The official magazine of The Royal British Legion Scotland Issue 16 Winter 2017-18 www.legionscotland.org.uk
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT
DELVING DEEP
LOOKING BACK AT A CENTURY OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE
A WWII diver reflects on his military past
PLUS
BRANCH NEWS, MEMBERSHIP UPDATES, VOICES OF VETERANS, POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS, EVENTS, IAN INGLIS' MILITARY MOBILE MUSEUM, BRANCH DIRECTORY
Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community
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 Claire Armstrong MANAGING EDITOR Fiona McKinlay EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jonathan McIntosh DESIGNER Andrew Bell SUB-EDITOR Andrew Littlefield ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Helen Cassidy helen.cassidy@thinkpublishing.co.uk STORIES TO SHARE? Please contact magazine@legionscotland.org.uk or call 0131 550 1586. Submissions received by 12 February 2018 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
Welcome to new members
I
WOULD LIKE to extend a warm welcome to those of you reading Legion Scotland Today for the first time, as well as to stalwart members who have been a We actively part of the organisation for years and even encourage decades. We ran our first ever membership the wider recruitment campaign in autumn 2017, because members are crucial to our future. community to Legion Scotland looks after the interests remember those of ex-servicemen and women and their who have served families through support services, comradeship and more, and we actively their country encourage the wider community to remember those who have served their country and given so much. We can’t do all of this without you. As part of our recruitment campaign three members kindly shared what Legion Scotland means to them, and on page 20 you can read more about each of them and why they joined. Elsewhere in this issue we look at the Royal Air Force, which celebrates its centenary this year (page 16); explore the Military Museum Scotland in West Lothian, which was opened in 2017 by Linburn branch’s Ian Inglis (page 24); meet WWII diver Daniel Friels (page 26); and share your branch news stories and more. Also, on page 6, we introduce the five people appointed as Veterans Community Support Service coordinators for our new support service. I hope that those of you are who are able will consider signing up to volunteer, so that we can better support those members and other veterans who need our help. Many thanks for reading and being an important and valued part of Legion Scotland.
ADVERTISING Alison Fraser alison.fraser@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 946 8708 Copyright © Legion Scotland 2018. All rights reserved. Legion Scotland is a trading name of the Royal British Legion Scotland SCIO, Scottish Charity No.SC003323
Kevin Gray MM CEO Legion Scotland
WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 3
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We can help you access personalised support for:
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WINTER 2017–2018
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26
CONTENTS
06 11 16 20
MOD / CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018, ANGELA CATLIN, STUART VANCE/TRINITY MIRROR
16
20
ON THE COVER Members of the RAF Falcons parachute display team. Read about 100 years of the RAF on page 16. PHOTOGRAPH: Phillip Goddard MoD / Crown Copyright 2018
SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/ LegionScotland twitter.com/ LegionScotland
24 26 30 32 34
LEGION NEWS The latest from Legion Scotland and beyond, including an introduction to the new Veterans Community Support Service coordinators BRANCH NEWS Stories from Legion Scotland branches across the country 100 YEARS OF THE RAF Celebrating the centenary of the Royal Air Force TRUE COMRADESHIP Three members explain what inspired them to join Legion Scotland and why it matters SHOW AND TELL Ian Inglis introduces the Military Museum Scotland VOICES OF VETERANS: DANIEL FRIELS A WWII Royal Navy diver plunges into the past LAST POST Fond memorial notices from branches across Scotland COME AND SEE US Branch and club directory WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER How troops trained at HMS Dundonald in the 1940s
WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 5
LEGION NEWS
Keeping you up to date with Legion Scotland’s latest
Volunteers can help support veterans through befriending
COMMUNITY
SERVICE LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT VETERANS
Five friendly faces are helping steer the new Veterans Community Support Service LEGION SCOTLAND has welcomed five veterans community support coordinators to drive the Veterans Community Support Service, which launched in December 2017. The service seeks to aid veterans and their families via home visits and companionship, whether they are members of Legion Scotland or not. EMILY CLARK Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine “I began my career in offshore logistics before gaining an honours degree in law and management and an MSc in social work. Having worked in social care – mainly in adult mental health, elderly and child services – I feel the new Veterans Community Support Service is a natural progression for me.”
6 www.legionscotland.org.uk WINTER 2017–2018
ELLIOT THOMSON Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway “I was a corps regimental sergeant major at the end of my 27-year career in the Royal Military Police and I got to influence many changes to improve the lives of personnel. I was very passionate about the welfare of my soldiers and I’m looking forward to transferring this focus to supporting my fellow veterans.” CHARLES KENNEDY Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders “As soon as I saw this new role advertised I knew it would be a great opportunity to help veterans. The problems facing the ex-service community are widereaching, so it’s all the more beneficial that the Unforgotten Forces project
offers a wide range of opportunities to assist them.” ROY HARRISON Highlands and Islands “Following 25 years’ service in the Royal Engineers, I joined NHS Highland before moving to Inverness in January 2016 to work as a support worker with Alzheimer’s Scotland and a peer support worker with Veterans First Point. I’m looking forward to bringing the skills I have developed throughout my careers to my new role.” PETER KERR Angus, Perthshire & Fife “I joined the Army in 1971 and served as a regimental duties soldier in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers until 1993. I finished in
RETAIL
TIME FOR TARTAN The Royal British Legion Scotland tartan is on its way IN PARTNERSHIP with J&I MacDonald Kilts, you will be able to order Legion Scotland tartan items such as trews, skirts, scarves, waistcoats and much more in 2018. Full details will be in the next magazine, but if you would like more information, or wish to place an advance order, you can contact head office on 0131 550 1562. Orders may be placed by anyone but Legion Scotland will be offering a very generous member discount.
The service in Princes St Gardens
REMEMBRANCE
SCOTLAND REMEMBERS
ROGER GAISFORD / ALAMY
Services in Edinburgh mark Remembrance Day FRANK ROSS, the Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, was joined by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and fellow politicians, as well as members of the Armed Forces community, for a ceremony at the Stone of Remembrance to mark Remembrance Sunday on 12 November 2017. More than 100 wreaths were laid at the poignant service, organised by Legion Scotland at the City Chambers, to remember the fallen. Sir Alistair
Detmold as regimental sergeant major of 4 Armoured Workshop REME, and my last posting was as a regimental sergeant major with 71 Aircraft Workshop REME. After this I became a probationary constable with Tayside Police, where I served until retirement in 2012. I look forward to tackling my new role.” GET INVOLVED Each coordinator will oversee a team of volunteers in their area – and you could be one of them. All support volunteers will be required to attend an assessment meeting, complete a one-day volunteer training course and join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme (Disclosure Scotland).
For more information call Stephen Baird, head of the Veterans Community Support Service, on 0131 550 1560.
Irwin KCB CBE, the president of Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, read Laurence Binyon’s Ode of Remembrance after the bugler had played the Last Post. An Armistice Day service was also held at the Garden of Remembrance in front of the Scott Monument. Legion Scotland branches across the country put on, and participated in, many Remembrance events. See a collage of pictures from these at www.facebook.com/LegionScotland
Wear the longawaited Legion Scotland tartan
FUNDRAISING
RUN FOR IT!
Fundraise for veterans by taking part in the Loch Ness Marathon
Get involved with The Team Centurion Poppy Challenge
A JOINT venture between Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland aims to get 100 runners together to run the Loch Ness Marathon on 23 September 2018, to raise money for veterans’ causes. Participants can race either a 5k, 10k, half marathon or full marathon. Legion Scotland CEO Kevin Gray MM said: “If you would like to get fit while supporting veterans we would love to have you involved in our Team Centurion Poppy Challenge.” If you would like to express your interest, contact Claire Armstrong at c.armstrong@legionscotland.org.uk
WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 7
GREAT YARMOUTH EASTER Great Yarmouth promises all the fun of the seaside with sandy beaches, pleasure piers and crazy golf. We stay at the resort’s friendly Nelson Hotel, located on Marine Parade next to the Winter Gardens as well as an entertainment lounge with dance floor. We spend a day visiting the charmingly quaint resorts of Cromer & Sheringham and explore Norwich. Mon 2 Apr 5 Days only £299
coach cruise | air
holidays diRECT fRom sCoTland
PROUD TO SUPPORT
WESTER ROSS & INVEREWE GARDENS EASTER Treat yourself to an Easter break at The Gairloch Hotel which overlooks several quiet, secluded beaches, as well as offering spectacular views of the world famous Isle of Skye. Tempting excursions include Inverewe Gardens, a garden comprising species from across the globe, created from a barren wilderness in the 19th century. Mon 2 Apr 5 Days only £299
TREASURES OF TUSCANY • Exclusive discount for Legion Scotland members – quote GLLEG15 when booking • Donation to Legion Scotland for every booking made
Combine a stay on the beautiful Tuscan coast with visits to iconic Italian cities. Look forward to delightful excursions including Florence, a city established by Julius Caesar in 59 B.C, iconic Pisa, home to the gravity defying Leaning Tower and to picturesque Lucca, a walled city dating back to the Middle Ages with a fine cathedral. This wonderful adventure is based in lovely Lido di Camaiore where you’ll have free time to explore. We also visit nearby Forte dei Marmi, the preferred haunt of many VIPs and where you’ll find super luxury yachts moored off its stunning coastline. Sun 6 May 12 Days from £929
TEL: 0844 248 6105 GLENTONHOLIDAYS.COM
Calls will cost only your phone company’s local access charge.
Pensions & advocacy If you suffered from an injury, illness or disease while performing your duties in service then you may be entitled to a War Disablement Pension or compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Legion Scotland offers advice, help with claim forms and the expert services of our team, who will represent you if you have an appeal. Each year we represent This service is entirely free and you do not need to be a member of Legion Scotland to take advantage of this.
Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community
more than 200 ex-service and serving members of the Armed Forces at tribunals, while giving assistance and advice to thousands more. During the last financial year we have successfully represented clients who have received an estimated total of £900,000 in additional benefits at either their initial claim or at their tribunal. These benefits have drastically improved their quality of life. If you know anyone who may benefit from this service please have them get in touch.
For more information please call us on 0131 550 1566 or 1565, or email pensionenquiries@legionscotland.org.uk
LEGION SCOTLAND NEWS Your 2018 planner
MEMBERSHIP THE YEAR AHEAD MATTERS By keeping up your membership of Legion Scotland you help the charity to support veterans through comradeship, befriending and much more
We place the spotlight on key events taking place in 2018. Check local press and social media for activities near you
Armed Forces Day will be in Edinburgh on 30 June
RENEWALS
We’re delighted to have so many branches well under way with their membership renewals for the 2017/2018 membership year. If you have still to renew, contact your branch as soon as possible to ensure your membership is kept up to date. If you are new to a branch or your personal details have changed don’t forget to complete your membership form and hand this back to your branch.
DIRECT DEBIT
We currently have 575 active direct debits, which is an increase from the last issue of the magazine. If you would like to pay by direct debit you can ask your branch for a form or get in touch with us at head office and we will send one to you. As soon as we receive your form the direct debit is set up and you receive your confirmation letter and membership card direct from head office. We then inform your branch the payment is set up, what date it will be collected and any monies due to the branch are paid once collection is complete.
BRANCH AGMs
Many branches hold their annual general meetings in December or January. This is an important time of year for branches to catch up with their members and talk about the plans for the membership year ahead. Your branch committee will welcome your support, so if your AGM is coming up soon it would be great if you could attend. 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
31 JANUARY
BATTLE OF MAY COMMEMORATION Anstruther, Fife In partnership with the Royal Naval Association – Scottish Area, marking 100 years since the battle.
This year marks the 103rd anniversary of Gallipoli
25 APRIL
ANZAC DAY SERVICE Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh Commemorating the 103rd anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign.
and the HMS Otranto went down off the island of Islay. 29 MAY
SCOTTISH AMERICAN MEMORIAL DAY The Call Memorial Statue, Edinburgh Legion Scotland will mark the 84th Scottish American War Memorial Service at the Scottish American War Memorial. 17 JUNE
FOUNDER’S DAY Dryburgh Abbey, Melrose Honouring Royal
British Legion Scotland founder Field Marshall Earl Haig. 30 JUNE
ARMED FORCES DAY Edinburgh The annual event is celebrated in the capital. 27 JULY
KOREA 65 Scottish Korean War Memorial, Bathgate In partnership with West Lothian Council, this event marks the 65th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. The Scottish Korean War Memorial in Bathgate
4 MAY 2018
ISLAY 100 American Monument, Port Ellon & Islay Marking 100 years since the SS Tuscania WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 9
THE
Don’t let fire cut the party short People aged 60 or over are more likely to die in house fires. If you are 60+, or have a friend, relative or neighbour at risk, contact us today for a FREE home fire safety visit.
Gurkha veterans risked their lives for our freedom. Please consider repaying our debt of honour by leaving a gift in your will.
Call 0800 0731 999 Text ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk
For more information or to donate now, contact us on 01722 323 955, email info@gwt.org.uk visit www.gwt.org.uk or write to PO Box 2170, 22 Queen St, Salisbury, SP2 2EX
RBLS18
Registered Charity No 1103669
BRANCH NEWS BALLATER & DISTRICT
FESTIVAL FUN AT BALLATER Branch members organise a treasure hunt for the village’s Victoria Week celebrations MEMBERS OF the Ballater & District branch took part in 30th anniversary Victoria Week celebrations by inviting the public to participate in their unique spin on a treasure hunt, which saw contestants placing a pin on a world map where they thought the prize was located. Treasure hunters were invited to make a donation for each guess, with the total money raised acting as the grand prize. The treasure’s location was guessed by a visitor with family connections to the local area and they decided to donate their winnings to an HM Services charity.
The cross-laying ceremony in Aberdeen ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE
ABERDEENSHIRE REMEMBERS Community rallies together for Remembrance service
Treasure hunting in Ballater
ON SUNDAY 5 November, the Aberdeen, Banff & Kincardine area held a Remembrance service at St Mark’s Church in Aberdeen. This was followed by a cross-laying ceremony at the nearby Garden of Remembrance.
The branch would like to extend its thanks to area secretary Matt Fyfe, the standard bearers, Legion Scotland members and attendees whose presence ensured the day was a fitting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
DALKEITH
MILITARY COLOURS GO ON DISPLAY New colours receive blessing during special ceremony THE DALKEITH Legion Scotland branch’s new colours were blessed by Reverend Sandy Horsburgh during a service held on 24 September at St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church, where the old branch colours are now being held. In attendance were deputy Lord Lieutenant Richard Callander, Dalkeith
branch president Jim Horsburgh and chairman Sandy Hutchison, as well as a large group of veterans known as the Cold Warriors. After the service attendees enjoyed refreshments at the Dalkeith branch where the new colours took pride of place in the display cabinet.
St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church
WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 11
BRANCH NEWS
Remembering with RAF personnel LONGSIDE
HONOURING THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN
Branch takes part in commemorative service MEMBERS OF the Longside branch and RAF Association branches came together at the RAF Peterhead memorial cairn in Aberdeenshire on September 17 for a service held to commemorate the Battle of Britain. The service at this former wartime station was also attended by personnel from RAF Buchan and cadets from the 1295 (Peterhead) Squadron Air Training Corps.
Military history is brought to life by Irvine branch members
KELSO
IRVINE
MERRYMAKING AT MARYMASS
RACE NIGHT SUCCESS
Irvine branch members join in the fun at local festival
THE KELSO BRANCH’S race night on 28 October was organised by its steward and stewardess, Mark and Jennifer Patterson. Attended by 80 guests, the event proved popular and helped to raise £1,216.50, which was presented to Poppyscotland’s Rachel North.
12 www.legionscotland.org.uk WINTER 2017–2018
Willie McMaster, Irvine branch chairman
KSG PHOTOGRAPHY
CELEBRATED IN Irvine for generations, Marymass Festival dates back to the 12th century and derives its name from the Christian feast of the Assumption, when Mary is said to have ascended to heaven. On 15 August, members of the Irvine branch got involved in the festivities while helping to raise awareness of military history since World War One. They also highlighted the role that Legion Scotland plays in supporting the ex-service community and raising funds for Poppyscotland.
Impressive sum raised for Poppyscotland
Rachel North joins Kelso members
An End to Getting Frustrated with your Smartphone Finally discover how to get it to do what you want, easily (and find out what else you can do with it, too) At last, using your smartphone can be easy, simple and stress-free. Find out how... Modern mobile phones - smartphones as they’re called - can do so much more than just make phone calls. Suitable for iPhones and Android phones like Samsungs, and so on (not sure what phone you have? Best send off for the free info pack)
From browsing the web wherever you are, checking train times, acting as a sat nav... And best of all they can make it so easy to keep in touch with family and friends – in so many ways, from sharing photos to making video calls. But using them isn’t always as easy as you’d want – and that’s putting it mildly!
Do the manufacturers do it on purpose? Sometimes it can seem like the manufacturers deliberately make them complicated - and how you do things is often hidden away. It might be easy once you know, but until you’ve been shown the easy way, it can drive you mad. In fact only yesterday I was talking to someone whose Mum had got a new allsinging-all-dancing phone – but she couldn’t work out how to answer a phone call on it! She’s not daft - it’s just that it’s different from what she’d used before and the phone didn’t come with a manual telling her what to do. Whether you have similar problems or you’re trying to do something slightly more advanced, the thing is, it can be easy to use them... once you know how. But until you’ve been shown, it can be like talking a different language. That’s why I’ve published two new books: iPhones one Step at a Time and Android Smartphones One Step at a Time.
Plain English... and that’s not all They explain how to use the phone, in plain simple language with pictures of the screen showing you exactly where to tap or slide your fingers. No jargon! What’s covered? I can’t list it all here. But amongst other things, you’ll discover: •
How to use it as a sat-nav... in the car or even on foot.
•
Send emails from your phone.
•
Most phones have a good camera so
books speak in plain English.”
Only half the story you can take photos: here’s how to use it properly (and for videos). That’s only half the story but I don’t have room to explain here. I’ve put together full • Share photos with friends around the information on the books - who they’re for, world - quickly and easily. what they cover and so on. • See updates, photos and video clips What’s more the books also come with from friends and family - as soon as a free gift - no room to explain that here they “post” them. either. • Take your music (and radio) anywhere Don’t buy now, do this instead - and how to play it through a decent speaker. The books aren’t available in the shops or on Amazon – only direct from the • Make it easier to read the screen. publisher. Send off now to get a completely • Video phone calls - a great way to keep free, no-obligation information pack. It’ll up with family who live a long way explain what the books cover, who they’re away suitable for and so on – showing you just how it could help you. • Browse the web at home or out and about. Just call 01229 777606 and talk to Emma, Jess, Stella, Jade or Michelle; • And obviously, you can make phone you can call 7 days a week. Or email calls and send and receive text LS0118@helpfulboooks.co.uk or post the messages. (“Voicemail” is covered, too) coupon to The Helpful Book Company, 13B All explained nice and simply. (Find out Devonshire Road Estate, Millom, Cumbria more in the free information pack - read LA18 4JS today to get your full Smartphone on...) infopack - we’ll put it in the post to you straight away (and we’ll keep your details What one reader had to say: private). “Thanks for a fantastic smart phone book. Even if you don’t know what type of Very pleasant staff as usual. smartphone you have, the information I think this book should be sold with every pack will show you how to tell. smart phone. I have learnt so much from Best order your Smartphone infopack now it, the info you get with the phone is nonand soon you could be getting so much existent. more from your phone – with much less Smart phones are quite complex, and your hassle. Simply tear out this coupon and send it to the address below for full information on the smartphone books. Quote Name
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Paying a visit to RAF Leeming
A new place to rest and remember
MOFFAT
MUCH TO DO AT MOFFAT Busy branch members celebrate Christmas together TWELVE MEMBERS of the Moffat branch took part in an enjoyable visit to RAF Leeming on August 31, where they were treated to a behind the scenes tour of the base. The branch’s Remembrance service was well attended by the local community, and the Remembrance parade led by Captain (retd) Ed Cole was a great success. Tributes were also paid to four local World War One heroes, including Captain Samuel Wallace VC, who lies at rest in Moffat Cemetery. Plenty of festive fun was had at the branch’s Christmas party on 7 December, where the Hartfell Weavers, who are led by Royal Navy veteran and branch president Billy Duncan BEM, provided some great entertainment.
TAYPORT
COMMEMORATIVE BENCH INSTALLED New addition to the Tayport war memorial honours the memory of departed branch members THANKS TO the hard work of local branch members and Fife Council, a new bench has been placed opposite the Tayport war memorial. The bench is a fitting tribute to dedicated Tayport branch
members William Henderson, Graeme Buchan and Brian Houghton, who sadly passed away recently. Their names are mounted on plaques on the new bench.
Advice for sending us your stories
SUBMITTING BRANCH NEWS WE LOVE to hear news from branches and members across the country, and we try to include as much as possible in the magazine. Please note the following points when making a submission: l It is always easier for us to present your story strongly with pictures and words, so please include both wherever possible. l We need to know the facts – tell us WHO the story is about, WHAT happened, WHEN it happened, WHERE it happened, WHY and HOW. 14 www.legionscotland.org.uk WINTER 2017–2018
l If you include contact details, this gives us the option to get in touch if we need clarification on any of the above points. l In order to make sure Legion Scotland Today is a high-quality publication, we always favour highresolution images, and stories that are about recent events. l Articles may be edited for length and clarity. Send your stories to magazine@legionscotland.org.uk or call 0131 550 1586
Looking at the excellent work carried out by our branches and members
LOCAL HERO
Send your inspirational stories to magazine@legionscotland.org.uk
NEED FOR SPEED
Riders branch member Steve Laughton says he is treated like a superstar whenever he visits Army veteran Murdo Grant
H
AVING JOINED the Army in 1978, Steve Laughton left the Regulars in late 1983 and served in the Regular Reserves before joining the TA in 1987. After leaving military service in 1990 Steve went on to have a career in social services and criminal justice, eventually joining the Glasgow and Western District Riders Legion Scotland branch in 2013. “The knowledge, ethos and values instilled in you during service always remain a part of you, but leaving the military behind does leave a big hole in your identity,” says Steve. “Thankfully, Legion Scotland gives me a similar sense of purpose and I try to bring my support experience to Legion Scotland.” When Steve learned that a visit to the care home of ex-Army man Murdo Grant – who suffers from dementia – would provide a boost to the former Legion Scotland standard bearer and dedicated Poppyscotland volunteer, he happily went along. “On one of my visits, Murdo was looking smart as a carrot in his
When you leave the forces you discover that you’re a wee bit like an ant: powerful as part of a group but isolated on your own
Ex-Queen’s Own Highlander Steve Laughton bonds over bikes with Murdo Grant
regimental gear. He recognised that I was a member of the Riders branch and I joked with him that we were a wee bit scruffy compared to standard bearers like him,” laughs Steve. “He looked me square in the eyes and said wryly, ‘Aye, you’re telling me!’” For Steve, the highlights of these visits are the moments where Murdo’s family get to see his old self and sense of humour shining through. “Murdo’s family are fantastic and we’ve got plenty of photographs from my visits,” says Steve. “They make me feel like a superstar whenever I turn up, which I really don’t deserve as all I’m doing is giving Murdo half an hour of my time. I’ll definitely be visiting him again soon.” For Steve, the sense of community Legion Scotland promotes to support veterans is the charity’s greatest strength. “When you leave the forces you discover that you’re a wee bit like an ant: powerful as part of a group but isolated on your own, which can be overwhelming,” he adds. “However, with
its fundraising and comradeship events, Legion Scotland is the glue that keeps people together. I get so much out of my membership – the banter being the best bit.” Murdo looks ‘smart as a carrot’
WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 15
100 YEARS RAF CENTENARY
OF THE RAF
THE RAF TAKES OFF
The Royal Air Force (RAF) and Women’s Royal Air Force formed following the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). It was the first time that any country had formed an entirely separate and independent air force and the new service had its own ministry under a secretary of state for air. The RAF was the most powerful air force in the world, with more than 290,000 personnel and nearly 23,000 aircraft.
As the Royal Air Force celebrates its centenary, we take a look at how the service has shaped military, political and aviation history
1918 An RNAS observation balloon
F
OUNDED IN April 1918 under the motto ‘through struggle to the stars’, the Royal Air Force has reached many heights over the past 10 decades. Affectionately dubbed ‘the junior service’ due to it being the last of the three services to be formed, the RAF and its personnel have performed unimaginable acts of bravery defending Britain and helped further humanity’s fascination with flight. Here, we place the spotlight on the service as it enters its second century.
DID YOU KNOW? The RAF’s motto was inspired by the words of H. Rider Haggard
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DID YOU KNOW? The Spitfire can climb 7,000 metres in nine minutes
NUCLEAR DEFENCE DURING COLD WAR
The Spitfire carried out its maiden flight at Eastleigh Aerodrome on 5 March 1936 THE SPITFIRE IS REVEALED
An F16 fighter aircraft at RAF Leuchars
1920
SHUTTERSTOCK, MILITARY IMAGES / ALAMY, ANGUS FORBES / ALAMY, MOD / CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018, POPPERFOTO / GETTY
RAF LEUCHARS IS BORN Leuchars’ aviation history dates back to 1911, when a Royal Engineers balloon squadron set up a training camp in Tentsmuir Forest. Work began on levelling the existing site on Reres Farm in 1916 and initially, Leuchars was intended as a training unit. Construction was still under way when the Armistice was signed in 1918 and the unit was formally named Royal Air Force Leuchars in March 1920.
Heralded as a masterpiece of aerodynamic design, the Supermarine model 300 – later renamed the Spitfire – carried out its maiden flight at Eastleigh Aerodrome on 5 March 1936. Its test pilot, ‘Mutt’ Summer, instructed the design team not to alter a thing. A total of 20,351 Spitfires were produced for the RAF and the aircraft proved so adaptable that it became the only fighter in production before, during and after WW2.
1936 3,000
aircraft were shot down during the Battle of Britain
The Spitfire, designed by R J Mitchell
The RAF was the most powerful air force in the world, with more than 290,000 personnel
Winston Churchill’s famous words about the bravery of RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain
1940
Tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union following World War Two brought the world to the brink of nuclear destruction. Occupying a strategic position between continental Europe and the North Atlantic, a variety of NATO installations were subsequently built in Scotland. The RAF held the UK’s nuclear deterrent and several airfields across Europe, including RAF Kinloss and RAF Machrihanish, served as dispersal sites for V-bombers during times of national emergency, until the Royal Navy assumed responsibility for the UK’s nuclear deterrent in 1968.
1947-1991
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN
On 22 June 1940, France surrendered to Germany and Hitler set his sights on Britain. On 4 September, Hitler ordered the Luftwaffe to destroy London and other major UK cities. However, on 15 September – now known as Battle of Britain Day – the RAF managed to scatter many of the German bomber formations and shot down 61 enemy aeroplanes, the biggest loss the Luftwaffe had suffered for more than a month. It is estimated that between July and October 1940, the RAF lost 1,023 aircraft while the Luftwaffe lost 1,887. Although British cities were bombed throughout the war, German plans to achieve air superiority were abandoned.
Vulcan jet bombers, part of the V-bomber force
1,340
tons of food were delivered daily by the RAF during Russia’s blockade of Berlin
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On 16 December 1998, RAF Tornados joined USAF F-117s in raids on military targets in Iraq
On 16 December 1998, RAF Tornados joined USAF F-117s in raids on military targets in Iraq, following a strike by US cruise missiles. Operation Desert Fox was a response to Iraq’s continuing refusal to cooperate with UN arms inspectors. The Tornado saw active service during the Gulf War, including operations Granby, Telic, Herrick, Ellamy and Shader.
DID YOU KNOW? During the Second World War, the RAF reached a total strength of 1,208,000 men and women, of whom 185,000 were aircrew. About 70,000 RAF personnel were killed in the conflict
1994
The RAF100 Inspire Youth Programme
1998
THE EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON DEBUTS
The Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, was conceived by Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain in 1988 as a counter to Russian fighters. Following the end of the Cold War, the first prototype was flown in March 1994. Today, RAF Lossiemouth is one of only two main operating bases for the Typhoon in the UK. The Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 is still in service
A Tornado during Desert Storm
2018 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
Between April and September 2018, the Royal Air Force is marking its centenary with a series of events reflecting on its incredible history and achievements. From a nationwide tour of famous aircraft to the Centenary Baton Relay and RAF100 Inspire Youth Programme, the celebrations will honour the achievements and individuals behind 100 years of aviation history and look ahead to the ways in which the next generation will shape the RAF’s second century. To find out more, visit raf.mod.uk/raf100
ACE PILOT: ARCHIE McKELLAR PAISLEY-BORN Archie McKellar was one of 17 RAF pilots who shot down 10% of all enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. Joining the RAF in 1936, aged 24, McKellar completed his training in 1938 and was assigned to the No.602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron RAF before being promoted to squadron leader of No. 605 Squadron RAF within a year. In 1939 he shot down two German bombers attacking Royal Navy ships in the Firth of Forth, becoming the first pilot to shoot down German aircraft over the British Isles in the Second World War. McKellar destroyed 21 German aircraft during his career, becoming an ace in a day after shooting down five Messerschmitt Bf 109s on 7 October 1940. He was killed in action on 1 November 1940 – one day after the Battle of Britain ended – and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
A 1940 portrait of Archie McKellar by Cuthbert Orde
GARY EASON / FLIGHT ARTWORKS / ALAMY, MOD / CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018
OPERATION DESERT FOX
RAF CENTENARY
LEST WE FORGET
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) honours the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars
F
rom building and maintaining cemeteries and memorials in 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries to the preservation of its records and archives, the CWGC works tirelessly to ensure the wartime achievements of individuals will never be forgotten. Patricia Keppie, regional coordinator for the CWGC, here tells us about four RAF graves and memorials that they help to safeguard.
Restoring the Ben More memorial
BEN MORE MEMORIAL “Four Second World War airmen were killed in a crash on the slopes of Ben More on 13 April 1941, following a night navigation exercise from RAF Kinloss. After learning that the memorial was in a state of disrepair in 2012, the CWGC worked alongside the local air cadets with the help of Scottish Mountain Rescue to restore it. We also erected a new memorial in Inchnadamph village so that the local community and families could pay their respects more easily.”
ALLAN ROBERTSON BROWN “An Air Mechanic 3rd Class, Allan Robertson Brown died, aged 20, on 18 November 1918. Although Brown was buried at Brookwood Military
Cemetery near London, research revealed that his father was from Kilmarnock. A ceremony was held in 2016 to mark the installation of a new headstone at Kilmarnock Cemetery.”
ANNIE CRAIK “The CWGC looks after 20 war graves at Sleepyhillock Cemetery at Montrose Air Station – now an aviation museum – commemorating servicemen who served in the RFC, Australian Flying Corps and RAF during the First World War. One such grave belongs to Annie Craik, who served in the WRAF and died on 3 November 1918.”
GRAVES AT LEUCHARS
“We have done a lot of work recently at Leuchars, where there are two First World War and 56 Second World War graves, which we look after on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The photo [right] shows some of the work we have done to ensure headstones stay level and upright as they should.”
Keeping Leuchars headstones level and upright
We have done a lot of work recently at Leuchars, where there are two First World War and 56 Second World War graves
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MEMBERSHIP
TRUE COM
Late last year three men took centre stage in a campaign to attract new members to Legion Scotland. Each of them tells us what inspired them to sign up
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ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS
JOHN ROBERTSON 24 years’ service
What’s your military background? After serving in the Army Cadet Force from 1983 until 1989 I joined the 1st Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in October 1989, reaching the rank of sergeant. I then spent the rest of my time in the military with 5SCOTS (The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), from 2006 until 2012. Following two operations on my knees in the mid-1990s I moved out of mainstream infantry and specialised in transport, which I discovered I had a hidden talent for. A highlight was
my post at Clarence House, where I worked for TRHs The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and Princes William and Harry. How did you become involved in Legion Scotland? I heard about the Riders branch during my final posting at HQ 2 Division in 2011 and joined up. I have nothing but praise for the Riders branch. Whether fundraising, raising awareness, supporting one another or providing funeral escorts for our fallen – serving and veterans alike – I find it very fulfilling. Was adjusting to civilian life challenging? I planned my transition to civilian
Times have changed and so have service personnel, so if I can help with Legion Scotland’s transition then all the better
John is now a train driver with ScotRail
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John serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
life two years in advance, buying a house to get my family out of the service security bubble and ensuring they were settled before I left. I then researched jobs, applying only for those that appealed to me, instead of leaving it late and feeling like I had to accept whatever came along as a last resort. Since then, I’ve undergone 18 months of assessment and training in order to gain my European train driver’s licence. I’m now a train driver for ScotRail. Why was it important to you to be involved in this campaign? Looking to the future, I think Legion Scotland needs an injection of younger members and a revamp of the oldstyle blazer, shirt and tie image that it’s sometimes wrongly associated with. Times have changed and so have service personnel, so if I can help with Legion Scotland’s transition then all the better.
RADESHIP 2
ROYAL MILITARY POLICE
ELLIOT THOMSON 27 years’ service
I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering becoming a member to get involved
What’s your military background? I served in the Royal Military Police for 27 years, beginning as a private soldier in 1986 and leaving as a corps regimental sergeant major. During this time I served in England, Northern Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Canada, and took part in operational deployments in the Balkans and the Middle East. What challenges have you faced adjusting to civilian life? Finding the right job proved to be my biggest obstacle. I never missed the everyday aspects of my job within the military but I did miss the daily comradeship and banter. We military types have very set views which I am not sure non-military people always understand, and although it was my choice to leave the military I felt as if I had been kicked out of my favourite club. What is your role within Legion Scotland? I am the veterans community support coordinator for Glasgow, Ayrshire
Wife Denise with Elliot at the National Memorial Arboretum
Elliot is now a veterans community support co-ordinator
and Dumfries and Galloway and, as such, I am fully involved with the problems that veterans face every day. Why was it important to you to be involved in this campaign? I wanted to remind people like me to join Legion Scotland and stop just thinking about it. I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering becoming a member to get involved, especially those from the younger generation, as they will play a key role in shaping Legion Scotland’s future. Although you won’t be back in your favourite military club, you’ll be in one that comes a close second.
During his service with the Royal Military Police
WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 21
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ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY
DOUGIE CRABBE 24 years’ service
What’s your military background? I began my military career in June 1980 with the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion at Shorncliffe Army Camp in Kent. In 1981 I transferred to the Royal Regiment of Artillery and joined 50 Missile Regiment in Menden, Germany, carrying out jobs as part of a launcher section for the Lance Nuclear Missile System. In 1993, 50 Missile were disbanded and I moved to 39 Regiment Royal Artillery, where I was employed as a detachment commander on the Multiple Launch Rocket System. In 2001, I was posted to Episkopi in Cyprus and attached to 1st Battalion King’s Own Royal Border Regiment for a year and a half. When they left Cyprus I remained there and completed my final year attached to the Royal Highland Fusiliers. During my service I carried out one operational tour in Northern Ireland, three tours with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force In Cyprus (UNFICYP) and served in Bosnia as part of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), and then as part of the NATO Implementation Force (IFOR). How did you become involved in Legion Scotland? I first joined Legion Scotland in 2009.
There is always a positive, friendly and proactive atmosphere at every branch event
Dougie is now a standard bearer with the Livingston branch
Dougie (right) in Uphall for a 2017 Passchendaele commemoration
However, after attending one meeting, which was mostly taken up by old men arguing, I left feeling very disappointed. In 2014 Karen Elliot from Legion Scotland approached me about becoming a member once again, and I went on to join the Livingston branch that year. With a social calendar consisting of comradeship events, including gokart racing and clay pigeon shooting, and fundraising activities from bag packing to sponsored walks, there is always a positive, friendly and proactive atmosphere at every branch event. What challenges have you faced adjusting to civilian life? It took me eight months to secure housing, which put a lot of pressure
on my family. Alongside this, I found it difficult to adjust to civilian employment and really struggled with losing contact with the many good friends who formed a vital support and social network throughout my 24 years in the military. Thankfully, there are fantastic people in the Livingston branch who have helped me settle down. Knowing you have someone you can confide in, who understands what you’re going through, is a huge support. What is your role within Legion Scotland? I have been a standard bearer at the Livingston branch for almost three years and have taken part in commemoration services in Crieff, and at Edinburgh Castle and Dryburgh Abbey, to name a few. In September, I took part in a Glasgow to Edinburgh bike ride with branch members Tony Hooman and Eric Wicks, which was a huge privilege. Although the funds raised were for Macmillan Cancer, a charity that is pertinent to all three of us, I was really overwhelmed to find Livingston branch members cheering us across the finish line. This is true comradeship. Why was it important to you to be involved in this campaign? If my experiences or words encourage even one person to join Legion Scotland then it’s been worth it. I hope we can reach a wider, more varied audience and inform people that it’s a fun, exciting and productive team to be part of. WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 23
COLLECTIONS
SHOW AND TELL Linburn branch’s Ian Inglis reflects on the first year of the Military Museum Scotland, which he launched last March
I
AN INGLIS started his military collection aged just nine years old. Following the death of his father, Ian inherited the medals his dad had won for bravery during World War Two. Since then he has collected memorabilia from all forces and all major conflicts. When Ian started sharing his collection with friends they all urged him to do more with it – and so he created the Military Mobile Museum. For six years Ian would tour around schools, bringing in objects and teaching pupils about the World Wars and beyond. Eventually, storage became an issue for Ian and he decided to look for permanent premises for the collection. The solution came in the form of the old Legion Hall building on the Scottish War Blinded estate in Wilkieston, West Lothian.
SETTLING IN “I collected the keys to the building on 13 January 2017. The first task was to clear it out, clean it and repaint,” Ian explains. “While that was going on, I started moving in the pieces of my collection that would form the core of Military Museum Scotland. “Two fantastic artists offered to paint a mural, which is now used on all promotional media for the museum. It took them two weeks and they gave their time for free, so I only had to pay for the paint.” Ian called on friends, family and volunteers to help with admin, build displays and more, ready for the grand opening on 4 March. “We have a home front display that is in the museum’s café/gift shop. In the main hall, the main museum, we have a big Royal Artillery presence. As I am a third-generation Gunner, that was always going to happen. We also have Army displays covering WWI, WWII, post-war, RAF, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAMC and some Axis items.” More than 250 visitors came through the museum doors on the opening weekend, raising enough money The museum to cover the first three includes a months’ rent for mock-up of the premises. a World War One trench
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Not being allowed to dig on the estate, I had to recreate a trench on the surface BUILDING A TRENCH As if launching and running the museum wasn’t an ambitious enough project, Ian decided he wanted to add a World War One trench system in the grounds. “Thanks to an old Army buddy who is now a manager at Allstar Joinery (a Scotland-based shopfitting company), materials, timber and wriggly tin were donated to build the trench,”
Ian Inglis with some of the items in his military collection
FATHER AND SON The collection connection
STUART VANCE/TRINITY MIRROR
explains Ian. “Not being allowed to dig on the estate, I had to recreate a trench on the surface. It took me about eight weeks to build it bit by bit. “Once the trench was done, I thought, ‘What next?’ So the trench now has an officers’ dugout too, and there are further plans afoot ...” FILLING THE DIARY The museum is open six days a week, Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday reserved for school bookings. Private groups can also book evening visits or host other events in the museum. On the last Friday of every month the Military Museum Scotland hosts talks and guest exhibitions. A veterans dropin session takes place every Wednesday
morning, while in August Ian launched an Armed Forces and veterans breakfast club on the last Sunday of every month. LOOKING AHEAD Ian says: “It was a struggle to get this far, and it is a struggle to keep going. We get no external funding and rely on the small entrance fee we charge – only £4 per adult and £2 for a child – and supporters’ donations. We also depend on the help of volunteers and are looking for donations or loans of items of interest to enhance our displays.” Find out more at facebook.com/ Military-Museum-ScotlandSCIO-591070184353808/ or contact Ian Inglis at milmussco@aol.co.uk
Ian Inglis’ father George fought with the Royal Artillery in World War Two and received The Military Medal for acts of bravery. He was involved in the Battle of the Reichwald and the Battle of the Bulge, opened fire on enemy tanks at Adelheide and organised the evacuation of a wounded troop commander at Isselburg. Ian followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Royal Artillery in 1980. He served for 21 years and was involved in the UN peacekeeping tour in Cyprus.
Proud son and soldier
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UNDER THE SEA WORDS: PENNIE TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY: ANGELA CATLIN
WWII diver Daniel Friels shares his memories
Royal Navy veteran Danny Friels
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W
HEN HE remembers his days as a Royal Navy diver during the Second World War, Daniel Friels mimes being under water. His hands reach for an invisible rope as he re-enacts a slow-motion descent into the depths. “The sunshine went right the way down through the water,” he says. “You could see all around, and even though you were weighted you felt very light. It was lovely down there.” Now aged 97, his short-term memory damaged by dementia, Danny, as he is known, enjoys reminiscing about his war years. They were spent helping to defend the high seas, working in ships’ engine rooms as a mechanic engineer or donning a cumbersome wetsuit to make vital underwater repairs. It was a dangerous job. Many Allied ships were lost to enemy bombardment, air attacks and submarines, and Danny shudders as he relives the impact of a shell hitting the hull. “We were always expecting a torpedo to burst through the side,” he says. “That would have been the end of it all.” Born in January 1921, the youngest of eight children, Danny grew up near Kilwinning in Ayrshire. He had no desire to follow his father down the mines when he left school at 16, so took work as a labourer on surrounding farms instead. Then in 1939 he went to Glasgow and enlisted in the Royal Navy as an able seaman. “I wanted to be trained,” he says. “The Royal Navy gave me that.” He served his engineer apprenticeship on
I was down in the boiler room helping to keep the furnaces going. It was frightening sometimes
Danny with his daughter Anne and neighbour Willie McMaster in Crosshouse, Ayrshire
Danny’s prized model of a deep sea diver
the battleship HMS Barham, which had protected Russian convoys in the Arctic and covered the Mediterranean Malta convoys. The Barham was damaged by German aircraft during the evacuation of troops from Crete in March 1941, and a few months later it was sunk by a German submarine off the coast of Egypt, with the loss of 862 men, twothirds of her crew. With characteristic self-effacement, Danny will not talk about the action he saw. “I was down in the boiler room helping to keep the furnaces going,” he said. “It was frightening sometimes, but you just had to get on with the job.” Danny now lives with his daughter Anne and her family in Crosshouse, Ayrshire. Their neighbour is Willie McMaster, chairman of the Irvine branch of Legion Scotland. “I can understand why veterans may not want to speak about the horrific things they’ve seen,” he says. “But I am in no doubt that what Danny did was very brave. He is a hero.” The next ship that Danny joined was HMS Dido,
a Royal Navy cruiser that was also damaged during the Crete evacuation. She was tasked with patrolling the dangerous waters between Gibraltar, Malta and Alexandria, and around north and west Africa. The ship came under heavy attack as she protected convoys, rescued stricken sailors and provided cover for troops ashore. By this time Danny had qualified as a deep-sea diver. If a propeller needed freeing, if something was dropped overboard, or if there were subsea repairs and welding to be done, Danny would don his diving suit and take to the depths. His deepest descent was to 112 feet (34 metres). “It didn’t feel cold because you wore big woollens underneath, and your wrists were tied to stop the water getting in,” says Danny. “My hands had to be free, though, so I could work.” To occupy himself between shifts, Danny intricately handcrafted a detailed model of a deep-sea diver, complete with miniature ropes, oxyhydrogen tanks and a helmet made from a brass bed knob. Encased in glass, it is his prize possession. “Dad always told us such funny stories about his time in the Royal Navy,”
says daughter Anne. “They are very happy memories for him.” Once the war ended, Danny took civilian work in factories and on farms. He married his sweetheart, Jean, and they had three daughters. Now widowed, he has six grandchildren, one of whom is a Royal Marine. “I am proud of him, and I am very proud to have been a deep-sea diver in the Royal Navy,” says Danny, giving an emphatic thumbs-up. He also has 14 great-grandchildren.
SHARE YOUR STORY Voices of Veterans is a Legion Scotland campaign that pays tribute to veterans of all ages by sharing their stories. If you have a tale to tell, 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 call 0131 550 1586 or magazine@ legionscotland.org.uk
WINTER 2017–2018 www.legionscotland.org.uk 27
POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS FUNDRAISING
GET ON YOUR BIKE Poppyscotland aims to grow cycling event in 2018 ON SUNDAY 24 September 2017, around 900 cyclists from across the country got on their bikes and took part in the fourth annual Poppyscotland Sportive. This important fundraising event has grown steadily in popularity since Poppyscotland ran their first Sportive back in 2014. Sponsorship from Fred.Olsen Renewables allows 100% of the registration fee to go directly to the charity and, in 2017, a grand total of just under £57,000 was raised. A combination of the Sportive’s success, the beautiful-yet-challenging terrain, and Poppyscotland’s charitable objectives were all recognised in August 2017, when the event was ranked the third best Sportive in Scotland by sportive.com. In 2018, a year that sees the centenary of the end of World War One, Poppyscotland is looking to grow the event further again. They hope to have more than 1,000 riders
pedalling through East Lothian and the Scottish Borders on Sunday 30 September 2018. The aim is for the cyclists to break fundraising targets and achieve personal goals while helping to provide life-changing support for the Armed Forces community.
The Poppyscotland Sportive offers a choice of three routes, developed to suit different levels of fitness. The distances – either 45, 68 or 102 miles – allow those taking part to travel along the East Lothian Golf Coast Road and then back through the hills and countryside. The Poppyscotland Sportive is highly rated by cyclists
FUNDRAISING
POPPY PLEDGE Fundraisers invited to mark centenary
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SATURDAY 11 November 2017 marked the beginning of a particularly significant year in British history, which will culminate in a very poignant anniversary – the centenary of Armistice Day. It will be 100 years since the end if the First World War and to commemorate this anniversary, and to pay tribute to all those who served and sacrificed, Poppyscotland has launched The 1918 Poppy Pledge. Poppyscotland is reaching out to supporters, groups, schools, clubs and organisations around the country to inspire them to take a pledge to raise £1,918 over the course of this momentous year to honour the fallen and give hope to the living. The 1918 Poppy Pledge fundraising campaign will run until 11 November 2018. Successful fundraisers will
be invited to be a part of official 2018 Remembrance activities, as well as their support being acknowledged in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh after its renovation in 2019. The 1918 Poppy Pledge will be a fitting tribute to the thousands who lost their lives in the First World War. As well as ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten, this campaign will raise vital funds to help Poppyscotland continue supporting the Armed Forces community living in Scotland. The money raised will make a lifechanging difference to veterans, and their families, today. To take The 1918 Poppy Pledge call 0131 557 2782 or email fundraiseforus@ poppyscotland.org.uk for more details
The Poppyscotland team and partners at the newly opened welfare centre WELFARE
KILMARNOCK WELFARE CENTRE OPENS Poppyscotland establishes new service in Ayrshire POPPYSCOTLAND OPENED the doors to its new Welfare Centre in Kilmarnock’s King Street back in October. Ayrshire has enjoyed close links with the Armed Forces for many years, with around 37,000 veterans and their families living in the area. Thanks to generous funding from both The MacRobert Trust and LIBOR, Poppyscotland has opened this specialist support and advice centre in Kilmarnock to provide one-to-one local services.
Ayrshire’s new Poppyscotland Welfare Centre
David Cooke, manager of the new Welfare Centre, was in the RAF for 22 years and during this time he trained as a social worker. Of his new role, David said: “I genuinely can’t stop smiling. To come from the Armed Forces and then into social work and now here – it’s a dream come true. “People can drop in to our Welfare Centre for the opportunity to meet other veterans as well as the chance to take part in specially run courses and activities.
“We have a wonderful team here in this great facility. We are delighted for the opportunity to make a difference to members of the Armed Forces community in Ayrshire.” The new Ayrshire facility has been closely modelled on Poppyscotland’s successful Inverness Welfare Centre, which opened in 2013. Offering informal advice as well as one-to-one consultations, the knowledgeable Kilmarnock staff will be able to steer visitors in the right direction, whether it’s for employment advice, financial assistance, housing issues, or even just for a coffee and a chat. Veterans using the centre will also be able to access the services of the Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA), Veterans First Point (V1P) Ayrshire & Arran, Combat Stress, SSAFA and Unforgotten Forces. David added: “Our aim is to provide life-changing support by reaching out to veterans, personnel currently serving, and their families. We want to be there for them when they are in need.” If you would like to get in touch with the new Poppyscotland Ayrshire Welfare Centre, please call 01563 598000, email kilmarnock@poppyscotland.org.uk or drop in to The MacRobert Centre at 44 King Street, Kilmarnock KA1 1NP
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IN MEMORIAM
LAST POST
Tributes to recently departed Legion Scotland members from across the country ABERDEEN
WILLIAM STABLES Bill was born in Aberdeen on 29 December 1935. He did his National Service in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders during the 1950s, serving in Germany and Korea. On leaving the services he met his wife Arline. He had two sons and was employed as a quantity surveyor and estimator in Aberdeen. Bill was a keen sportsman, taking part in cricket, golf and bowling over the years. He was a member of the Aberdeen branch for 56 years, enjoying the comradeship and many events held there. He will be sadly missed by the branch, his family and friends. ARBROATH
BEN SMITH Ben was born on 16 December 1943 in Forfar. He joined the Army at the age of 24, but asthma stopped him from making a long-term career of it. He joined the Arbroath branch in 1967 and over the years he was a bingo caller, a drum major for the pipe band and a standard bearer, which he was very proud of. Any parades which required the standard, you would find Ben there, including Remembrance Sunday and Anzac Day. After he gave up due to ill health he still managed to check up on whoever was carrying the standard to make sure they were doing it properly. BALLATER
WILLIAM DOUGLAS WILKIE Doug Wilkie was born in Glasgow in 1944. Following teacher training and a teacher position in Uganda he joined the Educational Corp in 1974, where he enjoyed 17 years in various postings around England
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and one to Hong Kong. Following retirement from the Army Doug moved to Ballater in 1991 with his wife Lyn, where he was actively involved with the Ballater branch, and was president for several years during the 1990s. A keen sportsman, Doug received numerous rowing caps for Scotland and also represented Uganda at rugby. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him. FYVIE
LESLIE [LES] CAIE Les served 12 years in both the Royal Army Pay Corps and the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. He was a regular supporter of Legion Scotland and took part in our sporting activities, winning the National Cribbage Championship. He died aged 70 and is survived by his wife Anne, also an enthusiastic club member, and his brother and sister. He will be sadly missed. FYVIE
WILLIAM [WILLKIE] GORDON Willkie was an ex-Gordon Highlander who served in the Second World War and landed on the beaches in France. He died aged 95. HAWICK
JOHN (IAN) ANDERSON Ian was enlisted to the King’s Own Scottish Borderers for his National Service, and went to the Malayan Emergency in the 1950s. He quickly gained promotion to full corporal. While acting as platoon sergeant during a patrol he had to take over as platoon commander until his own platoon commander returned from illness. Ian died in June of 2017 and will be missed by all who knew him.
HAWICK
THOMAS (TOM) NORMAN Tom served in the Royal Air Force and then on retirement joined the Hawick branch of Legion Scotland, where he was one of the standard bearers. Tom ended up as the senior standard bearer for many years and was always ready to show and teach the next generation of standard bearers. ST ANDREWS
IAN EDWARD LOWLES Dr I E Lowles was a member of the branch for several years. He died on 27 November 2016. Ian was a gynaecologist who served in the RAF and was latterly a lecturer at the medical school, University of St Andrews. TAIN
RODERICK [RODDY] LAMONT MACLENNAN Roddy passed away very suddenly on 15 September 2017, aged 81 years, while on a golfing weekend with friends. A keen golfer, in his younger life Roddy was also renowned for his footballing skills. The Royal British Legion Scotland was very close to his heart and at this time of the year he would be out placing crosses for old comrades. He was a true gentleman and good friend to many and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts at this time go out to his wife Betty and family. TAYPORT
DAVE MARTIN Dave Martin was a stalwart member of the Tayport branch, greatly liked and active within the community. He sadly passed away on 22 November 2017. Our thoughts go out to his wife Laurie and the rest of Dave’s family.
Legion Scotland key contacts Main Switchboard 0131 550 1586 Membership and Branch Support Alastair Duff / Claire Armstrong 0131 550 1586 info@legionscotland.org.uk
Submitting a Last Post Please submit dedications to recently departed Legion Scotland members to magazine@legionscotland.org.uk. We will endeavour to include these in the next issue, based on the following deadlines: 12 February 2018 (spring), 14 May 2018 (summer), 13 August 2018 (autumn). 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 word count of 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. THURSO
ALBERT LYONEL SUTHERLAND Lyonel was born and grew up in Portsoy. On leaving the Merchant Navy he moved with his wife Pearl to Thurso. He became sports convenor of the Thurso branch, and later area sports convenor. He worked tirelessly to encourage sports both in the area and nationally, and was awarded an honorary life membership for his efforts. He continued as branch and club secretary until his untimely passing. He will be sadly missed.
SHUTTERSTOCK
TURRIFF
HENRY (MICK) EDWARDS Mick came from a Naval background – his father had served in the Battle of Jutland. After joining up at the age of 17 Mick served as a gunner on HMS Wild Swan, and on HMS Byron as part of the Arctic Convoys. At the
age of 93 he received the Ushakov Medal. He was a member of the Northampton British Legion, until he and his wife Susan moved to Turriff to be near to family. He passed away at the age of 94 on 23 October 2016. Mick was a loving husband and father, and is sadly missed by his family and all who knew him. TURRIFF
GORDON MCDONALD Gordon was born on 29 May 1943 and died on 21 September 2017. When he left school he joined the Navy and then joined the RAF, becoming a great boxer for them. He boxed all over the world and won most of his fights. When he was demobbed he trained young boys to box and then got a job on oil rigs as a driller. He was proud to be an exservice member of the Turriff branch. Gordon was a much-loved husband, dad and grandad and will be greatly missed by all.
Disablement Pensions Service James Johnston 0131 550 1566 j.johnston @legionscotland.org.uk Veterans Community Support Stephen Baird 0131 550 1560 s.baird @legionscotland.org.uk Events and Remembrance Stephen Elliot 0131 550 1562 s.elliot @legionscotland.org.uk Legion Scotland Today Magazine 0131 550 1586 magazine @legionscotland.org.uk
Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community
WINTER 2017–2018 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 O’Neil Longside Lumphanan Methlick New Deer 01771 644701 New Pitsligo 01771 653354 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 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
32 www.legionscotland.org.uk WINTER 2017–2018
ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE
HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS
ANGUS, PERTHSHIRE & FIFE
GLASGOW, AYRSHIRE, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
Dalkeith 0131 663 3235 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
EDINBURGH, LOTHIANS & BORDERS
Prestonpans 01875 811446 Roslin 0131 440 2174 Selkirk & Ettrick Forest St Boswells GLASGOW, AYRSHIRE, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY 01324 872146/ 07979 006536 Annan
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 Mearns Newton Stewart Oban Paisley Comrades 0141 889 9281 Saltcoats, Ardrossan & Stevenston Sanquhar Stranraer Thornhill Troon HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS 01463 233743 Assynt Aviemore & Rothiemurchus 01479 810892
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 that offer accommodation are marked with a .
Badenoch Beauly Black Isle Creich & Kincardine Dingwall (subbranch Strathpeffer) 01349 863278 Dornoch Forres 01309 672131 Fort Augustus 01320 366247 Fort William & District Glenurquhart Golspie Helmsdale Invergordon Inverness 01463 234378 Kirkwall 01856 873297 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, Canisbay and Latheron
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
WINTER 2017–2018 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
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER How the Royal Navy, Army and RAF trained during WWII
Signals training at HMS Dundonald in North Ayrshire
IWM
D
URING WORLD War Two, there were a great number of Combined Operations Training Establishments located in the west of Scotland, where the Armed Forces would work together on specific training
before deployment to Europe and north Africa. HMS Dundonald in North Ayrshire was set up in 1942. Signals training was a key focus as the Combined Signals School was moved there from HMS Quebec in Inveraray.
34 www.legionscotland.org.uk WINTER 2017–2018
Troops at HMS Dundonald also prepared together for an amphibious invasion, before taking part in the D-Day Landings. Members of the Royal Canadian Navy were among those to receive Beach Commando training at the facility.
Troops at HMS Dundonald also prepared together for an amphibious invasion
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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.
0800 152 2037 www.solicitorsforolderpeoplescotland.co.uk