Swift & Bold 2017

Contents Foreword by Colonel Carron Snagge OBE DL, Chairman of the RGJA Royal Green Jackets Association Contacts Editorial Forthcoming Events 2018 Locations of GJ and RGJ Battalions 1958 - 2007 Mini Freedom Parade Dictionary RGJA E-mail Addresses Greenjackets War Memorial, Calais RGJA Branches The Aylesbury Branch The Band and Bugles Branch The Central England Branch The London Branch The Wiltshire Branch The Yorkshire Branch 43rd Light Infantry Christmas Card 1944 The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum A Rifleman’s Journey The Bugler’s Association Members Database LRB WW2 Veteran 100 years old Some of the Rifles used by the Royal Green Jackets and the Antecedent Regiments Extract from “Memories of an Unremarkable Soldier” 43rd Light Infantry Christmas Card 1945 In Memoriam

Front Cover:

Rifles Freedom of Winchester Parade - 8th July 2017.

Back Cover:

Proud members of the Wiltshire Branch after marching with the Rifles.

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Swift and Bold

swiftandbold@rgjassociation.info Production team: Mr Kevin Stevens Major Ron Cassidy MBE Maj Michael Leeming Mr Séamus P Lyons

Crown Copyright © 2018 This publication contains official and personal contact information.

It should therefore be treated with discretion by the recipient.

The views expressed in the articles 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 Association or the Ministry of Defence.

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FOREWORD by Colonel Carron Snagge OBE DL Chairman, Royal Green Jackets Association As is often the case in these things I was ambushed at the Regimental dinner in 2016 with a two-pronged approach by the last President, Major General Jamie Balfour, and the last Chairman, Brigadier Hugh Willing; both very old friends, whom I knew had devoted so much of their time, energy and talent not only to their regular service but also to nurturing this Association, since The Rifles were established in 2007. I was of course delighted to volunteer and very honoured to have been chosen as your new Chairman. Moving South from Yorkshire to the Isle of Wight, nearer to the Regimental home at Winchester, is also going to help. Your new President Major General Jamie Gordon wrote this foreword last year and, having taken over as Chairman after the Gathering last July, I am delighted to do so this year.

My first task of course is to thank Brigadier Hugh for everything my predecessor has done to nurture the Association during his tenure. It has been his understated, firm and considered hand on the tiller that has enabled this Association to flourish and, having now spent a few months examining how it all works, I can confidently say that he has done an outstanding job, leaving me with a wonderful team of volunteers and a well-established organisation. On behalf of all Green Jacket Riflemen – thank you Hugh.

In my regular career, I was fortunate to spend all my regimental service in 1 RGJ, starting as a subaltern in Celle in 1971 and serving at every level until the “merger” in 1992 when I moved from command of 1 RGJ to 2 RGJ. In my career, I spent a good deal of time in West Belfast and South Armagh, interspersed with more relaxed spells in Winchester, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Germany, Dover, the Falklands and Tidworth. Away from the regiment I served in Belize, Australia, Italy, Egypt and Belgium, mainly concerned with counter-terrorism of one sort or another. Since retiring in 2006 I have been in Yorkshire, supporting the MoD’s part-time volunteers; the Reserves and Cadets of all three services. Looking back, I would change very little and I am delighted that I now have another opportunity to stay connected with our Regiment.

The highlight for the Association in 2017 was The Rifles and RGJ Freedom Parade in Winchester on 8 July when we handed over the Freedom of the City to our successor Regiment. It was a splendid parade with the largest cheers reserved for the Green Jacket contingents, resplendent in their blazers, berets and side-hats, led by General Jamie Gordon and well drilled by RSM Jake Cheetham. The Rifles contingents and Band and Bugles were of course immaculate, it was good to see Cadets on parade and the City was very hospitable. Topping it all General Sir Nick Carter, another RGJ Chief of the General Staff, took the salute. We then all repaired to Sir John Moore Barracks for our Gathering and, of course, more marching. It was a great day.

The other event which I enjoyed attending as your Chairman was the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum on 16 September. General Bob Pascoe (ex GOC NI and CO 1RGJ) took the salute and the Buglers’ Association of The Light Division & Rifles were on parade for all the calls at the NI, LI and RGJ memorials.

If any readers have not been to the NMA, it is well worth the effort and at this event, which will now be held annually, you are sure to meet some old friends.

I would like to end by thanking all those, all over the country, who, by their efforts, enable this Association and its Branches to flourish. In particular, thank you to Mike Marr for all the very hard work he has done, largely unsung, as our Membership Secretary. Over the years he has put in an extraordinary amount of work and the fact that our membership records are so well organised is entirely due to him.

We are also indebted to Hugh Goodge for agreeing to take over this very important role.

I look forward to seeing you in Winchester on 14 July 2018.

Celer et Audax

Carron Snagge

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President

Maj Gen James Gordon CB CBE

02074 145422

london@the-rifles.co.uk

Chairman

Col Carron Snagge OBE DL

02074 145422

london@the-rifles.co.uk

Vice Chairman

Lt Simon Booth-Mason

02074 145422

london@the-rifles.co.uk

Secretary

Lt Col J-D von Merveldt

02074 145422

london@the-rifles.co.uk

Treasurer

Maj Michael Leeming

07803 341929

michaelleeming@hotmail.com

Membership Secretary

Mr Hugh Goudge

01924 849020

oldsweat@yahoo.co.uk

RGJA Webmaster

Capt William Shipton

01256 895719

bill.shipton@btinternet.com

Editor

Mr Kevin Stevens

01865 452813

admin@rgjassociation.info

Photo History & Branch Sites

Mr Séamus P Lyons

01279 723908

seamus.lyons@rgjassociation.info

In Memoriam Board Manager

Mr Mark Adams

01442 380713

mark.adams@rgjassociation.info

Database Manager

Mr Roy Baillie

01488 658681

rgjadatabase@btinternet.com

Deputy Database Manager

Mr Tony Williamson

07891 367429

rgjadepdatabasemanager@gmail.com

Aylesbury

Mr Alan Grant .

Mr Alan Grant

01296 426765 alanrgrant@aol.com

Band and Bugles

Mr David Timms

Mr David Timms

01304 820910 secretary@rgjband.com

Central England

Maj Michael Leeming

Mr Peter Page

01922 694733 petepage71@hotmail.com

East Midlands

Mr Martin Coates

Mr Martin Coates

01623 239299 martincoates53@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@btinternet.com

North East

Capt James Ramsbotham DL

Mr John Snell

01915 238472 snell3653@sky.com

North West

Brig David Innes

Mr Mark Lydiat

01512 830391 marklydiat@yahoo.com

Oxfordshire

Brig Robin Draper CVO OBE DL Maj Andrew Bowes

07773 200085 a.bowes@btinternet.com

South East Kent

Lt Col R Gray OBE TD

Mr Glenn Ternent

01843 297069 geordie_t@btinternet.com

Wiltshire

Brig G d-v W Hayes CBE

Mr Gary Byrne

07545 966826 gasa102@gmail.com (Mike Walsh)

Winchester

Brig Nicholas Prideaux

Capt John Fritz-Domeney

07801 386461 johnfd2@sky.com

Yorkshire

Capt ABC Dollard

Mr Stuart Anderson

01757 618081 valerieanderson41@outlook.com

Lt Col (Retd) Jan-Dirk von Merveldt The Rifles (London Office), Army Reserve Centre, 1A Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London, W8 6TN London Office Telephone:0207 414 5422

Mobile: 07801 523 128

E-mail: london@the–rifles.co.uk

Winchester Office: 01962 828 504; ATN: 94271 5104

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Although we have entered 2018 as I write this we are of course looking back on the events of 2017. It does not seem that many years ago we were still a front line regiment but 11 years have now passed since we were amalgamated with the RGBW, LI and DDLI to form the Rifles – where has the time gone? The Rifles have without doubt carried on the high traditions that we set and we can be justifiably proud of the way they have conducted themselves since 2007.

2018 also marks a point in time for me. This year I will be 64 years old. I know I do not look it, but it is also 32 years since I left the army therefore half my lifetime ago. Why do I mention this you ask? It brings me on to the comradeship that we continue to enjoy with those who we served with so many years ago, many of us are now in our 60s, quite a few in their 70s and some are in their 80s, 90s and one I know of is over 100 years old. We have a short article covering that within these pages.

As we grow older so our numbers reduce but even so our membership remains fairly steady although paid up members has dropped in the last 12 months by a couple of hundred. Some of these will be due to forgetting to renew their membership, some will be because they have gone to the Final RV but branches continue to recruit new members and as an association this can only be for the good. Apart from our annual veterans day and the reunion in Oxford there is also Greenstock which is growing in popularity, the Remembrance Day parades and other events around the UK all of which fly the flag for our association.

Sadly, we lost 1 Branch in 2017 (Australasia) and Suffolk in March 2018. We thank them for their efforts over the years and hope that at some time in the future they may be able to reform.

Finally, overheard at the NIVA gathering last was a question posed by a member of the public when seeing us marching at just about regimental pace “isn’t it unkind to ask those old men to march so fast?” Clearly someone who knows nothing about our pride in still being able to march at that pace, but strange how we hated marching when actually being made to rather than now enjoying it because we want to..

I wish you all well for the remainder of 2018.

Kevin Stevens Editor

The RGJ Veterans Reunion on Saturday 14 July 2018 is at Sir John Moore Barracks, Andover Road, North Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 6NQ. Gates open at 1400 hrs. Car and Caravan camping can commence on Friday 13th July from 1400 hrs.

Further information will be published from May 2018 onwards.

Dress: Please be aware this is an Army Training Regiment (a Military establishment) and to dress accordingly. If you intend to March, the RGJA expects members to dress as for a Parade Square i.e. beret/blazer or jacket/Medals (optional)/ tie, white shirt, grey flannels.

The following Events all take place at Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6HW: Band Concert on Sunday 15th July 2018 - 1130 hrs.

Oxford Branch Lunch on Thursday 6th September 2018 - 1230 for 1300 hrs.

Oxford Branch Reunion on Saturday 10th November 2018. Bar opens 1900 hrs.

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1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966

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

1GJ 43rd & 52nd

2GJ KRRC

3GJ RB

1 RGJ

2 RGJ

3 RGJ

Cyprus Cyprus Cyprus Warminster Warminster Penang Penang (Borneo) Berlin Berlin

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

Tripoli, Libya N.Ireland Ballykinler N.Ireland Ballykinler Berlin Berlin Colchester Colchester Penang (Borneo) Penang (Borneo) Penang Munster* Germany Munster* Germany Munster* Germany Munster* (Ballykelly) NI Ballykelly N.Ireland Ballykelly N.Ireland Ballykelly, Catterick Catterick, (N.Ireland) Catterick, Gibraltar Gibraltar, Tidworth Tidworth, (N.Ireland) Tidworth, (N.Ireland) Tidworth, (N.Ireland Minden* Minden* (N.Ireland) Minden* (N.Ireland) Minden* Minden* Minden*, (N.Ireland) Minden*, Warminster Warminster Warminster, Dover Dover, (N.Ireland) Dover Dover, (N.Ireland) Omagh, N.Ireland Renumbered 1st Bn Omagh, Cyprus Cyprus, (Falklands) Cyprus Cyprus, Bulford, (Bosnia) Bulford* Bulford* Bulford*, Belfast Belfast Belfast, Preston Preston Preston, (Iraq) Preston, (South Armagh) Preston, (Kosovo) Preston

31 JANUARY RGJ ENDEX

Tidworth Wuppertal Germany* Wuppertal Germany* Cyprus Cyprus Cyprus Felixstowe Hong Kong, Borneo Malaya, Felixstowe

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

Brackets around place name indicate emergency tour. *Indicates mechanized role in AFV 432, Saxon or Warrior personnel carrier.

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RGJA The Gathering Saturday 8th July 2017 THE RIFLES WINCHESTER FREEDOM PARADE and RGJA GATHERING 2017

The Mini Freedom Parade Dictionary Invitation (noun) a written or verbal request to do something Everyone was more than a little intrigued when Hugh Willing (the then Chairman of the RGJA) announced at the 2016 autumn general meeting that John Poole-Warren, the Regimental Secretary of The Rifles, had asked if he could address the meeting before it got underway. Hmmm! we all thought – what’s this about then? Well, we didn’t have long to wait because as soon as John arrived he began to explain that one of the ways he wanted to further promote The Rifles’ efforts in establishing a working Regimental Association, was to encourage and foster even closer ties between it and its forming Regimental Associations. He continued to explain that The Rifles had recently been invited by Winchester City Council to exercise a Freedom of the City Parade on the 8th July 2017 (the very same day as our Association Reunion Gathering at SJM Barracks).

He felt it would be the perfect opportunity and appropriately fitting for veterans of the Royal Green Jackets (RGJA) to complement the occasion with 100 marchers.

Rarity (noun) not common or usual

Who was it who came up with the very simple quote “Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now”? Personally I am not sure but whoever it was hadn’t thought about the myriad of permutations to consider, overcome and disseminate when dealing with the modern serving military, civilian organisations and now - a completely retired army of veterans, all with varying degrees of Association membership, health and transport issues PLUS a complete inability to even look at their emails once in a blue moon! Despite that and with a little bit of experienced guesswork and a large dollop of artistic licence a plan began to form so that by early June a fairly good idea of what, when and how was quickly sent out to all those who had indicated a willingness to take part. The only thing missing from the plan, however, was a short prayer to ask that everyone who had committed would turn up! Not that we were really overly worried because we knew that The Rev Colin Fox had a really powerful and influential friend looking over such matters and anyway we decided that if need be we would march just as proudly with 10 as we would with 100, if the need arose.

Well, he wasn’t wrong because we all thought it was a brilliant idea not least because of the rarity of being able to participate in such an event. Of course, it’s true that due to its long and distinguished association with Winchester over the years, both The Royal Green Jackets and its forming regiments had previously exercised their right to march through the city, the last occasion being in 2006, just prior to the formation of The Rifles. However, very few of us throughout our years of service had been in the right place at the right time to participate and enjoy such an occasion (although it must be said that as serving Riflemen at the time our enthusiasm might have been a little wanting!). Anyway here we were, years after our retirement, being offered once again the opportunity to participate in a major public spectacle within the City widely accepted by the Regiment as its ancestral home.

Assembly (noun) a group gathered together for a common purpose

As once proud Green Jackets it was felt that it was also a golden opportunity to remind the young Riflemen of The Rifles from whom their inheritance was obtained and to demonstrate and publically reaffirm the Regiment’s long association with the City of Winchester. And also of course - it would be a lot of fun! So the invitation was immediately accepted with eager anticipation.

As we assembled at ‘sparrows’ in the SJM range car park on the morning of the 8th July we knew that Colin’s ‘friend’ had been hard at work overnight

The weekend beckoned with excitement as the free evening concert by The Rifles Band and Bugles on the Thursday preceding at Cathedral Square got the Riflemen and the public off to a flying start for the Saturday programme. However I must digress briefly as my host for the Friday night had asked what time I needed to depart the following morning and what I wanted for breakfast? Remembering what my platoon sergeant had taught me many years ago about having a full breakfast before a Parade I replied ‘ Graeme, the full works please , 2 eggs, baked beans, bacon and toast and I will leave at 0745 hrs, if that is OK?’ The Chairman had requested officers to assemble at 0815 hrs prior to the main contingent at 0830 hrs.

Continued on page 10

Planning (noun) the process of deciding how to do something before doing it

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because the sky was a cloudless blue with just a comfortable hint of the warm day to come. Jake Cheetham, our Marching Contingent WO, with his steely blue boxer’s eyes and bristling white Jimmy Edwards moustache quickly and diplomatically encouraged the small number of impromptu ‘reunion cliques’ that were forming around arriving cars to board the waiting coaches. Sounds slick and efficient doesn’t it? Nah! not a bit of it because there are still those who despite their previous regimented life still operate in a completely different time zone to the rest of us. Anyway after a gathering up of the last sweaty and still dressing late comers we were off to the main assembly point in Peninsula Barracks.

Comradeship (noun) the state of friendship of others with common aims Despite our late(ish) departure from SJM we were more than a little surprised then to find that we were the first to arrive at the Peninsula Barracks assembly point. As we still had some 30 odd minutes to go before the march off and with no sign of The Rifles marching contingent or the Band and Bugles making an appearance any time soon, everyone began to relax in the warm sunshine and enjoy reaffirming old friendships and retelling tall war stories in small informal groups or grabbing a last minute coffee from the Peninsula Café. An iconic scene that perfectly summed up the mutual respect between ranks within our great regiment as Generals and Riflemen nattered about old times.

Goodness knows what the current residents of Peninsula Barracks must have thought on seeing a considerable number of men in Rifle green blazers milling around the place chattering and laughing.

Not that any negative thoughts about our presence particularly mattered to us of course as there was a definite air of good natured but authoritive reclamation about The Gathering that held at bay any potential concerns.

With some 10 minutes to go before the off, The Rifles contingent and Band and Bugles finally arrived and began to organise themselves in their parade order.

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So without further ado Jake quickly had a final chat with the Parade RSM and then began to get us into some resemblance of order too. In between a little bit of laughing and chatting this was eventually achieved and what a sight it was to behold.

I would like to say that every one of our marchers had religiously adhered to the strict dress code and mobility standard we had insisted upon, and all you could see was a phalanx of dark green blazers spread across the front of the museum – but I couldn’t because somehow or other there in the front rank for all to see was a 92 year old ex KRRC veteran in a dark blue suit proudly wearing his medals and beret.

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Despite not knowing who he was or whether he was a member of any Association, but strongly suspecting he had simply turned up to watch but decided at the last minute to fall in with the marchers, none of us had the heart or the inclination to ask him to step aside. It was just as well we did because it later proved his sprightly staying power and determination in doing the whole parade put many of us to shame.

Military Music (noun) a specific genre of music used in military settings It didn’t take long for all the contingents to sort themselves out and in no time at all we were all lined up in marching order with the Band and Bugles at the head of the parade. A small moment of silence with only the occasional parp from a bugler moistening his lips and then the Parade RSM gave the Bugle Major those immortal words of command…… “Bugle Major! Sound the Advance!”…… “Yes Sir!” (pause) Dad Da Dah! Dad! Da! Dah! - Dad Da Dah! Dad Da Dah! Boom! Boom! Boom!

– Boom! Boom! Boom! And we were off at an unexpected cracking pace to the sounds of The Rifles Regimental March.

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With Major Generals Jamie Balfour and Jamie Gordon, sandwiching our Association Chairman Brig Hugh Willing, leading the way, and with every rank in the regiment represented following on behind we swept out of the gate for what for many of us would probably the very last time in our lives. As we turned downhill towards the High Street we were immediately greeted with a blast of cheering and waving from hundreds of spectators lining the route that literally made the hair stand up on the back of our necks.

requiring an urgent rescue mission some years ago?) and the Mayor of Winchester Cllr David McLean. After a quick exchange of memento gifts General Sir Nick Carter and the Mayor walked around the contingents to speak to everyone who had taken part.

Pride (noun) a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction in one’s own or shared achievements Pride is often considered as having two facets. On the one hand, the negative as named as being one of the Seven Deadly Sins (arrogance etc), and, on the other, the positive as derived from a deep sense of personal achievement and that of one’s close associates. That’s the pride we felt as we made our way down the High Street to the accompaniment of (by now) thousands of cheering well-wishers. With old bones suddenly straightening up, necks pushed back into collars, and muscles suddenly finding forgotten strength, and every one of us trying to look professional but failing miserably by grinning like Cheshire cats we continued our breakneck pace down through the town to the Cathedral grounds where a short Service of Remembrance and Turning of the Pages was to be carried out.

Mayor talking to 92 year old KRRC Veteran

Commemoration (noun) the action or fact of commemorating a dead person or past event As we marched into the Cathedral grounds the pace and music slowed until finally Jake gave the order to halt facing right. Panting more than a little from our gallop down the hill we found ourselves facing inwards towards the 60th Memorial which had been set up as the centre piece for the short Service of Remembrance and Act of Commemoration whereby the names of those who had died in service were read out in a short Turning of the Pages ceremony. Despite the hundreds of spectators surrounding the ceremony site (who remained respectful throughout) it proved to be the perfect setting and everything that followed was carried out with all the dignity required of the occasion.

Presentation (noun) the giving of something especially as part of a formal ceremony Now fully recovered from our earlier physical efforts but beginning to suffer more than little in our dark green blazers from the rising heat of the sun, the order to march from the Cathedral grounds given by Parade RSM was a welcome and blessed relief. Swiftly following on behind The Rifles contingent we exited the Cathedral grounds and marched around to the front of the Civic Centre on The Broadway beside the King Arthur statue where we were given a short address by the CGS General Sir Nick Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen (and did my ears deceive me on hearing that he had seen the inside of a Winchester police cell while stationed at Peninsula Barracks

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CGS talking to Author

Finale (noun) last part of music, entertainment or public event that’s dramatic or exciting As you can imagine by now many of us were suffering pretty badly from the heat of the sun and to put it mildly - were beginning to wilt. But in true Green Jacket style we stuck with it until at long glorious last we again heard those immortal words “The Rifles and The Royal Green Jackets will march past!” As the bugles sounded and the band struck up we did a swift left turn, wheeled around the King Alfred statue and headed back up The Broadway to exercise our right to march through the

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Ciity. A smart eyes left to the General and Mayor as we passed them on the Guild Hall steps and once again we were amongst the crowds of cheering spectators lining the route all the way up the High Street. It was at this point that due to the excessive heat and tiredness of the morning (that was the excuse offered anyway) one or two stepped out of the ranks for a quick half offered by friendly bystanders before re-joining the contingent as it came back down the hill again! Even Jake Cheetham’s bristling moustache turned a blind eye on this occasion!!

Putting every last effort into the final run down to the Guild Hall we finally arrive sweaty, shattered and more importantly triumphant that our aged bodies had not let us or the Regiment down.

“The Rifles and Royal Green Jackets – Falllll Out!” Certainly a wonderful happy morning, much enjoyed by everyone, and rightly or wrongly I felt the RGJA contingent received the loudest cheers and handclaps from the public? And quite rightly so as own turnout was beyond reproach or was it? Closer inspection revealed dress turnout varied from excellent on the one hand, with one officer even buying a new extra large blazer at great expense for the occasion, to, on the other hand, an odd looking pair of ’ second hand black hush puppy’ shoes’ and a side hat which was definitely not Rifle green!!

So the day’s proceedings then moved up to SJMB where the gates opened at 1400 hrs.

Once through the very efficient gate entrance team under command of Lt Col J-D von Merveldt and our new Treasurer, Mike Leeming, who checked our RGJA / Branch membership credentials the Riflemen walked up the road past all the APC’s and the Chieftain tank, still in excellent paint condition after last year’s 50th Anniversary, to the marquee. This year it was decided that the arrivals would be accompanied by the sound of music provided by The Jam School Big Band Swing Band of 26 members to set the tone for the afternoon. It was estimated that between 800-1,000 people attended this year which was acceptable after the special anniversary the previous year.

The marquee area consisting of the bar, catering outlets and static display stands was well organised by Roy Stanger, as usual. It must be remembered that the whole marquee area has to be erected and taken down within 6 days and really just for 1 day’s usage. Roy was helped by a work party from 5 Rifles who did sterling work. The bar was well run under Greg Haskins and we did not run out of beer this year. In fact the bar closed quite early in the evening compared to previous years.

Our marching in step was pretty good too except maybe at the front of the column on occasion? But well done the RGJA contingent. A few people were then invited to the Lord Mayor’s Reception in the Guild Hall while everyone else made their way back to SJMB for the afternoon’s events. My thanks to John Fritz–Domeney who masterminded our Freedom Parade contingent arrangements.

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At 1500 hrs the first event on the Parade Square began with the Romsey Old Cadet Band dressed as Mexicans performing their usual crowd pleasing performance.

Sadly the viewing attendance was small which was a pity but they were entertaining as usual.

The Service of Thanksgiving by our Regimental Padre Rev Colin Fox TD followed at the Light Division Memorial Garden. This included short readings by our outgoing Chairman Brigadier Hugh Willing and An Act of Remembrance by our new President Major General Jamie Gordon. In addition the Winchester Military Wives Choir sang beautifully with The Buglers Association of the Light Division plus The Buglers from The Rifles all contributed their respective parts as well.

Following on from The Memorial Garden was the Veterans March-Past on the square that we all love and cherish to participate in. The new incoming Chairman addressed the Parade and then off we marched to the left to the wonderful sound of our Regimental Marches care of The Rifles Band and Bugles. Some marching was pretty good considering our physical condition and age and for some time is beginning to catch up? No matter what with our heads held high, arms swinging, cap badges in different head positions and our chests out we all thoroughly enjoyed this annual opportunity as the beaming smiles demonstrated. As usual, our parade RSM Jake Cheetham did well to control us and the standard of dress was pretty good and adhered to in most cases.

We could then relax as we listened to The Sounding Retreat by The Rifles Band and Bugles under DOM Major Jason Griffith and our own Association Buglers play . This is always a highlight to finish the activities on the Square with the National Anthem and our Regimental flag being lowered. The Band and Bugles had a busy day commencing with The Rifles Winchester Freedom Parade in the morning, a Quintet to accompany the Memorial Garden service and then followed by the Veterans March Past and Sounding Retreat. Riflemen always want to hear ‘their music’ and fully appreciate that unique Regimental sound which always bring back memories of times past.

Thank you Band and Bugles and Association Buglers for all you do for us in the RGJ Association.

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Back to the marquee to hear those lovely girls The Melodic Belles on their second annual visit, by request, singing their hearts out as the day’s organised events drew to a close and the socializing/meeting old friends and a few beers began in earnest. Working hard all day was Kelvin Crumplin, our 50th Anniversary DVD film director, selling the DVD’s so make sure you have bought a copy for your record of that fabulous day last year. SSAFA Hampshire had a stand which was to remind Riflemen that, if ever in need, this Service charity is always there to help.

Thanks should also be given to the Museum who kindly provided not only a stand of goodies, both RGJ and Rifles merchandise, available for purchase but also the themed photographs for years 1966-1976 in battalion order. The 2018 Gathering will be similarly themed for the years 1976-1986. These were to be seen in the passage leading to the dinner marquee which yet again provided all of us with some very tasty grub.

Thanks should also be given to the Master of Ceremonies, Lt Col Brian Scott. who was this year standing in for Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux, The Winchester Branch who undertake a huge amount of tasks for us to enjoy the day and, of course, my Gathering Sub Committee and especially Roy Stanger and John Fritz-Domeney for all their work and input over the last year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brigadier Hugh Willing who retired as our RGJA Chairman after 5 years and quite rightly led the March Past this year for his tact, diplomacy and leadership during his period in charge and also to welcome both Maj General Jamie Gordon and Col Carron Snagge as our new President and Chairman respectively.

One final point about the future of our annual Gatherings at SJMB is that we expect to hold these Gatherings at SJMB until 2020.

So, Riflemen, be there next year.

Simon Booth-Mason Chairman RGJA Gathering Sub-Committee October 2017

RGJ E-mail Addresses They look like: your name@rgjassociation.info

We currently have just under 1000 RGJ e-mail addresses available to paid up members of the Association.

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.info with your name and regimental number (which will be used for the password) and I will send you your own RGJ e-mail address within 48 hours.

Kevin Stevens

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The 78th 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 23 May 2018.

For further information, please contact the London Office.

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THE AYLESBURY BRANCH The Aylesbury Branch is still short on numbers and it does not appear to be improving. Despite this, we continue to remain active, attending civic events etc.

In October 2016, Terry Burrows and his wife Valerie went on a world tour. He writes: “Last year (2016) my wife and I were travelling to various places in the world as part of the celebration of our 50th Wedding anniversary.

By the time we arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii it was November and we had decided that we would pay our respects to the fallen during our visit so, along with our two American cousins, we visited the United States Memorial sites.

Friday 11th November (Veterans Day) Following breakfast we travelled to the Punchbowl Pacific Memorial Cemetery for the Veterans Day service. After the service I asked if it was permissible for me to lay a small poppy posy on behalf of the Aylesbury Branches of The Royal Green Jackets and The Royal British Legion.

The American Veterans were only too pleased for this to happen and I detected a tear in more than one eye.

We then toured the cemetery and as well as the graves and headstones there are dedications to different Regiments, Squadrons and Ships similiar to our National Memorial Arboretum.

From the Punchbowl, an extinct volcano, you are afforded a great view across Honolulu to Pearl Harbour.

Saturday 12th November Following an emotional day yesterday we travelled to Pearl Harbour starting by visiting the Museums and Exhibitions depicting the events of that fateful day in December 1941. The narration was excellent with stories from survivors of both sides.

From the museums we embarked on a boat to the site of the wreck of the USS Arizona. As the organisers operated a single group policy we were able to take in this memorial without being rushed.

Looking at the list of names of the fallen pulled at the heart strings in itself but looking down into the water at the wreck made me stop and thank all those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Whilst observing the sunken ship a small amount of oil rose to the surface and drifted on the current. In that moment it seemed to me that the Arizona was still bleeding after 70 years.

The whole thing was a humbling experience”.

The Punchbowl Memorial

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The Branch was represented at the following civic functions in the town: 1. Flag raising ceremony on Commonwealth Day. 2. Town Mayor making ceremony (this is the occasion each year when the Mayor of Aylesbury hands over to his or her successor for the following year, before an audience of the town councillors and other invited guests representing the community).

3. Armed Forces Day. In April the ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the award of the Victoria Cross to WO2 Edward Brooks (Ox & Bucks) took place at Oakley, near Aylesbury..

This involved the laying of a Flagstone which for the previous three weeks had been displayed in the Aylesbury Vale District Council offices for viewing by the general public. It was a very well attended parade with branch members, a contingent from The Rifles and several Standards from The Royal British Legion, together with a number of family members and local villagers.

A service was conducted by the local priest which preceded the laying down of the stone adjacent to the War Memorial in the graveyard of the local church.

Following the ceremony, people were invited to the local village hall which had been converted by the villagers into a display to commemorate all the locals who had served in WW1.

Commemorative Flagstone

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Chairman at the Monument

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The Annual Copenhagen dinner was held in April. We seated 63 people consisting of branch members and their partners and guests from other service associations and local organisations. The evening was a great success thanks to good company, good food and good entertainment.

The “Old Boys” of the Bucks Battalion were remembered when we held the Curry lunch in June. Our thanks went to Christopher Mansi for producing an excellent curry which went down extremely well.

Several members of the branch attended the Gathering in Winchester. Unfortunately we were unable to provide any members to march in the Rifles Freedom Parade for a variety of reasons mainly health related!

At the beginning of August Alan Grant and his wife Barbara visited Ypres in Belgium primarily to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of his grandfather who is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery just outside of Ypres. They were accompanied by branch member Christopher Mansi and his wife Carole.

There were a number of people in Aylesbury who have relatives in France and Belgium who asked if we could visit their family members and place a poppy on their grave or place of commemoration so we visited the relevant cemeteries and paid our respects for them.

In addition to the visit to Bard Cottage it had been arranged for a wreath to be laid at the Menin Gate on behalf of The Royal Green Jackets and The Royal British Legion (Aylesbury Branch) of which Barbara Grant is the Chairman.

This was carried out with the required amount of dignity.

Alan Grant and Christopher Mansi

Carole Mansi and Barbara Grant

Sadly this proved to be Christopher’s final parade as he passed away in early December following a long battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with Carole and her family.

The RBL Poppy Appeal was supported by several members and the Branch was well represented at the Remembrance Parade followed by the buffet lunch organised by the Branch.

Continued on Page 20

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January did not start well with the announcement of the sad passing of Maj Nigel Viney aged 95 who served with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire LI and was posted to the Somaliland Scouts for the bulk of WW2. He was a well respected member of the community and will be sadly missed.

Alan Grant Chairman

THE BAND AND BUGLES BRANCH Changing of the Guard(s)!

Following the Regents Park bombing of 1982, whilst still serving, and recovering from his injuries, Tony Dowd took it upon himself to organise a Band Reunion for all ex-members/bandsmen who had passed through 1 RGJ Band and it’s former regimental bands of the Ox & Bucks (43rd & 52nd). The original ‘reunion plan’ belonged to the late Graham Barker (killed at Regents Park). So as a lasting tribute to Graham and the other six guys killed on the Bandstand the first 1RGJ Band Reunion took place at the Corporals Mess, Peninsula Barracks, Winchester in July 1983.

Attended by 40 ex-members of 1RGJ/OBLI band, the reunion was a great success and certainly paved the way and instigated the Band & Bugles Reunion we see today.

1994 & 95 saw us moving slightly upmarket to The Wessex Hotel Winchester. It was at the Wessex that the “Annual Blow” started up.

1996 & 97 the reunion moved again, this time to the Regimental Association Room in Sir John Moore Barracks (NAAFI) 1998/99 and 2001/02 The Cricketers hosted our annual gathering. There was no RGJ Band Reunion in 2000 due to lack of support, but ex-members of 1RGJ (Ox & Bucks) Band held their own mini-reunion in Cowley, where Neil Saitch was voted in to take over from Tony - after 18 years at the helm.

2003, and with the promise of a good turnout, the Reunion moved into The First In Last Out (FILO) where we saw the inauguration of our present secretary, Dave ‘Dolly’ Timms, take over from Neil, who was unable to carry on in the role.

2004 (twelth RGJ Band Reunion) saw our new Secretary change the venue - again - to where we remain today - the Conservative Club/Winchester Club.

To my knowledge, Tony is the only person to have attended every Reunion since 1983. As the original organiser he worked tirelessly for the first 18 years on his own bringing us together each year. He also assisted Neil for his 2-year stint, and as you all know he has been my right hand man for the past 14 years. He is responsible for setting up and running our own RGJ Band & Bugles

In wanting to “centralise” the venue, the Reunion moved from Winchester up to Aylesbury where it stayed for 3 years before moving into Slade Park Oxford for the next five years. The last year at Slade Park (1992) incorporated ex-members of 2 and 3 RGJ bands (including ex-members of the former Regiments KRRC & RB’s Regimental Bands) and was to become the first “RGJ Band Reunion”.

1993 - the venue for the second RGJ Band Reunion moved to the Charles House Restaurant Winchester – those in attendance will remember the soggy carpet!

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Website and Facebook Group, and also instigated the Regimental Association in recognising us as an official Branch of the RGJ Association.

So where is this history lesson leading to, you may ask....?

Continued on Page 21

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Well, after 18 years of Tony, 2 years of Neil (and Tony) and 14 years of myself (and Tony), it is time for a change.

Time to hand over to our next Secretary. Time for Tony - after 34 jears - and myself to finally retire. Time for both of us to turn up at 12 noon on the day and hit the bar with the rest of you. Time to sit and drink, to chat and not be tied to the nearest chair and table by the door for 5 hours. It’s time to change the Guard(s)!

Which leads me on to my quest: I really would like someone to put his or her self forward to take over the job of Secretary - as from 1st November 2018 and carry on from where Tony and I leave off.

I will organise the 2018 Reunion (Sat 13th Oct), which will be my last, and hopefully will be introducing the new Secretary to you all on the day.

So if you feel you could be the right person to take over the helm of this well-established Branch of the RGJ Association, then please contact me ASAP either by telephone or email and put yourself forward. In the event of more than one of you being in the running, then we will discuss further on going forward. Two or more heads are better than one!

Any information you require in helping make your mind up – please ASK. Very best regards,

Dave Timms ….and Tony

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THE CENTRAL ENGLAND BRANCH General There have been 2 events that continue to project our organisation in a positive light, ‘Greenstock Festival’ and the ‘NIVA Parade at Alrewas’. Our Membership has steadied at 68 paid members down from 93. However, this does tend to fluctuate from year to year and Greenstock is having a positive effect on the Branch.

Social Activities We began the year in February with an evening of entertainment at the Perry Barr Dog Track where a number of our members accompanied by their wives/ partners’ enjoyed the night over a pint and a meal watching well honed/trained Greyhounds race.

April saw the second outing of the Branch Golf Society. A small number of Members capable of mustering something resembling a set of Clubs gathered at Hilltop GC. I think it was fair to say that one Four Ball consisted of those that can play, the other of those whose enthusiasm makes up for lack of skill. Nonetheless, it was a decent morning and if nothing else got members together and following bacon sarnies and a brew, provided a few laughs and aggressive expressions of frustration on route!! The month also saw an attempt by Gary Collins to walk from John O’Groats to Lands-End in aid of our favoured charity ‘UK Homes for Veterans’. Sadly through injury he had to pull out as he neared the end of week two. Despite this the charity still benefited from the monies raised. Well done Gaz, great effort!!

As usual, the whole area was covered in Red, Black and Green with flags and bunting everywhere so anyone passing will have been left in no doubt as to the fact that Chosen Men had moved in ‘en masse’.

July came around with the focus being the Veterans Day at Winchester. A quieter affair in 2017 but not surprising after the 50th anniversary in 2016. No doubt normal service shall be resumed for 2018.

Greenstock 2017 The first weekend of August saw the much anticipated return of: the Riflemens’ Festival ‘GREENSTOCK’. The theme being “The Resurrection” due to its absence in 2016 and the uncertainty of its return. The event itself saw a change in venue and organisation but little changed in terms of quality and quantity of the event. The venue provided us with a tailor-made gig room complete with stage, bar, dance floor etc. The sound was much better than previous events in the marquees but in having said that some argued that the marquee offers an authentic festival feel that the Joeys Bar didn’t. The music was of the highest quality and even yours truly got to perform a few numbers on the Friday Night with the headlining Band ‘Frantic Banjo’.

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The weather added to a great weekend despite a wet period early afternoon on the Saturday. It meant that the first showing by The excellent Bugles Association under the guidance of Alan Tamblyn was attended by maximum numbers.

The layout of the camping area being separate to the event area meant that people had to make an effort to visit the plethora of entertainment which included a Tombola Stall, Tattoo, Exotic Coffee, Sweets and Ice Cream. Palm/Tarot Reading , Asbach Brandy Raffle, Branch/Event Merchandise and Hot Food courtesy of Abass at WOs & Sgts Mess

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,Bramcote.

The Saturday morning Service of Remembrance was conducted by both Branch President ‘Michael Leeming’ and Association Deputy Chairman and guest ‘Simon Booth-Mason’. The ritual that is known as the ‘Huddle’ was in full flow accompanied by the Bugle Association when the floor gave way beneath the mass of Riflemen swaying teary eyed at High on The Hill. Whilst no one was hurt and the floor being left with a dome shaped dip it was a lasting memory that didn’t even stop those dancing to the music late into the Saturday evening. “Let’s hope that it will be rectified in time for 2018”!!

The groundwork for future Greenstock events has been done, the foundations are firmly in place. A number of factors come into play regarding the current Organisers which will dictate whether this event continues. However, anyone from anywhere in the country can now run this event using the template we have created. Our hosts at Upton Barn Farm are happy to host it on an annual basis which for now is fine. But this is becoming a monster and will need an even bigger area if it is to continue long term. The Association have supported this event financially for the past three events and provided it continues and flourishes I’ve no doubt they will continue to be happy to support it. Something worth contemplating post 2020 I suspect. That is for the Association and RGJ Council to address nearer the time.

Greenstock Patrons be assured that plans for 2018 are well in place and details will be forthcoming on our Facebook page ‘Greenstock Festival’ shortly.

Chosen Men Cycle Club People may not be aware that we have our own dedicated Motorcycle Club called ‘Chosen MCC’. The club is small and is divided between this Branch and the one located in Liverpool.

August saw them have a second ride out to Weymouth as a club. They have been known to patrol the streets of Birmingham and the West Midlands dishing out food and clothing to the homeless and in particular; homeless veterans In December 2017 they gave up their time to hand out meals and clothing to the needy at The Crown Pub in Digbeth.

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September - Northern Ireland Veterans Association Parade 2017

Central England Branch members with General Sir Robert Pascoe KCB MBE, Assoc Chairman Col (Ret’d) Carron Snagge, Deputy Chairman Simon Booth Mason and Branch President/Assoc Treasurer Michael Leeming plus guests after the Parade.

September saw our fourth time Parading at NMA Alrewas to attend the NIVA Parade. This Parade is organised by The Northern Ireland Veterans Association and is accompanied by a large contingent of our Divisional Brothers The Light Infantry in addition to a small party of ex UDR and R.IRISH veterans. This has become an affair we deem to be the most significant formal event in the calendar, by virtue of the high number of tours conducted by all 3 Battalions between 1969 to draw-down in July 2007.

Last year was special because we were extremely proud to have been visited by former GOC NI and RGJ Officer General Sir Robert Pascoe’ KCB MBE. Sir Robert was present to take the salute from the marching contingent as well as giving a short talk about his time as GOC and NI generally. The NIVA were over the moon and have since been able to get him to agree to him being their President. An honour that we as a Regimental Association can also share. The Parade this year took a slightly different slant in that we marched as two separate formations but attended both the RGJ and LI readings at both memorials coupled with the Last Post and lowering of Standards. It was the first outing for our RGJ Standard too!!

Remembrance Sunday This year we decided not to parade as a Branch due to numbers preferring to attend the Cenotaph in London and others opting for Sunderland, it was therefore more practical to leave people to their own devices. A small contingent however did attend a Black Country event in Wednesbury.

Continued on Page 25 General Sir Robert Pascoe KCB MBE at the RGJ Memorial - NIVA Parade 2017

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The final event of the year was the highly anticipated Riflemans’ Christmas Ball at the Minworth Social Club. A well attended event provided much amusement with the Organisers choice of attire ‘Loud Shirt Night’. Greenstock favourites and Coventry covers Band ‘Insomnia’ provided entertainment along with a disco courtesy of the Page family. There were serious contenders for worst Shirt + Competition but the best worst shirt was won by Colin Fleming who was sporting a rather tasty Superhero/Marvel print shirt all the way from New York. Colin won a hamper for his ”impeccable” taste. The worst shirt was won by Terry Bowbanks who was made to wear the toilet costume for the remainder of the evening!!

The Rifleman of the Year was awarded to Martin Gibbons. This award is given out to the person who, not on the committee, assists the Branch or does something commendable for the Branch. On this occasion it was awarded to Martin because of the assistance he and his wife Sarah had given and for their fund raising exploits often giving money to the Branch and charities items she makes by hand and sells year in, year out. Well-deserved we think. Sarah and their daughter Levi then also took the top and bottom prize from the Money Tree - amazing!!

It is likely that there will be some turbulence within the Committee over the coming months due to health and other issues but thankfully nothing that will affect the running of the Branch which remains sacrosanct.

Celer et Audax Secretary CEBRGJA

THE LONDON BRANCH The Branch saw out 2016 in good heart having completed a full and busy events calendar and more importantly a substantial increase in membership numbers. Total membership has now crept over the two hundred mark of active members; a number are those who have re-established their membership but a clear majority are new members which is very encouraging. This year we have also spread the word and found long lost Riflemen from years gone past.

On more than one account we have had an International year. We sponsored a KRRC Cadet to visit South Africa, a member returned to Saint Helena to re-establish contact through the Island Governor with the St Helena Rifles, visited Salamanca and took in France and Belgium.

The first major event was the Ladies Dinner night held at the Victory Service Club at which our guest was Brigadier Vere Hayes who recently took over the helm of the Regimental Museum at Winchester, and his wife Penny. The evening began with a gathering for drinks in the newly refurbished Trafalgar Room where many old friends were reunited and a few ‘warmers into the bank’ taken. Dinner calls were sounded and we re-assembled in the dining hall.

There was a change from the past and before dinner began the Branch made a presentation to the local KRRC Cadet Force. Each year the Cadets provide a contingent to assist with the arrangements for the evening; they are always smartly turned out, polite and very helpful and always a credit to their unit. In the past the Branch has assisted them by giving them a grant for their Road Tax, MOT and Insurance for their Mini Bus. Due to a change of MOD regulations this was no longer permissible.

The unit is unique in the fact that they have retained their KRRC Cap Badge due to the fact that during the Boer War they provided a contingent to accompany the Field Army and on return were awarded a Battle Honour for their service on the battlefield. The ACF had

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decided to organise a tour to South Africa as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. After a very arduous selection procedure, C/Sgt Miriam Fleary managed to secure a place. The only down side was the cost to those participating of two thousand, five hundred pounds. Individual cadets were required to contribute the sum of one thousand pounds. The Branch decided to contribute the sum of one thousand Pounds for this trip of a lifetime to C/Sgt Fleary to ensure she made the required financial target. It was also decided that to ensure she could participate in all extra activities we gave her the sum of two hundred pounds pocket money for her personal use during her trip. In due course, we hope to hear from her and receive an account of her trip.

He mentioned that the increase in Membership was also due to the efforts of members who were spreading the word and bringing former members of the regiment along to meetings. He urged members to continue with their efforts as membership is the life blood of the Branch.

Brigadier Vere Hayes updated the gathering on the activities and plans for the Museum in these uncertain times of financial support. He stressed that it was important that the Museum remained competitive with other attractions within the City of Winchester. He thanked the Membership for their support in the past and hoped that it would continue in the future The President then presented a cheque for £500 in support of the drive to collect money for the medals of L/Cpl Penistone which were to be auctioned soon. The Brigadier stated that there was competition from private collectors for the medals and the outcome was uncertain. He assured the President that if the Museum bid was unsuccessful he would return the cheque. His comment was “trust me, I am a Green Jacket,” the Presidents comment was “there being a first time for everything!”.

Cadet CSgt Fleary is presented with a cheque for £1,000 After an excellent meal with an excess of wine and again an enjoyable rolling slide show by courtesy of our IT expert Michael Blee which revisited the events of the previous year, it was time for the formal part of the evening to take place before the hall was re-arranged for the party that always follows.

The Secretary addressed the gathering and thanked those who contributed in making the evening a success. These included the hotel and catering staff, and our Cadets Band and Bugles, who gave an outstanding rendition of High on a Hill.

This was followed by the President who gave his annual State of the Nation address. He thanked the members for not only their outstanding support at all events throughout the year but he stated that without their full participation many of the events would not take place. He also mentioned the fact that even with the increases in the cost of living in general, by due diligence of the Treasurer there has been no increase in costs for functions or annual subscriptions this year but if costs continue to rise this might change in the future.

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The Branch attended the annual Reunion of 4(V)RGJ held this year at the Working Men’s Club in the East End of London. This was the second year running that a Drill Hall was not available. Even so, it was supported by a hardy few and very well organised. The availability of the West Ham Drill Hall impacted on the turnout at a location which many of those associated with 4(V)RGJ consider as their London home. In the future, it would be a great pity if an arrangement with

regards the location could not be negotiated to ensure that this Reunion continues.

The annual pilgrimage to Calais took place to commemorate the Kings Royal Rifle Corp, Rifle Brigade and the Queen Victoria’s Rifles who took part in the attempt to stem the flow of the German Panzer Division on their advance on Dunkirk. The record of their valiant attempt is well documented with graphic and powerful descriptions available that describes their effort over the period of the battle. In the past this event has been well attended but the original numbers of those who took part are now very few and Branch members make up a large proportion of those taking part. Long may this event continue and if the Branch can be of assistance they would willingly do so in the future.

Arrangements were made to travel to the Arboretum in early June. An early departure from London by coach and a day at the Arboretum for members and families took place. On arrival, the Branch attended the daily church service and given free time to view the improved facilities, the rebuilt reception centre and Heroes Square, where

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Short wreath laying ceremony at the RGJ Memorial the London Branch Paving Stone is sited. The Branch

been made for a late lunch at the Swinfen Hall Hotel, a former Manor House, for drinks and a sit-down meal. This was an excellent way to complete a very enjoyable day, good food and wine and satisfied Riflemen. We departed for London and arrived in time for those hardy members who went on to visit a number of pubs and clubs before calling it a day.

Veterans Day lunch took place on 24th June at the Mark Masons Hall, St James, and a very popular venue for this event.

concensus of opinion was that we were very pleased with the outcome of our efforts on this project.

Mid-morning we boarded the Tour Train which turned out to be a well worthwhile means of viewing the whole Arboretum to see the numerous memorials that are within the boundaries of the site. If Branches are visiting, this method of touring the whole site is highly recommended and is booked prior to your visit. Before departing, the Branch assembled for a short wreath laying ceremony at the RGJ Memorial followed by a Branch photograph.

On departure from the Arboretum arrangements had

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There was a marked improvement in the numbers attending that was appreciated by the Committee and makes their efforts well worthwhile. Pre-Lunch drinks set the tone of the lunch where many a story was revisited but more importantly friendships renewed. Lunch was taken in a dining room that overlooks St James’ Palace and was an ideal setting to continue the movement. The President

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addressed the gathering and the main point of the address was the future of Davis Street and the way ahead. Many of the London Branch Members have an affection for the Drill Hall and therefore were saddened to hear that Davis Street, that many of them considered to be their home, would no longer be available to them in the future.

A fund-raising raffle took place and a word of thanks to all those who donated items must be noted. The proceeds will be used for a future Branch charity donation. After a long liquid lunch, most members dispersed for home except for the few who took the opportunity to continue in London. An excellent day with room for a few more in the future.

The Regents Park Memorial Annual Service was held at the Bandstand on Sunday in July. It was extremely pleasing to see so many Riflemen attend. A total of over forty-five paraded including two of our Chelsea Pensioners. Also on Parade were two RGJ Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion whose presence was very welcome.

On completion of the formal ceremony the parade retired for lunch and drinks at a local restaurant to complete a satisfactory event. There was a great deal of civilian interest shown by casual onlookers and this could be attributed to the fact that there was a Hyde Park rally taking place at the same time.

The Branches Battlefield Tour by coincidence was

based on Calais and Dunkirk, part of the preparation was members making the effort to see the recently made film.

A very early start from Liverpool Street Station and then onto the second pick-up point at Ashford International Station. This is a regular procedure for our members and so we departed on time and all present.

First port of call was to Dover Castle and the Wartime Tunnels to view the Operation Dynamo operation rooms where the whole of the Dunkirk evacuation was planned and executed from. Since our coach was booked on a midday ferry the President had negotiated with the Castle to open an hour early before being opened to the public.

This allowed us to view the tunnels in two groups with no waiting and dedicated group guides, meeting again in the NAAFI.

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Lunch was taken on the Ferry supported by some liquid refreshments by some members. On arrival in France we made our way direct to our hotel in St Omer and met our advance party and free runners to settle in. The Branch Battlefield Tour Dinner proved to be a success at which included a selection of local wines. After dinner members retired to the bar or tasted the local town hospitality. An auction took place at the dinner which raised money in support of the Branch charity.

Day two began with a short drive to Calais to paint the picture of the well-known battle fought by the Rifle Brigade, KRRC and the Queen Victoria’s Rifles. A word of thanks to Major R Cassidy MBE who produced extracts from the Regimental journals that explained in detail the events of the heroic fight for the town. After a tour of the Museum that included a display of the Green Jackets involvement in the battle it was time to move on to Dunkirk.

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On arrival at Dunkirk a short lunch break was taken in restaurants overlooking the evacuation beaches that set the scene for the remainder of the day. We then met a local guide whose parents were local farmers at the time of the evacuation. Our first point of interest was a location where we viewed the whole of the Mole Jetty and the dockside where the wounded were evacuated from. This site was an ideal spot to view and talk through the evacuation before moving on to tour the remainder of the northern beaches. We viewed the docks and the locks that the Germans constructed which allowed their E Boats to cause havoc in the Channel for the remainder of the war.

With local Guide After a drive through Dunkirk Town with points of interest described we then made our way to the Dunkirk Memorial on the outskirts of the town where we held a short remembrance ceremony and laid a wreath on behalf of the London Branch. The day was not complete as we then went to view the newly opened Dunkirk Museum that had recently been renovated and had only opened in late September. A worthy Museum and highly recommended if one is in the area. A late return to the hotel after a long day and for some a long night for the hardy few.

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An early start on the final morning with a visit to another newly opened point of interest called La Coupole. on the way to Calais. This site, now a Museum, had originally been constructed by the Germans in a quarry deep underground to facilitate their final preparation of their V1 and V2s before deployment to their firing sites throughout the area. This Museum has many excellent exhibits and more importantly some excellent wartime films taken throughout the period of use until the RAF decided to pay them a call with devastating effect. It was then onto Calais and the ferry home. The trip from Dover to London was troublefree that allowed members to catch connections or, for some, a final nightcap before calling it a day.

La Coupole The Branches major fund raising event took place in late October. This was not the most satisfactory date but the only one that we could get our ‘Ducks in a Row’ with other commitments. The Union Jack Club managed to accommodate us and more than fulfilled our needs. It was decided that Andy McNab would present a short introduction talk and then conducted an ‘open house’ approach with a question and answer session. We also, based on last years’ experience, obtained a professional interviewer who controlled the interview and auction. Prior to the evening we requested those attending to submit any question that they had to begin the evening and then progress to an open house which provided some very interesting views from the audience. As always time expired and to allow the evening to continue time was called.

In conjunction with the book signing, a highly successful auction was completed that raised a considerable sum for the Branch funds coupled with a substantial raffle that added to the coffers. A word of thanks must be said to those members who contributed items for the auction and raffle, also those too many to name who assisted in the background and especially committee members for their efforts.

The Branch received an invitation to participate in the bi-annual awards ceremony at the Guildhall in London for the Rifles Regimental Awards 2016 and 2017 in the presence of HRH Prince of Wales. The Secretary attended and represented the London Branch with others attending representing the RGJ Association Committee and the Rifles Benevolence Fund. The evening turned out to be a very enjoyable and informative.

The annual Field of Remembrance Service at Westminster took place on the Thursday before Remembrance Sunday in November, and was attended by the Secretary and four other members of the Branch. Preparation of the Roll of Honour and Poppy Crosses that members of the Association had requested to be placed on the RGJ Association plot was managed by the Secretary in time for the ceremony. On the day, the Secretary Gary Driscoll once again got face time with HRH Prince Harry which is becoming a recurring event. Maybe we should commission The Secretary to write a song ‘When Harry met Gary’. There is an open invitation to all members of the Royal Green Jackets Association that if they require a RBL memorial cross to be laid they should contact the Secretary of the London Branch RGJ Association.

Remembrance Sunday as always turned out to be a major event for the Branch marred only by the fact that the newly introduced ticket application system by the RBL was unsatisfactory. It is sincerely hoped that this is reviewed before the new year. As always the Theodore Bullfrog Public House came up to expectations and opened at 0800hrs for early arrivals. Hot drinks and breakfast and of course those who required ‘a warmer in the bank’ were catered for. We formed up on Whitehall at the allotted time with a full contingent of 180 which was our allocated number of tickets. We also

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managed to muster a few extra from strays who had obtained tickets by other means.

On return to the Bullfrog for drinks and lunch, we were joined by members of the Rifle Brigade bringing the numbers to more than 350. It was very pleasing to have a large number of wives and family members attend, many of whom had of course over the years accompanied their husbands on postings throughout the world. Last orders were called about 1700 hrs and many weary Riflemen made their way home having had an enjoyable day with friends whom they had not seen for many years.

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The Branches final function of the year was our Ladies Christmas Lunch held at Mark Masons Hall, St James. This proved to be the Branches best effort yet at this function and the numbers exceeded all previous years by a considerable number. The banqueting hall was maxed out and due to the numbers extra tables were provided and full to capacity. A large group from 1RGJ took the occasion to meet and have a reunion. It was gratifying to see that members and guests had travelled from afar, there were members and guests from Liverpool, Devon, Oxford and other places.

A traditional Christmas Lunch was served with a great deal of wine which lead to a real Christmas party atmosphere enjoyed by everyone. General CGC Vyvyan joined us for drinks before lunch and mingled with members, which was greatly appreciated. As always on these occasions time was called and members dispersed to make their way home or other places for night caps before traveling home.

This year has been highly successful for the Branch. A substantial increase in Membership but more pleasing a greater number of members have attended functions throughout the year. We look forward to a full and busy year and we would like to take this opportunity to all those serving with the Rifles “if in harm’s way, take care and come home safely”.

Colonel (Retd) George F Smythe OBE RGJ Assn London Branch President

THE WILTSHIRE BRANCH Another year has passed and the Branch has mourned the loss of two members, Bob Maddocks who passed away earlier in the year and Steve Diffey who sadly passed away just before Christmas. A good turnout for both from the branch and colleagues far and wide. Bob would have been chuffed to know that amongst the mourners were 3 Generals. RIP lads and our sincerest condolences to Jan and her family and to Sue and her family on their sad loss.

We had a good showing of members at the Freedom of Winchester parade with 7 members taking part and mostly keeping in step. Certainly one to remember if you were there. Later that day the annual gathering of Riflemen took place at SJM and it was good to see so many old and bold once again.

We as a branch support the Warminster branch of the RBL in a number of events in the area and this year as in past, we provided support at the Heytesbury water point for the final day 5 of the Forces March in May. This is one of the UK’s most demanding endurance events covering 134 miles in 5 days (5 marathons in 5 days) from Ilfracombe

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to Bulford in aid of the Veterans charity. This event is inspired by the Ox and Bucks LI D Company commanded

by Major John Howard.

The story goes that in August of 1942, General Gale sent the whole Regiment to Devonshire for two months of cliff climbing and other strenuous training. He then decided to

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march the regiment back to Bulford Camp - some 135 miles! Naturally it became a competition between the companies.

D Company got back to base on the evening of the fifth day, marching in at 145 steps to the minute and singing ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’, loudly. They came in first in the Regiment by half a day! Major Howard had lost only two men out of 120. His stick however was so worn he had to throw it away.

Major Howard’s D Company were later selected to spearhead the entire Allied invasion on D-Day. Thanks to their astounding fitness and training, the men achieved their almost impossible objective - to capture the legendary PEGASUS BRIDGE, in under 10 minutes.

The traditional branch BBQ was held this year in August and was hosted by Owen and Pet Davis at their home in Devon. The event was a great success considering the out of area location and many members made a weekend of it all meeting up in the local Gurkha restaurant the night before and set the tone for the weekend. The event was continued on the Sunday with members meeting up in the local pub for a carvery lunch. Thanks to Owen and Pet for a smashing weekend, we must do it again sometime!!

Sadly the event clashed with Greenstock weekend as the date for this event wasn’t announced until we had gone firm with our diary dates and this meant that our numbers for this were well down from years past.

However Steven Boyd and family went there and he reported that it was a great event and the whole family thoroughly enjoyed it. We already have about 7 members booked up for this year’s event.

November is always a busy month for Branches and here in Warminster we are at the forefront of the commemoration for Remembrance and are out in force putting up the poppy on lampposts on all routes into Warminster. We attended the Garden of Remembrance service on the 11th of November and the Chairman read the Exhortation. We also had a good turnout yet again at the war memorial on the 12th of November. As is the norm in Warminster the service is at 1500hrs and not at the traditional time of 1100hrs. The parade was led through the town by the Band and Bugles of the Rifles.

We held our annual skittles night in the Organ Inn in late November and this as always was well attended. The prize for Best Skittler was won by Phil Ashby’s mum, this says a lot for the rest of us!! However well done mum Ashby.

Our annual Christmas Eve drinks was well attended in the Conservative club and this year as the day fell on a Sunday we all sat down to carvery lunch as opposed to a buffet, a nice change.

The AGM was held in January and the Branch welcomed some new faces and now boasts 29 members. We had to find a new venue such was the turnout, it was good to see some old faces, keep it up!

See you all in Winchester in July.

Mike Walsh Branch Chairman

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 30 June 2018.

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THE YORKSHIRE BRANCH We continue to meet on the fourth Tuesday in the month, March to October, at 7.30pm for 8pm and we still have our comfortable HQ in the TA centre in Wakefield. All our wants are catered for by Sarah, the TA Custodian, who is also an Honorary Member of the Branch, as is Denise the TA Administrative Assistant.

We are lucky to enjoy a good relationship with the KOYLI/LI Association which has many Branches in the area centred on Pontefract. The Wakefield Branch of the above also meets at our HQ and we march with them at the area parades and have an open invitation to attend their events and gatherings. Our Secretary attends with the KOYLI Secretaries at regular meetings within Minden House, Pontefract and is on good terms with the staff of that establishment.

At the March meeting a pleasant surprise awaited the membership with the announcement that we had gained a new member. It was Hugh Goudge who had enlisted in the 1st Battalion RGJ in July 1965 and had served for twenty five years before retiring as RSM at the end of September 1990. During his service days he was better known as Albert Goudge.

Hugh was not able to attend the March meeting but hoped to be at the April meeting which would also be the AGM. He lives in the Wakefield postal district and is familiar with the local geography.

Before the AGM took place the Secretary attended the spring meeting of the Association at Winchester and reported that the Yorkshire Branch had gained Hugh as a new recruit. Afterwards the Treasurer-Elect, Major Michael Leeming, made it known that when he had become a Platoon Commander for the first time Hugh had been his Platoon Sergeant.

The two of them were looking forward to meeting one another again, probably at the Freedom of Winchester parade in the summer.

At the Branch AGM when we met Hugh for the first time, it was discovered that Tom Conlin and John Lengthorn had both known Hugh from their days in the First Battalion, although on this occasion John Lengthorn was AWOL, possibly because he was playing squash somewhere in the Huddersfield area, as is his wont.

Also at the AGM the Branch Officers were re-elected:President: Capt. ABC Dollard 3RGJ. Chairman: Fred Williams RB. Treasurer/Vice Chairman: John Woods KRRC. Secretary: Stuart Anderson RB. At this meeting it was revealed that we had doubled our marching strength and would henceforth be able to put two men on parade i.e. the Secretary and our new recruit Hugh. This was excellent news as that weekend, Saturday 29th April 2017, the Rifles were exercising their right to march at Dewsbury, which is conveniently close to Wakefield. We old soldiers were to bring up the rear of the parade in number Five Guard, which comprised the Officers Club of the KOYLI/LI and the Regimental Associations including the Yorkshire Branch of the RGJ. We were due to march on at 10.45am but unfortunately there was a long delay because the Band and Bugles were stuck in traffic on their long journey from Oxford. Curiously when the parade eventually set off we in the number Five Guard led all the rest to our forming up positions. A great cheer went up as we emerged from behind the Town Hall at long last.

It was a lengthy ceremony for it included the inspection of all the Guards and the dedication of engraved paving stones in honour of two local KOYLI soldiers who had each been awarded the V.C. in the First World War. Finally our marching was tested to the full, for in the event both the cadets and the veterans were obliged to follow the rest all the way round the town instead of peeling off for a discreet short cut. It was to prove an excellent rehearsal for the Winchester parade in the summer.

An unfortunate consequence of the late arrival of the Band was that the Secretary found he had incurred a ÂŁ100 parking fine. Worse was to come a few days later when Hugh fell down his cellar steps and badly fractured his ankle. There was little chance of him recovering in time for the Winchester Parade.

At the June meeting we had a welcome visit from our President who lives far out in the wilds of North Yorkshire at Appleforth. He was looking forward to meeting our new recruit but unfortunately Hugh had already made it known that he intended to be back in time for the July or August meetings. Two other absentees were Tom and Sue Conlin, who are also staunch members of the North Eastern Branch. Tom had endured a very serious back operation, and although he was now able to get about with the aid of a walking stick, he was not well enough to attend. Sue was much better after suffering a bad fall and hoped to be fit enough to fly to America for baby-sitting duties for family members at the end of July.

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The annual Branch lunch took place in early July at Woolley Park Golf Club and replaced that month’s meeting. Those present included Hugh Goudge, who introduced us to his wife Julia, and a Conlin grandson, who is a burly young man as befits a member of the Army Air Corps.

Another regular event was the annual service in York Minster Gardens to remember the Battle of Kohima. This was followed by lunch at Imphal Barracks. The Secretary and Valerie usually meet up with Arthur Jennings KRRC on these occasions, as he was a member of the MOD Staff at the Barracks after his army service. For once he was missing and it only came to light several months later that he had suffered a stroke early in the summer. Dear Arthur, who had served in Aden, also missed the 50th Anniversary of the departure from Aden of the British Forces, which took place at York Minster. York is Arthur’s home town.

The Secretary was listed in the 100 strong RGJ marching contingent when the Rifles exercised the right of the Regiment to carry arms through the streets of Winchester on the 8th of July. This was moreover the date of the annual reunion.

Also present, but not on parade, were Paul and Marianne Haigh and the Secretary’s wife Valerie. Paul was rigged out for the high summer conditions that obtained the whole day, in a Hawaiian sports shirt and shorts. His old comrade Roy Stanger would perhaps have approved of his costume.

Those who were marching were transported to Peninsula Barracks from the car park meeting point at Sir John Moore Barracks. There we veterans gathered outside the Museum until formed up by our Parade Marshall Jake Cheetham, with the officers to the fore wearing a variety of head gear. The Band members were grouped outside the Guard Room café and then came the regulars who were already drawn up ready to sally forth.

As we stood waiting for the start there came the tramp of marching feet and into sight came a squad of cadets both male and female. They came on with short steps and at regimental pace. Opposite the squad of veterans they came to the halt, turned to face us and stood at ease. The manoeuvre was so well executed that it drew forth a spontaneous round of applause from the onlookers. It was one of the nicest moments of the day.

Out of the Barracks gates we swung and down through the High Street thronged with shoppers and a fair number of our comrades. We were destined for the Cathedral garden and a ceremony grouped by the memorial in honour of the dead of the KRRC during the Great War – at least 7,000 as I recall! On rising ground facing the marchers were standing the Association Buglers who at the appointed time sounded the calls immaculately under the leadership of the Bugle Major who conducted with precise movements of his white-gloved hands. It was another memorable moment in an eventful day.

At the conclusion of the ceremony we bent our footsteps towards the town square and were drawn up facing the Guild Hall, on the terrace of which were assembled an assortment of dignitaries. As a finale we rounded the statue of Alfred the Great for a march past and then tramped onward and upward to the top of the High Street. There, to the relief of all those still in the ranks, we turned around and, like the Grand Old Duke of York’s men, marched back down again to the dismissal in the square. This was followed by a coach trip to Sir John Moore Barracks and a well-earned lunch.

Stuart Anderson Branch Secretary

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2017/18 Report After a year of consolidation in 2016 your Museum staff has been able to clear much of the backlog of work that was referred to resulting from the Road to Waterloo Exhibition . However, it was decided to extend the Christmas 2017 closure to include the first two weeks of January 2018 in order to reorganise and ‘spring clean’ the Museum office, a long overdue and much needed bit of work. The programme of updating and improving cases continues; many appear a little dated and cluttered - ‘object rich and text heavy’ - with labels reflecting the antecedent regiment collection from which the artefacts came. Reducing the number of exhibits without losing the story that the display case is telling is a lengthy and challenging process but the result is a fresh look that is appealing to the visitor.

It is encouraging to be able to report that 2017 saw us record the second highest number of visitors since statistics were started in 2001, a total of 13,966, surpassed only in 2015 (16,142 visitors) when the Waterloo Exhibition opened, but we always hope to get more; all Green Jackets can help by spreading the word about the excellence of the Museum.

Ms Elspeth McPhee, who replaced Mrs Julie Nugent on her retirement in April, has taken on the particular task of increasing our presence on social media. If you are on Facebook, or have a Twitter account, please follow us and ‘like’ what is posted – provided of course that you do! - it all helps to raise our profile and interest people in visiting us. You may not be aware that the Museum is currently ninth out of the seventy most popular attractions in Winchester, a great achievement but we are better than that – for some reason even the statue of Alfred the Great is above us - so if you visit the Museum do take a moment to go onto Trip Advisor and submit a review to help us climb the list.

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In November the medal group of Major Tom Bird was donated to the Museum by his son; Major Tom Bird was awarded a DSO for his courage in October 1942 during the action at Outpost Snipe in the North African desert. The medal group, that comprises an MC and bar and Legion d’Honneur as well as the DSO, will be added to the Snipe medals display, a remarkable collection of the awards, including a VC, made to members of 2 RB after the battle in which the battalion destroyed over 30 enemy tanks. The Museum is extremely grateful to the Bird family for their generosity in donating the medal group.

Another addition to the Museum Collection this year has been ‘The Tusk of Gullala’. Recently restored after many years service in the Officers Messes of a number of Green Jacket and Rifles battalions this magnificent silver centre piece has been repaired, restored and taken into the Museum Collection. It was commissioned to commemorate the bravery of Rifleman Burke of the 1st Battalion 60th during the Yussufzai Expedition of December 1849. Crafted in silver and set on a plinth made from the tusk of a huge elephant named Gullala the centre piece was the only item of silver to be recovered from RIMS Warren Hastings when it was wrecked on the coastline of Reunion Island in January 1897. You can read the full story on the Museum Website at www.rgjmuseum. co.uk under ‘Our Collection, Object of the Month’.

Work has now begun to create a new Band and Bugles display at the entrance to the Museum that will incorporate an explanation of the distinctive differences between Infantry of the line and Rifle regiments none of which is presently explained to visitors who increasingly have little knowledge of Regimental traditions; the aim is to have it completed by mid July in time for the Association weekend. The ground floor entrance area, stairwell and small landing will be used to display artefacts and illustrate drill and bugle calls; the Royal connections case will be relocated. One difficulty facing us is sourcing useable film or video footage of Green Jackets on parade that does not include other Regiments; none exist in the National Army Museum archives but we are hopeful that the Imperial War Museum and BBC archives will produce some; if any readers of this Journal have good footage we would be delighted to see it.

We would also be delighted to see you and look forward to welcoming you to your Museum especially during our July gathering in Winchester. The Museum shop has a new range of stock as well as many of the old favourites so come and browse.

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

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A Rifleman’s Journey The South Atlantic - Island of St Helena St Helena, a British Overseas Territory, is famous for being the island to which Napoleon was exiled following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The island is located roughly on a line between Namibia and Brazil, in the South Atlantic, some 4000 miles from the UK. At the time of writing, St Helena is only accessible by one of two remaining Royal Mail Ships a journey that takes five days from Cape Town, South Africa.

to the minute. The Rifles served with The British Army during World War Two and were ultimately disbanded in 1947. Several Riflemen are buried in Commonwealth War Graves in the cemetery at St Pauls Church together with other military casualties of the conflict.

We boarded the RMS St Helena, RMS as she is affectionately known, and departed Cape Town in the evening of the 4th July 2017 together with about 100 other passengers visiting or returning to the island, accompanied by containers of supplies destined for the local shops and businesses.

Besides being a family visit to one of the remotest places on earth, the journey had acquired a secondary mission to honour the memory of fellow Riflemen who had died whilst serving with the British Army.

Before the opening of The Suez Canal, St Helena was a staging post for ships en-route to the east and was fortified and garrisoned by the St Helena Regiment – made up of soldiers from Regular British Army units (Redcoats!). In the later 19th Century a local militia was formed that came to be known as the Saint Helena Volunteers. One of their main roles was to guard Boer prisoners during and after the Boer War. St Helena was a destination for prisoners of war and there are many reminders of their presence on the Island. The Volunteers were disbanded in 1907 then reformed as the St Helena Sharpshooters in 1914 at the outbreak of the First World War. At the end of the war the “Sharpshooters” were re-named “The Saint Helena Rifles” incorporating the traditions of British Army Rifle Regiments, most notably marching at a pace of 140 paces

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It was an honour to present Her Excellency Ms Lisa Phillips CBE the Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, with an RGJ Association London Branch plaque on behalf of the Branch as a sign of fellowship with Riflemen from the island and to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery where several Riflemen are buried.

My wife, Charlotte, had lived and worked on the island as The Public Solicitor (Civil and Public Law Childcare) and had several contacts. On the first day on the island we met Father Dale of St James’ Church, Jamestown and explained our thoughts and aspirations. He promised to assist us and made arrangements for the ceremony to take place at the graves at St Pauls on Thursday 13th July, 14:30hrs, high on a hill!

Arriving early the following day for a briefing prior to the ceremony, we met Father Clive of St Pauls who would be conducting a service with readings and prayers. At the appointed hour, the service began, a poppy wreath was laid on behalf of The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association – London Branch, dedicated “To our fellow Riflemen and all who served”. The exhortation from Lawrence Binyon’s “The Fallen” was read:

They shall not grow 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.

Father Dale sounded the Last Post on a bugle, followed by a two-minute silence, and then Rouse signified the end of the ceremony.

It was a beautiful sunny and peaceful afternoon as the bugle notes faded away and proved to be a worthy setting to remember Riflemen past and present.

Meanwhile a meeting with the Governor was arranged for Wednesday 12th July at 12:30 in her office in “The Castle” for the presentation where a short speech was delivered on the spiritual links with Riflemen, the marching pace and the Bugle as part of our respective cap-badges.

Governor Phillips expressed her gratitude, promising to select a suitable location to display the plaque: possibly the Executive Chamber or The St Helena Museum across the square for all to see.

A quote from a local ‘Saint’: “Thank you for coming and remembering them, it is good to know they are not forgotten”.

Swift & Bold Dave Dee 4RGJ/5RGJ 1982-1994 The RMS St Helena is unique She is one of only two ocean-going vessels in the world still to carry the venerable title of Royal Mail Ship, held in the past by so many famous British passenger liners.

The Royal Mail Ship St Helena was built in 1989 specifically to supply the island of St Helena, a British Overseas Territory deep in the tropical South Atlantic. She is British registered, 6,767 gross tonnes and has berths for a maximum of 156 passengers plus 56 officers and crew.

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Since the formation of the Buglers Association of The Light Division & Rifles, we have gone from strength to strength, growing both in the number of buglers we have at our disposal and the number of events we are asked to attend. The cuts to army buglers has been severe over the years, so our role will only increase as more people and groups become aware of us. Although we originally formed to support our own regimental family, we now have requests from numerous associations across all arms of the services as well as the Royal British Legion and SSAFA. 2017 was no exception and our calendar was full throughout the year.

Of course, our priority will always be to our own regimental family and we are extremely proud to be able to serve our regimental associations and our brothers in arms as we did in the past. As in other years, there were some 200 former servicemen during the year, who’s last wish was to have a bugler sound the ‘Last Post’ and Reveille’ to send them on their way to the Final RV. For us, it was an honour and a privilege to be able to grant that final wish.

We attended many memorial services throughout the year, most notable was the re-dedication of the memorial of

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Lt. Col. Francis Northey, who was killed during the Zulu Wars in 1879. In addition to members of the family, we had buglers in attendance along with members of the Zulu Royal Family The RGJ Reunion in Winchester is always a major event for us, and it is a huge honour for us to perform although this year we also had the privilege of being involved in The Rifles Freedom Parade. It was a great event and the young Riflemen of today are certainly doing us proud.

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We were pushed to the limit across the Remembrance weekend, but once again we did our best and were able support many events and services across the country.

We are extremely grateful for the support we have from everyone, be it moral or financial and we thank everyone that has contributed to help us to keep doing what we do. In particular, we thank the RGJA Committee for the annual grant that they have bestowed upon us, which is a great help in providing kit for new members.

We are also extremely fortunate that a number of our antecedent associations have provided silver bugles to us on long term loan. Among them the DLI, KSLI, KOYLI and even the members of the RGBW for which we are

We are being asked to attend a growing number of regional reunions around the country, and we have invested in a number of music systems that allow us to provide concerts where we play along to the old Regimental marches and of course, that old favourite High on a Hill. This year, we attended the Greenstock event for the first time and what a great event it is! It is certainly a credit to all concerned and we will most certainly be back again in 2018.

In September, we were once again proud to lead the Light Division contingent at the Northern Ireland memorial Service at the NMA, followed by our own memorial services held at both the LI and RGJ memorials.

extremely grateful. However, we have none from the KRRC, Rifle Brigade or RGJ, so the RGJ Association have very kindly and generously agreed to the commission of 4 silver bugles, complete with the RGJ crest for the Buglers Association. We are extremely grateful, and our former RGJ buglers will certainly put them to very good use in the years ahead. And of course, they will remain a piece of Regimental heritage and a fitting memorial to this fine Regiment.

Should anyone wish to get in touch with us, please contact Alan Tamblyn ( alan.tamblyn@buglers.org.uk ).

Best regards,

Alan Tamblyn Chairman

Members Database It is important that your information held on the RGJA Database is accurate and up-to-date, for example your Home Address.

Therefore would all members go to the Database and check their content.

Those requiring assistance, please contact Roy Baillie at rgjadatabase@btinternet.com

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DON GOWER LRB WW2 VETERAN 100 YEARS OLD

By all accounts he enjoyed the various speeches given by family, friends and Blue Circle colleagues about different aspects of his life.

The London Rifle Brigade Veterans Association’s oldest member Don Gower celebrated his century at the RAC Club, Epsom on 20 December. Son Kevin and family organised a splendid lunch in his honour for well over a hundred family members and friends, including a happy bunch of Riflemen who were privileged to be allocated their own Rifles table.

Don was on great form. When the message of congratulations from HM The Queen was read out and handed to him in its envelope he was heard to ask “Is there any money in it?”

Regimental musical tributes were provided by RGJ’s own opera singer Charlotte Dee and Bugler Cpl Jake Pugsley; and John Cohen, Chairman of the Association read out messages from Gen Sir Nick Carter CGS and the RGJ Association, reminding everyone of Don’s active service throughout WW2. Lt Col Jan-Dirk von Merveldt, Secretary of the RGJ Association, nicely summed up the very special nature of the occasion when informed about the upcoming event by remarking “Wow, we’ve never had one of those before!”

Don, we salute and thank you for your service.

John Cohen OBE Chairman London Rifle Brigade Veterans Association

Some of the Rifles used by the Royal Green Jackets and the Antecedent Regiments The Baker Rifle 1800 - 1837

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The Brunswick Rifle 1837 - 1851

The Minie Rifle (3 Band) 1851 - 1866

The Short Minie Rifle (2 Band) 1853 - 1866

The Snider Rifle 1866 - 1871

The Martini-Henry Rifle 1871 - 1888

The Lee-Metford Rifle 1888 - 1901

The Lee-Enfield *SMLE and variants 1901 - 1960

The Lee Enfield No. 5 (Jungle Carbine) 1944 - 1947

* Short Magazine Lee-Enfield

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The SLR L1A1 1960 - 1987

The Colt AR15 1965 - 1966

The SA80 1987 - 2007

spl

Extract from “Memories of an Unremarkable Soldier” On arrival at the Rifle Depot, Winchester, I was shown to my accommodation, where the cookhouse was and a few other places. I was informed that the Platoon I was to train with was forming up and when they had reached the required number we would start our training. Each training platoon being about one month behind the one in front with three platoons in training at any one time. To occupy us during the forming up period, we were taken to various attractions by coach, we would also be issued with our kit and given low level military training, locker layouts, bed packs, told the ranks and insignia of the NCO’s and Officers who made up an infantry Battalion.

The issuing of kit was done by the Company Quartermaster Sergeant, (CQMS), called Colour Sergeant.

When I drew my kit out the conversation went like this: CQMS - “What’s your first name.”?

Me - “Hugh, Colour Sergeant.”

CQMS - “Who.”?

Me - “Hugh, Colour Sergeant.”

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CQMS - “What’s your middle name.”?

Me - “Albert, Colour Sergeant.”

CQMS - “Right. From now on you are Albert. Sign here” Apparently, names on birth certificates meant nothing to Colour Sergeants. From that point on throughout my army career, I was Albert. Impossible to change!

By this time I was getting fed up. My enquiries to various training Corporals as to when would I get my rifle? When the training would finish? What part of the world was this Jungle we were going to in?, were met with stares of disbelief and remarks like “***king idiot”. I had been let down, been there a week, and nothing promised in the recruiting office had been delivered. “That’s it. I am off!” I decided that evening, leaving all my army kit in my locker.

I crept out of the barracks, made my way to the station and caught the first train home. I was met at the front door by my brother Billy who said, “Told you would not like it” as I brushed past him on my way up to bed.

SWIFT AND BOLD ¦ 45

Things went well for the next two weeks, I had some money and my brother had promised to speak to his boss about me driving one of the ice cream vans. I told him “I don’t have a driving licence”, “nor do I” said my brother.

This all came to an end when one day there was a knock on the door. Looking though a downstairs window I could see a policeman standing outside the front door. Signalling for my brother to answer it, while I remained upstairs, “Does Hugh Albert Goudge live here?” the policeman asked,” “Not now. He joined the Army, don’t know where he is now,” my brother replied. “Well he is absent without leave at the moment, if you see him tell him, its best he gives himself up”, “I will” said my brother and closed the door.

As I came down the stairs, my brother said, “You are in the sh*t, you’re a deserter, they shoot them you know, they will not stop looking for you. Best you give yourself up”, Realising that the game was up, I knew I had to go back and face the music. The next day I handed myself into Stoke Newington Police Station, l was then taken to some cells in the basement of Headquarters London District, where I spent the night. Next morning I was given a rail warrant and told to report to the guard room back at the Rifle Depot in Winchester.

Knocking on the guard room window, and after explaining who I was, was told to “Get in here, you piece of sh*t” by the Regimental Policeman on duty. I was up before the Commanding Officer the next day, a Lieutenant Colonel Stileman, who said he thought I would make a good soldier. He then sentenced me to seven days in jail for being absent without leave.

I might add, that I got the impression that the Army in those days were desperate for recruits, National Service had come to an end years before. The number of volunteers joining had not been what they had expected.

So they were keen to keep even a complete tosser like me. I later learnt that high levels of unemployment in the country are the best recruiting sergeants the armed services ever had.

In jail, my army kit was returned to me, I learnt how to bull my boots, clean the copper and brass pipes in the toilets, scrub the floor. Say, “yes Corporal” and “no complaints” when asked if you had any, by the Orderly Officer on his daily visit to the guard room. March at the double to the cookhouse with my mug, knife, fork and spoon held behind my back. Unlike some of my fellow prisoners, the shouting and screaming by the provost staff at us in the guard room had little or no effect on me, having been trained by the experts in verbal abuse when remanded in custody at Stamford House.

On my release, I was put back into training in a newly formed Platoon. My original platoon had started training some weeks before, I was therefore what the army called” Back Squadded” into the next one forming up. I settled

46 ¦ SWIFT AND BOLD

into my new platoon and quickly made friends, the main ones being George Edwards and Paul Burke. Paul was unusual for a recruit at that time, in that he was much better educated than the rest of us, (three O Levels).and therefore exempt from any lessons given to us by the RAEC (Royal Army Education Corps) in English, Maths and Army and Nations.

Paul, like me, had an interest in firearms and was a naturally good shot, he actually owned a shotgun. We would go rough shooting during our leave, near his home in Windsor. We had now been issued with our SLR’s or self-loading rifles. This was a British version of the Belgian FN, the main difference being that it could not fire fully automatic During training I had observed what could be called the Cascade or Snowball Effect in regard to reprimands in the Army. A mild rebuke, such as “not quite up to standard”, or “could do better”, given by an Officer Commanding or Commanding Officer for any reason would, as it passed down the chain of command, increase by a magnitude of three at each step. By the time it got to us Riflemen and delivered by a spluttering Corporal, incandescent with rage. We were the worst, dirtiest, and laziest, soldiers he had ever seen in his life and we would pay for dropping him in the sh*t!.

JOURNAL 2017

When we started our training, the boots issued to us were called “Ammo Boots”. These monstrosities had metal plates and studs in the soles and heels. On any hard surface it was almost impossible to stand up in them, especially for us recruits. And when walking on something like concrete or stairs they were lethal. The studs and plates we were told was so you could kick the catches off of the top of ammunition boxes. I think the real reason was that you would fall over so many times on your face, arms, elbows, knees and arse that you would become impervious to pain, a useful trait in a soldier. They also made a noise when you walked on anything other than a soft forest floor. The drill Sergeants loved them as they would tap, tap as you marched and crack when you stamped your feet. A clear indicator of who was not in step or out of-time. I was very pleased when we were issued the new DMS boots. These had rubber soles and nylon insoles which could be washed out when smelly or dirty. But most importantly you could move about in an upright position!

Our training comprised weapon training, drill, field craft and camouflage. During one field craft lesson we were being taught how to give a fire control order by a training Corporal. This was so we could point out an enemy position we had seen to other members of the section. You would use the pneumonic GRIT standing for “Group”, who you were showing it to. “Range” to the target, “Indication” where and what it was, “Type of fire” to be used, rapid or watch and shoot. Once we had learned GRIT one of us would be taken to one side and given a target. He then had to compose his fire order and then give it to the rest of us. If we recognised what he was trying to show us, we would shout “Seen” or if not then “Not Seen” then the indication would be given again. The first Rifleman to be picked knew something about ecology and having been shown his target, he then had to compose his fire order then give it to the rest of us. “Rifle Group 200” he shouted “London Plane Tree, base of ”........” Stop! Stop! Stop! Screamed our training Corporal “You prat. There are only three types of tree in the British Army, Poplar trees, Fir Trees and Bushy Topped Trees, and that’s a ***king Bushy Topped Tree”!

Recruits in those days either signed on for Six or Nine years. The inducement to sign on for Nine was you got more money, I had signed on for Six and about half way though my training I was called into the Platoon Commander’s office. I thought I was in the sh*t or would be back squadded, although I could not think what for. “Goudge”, he said. “you are ruining my reputation; you are the only person in the platoon not to have signed on for Nine years”.

After mumbling something about not being sure yet and I would think about it, I was dismissed. It’s interesting to note that after nine years George Edwards and I seemed to be the only ones left. The clever ones who had signed for Nine, had used the extra money to buy themselves out.

At the end of our training Paul Burke won best shot in the platoon. The trophies were presented at our passing out parade watched by the inspecting officer and our families and friends. A few days before the parade, having finished our twelve weeks basic training we were told which battalion we would go to, I expected to be off to the jungle, after all had not that nice recruiting Sergeant told me that’s where I would be going? It was not to be, it was our 1st Battalion which needed the recruits and apart from one or two lucky others we were all being sent to Berlin. After a week’s leave, we arrived in Berlin on the 2nd December 1965 and were taken to Montgomery Barracks.

Albert (Hugh) Goudge

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SWIFT AND BOLD ¦ 47

Ricky Mitchell LCpl J Berger Maj GC Stacey MBE Rfn FJ Hansen WO2 John Donald Murton Lt William H (Lord) Goodhart Sgt Tim Marsh Barry Giddings Charles Francis Robinson OBE Sir John Kember Wood QC MC WO2 GW (Geoffrey) Arthurs

KRRC/2GJ/2RGJ OBLI OBLI RB/3GJ KRRC/RGJ/KENYA Regt OBLI 2RGJ Bugles RGJ RB/KRRC RB OBLI/RGJ

Ivan ‘Ossie’ Gibson Capt RA Hill MBE Capt JPM Denny Richard Edward Kevin Hayward Eddie Watson Capt MAC Drummond OBE DL JP Vince Wellington Dave Cross Tim Brown Mike Sumner Peter Francis Buller Nicholas Mosley MC

1RGJ 1KRRC OBLI RGJ 3RGJ RB 1RGJ 1RGJ Band 1RGJ OBLI Band OBLI RB/London Irish Rifles

Pte Cyril Thomas Craddock NH Ridley Capt LD Jones MBE Sjt Harold Ernest Buckley Cpl WR (Smokey) Howard 2Lt JEK (Jeremy) Frewer Maj Gen Mark Bond OBE

OBLI RB KRRC/King’s African Rifles OBLI Band OBLI 3RGJ RB, 3GJ & 3PARA

Maj RK (Richard) Asser TD MA Glynn Davis Rfn Davis (Louis) Rundle Capt JPG Wathen WO1 Bob Maddox Jim Caffrey Sir Euen Fergusson Rfn Vic Roberts

OBLI RGJ 1RGJ KRRC 2RGJ 1GJ/1RGJ KRRC & QWR 2RGJ

48 ¦ SWIFT AND BOLD

1st January 2017 2nd January 2017 5th January 2017 7th January 2017 10th January 2017 10th January 2017 14th January 2017 21st January 2017 23rd January 2017 27th January 2017 29th January 2017 February 2017 1st February 2017 3rd February 2017 7th February 2017 13th February 2017 18th February 2017 20th February 2017 22nd February 2017 23rd February 2017 26th February 2017 28th February 2017 28th February 2017 6th March 2017 6th March 2017 8th March 2017 16th March 2017 19th March 2017 26th March 2017 27th March 2017 April 2017 April 2017 16th April 2017 16th April 2017 17th April 2017 19th April 2017 20th April 2017 23rd April 2017 JOURNAL 2017

CSgt Michael Leavy

3RGJ

25th April 2017

Sgt Desmond PB Milligan Rfn SB (Jock) Gray Malcolm Tombs Sjt RE (Ron) Preece Pte SJ (Stan) Royle Bugler Peter Kotkowicz Cpl Maurice Newman Capt JDH Neill MBE

RUR/OBLI/KSLI 1GJ/1RGJ 2RGJ OBLI/1RGJ OBLI 1RGJ Bugles 2RGJ OBLI & DCLI

May 2017 May 2017 May 2017 2nd May 2017 11th May 2017 16th May 2017 26th May 2017 27th May 2017

Rfn Peter J Goldsmith Bill Adams Philip Henry Blythe Esq, MC WW (Bill) Buckingham Cpl AJ Cheetham

RGJ OBLI (D-Day Vet’) OBLI (Korean War Vet’) OBLI 1RGJ

June 2017 3rd June 2017 8th June 2017 21st June 2017 30th June 2017

Capt George Worsley Barker LCpl John Ault Jim Moran

KRRC 2RGJ 1st & 11th KRRC

8th July 2017 13th July 2017 17th July 2017

CSgt Mo (Warren) Morris RC (Robert) Hicks Kevin Snarski Maj Tom Bird DSO MC Rfn Albert Wall Capt(Retd) Martin Y Thompson Dave Towney Lt AM Grant

3/2RGJ KRRC Bugler 2RGJ Band RB 2RGJ LRB 4RGJ KRRC

Pte Stan Watson The Duke of Richmond and Gordon Capt WJM Beckwith

OBLI KRRC/QWR The Gordons/LRBR/ 4(V)RGJ RB 1RGJ

Maj TR Riley Dave Davies WO2 Dennis Godley Rfn Martin Rogers Col John Butterwick Rfn Alex James Fullarton Maj AR Bob Hayden MBE

OBLI/1RGJ 1RGJ KRRC/QWR/QRR RGJ KRRC/2RGJ/Malayan Scouts(SAS)/Glider Pilot Regt/22SAS

Cpl William R Ellam Sgt Bob Merrivale LCpl Denis Graham Robinson Kenneth Edwin Kidd WO2 Dennis Smith Pte Patrick Turner Maj SC Gibbs Cpl Errol Sylvester Pitts

4RGJ 4RGJ RGJ 3GJ/3RGJ KRRC/GJ/Kenya Regt/2RGJ OBLI KRRC 2/3RGJ

JOURNAL 2017

August 2017 6th August 2017 8th August 2017 9th August 2017 14th August 2017 18th August 2017 19th August 2017 22nd August 2017 September 2017 1st September 2017 1st September 2017 6th September 2017 15th September 2017 October 2017 8th October 2017 12th October 2017 14th October 2017 23rd October 2017

November 2017 1st November 2017 3rd November 2017 5th November 2017 7th November 2017 8th November 2017 11th November 2017 11th November 2017 SWIFT AND BOLD ¦ 49

CSgt Peter Slocombe GED Hiller Jim Carr Pte CW (Cyril) Lawson Cpl G Hutchinson

2RGJ 1 KRRC 1RGJ OBLI 3RGJ

14th November 2017 19th November 2017 20th November 2017 20th November 2017 26th November 2017

Capt Nigel Knight Sandy Bissett Gordon J Newbold Maj Sir Hereward Wake Bt MC DL Maj AR Macneal WO2 Alfie Arnold Capt DT Peers Pte Cecil Jeffcoate 2Lt Anthony Lacey Askew Cpl David Hart

RGJ & AAC KRRC/2RGJ OBLI/1GJ KRRC KRRC & QVR RB/3GJ KRRC OBLI OBLI 4RGJ

2nd December 2017 3rd December 2017 8th December 2017 11th December 2017 13th December 2017 21st December 2017 21st December 2017 25th December 2017 26th December 2017 29th December 2017

Rest in Peace

The brief information given above is supplemented by full Obituary entries on the Royal Green Jackets website.

50 ¦ SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2017

This is your Invitation to join The London Branch of the Royal Green Jackets Association

Are you missing your old friends from the Regiment?

Then come and join the London Branch!

For the past twenty years we are very proud to have reunited many Green Jackets and their families, helping them stay in touch by organising many social events, where they can be with other like-minded people meeting old, and making new, friends. Our members consist of ex-Regular and Territorial Reserve soldiers of all ranks who generally live or work within the Greater London area, including the Home Counties.

We have a full programme of events which take place annually such as Social evenings known as Black Button Clubs, Ladies Dinner Night, Veterans Day Lunch, Calais Memorial Day Trip, Regents Park Memorial Service, Battlefield Tour Weekend, Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Parade and Christmas Lunch.

Annual Membership ÂŁ15 Contact Gary Driscoll 56 Eyhurst Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 4RA rgjldn@ntlworld.com Tel: 07949 040744