The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association
Ezine NEWSLETTER
15 September 2010
Ezine Page Summary Page 1.
Title . Foreword . Events Sept - Dec
2.
. WO2 Patrick Hyde
3.
. VSC Competition . The 3 Tuns Pub
4.
. 11 Bde Last Parade . Shooting at Bisley . 7 Armd Bde Veterans
5.
. London Branch . Oxford UFC & H4H
6.
. Web Site Report . North East Branch
7.
. Band & Bugles . KRRC Report
8.
. Crime Prevention . Mark Adams . On yer Bike
9.
. Dolomites Marathon . ID & Discount Card
10.
. A Special Rifleman . H4H Charity DVD
11.
. The London Club . Editors Notes . Oxford Reunion
12.
. The Museum . Widows Pensions
13.
. Lottery Support . Minutes and Accts . RGJRA Finances
14.
. Anzac Day
15.
. Afghan Heroes Ride
16.
. Internet Branch . Gary Driscoll . Christmas Cards
Swift & Bold Page 1
Volume 2 Issue 2
Welcome to the 5th edition of the RGJRA Ezine Newsletter published on 15th of Sept 2010. To ensure that you get your copy make sure you keep your email address up to date and empty your mailbox frequently. Current distribution for this issue is to 3117 of 5745 users.
FOREWORD Welcome to this the fifth edition of the RGJRA Ezine. I am pleased to report that this edition contains a wide variety of articles that will I hope be of interest to most of you. It marks a turning point in the Ezines production because for the first time I will be sending out two versions of the same edition. The reason for this is that from now on the Ezine will be used to deliver the Association Minutes and Accounts to paid up members only with
another version going to the non-paying members without the additional Minutes and Accounts. I cannot emphasize enough the need to keep me informed about activities in branches and on an individual level so that I can use these pages to let everyone know what has happened and what is about to happen and don`t forget that there is also a need for your photographs to illustrate those activities. I am pleased to report that as a result of a Web Team meeting that took place on 23 Au-
gust work is now in progress to bring the web sites back up to date and introduce new templates that will be easier to navigate and understand. The first priority will be the main Association web site. The intention is to remove the unused sections of the Association web site and concentrate on publishing the up to the minute news which will be easy for everyone to find. I hope you enjoy this Ezine edition.
Ken Ambrose
Editor RGJR Association Publications
Forecast Of Events September - December 2010 Date
Event
Contact/Venue
Sept 08 Sept 09 Sept 10 Sept 10-12
Rifles Freedom Parade Darlington Rifles Freedom Parade Sunderland Rifles Freedom Parade Stockton Rifles & fmr RGJ Officers Golf Meeting
Maj C Lawton MBE. Tel: 01913 865496 Maj C Lawton MBE. Tel: 01913 865496 Maj C Lawton MBE. Tel: 01913 865496 Maj TW Stipling Tel: 01208 72810
Sept 25 Oct 13 Oct 14 Oct 21 Nov 11 Nov 13 Nov 14 Nov 14 Nov 27 Nov 27 Dec 02
Rifle Freedom Parade Plymouth Rifle Brigade Officers Club Dinner Rifle Brigade Club & Association AGM KRRC Celer et Audax Club Dinner. C&G Field of Remembrance 10.30am Oxford Reunion Edward Brook Bks RGJRA Cenotaph Parade London Rifle Brigade Memorial Service Rifles Freedom Parade Salisbury Rifle Brigade Assn Dinner UJ Club Rifles/RGJ Officers Club Cocktail Party
Maj H Jelland MBE. Tel: 01392 492435 Maj K Gray Tel: 01962 828549 Davies Street, London. Col IH McCausland Tel: 01962 828532 Westminster Abbey London-Regt Contact Abingdon. Mike Marr Tel: 01235 548018 Mr Gary Driscoll Tel: 0207 4914935 Passes Maj K Gray Tel: 01962 828549 Lt Col ATD Lerwell OBE Tel: 01722 414536 Mr G Pain Tel: 01962 856249 Lt Col J-D von Merveldt Tel: 0207 4914936
WO2 Patrick Hyde, 4 rIFLES own bOMB mAGNATE A soldier who earned the nickname “bomb magnet” after being blown up 15 times has spoken of how his unit survived one of the bloodiest episodes of the Afghan War. His unit – A Company 4 Rifles – repelled more than 500 attacks and was forced to contend with 200 improvised explosive device (IED) incidents. Fragmentation bombs, dubbed by the soldiers as “party poppers” were routinely fired at troops, armoured vehicles were attacked with long range Chinese rockets, dummy bombs were used to lure in bomb disposal teams, and insurgents recruited children to plant IEDs just yards away from British bases. One in four of the company were killed or injured in battle a casualty rate last experienced by the British Army in the Korean War. Ten soldiers were killed in action and a further 53 were wounded. WO2 Hyde, A Company’s sergeant major, was in charge of a six strong team which ran a daily gauntlet of bomb attacks to keep beleaguered troops supplied with food, water and ammunition. The 34-year-old married father of two was hit by IEDs 11 times while in a vehicle and twice while on foot patrol. On two other occasions his Mastiff armoured troop carrier was struck by rockets. “One of our bases was attacked 25 times a day from multiple firing points. One culvert (underground drainage tunnel), which had to be defended to prevent Taliban from planting a bomb inside, caused 12 casualties. Two were killed and there was one triple and one double amputee.” Forward Operating Base Inkerman, where A Coy 4 Rifles
were based during their tour between October 2009 and April this year, sits on one of the main transit routes into Sangin. Alternative supply routes through the desert were equally dangerous, with resupply operations taking six days to travel eight kilometres. It was decided that the only option was to create a series of patrol bases adjacent to the road in a bid to secure it from Taliban bombers and to give the local population and British troops greater freedom of movement. During the tour, W02 Hyde’s team – call sign Hades 49 – became the most heavily deployed unit in the whole of the area, spending on average 60 hours a week on the ground resupplying various small bases. WO2 Hyde survived when an IED detonated 10 feet in front of him while he was searching an area of ground. The blast knocked him backwards and he sustained whiplash injuries but was otherwise unscathed. On another occasion, the sergeant major spent 26 hours in a Mastiff, which had been blown up by two Russian-made anti-tank mines stacked on top of each other. Describing the event, he said: “We were moving down Route 611 to recover a vehicle which had been blown up after a 107mm rocket had been fired at it. The vehicle had burned for 36 hours and no one had gone near it but as soon as the fire went out, the area was flooded with kids. We recovered the vehicle and then returned along the same stretch of road two hours later on another job. “What we didn’t know at the time was that the Taliban had managed to lay three devices in a carefully planned IED ambush in just 20 minutes, in
broad daylight in an area being monitored by two bases with cameras. “My team of six was split between two Mastiffs and as we moved down towards the area of the damaged vehicle we hit the two anti-tank mines. It was a massive explosion, which took the front end off the Mastiff. The shock wave tore through the vehicle. You are left feeling physically sick. I was providing top cover and was pretty shaken up. “But the Mastiff is an awesome vehicle and everyone was OK. I got out and did a check of the area and discovered another device, which was designed to take out a soldier. We also later found another device in an area where a helicopter would have landed if we had had a casualty. There was no way an operation could be mounted to recover us that evening so we remained in the vehicle for the next 26 hours until we were rescued.” W02 Hyde said occasions did arise when some of his soldiers would question the need for operations or patrols but there was never a moment when troops refused to leave the base. He continued: “Every day my soldiers stepped up to the plate. They were focused; they knew why they were there and what they had to do. When we arrived we were told that FOB Inkerman was unsustainable but we kept it functioning” Despite the gruelling nature of the operation, W02 Hyde says that he would “go back tomorrow given half the chance” but added: “I might have to convince the wife first.” The 4th battalion the Rifles are due to return to Helmand in 2013.
WO11 Patrick Hyde
“One of our bases was attacked 25 times a day from multiple firing points. One culvert (under ground drainage tunnel), which had to be defended to preventt Taliban from planting a bomb inside, caused 12 casualties. Two were killed and there was one triple and one double amputee.”
Mastiff AFV
A Rifles foot patrol clearing IED`s in the Sangin area.
Article taken from Daily Telegraph 24 July 2010
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tHE vICTORY seRVICES CLUB COMPETITION for Service CHILDREN The Victory Services Club is a Tri-Service, All ranks Members’ Club for both serving and retired members of the Armed Forces, ideally located at Marble Arch in the heart of London’s West End.
“We have a proud history of serving members of the armed forces in the UK. For over a hundred years we have been there for Veterans, old and young; those currently serving in the armed forces and their families, and have provided a home from home.”
Hotel facilities include 191 bedrooms, restaurant, bar, reading room, and substantial events and conferencing facilities for corporate clients and VSC Members. With over 28,000 members worldwide, the VSC is the largest military Club in the UK. Membership is open to all ranks of the British Armed Forces (Royal Navy, Marines, Army and the Royal Air Force) and those of all Allied, Commonwealth and NATO countries. Serving, Ex-Service and Retired members of the Armed Forces, their families, widows and widowers are all welcome. You now have an opportunity to win a fantastic all-in prize for up to six of your family with the Victory Services Club and Hm-
forces.co.uk The venue’s booked and the amusements are sorted, all we need now is YOU!…It’s Childs play Have you ever noticed how wonderfully perceptive children are? Sometimes the world through their eyes, in all its innocence, is as honest and true as it gets. We think it’s time the children of the armed forces community were saluted too for all the love and support they give you, your partners’ and your parents for all the bravery, devotion and loyalty you have given. We’d like to give them the chance to be involved in what you do and in your life. Drawing their experience of what life is like in the armed forces community will not only be a fantastic opportunity for you to see your life through their minds, but their drawing could win them a fantastic all expenses paid break for up to six members of the family in London.
The VSC will provide the accommodation, organise fabulous days out and train fares will be covered by hmforces. co.uk all thanks to the scribble happy un-sung heroes of the military family. It’s their chance to say thanks to their heroes. Whatever your child’s age we’d love to see their views of the military world come alive on paper. Send your drawings to Jill at
Victory Services Club, 63-79 Seymour Street, London W2 2HF Closing date 30 September Don’t forget to add your name, age, and contact details! Not only serving those who served, but those serving, their families and their children. We’re here for you all. Extracted from MOD Oracle
The three tuns pub at great bedwyn nr marlborough “There is always a special welcome extended to regimental branches and clubs who want to lay on a function as well as to individual serving or ex serving members of HM Forces and their families.”
Jason Gard
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You will always find a warm welcome at The Three Tuns because it is owned by former 3RGJ officer, Jason Gard. This very traditional country inn is popular for its fine ales, superb food and lively hosts. Whilst Jason and Amanda Gard, who live 50 yards from the pub, now own the business outright, the Landlord and Landlady are former owners Alan & Jan Carr, who owned the lease from 2000-2007 and who now manage it. The pub, part of which was a former bakery, began trading in 1756, and the original bread oven is still a feature in the restaurant. There is an open plan bar area with food served at candlelit restaurant tables and
the imaginative menu is all home-made and freshly prepared to order by Alan and his team. There is a wide choice of lunch and dinner dishes, simple bar snacks or daily changing specials. You will find plenty of delicious home cooked food on offer and there is always a tasty vegetarian option. If you have room left after your main course, there is also the Tuns Trio of pudding pots! Booking is advisable. The Three Tuns is particularly well known for it’s Sunday Roasts. After lunch, the bar becomes packed, both with locals and people driving for miles, for the famous weekly Meat Raffle. Alan takes his stage (the bar) at 3.30pm and raffles around
40 joints of meat every week. All monies taken are converted into meat for the next week. It is a great spectacle and dates back over 200 years. The lively bar staff all take part, and a Landlord’s mystery prize and Landlady’s prize complete the show. Featured in The Good Pub Guide 2010, The AA Pub Guide 2010, Harden’s and Sawday’s guides. Opening hours. Monday – Saturday 12 noon – 3pm and 6pm -11pm. Sundays - 12 noon - 6pm. More details from web site at http://www.threetunsbedwyn. co.uk/ Personally recommended!
KCA
11th LIGHT BRIGADE HOMECOMING PARADE 23 JUNE WINCHESTER In 2008, it was announced that 11 Light Brigade would be reformed to assume command of the planned Operation Herrick deployment to Afghanistan in late 2009. The Brigade was headquartered in Aldershot and was formed using units from existing formations. It was planned to disband 11 Brigade in 2010 on its return from Afghanistan, with component units returning to their previous formations. The Green Jacket Guard of Honour was positioned at The Bell Inn and comprised mostly of veterans from Green Jacket Close. The front of the Inn displayed the regimental flags of our former regiments and bunting was deployed between the Inn and the trees on the far side of the road. As this was the first main building on the route taken by the Brigade contingents as they marched into Winchester the Guard were able to salute each contingent as it passed. The homecoming parade was
the largest event of its kind yet to be held. Starting at midday around 750 armed service personnel from 11 Light Brigade in three contingents each accompanied by a military band, marched from St Cross Cricket Ground at around noon along St Cross Road to Southgate Street into Winchester to a royal inspection outside the Guildhall at 1.15pm. The Homecoming Parade and Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral were held in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of service personnel and their families on return from the conflict in Afghanistan. Upwards of 1,400 people attended the 3.00 pm Cathedral Service and there was a reception afterwards for invited guests, all ranks, wounded personnel, family representatives of those killed in action and relations of the seriously injured who are unable to attend. This was the first time a Brigade of such a large size had been welcomed home in this way. Hampshire was home to 11 Light Brigade’s Headquar-
ters in Aldershot. The brigade was made up of many different regiments and is unique in that it came into existence specifically for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to reduce pressure on other regiments that were being sent out with increasing frequently. This was the final act of 11 Light Brigade before disbanding. Some 1400 men and women formed the 3 Rifles Battlegroup centred in the northern part of Helmand Province around Sangin. Its principle role was to provide a security presence protecting the local population allowing the local economy to flourish and with it bring stability and prosperity. On arrival 3 Rifles were manning 7 Forward operating and patrol bases and by the time they left this had expanded to 27 in and around Sangin and Kajaki. Mirroring that expansion, the number of shops in the bazaar in Sangin increased from 600 to over 1000 as a clear sign of the improving security situation in the region.
Green Jacket Guard of Honour
“The Green Jacket Guard of Honour was positioned at The Bell Inn and comprised mostly of veterans from Green Jacket Close. The front of the Inn displayed the regimental flags of our former regiments and bunting was deployed between the Inn and the trees on the far side of the road.”
R D Cassidy
Band and Bugles of The Rifles
shooting, Bisley and new OPERATIONAL TECNIQUES For sharp-eyed marksmen serving in Britain’s Armed Forces there is no greater proving ground than the ranges at Bisley and neighbouring Pirbright. The Surrey facilities have hosted generations of soldiers keen to show off their shooting prowess by dropping to their belt buckles and patiently delivering ultra-accurate shots into targets hundreds of metres away. But while the sharpshooting set’s actions retain a place in the centres’ folklore, their contemporaries need to display an increasingly different set
of skills to earn entry into the crack-shot elite. The annual event for the best Service shooters, the Central Skill-at- Arms Meeting (CENTSAM), is shunning its oldschool static serials in favour of action-packed, quickfire versions inspired by the battlewinning techniques being used on Op HERRICK. Major ‘Clem’ Clemson, an incoming member of the Operational Shooting Training Team based at the Army Rifle Association’s (ARA’s) headquarters at Bisley, is continuing a drive to use the latest feedback from theatre to make small arms
tuition and competitions as relevant as possible: “Operational experience is driving everything we do,” he explained. “I don’t think the standard of shooting in the Army has slipped, but where we struggle is in finding the time to do the live-firing training. “It’s important that we do find the time because marksmanship will only get more essential in the future. “To use a golfing analogy, Tiger Woods is the best player in the world because he practises, but he put his clubs down for a couple of months and was nowhere near that level when he came back.”
7 Armoured Brigade Special Commemoration In November 2010, the Desert Rats Memorial Association is planning a special commemoration event and is trying to contact as many veterans of the North African Campaign from the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and/or The Rifle Brigade as possible to see if they would be interesting in attending. Anyone who is, should please contact Mr Scott by telephone on 01359 270490 or via email tina.rodshed@ talktalk.net. Page 4
LONDON BRANCH : NATIONAL ARBORETUM INVITATION “The service was followed by a very impressive march past by Ex National Servicemen. The Burton on Trent Salvation Army Band accompanied the ceremony and although as a Green Jacket I missed the Band and Bugles but it was a very commendable effort.”
The London Branch received an invitation to send a contingent to the National Arboretum to participate in the National Service Foundation Day Parade on the 27th July 2010. The event clashed with Branches Veterans Day dinner, which is held annually in London and therefore the Branch could not accept the invitation.
Fortunately a Member of the branch Chris Davis had received a private invitation that he had accepted and he agreed to lay a wreath at the Royal Green Jackets Memorial on behalf of the London Branch and Chris Davis beside the RGJ Me- the Royal Green Jackets Assomorial at the National Arbore- ciation during the Ceremony. tum, Staffordshire His comments on a very enjoy-
able day are as follows. The day began with a very moving service, at which the highlight was the release of a flight of white doves in memory of all the fallen Ex National Service men, and Women. The service was followed by a very impressive march past by Ex National Servicemen. The Burton on Trent Salvation Army Band accompanied the ceremony and although as a Green Jacket I missed the Band and Bugles it was a very commendable effort. The President had asked if I would lay a wreath on behalf of the London Branch at the RGJ Memorial during the day’s activities, I readily agreed that I would be delighted to do so. So it was with great pride in my Regimental Beret, Green Jacket
Blazer and Tie that I laid the wreath at our very impressive memorial. My wife Pauline and I were invited to attend the National Service Foundation Parade at the National Arboretum in Arelwas by my Sister – in – Law. She had been invited to the ceremony as my late brother Eddie Davis who had completed his National Service in the Rifle Brigade and he always considered himself as a Green Jacket. She knew that I had completed 18 years as a member of 4 RGJ and asked if I would like to attend the parade and the days activities. The day was completed by a quick look around the Arboretum and very impressive it is.
Chris Davis
Calling all Oxfordshire based Green Jackets On 26th February 2011 Oxford United will again be raising funds for Help 4 Heroes ahead of their home game against Hereford United.
THE REGIMENTAL SHOP OF THE RIFLES We can Provide RGJRA Members with OBLI/ KRRC/RB/RGJ - Cap Badges, Cufflinks, Tie Slides, Lapel Pins, Ties, Umbrellas, Rifle Green Berets, RGJ Hat Ribbon, RGJ Plaques, Blazers, Book ‘Swift & Bold’ View & order online at: www.riflesdirect.com or telephone 0845 6434584. Page 5
As former soldiers we have been invited to take part. Although full details are yet to emerge the basic idea will be for us to walk onto the pitch with other veterans and serving members of the armed forces while the OUFC PR man (Peter Rhoades-Brown – former OUFC
and Chelsea player) speaks and then for us to take our seats in the north stand and watch the match. Tickets will be free I am told. Obviously you don’t need to be an OUFC supporter to attend but of course it helps. Even Swindon Town supporters are welcome !! If you are interested please contact the webmaster Kevin Stevens who is coordinating Oxford United Football Club Supporting Help 4 Heroes the veterans side of things.
Kevin Stevens RIFLES colchester BAND CONCERT supports c4c A concert by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles is to be held in Saint Botolph’s Church, Colchester on Sunday 12th December at 3pm in aid of The Rifles’ Charities ‘Care for Casualties’ campaign.
and for anyone else it would be an unforgettable experience, for a very important cause to raise £1million in 2010 for the long term care of The Rifles’ casualties and their families. In the 3 years since the new regiment , The Rifles, was formed over 50 Riflemen have been For anyone addicted to the killed with many more serious sound of Band and Bugles this casualties including multiple will be an unmissable occasion amputees.
As tickets at £12.50 will be limited to 350 it might be a good idea to make a reservation early by writing to: Valentine West (Official Promoter – The Rifles Charities), Hall Cottage, Rectory Lane, Abberton, Colchester, CO5 7NJ (preferably with SAE!) or by calling him on 01206 735389 or by e-mailing vfwest@btopenworld.com .
Valentine West
Association web site report - August 2010 In the middle of August the website team held a meeting hosted by Ken Ambrose, this being the midway point for the others in travel time. In between eating sausage rolls, rather nice sandwiches and cream cakes we discussed the rather more important matters of the continued way forward for the main website, our support for the association as a whole and for the branches in particular. The main website is now 3 years old having launched a few months after we were merged with the other regiments and is now looking a little tired. It still fulfils its function of course but it is time for an overhaul. Counters placed strategically around the site have shown us areas that are rarely visited, indeed one particular area had received only 5 hits in 3
years. So a new style website is currently being built to replace the current one with the launch date currently planned for 1st Jan 2011 there is every possibility that the date will be brought forward but this is subject to outside factors. The rebuild will affect several other areas, the management board website will cease to exist in its own right but parts of it will come under the main website, The Internet branch will finally move out of its present home and have its own webspace. It will take over the space currently left by the management board website so saving extra setup costs. It has not yet been decided whether to keep its present design or go for something new but I believe in the immediate future there will be no change until other areas have been sorted out. The guest books are going to be revamped. The main one
(the one that you need to apply to access) will remain unchanged as I don’t want world war 3 to break out again Support for branches remains high on the agenda but that support can only be given if the branches themselves keep us up to date with what is going on. Some branches are good at this whilst others are, shall we say, a little backwards in coming forwards. There are currently two new branch websites in production although launch dates are as yet unknown, they are Yorkshire and the North East branches.
“So a new style website is currently being built to replace the current one and although the launch date is currently planned for 1st Jan 2011 there is every possibility that the date will be brought forward.”
Please help us to help you!
Kevin Stevens
Kevin Stevens
Webmaster RGJRA
The NORTH EAST BRANCH report For a pleasant change, this year the annual pilgrimage to Winchester took place under scorching sun and blue skies, and it was a great day out for all the RGJ Family. The branch would like to thank Brigadier Nick Prideaux and his charming wife Amanda for inviting us to their home for a meal and drinks on the Sunday after the reunion before we started our long journey home. We surprised the whole village by forming up and marching along the lane to the house, with our RGJ regimental march playing on a CD player, behind our new association standard. We hope it wasn’t too much of a shock for the neighbours! Our next branch meeting on the 20th August coincides with a passing out parade of a Ri-
fles Platoon at Catterick, so we have elected, on this occasion, to miss the parade as we have quite a lot to arrange for September 2010. The northeast branch has a busy schedule over the next few weeks. On September 8, 9 and 10th we have the ‘Freedom’ marches of the Rifles taking place in Stockton, Darlington and Sunderland (respectively). Straight after these parades a number of Rfn are going to attend The Northern Ireland Veterans Association Memorial Day. This event is taking place at The Armed Forces Arboretum in Staffordshire on the 11th September. Also on the 11th September we have members attending the Sounding of Retreat in Durham. We have a charity night arranged at a local Working man’s Club, The Shack in Bold-
on, on the 17th September, which will raise funds for the ‘Help for Heroes’ campaign and we have had some really good prizes donated. This plus music, entertainment, various raffles, and of course great RGJ family company should make a really good evening. Tickets are still available and can be purchased via Jake Cheetham. I am sure we will ensure this is a huge success for a very worthy charity. In November we are hosting our second annual remembrance disco dance buffet at the Pullman Lodge Hotel on the sea front in Sunderland and I am led to believe several platoons of riflemen and their-
tions. They will also participate in the remembrance parade on the Sunday morning at Sunderland Civic Centre, which is the largest parade outside of London, so we are looking forward to a really good RGJ turnout to pay homage to our fallen comrades.
Malcolm Donnison
families, from the Aylesbury, Members of the North East East Midlands and Northwest branch with their President, branches, as well as a few from Brigadier Nick Prideaux, July 2010 the London Branch, will be joining us for the evening celebra-
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Band & Bugles reunion report - belated - WINCHESTER - OCT 2009 “I have a few things of relevant importance to say this year. If you have any suggestions, complaints or questions please write, email or phone me after the weekend as I have a tendency to forget them by Sunday morning.”
The 2009 reunion started with me arriving late to find more members than ever already there and raring to go.
I quickly started to sign members in and try to sell them 2010 diaries. Here’s a summary of my introduction to the day. Good afternoon Ladies, Gentlemen, Honouree Members, New Members, Guests and those uninvited. Thank you for attending this year’s reunion, my 6th at the helm. This year the raffle will be drawn during lunch. I have a few things of relevant importance to say this year. If you have any suggestions, RGJ Band members at their complaints or questions please write, email or phone me after Winchester reunion the weekend as I have a ten-
dency to forget them by Sunday morning. Since our last meeting it has been bought to the committee’s attention that some things of importance to many of you have drifted away from the reunion. So I have resigned myself to the fact that this is my fault for letting this happen and will try and get it right in the future. So I must ask you all to show your thanks to: Tom Goudie and his helpers and also to the bar staff for all their hard work now and in the next 12 hours, Members of the Waterloo Band & Bugles of the Rifles for bringing their kit along to allow some of us to have a blow, Tony Dowd and his mate for arranging the Raffle,
Nearly there but not quite, I would like you all to thank the secretary-me- for trying to get it right! FINALLY Would you all please be upstanding and raise your glass with me in a toast to remember those who have left us since last year. ALAN ATCHINSON DAVE JENKINS TERRY BROOKS MARTYN SUMNER RAY FOSTER JIM McQUAID PETER CAIN JOHN POWELL AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE Absent friends!
Dave Timms
King’s Royal Rifle Corps Association report Our Association continues to thrive with over 1,500 Members world-wide. A Journal is produced each March to which members are encouraged to send ar“Many, if not all, members ticles and photographs for will have heard of the death inclusion. of the legendary Bugle Ma- The Annual Reunion at Davjor Colin Green BEM. Colin ies Street held jointly with the joined the King’s Royal Rifle Rifle Brigade Association was held in London on Cup Final Corps/2nd Green Jackets Day to which over 200 Old & in 1959 and not long after Bold attended, having a most the untimely death of Bugle convivial evening, meeting old Major Ruben Silver in Ber- friends. If you would like to join lin he became Bugle Major. us next year you will be interMany members and friends ested to know that the date of attended Colin’s funeral in the Reunion is Cup Final Day, Middlesbrough on July 19th May 14th, when the doors will and our condolences go out open at 17-30hrs. Cost of adto Billie his widow. A full mission is £10 and includes a obituary of Colin’s life and hot or cold buffet meal. Tickets can only be obtained at the service will be published in door on the day. Many people the King’s Royal Rifle Corps book accommodation at the 2011 Journal and the Rifle’s Union Jack Club in Waterloo or Chronicle. May he Rest in at the Victory Ex-Services Club Peace.” in Seymour Place close to MarPage 7
ble Arch underground station on the Central Line, however it is wise to book early as it is Cup Final Day. We held our 26th Annual Band and Bugles Concert in February that was pretty much sold out six months before the event. If you are interested in attending next year the date of the concert is Thursday, February 17th, tickets are £15 each and your cheque should be made payable to “Central Fund the London Regt (KRRC)”, should be sent to Hon Sec, KRRC Assn, 52/56 Davies Street, London W1K 5HR. Our Annual General meeting will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 20th commencing at 14-30hrs at Davies Street. This will tie in perfectly for those wishing to attend the annual Regents Park Memorial Service held at 11a.m. As an Association we meet on the anniversary of the atrocity at the Bandstand along with family and friends of those who
perished there. The bar will be open at Davies Street for all to return there after the Service and those wishing to stay for our AGM will be most welcome. On Remembrance Sunday as is customary the KRRC contingent will gather on Horse Guards Parade and march past at the Cenotaph. A buffet lunch will be available at Davies Street for those wishing to return there. A limited number of tickets are available for a brief service at The Queen’s Westminsters Memorial in Westminster Abbey prior to the National Memorial Service. If you are unable to join the parade at the Cenotaph and would like to attend the service in the Abbey please let the Hon Sec, KRRC Assn know ASAP. The KRRC Association Headquarters Committee its Officer’s and all members wish all our fellow Riflemen a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous future. Richard Frost
POLICE HORSE 110 ALAMEIN AND cRIME prevention advice The summer months have found Alamein busy, starting at the end of the football fixtures in late spring early summer (18 Mounted Officers of all ranks have received a commendation for the part they played in the Millwall -V-West Ham football violence which made the national news in August 2009 ) with his ceremonial duties. The Mounted Branch performs various functions around the ceremonial events of central London. These range from counter terrorist patrols around the environs of military procession routes through to controlling the large crowds that descend daily on the Buckingham Palace Guard Change ceremony throughout the high season. The branch also provide daily mounted escorts for the Queens Life Guard, some officers sweep the routes in advance and closer officers deal with the traffic and those members of the public that think it’s OK to run out in front of a Troop of cavalry! The Trooping of The Colour (and this spring) a State Opening of Parliament also keeps us on our toes with early morning rehearsals requiring a 2am start. Throughout these very high profile events the branch fulfils a variety of roles from general policing of the crowds through to more specialised tasks. Alamein is also familiar with being ridden close to carriages and this year he has
the criminals know that it is traceable. 2) If you can afford it burglar alarms and good sturdy windows and doors with decent locks will help to keep thieves out. 3) Local watch schemes and looking after your neighbours works well in some communities. This is important if you are going away. In the summer unmown grass or wheelie bins left out and in the autumn or winter leaves on drive ways, can tell thieves that your home is unoccupied. When the nights draw in, dark houses with drawn curtains are also a give away. 4) Do not leave valuables on display. 5) Don’t leave wallets or car keys out in the hall or in the fruit bowl on the microwave. 6) In hot weather do not leave downstairs or reachable windows open at night. 7) Make sure that garages and sheds are properly secure. Thieves will often use your tools to break in. This way they don’t risk being arrested for going equipped to steal as they travel around. 8) Cancel milk and papers before going away. For more information about crime reduction and crime in your local area in general please visit the Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhoods Website. 1) The high profile property http://www.met.police.uk/ marking and recording of valu- saferneighbourhoods/ ables is a deterrent. Post coded property is harder to sell as been used to escort The Regalia Carriage that carries Her Majesties Crown on State occasions. Foreign Ambassadors presenting their credentials to Her Majesty in Royal Mews carriages are also escorted by Mounted Officers with motorcycle out riders, often at a fast trot through some of London’s busiest streets. This duty is always a great favourite with the officers. As the summer heats up and high temperatures, long school holidays and too much alcohol start to manifest themselves in violence and disorder the Mounted Branch are frequently called upon to provide extra support in ‘hot spots’ These crime patrols can be anywhere in London. Residents in the most urban of locations some who would not normally speak to the police, love to see the horses and will spend time talking to officers. Already this year Mounted Officers have been involved in a number of incidents including the stopping of a vehicle used by known armed criminals and the capture of a burglar. Alamein has played an active role in burglary patrols around the Brixton area. As with most things relating too crime the fear is often disproportionate to the reality. However taking care will reduce the chances of falling victim to criminals:
Jon Taylor
GUARDIAN OF THE GUEST BOOKS - MARK ADAMS Mark Adams is the third and without doubt the most undervalued member of the Web Site Team.
site you will not have come in contact with him because Marks job within the Team is to regulate those books and The chances are that unless the Bulletin boards that help you use one of the many Guest our members communicate Books on the Association with one another but its not just about removing the odd
swear word. Its also means doing a very thankless job in such a way that keeps the peace and ensures that certain behaviour lines are not crossed within the public domain. Not always an easy job to do! We thank you for that Mark!
“The branch also provide daily mounted escorts for the Queens Life Guard, some officers sweep the routes in advance and closer officers deal with the traffic and those members of the public that think it’s OK to run out in front of a Troop of cavalry!”
Police Horse Alamein on duty in The Mall ON YER BIKE EUROPE
Bill `Dutch` Holland completed 1500 miles and two weeks in the saddle between 26th June and 11th July this year in support of the Care for Casualties appeal. Bills Marathon ride was dedicated to Rfn Andrew Fentiman who was killed in Helmand whilst serving with 3 Rifles. Currently the amount raised is £4589 but it is expected that this will increase to £5000 when all sponsor money is collected Well done Bill! Page 8
DOLOMITES CYCLE MARATHON IN AID OF THE RIFLES CARE FOR CASUALTIES “We had done 3 training rides in the previous 5 days, and each ride had taken in one section of the route. We did ‘the Giau’, the steepest of the climbs at average 10% for 10km, on the Wednesday, but it was quite another thing to do it after 90km of the ride and 2000m climbing completed before that point.”
The Finish Line
Guy Harris served with 5 RGJ from 1987-89. Since then he has moved to the Netherlands and started his own IT company but he has not forgotten his time with the regiment and recently decided that he was going to do something to assist the fund raising for The Rifles Care for Casualties and chose to take part in the Dolomites Cycle Marathon covering 138 km in a day. His summary of the race follows.ED I’ve done lots of crazy stuff in my life, but I’ve almost always had a good degree of preparation; this wasn’t the case this time, and it was borderline as to whether I would actually complete the course. There was a cut-off point at 90km, which you had to reach by 1130hrs, 4hrs 45mins after the start. If you didn’t make the cut-off, you were not allowed to go on to do the full marathon, but diverted to the shorter, and much easier 106km, without the two main
climbs. I was kind of hoping that the decision would be taken out of my hands, but I think I made the cut-off with about 20 minutes to spare, and so there was no moral choice – I had to complete. We had done 3 training rides in the previous 5 days, and each ride had taken in one section of the route. We did ‘the Giau’, the steepest of the climbs at average 10% for 10km, on the Wednesday, but it was quite another thing to do it after 90km of the ride and 2000m climbing completed before that point. I got up it, but really wondered if I could manage the final 30km and last climbs. I stuffed a couple of bananas in my face, drank some energy drink, and managed to make it back with about 30 minutes to spare before the cut-off at the finish. In truth, I could probably have managed it 90 minutes quicker, because I saved a lot in the first 90km, in order to be able to climb the Giau, and I don’t think it would have made a lot of difference. Additionally, by the time I got back to the last 8km to the finish, on the main roads, the Ital-
ian Police had re-opened the roads to general traffic, which was quite nightmarish for the last 10% of riders: we had to dodge angry and frustrated Italian and German motorcyclists, workers dismantling the course apparatus and the cyclists coming back the other way. To say I’m proud is to use the wrong word; I’m really happy I completed, especially given the marginal nature of the attempt, but I’m really, really happy to be able to have made some money for C4C. At present the total stands at £1020, but it will have risen to at least £1200 in the next few days, as people have pledged monies by email, and I’ll add that in the next couple of days. Next time, I’ll have a more positive mental attitude, and decide to go for it a little earlier: the people who benefit from the monies deserve it more than I have the right to doubt myself.
Guy Harrison
THE VETERANS CARD - An ID & discount card FOR ALL VETERANS Subscription to The British Veterans Recognition Card is an annually renewable membership offering a number of benefits.
“As a veteran you may at times have wished for your old Identity Card. Research has indicated that many Ex-Servicemen and Women would welcome the opportunity to carry a form of identification. Additionally, proof of former service can unlock existing discounts” Page 9
• Formal Photo Identity Card • Access to Partners’ discounts • Proof of eligibility for discounts abroad • Regular newsletter with new offers and other Veterans issues Subscribing to The British Veterans Recognition Card costs £27.50 for the first year (£15 joining fee and £12.50 annual subscription). To continue membership for the second and subsequent years costs
the annual subscription fee of £12.50. For those over the age of 65 years, who wish to belong to the scheme, half the initial joining fee of £15 is waived. There are no hidden costs to membership. The Joining Fee covers the administration involved in first producing your card and all the overheads incurred in entering into contracts with scheme partners. Your subscription fee covers access to the website, regular newsletters and correspondence, together with the reissue of your card in subsequent years. Deals with scheme partners are negotiated and the
entire discount is passed on to you, To apply for membership : Call the Customer Services Department on 01376 513215 to request an application form. The card is a Recognition Card and not a pass or permit to any military or MOD establishment. In endeavouring to improve the offers from existing scheme partners and to seek new ones, the discounts listed are subject to change and every effort is made to notify members of the current situation through the sceme website and newsletter.
Ken Ambrose
FRANKIE BROOKS - A VERY SPECIAL rIFLEMAN Frankie Brooks joined The Rifle Brigade at the age of 21 in 1931 he served both in India and Malta. He was in 1RB for The Defence of Calais and was captured by the Germans on 26 May 1940 becoming a POW until 18 April 1945 a period of captivity of some 4 years and 328 days. I had been in touch with him prior to and after this years trip to Calais, which though he still does a bit of bell ringing in his local church, he considered the trip at the age of 99 would be too much for him. The purpose of this article is to tell those who are not aware that he was 100 years old on 14 June and that along with HM the Queen if you did send him a card and mentioned you were in the Regiment or your connection to it thank you for showing him that the Regiment has not forgotten all that he
and his chums did in 1940. Incidentally his father was killed at Ypres in 1915 when Francis was 5 years old. Shirley joined me in attending the Birthday Party of Frankie Brooks (Frankie for he had told me off for calling him Francis!) at the Village Hall in Washington. It was a splendid occasion attended by over 100 people and we all delighted in eating a hog roast with all the trimmings and copious amounts of wine, great great grandchildren were plentiful and all obviously knew their ‘grandpa’ very well. Frankie was as lucid as any Rifleman you could wish to meet, just as smart in his regimental blazer adorned by the RB blazer badge, he was using a black and green walking stick and the gold band at the top inscribed Rifle Brigade 1940. With the usual wit he said to me “I suppose I had better behave myself today” and he did. The church bells which he
helped to toll in the morning rang throughout the afternoon in his honour. What has taken him and his family aback is the amount of cards he has received from members of The Rifle Brigade and their families, he has asked me to thank every one-so thank you and well done one and all. I did telephone to wish him on all our behalf a Happy Birthday, he told me he was waiting for Meridian Television who were coming to interview him and the postman with his Queen’s Birthday card, his family were with him. See the attached picture of Ivy Cottage where Frankie lives, which incidentally has no central heating or damp course and a garden too big to describe, and a photograph of Frankie and me taken at his party.
Ron Cassidy
Frankie`s home, Ivy Cottage. No central heating and certainly no double glazing!
If you did send him a card and mentioned you were in the Regiment or your connection to it thank you for showing him that the Regiment has not forgotten all that he and his chums did in 1940.
Frankie Brooks & Ron Cassidy at Frankie`s Birthday party
Help for Heroes Charity DVD - Heroes - The Greatest Movies Heroes - The Greatest Movies Ever! Retailing at £9.99, every penny of profit from each copy sold (an average of £7.50 per copy) will go to the Help For Heroes charity. The DVD features countless excerpts from such memorable movies as ‘The Longest Day’, ‘633 Squadron’, ‘The Great Escape’, ‘Bridge On The River Kwai’, ‘The Battle Of Britain’ and many more movies that have honoured the courage and heroism of the men and women of the armed forces throughout the years. Giants of the film industry and independents alike have all allowed clips from their respected movies to be included
free of charge. In fact, everyone involved from start to finish has waived their fees and reduced costs so that as much money as possible from the DVD sales goes direct to the charity. Help For Heroes makes a real difference to the lives of our wounded war veterans, both mentally and physically. All the money raised from the DVD will go towards building new Army Recovery Centres (ARC). ARCs provide care for seriously wounded or longterm sick soldiers, once they have left hospital. ARCs offer both mental and physical support. Not all soldiers have families that can provide the level of supervision and care needed to help someone who has a long term, serious injury. In addition, if through injury a soldier can’t return to the
army, ARCs offer some support in looking at retraining options for a new career. “Help for Heroes was launched in October 2007 to provide direct, practical support to our wounded. The charity is non-political and while it recognizes that we are helpless to prevent war, we can help to improve the lives of those wounded in them. We welcome this terrific fund raising initiative and encourage anyone who wants to do their bit’ for our Servicemen and women to buy the DVD and help our modern heroes by watching the deeds of our past heroes.” Bryn Parry, CEO Help for Heroes. Heroes - The Greatest War Movies Ever! will be released on DVD (£9.99) by Revolver Entertainment on 25th January 2010.
Retailing at £9.99, every penny of profit from each copy sold (an average of £7.50 per copy) will go to the Help For Heroes charity.
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THE rifles and former RGJ OFFICERS london club September has started and Autumn (sorry to be a killjoy) is upon us. It does, however, seem the right time to send you advance notice of forthcoming RIFLES London Club autumn and winter events:
“People occasionally ask me what the London Club actually provides so we have produced a flyer (HERE) that expresses this whether Please make a note of all these it be for personal, business events in your diary particularor Regimental use.” ly lunch with the Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for Defence on 16th November, which will be very much first come first
Date Time 6 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 5 Nov 14 Nov 16 Nov 25 Nov 2 Dec 7 Dec 9 Dec 16 Dec
1200 1230 1930 1230 1230 1230 1930 1830 1830 1845 1230
Event London Club AGM Gibraltar Day Lunch Game Dinner Inkerman Day Lunch Remembrance Day Curry Lunch Club Lunch RGJ Volunteer Officer Dinner Winter Cocktail Party 7RIFLES Carol Service Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Christmas Lunch
served. Proforma invitations will be sent out nearer the time. There will also be a RIFLES Business Breakfast during the period as soon as arrangements are concluded with our speaker. We do actually need to do more business if the club is to stay solvent and doing the valuable job that it does. If you can bring us an event of any sort you can be sure that the utmost care will be taken with arrangements by Club staff
and by our caterers, Pink Food, for you and your guests in the very unique Regimental atmosphere of the London Club. I have been asked to send out the attached flyer (HERE) regarding Operation BLISTER, Gloucestershire ACF’s team’s participation in the Stroud Half-Marathon in aid of ABF. I’m sure it won’t be as bad as it sounds chaps! Best wishes
Simon Hill
Remarks Have your say and elect the new committee Prominent shooting speaker Move over Guy Fawkes Preceded by QVR Memorial Service Speaker – The Secretary of State for Defence Speaker – Maj-Gen GS Smith ACDS (Reserves) RIFLES Officers’ Club Event St. Georges Church, Hannover Square Dramatic Reading by Michael Bawtree-Project 65 Guests welcome - Club closes for Christmas break
oxford REUNION 13th november 2010 - TIMINGS AND ENTRANCE FEE RGJRA Ezine-Editors Notes Please note! There is now a £10 charge to non Central Branch members for entry to the Winchester and Oxford Reunions. Entry for full members is £5. Tel: 01296 711967 e:ken.ambrose1@btinternet.com Please remember that this Venue: Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholswell Road, Shippon, ABINGDON, OX13 6HW publication is only intended for on screen viewing and that attempts to print out these pages are not likely to be successful.
We aim to draw the attention of all former members of the regiment to forthcoming events on a quarterly basis covering not only the main Association annual forecast but also news at officer club and branch level. To make this Ezine a success all branches and individuals are asked to contribute whenever possible. Please send articles for inclusion to the email address above before the 1st of the publication month.
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Time
Event
1900hrs
Bars Open
2000hrs
The Rifles Band Commences Playing
2045hrs
Public Address
2100hrs
Curry Buffet on Repayment
0030hrs
Bars Close
0100hrs
TAVR Centre Closes
The Royal Green JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM WINCHESTER The Museum staff have again been very busy over the summer months of July and August. This year just over 2,600 people visited the Museum during these two months, almost exactly the same number as visited in 2009, although visitor numbers during 2010 are presently down 3% compared to last year.
Day’ on 27 June, the day after Armed Forces Day on 26 June, and a ‘Fun for All’ Day on 18 August. We have also hosted visits from the mayors and their consorts from Hampshire & the Isle of Wight , the Society of Friends of the National Army Museum, and the High Sheriff of Hampshire and his wife. These visits all help to promote the excellence of the Museum.
This year, after holding a temporary exhibition about Dunkirk and Calais in May and June, it was decided not to initiate a further exhibition in July and August but to organise children’s activities every Wednesday morning throughout the school holidays. These activi- Hants & IOW mayors and their ties included face-painting, consorts arrive at the Museum making medals, dressing up in by double-decker bus. uniform and learning to march. Amongst the good news, the refurbishment of the Museum shop in April and the addition of additional stock lines – see h t t p : / / w w w. r g j m u s e u m . co.uk/shop.asp - have resulted in an increase in sales turnover of 70% over the past three months. The shop did espeMajor Ron Cassidy provides cially well over the Association children with a masterclass on Reunion Weekend. how to march the Green Jacket way. Attendance varied but as more parents learned about the activities, so more children attended. It is highly likely that we will organise similar activities in the Easter and summer holidays next year. The Museum shop at the ReOther events over the past union, with Mrs Julie Nugent, 3 months have included an Museum Assistant, behind the ‘Armed Forces Sunday Fun table
However, the Museum does owe Association members an apology. Due to a misunderstanding, the Museum did not open until Noon on the Sunday of the Reunion Weekend instead of 10 a.m. This disappointed a number of members who arrived at 10.30 a.m. expecting admission. The Museum will open at 10 a.m. on the Sunday of the 2011 Reunion. There have been a welcome number of acquisitions over the last three months with the donation of sets of family correspondence, including copies of a number of letters sent to his parents by Lieutenant WJM Cuninghame of The Rifle Brigade, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry at Sebastopol on 20 November 1854. Cuninghame served with 1 RB throughout the Crimean War and his letters provide a unique commentary on the course of events and his experiences as a young officer in the Battalion. The Museum has also been particularly pleased to receive a very handsome silver matchbox holder with a King’s Royal Rifle Corps crest on the topside which belonged to Lieutenant-Colonel RG Buchanan-Riddell, who was killed during the South African War by a sniper after leading 3 KRRC in a successful assault on the Boer positions at Twin Peaks on 24 January 1900. Meanwhile, the programme of continuous improvement of the Museum continues with new glass in a number of display cases so that their
contents are more accessible to children and the disabled. Re-dressing of the cases and new labelling of the objects is underway, together with the introduction of new lighting designed to reduce the Museum’s use of electricity and carbon footprint. Alas, everything seems to take longer to complete than desired and invariably costs more than wished. However, the Trustees are determined not to compromise on the excellence of the Museum; hence only the best we can afford will do! Finally, to end this report and as mentioned in the last Ezine, please do not forget that the Museum has produced and is selling this year’s official Regimental Christmas card. Details of how to order cards are on both the Museum and Association website. 50% of the available cards have already been sold so the message has to be: order early to avoid disappointment. Footnote: To contact the Museum’s Curator, Mrs Christine Pullen, please telephone 01962 828549 or e-mail: curator@rgjmuseum. co.uk For more information about ‘What’s On’ at the Museum and about the benefits of becoming a Friend of the Museum, please visit the Museum website: www.rgjmuseum. co.uk
CBQ Wallace
Pension rights for widows - AFPS Newsletter Most of us who receive the AFPS Newsletter probably treat it the same way that I do and put it aside to `read later` and that is the last we see of it but within there
are some snippets of infor- those who have gone before us. that period may be extended to In the 2010 newsletter was infor- 182 days. mation worth knowing. It is a fact that in most cases our wives or partners will outlive us and we should ensure that they are not left wanting for money immediatley after we have joined
mation on something called `Short Term Family Pension` which allows a widow who qualifys to draw her spouses full pension for a period of 91 days after after he dies and if dependant children are involved
This has to be claimed and is not given automatically. The contact number for pension enquiries is 0800 085 3600 or if abroad 0044 (0) 141 224 360. KCA
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Lottery Funding to help veterans return to Civvy Street Army veterans are to receive lottery funding to help ease the transition from military to civilian life.
“Supporting organisations that can make a real difference to the reintegration into civilian life of the men and women who have served their country is a real and pressing priority for us.”
The Big Lottery Fund will launch its Forces in Mind programme with £35m. It intends to establish an independent trust to provide longterm support for those who served in conflicts including Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf War. Experts say returning to “Civvy Street” can lead to issues such as depression, family trauma, substance misuse, homelessness and in some cases suicide. While the money has been allocated, it has not yet been decided exactly how it will be spent. The fund said it had been con-
sulting with service and exservice organisations to help identify where it can best meet the needs of bodies supporting veterans and their families. But it said it would be looking to assist existing organisations which help veterans in areas such as housing, employment, training, personal finances, homelessness and mental health. It also aims to fund research into issues affecting ex-service people. The chairman of the Big Lottery Fund, Sir Clive Booth, said: “For some the after-effects of making the transition from a career in the forces do not always present themselves in an obvious way or even immediately. “Supporting organisations that
can make a real difference to the reintegration into civilian life of the men and women who have served their country is a real and pressing priority for us.” About 19,000 service personnel return to civilian life each year and it is estimated that there are about five million veterans in the UK. The Big Lottery Fund distributes profits from the National Lottery to good causes and projects. It has already provided funding for older veterans, but Sir Clive said: “Now we want to also focus on more recent veterans and their families, including returnees from Iraq and Afghanistan, by putting in place this long-term support.” KCA
“Statement on RGJ Finances by Major General Jamie Balfour “ IMPORTANT NOTICE The Minutes for the RGJR Association Meeting held in Peninsula Barracks, Winchester on 16 April 2010 are now available for all full members of the Association to read, download and save by clicking HERE. The Statement of Annual Accounts for the Association is also available in the same way but again only for full paid up members by clicking HERE. You will only be given access and be able to read these pages if; 1. You are a fully paid up member of the Association. 2. You have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer.
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The RGJRA Management Board receives the income from the £1m transferred by the RGJ Trustees to The Rifles and ring fenced for RGJRA activities, and can also draw down as required 1% of the capital each year. The income recently is approximately £24k annually, and as the value of the capital fund has reduced to just under £950k due to the economic downturn, the Board has taken the decision not to use the additional 1% for the last two years in order to preserve our long term income flow and capital value.
seum to make up the shortfall from reduced MOD funding. • £1.5k to the RGJRA Website/IT team. • £1.5k for RGJ Admin at RHQ The Rifles - mailshots, memorial wreaths etc and reserve. • £1k to the RGJRA Officers Dining Club.
• £10k to the RGJ Association to support the annual costs of the Reunion and the Journal. Was £7.5 k in 2008. • £10k to the RGJ Mu-
The RGJ Management Board had made as a priority the need to cut the cost of the “Swift and Bold” Journal to a sustainable
The Management Board has also directed that of the £50 paid annually by all RGJRA Officer members, £10 goes direct to the Association to support their activities, in 2009/10 this totalled approximately £5k. A further £10 per officer goes to support The Rifles Officers Club and its various activities, and the remaining £30 pays for the annual Chronicle and Bugle For 2009/10 the Board has al- magazines sent to all Officers located the £24k as follows: members.
level. From a cost of £10927 for the 2008 Journal, most of which was covered by a one off appeal, this was reduced to £6448.78 for 2009, and with advertising revenue and donations of £2655, the final cost was down to £3793. Our intention is to reduce this further for the 2010 journal by the website team doing the design in house. This design cost £2448 for 2009, so a further major saving is likely, and if advertising revenue holds up then even if we do not cover costs, then the cost will be fully covered by the RGJRA Management Board current grant to the Association. This, together with the entrance fee for the Reunion (£5 for members/£10 for non members), will now allow the Association to more fully cover the costs of the Reunion, build up its reserves and fund other activities as required. “
Jamie Balfour
What is ANZAC Day? - BY CHRIS MCDONALD Members of The Royal Green Jackets Association, Australasian Branch, have taken part in the celebrations and official March commemorating the anniversary of Anzac Day since 2002. The parade through the city of Perth in Western Australia is mirrored in every City of Australia on April 25th every year. Approximately 8000 serving and ex serving soldiers, sailors and airmen take part in the parade in Perth, watched by approximately 30,000 people, lining the streets, plus those watching on television. However some Association members have since asked the question “what is Anzac day?” Ken Ambrose has asked me to put something together to let the Association know what this Anzac Day thing is all about. Anzac Day-April 25th is Australia’s most important national occasion. It is also a national Day off. It has been considered by various Australian federal Government’s to shift “Australia day” (normally January 26th) to be commemorated on Anzac Day. The Origins It marks the anniversary of Australia’s first military action during World War1. Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, the soldiers serving in this Corps were known as Anzac’s. In 1914 when war broke out, Australia was under a federal Government that had been created only 14 years earlier and was eager to establish itself amongst the Worlds nations. In 1915, the Anzac’s formed part of the allied expeditionary force that was tasked with securing the Gallipoli peninsula to assist in opening the Black Sea to the allied naval force. The plan was to capture
Constantinople (now Istanbul), which at the time was Capital of the Ottoman Empire, one of Germany’s allies. The Anzac’s landed at a Cove (later known as Anzac Cove) in Gallipoli on April 25th 1915, in attempting to storm the peninsula the Anzac’s met fierce opposition from Turkish defenders that resulted in an eight month long stalemate and 8000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers losing their lives. In keeping with a perceived Victorian and Edwardian “rite of passage” The Anzac’s had conformed to a “blood sacrifice” in an initiation as a birth of a nation. Commemorative marches took place in most Australian Cities after 1916, where returned serviceman marched to commemorate the lives lost on the Gallipoli Peninsula. In 1921 an act of the Federal Government of Australia secured April 25th as a National day of remembrance and a public holiday, however marches did not take place in all Cities until 1927. In 1942 marches were actually cancelled, as the threat of air invasion by the Japanese was considered too high. Since the 1930’s the Anzac day public holiday has been associated with the Banning of public horse races, Dawn vigils at War Memorial’s, Marches, memorial services and prayers, reunions, “two-up games” (gambling, where bets are placed on the tossing of a coin) and Police throughout Australia turning a blind eye to the consumption of alcohol in the street outside pubs. Since the end of World War II, Anzac Day has figured prominently around Australia and New Zealand as a National day of commemoration for both Countries to the lives lost at Gallipoli and all other conflicts since World War II that Aus-
tralia has taken part in and lost lives. Dawn services and elaborate ceremonies incorporating rifle and cannon volleys, pipers, readings and hymns take place in All Capital Cities and most country towns throughout both Countries, attracting tens of thousands of people who stand in quiet reflection as thousands of serving and exserving returned serviceman march through the cities usually to a large public area where a service is conducted incorporating eulogies and prayers to the fallen, which serves as reminder to the youth of both Countries, of the sacrifices made and the lessons to be learnt from the many different meanings of war. The Dawn services held throughout both Nations are derived from the practices of operational morning routine exercised by British, Australian and New Zealand Armies. To reduce the confusion of soldiers caused by the half-light of dawn, soldiers have been traditionally roused half an hour before dawn, to ensure that as the morning light slowly grew brighter from the dull grey of dawn, that soldiers would be awake, alert and manning their weapons. To soldiers the world over this is known as “Stand To” and is repeated at sunset. During the dawn services, wreaths are laid and a two- minute silence is maintained to reflect on fallen comrades, preceded by the “last post” and followed by reveille played usually by a Bugler.
Members of the Australasian Branch, RGJRA on 25 April 2010 at the Anzac Parade in Perth, Western Australia
Anzac Day-April 25th is Australia’s most important national occasion. It is also a national Day off. It has been considered by various Australian federal Government’s to shift “Australia day” (normally January 26th) to be commemorated on Anzac Day.
Anzac Cove, Gallipoli
The wreath laying at the 2008 dawn service at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, London
Chris McDonald Chairman Australasian Branch RGJRA The Internet Branch – The Last Post is played at an Its purpose Anzac Day ceremony.
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WOOTTON BASSETT – AFGHAN HEROES RIDE What a fantastic day! Sun- now and into the future. The To their credit the organis- day 14th March 2010 – a intention is to operate until a ers worked hard for what very special Mothering Sun- minimum of five-years from had become a fantastic and day. With fine weather for a the cessation of our military successful day raising in very British Spring day saw presence in Afghanistan. excess of £100,000 for “Af- some 14,000 bikers paying The “Afghan Heroes Ride” was the idea of Elisabeth Stevens. ghan Heroes”. Now report- a special tribute to the good It started off small in that by ed that there were some people of Wootton Bassett word of mouth and through the 14,000 bikes there and I can who steadfastly honoured social network, Facebook, they believe that! our fallen military person- were asking for 1,000 bikers to nel every repatriation from meet at Leigh Delamare ServAfghanistan. Wootton Bas- ice Area on the M4 near Swinsett stands proud, paying a don and ride through Wootton silent homage to our mili- Bassett, each rider to pay the tary “sons” making their sum of £5 for the charity. But last journey from RAF Lyne- like all good ideas, it grows and grows and through an inham to Oxford prior to the ternet registration scheme, it inevitable inquest into their was evident that more than untimely deaths. 10,000 bikers wanted a piece But today, the people of Woot- of the action! Plans needed to ton Bassett were beside them- be altered and of course the 14000 Riders passed through selves cheering, clapping, giv- authorities needed to get inWootton Bassett ing the thumbs up sign and volved. To their credit the orsaying thank you to the many ganisers worked hard for what bikers parading through their had become a fantastic and High Street. The Mayor was successful day raising in excess waving to the bikers and thank- of £100,000 for “Afghan Heing each one for taking time to roes”. Now reported that there be involved in this magnificent were some 14,000 bikes there display of solidarity with the and I can believe that! newly formed charity – “Af- Although I have never served ghan Heroes”. in the military I am the life long Armed Forces Blanket So how did this monumental holder of the Army Cadet Force happening come about? The commssion and more recently mother of a soldier who died a Blue Knight – England IV moin an explosion in Afghanistan torcycle club member. Having in July 2009 had the idea to set served in the Army Cadet Force up a charity to provide support for 47 years, and for the past for those directly involved in 30 years I have been badged the conflict. “Afghan Heroes” “RGJ” and “RIFLES”, this shows has been launched by a group my affinity with the fallen miliof mothers with the aim of tary. Cheque Presentation helping our service personnel I started from my home at 8.00 directly on the front line; the a.m. on a glorious morning families of those who have fall- and made good time to Hulen and our returning service lavington Airfield west of Swinpersonnel who have witnessed don arriving at about 10.15 these horrific losses of their a.m. The road was stacked fellow soldiers. “Afghan He- back from Junction 17 of the roes” is independent of other M4 to the airfiled, so it was charities. It deals specifically slow progress. The police marwith members of the British shalled us onto the airfield. forces and their families that Having gone through a regishave been affected by the mili- tration process and gladly reRiders assemble in groups of 500 tary operations in Afghanistan lieved of our £5 each, we made for the procession Page 15
our way to the main runway to be parked up in columns of 500 bikes. There were many affiliations represented amongst the bikers. The Royal British Legion and the Unity Support riders were there, as were a number of Harley-Davidsons Groups, like the Rutland Chapter of H.O.Gs; also my own Club I saw Blue Knights Chapters – Scotland 1 and England VI. Many riders sporting links with the emergency services, HM Prisons and the NHS. There were some very “old timers” and some very young youngsters. It was agreed that 500 bikes at a time would undertake the 14 mile journey to Wootton Bassett closely escorted by Wiltshire Police bikes at the front. They were giving a 20 minute gap between convoys so as to allow the general public to travel without too much hinderance from the bike convoys. Many bikers had the pleasure of taking part and it appears that we gave great pleasure to the people of Wootton Bassett. Finally, one of the organisers said, “On behalf of all at Afghan Heroes we just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who made this such a spectacular success.There are just so many people who deserve thanks. But most of all we want to thank you, the bikers who took the time to come to an airfield in Wiltshire to support the people of Wootton Bassett, our troops and their loved ones. Finally we would like to thank the people of Wootton Bassett who came out in such huge numbers with real hospitality as to make the day so special for everyone who was there. Such a moving occasion.
Mike Vince
Obituary Notices
WHY The Internet Branch – Its purpose? As its name implies it resides on the Internet and only there. It has no physical presence anywhere and its members are drawn from all regions of the world. It is there for all ex green jackets and their former regiments whether they were regular, TAVR or adult instructors in the various ACF units around the country. There are also members who were attached arms, REME, Pay Corps etc The branch is a focal point for friends who after leaving the Army have dispersed around the globe and through the Internet branch members in Australia can stay in touch with those living in the UK or other places. Although we have branch status within the as-
sociation the Internet branch costs nothing to maintain as it comes directly under the umbrella of the web site team and is a sub section of the main website, no branch fees are charged and no physical meetings take place but many of the members also belong to both a physical branch AND the central branch and the promotion of full membership of their local branch if one exists and the central branch remains a fundamental objective of the web site team. Of course there will always be an imbalance between those registered as Internet branch members and those registered as central/local branch members because many of the Internet branch members live in countries where no local branch exists and who because they are not
domiciled in the UK are exempt Please click on name from paying subscriptions to the central branch. Charlton John 14 May Does the branch have a future Selby John James 15 June role in the Association? I be- Vernon Cyril William 2 July lieve it does but perhaps not in Bell ( Geordie) Joe 15 July its present form. Cummings Robert 20 July It is important for people to ? Aug realise that members of the Bygraves Max 7 Aug Internet branch do not have a Green Colin 19 Aug free ride and contrary to the Chavner Edward opinions held by certain peo- Wheatley Philip C 23 Aug ple are not given any of the Coldham Fred 25 Aug privilidges that are reserved Johnson David 29 Aug only for fee paying members of the Association. In the next 6 months we, as a team, will be looking at the role of the Internet branch but be assured that we will not be shutting it down, slimming it down and reducing duplica- “It is important for people tion maybe but it will always to realise that members of be there for those who need it. the Internet branch do not
Rest In Peace
Kevin Stevens
have a free ride................”
GARY DRISCOLL - The ENTERTAINER I think that most people will be aware that Gary Driscoll appeared on `Tonight’s the Night` on 14 August and that during the lead up to his excellent performance John Barrowman surprised Gary at an Association Davies Street function he was involved in where quite a few familiar faces were seen. Gary`s wife, Maria, being
aware of his long held ambition to perform with a `big band` had contacted the show and arranged for Gary to take part. For years Gary has been a very popular and regular performer at London Pubs and Clubs and on one occasion he gave a spontaneous performance to the crowds at Wimbledon. There is no doubt that he is a talented singer who could eas-
ily have taken up singing as a career but for his other ambition to become a soldier. Gary produced an album of his favourite songs several years ago but is now in the process of making a second album which for those interested should be available in October. If you missed it you can view his TV performance HERE.
Gary Discoll
Ken Ambrose
Riks `Green Jobs`RGJ Christmas Cards 2010 Rik Twohey is raising money for his branch by using his talents to produce hand drawn Christmas cards. The cards are available as a standard wrapped pack of 6 cards with envelopes, 2 of each design as indicated. 3 Card packs will also be available in limited numbers. Please see order form for pricing details. Any order over 10 packs of 6 cards will be sent postage free. Standard over-
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seas postal rates apply. Please print and complete the Order Form HERE and send with the required fee to the address provided at the bottom of the order form. KCA
Size 14.8cm x 10.5cm
Size 10.5cm x 14.8cm
Size 10.5cm x 14.8cm
A Musical Spectacular to celebrate 150 years of the Cadet Movement The Fairfield Halls, Croydon, Surrey Friday 29th October 2010
The Army Cadet Force Music Department are proud to annouce their 150th Anniversary Concert. The combined bands and drums of the Army Cadet Force supported by the musicians of the Sea Cadet Corps, Air Training Corps & Combined Cadet Force will join together at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon on the 29th October 2010 with all profits being donated to The Help for Heroes Charity. Supporting the Cadet anniversary Help for Heroes concert will be The Band & Bugles of The Rifles. The Band and Bugles of The Rifles was formed from the Light Division in 2007. This took place in conjunction with the formation of The Rifles, a new Regiment created through the amalgamation of The Light Infantry, The Devonshire & Dorset Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Light Infantry & The Royal Green Jackets. On October 29th 2009 more than 6000 people lined the streets of Croydon to cheer home one of the countries bravest regiments. The North End of Croydon was packed with cheering residents as 190 members of The Rifles marched through the town on their homecoming parade from Helmand Province. The Rifles Band are making their triumphant return, a year to the day, at the Cadet Force Celebration. In March 2010 the Rifles were awarded the Freedom of The Borough of Croydon, the first regular unit to be granted this honour. We are extremely pleased to announce that Wynne Evans the celebrated Welsh tenor and star of the Go Compare adverts on Television has agreed to perform with the Cadets & The Rifles Band at the Fairfield Halls. Born in South Wales, Wynne studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio in London. As a principal tenor with The Welsh National Opera his many roles included Duca (‘Rigoletto’), Rodolfo (‘La Bohème’), Alfred (‘Die Fledermaus’), Jaquino (‘Leonore’), Alfredo (‘La Traviata’). His vast concert and recital repertoire has included collaborations with many of the nation’s première ensembles, including The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Hallé and City of London Sinfonia, he has also appeared as the tenor soloist at the opening night of the BBC Proms, plus more recently at the Welsh Proms. In 2009 Wynne became the face and voice for one of the UK’s leading price comparison websites GoCompare.com starring as the flamboyant character Gio Compario.
Tickets are available from the Fairfield Halls Box Office Tel: 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk Tickets: £10
