Legion Scotland Today, summer 2017 by Think Publishing

The magazine of The Royal British Legion Scotland Issue 14 Summer 2017

www.legionscotland.org.uk

WE’RE WORKING TOGETHER VETERANS SERVICES JOIN FORCES IN ABERDEENSHIRE

On the airwaves

WRNS radio mechanic shares her story

PLUS

BRANCH NEWS, MEMBERSHIP UPDATES, BEFRIENDING, POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS, EAST KILBRIDE’S LOCAL HERO, SCOTS AT PASSCHENDAELE, VJ DAY REMEMBERED

Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

£1,000,000

must be spent before 15th Sept

BUYING QUALITY WATCHES and MILITARY WATCHES

MILITARY WATCHES URGENTLY WANTED

£100 minimum paid for black dial (WW11) Army issue: Record, Buren, Timor, Lemania, Cyma, Vertex, Smiths, Hamilton.

▼▼▼ £100 min paid

RECORD Black dial Army issue Minimum £100

£500 min paid

GRANA (as picture) Military issue Minimum £500

LEMANIA Chronograph military watch. Minimum £500 (white dial & black dials)

£250 min paid

OMEGA

INSTANT PAYMENT - NO AUCTION FEES Over 70 years experience buying Rolex Part Exchange or upgrade your watch

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! VINTAGE AND MODERN ROLEX WANTED

£1,000 min paid

IWC Black dial military Minimum £1000

▼▼▼ £500 min paid

£500

minimum paid for any gents Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch

£300 min paid

working or not.

FREE PHONE working or not. 0808 1235303 NOW for an instant quote

Ring for quote

VINTAGE ROLEX GMT MASTER

ORIGINAL ROLEX EXPLORER I & II

ORIGINAL ROLEX SUBMARINER

ALL OMEGAS WANTED

£1,500 minimum paid

for Original Pre 1969

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER

CONSTELLATION Gents Pre 1970s £250 Gtd Min Paid

SEAMASTER 300 £1,000 Gtd Min Paid

Gents Steel Automatic SEAMASTER DE VILLE £250 Gtd Min

ETERNA

Military Jaeger le Coultre & (black dial) Longines military Army issue. (black dials). Minimum Minimum £300 £300

Brands Wanted: Rolex · Cartier · Omega · Breitling · Vintage Longines · Jaeger le Coultre IWC (International Watch Company · Patek Philippe · Tag & Vintage Heuer

BREITLING NAVITIMER 1960s models Min. paid £800

Ring for quote TUDOR SNOWFLAKE

VINTAGE HEUER Wanted: Carrera, Monaco, Autavia, Camaro, Silverston, Montreal, GMT Steel

THREE STEPS TO SELLING YOUR UNWANTED WATCHES AS NAMED ABOVE 1. BRING YOUR WATCH OR GOLD TO OUR SHOP AND WE WILL PAY YOU INSTANTLY (Please bring photo ID) 2. IF YOU CAN’T VISIT US, WRAP UP YOUR ITEMS AND PUT THEM IN A JIFFY BAG WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER AND SEND TO THE ADDRESS BELOW BY THE POST OFFICE SPECIAL DELIVERY. 3. WE WILL CALL YOU THE NEXT DAY WITH AN OFFER AND PAY YOU BY RETURN. No obligation to sell if offer is not accepted. Goods returned with full postage refund. Note: We do not guarantee to buy every watch offered. We do not buy fake or early quartz watches.

425 Strand · London WC2R 0QE

Freephone: 0808 1235303 www.austinkaye.co.uk

100 yards from Charing X station

WE BUY MOST QUALITY WATCHES, WORKING OR NOT. RUSTY WATCHES PURCHASED FOR PARTS ONLY

WELCOME

LEGION SCOTLAND New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE MA National Chairman Charlie Brown National Vice Chairman Martyn Hawthorn National Treasurer John Whitelaw Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gray MM EDITOR Christie McMonagle MANAGING EDITOR Fiona McKinlay EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jonathan McIntosh CONTRIBUTOR Catriona Macdonald DESIGNER Andrew Bell SUB-EDITORS Andrew Littlefield, Sam Bartlett ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Helen Cassidy helen.cassidy@thinkpublishing.co.uk STORIES TO SHARE? Please contact Christie McMonagle at c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk or by calling 0131 550 1549. Submissions received by 14 August 2017 will be considered for inclusion in the next issue, but we appreciate your stories at any time and may be able to share them through other avenues such as social media. Articles are likely to be edited and inclusion is not guaranteed. Sending high-resolution images as email attachments will increase the chances of us being able to use your story. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Published on behalf of Legion Scotland by Think Publishing Ltd Red Tree Business Suites, 33 Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow G40 4LA 0141 375 0504

MIKE WILKINSON

ADVERTISING Alison Fraser alison.fraser@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 946 8708 Copyright © Legion Scotland 2017. All rights reserved. Legion Scotland is a trading name of the Royal British Legion Scotland SCIO, Scottish Charity No.SC003323

The benefits of a united front

UR MEMBERS in Aberdeenshire are doing Legion Scotland proud by playing a major role in a new project for veterans. Aberdeenshire Branches SALUTES brings together a number of are acting as charities and other organisations in the north-east which can help ex-servicemen and superhubs to women in different ways, and Legion Scotland help veterans branches are acting as superhubs for these charities reach charities to reach their target audience. the people who Read about what they’re doing on page 16. They are, of course, not the only members need them doing incredible work to help Legion Scotland give veterans across the country the support they need and the appreciation they deserve. From page 10 onwards you can read some of the latest news from branches the length and breadth of Scotland. We look at the unusual way that East Kilbride branch members are making allies in their community too – let’s just say they’re steering in the right direction. In this issue we also remember the Battle of Passchendaele, in a piece written by Erwin Ureel from the Legion Scotland branch over there. See page 22. Legion Scotland is also a part of an exciting new national three-year programme for older veterans. Unforgotten Forces – a consortium of 14 charities – has received £4m in funding to deliver new and improved services, with Poppyscotland at the helm. See page 15. Many thanks to all those of you who attended the Legion Scotland annual conference in Perth this year. It was great to see old and new faces at the event, and to talk to you about the future of an organisation of which I’m very proud to be a part.

Kevin Gray MM CEO Legion Scotland SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 3

cruISIng In tHe emerAlD ISle

coach cruise | air

holidays diRECT fRom sCoTland

Proud to suPPort

• Exclusive discount for Legion Scotland members – quote GLLEG15 when booking • Donation to Legion Scotland for every booking made • Free holiday insurance option

This laid-back holiday features the Donegal Bay Waterbus, Lough Erne and Carrick-on-Shannon cruises along with time in Donegal Town and Enniskillen. The Great Northern Hotel has leisure facilities and is our outstanding base. mon 4 Sep 5 Days only £399

St Anne & cHocolAte HouSe St Annes seafront Monterey Beach Hotel is our base where we enjoy a Big Band, two cabarets and a quiz night. We venture out to the Chocolate House for a delicious demo & tasting, shop at Oswaldtwistle Mills and visit Cleveleys and Southport as well as enjoying an evening drive through Blackpool’s illuminations. mon 4 Sep 5 Days only £299

tel: 0844 248 6105 glentonHolIDAYS.com

Funeralcare

Calls will cost only your phone company’s local access charge.

*Conditions apply.

Leave your loved ones something they will appreciate in the future: A fully guaranteed Funeral Plan from just £2,995* As a valued member of Legion Scotland you can receive a £150 discount off a Pre-paid Funeral Plan†, to take advantage of this offer or for a FREE information pack: Call us on 0800 023 4710 Online at www.coop.co.uk/Funeralcare using code LEG15. Visit one of our Co-op Funeralcare Funeral Homes with this advert

* As price and availablity vary across the UK, none of our Plans include the cost of buying a grave. Co-op Funeralcare is a trading name of Funeral Services Limited, a registered society registered in England and Wales with registration number 30808R and registered office 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG. VAT registered 403 3146 04. Part of Co-operative Group Limited. Calls to 0800 freephone numbers are free from landlines but call charges from mobiles may vary and you may want to check this with your service provider. †

FNC0617455598-1_Legion_Scotland_advert_Summer_edition.indd 1

For full Pre-paid Funeral Plan T&Cs see www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

07/06/2017 14:29

SUMMER 2017

CONTENTS

LEGION NEWS The latest from Legion Scotland and beyond, including notes from the annual conference

BRANCH NEWS Stories from Legion Scotland branches across the country

‘WE SHOULD ALL BE WORKING TOGETHER’ How veterans organisations in Aberdeenshire are making their services easier to access

WHAT I LEARNED FROM BEFRIENDING Janice Aubeeluck reflects on the benefits of helping others

STEPHEN JOLLY, EAST KILBRIDE NEWS, MARK OWENS, ANGELA CATLIN

ON THE COVER Some of the team behind Aberdeenshire SALUTES. See page 16 for more PHOTOGRAPH: Angela Catlin

SCOTLAND AT PASSCHENDAELE How the third Battle of Ypres unfolded in 1917

RADIO WREN Margaret Runcie shares her experience as a radio mechanic in the WRNS during WWII

30 SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/ LegionScotland twitter.com/ LegionScotland

LAST POST Fond memorial notices from branches across the country

32 34

COME AND SEE US Branch and club directory HOMEWARD BOUND HMS Implacable heads south after VJ Day in 1945

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 5

LEGION NEWS

Keeping you up to date with Legion Scotland’s latest

FIRST WORLD WAR

COMMEMORATIONS CONTINUE

The centenary of the Battle of Arras and the anniversary of Gallipoli are marked in April

Pipers at Faubourg d’Amiens, France

6 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

THE SCOTTISH National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle played host to two important commemoration services in April. Sunday 9 April marked the centenary of the commencement of the Battle of Arras, which took place between 9 April and 16 May 1917. The battle had an estimated 159,000 casualties, as well as the highest concentration of Scottish troops fighting in a single battle during WWI. The service was projected live on the castle esplanade for members of the public to view, and was followed by the Beating Retreat of massed bands.

Also on Sunday 9 April an international commemoration service was held at the Faubourg d’Amiens Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Arras. Two school pupils, one from Scotland and one from France, laid a wreath together on behalf of all the Allied nations which fought at the Battle of Arras. Then on 25 April an ANZAC/ Gallipoli Day service was also held at the Scottish National War Memorial, to commemorate the Allied landings on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. This was one of many events paying tribute to the 58,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives during the Gallipoli campaign.

NEWS IN BRIEF

A wreath is laid for ANZAC/Gallipoli Day

SILVER POPPY GOLF Winner crowned at St Andrews THE ANNUAL Silver Poppy Golf Tournament took place on Friday 5 May in St Andrews. Legion Scotland wishes to say thank you to all who took part and congratulations to the winners. M Singh from the Banchory branch (pictured) scooped the Veterans Quaich, the Half Section Trophy Stableford and the Beaches Trophy Individual Handicap Strokeplay.

TARTAN COMEBACK

Legion Scotland members were well represented at the Arras commemorations

A long-running issue over the copyright of the Royal British Legion Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tartan has been resolved and items in the pattern will be available soon. Please contact head office on 0131 550 1586 for more details.

SURVEY HAMPER WINNER REVEALED

A winner has been drawn at random from entries to the Legion Scotland Today readers survey. Fiona Porter from Bonar Bridge wins a Highland Fayre hamper.

SUPPORT

VETERANS GROUP MEETINGS Central belt get-togethers gather momentum NUMBERS HAVE been growing at veterans group meetings in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The informal events are a great chance to get together with others to discuss issues facing veterans in Scotland, upcoming events and more. Dates for the coming months are 20 August (Edinburgh), 24 September (Glasgow) and 16 October (Edinburgh).

Catch up with comrades at a group meeting

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 7

LEGION SCOTLAND NEWS FRIENDS REUNITED IN PERTH

ANNUAL CONFERENCE Legion Scotland members from across the country come together at cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dewars Centre

Members of the riders branch

THERE WAS a strong focus on supporting the veterans community at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legion Scotland annual conference, from 25 to 27 May at the Dewars Centre in Perth, as members came together from across the country to share stories and ideas. The national adult and tri-service cadet colour-bearing competition took place as part of the event. Jim Davidson of the Highlands & Islands area was crowned national champion in the adults category while Sgt Stephanie Watson ACF, from the Edinburgh, Lothians & Borders area, claimed victory in the tri-service cadet competition.

Robbie Allan, Thurso branch (left) and Matt Fyfe, Oldmachar branch and Aberdeen Banff and Kincardine area trustee

Legion Scotland padre, Rev Karen Campbell speaks

Lorna Follan, Knightswood branch

8 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Jim Neary, Newton Mearns branch

National chairman Charlie Brown and Poppyscotland head of fundraising Gordon Michie

Dave Lewis, Cumbernauld branch

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS By keeping up your membership of Legion Scotland you help the charity to support veterans through comradeship, befriending and much more

RENEWALS

Although it’s only the summer branches will very soon be getting in touch to invite you to renew for the 2017/2018 membership year. To help your branch with its administration please renew as soon as you can from 1 November.

MEMBERSHIP FEES

Please be aware that the capitation rate for 2017/2018 will increase from £13 to £14. Not all branches pass this increase on but you should check with your branch before November to ensure you know how much the renewal will be.

DIRECT DEBIT

We are delighted to have nearly 500 members from 62 of our branches using direct debit as a means of paying their annual membership renewal and we really want to encourage more members to take it up. We have included with this magazine a direct debit leaflet which you can complete if you would like to use this as your means of renewing upcoming and future membership years.

ASK LEGION SCOTLAND Head of administration and membership Claire Armstrong explains how direct debit can work well for you and the charity Why should I use direct debit? You only have to fill in the form once and then you don’t have to remember to rejoin every year. Your membership automatically renews and we notify your branch. This reduces the administration burden on the branch and also means you don’t lose out on continued access to membership benefits.

and if you’d like to make a one-off donation each year when you renew you can do this with your direct debit. You can change the amount each year or stop the donation at any time.

How will my branch know I’ve set up a direct debit? As long as you complete the full information required on the direct debit form, including What if I change my mind your branch name, we or the membership fee changes? immediately contact You can cancel your them on receipt of your direct debit at any time mandate to let them by contacting your know this is how you bank or building society. wish to renew. Your You can also rest membership card is Claire assured that your direct issued directly from Armstrong debit is guaranteed by your head office and we inform bank or building society and is your branch as soon as the a completely secure and fast way collection is successful, and ensure to pay. If your branch fee changes the branch receives its portion of and we need to amend the amount, your capitation. date, or frequency of your collection If you would like to use the you will be given 10 days’ notice. What if I want to make a donation – can I do that by direct debit? Yes, you can. Donations may be taken using your direct debit facility as a one-off amount, annually or more regularly. This does not affect your membership renewal

direct debit facility for the next membership year you will find a leaflet in this magazine which you can complete and send in to us for processing for November 2017. If you have any further questions, please contact Lorna Kane on 0131 550 1548

KEEP US POSTED

Don’t forget to let your branch and Legion Scotland know if your address changes. This ensures that our correspondence and your quarterly copy of Legion Scotland Today magazine are delivered to the right place. Also, if you need to reduce the number of copies of the magazine coming to your house at any time, please do get in touch. For more information, see www.legionscotland.org.uk/join, talk to your local branch or call the membership department at head office on 0131 550 1586

Direct debits make life easier for branches and members alike

BRANCH NEWS INVERNESS

FORT WILLIAM

PACK YOUR BAGS MEMBERS OF the Fort William branch turned out in force on 18 March to lend their bag-packing services to customers shopping in the local Morrisons. Thanks to the enthusiastic turnout members were able to serve every till, which resulted in the branch raising a fantastic £1,280 – more than half the yearly running costs of the branch.

BREAKFAST CLUB DIARY DATES THE INVERNESS branch’s breakfast club has confirmed its dates for the rest of the year. Come along at 10.30am on Fridays 11 and 25 August, 8 and 22 September, 6 and 20 October, 10 and 24 November and 8 and 22 December to enjoy some tasty filled rolls and hot drinks. All members and their families are warmly welcomed.

MONTROSE

COMMUNITY CAFÉ OPENS THE MONTROSE branch has launched a community café for members and non-members alike. Branch vice-chairman Ally Hutchison said: “The café was well received and we hope to establish a second day every week as support increases. At the moment the café runs every Monday morning between 9am and 12noon, staffed by volunteers from the social club and branch committees.” KIRKWALL

MEMORIAL NAME ADDED A DELEGATION from the Kirkwall branch travelled to the Isle of Rousay on 3 May to mark the addition of Pilot Sergeant Robert M Mainland to the Rousay War Memorial, after it was discovered that his name was not on any war memorial in the country. Robert served in the 605 Squadron of the Royal Air Force and was killed during a combat mission when his parachute failed to deploy following a mid-air collision.

10 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

A great way to start the day with the Inverness branch

DALBEATTIE

A TOUR OF REMEMBRANCE Dalbeattie High School pupils join the town’s Legion Scotland branch on a tour of WW1 battlefields EIGHT DALBEATTIE High School pupils and eight members of the Dalbeattie Legion Scotland branch embarked on an emotional tour of World War One battlefields in France and Belgium between 11 and 15 April. Funded by the Dalbeattie branch, the group visited Ypres and the Somme where they were moved by the poignant monuments and tales of individuals

Remembering the fallen of WW1

who sacrificed so much in the Great War. The group were especially proud to have taken part in the Menin Gate Ceremony, a daily event that has occurred almost without interruption since 1928.

The Dalbeattie branch has a further three comradeship trips planned for later this year, including visits to the British Legion in Workington, the ex-service club in Annan and the Cumbernauld branch’s club.

BRANCH NEWS

The two branches will soon be twinned

Wreath laying at the Ellon War Memorial

MONTROSE

ELLON

WHEN MONTROSE MET MINDEN

ARRAS REMEMBERED

Scots welcome visitors from Germany THE MONTROSE branch welcomed members from the Royal British Legion branch in Minden, Germany. The visit from the secretary of the Minden branch, Michael ‘Joe’ Roberts, and his wife Heidi was the first of many, in anticipation of a future twinning of the two branches. Due to the withdrawal of British forces from Germany the number of Legion branches across the country is beginning to decline but the Minden

branch, located in the north-east of North Rhine-Westphalia, is still going strong with 40 members. The Montrose and Minden branches boast well-established links, as a few members of the Montrose branch served in Minden or grew up in the area, while their fathers served in the British Army of the Rhine and the RAF. Both branches look forward to mutual support and the promotion of this partnership.

MEMBERS OF the Ellon branch gathered at the Ellon War Memorial in April to lay a wreath in memory of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Arras.

Pipe band on parade in Ullapool LOCH BROOM

NEWTON STEWART

ULLAPOOL REMEMBERS

WW1 BAGPIPES COME HOME THE NEWTON Stewart branch formed the guard of honour for a set of bagpipes presented to the local museum in April. The pipes belonged to Piper Willie Marr of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, who led his unit into battle during the Battle of Loos and the Somme, and survived. The pipes were presented to the museum by his daughter and granddaughter.

A REMEMBRANCE Day service was held in Ullapool on 13 November, attended by the Loch Broom Legion Scotland contingent and many of the Ullapool village community. A two-minute silence was followed by a poignant lesson, delivered by Rev Canon Nicholas Court, before a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial. Marr’s daughter and granddaughter present the pipes

Send your branch news stories to c.mcmonagle@ legionscotland.org.uk

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 11

BRANCH NEWS ARBROATH

Geoff Shelton, left, and other veterans at Loch Ewe

BOWLS BIG GUNS MEMBERS OF the Arbroath branch received certificates for being national winners of the Green Bowls Rinks 2016. Pictured from left to right: Jake Napier, Dougie Skene, Kenny McPherson (presenting), Dave Strachan and John White.

Arbroath branch: kings of the greens

DALBEATTIE

THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS

NEWTON MEARNS

ARCTIC CONVOY VETERAN LOOKS BACK

Coffee morning raises money for branch

Newton Mearns branch member Geoff Shelton speaks at Loch Ewe WWII Festival A MEMORIAL weekend at Loch Ewe in May marked the 75th anniversary of the first Arctic convoy to Russia during World War Two. The event included military and naval reenactments, film screenings and live music, and talks from veterans – including Geoff Shelton of the Newton Mearns branch. Geoff served on HMS Vindex during the Arctic convoys in WWII. He was a masthead lookout and says: “It was so cold. You came off watch and went down into the mess deck to get some sleep, but there was no heating down there and you could break the icicles off the deck head – although sometimes you actually wanted that terrible cold, because it 12 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

kept the U-boats down below and the aircraft couldn’t fly.” Geoff attended the 70th anniversary of VE Day in Moscow and watched the military parade through Red Square, where he sat just behind President Putin. Later at a dinner held to honour veterans Geoff, after being told it wasn’t protocol to meet the president, did exactly that. He pushed through the ring of security and Mr Putin thanked him for his contribution. When asked about the memorial weekend in Loch Dalbeattie Ewe Geoff said: “It’s great members to meet old comrades. hosted a coffee It was very moving.” morning

A FUN time was had by all at the Dalbeattie branch’s coffee morning on 8 April, at which generous volunteers gave up their time to treat sweettoothed visitors to some homemade confectionary. The event raised a fantastic £872, which will be utilised for branch funds. Later that day members witnessed the unveiling of Buittle Cemetery’s new war memorial. Funded by donations from numerous branches, including Dumfries and Dalbeattie, the memorial is easily accessible for members to visit and pay their respects.

The Mission to Seafarers Scotland

ur mission is ‘Caring for Seafarers around the world’. We are a leading Christian voluntary organisation linked to the Scottish Episcopal Church working with Seafarers of all nationalities and religion throughout Scotland. Volunteeers Needed… Would you like to support the work of the Mission to Seafarers in Scotland? We offer a variety of opportunities, and where appropriate, training will be given. Have you considered: • Visiting the crews on the numerous cruise ships entering the Firth of Forth? • Visiting the crews on oil tankers, cargo ships or gas tankers? • Supporting the work in the centre at Grangemouth? • Joining the band of knitters across Scotland? • Would you like to become more involved and consider becoming a Trustee? To explore any of these options drop us an email at join@mtss.scot If you would just like to make donation then use the donate button on our website at:

www.mtss.scot or send a cheque to: Mission to Seafarers Scotland, 109 Avalon Gardens, Linlithgow, EH49 7PL.

If you would like to use your skills and experience as a volunteer or as a Trustee to help us Seafarers, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

The Mission to Seafarers Scotland is a Limited Company registered in Scotland, number 389483, registered charity in Scotland SCO41938. Registered office 109 Avalon Gardens, Linlithgow Bridge, Linlithgow, West Lothian EH49 7PL.

Looking at the excellent work carried out by our branches and members

LOCAL HERO

Send your inspirational stories to c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT How vice chairman Bobby Russell is helping to steer the East Kilbride branch to success

EAST KILBRIDE NEWS

UDDING drivers in East Kilbride could be losing their ‘L’ plates sooner than expected thanks to the opening of a part-time driving test centre at the town’s Legion Scotland branch. Led by branch vice chairman Bobby Russell the venture at East Mains has received a warm welcome after the Halfords test centre closed last year. “People were travelling up to 37 minutes to the nearest test centres in Hamilton and Baillieston, which is ridiculous considering East Kilbride’s population,” says Bobby. “When I learned the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) had approached community centres and libraries as potential venues for a new test centre, I knew the East Kilbride branch would fit the bill perfectly.” After gaining the branch committee’s approval of his plan Bobby – a fulltime driving instructor – approached the DVSA, offering them the use of the branch. The DVSA were thoroughly impressed and gave the go-ahead. “The branch ensures driving pupils have somewhere inviting to calm their nerves before their tests,” says Bobby. “The two examiners are delighted with the centre and the pupils love it too.” Given that the branch was

14 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

The branch is a real community hub… we’ve opened it up for all sorts of events on the cusp of closing just two years ago, its numerous successes – which Bobby credits to the dedication of its committee – are even more impressive. “When the old committee resigned in 2015 the branch was 20 minutes shy of shutting for good,” says Bobby. “We worked hard to get it back up and running and focused our efforts on fundraising for Legion Scotland and veteran charities, raising £3,000 last year.” Bobby has been a member of Legion Scotland since 1972 after enlisting in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at 15. He was in the regiment for four years and served

Branch vice chairman Bobby Russell

in Northern Ireland and Germany, as well as Cyprus during the 1974 invasion. Today some of Bobby’s comrades rely on Legion Scotland in their everyday lives, which inspires him to continue helping the ex-service community. “The East Kilbride branch is a real community hub. We’ve opened it for weddings, funerals, birthday parties and communions to establish it as a vital shared space for fun and support,” says Bobby. “At the moment the East Kilbride drivers’ centre is open on Thursday and Friday but I’ll be at the forefront of the campaign to establish its full-time opening hours.”

VETERANS NEWS FUNDING

UNITED VISION FOR VETERANS SUPPORT Unforgotten Forces group awarded £4m for three-year project A CONSORTIUM of 14 leading organisations, led by Poppyscotland and including Legion Scotland, has been awarded £4m from the Aged Veterans Fund to undertake a threeyear programme of support for veterans over the age of 65 and their families in Scotland. The group will deliver a range of new services and enhancements in areas including advice, social isolation, respite and access to healthcare, along with creative activities and events for those in care settings. Working together under the name ‘Unforgotten Forces’, their mission will be to support Scotland’s older veterans. The application for funding was made to the HM Treasury grant-giving body that dispenses Libor banking fines to good causes. Over the next three years the money will be used to improve the coordination of

existing provision and introduce new services aimed at supporting aged veterans. Mark Bibbey, Poppyscotland CEO, said: “We want people to understand that key organisations in the area of support provision have joined forces to provide a more holistic service for aged veterans. If a veteran is engaged with one organisation, for example, they can immediately be referred to another – or multiple consortium members if required. “The essence is strength in numbers and we want the identity of our consortium to reflect this.” Defence Minister Mark Lancaster – a British Army veteran who served in Kosovo, Bosnia and Afghanistan – added: “Our veterans have given so much for their country, and the Aged Veterans Fund is a way for us to thank our older veterans and ensure they are cared for in later life.”

WHO ARE THE UNFORGOTTEN FORCES? The 14 organisations involved are: • Action on Hearing Loss Scotland • Age Scotland • Care and Repair Scotland • Citizens Advice Scotland • Defence Medical Welfare Service • Erskine • Fares4Free • Legion Scotland • Luminate • Music in Hospitals Scotland • Poppyscotland • Scottish Older People’s Assembly • Scottish War Blinded • University of the West of Scotland

The Unforgotten Forces project will support older veterans in Scotland

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 15

SIGNPOSTING

‘WE SHOULD ALL BE WORKING TOGETHER’ Legion Scotland is part of an Aberdeenshire initiative for veterans WORDS: BRIAN DONALDSON PHOTOGRAPHY: ANGELA CATLIN

16 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

OMRADESHIP, COMMUNITY, welfare and wellbeing. These four components comprise the ethos of Aberdeenshire SALUTES, a network organisation which aims to help ex-service personnel in that area. But the people behind SALUTES (the acronym stands for Supporting And Linking Up To ExServices) encountered one main problem: Aberdeenshire may well be home to many veterans, but finding out where they are in order to offer them

help and advice for a fulfilling postservice life is another matter. Garioch community planning officer Jill Sowden is one of the original founders of Aberdeenshire SALUTES. Having opened up a local 'men’s shed' used by ex-service personnel with posttraumatic stress, she began talking to Legion Scotland CEO Kevin Gray at a Veterans Scotland presentation about the benefit of men’s sheds. “When he had finished his talk I grabbed him to discuss men’s sheds, but he was already From left to right: Jill Sowden, John Woodside, Alistair Black and Kate Dean

sold on them,” recalls Jill. “Kevin came up here in early 2015 and shared his vision of having a number of superhubs around Scotland.” These superhubs would provide a base for various veterans’ support agencies to work out of. There are now superhubs in Turriff, Banchory, Fraserburgh and Ellon. Having a handle on exactly how many ex-service personnel were located in the area was crucial for targeting resources effectively. Over the course of a year the council employed a development worker who contacted various groups which might hold details on local veterans, as well as putting out the feelers on Facebook and with online surveys. The main idea was to try to keep that support in the Aberdeenshire region as much as possible so that people wouldn’t need to travel too far. “The Legions are an obvious place for that support to be delivered from,” says Jill, “so we piloted a veterans hub at Banchory which was arranged very quickly and at no cost. We advertised it locally and veterans were able to drop in for a couple of hours on a Tuesday and talk to Kate.” Kate Dean is regional support officer in the Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP). As the daughter of a Wren and a Royal Naval officer, Kate says that while she hasn’t served in the forces herself she “spoke the language”, aided by her time as a pay clerk in the barracks at Bridge of Don when she was 19. “I discovered I had 96 little brothers there who saw a friendly female face that wasn’t a lot older than them and who wasn’t in the chain of command. So I’d hear a lot of their troubles. I’ve always believed that it’s good to have someone listen to you. Some of my visits are tea and sympathy rather than a practical instance of something I can do, but sometimes it’s enough for a person to just speak out loud about whatever is getting to them. Sometimes they might be the one who forms a plan of action without much input from me.”

These superhubs would provide a base for various veterans’ support agencies to work out of SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 17

The team discusses which services are a priority for veterans in Aberdeenshire

Communication is always central to making change happen for veterans and, on the face of it, social media should certainly be at the forefront of such programmes. However, as John Woodside has found out, the generational divide makes this something of a challenge. “My principle job at the moment is scanning for stories about veterans and then creating links on Facebook. I’m aware that there are not too many older ex-service personnel who are hands-on with modern media, but the young lads and lasses are very much Jill Sowden, Garioch community planning officer

interested in that. One of the biggest challenges we have is reaching out to those people who spent time in combat situations and are totally stranded when they come back. So even if you can just point them in a certain direction that can help them on their way.” Having left the RAF in 1994 (his time served took him to Scandinavia, Iraq and Germany among other locations), John became a clergyman. “In a couple of the parishes that I’ve had pastoral care of I’ve met ex-service persons who needed assistance and information. People who had fallen on hard times might knock on the door and spend a couple of hours drinking tea and eating sandwiches and telling me their story. So I saw a post on Facebook from one of my local councillors about SALUTES and I tagged a wee message saying that if I can help in any way let me know.” Also greatly helping out is Alistair Black, chair of Banchory’s Legion Scotland branch who left the forces in 1989, having served in Libya, Germany and Northern Ireland. “The reason I was keen to get involved in SALUTES was to get us all working together.

There is one person that Kate was seeing in Banchory who comes into the Legion a fair bit now. He’s really opened up a lot

There’s something like 250 different organisations for ex-service people, and they’re all off doing their own thing while targeting the same people. We should all be working together to the same end.” This is one of the main aspects of the SALUTES superhubs – they will be places where various organisations in this field can come together to operate from a shared base. While Legion Scotland and ASAP are integral to the superhubs’ work right now the hope is that the likes of Combat Stress and Veterans First Point will also make use of the facilities. The benefits of SALUTES are clear: once you get people in and talking about their concerns they welcome the chance to learn more about employment possibilities, or how to expand their social network. “At Legion Scotland we can provide wellbeing, befriending, comradeship and remembrance,” notes Alistair. “The practicalities of life are dealt with by ASAP and Kate. There was one person that Kate was seeing in Banchory who comes into the Legion a fair bit now. He’s really opened up a lot and he’s having a drink and a laugh with the guys there, and that wouldn’t have happened had Kate not got her hands on him. So once Kate is finished with them we can provide the different support in the clubs and branches; it’s like carrying on the process and helping them to not slip back into the horrors they’re carrying.” As Kate notes, there’s another benefit to having central bases for people to

Once you get people in and talking about their concerns they welcome the chance to learn more about employment and social activities meet. “I’ve met a lot of people in their homes and I’ve not had an issue with it but the hubs are about creating a safe space for them and for me. And with wi-fi I can access our advice system or any other information sources that the client might need.” While the long-term plan is for more Aberdeenshire superhubs to open in the likes of Stonehaven and Inverurie Jill believes there might be scope in the future for helping other groups too. “There is potential to open up to the emergency services in the future, as the Legions do, because we know that firefighters are suffering post-traumatic stress. Retired police officers based in Aberdeen are very keen to be involved as well.”

Alistair points to another ex-service community that SALUTES can also direct its attention towards. “Combat Stress’s findings were that the people who most needed help were, by far, ex-Northern Ireland soldiers. They had 30 years of prolonged activity and they were fighting on streets that looked like the ones they knew back home. “So we need to find out where they all are and try to set things up for ex-servicemen and women and their communities. If you look at our clubs a lot of people from within the community are using them for keep fit, Highland dancing and that sort of thing. That’s the type of thing we should be doing.”

HOW TO MAKE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Five tried-and-tested ways that Legion Scotland branches are reaching out

SHARE FACILITIES Branches with club premises are sometimes able to hire out rooms to other groups, which can help build a network and a local reputation.

BREAKFAST CLUBS A growing number of branches are hosting breakfast clubs, inviting veterans – members or not – to come along for a bacon butty and a chat.

RUN AN INFORMATION STALL Local events often have a space for charities and other organisations to set up camp. Head office can provide materials to help you get the word out.

TEAM UP WITH CADETS As they always say, young people are the future. Many branches have found great success in joining forces with local cadets for a range of events.

The project aims to make support services easier to access

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH LOCAL MEDIA Like pop stars, Legion Scotland branches can keep themselves in the public’s mind by making sure their stories get covered in the press.

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 19

photo do Ctrl+Alt+W

Advertising Feature

Taking on a tablet is easy

ablets like the iPad, Galaxy Tab or Kindle Fire are everywhere nowadays. And they can be great. For a start they make it easy to stay in touch with family and friends. You can use Skype to make video calls, you can send emails, even including photos you’ve taken. Or you can use services like Facebook to easily stay in touch with many friends and family all at once - sharing photos and comments on what each other are up to. All from the comfort of your sofa, armchair or even sat in the garden. And all at the tap of the screen. Tablets can be great for entertainment too. Whether you want to read the news online watch TV that you missed when it was broadcast or listen to music, you can do it all. But there’s a flip side. If you’re not sure how to use a tablet, you can feel left behind or confused. Even frustrated when you try to

get it to work. Partly it’s because the tablets hardly ever come with a manual... and partly it’s because it isn’t always easy to work out what you need to do. It’s one of those things that can seem easy and obvious once you know... but until someone tells you, how could you possibly know? That’s where a new guide comes in. It doesn’t assume you’re an expert or a “techie” – it’s written for beginners or people who have

used the tablet a bit but wish it was easier! It’s published by The Helpful Book Company and the author, Tim Wakeling, has helped thousands get to grips with their touchscreen tablets (and before that with PCs) since he set the company up ten years ago. Tim explains everything in plain simple language, not assuming you already know how to do everything. The guide includes plenty of pictures of the screen, showing you exactly what it’ll look like and where to tap the screen. There are separate books for the iPad and for tablets running Google’s Android such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Sony Xperia - but even if you’re not sure what you have, there’s an information pack that tells you all about them – and how to check which you have. The books are only available direct from the publisher, call 01229 777606 and ask for a free tablet info pack.

Calling all iPad or Android tablet owners...

If you ever find your tablet frustrating, aren’t quite sure how to do things or just think you might not be getting all you should from it, read on...

ablets are hugely popular. And no wonder – they’re lighter and easier to carry around than a PC. You can sit in an armchair & browse the web or video call your family around the world. They can be easier to use than PCs, too. But there’s a catch; two, In fact. Catch number 1: They’re different from PCs. Even if you know how to use a PC, you have to start anew. Catch number 2 (the big one!): There are lots of important features that are ‘hidden’. There’s no button for them, saying ‘click here’. And you simply can’t work it out. You need to know to slide the screen from the left, or drag the thingy-me- bob to the right. Someone needs to tell you these things – otherwise you wouldn’t even know they’re there! If I ran the world, these devices would come with a proper manual. Most of the time, though, it’s barely a few pages. Even then, it usually

assumes you already know how to use the device! That’s why I’ve written these books: iPads One Step at a Time & Android Tablets One Step at a Time (ideal for all Android tablets). PlainEnglish – and that’s not all... They explain how to use the device, in plain simple language, with pictures of the screen showing exactly where to tap or slide your fingers. No jargon! Only half the story... That’s only half the story, but I don’t have room to explain it all here. So I’ve put together full info on the books - who they’re for, what they cover and so on. What’s more, the books also come with a small free gift – no room to explain that here, either! Better than WHSmith’s best? What do other people say? ‘Thank you for producing such a superb book – it is really helping me. I had bought one book in WHSmith a

short while ago & couldn’t get on with it at all!’ – J.S. ‘I am delighted with the new book on tablets, so many things I didn’t understand before, being of the “retired brigade” it’s a great help.’ – Doreen Wadsworth Don’t buy now, do this instead You can find out the full details about what’s covered, who they’re ideal for and what you might be missing out on, then decide. Just ask for a free information pack. Quick and easy to get yours Why not ring or write off for the full information now? There’s no obligation. Discover what the books will do for you and about your free gift that comes with

them. (And don’t worry, we won’t pass your address to anyone else.) The infopack will even help you tell what type of tablet you have. There’s no obligation, no cost. You have nothing to lose so why not do it now, while you think of it? Best not risk losing the details, reply to ask for your free infopack today. � RING Emma, Simone, Jess or Michelle on 01229 777606 quoting ‘LS0717A’ Lines open 7 days a week � POST the coupon below to 13B Devonshire Road Estate, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4JS. � EMAIL your name and address to Legion07@helpfulbooks.co.uk Only available direct from the publisher. Send for info now

Please send me a free info-pack about iPads One Step at a Time and Android Tablets One Step at a Time. It’s free & there’s no obligation. Name Address Postcode

Quote ‘LS0717A’

POST TO: 13B Devonshire Road Estate, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4JS, or RING: 01229 777606 We won’t share your details with anyone else

BEFRIENDING

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEFRIENDING Edinburgh-based Janice Aubeeluck shares her experience

You will hear some amazing stories The people you could be matched with to befriend are often lonely and need someone to talk to. I really enjoy meeting people and listening to their life stories – I’m really very nosy. One man I befriended, who sadly died last year shortly after his 100th birthday, was Stephen Murray. He used to tell me about the war, and afterwards when he was stationed in Germany. He worked in the store, so was responsible for rations. I’d really look forward to seeing him every Friday.

Sometimes it can be tough It can be very sad when you’re meeting someone who has dementia, but also funny and enjoyable. There’s a lady I visited in a care home, who also passed away last year, and she would ask where all of her clothes were because she didn’t understand where they’d gone when she’d moved from her house to the room in the care home. I don’t mind if they want to moan to me, and it can take the pressure off the family. My daughter asked me recently why do I befriend these elderly people who are going to die. And I said to her that we all die.

them shopping. Your job is to keep them company and you might be able to help them, for example, to go out for a walk.

You’ll feel better for it too Befriending keeps me busy and gives me a sense of purpose and focus – although lots of other things in life do that too. I’m not an angel. It’s just something I enjoy doing and that others might enjoy too. Janice Aubeeluck has been a befriender for Legion Scotland for almost two years, and regularly visits five people. She is a member of the HQ branch

GET INVOLVED If you would like to become a befriender for veterans in your local area, contact the Legion Scotland head of wellbeing, Stephen Baird, on 0131 550 1586 or at s.baird@ legionscotland.org.uk

Shared experiences are very valuable When you’ve served in the military you have a good idea of what other veterans know. It’s not that civilians can’t do it, but you’ve got a better understanding, even just of things like the initials and the battalions and what they all mean. There’s a lady I befriended who was an army wife – and I served in the army, in the WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps) as a cook. So when she spoke about her husband going off on exercises I knew what that involved.

You mustn’t overstep the line If I were to give one piece of advice to someone starting out as a befriender it’s that you mustn’t fall into the trap of becoming their friend or letting them depend on you. There’s a very fine line and in the training you’ll learn more, like that you mustn’t get

Befriender Janice Aubeeluck with Stephen Murray in 2016

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 21

PASSCHENDAELE

SCOTLAND AT PASSCHENDAELE Between 31 July and 10 November 1917 Passchendaele, now a small and sleepy village in the western part of Flanders, became the scene of the biggest battle ever fought on Flemish soil, writes Erwin Ureel

MEMORIAL MUSEUM PASSCHENDAELE 1917, THE PRINT COLLECTOR / HERITAGE-IMAGES

Polygon Wood, east of Ypres

22 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

N DECEMBER 1915 General, later Field Marshal, Douglas Haig, a lowland Scot with a quite rational and analytical mind, assumes command of the British Expeditionary Force at the Western Front. In contradiction to First Minister Lloyd George, the new commander is convinced that the Western Front, and especially the low plains of Flanders, provide the best conditions for the launch of a fatal assault on the German troops who are occupying almost all of Belgium and a considerable part of northern France. By 1917 Haig gets his chance. After a preliminary battle, including the use of large underground mines at Messines,

preparations for an enormous attack towards the inland of Belgium start at once. On 16 July 1917 the biggest artillery bombardment since the beginning of the war commences. For 14 consecutive days the German lines are pounded with shells of all calibres in preparation for an infantry attack which follows on 28 July. This bombardment results in the total destruction of the area. What had been empty ghost villages before are now reduced to rubble. However, the combination of poor weather and a very effective new defensive approach by the German Army will thwart the plans of the British command. Following the costly

battles of Verdun and the Somme in 1916 Germany realised it had to become much more efficient with its human and material resources and, as a result, rapidly turned towards a well-developed system of defence in depth, mainly based on several lowprofiled bunker lines. In addition, they introduced a doctrine of systematic counter-attacks at almost every stage of battle to regain temporarily lost ground. The first setback comes on 28 July. As a result of a persistent rain the start of the attack is postponed. But even after it diminishes the rain still has dramatic consequences, transforming the torn-up land into a sea of mud. Finally, on 31 July, at 3.50am, two British armies, with some French support on the left, rise from their trenches to storm the German first lines. Despite not coming even close to the far too ambitious objectives set for day 1, the 15th (Scottish) Division captures the higher ground of Frezenberg, in the central part of

More than 50 battalions from Scotland were involved in the battle

British soldiers in the firing line

the attack, while the 51st Highland Division makes an even larger advance in the north of the Ypres Salient (the bulge in the front line which was shaped in 1914 and 1915), together with Welsh and Guards troops. This partly successful attack is very much to the credit of the troops and their commanders in the field, supported by immense artillery preparation. More questions are raised about the almost unachievable objectives set for day 1 by the British Fifth Army, led by General Hubert Gough. On 16 August 1917 a second attempt to break the German lines is launched. The troops are now confronted by the full extent of the German bunker lines and counter-attacks, especially

in the terrain around the central town of Zonnebeke and the wooded area around Gheluvelt plateau in the south. The action is an almost complete failure, and from then onwards a more limited and successful â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hold and biteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; system is introduced and executed under the command of the more thoughtful Second Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Plumer. On 20 September the 9th (Scottish) Division, including its South African Brigade, pushes forward to the edge of Zonnebeke. This momentum is maintained until early October as increasing numbers of Australian and New Zealand troops are brought in, but then disaster strikes again. In their rush to capture the ruins of

The Battle of Passchendaele, 1917

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 23

Passchendaele, the town which was initially only an intermediate objective but had now become the end goal, the ANZACs push things just one step too far, suffering terrible losses in the wide area around the actual Tyne Cot Cemetery on 12 October. It will finally be the Canadian Army Corps, famous for its very thorough and meticulous staffwork, and including a large number of Canadian Scottish battalions, who will capture the remains of the village on 6 November. On 10 November, after 103 days of fighting resulting in almost 500,000 casualties on both sides, the Third

Battle of Ypres, better known as ‘Passchendaele’, is closed. The Scottish presence in the battle is impressive. More than 50 battalions from Scotland, joined by their expat comrades in Scottish battalions from Canada, England and South Africa, and in mixed formations in the Australian, New Zealand and Newfoundland forces, participate in the fight, one of the biggest ever Scottish involvements in a battle. Erwin Ureel is vice chairman of the volunteer group at the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 and initiator of the Frezenberg Scottish

Troops carry a wounded comrade

Great War Memorial, the result of a project he ran between 2005 and 2007 with support from John Sutherland, secretary of the Passchendaele & District branch. Erwin is also coordinating ‘The Long Road to Passchendaele’ centenary weekend

COMMEMORATING THE CENTENARY IN SCOTLAND A national event takes place in Crieff. SUNDAY 30 JULY

The day begins with a parade through the town to Market Park, where a Drumhead Service delivered by the Legion Scotland padre will be conducted. This will be followed by other activity in the park

A weekend of events, ‘The Long Road To Passchendaele’, will take place in the area. Scottish Frezenberg Memorial

SATURDAY 19 AUGUST

A ceremony at the Scottish Frezenberg Memorial, Zonnebeke, at 3.30pm will include the unveiling of life-sized steel silhouettes of Scottish soldiers – a project launched under the patronage of Sir Alistair Irwin, president of Legion Scotland. The Passchendaele 1917 Tattoo in the grounds of the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, Zonnebeke, starts at 8.15pm. Tickets are available from www.passchendaele.be SUNDAY 20 AUGUST

A 10am ceremony takes place at Dochy Farm 24 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

More information

www.legionscotland.org.uk/ news-events/events-diary

Dochy Farm Cemetery

Cemetery, at the grave of Sgt Jimmy Speirs, Cameron Highlanders. Jimmy Speirs was a famous Scottish footballer. A Highland Games in the grounds of the museum will follow that afternoon.

Visitors can also see an original Great War dugout near Zonnebeke church (tickets at the museum). More information

See www.longroadto passchendaele.be or passchendaele2017.org

IWM/GETTY IMAGES, WERNERVC, PAUL ARPS

IN BELGIUM

that will bring the local community and people from further afield together to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation. It is organised by Crieff Remembers in partnership with Legion Scotland.

RADIO WREN Margaret Runcie (née Power) shares her experience of WWII

Margaret joined the WRNS in 1943

We spent over four months learning how to check the radios and then fit them for use in the aircraft 26 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

N THE SUMMER of 1941 I had left my private boarding school, Effingham House in Sussex, aged 15 having passed my School Certificate. I spent the next two years at home in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, mainly helping look after the foxhounds of the Enfield Chace Hunt with my riding instructor Joan Middleton. In the end my mother decided I needed to do something useful, and as she had served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) during WW1 thought I should do the same. I reported to HMS Pembroke III at the Mill Hill outstation on 15 September 1943, and for the first couple of weeks we all learned to drill. My great friend Ronnie was a ‘marker’, but always turned the wrong way as she could not remember her left from her right. We didn’t march very well as a result. I was then transferred to the Crosby Hall outstation in London. I took a fourmonth radio mechanics course, including learning Morse code. I lived in the hall in a dormitory with six other girls on the same course. At weekends I went home, occasionally after an exam on a Saturday morning. We had infrequent air raids at night, especially when the moonlight lit up the river. Armed with buckets of sand and water we went around the various flats to check everything was all right. In February 1944 those who qualified, which was most of us, went to HMS Gosling near Warrington. We spent over four months there learning how to check the radios and then fit them for use in the aircraft. The plane was standing out in the open where we worked, and we slept in Nissen huts. Ronnie and I were then posted to HMS Jackdaw, at Crail, Fife. My rank there at first was Leading Wren, but I was later promoted to Petty Officer, which was great as it meant I had a bit more money.

Margaret (left) and her fellow Wrens

Our job as Wrens was working on torpedo bombers, making sure they flew with their radios working properly. There were eight different radios in each plane. Men were the aircraft mechanics, and they looked after the rest. We had a hut to work in, but the hangers were at the other end of the runway so we had to use bikes to get there. Every day we had to take the used batteries to be recharged, bringing back the fresh ones to put back in the aircraft. We carried the heavy batteries on our bikes, which was no easy task. Acid put into the batteries used to dribble down our bell-bottom trousers and make holes. It was impossible to look smart like Wrens should do, as your hat also blew off in the wind or the aircraft’s slipstream, so we eventually stopped wearing them. Crail House where I was billeted was very nice, built on the edge of a cliff with a beautiful view, and we were all very happy there. I was in Squadron 786, and we had to be able to work whenever the squadron wanted to fly. My fellow Wrens were all great fun, and we worked hard. When we could go on leave I had a problem because as I lived in southern England it took a day and a half to get home, so I usually did not go south. Ronnie and I used to travel all over

Scotland instead. We went to the islands, for instance, where we walked, cycled and hitchhiked. We stayed in YWCAs, and the local people were very kind to us. I only ever went south twice, as going by train was not easy. The men from the Rosyth Naval Dockyard got the train before us. By the time it got to us the carriages were packed full, with some people even sleeping in the luggage racks. In May 1945 were told it would be difficult for us to find a job, so Ronnie and I took a correspondence course in general radio. We took our exam in Crail School on VE Day itself, as everyone else outside was having a wonderful time. It was worth it, as we both achieved firstclass passes. Things were winding down, but I had to wait a further 18 months before I was demobbed. I was one of the last of our group to leave HMS Jackdaw.

We carried the heavy batteries on our bikes, which was no easy task Crail had been a lovely village, and I was sad when I left it for the final time on 31 December 1946. After I returned home to Hertfordshire I wrote to the airlines, but they replied they “did not employ women as radio mechanics”. I then had a few months off working on several different local farms, deciding I really preferred the outdoor life. I applied for and gained entry to the University of Reading in autumn 1947 to study dairying. Margaret Runcie’s story was kindly submitted by her son, Charles Runcie.

SHARE YOUR STORY Voices of Veterans is a Legion Scotland campaign paying tribute to veterans of all ages by sharing their stories. If you have a story to share, whether you left service yesterday or 50 years ago, or know someone with a story and would like to nominate them, let us know. Please contact Christie McMonagle on 0131 550 1549 or at c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 27

POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS FUNDRAISING

BRANCHES MAKE THEIR MARK ON POPPY APPEAL THANKS TO the continued hard work, dedication and support of the many Legion Scotland branches and members, the total amount collected across all branches during the 2016 Scottish Poppy Appeal was an impressive £895,630. Poppyscotland greatly appreciates your ongoing support, which helps to make a real difference to the lives of Scotland’s Armed Forces community. Aberdeen & District £70,165 Aboyne £2,445 Alford £2,286 Alyth £686 Annan £6,747 Anstruther £1,544 Arbroath £13,733 Assynt £441 Aviemore £3,948 Ballater £2,195 Banchory & District £11,320 Bathgate £15,040 Beauly £2,271 Biggar £4,004 Black Isle £5,482 Blairgowrie, Rattray & District £5,227 Bo’ness £2,470 Braco & Greenloaning £694 Brechin £2,008 Bridge of Weir £1,988 Buckie £5,721 Callander £2,926 Campbelltown £3,621 Carnoustie £5,827 Castle Douglas £5,933 Clackmannanshire & District £14,275 Cockenzie & Port Seton £3,223 Coldstream £1,313 Crieff £3,661 Crossgates £772 Cumbernauld £4,657 Cupar £6,782 Dalbeattie £2,767 Dalkeith £17,346 Dingwall £12,620 Dufftown £1,388 Dumfries £20,858

Veteran Sheila collecting in Edinburgh

28 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Dunbar £3,451 Dunfermline £45,930 Dunkeld & Birnam £3,686 Duns £2,958 Easdale £1,698 East Kilbride £11,914 Eyemouth £3,502 Forfar £9,459 Forres £10,076 Fort William £12,597 Fraserburgh £6,665 Fyvie £1,344 Gatehouse of Fleet £1,631 Glenrothes £14,235 Glenurquhart £1,690 Golspie £1,679 Grangemouth £36,042 Hamilton £44,576 Hawick £5,417 Inveraray £1,353 Invergordon £2,340 Inverness £56,101 Inverurie £6,816 Irvine £13,581 Jedburgh £2,130 Keith & District £4,564 Kelso £4,992 Kennoway £978 Killin £610 Kilwinning £7,415 Kincardine O’Neil £1,181 Kingussie £1,319 Kirkwall £12,199 Latherton £580 Lerwick £5,308 Leven £5,093 Lewis £7,778 Liddesdale £1,260 Livingston £25,156 Loch Broom £1,804 Lochalsh £1,025 Longside £2,225 Lossiemouth £2,460 Lumphanan £697 Macduff £4,644 Maybole £1,409 Methlick £547 Millport £718 Moffat £5,218 Montrose £10,179 Muirkirk £600 Nairn £10,115

Father-and-son Poppy Appeal team Donny and Gary

New Deer £2,330 New Pitsligo £600 Newbattle & Gorebridge £1,950 Newburgh £1,093 Newton Stewart £3,783 Newtonmore £647 North Berwick £5,833 North Skye £4,480 Oban £7,180 Oldmeldrum £3,972 Peebles £7,788 Penicuik £4,899 Peterhead & District £8,328 Pitlochry & Blair Atholl £5,409 Portobello £14,895 Prestonpans £6,000 Prestwick £7,410 Roslin £1,383 Rothesay £3,781 Saltcoats £14,902 Sanday £833 Sanquhar £1,607 Scalloway £2,300 Selkirk £4,255 Strachur £172 Stranraer £9,095 Strathpeffer £2,022 Strathspey £2,166 Strichen £843 Stromness £2,910 Tain £4,343 Tarves £499 Thurso £10,872 Tomintoul & Glenlivet £377 Turriff & District £7,401 Uist £1,586 Upper Donside £797 Wick & Cannisbay £7,607 Women’s Section Crail £1,440 Earlston £1,949 Ellon £12,006 Galashiels £8,184 Glenrothes £292 Larkhall £6,626 Methilhill £1,680 Stonehaven £7,775 If your total does not appear here, or is incorrect, please contact Poppyscotland on 0131 550 1553

CAMPAIGN

INSULT TO INJURY CAMPAIGN SUCCESS Funding of £5m to ensure veterans get full war pensions

Shona Robison at the poppy factory

LIFEWORKS COMES TO SCOTLAND IN SEPTEMBER Employability support course will be held in Stirling POPPYSCOTLAND is delighted to announce that another LifeWorks course will be held in Stirling from 18–22 September, providing employability support to veterans living in Scotland. In 2016 a record number of LifeWorks courses were delivered across the UK, with

POPPYSCOTLAND is delighted to announce the success of its Insult to Injury campaign. Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Shona Robison announced that, from 1 April 2017, veterans who receive social care in Scotland will now get the full value of their war pensions, thanks to £5m of funding. The move will benefit up to 1,300 veterans in Scotland. The money will be provided to local authorities to ensure all veterans receiving social care at home or in a residential facility will receive the full amount they are rightfully entitled to, as their war pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments will now be exempt from financial assessment. Mark Bibbey, Poppyscotland chief executive, said: “Together

Scottish veterans travelling from Newcastle to as far as Aylesford to take part. LifeWorks is a fully funded five-day course, equipping those who have left the Armed Forces with the tools they need to find and maintain a civilian job that’s appropriate for them. The course is available to all veterans, regardless of when, and for how long, they served. Participants receive dedicated employability support, including advice on job searching, CV writing and interview preparation, and are provided with ongoing support after the course. A high percentage of delegates who complete the course quickly move into employment, volunteering or training opportunities. If this

with our colleagues in the Royal British Legion and Legion Scotland we launched our Insult to Injury campaign in February 2015 and, thanks to the public support it garnered, the Scottish Government very quickly engaged with us to find a way of addressing this historical discrepancy.” Shona Robison met veterans at the charity’s Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh and said: “Armed Forces veterans are true assets to our society and it is right that we look after them as they did us, which is why we have made this money available.” Poppyscotland is extremely grateful for all the support this campaign has received from Legion Scotland members who helped raise awareness of Insult to Injury.

course is of interest to you, please get in touch. For more information on LifeWorks, and other employment services, please contact Poppyscotland’s employment coordinator on 0131 550 1568 or at gethelp@poppyscotland.org.uk Get employability advice

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 29

IN MEMORIAM

LAST POST Tributes to recently departed Legion Scotland members from across the country

LEGION SCOTLAND

ADAM CARRUTHERS BEM Adam, born 1934, was well-known and well-loved face at both national and regional Remembrance events and was often at the forefront of representing Legion Scotland. Adam joined the Army at the age of 18 and came from a military family – Adam’s father fought in WWI and his two brothers in WWII. He served for five years in the Scots Guards and was deployed to the Suez Canal in Egypt. He also performed royal duties for Buckingham Palace at Wellington Barracks which saw him march in the Coronation of Queen

ANSTRUTHER

JAN MILNE Jan served in the WRNS and later devoted a lot of time to helping others. She was greatly respected in our community not only as treasurer and secretary of the branch for many years but also for all the voluntary work she did for different charitable organisations. A memorial service was held for her but no funeral service as Jan had requested that her body be donated to the University of St Andrews for medical science. CARNOUSTIE

LINDSAY MARTIN Lindsay was well known in Carnoustie and the surrounding area for his work with RBLS, including having served as branch chairman. He was also known for his 35 years with the coastguard, and in his profession as funeral director. His care and attention to detail were legendary, and he was able to bring comfort to those

30 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

Elizabeth II and at the funeral of Queen Mary. Despite being born in Kelso, Adam lived in Edinburgh for more than 30 years and considered the city his home. He was a Borders area standard bearer in the 1960s, and won the

who were grieving the loss of a family member. Lindsay will be sadly missed by many people in the town of Carnoustie. CARNOUSTIE

ANDY COOGAN Andy passed away in March, a few weeks short of his 100th birthday. He was born in 1917 in Glasgow. Andy’s promising athletic career was interrupted by the outbreak of WWII. After the war, Andy devoted himself to encouraging everyone in the community to participate in sport. He coached many international athletes, is great-uncle to Sir Chris Hoy and carried the Olympic torch in Dundee in 2012. Andy will be greatly missed by all. CARNOUSTIE

ANDY JAMIESON The club’s entertainments member has passed away after a short illness. Andy was an active member for

national competition six times. In 2005, he transferred to Edinburgh & Lothians Area and took charge of their annual training (adults and cadets) at Redford Barracks where he helped to deliver a ten-week programme for young cadets. His cadets went on to win the national competition at Perth. Adam was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2014 for 50 years of dedicated service to Legion Scotland. A popular and loyal Legion Scotland member and friend, Adam will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

more than 30 years, eager to help improve the club in any way he could. He was often seen on a tractor at the town’s annual fete and helping the Legion Scotland stall and floats in past years. Andy served in the Royal Marines for more than 10 years, and met his wife Margaret while serving. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. CARNOUSTIE

COLIN SMITH After a short illness Colin Smith, aged 58, passed away peacefully on 15 March. Colin was an active member of the Carnoustie branch and the club’s standard bearer for 20 years – a role he was passionate about – representing the branch throughout Scotland. He was a well-known and much-respected member, who helped younger members of the community to embrace Remembrance Day. A gentle giant who will be much missed.

CRIEFF

MOFFAT

TAIN

HAMISH TODD ‘Oor Hamish’ was born in Crieff in 1924 and, except for his time in the Army, spent his life there. He joined the Home Guard and in 1942 he enlisted in the Black Watch. He spent time in Africa, Palestine, Italy and Greece before being demobbed at Sidi Barrani and returning to Crieff. He was a long-time member of the RBLS Crieff branch. Hamish will be greatly missed by family, friends and fellow Legionnaires.

JEAN COCKAYNE Jean was one of the branch’s longest-serving and most enthusiastic members. She was born in 1917 and trained as a nurse. She joined the medical wing of the Royal Air Force Bomber command in WWII and it was during her service that she met her late husband, Jack. She was a great supporter of many service charities and was part of a group that got the local war memorial refurbished. She passed away just short of her 100th birthday.

JOHN ROSS John was a life member of the branch and died suddenly in April, aged 80. He served in the Army for a number of years, and only recently fulfilled his ambition of visiting the war graves in Belgium. RBLS and Poppyscotland were very close to his heart and he was always involved with raising funds for the different charities. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

DUNOON

DONALD CLARK STEWART Past chairman of Dunoon branch, Donald was born in 1936 and left Dunoon in 1952 to join the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). He served in Germany, Benbecula and St Kilda. He was instrumental in re-forming the Dunoon branch in 1984, and supported the branch until 2007 when it disbanded again. He then became the chairman of the re-formed branch in 2014 until failing health finally took its toll. Donald spent a lot of time organising charity events and running marathons.

SHUTTERSTOCK

DUNS

BRUCE FLEMING Bruce was born in 1931 and spent his National Service with the RAF as an electrical engineer specialising in radar installations. He lived most of his life in Glasgow and only moved to Duns in 2012, becoming a valuable member of the branch. He helped at coffee mornings and was very generous in his contributions to raffles and fundraising activities. He will be greatly missed by our organisation and by his children, Fiona and Cameron.

TAIN

WILLIAM FORBES URQUHART (FORBIE) Forbie sadly passed away in March, aged 89. He joined the RAF and served in Malta, Cyprus, Egypt and Palestine. He was president of Tain Golf Club and played a big part in community events. He was a well-respected person, with stories too numerous to write. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his wife, Margaret, and family at this sad time.

Submitting a Last Post

Please submit dedications to recently departed Legion Scotland members to c.mcmonagle@ legionscotland.org.uk. We will endeavour to include these in the next issue based on the following deadlines: 14 August 2017 (autumn) and 13 November 2017 (winter). Submissions will be reviewed and edited so as to give as fitting a tribute to each and every one as we can. We recommend a length of

TURRIFF & DISTRICT

WILLIAM (BILL) STEWART Bill was a veteran of WWII. He joined the Royal Engineers and landed on Sword Beach on day three of the Normandy Landings. He was then posted to Germany and Egypt before returning to the UK. He was a loyal and dedicated member of Turriff branch and was doorman from 1988 until 2013, when he retired just before his 90th birthday. Bill was a very popular figure who will be greatly missed by family and friends. around 100 words, but appreciate that it may be easier for you to send a longer or shorter piece. If you are able to attach a photo, we will make every effort to include this as well.

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 31

COME AND SEE US FIND YOUR NEAREST LEGION SCOTLAND BRANCH

ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE 01224 707768 Aberdeen Aboyne Alford Ballater & District Banchory 01330 822347 Buckie & District 01542 832636 Bucksburn Dufftown 01340 820711 Ellon 01358 720512 Fraserburgh 01346 518964 Fyvie 01651 891292 Inverurie 01467 620567 Keith & District 01542 882320 Kincardine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil Longside Lumphanan Methlick New Deer 01771 644701 New Pitsligo Oldmachar 01224 704717 Oldmeldrum 01651 872527 Peterhead Stonehaven 01569 763655 Strichen 01771 637792 Tarves & District Turriff & District 01888 563231 Upper Donside ANGUS, PERTHSHIRE & FIFE 07530 380545 Alyth Anstruther Arbroath 01241 873964

Blairgowrie, Rattray & District (sub-branch Perth) 01250 873882 Braco & Greenloaning Brechin 01356 622562 Callander Carnoustie 01241 854940 Ceres & District City of Dundee Crail Crieff 01764 652937 Crossgates 01383 511478 Cupar Dunblane Dunfermline 01383 723921 Dunkeld & Birnam 01350 727773 Forfar 01307 463204 Glenrothes Kennoway 01333 350332 Kirkcaldy Leven 01333 426058 Montrose 01674 672406 Newburgh Pitlochry & Blair Atholl St Andrews Stirling Tayport EDINBURGH, LOTHIANS & BORDERS 0131 550 1590 Bathgate 01506 631989 Cockenzie & Port Seton 01875 810103 Coldstream 01890 882109 Dalkeith 0131 663 3235

32 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS

ANGUS, PERTHSHIRE & FIFE

GLASGOW, AYRSHIRE, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

Dunbar 01368 863275 Duns Edinburgh Central 0131 557 8164 Edinburgh HQ Eyemouth Galashiels 01896 752457 Hawick Jedburgh 01835 863201 Kelso 01573 224506 Liddesdale

Linburn Livingston Longniddry 01875 853241 Melrose Newbattle & Gorebridge Peebles Penicuik 01968 672095 Portobello 0131 669 5418 Prestonpans 01875 811446 Roslin 0131 440 2174

EDINBURGH, LOTHIANS & BORDERS

Selkirk & Ettrick Forest St Boswells GLASGOW, AYRSHIRE, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY 01324 872146/ 07979 006536 Annan Arran Biggar & District Bridge of Weir 01505 613530 Cambuslang

Campbeltown Castle Douglas 01556 504499 Clackmannanshire & District Cumbernauld 01236 735263 Dalbeattie Dumfries & Maxwelltown Dunoon Easdale East Kilbride 01355 233545 Forth 01555 811317

Gatehouse & District Glasgow HQ Grangemouth 01324 483040 Hamilton Helensburgh Inveraray Irvine 01294 313164 Isle of Bute Kilmarnock Kilwinning Knightswood 0141 959 2721 Largs Maybole Millport 01475 530052 Moffat Monkton & Prestwick including Ayr Newton Stewart Oban Paisley Comrades 0141 889 9281 Saltcoats, Ardrossan & Stevenston Sanquhar Stranraer Thornhill Troon HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS 01463 233743 Assynt Aviemore & Rothiemurchus 01479 810892 Badenoch Beauly Black Isle

of Legion Scotland your membership also entitles you to use any other branch across Scotland. A separate fee may apply for using a branch with a club. Branches are listed under five areas, in alphabetical order. Those in BLUE also have a Legion Scotland social club affiliated to them. Clubs which offer accommodation are marked with a .

Creich & Kincardine Dingwall (sub-branch Strathpeffer) 01349 863278 Dornoch Forres 01309 672131 Fort Augustus 01320 366247 Fort William & District Glenurquhart Golspie Helmsdale Invergordon Inverness 01463 234378 Kirkwall 01856 873297 Latheron Lerwick 01595 692314 Lewis Lochalsh Lochbroom Lossiemouth Nairn 01667 453201 North Skye Sanday Scalloway 01595 880355 Strathspey 01479 872212 Stromness 01856 850731 Tain Thurso 01847 893417 Uist Wick (sub-branch Canisbay & District)

RIDERS BRANCH 07884 004890 Across the country

Visit your local club Legion Scotland clubs are a great place for ex-service people to get together. Clubs across the country may offer some or all of the following:

• • • • • • •

Bingo Dancing Snooker Darts Lunch and dinner TV lounge Function rooms

Call your local club to find out about their facilities and forthcoming events

FURTHER AFIELD 0032 (0) 57 365 152 Passchendaele, Belgium HEADQUARTERS BRANCH 0131 550 1586 Ideal for those abroad, or with no branch nearby WOMEN’S SECTION 07826 104879 Arbroath Ayr & Prestwick Bridge of Weir Coldstream Crail Dingwall Dunbar Earlston Ellon Forfar Galashiels Glenrothes Inverness Inverurie Larkhall Loanhead Lossiemouth Methilhill Montrose Oldmachar Oldmeldrum Paisley Stonehaven Turriff

Planning a trip? Legion Scotland clubs are delighted to welcome visiting veterans from across the country. Meals and activities may be available for booked groups. Get in touch with a club in your planned destination to find out what they can offer. For contact details see opposite or visit our website

Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

SUMMER 2017 www.legionscotland.org.uk 33

THE RED TUNIC

LEGION SCOTLAND has more than 150 branches across Scotland, from Kirkwall to Dumfries, and the Isle of Bute to Edinburgh. Every branch is run by volunteers and every one is different. What they all have in common is their desire to work towards improving the circumstances of ex-service people across Scotland. When you join your local branch

HISTORY

HOMEWARD BOUND

HMS Implacable heads south after VJ Day in 1945

The Clyde-built aircraft carrier was poised for further action

HMS Implacable en route to Britain following Japan’s surrender

IWM

IX YEARS of global war came to an end in August 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allies, shortly after the United States, with the consent of the United Kingdom, had dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The damage was devastating, with the death toll of the two cities now estimated at 214,000. The aircraft carrier HMS Implacable, which was constructed on the Clyde by Fairfield Shipbuilding, was in the British Pacific Fleet, 34 www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2017

poised for further action in the event that Japan did not surrender. The aerial photograph above shows the Implacable heading south to Sydney after VJ Day. The ship’s aircraft (22 Supermarine Seafires) line the deck while the ship’s company stretch along it. Forward is the ship’s Scottish Pipe Band, the only one of its kind in the Royal Navy. In the UK, VJ Day is marked on 15 August – the day of surrender. In the USA, however, VJ Day is 2 September, when the documents were signed.

The Scottish Pipe Band play on deck prior to deployment

Letting you focus on the important things WILLS POWERS OF ATTORNEY LIVING WILLS GUARDIANSHIPS AFTER A DEATH TRUSTS EQUITY RELEASE LEGAL AID

Solicitors for Older People Scotland are a group of firms dedicated to providing legal services for the elderly and vulnerable in Scotland, with Legal Aid where possible.

looking after generations

They can help get those future plans and legal affairs in order so that you and your family can make the most of life. Find a solicitor near you by calling us today or visit our informative website.

â&#x2DC;&#x17D; 0800 152 2037 www.solicitorsforolderpeoplescotland.co.uk

TIME TIME TO TO CARE CARE If you someoneyou youknow knowhas has spent spent If you oror someone time our Forces,they theydeserve deserve some some time in in our Forces, extra special careininreturn. return. extra special care At Erskine have thetime timetotoprovide provide the the At Erskine wewe have the compassion, kindness and care that is needed. compassion, kindness and care that is needed. We care for our ex-servicemen and women, their We care for our ex-servicemen and women, their spouses, widows and widowers.* spouses, widows and widowers.* If this applies to you, the difference of a lifetime

If this applies of a lifetime could be justtoayou, quickthe calldifference away. could be just a quick call away.

To find out more about spending time at Erskine for nursing, residential, respite or To find out more about spending time at dementia care, call us today on

Erskine for nursing, residential, respite or dementia care, call us today on

0141 814 4538

0141 814 4538 or visit us at:

or www.erskine.org.uk visit us at:

www.erskine.org.uk

Unless the spouse has remarried*