ethos most worthily. So today is a very special day when we can celebrate the many and legendary achievements of the Royal Green Jackets during its four decades of distinguished service, in all the theatres of operations in which the Army served in the years 1966-2007. But it is equally about remembering the many of us, Riflemen, who served in its ranks and can indeed be proud of doing our duty. I hope you enjoy this Celebration and I am very proud to be amongst you today to, "perpetuate the glory of the days that tingle in our hearts and fill our memories".
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Address by Major General Jamie Balfour CBE DL, President RGJ Association
Dear Brother Riflemen, Our 50th Anniversary in 2016 is not something to be underestimated, it is a major achievement that we are rightly celebrating, especially today at Winchester. Born out of three famous former Regiments; The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps and The Rifle Brigade; our unifying battle honour of “Peninsula” highlighted our heritage as pioneering and audacious light troops and as a Rifle Regiment. The then Duke of Wellington, and Sharpe, would be proud of and recognise, all that we achieved in our 41 years of service from 1966 to 2007. From the jungles of Brunei in 1966 to Basra in Iraq in 2007, we exemplified over the years what professional soldiering is all about, a real focus on operational success, an intelligent thinking approach, a caring and innovative leadership manner, and above all trust in one’s brother Riflemen, regardless of rank. We may not have been naturally smart on parade, our cap badges may have wandered left over the ears (mine certainly did!), our disciplinary record may have been not quite as good as others, but we delivered on operations and with a style and humour that led the field, including on parade and on public duties! Our time as a Rifle Regiment was above all marked by long years of hard, often unrecognised service, and repetitive tours in Northern Ireland in support of the RUC and the PSNI as we countered the Provisional IRA
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and other para militaries, holding them at bay while a political settlement was eventually reached. Most of us became as familiar with Belfast, Londonderry and South Armagh as with our own home areas, but of all the regiments that served in Northern Ireland we can take particular pride in what we achieved in helping to prevent the terrorists win the campaign, and allowing a settlement to be achieved. We served all over the world; in Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, the Falkland Islands to name but a few; and 1RGJ’s extraordinary years of successive operational tours from 1999 to 2006, typified our leading operational role and commitment. We made a major contribution to Special Forces, and our nickname “Black Mafia” a tribute to the number of our senior officers and the influence that they and Regiment had on Army thinking and development. It is entirely appropriate that given the number of senior Generals that the Regiment has produced, that the Army’s current Chief of the General Staff, who is taking our parade today, is himself a Royal Green Jacket, and that Field Marshal The Lord Bramall, to whom the Regiment owes so much, is with us as well. But for us today as we look back, it is the comradeship and shared experiences that still bind us so closely together.Friendships and mutual trust forged in our youth, particularly when under pressure and in danger on operations, are lasting ones and are to be treasured above all other. The moments in contact, the hilarious incidents, the shared pain of losing a comrade, the often outrageous behaviour off duty, all form bonds that are often difficult for those outside to fathom, and which for us are for life. Our time as a Rifle Regiment was short compared to some, but our impact was unique, substantial and led the way for others. We can take huge pride that our heritage and character has been carried forward so successfully into our successors, The Rifles, who we should continue to support as well as we have already done. So please enjoy today, reinforce your regimental pride and spirit, commit to continuing to support your comradesespecially in their times of need, and while most of us may now be veterans, above all remember: “Once a Rifleman, always a Rifleman“! With my very best wishes,
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ADDRESS by General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC (Gen) Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, late The Royal Green Jackets at the 50th Anniversary Celebration Field Marshal, fellow Riflemen. I’d like to start by thanking Simon Booth-Mason, Roy Stanger, John Fritz-Domeney, Ron Frampton and the Winchester Branch for all their hard work in setting up today. Thanks also to Lt Col Andy Cox, CO of ATR Winchester for his support. It is testament to the success of this extraordinary Regiment of ours that fifty years on so many of us have gathered here today to commemorate that moment when the three former regiments came together to create the Royal Green Jackets. To what do we attribute this success? I think first and foremost it is to do with brand. We are different and we have always celebrated that difference. We don’t have colours, we rally to the battle honours inscribed on our cap badge, we take great pride in fighting in extended order, in concealment, in wearing a sensible coloured uniform, and we occupy the privileged position of not being included in the serried ranks of regiments in the British Army’s Line. We place great emphasis on marksmanship, sharpshooting, and sniping. We communicate with the bugle and we manoeuvre in double time – as we are about to see ... Second I think success has come from an attitude that espouses the ‘thinking Rifleman’. Our philosophy has always been about unlocking the potential of every Rifleman so that fleeting opportunities on the battlefield are instantly seized. And training is designed to set high standards and allow honest mistakes to be made in the pursuit of development. Although I’m not sure I was entirely convinced of the advantages of low level initiative when I had to answer up for two members of my surveillance platoon in Celle (Riflemen ‘Legs’ Peters and ‘Jelly Tot’ Curtis’) who had been busted for a predeployment raid on the cookhouse – they would have got away with it if they had not left a trail of sausages all the way back to S Company block. But joking apart our extraordinary operational record speaks for itself. There has barely been a day since its formation when the Regiment has not been committed to operations, in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq and Africa; operational success has always been the hallmark of the very best JOURNAL 2016
Green Jacket battalions and there is not a brigade commander that I have come across who would not want a Green Jacket battalion in his brigade on operations. We have always espoused a forward-looking attitude. We have never allowed tradition to deaden our sense of the present, nor the opportunities presented by the future. This open mindedness, combined with enlightened leadership is probably one of the reasons why we have always produced so many senior officers. The so-called ‘Black Mafia’. at the 50th Anniversary Celebration And this forward-looking attitude has been very much in evidence, as we have established the Rifles. In just the same way as the three Colonel Commandants of the former regiments within the Green Jacket Brigade came together to create the Royal Green Jackets, the current generation has established a legacy of which we can all be immensely proud. We have also embraced a sense of style about what we do. ‘Never be dull’ was the advice given to Dick Fyffe before he assumed command. ‘Cock it a bit’ was the advice given by the Colonel in Chief to the Quartermaster when referring to how his hat should be worn. And that probably explains why the beret has been worn over the left ear from time to time. For me what stands out about this wonderful regiment that I joined, down the road in Peninsula Barracks in 1977, is the relationship that all of us - as Riflemen - have with each other. That spirit is entirely obvious from what we see today and see every year at our Association Reunion. It comes from leaders who place the care of their Riflemen at the forefront of all that they do. Joining the 3rd Battalion as an 18 year old - with Christopher Dunphie as my Commanding Officer and George Smythe as my Company Commander there was no chance of my not learning what this meant - often the hard way. So to my mind - the reason we are all here today celebrating the success of the Royal Green Jackets – is because it is a very special family. Swift & Bold SWIFT AND BOLD | 11
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50th RGJ Anniversary 9th July 2016 The Gathering To me there was only one Gathering in 2016 worth recalling and that was our 50th RGJ Anniversary at SJMB on Saturday 9th July and what a wonderful day that turned out to be. As I sit on the beach in Cornwall in brilliant weather writing this article I find it hard to believe that the planning for this special day began well over a year before the actual event and where a Sub-Committee was formed to plan the whole event; only this time because it was an Anniversary Reunion it was to be far bigger, more interesting, with lots of fun, and very much family orientated. The only, though not insurmountable, problem was because we planned these additional elements it would be far more expensive to lay on. As you can imagine there were many good and innovative ideas suggested; from reforming the old RGJ Para Display team, a flypast by an Apache helicopter, wall climbing for the kids and a variety of static stands covering past military events like Pegasus Bridge and the Cockleshell Heroes. These were all considered and discussed at length and decisions made accordingly. We are lucky that the basic infrastructure requirements were already in place from our usual Annual Reunions under Roy Stanger, John Fritz-Domeney and the Winchester Branch. All of whom put in an immense amount of time and effort throughout the year in preparing the groundwork for the day. Some of which might not appear at first glance to directly benefit the Association Reunion, but in terms of fostering good relations with the current landlords of the site paid back enormous dividends for our Anniversary Reunion which will hopefully continue well into the future. For example if you took the opportunity to have a close look at the armoured vehicles displayed around the site you would have found that all had been renovated to an exceptional high degree. This was achieved by Del Milam, John Harper, Derek Randell and a number of other ‘armoured experts’ from Bovingdon who over the previous 12 months had power washed every one and then meticulously painted them. Not being satisfied with that they even engineered missing parts including making the most realistic wooden machine gun you have ever seen and mounted it within the Scimitar reconnaissance vehicle outside the Sergeants Mess.
In addition to that the Memorial Garden team finally completed its most ambitious project to date with a rustic oak and tiled lych gate to the entrance of the garden. Did Colin Fox ever look more saintly under its eaves with the backdrop of the Military Wives Choir and Buglers at his Service of Thanksgiving? And finally not forgetting the days when we were part of the Light Division Derek Randell spent days fully renovating the Light Infantry Memorial dedicated to those killed at Ballygawley in 1988. The Memorial is situated adjacent to the gymnasium and consists of chairs, plaques and trees laid in memory of 8 of her regiment by HM, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Anyway I digress. The outline programme preceded well during the year pulling together all the logistics of organising bands and their accommodation, singers, re-enactment groups, audio system, work parties, static stands, filming and photographer, marquees and catering, 1st Aid, and toilets etc….all eventually contacted and booked with any special administrative requirements they needed. These had to be booked up to a year in advance in some cases. However one element we couldn’t plan for was the weather which as we all know frequently lets us down. Plan B (if there ever was one) for torrential rain was to hire a tractor to tow the caravans up the hill to the camping field! As it happened and knowing God favoured Riflemen (because Colin Fox told us so) Saturday dawned overcast but with relief (To be con nued on next page)
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(Con nued from previous page)
their preparations as everything had to be in place and completed by 1030 hrs when a risk assessment had to be carried out. Bear in mind that in the previous 4 days
that no rain was anticipated.
The Ballygawley Memorial. It has to be remembered that SJMB is now an active training regiment with all that entails. As a consequence we found we had a recruits POP scheduled for the Friday before our reunion but being efficient and flexible Riflemen it hardly slowed our preparation and planning at all. However a considerable amount of time still had to be spent by Roy Stanger liaising with SJMB to ensure we achieved our requirements whilst at the same time being considerate to theirs. By 0715 hrs on the day the audio engineer was setting up the PA system and the various stands commenced
the huge marquees had to be erected and furnished, water and power laid on, the bar and dining room area all completed‌..not an easy logistical exercise even with good advance planning. The first two events took place in Winchester itself. The Turning of The Pages in the Cathedral was carried out by Col George Smythe and Maj Gen James Balfour plus 2 buglers and was well attended. The second event at 1200 hrs was the unveiling and dedication of the Second Tribute Chair outside the Museum in Peninsular Barracks which was organised by Julie-Anne Rosser and Steve Barrett on behalf of MAP Ltd with the unveiling of the chair by Jason Salkey (aka Rfn Harris of the Sharpe TV series) with buglers. This was also well attended. While these events were taking place in Winchester the focus of the day then moved back to SJMB itself where the RGJ VRN photo shoot had begun under the auspices of John Fritz-Domeney. Although a last minute change in authorisation meant the main square couldn’t be used, over 70 vehicles were photographed in two sessions on the smaller muster square at the rear of the barracks. The SJMB gates and bar opened at 1200 hrs leaving just 90 minutes before the first major attraction took place on the Main Square. The entrance Reception group together with the ACF 60th Cadets (under Major J Collett from London) worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon to ensure both car parking and entry proceeded smoothly. It is worth mentioning that over 3,000 people turned up. The first event on the main square was the Romsey Old Cadet Band dressed as French musketeers who were brilliant, unconventional, and incredibly amusing with their audience participation which the kids loved. (To be con nued on next page)
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(Con nued from previous page) This was followed by a battle segment from Waterloo which consisted of 150 re-enactors with their rifles and cannons creating an incredible screen of noise and smoke. All accompanied with a very informative commentary. It was great to see The Rifles and 52nd producing the coup de gras at the end and Napoleon fleeing the battlefield.
Our Service of Thanksgiving then took place at the Light Division Memorial Garden under the auspices of our Regimental Padre Colin Fox and assisted by the Winchester Military Wives Choir and Buglers. Colin gave us a moving and sensitive address with emphasis on thanksgiving and together with audience singing it was an uplifting service.
Next on the Square was the Quirinius Band and Bugles, The Association’s affiliated Band and Bugles, all the way from Germany, having arrived the previous evening after an all day coach journey,. This band is made up of German civilians trained by our own former musicians. To all intents of purposes this was a ‘Green Jacket band’ both in dress, music ability and marching speed. Fresh from Sounding Retreat at Horseguards the previous month they gave us a wonderful display of music and marching. They were much enjoyed, very professional and we hope we see more of them in the future.
Regimental Padre Colin Fox, the Winchester Military Wives Choir and Associa on Buglers. (To be con nued on next page) 14 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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Estimated numbers on parade ranged from over 900 to 1,000 + and all nearly correctly dressed in sea of green blazers and ties which must be a basic future requirement.
RSM Jake Cheetham. Such were the numbers on parade that this required some quick thinking by Parade RSM Jake Cheetham and his assistant Gary Driscoll to ensure we all could form up on the Square and hear the address by Gen Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC (Gen), Col Comdt
The March Past was next on the agenda and what an event that turned out to be. The parade formed up in Battalions including Riflemen of the original R Company. JOURNAL 2016
Gen Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC (Gen), Col Comdt The Rifles, our most senior serving former Royal Green Jacket. (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 15
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(Con nued from previous page) The Rifles, our most senior serving former Royal Green Jacket. Our March Past was led by Brig Hugh Willing, our RGJA Chairman, with the salute taken by Gen Sir Nicholas Carter and Maj Gen Jamie Balfour CBE DL, President of RGJA, who chose to march with his old mates in R Company. Such was the popularity it was impossible to clear the Square quickly afterwards (R Company take note!!).
enabled Brig Nick Prideaux to keep us fully and superbly informed of events going on plus a background summary of the participants involved. The intent of the day was to produce a happy, interesting and fun environment for you and your family/guests to enjoy and reconnect with many of your past Regimental friends. From what I witnessed there was indeed a lot of catching up being done! It was a very special and successful day from every aspect and even the weather held for the campers in the field. I would like to mention that many still photographs were taken and are available on Fraser Portraits website (www. fraserportraits.com) for you to purchase. And also I would like to mention that we are very much indebted to Kevin Crumplin, a former rifleman and now a film director, who brought down a fully professional film crew to record the whole day’s events. We aim to produce a DVD of the day and for this to be ready for purchase in 2017. Details will be on our website shortly.
The last event at the end of the afternoon was The Sounding Retreat by The Rifles B & B together with the Association Buglers and the Quirinus B & B under the supervision of the DOM Major Jason Griffiths BA (MUS) LRSM CAMUS. Again another fine display of Regimental music and marching was shown and was much enjoyed by all those attending, since nothing stirs the embers of Regimental pride more than a good Sounding Retreat. The National Anthem followed to finalise the Main Square proceedings together with the intended lowering of the flags. The action then moved over to the large marquee where we were right royally entertained in three singing sessions by The Melodic Belles who had people dancing up by the stand and our very own crooner Gary Driscoll. They both went down a treat with the audience. The bar and food outlets were busy all day and evening, even to the extent that the beer supplies ran out earlier than anticipated. The £5 dinner based around your favourite compo rations proved to be very popular with over 500 meals being served by the QDG cooks from Catterick. We should not forget those organizations which produced static stands like SSAFA Hampshire/ C4C/regimental clothing/the Museum and the military vehicles from Spt Coy 4 Rifles. The hiring of an ‘uprated’ audio system proved well worth the expense which 16 | SWIFT AND BOLD
As our Chairman has already mentioned in his Foreward the next RGJ Association Gathering will take place on Saturday 8th July 2017 at SJMB. While this will be smaller in scale we will endeavour to make it a fun Regimental family day. I hope you will come again and support it so please put this in your diary now. This date also coinsides with The Rifles Freedom of Winchester Parade in the morning. I would like to especially thank all the members of the subcommittee who gave up much time and effort to produce this happy and enjoyable day as well as those who contributed/assisted in various forms to make this day a success. Bookings for 2017 have already been activated so please show your Green Jacket support. I am sure all of you will have your own special memories of the 9th July this year but mine will be to remind oneself what a truly great Regiment The Royal Green Jackets was. We can be rightly proud of this. However, amid all our euphoria of the day, we should spare a thought of those we knew and were not present. Riflemen, be there next year. Simon Booth-Mason Chairman RGJ 50th Anniversary Sub-Committee JOURNAL 2016
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RGJA E-mail Addresses We currently have “rgjassociation.info” e-mail 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 one of these which come with full instructions on how to add it to your own e-mail client, please e-mail: admin@rgjassociation.infowith your name and regimental number (which willbe used for the password) and I will send you your own RGJ e-mail address within 48 hours. Kevin Stevens
RGJA Branches THE AYLESBURY BRANCH Our year started badly with the sad loss of ex-WO2 Allan “Moff” Cooke Who served with 1GJ/1RGJ. He was a very wellrespected member of the Regiment and this was apparent by the number of people who attended his funeral. There were in excess of 120 exbattalion members in blazers, berets and medals. This was in addition to the family and friends. He was given a send-off befitting the type of person he was and his family were overwhelmed at the level of support. The branch is still struggling with members. Whilst there are 20 paid up members only around 50% attend on a regular basis. Efforts are continuing to increase membership. The branch held its annual Copenhagen Dinner in April and this was attended by 63 personnel. Branch members were ably supported by other Associations in the area and this helped to keep the numbers up. The evening was a great success. The Chairman represented the Branch at the Annual Town Mayor Making ceremony. This is always a useful event as it keeps us in the minds of the members of the local authorities and invitations to civic events etc. helps to maintain the profile of the Association. Several members had a day out in London to attend the Sounding of the Retreat by The Rifles at Horse Guards. This was a tremendous evening and The Rifles supported by other bands showed why they are one of the best military bands in the country. It was also pleasing to see the RGJ Association buglers who proved that they had not lost their touch. The only down side of the evening was the inclement weather. Whilst it was dry the wind was very cold and some of the musicians lost their sheet music but this did not affect the performance. Well done to all! June saw the branch holding a curry lunch in memory of the old comrades of the Bucks Battalion whose reunion was always held on the nearest Saturday to Waterloo Day. There was a good turnout of members and invited JOURNAL 2016
guests. The curry was up to a high standard and thanks go to Christopher Mansi for his hard work organising the day. The Chairman was once again in action having been given the privilege of raising the Armed Forces Day flag in the Market Square at the beginning of the Armed Forces week. Once again the weather played a significant part with torrential rain threatening to spoil the event. We were not going to be beaten though and in true professional fashion the task was successfully completed. The Armed Forces Day event was held at Bletchley Park. The commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme was marked in Aylesbury Market Square at 0730 hrs on 1st July. Several branch members joined the Royal British Legion and a number of local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff for a service of remembrance. The Chairman read a “letter from the front” as part of the ceremony. There was a second service held in Aston Clinton in the evening. The 50th Anniversary Reunion in Winchester was, as expected, a huge success. Many friendships were renewed and the years rolled back with many a story to tell. Despite some issues with the bar we feel that the Winchester Branch deserves a large debt of gratitude for the hard work put in organising the event. It must have been a difficult task not knowing the total number of people expected to attend. The Poppy Appeal was well supported by branch members and culminated in the Remembrance Sunday parade held in the Market Square which was again very well attended by the local population. Following the parade the Branch provided a buffet lunch at the Railway Club. We are looking forward to a good 2017. Alan Gran, Branch Chairman SWIFT AND BOLD | 17
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THE BAND AND BUGLES BRANCH Saturday 8th October 2016 saw the gathering of exmembers of the Band and Bugles of the RGJ and its former Regiments for their annual reunion. Shortly before 12 noon The Winchester Club opened its doors yet again to host our annual event.
The annual ‘Concert’ lasted from 12:30 through till 2:30 and was well represented in all sections of the Band. The trombone section in particular, being enhanced with the talents of the Director of Music (The Rifles) sat on 3rd trombone.
Once more we were privileged to have members of The Rifles Band in attendance, to whom we are most grateful for providing music stands and the varied programme of music and marches for ex-members to perform and enjoy, sending everyone on another trip down memory lane. An increase in ex-buglers this year was down to a few members of The Buglers Association of The Light Division and The Rifles being invited along.
Our Secretary Dave Timms even spent a good hour on stage adding to the rhythm section - or hindering, can’t quite fathom which, but he did a good job.
We’ve never been short of a conductor or two to take up the baton and put the band & bugles through their paces annually, but this year we were privileged to have, in addition to our regular conductors, ex-DoM Major Roger Swift and ex-Senior DoM (Household Division) Lt Col David Price OBE.
Lt Col David Price OBE.
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Following the ‘Concert’ the Secretary gave his annual sermon, (a few prepared words) which is relayed to you below: Good afternoon ladies, gentlemen, honorary members, guests and members of the Rifles Band. Thank you all for attending this year’s Reunion. Our numbers are slightly higher than last year so somebody is doing something right. Before I start - may I ask you to show your appreciation to the members of The Rifle’s Band that gave up their time today to come and perform with our members this year. Thank you. Also a big thanks to Tony Dowd for doing the Raffle again. Right....so far this year, nobody - and I mean nobody - has complained to me about anything, so it looks as though I shall be doing this again next year. Please be upstanding whilst I read out the names of those Members who have departed from us in the past year to the Band upstairs: George Beasley, George Washington, Phillip Pether, Dennis White, Paul Mason and Peter Sheil. Please raise your glass in a toast to absent (To be con nued on next page)
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hosting the Reunion along with a request to hold the Reunion there again in 2017.
friends - Absent Friends. Thank you all again - please carry on drinking lots and lots... Tony drew the raffle. Multitudes on offer this year, and a very big thank you to those members that kindly donated raffle prizes. Forty raffle tickets for a fiver this year - What a bargain! We were blessed with some more “new faces” again this year, both from the Band and the Bugles. Notably, first timers were Chuck Burton (2 RGJ), Dave Price (2 RGJ), Willy Wilson (1 RGJ) and all the way from Australia we had Mike and Ann Kent (2 RGJ) who were just about at the end of their four month UK and European holiday. Nice to see you all. The Secretary officially thanked the Band of The Rifles (after the event) for their selfless contribution to the day, and also sent a letter thanking the Winchester Club for
David Timms Branch Secretary
REGENTS PARK MEMORIAL SERVICE 2016
Wednesday 20th July 2016 saw the 34th Memorial Service take place at the Bandstand; the weather was good to us again this year - warm and dry. Ex-members of 1 RGJ Band and their families, representatives from the Regiment along with a few civilians, met at the Inner Circle cafe from 10:30 for the 11:30 start. There were some 30 people in attendance this year including Mrs Mason (Paul Mason’s Widow) and family, and also Trudy McKnight (John McKnight’s Daughter) albeit she was slightly late due to heavy traffic. Richard Frost MBE led the short, yet swift service and proceedings. Order of Service Prayers Laying of wreaths
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The Last Post was sounded Act of Remembrance. Reveille broke the 2-minute silence, which was then followed by the Regimental Collect. Following the service - some said their farewells and headed for home. Others ambled along to The Volunteer PH for heavy refreshments. A good turn out yet again, and a good day overall. Thank you to all those who made it, and a BIG thank you to Richard Frost, and also to Bugler Peter Tresadern of The Buglers Association for sounding the calls. The next Memorial gathering will be on Thursday 20th July 2017. Also, on Sunday 23rd July 2017 representatives from Davies Street (London Branch) hold a short service. For the Sunday contact Gary Driscoll - London Branch) and on both days meet at the café 10:30 for 11:30 start.
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THE CENTRAL ENGLAND BRANCH Greetings, fellow Chosen Men. Welcome to 2017 and to this years submission from the Central England Branch. 2016 by contrast was a quiet year in terms of social gatherings for the CEB with much of the focus being on the Anniversary celebrations in Winchester. Though this year promises to be more cohesive in terms of gatherings and events with a slight change in the fact that we hope to have more sport/hobby type meetings rather than the ‘Mk1 drinking get-togethers of previous years.
CEB catchment area, please liaise with the Secretary soonest.
2016 Review 2016 was fairly quiet by our own standards in part due to the closure of our favoured watering hole ‘The Nautical Club’ in Ladywood. However, leading from the front, Branch Member ‘Ray Gaffney as usual laid on a respectable social which was enjoyed by all. Ray has had a tough year with health issues; “Ray, on behalf of us all, you are a legend, please get well and get back amongst the Branch, we miss your charm and personality”. Likewise his wife Tracey who has always supported Ray in supporting us when called upon. In May, Gary Collins put on a fantastic display both with décor and food in a fundraiser for his favoured charity ‘Help4HomelessVeterans’. Alongside Branch members were the local civilian customers who were happy to bid on auctions and raffled items etc. Thanks Gary and Emma, your efforts were rewarded by the decent sum raised for the charity; and the remainder enjoyed a cracking night. We look forward to your End of Trek social in July. By the way, please note Gary’s walk from John O’Groats to ‘Lands-End’ commencing end of March – please support this worthy cause. July was taken up with the 50th Anniversary Celebrations at Winchester which held up to expectations following some sterling work again by Simon Booth-Mason and his Team aided by the Winchester Branch – well done to all, cracking weekend. September and November saw well attended parades at NMA for the NIVA Parade and Centenary Square respectively.
It is an exciting year for the Branch in that with effect 21st May 2017, it is 5 years since its inception and we have continued to grow annually to a respectable sized organisation. As well as being our Branch President, Major (Retd) Michael Leeming has also taken over as Association Treasurer from Mike Marr. We wish him all the best with this added responsibility. As stated, it is 5 years since the inception of the Branch but we continue to be on the lookout for a stray ‘Chosen Man’ lurking around the West Midlands region, and beyond in some cases. As usual, contact Secretary Pete Page for details on enrolment. On a sad note, last year branch members attended over 10 funerals within our AOR throughout the year for ex RGJ Officers/Soldiers. As a Branch, we always reiterate to those prepared to listen that: “We are all members of an exclusive club that nobody else will ever be able to join and will support those in need where possible” This trend is only going to increase and never lighten up. If you require support for loved ones within the 20 | SWIFT AND BOLD
Although the weather was not the greatest there was a good turnout from across the country. We closed off the year with our Rifleman’s Christmas Ball which took place on Saturday 17th December at the Cuttle Bridge, Minworth which was a great success with great entertainment, music, money tree and laughter (what more could you want). A great evening completed a fantastic year for The Central England Branch with a view to stepping it up a gear in 2017.
2017 Look Forward As the magazine goes to print we would have had our first gathering of the year at ‘The Dog’s’. More to follow in next year’s Review. Unfortunately, Pete Page our Secretary cannot attend due to his dining-out after serving 35 years (23 years as (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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main charity for 2017. Gaz, having carried a ‘Fridge’
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Branch members at The Na onal Arboretum. a CSgt with the Regiment and 12 years with the Military Provost Guard Service as a Sgt.
on his back on the Birmingham Half Marathon for our chosen charity Home 4 Homeless Veterans, has decided this year to walk the great length of John O’Groats down the western side of Scotland and England onto Lands’ End in Cornwall.
On behalf of all we would like to take this opportunity to wish him well for the future as a Civilian – good luck with that!! This year, the Committee have agreed to support one JOURNAL 2016
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(Con nued from previous page) This is no easy feat and I can assure you that Gaz has been prepping and planning this for over a year now. There are two factors to consider here. The first being the raising of funds for his charity ‘Help4HomelessVeterans’ which along with his Just Giving Page will raise revenue for such a good cause. The second being admin costs. To that end, Gaz will require admin/rest periods etc in a B&B plus feeding for the 3 month period of his venture. It is estimated that between now and STARTEX (29th April 2017) he must raise £2200. Good luck Gaz and we will all see you at ENDEX for a refreshing beverage or three!!
GREENSTOCK FESTIVAL 2017 Having moved away from a military location, we’re sure that this years’ affair will be even more relaxed and enjoyable. The venue itself is ideal, the bar and entertainment room is fantastic, the facilities are all there. Everything is booked. let’s hope that the weather Gods once again look favourably upon us. We hope that you all get to come and enjoy the weekend with your families and dogs. If you have not attended previously, don’t take my word for it, ask your buddies about how enjoyable it is. It is a thoroughly great weekend for all. It is an event run by Riflemen for Riflemen (and Officers of course). For payment details, contact Guy Mynett although you can pay via paypal to: CentralEnglandBranch@hotmail.com or cheque made payable to: CEBRGJA again, contact Guy for address. The cost is only £20 per person (Under 16s free) which includes your camping/camper/ caravan pitch, entertainment etc.
Gaz carried a ‘Fridge’ on his back on the Birmingham Half Marathon for our chosen charity Home 4 Homeless Veterans.
Parades
Summary
The Northern Ireland Veterans Parade will take shape in September as normal with this year the CEB hosting the Kent Branch who have shown a willingness to attend followed by a social. All are welcome to this event held at The National Arboretum, Alrewas in Staffordshire. (Details can be found on the The National Arboretum website or indeed via our Facebook page later in the year).
Overall, a good year to look forward to. CEB Forecast of Events for 2017 can be found on the RGJ website. If you are from our area or indeed if you are passing through and want to attend one of our ‘gatherings’ then do not hesitate to get in touch. To one and all have a safe and healthy 2017. Celer et Audax.
Our normal Remembrance Day parades will take place around the Midlands with the view of ‘stepping off’ in differing locations over the year rather than central Birmingham (more to follow). We will then end 2017 ‘on a High’ with another Rifleman’s Ball. 22 | SWIFT AND BOLD
CEB Contacts Pete Page - petepage71@hotmail.com Guy ‘Shuggy’ Mynett - mynettllag@hotmail.co.uk Mark Picken - mark_picken@hotmail.com G Mynett Treasurer (on behalf of Secretary) JOURNAL 2016
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THE LONDON BRANCH Having completed a full and active 2015, the Branch Committee decided that 2016 would be a year to support the Royal Green Jackets 50th Celebration Year.
Ladies Dinner Night The annual Branch Ladies Dinner night had to be brought forward to early January this year owing to renovations at the Victory Services Club. This did reflect on our numbers, however, we managed to seat over one hundred and forty guests, despite the Regimental Band being unavailable for that date in January. Our guest for the evening was the RGJ Association Chairman, Brigadier Hugh Willing and his wife. This was a long overdue engagement for the Branch and third time lucky; the two previous years were not possible due to clashes with diaries. The pre-dinner drinks were held in the newly
renovated reception rooms which proved to be very satisfactory, although no Buglers were present the Secretary managed to substitute and make his presence felt, shepherding all those present to thedining room on time. It was decided that we substitute the Band and Bugles for a continuous picture show on the large screen in the room, including hundreds of Branch event pictures and members over the years, also incorporating music from various Regimental CD’s and tunes. The finale was a well-timed recording of High on the Hill and the regimental march. All this was managed by our IT expert Michael Blee and the Secretary. It proved to be a great success and worthy of note for the future if Bands are not available. The Secretary updated the Members of the forthcoming events for the year with a special mention of the Sounding of Retreat on Horse Guards. This was followed by the President who gave a short State of the Nation speech on the year’s activities. His main theme was a huge thank to all those present for their tremendous effort in supporting the fundraising for the Waterloo painting that was achieved in time for the Museum. The President introduced Brigadier Hugh Willing who had agreed to sing for his supper. He outlined the need for involvement in the 50th Anniversary Year by the Branches and thanked the Branch for their efforts throughout the year for their participation in representing the Association. Once the Regimental toast was completed the President made a special thank you to the Ladies who throughout the year allowed their partners out to play on numerous occasions. It was then on with the dancing to an excellent disco which managed to capture the mood of the evening. We overrun our agreed allocated time as the party went on to the early hours of the morning. The President’s roll-call at breakfast did not take long as it was completed on one hand. An excellent night and thanks to the Committee for their hard work and a special word of thanks to the KRRC Cadets detachment who supplied the orderlies and labour for the evening.
Black Button Club We returned to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for our first Black Button Club gathering in February that was well (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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(Con nued from previous page) attended with over seventy Branch members on Parade. It was rewarding to see numbers of wives attending and our two Pensioners who are members of the Branch made an appearance. The management of the Hospital extended the Bar opening hours to allow the night to proceed past the normal opening times. A successful evening rounded off by substantial ‘Del Boy Case’ and Raffle for this year’s Branch charity.
and is now a firmly set event in our calendar of events. Numbers vary due to member’s commitments and this year over thirty members attended, we were pleased that both Major General C Vyvyan and Mike Marr attended from the Oxford Branch as our guests. It was a good day for our nominated charity as members were very generous when purchasing tickets and in donating extra prizes. The President addressed those present with a plea to members with regards attendance at the 50th Anniversary. He hoped that as many as possible would make an appearance on the day at Winchester.
4RGJ Reunion The Branch was invited to attend the 4RGJ reunion at East Ham Working Man’s Club in East London, an old stomping ground for many of the members who had served with the TA. The venue had changed this Club owing to difficulties with a clash of bookings with the local TA centre. Even so the evening turned out to be very well attended and a useful event as a recruiting ground for the Branch. This event was in the past an annual event but the organisers are finding it more and more difficult to keep the event going which would be a loss to the Regiment if these Riflemen fade away.
Battle of Calais Members of the Branch travelled to Calais in support of the KRRC, QVR and RB Association for their annual pilgrimage to commemorate the Battle for Calais. This is a popular day for London Branch members who meet at Davies Street and fall in with arrangements made by QVR Association. Lunch and a Quayside ceremony followed by a visit to the War Memorial in a local cemetery; and then a sea trip home. The day is rounded off with a few drinks in London before dispersing for home. As addressed by the QVR organiser the longterm arrangements for this event could be in doubt due to the age of original Riflemen who were at the battle. But if the London Branch can assist they would be more than willing.
Sounding of Retreat on Horse Guards There was a very good turnout for the Sounding of Retreat on Horse Guards in June. The Branch sold over three hundred tickets for the event which was very pleasing. Once again, the Theodore Bullfrog pub was available for members to gather for drinks before the parade. The numbers whom made use of the pre-drinks gathering was overwhelming and took the Branch committee by surprise. Many members made a day of it and wives took time to shop in London while the nonshopping Riflemen managed a few warmers into the bank and to catch up with tales of the past. The Sounding of Retreat from the Branches point of view was spectacular and all those involved in the arrangements must be congratulated on an outstanding display. A special thank you must be registered to the Bandsmen and Buglers who took part and produced a stunning performance.
Battle of the Somme Ceremony at Parliament Square The Branch was invited to send a representative to the ceremony held at Parliament Square on the 1st July to commemorate the beginning of the Battle of the Somme. The last post was sounded and the Royal Horse Artillery Kings Troop fired the salute followed by a short service. The event was not widely publicised but the Branch was able to send a representative at very short notice that could be present and fly the flag for the Association.
RGJ 50th Anniversary Celebrations at Winchester The 50th Anniversary celebrations held at Winchester were very well attended by Branch members. Although there was no requirement for a coach many made a weekend of the occasion and met in Winchester the evening before to become acquainted again with the Bakers Arms. The Branches involvement was minimal with the President reading the names at the Turning of the Pages Ceremony in the Cathedral, which was the opening event for the weekend and a substantial number of the Regiment attended. The Secretary assisted as one of the March Past Parade Marshals - a near impossible task with four past regiments and ‘R’ Company on parade. He also had a prime spot on the evening entertainment programme when he sang to a packed gathering in the reunion marquee after the displays had finished. An excellent day for members many of whom did not return to London until late Sunday morning.
Regents Park Memorial Service The Branch mustered over forty members for the remembrance service held at the Bandstand in Regents Park to commemorate the murder of the Bandsmen who were killed on the 20th July 1982. It was pleasing to see that we also mustered three of our members from the Royal Hospital Chelsea who attended. Lunch was taken in a local restaurant before dispersing for home.
Battlefield Tour - Arnhem By popular demand this year our Battlefield Tour took us to Arnhem. Although there was no direct involvement from our former Regiments there was strong lobby by members to visit the area where the fighting took place. A very early start from Liverpool Street Station at 6am
Veterans Day Lunch The Veterans Day Lunch was once again a success 24 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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highly recommended and is a must to visit if one is in
Regents Park Memorial Service with a second pick up point at Ashford and an early train departure at the tunnel meant that our movement plan had very little down time for error. Even with traffic problems in London we caught the train with minutes to spare but had to forego the use of the breakfast facilities at the terminal.
the area. On completion of the visit we then followed the route of 30 Corp to Arnhem. Arriving at our hotel in time for tea or for some a well-deserved drink, we assembled for pre-dinner drinks and Branch Dinner in the hotel. This proved to be a very enjoyable evening with an excellent meal and
Ba lefield Tour of Arnhem. Our first destination in Holland was the Dutch National War Museum, Ooorlogs museum at Overloon, although this location was a considerable distance to travel it was an important starting point to set the scene for the weekend. A small advance party had been despatched the day before to ensure no time was lost on arrival. The museum is rated to be one of the best in Europe and covers a large area. We also met our Dutch guide who was an expert and proved to be very knowledgeable on all aspects to do with the Market Garden operation. This museum is outstanding and JOURNAL 2016
a great deal of liquid substance which continued on till late. A considerable sum was raised for a Branch charity through the generosity of members, an auction took place and the President collected fines for incorrectly dressed members which were taken in good faith. Next morning was an early start as a full day had been arranged. Those that had savoured the hospitality of the locals after dinner were present in body but not in mind. The aim was to follow the battle from the Ginkelse (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 25
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(Con nued from previous page) DZs/LZs taking in Weatterouwing Heights, Oosterbeek area and old church and some very impressive memorials and points of interest on route. Lunch was taken at the Airborne Museum and visitors centre and where we were joined by those who had missed the coach departure earlier. After lunch we moved to the Polish DZ then moved to the site of Operation Berlin which was the operation by Canadian and British Engineers to extract by assault boats survivor’s crossing the Rhine River. To end the day, we visited the `Bridge Too Far’ now called the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem, the scene of 2 Paras heroic stand and for many, their final resting place. After a very long day we returned to the hotel for a free evening and time for reflection on what we had seen during the day. Most members were taken with two memories, firstly how all those taking part in Market Garden had fought to the best of their ability under terrible circumstance. The other point was even today how the local population still embrace the British military and wherever we went Airborne flags and Union Flags flew outside many houses and we were made very welcome. The final day we visited the Airborne Arnhem Cemetery, a short service was held and we laid a Branch wreath. We recognised graves with regimental links and paid our respects. We departed for Calais, a very tired group but fulfilled with what we had seen over the previous days. We encountered no delays at the terminal and the final drop-off point in London was made on time. An excellent three days and on reflection well worth the effort. Thanks must be given to the Branch Committee who managed to keep the arrangements on track which made for a very successful tour.
Re-Opening of the National Arboretum Due to a clash with dates the Branch was not able to send a representative to the National Arboretum for the opening of the revamped centre. The Branch received a very complimentary thank you letter from General Patrick Cordingley for donating a paving stone and for a Branch donation in support of the Arboretum. It is the intention of the Branch to visit the Arboretum and view the new centre in 2017.
The paving stone support of the Na onal Arboretum.
Andy McNab Fundraising Event Our major fund raising event was once again an Andy McNab book signing and auction with a star prize raffle. Before the event there had been a great deal of head scratching on how we would approach the evening. It was decided that although this was the twelfth occasion we had held this event that we had to come up with something new. It was agreed that we would return to basics and use the Bravo Two Zero book and extracts from the recently released Bravo Two Zero film. We obtained the services of a professional interviewer Charlie Bailey who was also an auctioneer and on both counts he excelled which was not only pleasing but very profitable for the Branch fund. The ‘Del Boy Case’ and raffle included many items that had been donated, was also a huge success. Although the evening was a great success a word of thanks must be extended not only to the Committee Members but all the other sponsors who gave their time, expertise and equipment in making it so worthwhile.
Remembrance Sunday The largest event organised by the London Branch for the Association is Remembrance Sunday but due to the change in the way in which tickets are allocated there was considerable confusion this year for the Secretary. The British Legion and the Metropolitan Police, due to security reasons, decided that everyone had to be pre-registered Front of Visitor Centre. 26 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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were very fortunate that two of our members, Kay and
Andy McNab book signing and Fundraising Event. and this process began in June for the November Parade. This placed a tremendous strain on the Secretary who was required to consolidate all applicant numbers, rank and name. Even so we managed to have 190 on parade but there were a few disappointed Riflemen who turned up on the day with no pass. A warning order will be published on the RGJ Association website to remind Riflemen to register early to allow the Secretary to complete the RGJ return in good time. Once again we assembled at the Theodore Bullfrog for coffee, breakfast and a few warmers into the bank before departing for Horse Guards. A considerable number of wives, partners and girlfriends remained in the comfort of the Theodore Bullfrog to watch the ceremony on television. Fortunately, the Association contingent was placed near the front of the parade and so we had a very short waiting period before we marched off. The overall numbers on Parade this year was smaller than previous years due to the new allocation system. After the march past and the placing of the Branch wreath we returned to the Theodore Bullfrog for lunch and drinks. Each year we find that numbers increase and we stopped counting when we reached 350, last orders was called at 16.30hrs and many weary Riflemen made their way home. Many friendships were renewed and many stories retold, an excellent day. A highlight of the gathering was BBC War Correspondent, Frank Gardner, speeding down the hill in his wheelchair to join the Gathering cheered on by former Riflemen. If a speeding ticket is forthcoming the Branch is willing to pay. The Branches involvement in Remembrance Parades was not confined to Horse Guards Parade. We JOURNAL 2016
George Duffy, were on a Cruise Ship in the South Atlantic that would be docked in Port Stanley on Remembrance Sunday. An invite was given that anyone with a military connection who would like to lay a wreath would be most welcome. A wreath was duly dispatched and George Duffy laid the wreath and represented the London Branch at the ceremony and was invited to meet the Islanders at a reception later in the day.
Ladies Christmas Lunch The final event for 2016 was the Ladies Christmas Lunch and Christmas Raffle at 86 St James/Mark Masons Hall in London. This Lunch has now developed into a major function in our calendar as each year sees the numbers getting larger. There was over fifty members and ladies for pre-lunch drinks and lunch followed by our Pink and Blue raffle that was a great success. On the completion of lunch, many members and wives made their way to Christmas Markets held on the Embankment to complete Christmas Shopping. Money raised will be donated to a nominated charity in 2017. A word of thanks to the Committee and to those members and sponsors who donated prizes for the raffle. This has been a successful year for the Branch with an increase in membership and several very successful fundraising events. We look forward to 2017 to build on this year’s success and for those serving if placed in harm’s way, take care and come home safe. Colonel G F Smythe OBE Branch President SWIFT AND BOLD | 27
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THE OXFORD BRANCH
I am pleased to report that the Oxford branch continues to flourish with a healthy number of members renewing their,membership for another year. We continue to encourage new members from our area targeting the “Younger” element from ex RGJ and now The Rifles. We also embrace those from other Regiments who have no home as associate members. The importance of recruiting show at the number of our old comrades who have passed on since the last edition of Swift & Bold. We have lost great stalwarts such as Dennis Vokins, Dennis Offord and Ian Anderson along with others who will be sadly missed. We have had much to celebrate over the past year with a busy schedule. Our usual lunches and entertaining our WW2 Vets with a joint lunch with the Rifles Oxford Officers Club in May and our own lunch in September that was well attended by members and their partners. We commemorated the start of the Somme Battle with a service at the First World War memorial to the 4th Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in Oxford Town Hall.
a lesson. The reunion at Edward Brooks Barracks for past members of the OBLI/RGJ and now encouraging ex Rifles. The numbers increased on last year bucking the downward trend. Many new faces appeared and old friendships renewed. This year we were entertained by Corunna Band and Bugles of the Oxfordshire ACF with Bugle Major Phil King providing extra entertainment with his Buglers. Our President Brig Robin Draper gave his usual “State of the Nation” report and Phil Evans helped swell branch funds by holding a raffle of donated prizes and auction of memorabilia. We were also joined by Reserve Soldiers of A Coy 7 Rifles who were a credit to the Cap badge in their turnout. They spent the evening engaging with our members hanging on every word to some of the stories and experiences being remembered. During the evening a presentation was made by Annabel Bailey (Roy’s wife) of a 43rd & 52nd embroidery she made to A Coy and this now hangs in the Bar as a reminder of the past.
We again paid homage to Major John Howard and those from the 52nd who took part in the Coup de Main at Pegasus Bridge in June 1944 with a service at Major Howard’s graveside in Clifton Hampden. In July we were again treated to an excellent concert by the Band & Bugles of the Waterloo Band accompanied by members of the Bugle association. This was followed by a curry lunch. We hope that this can continue in these uncertain times andmprohibitive overheads that we now have to endure. It seems that our traditions and Veterans mean little to the “Bean Counters” in the MOD. November as always was a busy month. The annual Turning of The Pages and Remembrance service on the 11th in Christ Church Cathedral that again was well attended with the Lord Lt of Oxfordshire reading 28 | SWIFT AND BOLD
Annabel Bailey. On 18th November, the branch was invited to a memorial event in Witney to commemorate the end of the Battle of (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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(Con nued from previous page) The Somme. Some 50 Cadets from Somme Company joined the Civic dignitaries such as the Mayor Chris Holliday and the local MP Robert Courts for the event. We have a full year to look forward to. The Freedom of Faringdon and Winchester and two VC Pavior unveilings 2nd Lt Fredrick Youens (DLI) and Sjt Major Edward Brooks (OBLI). We continue to build on our relationship with The Rifles and in particular A Coy 7 Rifles as well as keeping the Regiment in the fore of the local community. In Oxford Town Hall, there was a service conducted by Canon Brian Shenton where about a hundred people gathered around the memorial plaque commemorating the 4th (TA) Battalion of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry at the top of the main staircase.
Veterans of the Regiment, their families and friends together with civic leaders were present, as were two senior former officers of the regiment. General Sir Robert Pascoe, laid a wreath on behalf of soldiers of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. JOURNAL 2016
Brigadier Robin Draper spoke before the ceremony: “At the Somme we were totally unprepared for what we faced. We thought the massive bombardment would have taken out many of the German trenches, but some of them were 30 feet underground and a third of the shells did not explode. What happened that day wasdevastating for the families back home who lost so many young men, many of whom did not even have girlfriends, let alone have time to get married. One hundred years ago today, 6 days of intense barrage ended with 19 mines exploding under the German lines and the British troops advanced and were mown down in their thousands. There were 19,240 who lost their lives and in total 57,470 casualties and the battlefield was littered with wounded and dying - it was the blackest day for the British Army and the Somme is embedded in the minds of the British people.
It is important that we remember them to ensure the horror and carnage we saw in 1914 to 1918 is never inflicted on humankind again.� (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 29
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(Con nued from previous page) Phil King and other buglers from the Buglers Association of the Light Division & Rifles played The Last Post and Reveille during the service. On Friday 11th November, a large congregation gathered in Christ Church Cathedral to attend the Armistice Day service. As in the past two years, this was combined with the November ceremony of Turning the Pages. For this the Books of Remembrance were moved into the crossing of the Cathedral and the service followed on from the readings. The names of the Oxford and Bucks casualties in World War I were read by Branch Chairman Terry Roper and those of World War II by 17-year-old Cadet CSM Ryan Dynan. Dr Sheila King read the names of the QOOH members.
Turning the Pages Ceremony. Canon Edmund Newey, assisted by the Regimental Chaplain, Canon Brian Shenton.
The service was conducted by the Sub Dean, the Rev.
Maj (Retd) Terry Roper MBE TD Branch Chairman
4th Ba . Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Lt. Infantry.
RGJA Oxford Branch Reunion Timings The Oxford Branch Reunion will take place on Saturday 11th November 2017 at Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Road, Shippon, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6HW 1900hrs Bar opens 1945hrs Band 2030hrs Public Address 2100hrs Curry supper on payment 0030hrs Bar closes 0100hrs EBB closes All Association members and their guests welcome. Non-members are charged ÂŁ5 admission. 30 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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THE WILTSHIRE BRANCH Another busy year for the Branch. The AGM was held on the 7th of January and the new Chairman and Committee were elected for the upcoming year, the only real change was the Chairman Brian Darvill who handed over the reins to Mike Walsh, the remainder of the committee were happy to remain in post for another year. Brian was presented with a Kenchurch Butler as a token of our appreciation for all his hard work and dedication to the Branch during his time as chairman. Well done Brian. The Branch had a night out at the greyhound track in Poole in February and as with all things gambling there were some winners and some losers, however the night was a great success so we were all winners in a way. Well done to Phil Ashby our Entertainment member for yet another good night out, it is now a regular feature on our social calendar. St George’s day was celebrated by the Branch with a fancy dress function where most of the members came dressed as the inevitable St George, some say there was the odd dragon there - but I didn’t see any!
soon got heavy. Well done to JJ and Gary and to the members who took time off to come and support this very worthwhile cause. All proceeds went to Help 4 Homeless Veteran’s charity. Members joined JJ and Gary for a few social drinks in the conservative club later that evening. Sunday the 29th of May saw the Branch getting up early to support the annual Forces Charity March. The Branch assists the Royal British Legion (RBL) at a water stop on the route. The Forces March is one of the UKs most demanding challenge events. Covering the 139 mile route of a legendary WW2 training march from Ilfracombe to Bulford over 5 days, the event is open to runners and walkers, military and civilians. Afterwards we all ended up in the Red Lion for a few drinks and Sunday lunch, a good end to a good day.
The fund raising event roadshow featuring JJ Jones and Gary Collins from the CEBRGJA Branch arrived in Warminster on the 19th of May. This was day 7 of the 10 mile Tyre Pull covering 10 cities in 10 days. The Branch assisted by setting up a stand in the mall in Warminster to publicise the event, the Chairman also highlighted the event with a radio interview earlier that morning on BBC local radio. The Tyre Pull generated a lot of interest from the locals and the bucketscarried by members walking behind JJ and Gary, who took turns in doing the pull, JOURNAL 2016
The 50th Anniversary at Winchester was an event that had been eagerly awaited and the day finally came when many thousands set off on this special pilgrimage to SJM Barracks, many Branch members attended and some stayed in various types of hostelry over the 2 days. Sadly a few issues on the day did dampen the fun a bit but overall it was a great day and night. Well done to all those that worked hard to organise this special event. August is traditionally the month for the Branch BBQ. This year the BBQ was hosted by Gaz and Rosemary (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 31
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weeks but had been improving therefore the news of his passing was a shock to all. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Gwyneth and all the family on their sad loss. Lee was the Internet member for the Branch and he was always cheerful in spite of his medical issues and will be sorely missed. His funeral was well attended by ex members of the RGJ and the local community. Lee was a very prominent member at the annual poppy collection in Warminster so this year we are one less. RIP Lee. The RBL roadshow commemorating the 100 years since the start of the battle of the Somme came to Warminster for a week in August. Members of the Branch assisted the RBL in helping to man the stand for the week. This is a very poignant display. The poppies were hand made by schoolchildren from the area and each one contained the name of a fallen Wiltshire soldier.
This years poppy appeal was again well supported by the Branch and the overall total for Warminster was up on last year by about £3000 to over £27000 and our contribution to this was £1713.25 collected over the two days in Waitrose. Whilst our JJ Jones and Gary Collins from the Branch arrived in Warminster on the total is down on last year it is still a great 19th of May. effort by all those that took part and I thank all those that gave up their time to help this great and Peacock and the theme was Hawaiian. Well done Gaz worthy cause. and Rosemary for a great day and night. Next year the hosts will be Owen and Petrova Davies who have The annual games night was held in the Organ Inn again decided that as they live by the sea the BBQ will have a this year and was well supported by the members. nautical theme. They live a bit further away in Devon so Prizes for the night were kindly donated by David Smith. this one may go on a bit longer than the normal ones. Best skittler went to Kevin Boyd who is still serving with Sadly, on August the 6th Lee Massey passed away. He had been unwell and was in Salisbury hospital for a few (To be con nued on next page)
The Branch BBQ. 32 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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the Rifles, best lady went to Elaine Tyson whilst the
The poppies were hand made by schoolchildren from the area and each one contained the name of a fallen Wiltshire soldierin the ba le of the Somme. wooden spoon was won by Gary (should have gone to Specsavers) Byrne. There was an extra award this year, the Pinhead Trophy, awarded by the Chairman and this was won by Bill Tyson. Pre Christmas drinks in the conservative club was another good afternoon and this event has been happening for a good few years now so if you are ever in the area you are most welcome to join us. The annual Ladies dinner night was held on the 4th of February this year at the Hunters Moon and again this event goes from strength to strength. Well done to Phil Ashby for organising another splendid dinner. We have another busy year ahead and look forward to seeing you all at some of the events in the coming year, The Gathering at Winchester in July being the big one and of course “Greenstock” in August. This year the Branch is hoping to have a few of our members in the squad for the handover of the “Freedom of Winchester” parade to the Rifles on the morning of the Gathering. That’s it for this year, and best wishes from the Wiltshire branch. Mike Walsh Branch Chairman JOURNAL 2016
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THE WINCHESTER & DISTRICT BRANCH Isn’t a British pub a marvellous thing? Particularly if visited on a cold wintery night in very early January, and it’s one of those really old fashion ones with a spitting open log fire, lots of horse brass, a variety of wonky chairs, and tables made out of roughly hewn slabs of green oak that your pint of golden will not stand upright on! Adding to the ambience will invariably be the delicious smell of home roasted meals wafting across the room on the heat from the fire, and in the background will be the quiet and peaceful murmur of other patrons enjoying the company of their friends and loved ones. Then it’s shattered …… when a foghorn voice from his ‘Royness’ says at the same decibel reading as Concorde taking off “Right then – eyes down for a full house – lots of stuff to get through – let’s crack on! ”And with that a room full of the general public inadvertently join the Winchester Branch of the RGJA management board sitting at their table of four without necessarily wanting to. So please don’t be surprised if when you attend the next Veterans’ Reunion in July you find a bemused civilian couple and their kids from the Queens Head public house who have absolutely nothing to do with the military selling you raffle tickets at the ATR main gate! However, and despite everyone within earshot (roughly 25mtrs) of our table being completely put in the picture with regards to everything the Green Jackets Association gets up to, this is how we normally start our year with a meeting of the ‘movers and shakers’ of the branch in a nice country pub somewhere. The purpose of which is to discuss the agenda for our AGM in February, and roughly lay out a plan of events and activities for the ensuing year; including of course any additional work or responsibilities we take on by dint of being colocated with the centre of the ‘Rifle Green’ universe’. Anyway on to other matters…..
Membership wise our numbers despite every effort to improve them through advertising or general word of mouth stays fairly constant at approx 50 plus. As Winchester is considered by many to be the ancestral home of the regiment and given the numbers that have settled in the area this can seem a little disappointing on occasion; even more so when you play around with that entertaining little ‘map tool’ on the official website showing where retired ex members of the regiment now live, and the south of England disappears under a cloud of regimental badges! However, we’re not overly grumbling by any means because what we might lack in numbers we more than make up with our enthusiasm and commitment to the Regimental cause. Having said that, and if you dear reader are managing to read this via whatever electronic ‘black ops’ medium you are using, and live in the area without being a member of either the main association or a branch, do please consider joining our happy band of ex Riflemen where you would be made most welcome. Our contact details are in this publication. As far as our branch meetings are concerned we now alternate between formal and social on a monthly basis. The reason we conduct our meetings this way is that after many years of trying to find the best attendance mix in terms of both time and activity, we found that by alternating the two types of meeting formats it enabled us to both control and manage those activities we carry out with a more military slant more efficiently, whilst at the 34 | SWIFT AND BOLD
same time allowing us to have a relaxed and fun breather from them too. The latter we consider really essential as the list and type of formal activity we get involved appears to grow year on year. For example we are (and have been for the last 25 years) fully committed to running the Veterans Reunion (now called Association Gathering) on behalf of the RGJA, participating in the City of Winchester’s Remembrance Day, supporting the ATR at its Drumhead Service on Remembrance Day, supporting the ATR POP days and talking to recruits, renovating all the armoured vehicles displayed around the ATR, maintaining the Garden of Remembrance at the Light Division Chapel, and finally supporting the monthly Turning of the Pages Ceremony in Winchester Cathedral, plus many more such activities besides. So why do we get so involved you might ask? Well the answer is quite simple – it’s very rewarding and we enjoy putting something back into the system we took so much experience and pleasure from, but more importantly it keeps us in the military and public eye and enables us to call in a few favours when the need arises (and we do!) as anyone involved in organising the Veterans Reunion (Gathering) will tell you. On the social side we are fortunately blessed with Tiny (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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(Con nued from previous page) Adams (ex 2RGJ) the inspiration behind the ‘factional’ character created in the popular ‘Fire up the Viano’ series (previously published in S&B and Ezine). When Tiny was asked to take on the role of leading the social ‘visits’ programme for the year, and despite his protestations that ‘he had never done anything like that before’ and ‘he couldn’t organise a ‘p’ up in a brewery’ he took to it like a duck to water by organising and running one of the most varied, fun and interesting social programmes the branch has ever experienced. For proof… just ask the branch members and their wives or partners what a fun day and lunch could be found at the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, the shared solemnity and togetherness with thousands of other ex NI veterans at the National Arboretum, the beauty and peacefulness of Brookwood Military Cemetery, the dramatic and
atmospheric experience of Bletchley Park the home of British wartime code breaking, and finally the mechanical wonders of Beaulieu Motor museum including its role as a training base for over 3,000 SOE (Special Operations Executive) agents in the dark arts of wartime espionage. Individually our members have not been idle either with a number visiting various military cemeteries within the United Kingdom just to keep their eyes on the graves of our regimental fallen and to pay their respects. However George East who is also the Standard Bearer for the NMVA (Southern Branch) found himself going one stage further during a RBL trip to Arnhem. On arrival he discovered that the Royal Hampshire Regiment Association were attending a ceremony at the memorial for the 7th Bn RHR in Drielse Rijndijk, Driel and were without their second flag bearer, so in true Rifleman like manner George stepped Swiftly and Boldly into the breech and did them and us (To be con nued on next page)
The Ulster Ash Grove Garden at the Na onal Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas.
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Branch members and their wives or partners at the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory,
Chris Mitchell y. n Popp making his ow
Specially made Branch Poppy Wreath.
Pick ‘n’ mix an out comes a Po d ppy.
George East Drielse Rijndijk, Driel, Arnhem. 36 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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proud. On the slightly wider military front Andy Gray (ex 3RGJ) has now started a ‘breakfast club’ for all exmilitary personnel who live and work in and around the Winchester area. Todate it appears to be doing well with numbers steadily rising. For details please contact Andy direct.
The Ballyga Turning of the Pages Ceremony, Winchester Cathedral.
On the dining scene we again outdid ourselves with a Remembrance Day Lunch at the South Winchester Golf Club with 67 members of the RGJA and KRRC Association and their wives/ partners sitting down to a superb warming roast. There were so many green blazers around the place, and despite ours being the ‘right’ shade of green the golfers wandering around the links
Winchester Branch Remembrance Day outside the Cathedral. all thought we were a delegation from the Augusta Masters! And finally to dispel any rumours….. I can categorially state that after 57 years either in uniform or associated with the military and despite his new look (see picture) our esteemed Chairman is not looking to star in the West End as Topol in Fiddler on the Roof! We look forward to seeing you all at the RGJ Association Gathering on the 8th July 2017. His ‘Royness’ Topol JOURNAL 2016
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THE YORKSHIRE BRANCH Helmsley gathering KRRC (Yeoman Rifles - 21st Bn) 100th Anniversary of the death of Colonel (The Earl of Feversham) on the Somme - formed 1915 at Helmsley, Duncombe Park. early. At the gate I met a woman coming out wheeling a bicycle, she said her husband had told her to get back as quickly as possible as all the seats would be filled. Inside the venerable structure I met Richard Frost and a distinguished gentleman sporting a Rifle Brigade tie: it was Major Alastair Stewart who had been Richard’s Platoon Commander in the 3rd Battalion. They had been making arrangements with four husky young men dressed in mufti who were revealed as Rifles’ buglers who had driven over from Catterick especially for the day. Most of the pews were reserved for the KRRC, but this soon transpired meant the relatives of the old battalion. I hurried off to collect Arthur. When we got back to the church we found John occupying a pew adjacent to the south entrance, along with two descendants of the old soldiers, one of whom sat next to Arthur and had a fine singing voice. It was a full house. The service was conducted by the Archbishop of York, Doctor Sentamu. Sir Richard Beckett, a relative or descendent of the commanding officer Earl Feversham, gave a fine reading of ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke, who had died the year before on his way to the Dardanelles.
Earl of Feversham. There was a service of remembrance held in All Saints Church Helmsley at 11am 17th September, on a Saturday morning, followed by a buffet lunch at Duncombe Park, which was the Earl’s home. The Branch was represented by the Secretary, Stuart Anderson, the Treasurer, John Woods and Arthur Jennison; the latter two being soldiers of the Earl’s Regiment, the KRRC. We were not officially invited to the lunch but fate intervened unexpectedly, as you will discover as you read further. I picked Arthur up from his dwelling in Huntington; John made his own arrangements from Huddersfield. It was a lovely, sunny day as we drove towards Helmsley. We parked in the square near to the KRRC memorial plaque and conveniently close to a tea shop from which we were able to keep a look out for John’s arrival. Leaving Arthur at his post I went to see what the situation was at the church, as Richard Frost MBE (Hon Secretary KRRC Assoc.) had advised me to get there 38 | SWIFT AND BOLD
One of the hymns was ‘Lead Kindly Light’ which the battalion sang at a service before the battle. The Earl was so moved by the singing that he asked if it could be sung again. The next day he was killed leading his men at Flers on the 15th September. He was thirty-seven years old. After the sermon by the Archbishop there was a reading of the Earl’s last wishes, from a note in his handwriting dated May 1916, which was read by his great-grandson Fred Collin. Later on there was a song, especially composed for the occasion, of the well-known poem by Alan Seeger, who was himself killed on the Somme in 1916, ‘I Have A Rendezvous with Death’. It was sung beautifully by a soprano who was accompanied by the composer. Towards the end of the service we sang a lusty version of that well-known hymn ‘Now Thank We All Out God’. Very much later I was touched to learn that it was actually from the German ‘Nun Danket Alle Gott’. I must add at this point that as well as its commanding (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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this point’ and then keep going and to park outside the mansion.
officer the battalion suffered 394 casualties on that day alone.
The forecourt was full of vehicles and so we found
St Columba’s Chapel, All Saints Church. We had to sit inside the church afterwards until we heard the buglers sounding Last Post and Reveille from the memorial in the church yard. The clear notes of the bugles would have been heard all over Helmsley just as they would have at Winchester when it was still an army town. Apart from the relatives of the old soldiers John and Arthur were the only veterans on parade who had served in the KRRC. John and I stood next to the memorial afterwards chatting to Alastair Stewart and Colonel James Ramsbotham, who is now the President of the N.E. Branch of the R.G.J. Association. Arthur, who was enjoying one of his crafty smokes, found himself accosted by a redoubtable lady who he discovered was the old Earl’s granddaughter, Lady Clarissa Collin. She had spotted that he wore the emblem of the KRRC on his blazer. When she had confirmed that he had served in her grandfather’s regiment she immediately invited him and his two comrades to the lunch at Duncombe Park. Out instructions were to drive until we reached a notice saying, ‘No visitors beyond JOURNAL 2016
ourselves a place just beyond the main gate. There was a lofty entrance hall or atrium, outside of which were the four buglers in their full regalia. They did not blow a fanfare at our approach but exchanged banter as we passed through. Inside the hall, which must have required the services of a stoker to keep the fireplaces roaring during the winter months, we found a welcoming reception from a group of young women who helped us to glasses of red or white wine. Beyond the hall was the entrance to a huge gallery overlooking a large croquet lawn upon which a football match could have been played comfortably. Inside the gallery were tables laid for the luncheon buffet which was just about to commence. We were joined at our table by, amongst others, Lady Clarissa and the Vicar of Helmsley and his wife, who turned out to be the lady with the bike that I had met earlier. No wonder (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 39
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(Con nued from previous page) that he had told her to hurry back as he knew what was in store. During the lunch a local historian told us about the Earl. I particularly remembered how his body had been discovered by a patrol from another regiment a month after the battle. That very night a small party, under the command of a young officer who was later to become our Prime Minister Anthony Eden, found their commanding officer. They buried him where he had fallen, the grave marked by a wooden cross carved by Sergeant Jim
Dale who had worked for the Earl at Duncombe Park. That wooden cross is now held at Rievaulx church as the Earl was later reburied in the burial ground at Flers amongst many Australians. Before we departed we stood by the cars looking over the parkland. There was a wire fence immediately before us, the top strand crowded with swallows about to take their flight to skies of warmer blue. The Earl may have been moved, in the happy years before the war, by such a sight. Unlike the Earl, the swallows would come back. Stuart Anderson, Chairman
Duncombe Hall.
21st (Service) BaĆŠalion KRRC (Yeoman Rifles) Sept 1915:
Formed from companies of farmers from Yorkshire, Northumberland, Durham, Lincoln, Leicestershire and Norfolk. Jan 1916: Moved to Aldershot and joined the 124th Brigade of the 41st Division. 04.05.1916: Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various ac ons on the Western Front including; During 1916: The Ba le of Flers-Courcele e, The Ba le of the Transloy Ridges. During 1917: The Ba le of Messines, The Ba le of Pilkem Ridge, The Ba le of the Menin Road. Nov 1917: Moved to Italy to strengthen Italian resistance. Mar 1918: Returned to France landing at Sombrin and disbanded in France on 16.03.1918.
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THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM
2016/17 Report The Museum Report for last year recorded the death of the long serving Chairman of the Museum Trustees, Lt Gen (retd) Sir Christopher Wallace KBE, and looked ahead to a period of consolidation after the major work of creating and opening the exhibition to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo. Much has been achieved but, as always, there is a lot still to be done in particular the curatorial work that results from making changes to the displays and keeping track of artefacts that are moved. Nevertheless changes, additions and improvements that keep the Museum fresh continue to be made whilst more costly and longer term projects are being scoped.
Lt Hallen 95th Drinking Vessel Later in the year the museum was contacted by Mr Simon Jenks who had acquired, 50 years ago, a horn beaker once the property of Lt Hallen of the 95th; the beaker is engraved with the date 1809 and an image of Sir John Moore.
Lt Geoffrey Woolley One addition, outlined in this Journal last year, and reported on in Volume 8 of the Ezine, was the completion in April of the case containing the Victoria Cross and associated medal group, including the OBE and MC, awarded to Second Lieutenant G H Woolley, Queen Victoria’s Rifles, the first Territorial soldier to be awarded the VC during the First World War. In a small ceremony his son, Nicholas Woolley, who has bequeathed the medal group to the Museum in his Will, unveiled the display case and was presented with a framed picture of the action in which his father won the VC.
Geoffrey Woolley Medal Group. JOURNAL 2016
Lt Hallen’s Horn Beaker. A detailed report on the provenance of the beaker prior to purchase concluded: There is every reason to believe that this beaker – which may well have been one of several made at the time – is a contemporary memento of the retreat to Corunna (Hallen’s first experience of active service), the 95th’s part in that retreat and of the death of Sir John Moore at Corunna. …. A unique and genuine engraved horn beaker with an early date, very competent workmanship and in good condition: they (the Museum) will never find another. (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 41
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RGJ Association 50th Anniversary Reunion July saw the 50th Anniversary of the formation of The Royal Green Jackets and the Annual Reunion; it was very good to welcome to the Museum so many who had served in the Regiment over the years. Saturday of the Reunion weekend was marked by the very well attended unveiling of the second commemorative bench by the ‘Memorial at Peninsula’ Committee.
contributions from the three Regiments, has enabled a VDU and digitised version of the Rolls to be installed in the Cathedral. Using this the public can access the lists in the original Rolls of Honour, search for a name or ‘turn the pages’ themselves to reach a name. A short Service of Dedication, led by The Acting Dean and attended by representatives of the three Regiments and local dignitaries, was held in the Cathedral on 18 November 2016 coinciding with the traditional monthly ‘Turning the Pages’ ceremony. The Regimental Collects were read, Buglers from The Rifles sounded the three Regimental Calls and the Service closed with the Act of Remembrance followed by Last Post and Reveille echoing around the Cathedral. The digitised Rolls have proved of considerable interest to those visiting the Cathedral and I do urge you to see them for yourself if you are in Winchester. A copy of the digitised Rolls of Honour will be installed in the Museum during 2017 in the WW1 section.
Looking Ahead
The Second Memorial Bench. There is now a handsome ‘Commemorative Bench’ on either side of the Museum entrance thanks to the private initiative of Mrs Julie-Ann Rosser and Mr Steve Barrett who financed and commissioned them in a well supported project that ran for several years. Thanks to them both and the rest of the Committee, the benches are a lasting memorial that will be appreciated by all who visit the Museum and especially by members of the Regiment.
Museum Website It is hoped that all those reading this Journal have visited the new Museum Website that went live in the autumn. Apart from a fresh look the new site allows the Curator to make changes, post news and amend entries without external assistance. Do visit it, you may see one or two familiar faces, and it will keep you up to date with all aspects of what your museum is doing.
Winchester Cathedral Rolls of Honour Although not directly related to the Museum the principal project that was getting underway last January was the creation of a digitised version of the First World War Rolls of Honour that are held in Winchester Cathedral and list the names of those who lost their lives in that war from The Royal Hampshire Regiment, The Kings Royal Rifle Corps and The Rifle Brigade. A £10k Grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund, supplemented by 42 | SWIFT AND BOLD
There are a number of projects in the pipeline. The move of the Band and Bugles case is hoped to be complete by mid 2017; it will be located on the ground floor and incorporate an audio visual element so that visitors can experience the unique sound of Band, Bugles and Rifles marching pace - and those who are Rifle Regiment veterans can get their feet tapping! There will be a knock on effect to the panels and displays on Kenya and the Mau Mau uprising, the Malayan emergency and airportability that will need to be reviewed. The creation of a Gallantry Trail showcasing the Museums collection of Victoria Crosses and other medals awarded for bravery is an aspiration being considered by the Trustees as is a more wide ranging account of WW2 POWs several of whom were sent to Colditz after being designated as ‘habitual escapers’ and have incredible stories.
Supporting your Museum Everything that is done to update and improve the Museum takes time and money set against an uncertain future for military museum funding from the MoD as you may have read in the newspapers recently. There is no imminent threat to our Museum but with pressure on the Defence Budget it is not a possibility that we should ignore; keeping the museum fresh, attracting more visitors and building up contingency funds is important. Please support your Museum in any way you can – visiting, buying from the shop or - as we all get older - consider leaving a small sum to the Museum (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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(Con nued from previous page) Trust Fund in your will; every little bit helps! Two other things to consider:
more. Annual Membership - an annual donation of ÂŁ24 or more.
Social Media Friends Scheme Are you a Friend of the Museum? If not please consider becoming one, there is huge benefit to the Museum from the Friends scheme in terms of having a predictable annual income and a stronger financial base. You can read the detail of the Friends scheme on the Museum website, in short: Life Membership - a single donation of ÂŁ500 or
If you have visited the Museum and enjoyed it do use your social media network to spread the word. We have a Regimental Museum that compares favourably to the very best in the land and everyone should be told about it! Brigadier G. de V. W. Hayes CBE 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
Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Worsley MBE Gazetted with the posthumous award of the Polar Medal 20 January 2017
Lt Col Henry Worsley MBE, late The Rifles and RGJ (CO 2 RGJ Oct 2000 - Dec 2002 Germany & Warminster), was on his third major to the Antarctic expedition and was just 30 miles (48km) from becoming the first adventurer to cross the continent unsupported and unassisted when he had to call for help and was airlifted off the ice and flown to a hospital in Punta Arenas in Chile, where he was found to have bacterial peritonitis. He underwent surgery but died days later.
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The Somme - A Family Remembers “[Early on the morning of 13 November 1916] the 52nd advanced in four waves with Captain Nick Hill’s A Company and Captain Ralph Kite’s D Company, on a two-platoon front, as the first two waves. The third wave consisted of Captain John Littledale’s C Company and Captain Vivian Fanning’s B Company, with two machine-guns, made up the fourth wave. We know that D Company went forward in the standard half-company wave, in file, with the subalterns in the lead and Kite, the company commander, in the rear with his servant. It is likely that the other companies were organized in a similar fashion. [The CO], Lieutenant Colonel Richard Crosse, in a joint Headquarters with the 24th Royal Fusiliers, watched his men go forward into the mist and, at least on the 5th Brigade’s front, the beginning of the attack appeared to be progressing well. He had calculated that the average age of his officers going into action [that morning], excluding the Medical Officer at 35 years and himself at 28 years, was barely 21”.
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HIS PASSAGE DESCRIBES the start of the attack by the 52nd Light Infantry, the 2nd Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, on the Redan Ridge on 13 November 1916. This was part of the Battle of the Ancre, the last of the Somme battles in 1916 and the description is taken from Simon Harris’ Volume 2 of the Great War Regimental History.
As the attack progressed close behind a supporting artillery barrage, Captain R B Kite was hit in the right shoulder by a shard from a British (possibly Canadian) shell. Thanks to Corporal Jack Ward of Kite’s own D Company, he was carried back, given life-saving surgery in the cellar of a nearby house before enduring a 36 hour evacuation by a French hospital train to Le Tréport, just South West of Abbeville on the coast. He died of his wounds in Lady Helen Murray’s hospital there on 10 December and was buried in the Route de Dieppe Military Cemetery on 11 December 1916. He was 21. On 11 December 2016, on a glorious sunny morning, Ralph Kite’s descendant family gathered at his graveside 44 | SWIFT AND BOLD
in Le Tréport for a short service of commemoration which was attended by the local mayor and several French bemedalled veterans, one of whom had served in WW2; at the family’s invitation I was there with my wife to represent The Rifles, Ralph Kite’s modern day successor regiment, and also the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum. Wreaths, crosses and flowers were laid on the grave and two local trumpeters sounded the Last Post and carried this off beautifully. As well as the Regimental Collect of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, included in the (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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(Con nued from previous page) graveside readings were Rupert Brooke’s “The Soldier”, Dylan Thomas’ “And death shall have no dominion”,
and a passage from Pilgrim’s Progress. Two sentences from the Regimental Collect seemed especially significant - “we thank Thee for the good example set by those who have gone before” and “make us persevering and enable us to show the cheerful infection of a good courage”. Especially poignant was this from Alice Batt who had nursed Ralph Kite as his young life drew to a close: “The last few nights have been very wearing and something of a strain, with two very ill patients on this floor. And now tonight we all feel very sad, as the nicest patient, a young captain in the OBLI, died this afternoon. He was a dear, so courteous and patient, it was a real joy to do anything for him - ‘a very parfit. Gentil knight’. The last few nights he’s been frightfully ill and one knew there was little hope. He had a deep shrapnel wound in the right arm, and after the piece was removed had two bad attacks of haemorrhage within a few days. His parents, it is for them, not him, one feels such awful pity, arrived in time to see him which was something. He was an only son. Tonight feels very blank without him to look after. Sister used to sit with him most of the night, leaving the other patients to me, and then I took my turn to relieve her. Considering what a fearful loss of blood he’s had, he held his own wonderfully really. But JOURNAL 2016
last night sitting there, we felt that death could not be far off, and had the feeling that his spirit was becoming more remote, and in spite of the wonderful skill of the doctors and nursing, nothing
could keep him back from ‘that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveller returns’.” The previous day and some 95 km to the East, we had walked up Watling Street on to the ground of the Redan Ridge where the 52nd’s 13 November 1916 attack towards Beaumont Hamel took place. The Redan Ridge was a German strongpoint between the villages of Serre and Beaumont Hamel, about 11 km North of Albert, and an important objective on 1 July 1916, the opening day the Battle of the Somme; it remained in German hands until 13 November 1916. The younger members of the family had no difficulty in finding and collecting shards of shells similar to that which wounded Ralph Kite that day along with a broken buckle from some web equipment. A couple of unexploded shells which the local farmer had placed on the track and marked for destruction were of special interest. The gently rolling slopes to the East of the R Ancre valley make for an evocative visit, not least because of the three Redan Ridge cemeteries and the other tiny cemeteries which dot the landscape each carrying the name of a defended trench and which had been landmarks in the battle - Munich Trench, Waggon Road and Frankfort Trench. These hallowed sites are filled with the British war dead of the battles fought over this area on 1 July 1916 and 13 November (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 45
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there was no official history of the 52nd Light Infantry in the Great War and thereupon he set out to write the story himself.
1916. Thirteen members of three generations of the Harris family went to France for this commemoration. Ralph Kite’s sister was the grandmother of Dr Simon Harris, the author of the 52nd’s Great War history and he was the leader of the group supported by his brothers and their families, the youngest member of the group was 6 years old. It was through his research into the life of his great-uncle, Ralph Kite, that Simon Harris found that
*
Brigadier David Innes OBE DL Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum Note: History of the 43rd and 52nd (Oxfordshire and *Buckinghamshire) Light Infantry in the Great War 1914-1918. Volume II The 52nd Light Infantry in Fance and Belgium by Simon Harris. Rooke Publishing ISBN 978-0-9548640-1-9.
“The Somme”
Pain ng from The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum. 46 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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Somme stretcher bearer who won THREE medals in THREE weeks dead, with another 325,000 injured. Little territory was won. Yet only now is the remarkable story of L/Cpl Peniston’s bravery under fire during the battle emerging – as three medals he won in only three weeks on the Somme are put up for auction. The battle, on the Western Front in France, began on July 1, 1916, with Britain suffering almost 60,000 casualties on the first day alone, a third of them killed. On August 26, L/Cpl Peniston, then 27, won his first decoration of the battle, the Military Medal, during the fight for Delville Wood. On September 11, he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal – ranked immediately below Britain’s highest honour for valour, the Victoria Cross – for his bravery at Woodlane. His official commendation for the decoration said: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an action’. ‘His company came under enemy barrage fire which caused considerable casualties, and he remained behind under heavy shelling attending to the wounded, and helped to carry them to the aid post. He undoubtedly saved the lives of many seriously wounded cases by his prompt action, and set a fine example to the stretcher bearers under him.’ And four days after that remarkable display of courage, L/Cpl Penistonsecured his third medal in as many weeks at the Somme by again beingawarded the Military Medal for his bravery in continuing his duties during the fighting at Flers-Courcelette. This was marked by a bar being added to the Military Medal he had won three weeks before. He went on to be awarded a third Military Medal in 1918, which was again marked with a bar. L/Cpl Peniston, who was born in Sheffield in 1889, had worked as a miner at Thoresby colliery in Nottinghamshire before the war and resumed that job after it ended. As a stretcher bearer at the Battle of the Somme, Lance Corporal William Peniston was kept horribly busy – but it seems he never lost his nerve. The First World War confrontation raged for five months, and left 95,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers JOURNAL 2016
When he joined the 9th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, he was a natural choice to serve as a stretcher bearer throughout the four-year war because beforehand he had volunteered as a corporal in the St (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 47
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been a German prisoner of war, but full details of his capture are not clear.
John Ambulance Brigade. By the end of the war L/Cpl Peniston seems to have
He lived in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, for many years, dying there in 1974 aged 85.
Pictured from leŌ to right: L/Cpl Peniston’s Dis nguished Conduct Medal; Military Medal; 1914-15 Star; Bri sh War and Victory Medals; and St John Service Medal.
Old Comrades Reunion Bill Handley, Zippy Nolan and Lofty Langridge meeting up for a cup of tea and a ‘chin wag’. We all served in 1 Platoon, A Company, 3RGJ during the Londonderry Tour 1979.
Bill Handley, Zippy Nolan and Lo y Langridge.
We’ve kept in touch over the decades meeting up at the RGJA Reunions over the years but quite recently at one of the Reunions, just by chance, we discovered that Bill and Zippy only live about 2 miles from each other and, unknowingly, have done for many years! It just proves to show that the camaraderie is still strong with Green Jackets!
Egg in hot water Sir, On the subject of makeshift repairs (Feb 28 & Mar 2), as a junior officer in The Rifle Brigade in 1966, I took a patrol across the Libyan desert to follow the route taken by the 2nd Battalion in 1941 from Mechili to Beda Fomm to cut off the retreat of the Italian army; 131 miles in 36 hours of horrendous and diverse terrain, with 8,000 prisoners taken. One of our patrol’s four Land Rovers sustained a hole in the radiator. Without welding equipment to mend it, a Rifleman suggested a raw egg. This was broken into the radiator, and as the water seeped away through the hole, the egg - by now poached - formed a perfectly satisfactory seal to allow us to complete the trek within the time. HQ LIbya Garrison were not best pleased to have a vehicle with an egg in a radiator returned to them but, I argued, better that than a Land Rover left in the desert. Alastair Stewart Nunnington, N Yorks
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Rifleman Francis Reginald Layton - Rifle Brigade WW1 Medals After 1
In 1998, Paul Schoenmaekers from Kieldrecht in Belgium discovered a book shop in Ieper (Ypres). He was looking at some books about the Great War and spotted a wooden case with the WW1 medals of S-36073 Rifleman Francis Reginald Layton of the First Battalion Rifle Brigade who died on 31 August 1918 aged 19. From the War Graves Commission, we know that Private Layton is buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais. The Grave Reference/Panel Number is IV.G.54. The case includes Private Layton’s British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal (‘Mutt and Jeff’) and his Nextof-Kin Memorial Plaque with Memorial Scroll. Private Layton is likely to have died at the Battle of Amiens. The shop in Ypres, now closed, was probably the ‘Shell Hole’ where the proprietor was ‘Johnny’, an ex-British soldier.
After 100 years of changes in Army organisation, the records of his unit, the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, are now part of the regimental history of The Royal Green Jackets (RGJ) who have a museum at Winchester. The RGJ Association and Mrs Bunty Salisbury have been researching the Layton family tree, and they find: The parents of Private Francis Reginald Layton were Frank (1869-1945) and Alice Louisa Layton (nee Kimmance 1870/2-?) of 27 Birchdale Road, Forest Gate and, in 1945, 534 Katherine Road, Forest Gate. Frank was an accounts clerk for 62 years and worked for Messrs AC Palmer & Co, and he left a widow and 3 married daughters. Pte Layton’s 3 sisters were: Francis May Shurety (1894?); Ivy Alice Sheppard (29 Dec 1905-Mar 1980); and Gladys Irene Lewis (Oct 1907-?).
For more than 40 years, Paul Schoenmaekers has been an avid and very professional collector of WW1 and WW2 memorabilia. He is very well-read and has an extensive museum collection filling the whole of the large attic of his bungalow home. He grew up in Doel on the south bank of the Scheldt river and many of his relatives lived there during occupation and the 1944/5 liberation. My father, Flight Sergeant Tom Izzard, was with 967 Sqn which flew barrage balloons from barges and RAF Marine Craft in the Scheldt as part of the air defence of Antwerp.
Ivy Alice married Leonard G Sheppard at West Ham in 1930. They had 2 daughters - Joy (6 Aug 1931-15 Oct 2000) and Pamela (1935-2010) - neither of whom seem to have married or had children.
Starting with the documents that came with the WW1 medals and plaque of Private Layton, we have found no evidence that he has any surviving close relatives.
Paul Schoenmaekers, my brother Brian and I are happy
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There is no evidence that Francis May Shurety and Gladys Irene Lewis had any children. It therefore seems there is no living direct descendant of Francis Reginald and his 3 sisters: Francis May, Ivy Alice, and Gladys Irene.
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(Con nued from previous page) that Private Layton’s memorabilia should be kept in the RGJ Museum in perpetuity. That way, his memory will be properly preserved in the family of the Regiment,
and his medals and plaque will never be traded on the WW1 market. We are most grateful for the help and cooperation of the RGJ Association and Museum. James Izzard
James presen ng Memorabilia to Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Musuem Curator Mrs Chris ne Pullen.
Photo by Syd Hopgood 50 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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UNVEILING OF THE CYPRUS EMERGENCY MEMORIAL AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM, STAFFORDSHIRE
The dedication of the Cyprus Campaign Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 21st August 2016 was a moving and highly-successful event. Some 600 people - service veterans, policeofficers, families and friends - gathered to pay tribute to the memory of those who died during the EOKA campaign between 1955 and 1959.
behind the campaign. He pointed out that while there was a memorial to the fallen of the campaign in Cyprus, it was appropriate that there should also be one in the UK, and the NMA was the obvious location for it. He paid tribute to the help given by Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon, who had organised the transport by the RAF of the four-ton rock from Cyprus.
The party of 18 from the OBLI, which included a dozen veterans who had served in Cyprus during that time, gathered at Redbridge Park-and-Ride, Oxford at 0800hrs, but our departure was somewhat delayed by the Oxford Mail photographer. Geoff Day had organised a 15-seater mini-bus to be driven by Andrea Isham, so three members had to follow on by car.
The service followed as in the attached programme, with Sir Michael Graydon dropping a cylinder containing all the names into a hole drilled into the rock at the back after the unveiling. The weather was better than expected, with just a light shower of rain at one point to bring out the umbrellas. Those of us who attended the very wet unveiling of the Light Infantry Memorial in June 2011 were thankful for that.
We made very good time, arriving at the Arboretum after a 2-hour journey, and were joined by John and Pat Forrester from Shropshire. We were directed to the area where the parade of standards was assembling. Some followed the parade on foot to the Memorial, which in on the right of the long avenue known as ‘The Beat’, while others took advantage of the little shuttles. After the standards of the various units had been marched in, the proceedings were opened by David Littlemore (ex-RMP), who had been the driving force JOURNAL 2016
As the Memorial is, inevitably, sited among trees, it was difficult for everyone to get a good view of the proceedings or to take good photographs, but as I was charged with laying the Regiment’s wreath I managed to insinuate myself into a reasonable position. Some seating was organised for dignitaries, which did not include anyone in our party!
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The Dedica on. After the laying of the seven formal wreaths, the various regimental and county police wreaths were also laid on a rather ad hoc basis, and after the standards were marched off everyone then gathered around to inspect
the memorial and take photographs. Tea, coffee and biscuits were available in the marquee, so many of the Lightbobs party gathered at a table to talk and look at photographs. We were hoping to meet the relatives of Gerals French and Michael O’Carroll, but couldn’t locate them. Several of us later went to inspect the Light Infantry Memorial, We left at 1700 hrs, and Geoff had organised a visit for refreshments to an unspecified location. After negotiating some very narrow country lanes in rural Warwickshire, we found ourselves at the Church End Brewery Tap in Nuneaton, where we were able to sit in the garden and raise our glasses to the memory of our three former comrades. At this point I was phoned by a reporter from the Oxford Mail and interviewed for 14 minutes. Inevitably, the subsequent report in the paper was not exactly what I said! Apart from a detour into Banbury to avoid an accident on the M40, it was an uneventful journey home. Congratulations to Geoff for organising the bus and the beer, to Andrea for doing the driving, and to everyone else for taking the time and effort to honour the victims of the Cyprus Emergency. Article and Photos from Roy Bailey, RGJ Association Oxford Branch.
The Standards on parade.
The Memorial a er all the wreaths had been laid.
Close up.
Some of the veterans at the Light Infantry memorial. L to R: Tony Barson, Brian Cox, Malcolm Gray, Malcolm Boyes, Roy Bailey, Geoff Day, John Forrester, David Humphries.
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THE RIFLES 2016 opportunities commitments have offered; and although not in a position to run a PJNCO cadre this year, has been very well supported by the other battalions who have made spaces on their own cadres. This has ensured that our Riflemen continue to get the opportunity to progress – such a key aspect of retaining our best. In a similar manner Adventure Training has been a determined effort both for those returning from Operations in Iraq and those back in Chepstow.
2016 has seen The Rifles kept extremely busy. There has been no slackening of the pace since the ending of combat operation in Afghanistan and the closure of Camp Bastion at the end of Op HERRICK; just a change in the nature of commitments. Defence Engagement, support to allies and coalition partners and humanitarian operations have taken over; with Company groups rather than Battle groups becoming the currency of operations as Battalions fulfil numerous and disparate commitments simultaneously. Alongside this has continued the business of unit relocations, rerolling, training and sustainment, both physically and mentally, and all 5 Pillars of the Regiment: The Regulars, Reserves, Cadets, Veterans and Communities; have been working hard ensuring we maintain a healthy Regiment ready for the challenges of the future.
1st Battalion, Chepstow Throughout 2016, 1 RIFLES’ main effort has been Op SHADER; providing the majority of Training Teams to the UK Training Teams (Iraq) Battle-Group. The Battalion is 12 months into a 16th month commitment which will end in early 2017. This has seen four rounds of Mission Specific Training and an increased commitment earlier in the year. From the first rotation led by C Company the requirement grew to two companies and an element of Battalion Headquarters forward on an extended tour. The task in Iraq has proved to be popular and worthwhile, with the Riflemen seeing the benefits of their efforts as better trained Iraqis and Kurdish soldiers return to their front-lines. The Battalion has continued to meet Defence Engagement commitments in Central Asia and has deepened and broadened relationship with partners in the region. 1 RIFLES deployed a number of Short-Term Training teams to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as well as hosting Exercise STEPPE EAGLE this summer on Stanford Training Area. This was the UK’s largest homebased Defence Engagement exercise this year and with troops from 5 nations (Kazakhs, Tajiks, Kyrgyz, US and UK) in two fully integrated Battle-Groups. With half a dozen more Short-Term Training Teams to Central Asia before the end of the year the opportunity to visit farflung corners of the globe is alive and well. 1 RIFLES has utilized the leadership development JOURNAL 2016
Supporting all of this from Beachley Barracks forward through the echelons has been HQ Company without whom 1 RIFLES could never have sustained its various tasks. Sometimes the challenges faced by simultaneously supporting a deployment to Iraq, training teams in Central Asia and UK assistance tasks has seemed like a mountain to climb but the experienced enablers of the Battalion have taken all in their stride and delivered.
2nd Battalion, Lisburn Northern Ireland 2016 has provided 2 RIFLES the clearest insight yet into what being in the Adaptable Force actually means. The certainty of FORM has been replaced by short notice trawls, transformation in contact and a real sense of adventure. The Battalion Headquarters has been challenged to make sure that these opportunities are exploited for the benefit of all ranks and not just the much sought after SCBC and PSBC qualified NCOs. The pace of life is slightly frenetic but this brings a degree of readiness; and a whiff of anticipation to see what will come 2 RIFLES’ way next. It will be difficult to match the exploits of the last twelve months, which have seen elements of the Battalion deployed across the globe. Aside from UK training such as Exercise WESSEX STORM, Riflemen have deployed to India, Belize, Kenya, Gabon, Somalia, Romania and Saudi Arabia to name but a few. The range of tasks has been equally diverse: from Counter-Poaching to CounterTerrorism-adaptable indeed. This is unlikely to change with B Company preparing for a deployment to The Falkland Islands and C Company preparing for a UN peacekeeping task in South Sudan. Partnering with The Army Reserve has continued a-pace, 2 RIFLES has maintained a strong relationship with their paired Battalion, 7 RIFLES, in Reading, elements from both Battalions integrating well for the collective training of Ex WESSEX STORM. Similarly 2 RIFLES have continued to nurture a strengthening relationship with their paired French unit, Deuxieme Regiment Etranger d’Infantaire or the 2nd Regt. Foreign Legion as they are better known. 2 RIFLES has enjoyed a healthy degree of sporting (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 53
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(Con nued from previous page) success boasting a champion rugby team and the Army Marathon Champion, CSjt Reeves, for 2016. Similarly, a scratch shooting team came first and second in the Divisional meeting and then surprised everyone by securing by securing a top ten finish at the Army meeting in Bisley. Following the move at the start of 2015 from Ballykinler toLisburn, the riflemen are beginning to regard Lisburn as home rather than merely another posting and although the lure of Belfast City Airport is still strong, it is waning with more and more involvement in the local community occurring. 2 RIFLES received a typical Irish welcome from the locals and the general feeling across all elements of the battalion is that Lisburn is a much better location than Ballykinler. Our arrival in the community was cemented in April when the Battalion was hosted by the Mayor and corporation of Lisburn in the town hall with a reciprocal visit the great and good of Lisburn and surrounding area to a Sounding of Retreat, performed by The Band & Bugles of The Rifles in Thiepval Barracks.
3rd Battalion, Edinburgh This year has been a varied and interesting year for 3 RIFLES, with the battalion entering another ‘other tasks’ year. As a result Riflemen from across the Battalion have once again deployed to the four corners of the globe, with more opportunities than ever for unique and interesting operations, deployments and tasks. These endeavours, combined with training focused on getting the basics right and maintaining readiness has enabled the battalion to be at the very forefront of UK military operations. By way of example, at one point this year, 3 RIFLES had Riflemen deployed in seven different theatres of operation, extending our reach across four continents. Those deployed have conducted themselves with the upmost professionalism, with the mission often requiring junior leaders to act well beyond their rank – truly operating as ‘thinking, fighting Riflemen’. While 3 RIFLES have conducted “big ticket” training events in America, Georgia and the UK, much activity this year has centred on the Middle East, the initial priority for 3 RIFLES Defence Engagement. This has included generating a number of Short Term Training Teams (STTTs) and hosting training activity in the UK. The Riflemen have beenn required to react quickly, absorb pre-deployment training and deploy at short notice. This is the type of activity that is ideally suited to units in the Adaptable Force and the Riflemen have responded with professionalism and enthusiasm. Whether training infantry platoons, mentoring headquarters or adventure training the opportunities to experience new countries and cultures has been considerable. The Battalion also held a very successful PJNCO Cadre well attended by its own soldiers and many others across the Regiment. On its conclusion the Battalion’s 54 | SWIFT AND BOLD
Royal Colonel, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, visited and took the salute for the pass off parade. The Battalion has also provided Royal and Castle Guards in Edinburgh. The former at Holyrood Palace when Her Majesty was in Scotland for the Opening of the Scottish Parliament. This provided the Riflemen the unusual occurrence of mounting guard to Pipes and Drums, provided by 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland (Black watch). 3 RIFLES has continued to fully commit to the evergrowing arena of the UK’s Defence Engagement Strategy, and upstream capacity building’ and significant investment has been made with major UK partners including Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Bonds of friendship continue to be strengthened, which will inevitably provide greater opportunities in interesting regions of the world as we deliver output for Defence. On the home front, 3 RIFLES provided significant support to UK resilience with the battalion heavily committed to providing the UK Standby Battalion from August to November 2016, a task that we are due to conduct again in Autumn 2017. The past twelve months have also provided Riflemen with the opportunity for personal and professional development in a range of areas, including adventure training, sport and education. On French snow, 3 RIFLES teams performed well at the infantry skiing competition, with highly competitive performances in both the Alpine and Nordic disciplines. Meanwhile the football team continues to grow in strength; winning the Tri-Service Scottish league, competing well in the Army and Infantry Cups and also conducting a successful tour to Spain. The battalion has encouraged the Riflemen to invest in themselves, with Standard Learning Credits being spent on courses that are only limited by their imagination. The Riflemen have seized this opportunity, including independently organising their own adventure training expedition to Aviemore; a trend we hope to see continue. 2016 has been diverse, challenging and deeply interesting – proving time after time that if you are professional, flexible and ready, opportunities as a Rifleman in any rank are boundless. Edinburgh continues to be an excellent firm base for our families and provides an ideal launch pad for operations and training wherever we are required. As is The Rifles way, 3 RIFLES remain forward looking and the focus firmly on conversion to the Light Mechanised Infantry Battalion role.
4th Battalion, Aldershot The battalion conducted a unit move mid-2015, and since arriving in its new home, New Normandy Barracks in Aldershot, the pace of life for the battalion has not diminished in the slightest. The completion of the conversion to the Heavy Mechanised Infantry role was marked by deployment to Otterburn and then Salisbury (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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(Con nued from previous page) Plain on Exercise WESSEX STORM, a battle-group level live and blank-firing test exercise. This exercise proved to be challenging and rewarding, validating 4 RIFLES to assume readiness in 2016 as part of the Lead Armoured Task Force. During the first half of 2016, the battalion has focussed on generating capacity both through the training and promotion of 56 new Lance Corporals on the Fire Team Commanders’ Cadre and subsequently the qualification of new Support Weapons specialists to bring S Company up to strength. Meanwhile the rifle companies have been held at readiness and also deployed on CT2 exercises around the UK as well as to Belize and Canada. Driver training has continued as the MT’s Driver Training Cell has worked hard to maintain the required number of crews for our Mastiff and Jackal fleet. Riflemen have enjoyed considerable success on the sports field, with our football, rugby and cricket teams all performing to a high level. The Battalion Boxing team have competed in the Army Boxing Championships, losing by a single bout to 2 PARA in the semi-finals and also in the inaugural 1 Armoured Infantry Brigade Boxing Competition, narrowly losing out to 1 RRF. Many riflemen have conducted Adventurous Training expeditions varying from nordic skiing in the Alps to skydiving in the USA and trekking in Greenland, pushing them beyond their comfort zones and providing new and exciting challenges. This year has also seen a significant step forward in the area of competitive shooting as the newly-created Regimental Shooting Team has trained and competed at Brigade, Divisional and Defence levels. Continuing last year’s dominating performances at the Brigade (finishing first, second and third) and Divisional (coming first and third, the first time that an infantry team has won this competition) Operational Shooting Competitions, the team managed to claim a fifth place finish out of 56 teams in the Defence OSC at Bisley. As well as winning three of the team shoots, and with notable individual performances by LCpl Stanton and Rfn Eggett, five riflemen attained the much coveted spots in the Army 100. Meanwhile, the battalion’s snipers have continued their current utter dominance of the discipline by winning the Tri-Service Sniper Competition. 4 RIFLES is now deployed on Operations in support of allies and Coalition partners in Northern Iraq. As the battalion prepared, after a year of training for this operational deployment, the riflemen were excited to now be able to put their training into practice and prove the mechanised concept on current operations.
5th Battalion, Bulford Camp 2016 has been a particularly poignant year for 5 RIFLES Following completion of an intensive period of Collective training culminating in a tiring but successful Exercise in BATUS, Canada, the Battalion then focused on its JOURNAL 2016
departure from Germany after 14 years in location, and a Regimental connection going back to 1946. This was perhaps the cap-stone moment on a year and was a focus for much activity. In preparation for readiness 5 RIFLES has gone through the training cycle once again. The Battalion faced down another harsh winter CT1 training package on Sennelager. D Company ventured to France’s well renowned CENZUB urban training area and BG HQ were privileged to deploy to Turkey on Ex ANATOLIAN THUNDER, although we insist we were nothing to do with the coup attempt that followed later! B Company were Battle-grouped with the QRH for their training but it all culminated in BATUS where the hard work of the previous months was rewarded with a resounding success. 5 RIFLES are validated as fit for deployment and relish the opportunity that moving into the Readiness Year brings in 2017. 5 RIFLES has won its fair share of prizes this year. As would be expected, the Battalion claimed the overall winners of the 20 Brigade Operational Shooting Competition and a host of individual prizes. Victory in the 3rd Division Mounted Gunnery Competition proved that the Riflemen can perform just as well with 30mm as with small arms. This string of wins was then crowned with a tri-service victory in the Countess of Wessex Cup which tested a host of military skills (although the events may have been rigged in our favour!). A Gold Medal on Cambrian Patrol for Lt Josh McColl and his team rounded off the year very well. Success followed on the sports field where the Battalion Cross Country team returned to dominance of BFG. Crowned champions and some very impressive performances across the age categories bode well for the future. Further endeavours followed on the rugby and cricket pitches as well as an excellent intercompany boxing competition – hopefully our return the UK will see more Regimental competition. Winter sports were well invested in as Riflemen ventured to France for Alpine and Nordic skiing competitions. The departure from Germany was marked by a Battalion parade and the award of a Fahrendband from the German government. This is an award of Honour ribbons normally attached to a regiments Colours. It is a very high award of honour from the German Government and the Battalion was very proud and pleased to accept it on behalf of The Rifles. As a Rifle Regiment without colours however, it has created some issue of how they should be displayed, but the gesture was hugely appreciated. The Royal Colonel Her Royal Highness Countess of Wessex and Lt Gen Tim Evans CBE DSO oversaw proceedings and all 7 Commanding Officers past and present of 5 Rifles or 1LI in Paderborn were present. 5 RIFLES have now relocated to Bulford and Salisbury Plain and with no slackening of pace are (To be con nued on next page) SWIFT AND BOLD | 55
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(Con nued from previous page)
of the infantry for numbers going through ITC Catterick.
already preparing for future projected deployments in 2017.
Training has ramped up in 2016. The Battalion exercises continue to be well resourced and, wherever possible enhancements with overhead and flanking fire machineguns, mortars andbattle simulation explosives are used to bring training alive. The Arnhem Trophy patrols competition was re-instigated in February and pushed the Battalion’s Riflemen to their limits. Won by a team from E Company who then went on to represent the Battalion in the Army’s Cambrian Patrol competition achieving a Silver medal.
6th Battalion (Army Reserve), Exeter 2016 has also been a busy but productive year for our Army Reserve Battalions not least of all for 6 RIFLES. It has been a challenging and rewarding year for the Battalion with a huge range of opportunities for our Riflemen who have seen themselves operating from Salisbury Plain to Iraq; Afghanistan, Georgia and Armenia conducting a wide range of activities from field firing and operations to adventurous training. The Battalion pairing with 1 RIFLES has gone from strength to strength, with both Battalions in close consultation with each other in developing training and meeting commitments in order to offer support and create opportunities. This has been a healthy two way partnership with 1 RIFLES supporting training activity with Riflemen, equipment and support weapons experience while 6 RIFLES has provided manpower in support of pre-deployment training and for operational deployments. Over the course of the 1 RIFLES commitment to Op SHADER, 6 RIFLES has mobilised a total of 24 Riflemen, including 2 x Officers. They have intergrated well and have been great ambassadors for 6 RIFLES and for the army reserve working to support their regular counterparts as a whole.
The Battalions main training focus for 2016 has been staging an Infantry Field Firing Camp which took place in Brecon and Salisbury Plain in June. This challenging but progressive package took the Riflemen from their Annual Combat Marksmanship Test to live fire company level attacks with grenades, 81mm mortars and battle simulation explosives. During this camp, 6 RIFLES were joined by 11 members of their affiliated Canadian Unit. the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and, through their Defence Engagement relations with the South Caucasus, 10 members of the Georgian Armed Forces’ 12th Light Infantry Battalion. They too participated fully in the progressive training. Throughout the year shooting has remained an important element of 6 RIFLES business and the Battalion Shooting Team represented at Bisley and at the Reserve Operational Shooting Competition (OSC). 6 RIFLES also conducted adventurous training in 2016, including Exercise FROSTED WYVERN, the Battalion ski trip, which continues to be a popular choice. A Battalion team entered Exercise FROSTED BLADE, The British Army alpine ski competition, and members of 6 RIFLES have played sport at Army level in Jujitsu, Triathlon, water-polo and tennis.
The Battalion continues to work closely in support to the Cadets, Association and our local communities which ensures ties and support to communities remains strong. In addition to a variety of Exercise and training support throughout the year, 6 RIFLES Joint Canadian and UK River Crossing Construc on 6 RIFLES also provided the administrative support to the annual Army Cadet Operation FORTIFY, the Army Reserve recruitment drive, Associations, Ten Tors event held on Dartmoor. remains the priority after deployed operations and the Battalion continues to grow with a steady flow of new Defence Engagement is now an integral part of applicants, potential officers and ex-Regular Riflemen Battalion activity. Our partnership with Georgia, Armenia and soldiers. The Battalion is now well established in and Azerbaijan has offered unique experiences and Barnstaple and Paignton and aspires to establish a further Detachment in Birmingham. 6 RIFLES have some of the highest recruiting figures in the Army and at the very top (To be con nued on next page) 56 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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(Con nued from previous page) opportunities for our Riflemen. The Salamanca Band and Bugles led the way with a musical tour to Georgia and Armenia. This was a significant success at the strategic level. They played for the President of Georgia and the Defence Minister of Armenia which has since opened doors for further diplomacy. It is fascinating to see the efforts of an Army Reserve Band prompting letters between Governments and Ministries. The Battalion also completed the first British Army Adventure Training expedition to Georgia with 30 soldiers trekking in the Adjara Mountains. A Battalion STTT also deployed to Georgia to provide pre-training to the Georgian Army’s Cambrian Patrol Team before hosting them in the UK for the actual competition, where they achieved a silver medal. Both activities are set to be repeated again in 2017 following this year’s success. Other commitments include an ongoing mission by 3 x RAMC medics from 1 and 6 RIFLES who are working with the Kansas National Guard on a medical Humanitarian Aid project in Rural Armenia. The Battalion also hosted small delegations from Armenia and Azerbaijan, visiting the Cambrian Patrol with a view to entering teams in the future.
Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM highlighted the difficult realities of slotting a company of Reservists into the paired regular battalion, but also provided a fantastic training opportunity. Sending over a hundred members of the battalion to Kenya was a real success. 7 RIFLES had great success with an unexpected opportunity in providing a STTT to Malawi. The development of STT with the Battalion has also enabled the development of skills across the Battalion. Delivery of STTTs gives real focus of effort and a real deliverable for 7RIFLES to add to defence capability. Delivering Defence Engagement, has proved one of few tasks that can be delivered in the restricted timeframe of a Reserve soldier’s Annual Training Package and one that is well suited to the Reservist soldier given the breadth of experience a small team can bring having not only their military capability, but also the wider range stemming from the Riflemen’s civilian jobs; Police officers, media experts, utilities specialists, tradesmen and professional
Deployment on operations with 1 RIFLES, forging ahead with recruiting under Op FORTIFY, providing demanding and realistic training, supporting the cadets and ourcommunities and deepening involvement with the South Caucasus has all served to keep the permanent staff engaged and the Reservists stimulated. Riflemen from 7 RIFLES cool off in the water obstacle Having the opportunity to diplomats are all embedded within the force, to mention deliver genuine Defence output has been a really but a few. A spin-off to this ‘real deliverable’ is that 7 exciting area of focus for 6 RIFLES. RIFLES continues to attract recruits interested in going 7th Battalion (Army Reserve), Reading on overseas tasks. 7 RIFLES continues to grow: over a third of its strength, Regimental Activity now in the recruiting and training process, which bodes well for the future of the Battalion if creating challenges Throughout the year all Battalions have enjoyed great to achieve the A2020 targets for trained capability. A support from our 5th Pillar, our families and our challenge the Battalion has closed with directly in communities from which we recruit and where the 2015/16 with an increased programme of field exercises Battalions live and work. and cadres. The excellent manning figures have only been possible due to the hard work by the recruiting Both 4 and 5 RIFLES have had close support and ever team, supported by the Riflemen and personnel loaned increasing friendship with their Livery Companies from The City of London; The Carpenters and Wax Chandlers under the 2 RIFLES pairing agreement. Companies respectively. The Regiment has also further The switch of focus to developing the capability has extended its close ties with the Regimental base, seen the Battalion utilise the opportunities created in its pairing with 2 RIFLES. The 7 RIFLES experiences in (To be con nued on next page) JOURNAL 2016
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(Con nued from previous page) accepting or exercising eight Freedoms in 2016, with the towns of Swindon, Reading, Shrewsbury, Plymouth and Bromyard being new bonds of friendship to The Rifles, inherited from our forebears. In what became a great visual affirmation of how the 5 pillars comprise The Rifles; the regiment staged a musical spectacular on Horse Guards Parade to mark the approaching 10th anniversary of formation. With Buglers and Bands from our regular and reserve battalions, cadet bands and bugles, the veterans Buglers Association, affiliated regimental bands from The Gurkhas and Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, the Military Wives Choir, our regimental Fijian choir, a German community band all taking part, and the wider Regimental family comprising most of the audience, it truly showed how we are the sum of our parts. It was a truly spectacular event, with The Royal Colonel in Chief and other Royal Colonels attending over the two days. It was the largest number of Buglers on parade in one place for nearly 25years. The Rifles affiliation with Cadet Associations continues to thrive, with cap badged detachments on the rise in both the National Army Cadet Force Association and the schools Combined Cadet Force organisations. With some 250 RIFLES badge wearing detachments Sjt D LEWIS (ABMaj) on Horse Guards Parade June 2016 they comprise approximately 25% all owe them our great gratitude, enabling us to do what of the national detachments. The Rifles ethos is doing we need to do. much to shape our future citizens and potential future soldiers. The Regiment invests a great deal of effort 2017 certainly looks to be shaping up to be as equally via Regular and Reserve Battalions supporting their diverse and as busy as 2016; with operations, training activities, we hope as an investment in our future. It was and other commitments, showing no sign of diminishing. as fitting recognition to all our Rifles Cadets that the The Rifles has continue to demonstrate in 2016 that it Somerset ACF Band & Bugles and The Durham ACF is a regiment with Battalions and soldiers ready to rise ‘Borneo’ Band and Bugles took part in the regiment’s to any challenge and overcome it with professionalism spectacular Sounding Retreat on Horse Guards Parade. and style. The legacy of Sir John Moore in creating the ‘thinking fighting soldier’ adaptable and able to use Given the frenetic pace of deployments and uncertainty initiative; remains strong in today’s Regiment and is one the current range of operations and deployments all ranks are very proud of. In the words of one Rifleman creates, it must be our families we think of and thank the when contemplating what the future might hold – “bring most. Our families have endured more separation than it on!” expected this year, sometimes at quite short notice. It is only with their forbearance and continued support that Swift & Bold achieving all that The Rifles have has been possible. We 58 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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Gulf War Memorial, NMA Alrewas It also has 47 paving stones each containing a name of those who were killed. Beneath the centre stone there are 48 poppies, with one for each of the 47 killed and one poppy to remember the veterans who have died since the Gulf War ended. 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.”
A memorial to the 47 British military personnel who were killed in the first Gulf War. The memorial has three pillars to represent each of Britain’s three armed forces and its centre stone carries the image of the reverse of the Gulf Medal engraved in black granite.
Fundraising for the memorial was carried out by the GWMTA committee members, family and Regimental Associations. Contributions included two very generous donations from Mr Khaled Al-Duwaissan (The Kuwaiti Ambassador to London) and the citizens of Kuwait totally £35,000.
The 77th 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 24th May 2017. For further information, please contact the London Office.
Armed Forces Day 2017 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 24 June 2017.
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Stained glass windows in the Light Division Chapel, at Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester.
Regents Park Lovingly Remembered This very touching note was left on the Regents Park Bandstand in mid-February by the daughter of a victim of the atrocity which took place on the 20th July 1982.
Below is the equally poignant and self-explanatory note left by a kind passer-by. I have just once again passed the bandstand in Regent’s Park where the Royal Green Jackets band were so wantonly attacked in July 1982. I knew it well before, and in the years since. This time there were not only wreaths of poppies but two fresh bunches of flowers. And on the bunches were copies of a note - attached. When you read it you’ll understand why I took one of the bunches, and so have the note. I’m going to donate to the Rifles charity online as thanks, but I wanted this lovely gesture to be known. Best wishes and admiration, Emily Lane 60 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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IN MEMORIAM
Wilfred R Halsey Lt Gen Sir Christopher Wallace KBE, DL WO1 John Henry Stokes MBE, BEM Kevin Plimmer Ray Truscott Dave Porter Maj CG Wemyss Lt Col Henry Worsley MBE Maj Gen David Pank CB WO2 Allan ‘Moff’ Cooke
Bucks Battalion 2GJ/2RGJ/3RGJ GJ & SAS 1RGJ 3GJ/3RGJ 1RGJ/4RGJ RB/GJ/RGJ 3RGJ/SAS/1 & 2RGJ KSLI/LI 1GJ/RGJ
January 2016 7th January 2016 10th January 2016 18th January 2016 19th January 2016 23rd January 2016 23rd January 2016 24th January 2016 26th January 2016 29th January 2016
LCpl Stanley B Baker Maj Richard M Colvile WO2 (BSM) Dennis White Cpl Chris Sparey Rev DB Laughton Bruce N Bartlett Pauk Mason
OBLI OBLI/1RGJ KRRC/2GJ/2RGJ 1RGJ Att 1RB 1954/Kenya OBLI 1RGJ Band
February 2016 7th February 2016 10th February 2016 13th February 2016 18th February 2016 21st February 2016 25th February 2016
Maj JAG Le Coq John Glenham John Beresford (Chippy Woods) Capt PDL Way Brian Armitage
KRRC 3RGJ 2KRRC/2GJ/2RGJ KRRC OBLI/1GJ
Alan Daly Cpl AD (Bert) Daniels MJL Stow (Jimmy)
3RGJ KRRC 2KRRC
16th April 2016 28th April 2016 30th April 2016
Arthur William Allen Capt Mark (Blacky) Blackman Alan (Bomber) Burgess Peter Snellin
3RGJ RGJ 3RGJ 1RGJ
May 2016 13th May 2016 14th May 2016 20th May 2016
John Leaman Cpl TJ (Terrance) White Maj Gerald John Shipman Ian Gray Capt DJC Weston MC
KRRC/GJ 1GJ/1RGJ OBLI(TA)/4RGJ 1RGJ 2KRRC
June 2016 8th June 2016 15th June 2016 19th June 2016 26th June 2016
Capt David S B Hopkins Frederick C Beach Derek (Danny) Daniels WO2 Dennis G Vokins
KRRC RB KRRC & 2GJ OBLI/4 & 5 RGJ
9th July 2016 12th July 2016 28th July 2016 28th July 2016
Sgt Daniel Henry Marsh Col Michael Kenneth O’Malley Dewar
KRRC 3GJ & RGJ
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6th March 2016 9th March 2016 15th March 2016 30th March 2016 31st March 2016
August 2016 1st August 2016 SWIFT AND BOLD | 61
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Lee Massey B J (Banger) Jackson Lt Michael K Newell Cpl Kevin Edwards Sgt G Washington ALCM, LLCM
2RGJ OBLI OBLI(TA)/4RGJ 2RGJ KRRC/2GJ/2&3RGJ
6th August 2016 7th August 2016 18th August 2016 21st August 2016 29th August 2016
Sgt Aubrey Rose
KRRC
Capt O L Montgomery MC WO2 (BSM) Fred Shaw Lt M W (Mervyn) Bowley Mick Read Bill Lavin Capt W S B Rawlings Capt Thomas Nigel Stuart Blaker
KRRC/RB/23 KAR 1RGJ Band OBLI RB/3RGJ/3LI RB/3RGJ OBLI RB
WO2 D H S (Dennis) Offord Ambrose Williams Sjt K E C (Ken) Warmington J M S Thompson Rfn Ian Corbett Michael John Kerley Capt C W Heathcoat Amory Rfn Robert Gilchrist Capt T C House MBE Sgt Chris Pawson ‘Zip’ Petrovics
OBLI/4RGJ OBLI OBLI RB 1RGJ RGJ 2GJ/2RGJ GJ/1RGJ RGJ 3RGJ 2RGJ
November 2016 7th November 2016 12th November 2016 15th November 2016 16th November 2016 20th November 2016 20th November 2016 21st November 2016 21st November 2016 25th November 2016 28th November 2016
Sgt John Hammond Cpl Rick Sonnex Ian Anderson Pte Bert Butland John Chadwick
2RGJ/1PARA RB/3RGJ OBLI OBLI 3GJ/3RGJ
11th December 2016 13th December 2016 25th December 2016 28th December 2016 29th December 2016
12th September 2016 12th October 2016 16th October 2016t 22nd October 2016 24th October 2016 25th October 2016 25th October 2016 31st October 2016
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. 62 | SWIFT AND BOLD
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