The eagle royal dragoons magazines the eagle 1960

ямБlm journal! of THE ROYAL DRAGOONS N0. 19

JUNE 1960

THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISEMENT PAGES. TEL. WHITEHALL 2504 67/68 jERMYN STREET. ST. JAMES’S. S.W.l.

’4; #2".

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SUPPLEMENT No, l—PAGE ONE

THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISEMENT PAGES. 67/68 IERMYN STREET. ST. JAMES’S, S.W.I. TEL. WHITEHALL 2504

THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISEMENT PAGES. 67/68 IERMYN STREET. ST. IAMB’S, S.W.l.

TEL. WHITEHALL 1504

J3 is the Gin ROYAL :

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ST LE3 A MESSAGE Here’s a fresh

from the Chairman of

Huntley &Pa|me

surprise, Nestlé’s

HER MAJESTY’S FORCES new 3 in I taste s ens ation — Jellimallo. Juicy, fruity jelly and melting munchy marshmallow, all § luxuriously lapped in \\ rich milk chocolate. " This is the kind of treat you usually find only in expensive TWO BIG bars assortments, but Jellimallo ' ' 1n eve ack glves yo“ lots of big ry P bites for fourpence.

SAVINGS COMMITTEE IF you HAVEN‘T ALREADY started saving, you should try to develop the savings habit while you are in the Services.

There are excellent facilities for saving in all Units of the Services in every part of the world—in fact the slogan of H.M. Forces Savings Committee is “Wherever you serve,

you can save.”

We have an excellent series of leaflets (as illustrated above) which tell in simple language all about Forces Savings.

Why not write for a copy of the leaflet

Delicious at any time and especially tasty with butter and cheese

which applies to your Service? Write to me personally:_

Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Saunders,

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Chairman, H.M. Forces Savings Committee,

comes in three dzfi’erent flavours

1, Princes Gate, London, S.W.7.

RASPBERRY— LIME — TANGERINE

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HB—14 SUPPLEMENT No. 1—PAGE TWO

Nescafé is a registered trade mark to designate Nestlés instant cafiel

Printed in Great Britain

6’60—2 Printed in Great Brllaln

SUPPLEMENT No. 2—PAGE ONE

THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISEMENT PAGES 61/68 JERMYN STREET. ST. IAMES’S, S.W.1.

TEL. WHITEHALL 2504,

Bob Clarke \

,-

(be/[Jed qfcomse by Carol ClarkeO

By Appointenbizel’iler Majesty buys

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UDT credit facilities are available to Servicemen of all ranks, at home or abroad. Wherever you are sta—

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UDT helps people to help themselves ' i I 20,000,000 UNITEDDUMINIDNSTRUSTLTll‘Services Department'UnitedDcminiunanuse-Eastnhean , London'EC3 Assets exceed

Printed in Great Britain SUPPLEMENT No. 2—PAGE TWO

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booklet—UDT Car Finance for H.Mt Forces Overseas. If you

.

UDT, who help him to pay for his car over the

tioned, you can buy any make ofcar you choose with UDT’s help—quickly and easily: safely. too, because

, .

UDT is Britain‘s largest finance house, with long and wide experience of all aspects of credit finance.

If you are stationed abroad. write for our special free

Bob’s father didn’t buy his first car till he was 38: and even then it was a secondhand job, with a dickey at the back where young Bob had to sit, come rain. come shine. Yet here’s Bob buying a brand—new saloon while he’s still in his twenties—thanks to

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Ankle strap fitting. Available w for immediate use in good average sizes and widths.

TO THE

OLD MAPS OLD SHIP MODELS

Royal Dragoons *

MILITARY RELICS AND CURIOS

£9.90 per pair (Insured postage 2/611.)

TIES, SQUARES, HAND KNITTED SWEATERS, Etc.

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DIAMLER MAJESTIC 9 THE DAIMLER COMPANY LIMITED, P.O. BOX 29,

Regimental Outfitters to The Royal Dragoons

33, BRUTON ST., MAYFAIR, LONDON, W.1 Telephone: MAYfair 7303 London.

Telegrams: Rogers, MAY. 7303 London.

COVENTRY. 4— —_

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SHIHAB INSURANCE & TRADING AGENCIES (ADEN) LIMITED MANUFACTURERS' REPRESENTATIVES, IMPORTERS, EXPORTERS 8: COMMISSION AGENTS, LEADING INSURANCE AGENTS THROUGH THE RED SEA AREA, TRAVEL AGENTS:

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G. THOMAS (Hairdressers) Ltd

B LAZ E R

I

5

Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Court Hairdresser 11 DUKE STREET, ST. JAMES

The headline is justified by the fact that the Saladin belongs to the Alvis FV. 600 series. These are the interchangeable cross country vehicles built to withstand all climatic conditions from the Far East to Alaska.

They are powered by B Series Rolls Royce engines.

Ideal for military or commercial application, they are a ten-nation choice for outstanding

cross country performance.

Made entirely BY HAND in our workrooms, to the approved Regimental design.

in finest quality gold and silver wire and silks to last you for years. We supply on neutral (dark navy/black) cloth. or on your own detached pocket. Blazers must not be sent.

LONDON’ S‘W'l

And at 19 HIGH STREET, ETON _ EXPERT ENGLISH ASSISTANTS

‘THE ROYAL DRAGOONS BADGE COSTS SIXTY-FIVE SHILLINGSI iPOSTAGE pA|D

CASH WITH ORDER?

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Patronised mostly by Officers of H.M. Forces

“ ROYAL YACHT ”

ALVIS

is a very exclusive Hairdressing

We can also supply your Regimental TIE (striped. in pure silk) for I5/-, post paid.

“ MY AMBROSIAL SHAVING CREAM”

D. J. PARKINSON

Officers of the ROYAL DRAGOONS

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and their Families are cordially invited to the above addresses, where they will alw-yu find best attention given

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BY APPOINTMFNT TO HFR MAJESTY THE QUEEN GOI.I)§MITH$ & CRO\VN JE‘VELLERS,

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THE BADGE OF YOUR REGIMENT

In gold and enamel or set with ‘precious stones, a badge brooch is a gift of lasting charm. Here is a piece of jewellery which is always appropriate and always ROYAL DRAGOONS

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9 ct. gold and enamel

Home {’3'0'0

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in perfect taste. Write now for

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details to our military department.

112 REGENT STREET - LONDON - W.l Telephone: REGENT 3021 (11 lines)

/

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1853-1960

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W/

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Over aCentury of Service . . .

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IN PRINT Like the Services, we also have a long tradition to uphold, at the same time, again like the Services. taking advantage of scientific progrhs in this age of mechanisation; yet maintaining. through a special department, a personal and helpful link with Service Editors, whom we are

,

or Stim -Lem on

,j

'

Zieiiiveviirnigirfaifme and assist in the production

F. J. PARSONS-LTB

-the fruity drinks

Lennox House. Norfolk Street. WtCJ Works: Observer Buildings, Hastings

BOTTLED BY THE NATIONAL BOTTLING COMPANY Telephone: 4415

PAS.“

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Temple Bar 659i '

Hastings 1157

The army [9002‘ still Slogs on

ore—«A

23.2 2 2:: {2:525 :1“ flag:

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We’re f0ot—slog—slog—slog—sloggin’ over Africa, Foot, foot, foot, foot—sloggin’ over Africa; (Boots, boots, boots, boots, movin‘ up an' down again) There’s no discharge in the war.

UDYARD Kipling’s description of the FBI in his poem Boots describes——in words a soldier might have used—the tremendous strain of a sustained route march, and how well the British soldier, and his boots, have always stood up to it.

Next to his rifle, a soldier’s boots are his most precious possession. The Duke of Wellington’s axiom still holds good: “The most important item of equipment for a soldier is, first, a good serviceable pair of boots; second, another pair of boots; and third, a pair of half soles.”

Without his boots, a soldier wouldn’t last long barefooted. Arctic cold would give him gangrene and frostbite; jungle depths would find him feet and ankles smothered with filthy clinging leeches; a mountain climb would leave his with feet bleeding and incapacitated.

Only leather, it is justifiably claimed, can meet the variety of conditions and strains for which a soldier must be prepared. There are good scientific reasons for this. The fibres of leather, as the microscope shows, are three dimensional, and interlock in the most intricate way, combining pliancy and strength in a way which no other natural material can equal and which no synthetic material can even begin to imitate.

In other respects, too, synthetic materials, ingenious though they are, cannot do what leather does. Leather combines opposite qualities. It can be made to resist moisture—and yet retain its porosity and absorbent qualities. If leather weren’t absorbent, perspiration from the foot would not be able to escape; perspiration which cannot be absorbed by the shoe causes the foot to become inflamed, with resultant skin troubles such as athlete’s foot.

Repelling moisture and absorbing perspiration, the leather army boot does two opposite jobs at once, but it does another—it ventilates the foot as well. Leather “ breathes,” for it is actually porous.

Here again no synthetic material has this quality. The Leather Manufacturers’ Research Asso— ciation has proved that the feet of an active man on a warm day give off an average of six ounces of perspiration in 12 hours—two pints in a week. But the soldier is more active than any civilian, and it is easy to see that he would soon be in a state if he were ever compelled to wear boots with anything but leather soles.

The British Army Boot has a long and honourable history.

The ancestor, one might say the Adam, of all Army boots is the Army Ankle Boot, which was introduced in 1913. Until then the handsewn Blucher was issued, but these, it was realised, could never be produced in sufficient quantities for the modern army.

The First World War saw the triumph of the machine—rivetted seam against the old handsewn welt, and the widespread use of full or semi-chrome leather for uppers. Chrome tanned leather can be given any surface colour required, but can be recognized, by a cross section, by its bluish tinge.

Even before 1914, immense research had gone into the designing of the Army Ankle Boot.

Measurements of whole regiments were consulted and averaged, it was thought that the boot produced could never be improved, and under the most terrible conditions it proved equal to every ordeal. The scrape of gravel and rock, the impact of flying metal, the endless squelch of mud, left the boots wearable and sound.

The research, however, continued.

By 1938 the orthopaedists (who understand the bone structure of the body, and the stresses which they can sustain) and scientists had combined to design a new type of ankle boot which saw service in every field in the Second World War. The complexities of modern war have, of course, increased the range and the specifications of the sort of Army Boot required. More than 150 different varieties of footwear had to be designed and manufactured in the last war. The Arctic Boot, which saw service in Norway and other cold climates, had to be specially treated so that the hide wouldn’t set hard in extreme temperatures. The Climbing Boot had a reinforced toe and metal sole fitments to give grip in climbing rough surfaces and the Assault Boot was made to withstand anything—sand, gravel and rock.

Then there were the Jungle Boots worn during the Burma Campaign. Red ants, leeches, snakes, termites, torrential rain, all—enveloping mud—it had to resist them all.

A soldier will put up with most things, but not with boots which don’t fit him, or cause him discomfort in wear—and quite rightly too.

There’s nothing like leather

THE EAGLE The Regimental Journal of

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

CONTENTS LirrLE ADEN Topics of Interest

EDITORIAL

Impressions—Anon The Ashton Memorial

Random Remin-iscences The Day I Gave My Jailer the Week-

end Off The Queen’s Shilling Royals Broadcasting Service The Sharps‘hooters’ Notes “A” Squadron Notes “B” Squadron Notes “C” Squadron Notes

Oman Safari “HQ.” Squadron Notes Light Aid Detachment Notes Sergeants’ Mess Notes Band Notes A Journey to the Hadhramaut Racing Notes Polo Notes Inky Pinky Parlez Vous

Football Notes Just a Friendly Fixture Swimming Notes Births, Marriages Visit of the Commander-in-Chief.

Obituary Regimental Gazette

GRATEFULLY acknowledge the mass of copy and photographs provided by all ranks of the Regiment. This has been so generous that, despite my recent absence of three months, my task has been no harder than normal. In this and future years we are going to miss the contributions of the late General Sir Ernest Makins. He was an indefatigable supporter and besides his articles of historical interest he would always prompt the editor with items of topical interest. I am indebted to Capt. de Trafford for his article on South Africa and would appeal for more articles from Old Comrades in the years to come.

1959 will long be remembered for its won— derful weather and for the move which dominated everything. Re-equipment with the Saladin armoured car was completed early in the Spring. With only one formation exercise we were able carry out an enjoyable and comprehensive cycle of individual, troop and squadron training. This ended in July with the annual Inter-Regimental armoured car exercise against the Queen’s Dragoon Guards.

Thereafter our energies were solely directed to handing-over in Germany, staging in England and taking-over in Aden. The Regiment left B.A.O.R. on the 4th September and sailed from Southampton on the M.V. Devonshire on the 22nd October, arriving at Aden on the 7th November. Impressions of Aden are given in another article.

Up to the time of going to press we have been under the command of Major—General R. N. H. C. Bray, C.B., C.B.E., D.s.o., G.O.C. Land Forces Arabian Peninsular.

Recruiting has been an increasing worry to the Regiment with the end of National Service in sight. A troop toured the recruiting area in May, 1959, with promising results. A second

2

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

recruiting Sergeant has been provided at home. and officers and the Band in England are devoting a great deal of time and energy to the problem. The assistance of Old Comrades outlined in our last number is as important as ever, now that we look like being abroad for three

years.

Our sporting activities have not lessened.

Major successes, elsewhere reported, have been gained in B.A.O.R. racing and in football in Aden.

W’e are all sorry to lose Major and Mrs. Park— house. After twelve years in the Regiment, John has retired to be a schoolmaster. We wish them all success and happiness in their new environment.

Tapics 0f interest MAJOR-GENERAL G. R. D. FITZPATRICK, D.S.O.,

M.B.E., M.c., A.D.C. We heartily congratulate General Desmond Fitzpatrick on his promotion and appointment in October, 1959, as Assistant Chief of Defence Staff. At the time of his appointment he was the youngest Major-General in the British Army.

From the historical point of view General Fitzpatrick is the twenty-third Officer to reach General rank in the history of the Regiment and the third in this century. We send our best wishes to him and his family in this important post.

‘1'

*

CAPT. H. E. F. DE TRAFFORD The serving Officers acknowledge with sincere thanks the hospitality extended to tlhem by Capt. and Mrs. de Trafford and their family during our short stay in Malta. It was magnificent to be met with cars at our disposal, to be shown the Armoury and Government House and the de Trafl’ords’ lovely home— Villa Bologna. We were extremely interested to see the Malta pottery and lace industries, and were entertained to a splendid lunch at Rabat. We hope we may see them all again on our return to the United Kingdom and repay some of this wonderful hospitality. *

*

‘k

TELEGRAMS During the moves from B.A.O.R. to Aden we gratefully acknowledge receipt of goodwill telegrams from the following: The Director, Royal Armoured Corps, Major-General G. R. D. Musson (G.O.‘C., 5th Division), Major—

General G. R. D. Fitzpatrick, Colonel F. W. Wilson Fitzgerald, Lt.-Col. G. T. A. Armitage, The Sharpshooters, The 12th Royal Lancers. *

'k

VI.P., the Rt. Hon. Hugh Fraser, M.B.E., M.P., General Sir Francis W. Festing, G.C.B., M.B.E., A.D.C., H.E. Sir William Luce, K.C.M.G., M.B.E., Air Chief Marshal Sir Hubert Patch, K.C.B., c.B.E., Lieut.—General Sir Michael West, K.C.B., D.S.0., Lieut.—General Sir Alexander Drum— mond, K.B.E., C.B., Major—General R. N. Anderson, C.B., C.B.E., D.s.o., Major—General L. M. Tyler, 0.13., 0.13.13. *

*

BOATING The Regiment at present looks after a 15—foot fibreglass launch presented by the Nuifield Tr-ust.

Tpr. Roberts, an ex-Sea Cadet, is now the Regimental cox’n and is most efficient in the ways of tiny boats in what appear enormous tidal waves. *

was well written up in “ Soldier ” magazine and is an excellent example of initiative and resource. *

*

i

We congratulate Major B. J. Hodgson on the announcement of his engagement to Miss Julia Sandra Lewis, *

i

'k

We publish the following amusing letter received by the P.R.I, from Mr. C. W. Mays, who assisted Lt.-C01. Wintle in the prepara— tion of his legal defence: Dear Sir, On Saturday last I attended the annual re— union of the Old Comrades’ Association, at which the Chairman made a statement in connection with a new tie, now awarded to those who have made some unusual contribu— tion to our Regiment’s name.

Colonel Wintle was present, wearing the new tie. Several of the old Troopers asked why I was not wearing one, Motivated by envy, if not by rightful claim, I pen you this ode:

The Colonel’s neck’s a’ braw wi’ blue An’ Prussian eagles—gold an’new; His breastie’s puffed on ilka sight 0’ siccan tie.

This Trooper’s neck’s a’ bare an , caud Winna blue silk—nae eagles bo’d; Nae fit tae feel the honoured touch 0’ siccan tie.

Twa necks were

My good wishes to the Regiment.

Cordially and sincerely, C. W. Mays. *

The Regimental Camp at Little Aden has been named " Kasr el Tangier.”

*

HATS BG

The Regiment is carrying out trials on a new hat, at present worn by Officers and the R.S.M.. As can be seen in the accompanying photographs, the hat is slightly Germanic in appearance with possibly a touch of the Képi.

It has been produced in Germany by a firm who make hats for the German forestry service.

In light gaberdine material, it has proved both popular and practical, being light and cool and infinitely preferable to a beret or service dress hat in the heat. Its introduction has not been entirely without comment but we have hopes that before long its merits will be fully appreciated. *

‘k

*

We extend a hearty welcome to Major and Mrs. Banham, Major and Mrs. Noble and

Major Watsony who have joined us from amalgamated Regiments. We offer them our sympathy for this sad upheaval and we hope they will be very happy with us.

* ‘A'

*

it

as.»

VISITS Visitors to the Regiment during the year include: The Rt. Hon. Christopher Soames,

We congratulate S.S.M. Watorski on his recent overland drive from Malaya to England when he rejoined the Regiment. This journey

there in ilka fight,

In ilka Court—tae kythe the right; Sae hear my plea, Royal’s P.R.I., For siccan tie.

393539 ex—Trooper C. W. Mays.

SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS Farewells from the crane were frowned

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Impressions-Anon September, 1959, a Squadron of The Life Guards arrived in B.A.O.R., freeing the Regiment to move to Tidworth and thence to Arabia, where the remainder of The Life Guards were hard put to it to conceal their joy at our appearance.

“Arrived at Aden ——.

It looked just like a penal settlement and the nearer one got the more

unprepossessing the place came ”—I quote (with apologies) the present Governor’s predecessor.

There was little time to dwell on such thoughts on 7th November. “A” Squadron were whisked away within a few hours of disembarkation in a Beverley and two Hastings aircraft to the Barbary Coast (some 1,200 miles away)—not far enough for some of us, as the Signals Officer has arranged for daily wireless calls (52 set—on speech). “A” Squadron’s operations are shrouded in mystery—suffice it to say that man-laid explosives have already put the breeze up their cloaks, but their daggers remain unblooded.

Apart from certain troops lucky enough to be stationed up—country, the rest of us took up residence in the HP Refinery at Little Aden. In 1952, partly as a result of the closure of the Abadan Refineries, a British—American enterprise initiated operations in Little Aden by building 100 huts for the labour force destined to complete the construction of the Refinery in the record time of 22 months.

Yes, the reader has guessed correctly—a third of these huts are now shared by the Regiment and the Infantry battalion also stationed here. A far cry from the splendid Barracks 0f B.F.P.O. 15 and B.A.O.R. II, which the Third Reich designed for her military forces: a far cry indeed, and a challenge such as the British Cavalry soldier has never failed to meet. The Royal-3’ particular gesture was to grab the major units’ soccer trophy—the coveted McEwan Cup, which had never previously been won _by an army unit.

(This * triumph was particularly gratifying to our football manager, Major / Lewis, who retires on completion of 37 years’ service in December, 1960. Despite theatre-wide renown, the Regimental team have never succeeded in winning the Army Cup, but the famed ‘ “ McEwan ” represents the ne plus ultra of soccer in Arabia and the splendid trophy remains in our ' I possession for a year. This feat compares favourably with the other two recent outstanding Regii mental sporting achievements, the winning of the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown and the‘ MBAOR. Cross-Country Championships at Iserlohn (a remarkable 1959 double). “ For those interested in bringing the family to sunny Little Aden, we can only boast a limited number of quarters/hirings, some 20 miles away: in contrast to BP, who produced for their employees within the space of 20 months married accommodation for 169 Europeans and 550 craftsmen and other workers. The families however who are here are more than satisfied with the sunshine and balmy breezes nhat persist at present—the winter months (December-February): March to November will not be so pleasant and the drive from Crater and Khormaksar in khamsin and drifting sand may pall. Variation is promised by leave trips to Kenya and it is hoped to get a good part of the Regiment away for a fortnight under the present scheme under which participants are flown both ways cost—free.

Themost1a_lueinArabia is gained by troops operating in the Protectoratesx,1 the Regiment has“ ( ; 9 i 5 ; ‘

a troop at Ataq, on thebordme Eastern Protectorate—a station which has the supreme advantage that it amnot be reached by road. Here at 5,000 feet above sea level, the air is crisp and the nights cool, and the sharp and wonderful colouring of desert and wadi reminds the be—medalled of Palestine and Trans—Jordan. At Dhala, too, the mountain air injects pure joie de vivre, uncontaminated by air-conditioning, into the minds and bodies of the garrison serving there, which consists usually of a battalion of Aden Protectorate Levies, a company of British Infantry, a section of gunners, a couple of Armoured Car troops—not forgetting an admixture of Federal National Guards and

' Tribal Guards to taste. .

Up country stations are commanded by Aden Protectorate Levy Battalion Commanders and it is into their hands that the welfare and training of the Armoured Car troops up-country is entrusted; but with no regrets, our troops have been splendidly looked after on both scores.

And so to 1961—when, as the oldest Cavalry Regiment of the line (and we shall probably be feeling it by then), we shall celebrate our Tercentary—where? (See moves of major units). * The equally famed Dinshaw Cup in some extraordinary way eluded our grasp.

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Sgt. Mackay. Tpr. Jordan (on the car). Tpr. Harvey (on the car). 2/Lt. Arnison-Newguss. Tpr. Fraser. Tpr. Smith. Tpr. Graham. Tpr. MCAII.

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THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

The Ashton Memorial

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SECOND AWARD a

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P. RAINGER “B” Squadron

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O'RPOIRAL Rainger who has won this award for the outstanding junior Regular of the year is 21 years of age. He joined the Army in August, 1956, and having qualified as a signaller at the Training Regiment he joined the Regiment in February, 1957. After initial training he was posted to HQ, Squadron as a medical orderly and was promoted L/Cpl. in January, 1958. for a In March, 1958, he was posted to “B” Squadron. He successfully passed the courses Gunner III, a Signaller II, a Driver AFV III and an Assistant Physical Training Instructors’ Course. of He was promoted to Corporal in August, 1959, and at present is serving in Squadron Headquarters “ B” Squadron. Cpl. Rainger, who lives in London, comes from a family with a Service background. His father served in the Army in the First World War. His two brothers served in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force and his sister in the W.R.A.C. He has extended his service to six years with the Colours and appears well placed for a promising career.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Random Reminiscences of a “C ’9 SQUABBIDN 0FFICEB

BY CAPTAIN H. E. F. DE TRAFFORD, LATE THE ROYALS.

ILLUSTRATED BL K. P. L. WARREN.

HESE are a few recollections of 45 years ago of life in a South African garrison as seen through the eyes of a newly joined subaltern.

1 had come out in an Union Castle intermediate steamer, which in those days took about 17 days, one of which was spent at Teneriffe. I travelled straight up from Capetown—two days in the train—and arrived at Potchefstroom at about 6 a.m. I was relieved to find a soldier and a Cape Cart to meet me and I was driven up to the Officers’ Mess, where I arrived before breakfast. It was April I—not perhaps the best of days on which to embark on a new career. I gradually met all my fellow Officers, none of whom I had met before, and I was taken charge of by the senior Second-Lieutenant, who became a sort of Regimental Godfather to me and initiated me into all the Regimental customs.

This then was the Regiment as I found it in April, 1914. Colonel Makins (the late BrigadierGeneral Sir Ernest Makins) had relinquished command about three months previously, being succeeded by Colonel George Steele. He was then on leave and Major Parker Leighton, my Squadron Commander, was acting in command, Capt. Houston was Adjutant. Several Officers

7

8 a.m. the next morning saw me mounting the horse, which to my dismay was wearing only a surcingle and blanket. I was not to see a saddle for at least a month and even then it was to be innocent of stirrups for a further period. My charger was the most uncomfortable bit of horse flesh it has ever been by misfortune to ride. It EAR Lg) gr [fl was an ex-Band horse and when trotting it I, /, MORN ‘ N C] Qt?) bounced along with short steps as if it were ‘Trotting past” to a quick-step tune. Oh, how I suffered. I began to take a very poor view of riding schools in general and this one in particular. I 'had had a taste of one at Sandhurst, but that was mild compared to what I was now going through.

were away on leave.

Potchefstroom, or Potch for short, the old capital of the Transvaal, situated some 80 miles south of Johannesburg on the high Veldt, was, I understood, the best station in South Africa.

We were brigaded with the 10th Royal Hussars, a Battery of Royal Horse Artillery and the usual sundry Units that went to make up a Cavalry Brigade. Alto— gether we were a very happy lot.

The Cantonments consisted chiefly of wooden buildings of the bungalow type with corrugated iron roofs on which the heavy hail storms, frequent at certain times of the year, used to make a terrific din. I remember a particularly heavy storm on Easter Sunday, when the noise was incredible and the hail stones no mean size.

On the high Veldt in winter the nights could be very cold and we attended the early morning stables muflied up in British Warms at 6 a.m. By 8 a.m. we were at riding school in shirt sleeves and topees. It was considered too hot to play polo before 5 pm.

I was given command of the 3rd Troop of “C” Squadron.

Sgt. Martin was my Troop Sergeant, an Irishman of several years’ service—a real old soldier of the best type—he at once took me under his wing and initiated me into the mysteries and art of Troop management.

After being introduced to the Troop at morning stables, my Squadron Leader recommended a batman and a groom, allotted me a suitable charger, and I was fully equipped to start work in

the riding school.

After three weeks at sea my riding muscles were soft and flabby and my legs soon became raw.

Before very long blood oozed through my Bedford cord breeches and through three thicknesses of blanket. I endured this agony for two or three days till I could stand it no more and reported sick to receive suitable treatment from the doctor and hospital. I was, of course, excused riding school till I had healed and I started to look round for a more suitable horse. My fellow sufferers

in riding school were two other subalterns, besides a posse of recruits, but I am sure their sufferings were nothing approaching mine. The riding instruction was under the supervision of the Adjutant and the S.S.M. R.R. How I envied him sitting in the centre of the ring on a comfortable horse watching us. I suppose he had been through it all himself once. I thought the S.S.M. was very appropriately styled “ Rough Rider ” and he seemed to be making it as rough as possible for us.

“Sit up straight, Mr. de Trafford; don’t go bouncing round like a sack of potatoes.” I thought to myself “You change places with me and see if you can sit up straight on this brute.”

I soon improved and prided myself at the end of the course with having got through riding school without a fall. At the beginning, when one’s muscles were being hardened off and moulded to the right shape, it was absolute hell and it was a great relief when I was promoted to a saddle, and later to stirrups. By then I felt I really could ride. Although I had hunted the fox in the Shires since the age of seven, I never felt really confident on a horse till I had been through Regimental riding school.

The Regiment used to keep a riding circus and as the course advanced I used to amuse myself in the circus training ring learning to vault on one of the circus horses which knew the job. I really enjoyed Vaulting and eventually learnt to gallop a horse to a fence, vault off it, jump the fence alongside the horse hanging on to the vaulting pad, and vault on again the other side. This was great fun and sounds difficult, but in fact the faster the horse goes the easier it is.

The preliminary training which a newly joined Dragoon, Officer or Other Rank, was put through included riding school, drill square, shooting, both rifle and revolver and sword drill. In connection with the revolver shooting one of the senior Ofl‘icers returned from leave with a number of stop watches for the Officers. Before being given them though we had to earn them on the the revolver range and we did not get our watch till we had reached a certain standard. Tests were held now and again and the final qualifying scores were published in The Eagle, which in those days was published monthly. Poor Editor! At the end of the month one found one‘s watch charged up in one’s monthly Mess bill. I still have mine after 45 years, and it still stops!

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL

OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Life was pretty full for us in those days and, quick change artist. In this a really good batman, who always had the correct uniform ready at the right time, made all the difference. A typical day would start at 6 a.m. with stables, which, after a guest night, was no easy matter, in more or less anything and a British Warm—change (No. I) into riding kit, and with a hurried break— fast, for 8 am. riding school, followed by change No. 2 for drill square, followed by change No, 3 into overalls for morning stables. After lunch, time was one’s own for a bit unless we were required on the range. I used to occupy this time by taking each of my Troop horses out in turn to get to know them and their peculiarities; or perhaps vary it by knocking a polo ball about on the practice ground.

If one was Orderly Oflicer one had to change (No. 4) into red serge for guard mounting. Ohange No. 5 for dinner completed the day.

Advanced stages of riding school included mounted sword drill, tent pegging and tilting the ring on the assault at arms course. Tent pegging was done first with a sword and having mastered that one graduated to a lance. The first time I tried using a lance I missed the peg, of course, and gave myself a hell of a crack on the back of my neck with the butt of the lance. That rather scared me, besides being very painful and I quickly learnt the art of keeping my head out of the way. We had quite an interesting assault at arms course to negotiate too, involving both sabre and revolver against dummies. It all helped to make life more interesting.

Early on in life with the Regiment I was button-holed by the Band President, who never missed an opportunity of furthering the interests of the Band. He suggested I might possibly consider giving them an instrument, or at any rate a subscription. I was not prepared for this.

Anyhow, I got away with a subscription.

Shopping in the Cantonments was limited to what the Soutlh African equivalent to N.A.A.F.I. had to offer. This was an organisation called the South African Garrison Institute, familiarly known as S.A.G.I. So it was a pleasant change when itinerant vendors of Karosses visited us. A Kaross is a fur cloak or rug, made of an assortment of animal furs sewn together, and worn by tribesmen. Some of these were most elaborate and ornamental. A good price was asked for them, though bargaining was expected. We would return from stables to find the Mess verandah draped in a large and varied assortment of Karosses with the owners waiting to fleece us. Bargaining would commence at once and be carried on briskly for some time, rather to the detriment of lunch. I acquired one of the more reasonably priced and least ornamental ones, which I used for years as a cover for my bed and which finally disintegrated during the last War, thanks to the unwelcome attention of moths.

I was, of course expected to play polo. I made the acquaintance of the dummy horse with a net round it, where I tried to learn to swing a stick without falling off. My fellow subalterns fell over themselves in offering their old pony which “knew the game inside out.” “Only 50 guineas, old boy, and cheap at that.” I finally bought an old grey and with this and my second charger, I thought I was sufficiently equipped to start slow practice chukkas. I never got beyond that stage.

In order to learn the duties, I was attached to the Orderly Officer for instruction before being allowed by the Adjutant to carry out these duties myself. It was soon after that I committed my first real blunder. As Orderly Oflicer one Sunday it was my duty to get the Church Parade

M.V. “ Devonshlre."

among other things, one had to become a

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

II

ready to hand over to the Captain of the Day. By then I had got so used to being ordered to “Walk March” by the Riding Master that, without thinking, I ordered the parade to “by the left, Walk March,” in my best parade ground voice—which was not very good anyhow. The S.S.M., standing behind me, called out in a loud stage whisper “ Quick March, Sir.” I sihrivelled when I realised my blunder but to try to correct it would only have made matters worse. If ever I felt like “ The Guardsman who dropped it,” I certainly did then and there must have been many comic remarks made at my expense in the barrack rocms afterwards.

The 4th of June is a day which merits mention if only for the fact that the great majority of the Oflicers in the tw0 Regiments were Old Etonians.

The Eagle tells me there were 24 altogether. All I know is only two of us in The Royals were not 013.3 and we dined together in solitary state in our Mess, while all the O.E.s foregathered in the 10th Hussars’ Mess. I believe there was very little left of that Mess by morning. It had to be almost completely refumished and I remember we entertained the X.R.H. Officers for a day or two.

The highlight of the winter season was Waterloo Day. The Regiment always received a wreath from H.I.M. The Kaiser—our Colonel—in-Chief—and it was always presented on his behalf by the German Consul of the country in which we were serving. The Consul in Johannesburg stayed with us for the occasion and the chief event of the day was a Regimental mounted parade in full Review Order, the last ever to be held, as it turned out, in pre~war scarlet uniforms. As I had not then completed my preliminary training I had to ride Serrefile instead of at the head of my Troop.

During the parade the horse of the Officer carrying the Guidon got restive and shied badly, causing him to drop the Guidon; a case of “The Dragoon who dropped it.” All sorts of entertainments were arranged in hon— our of the occasion, including the Regi— mental assault at arms and a Sergeants’ Mess dance.

Our S.Q.M.S. made it his business to try and get me tight, but I won the day, or rather the evening, and I think he had the bigger hang—over the next morning. Photographs of the parade appeared in The Eagle and must be the last ever taken of the Regiment in mounted Review Order. A photograph also appeared of the Officers who attended the parade, together with the German Consul.

It is interesting for those of us who were there to look back upon, as only six or seven survive today.

Having recovered from this, the Regiment dispersed to Squadron camps for field training prior to Regimental and Brigade training during the latter part of July, This was a pleasant diversion from riding school.

Brigade training marked the end of the training year and many of the Officers had made plans to go off shooting, some to East Africa and some to Rhodesia. For some it was to be home leave before rejoining the Regiment at Longmoor, whither we were bound about Christmas time. Alas, this was not to be.

By now I had successfully completed my initial training, and I thought it was time to relax a bit. In anticipation of a little leave later on, my father had sent me out a game rifle and I received notice of its arrival at Capetown and a demand for import dues and sundry charges.

Aeelimatisation.

In the latter part of July all the troops in South Africa concentrated at Potohefstroom for manoeuvres and the grand wind up of the training season. Meanwhile trouble had been brewing

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

13

THE jOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

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in Europe for some weeks and was rapidly coming to a head. We had not been out on manoeuvres very long before we were all returned to barracks and ordered to pack up and stand by.

With visions of leave vanishing into thin air I did not look like having any use for my rifle, so I asked the Customs to send it back home for me. Back came a demand for carriage charges to Port Elizabeth and export fees as well as import dues.

Thereafter life became hectic. Besides having to pack up our troops we had our own private affairs to wind up; polo ponies and motor cycles to dispose of. Officers who had already left on shooting leave were recalled from Beria and elsewhere. By the last week of August we were all embarked on R.M.S. Dunluce Castle and sailed from Capetown on August 27 in a fleet of six Union Castle liners, with a couple of old cruisers to escort us.

As an instance of how small the world is, in 1944 in Malta I met Capt. Wren, in command of a merchant ship, who was Fourth Officer of the Dunluce Castle, and we had quite a good quack over old times.

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After 23 days at sea we reached Southampton and went to Windmill Camp, Luggershall, to mobilise. A very slow voyage, but being in convoy we had to keep the pace of the slowest ship, the old Guildford Castle. And so ended a memorable voyage and an interesting chapter of my life.

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The day I gave my jailer the week-end off BY

LIEUT.-COLONEL

A.

D.

WINTLE,

M.c.

N 1942 I was a prisoner of the Vichy French in Fort Ste. Catherine, Toulon. One of my guards was Lt. (now Commandant) Molia. He was one of the few who behaved well. I learned his history and have a high regard for him. Later he abandoned Vichy and, with his detachment, joined the Resistance. A few days before the Italians declared war he married, and one of the first bombs they dropped in France killed his young bride only 18 days after the wedding. But life goes on and memories fade.

One day when he came to see me I noticed that his manner seemed strange. I told him: “ To look at us, one might imagine that it is you the prisoner and not me. Cheer up! ” He told me he was interested in a young woman; “ If you like the girl don’t waste time,” I said. “ Make up your mind and tell her you’re going to marry her.” He agreed, but there were difficulties. The girl lived some distance away and when he asked for leave it had been refused.

Molia explained: “You have consistently refused to give your parole not to escape. And owing to the fear that you will do so again, I am not allowed to leave the fort except to report to headquarters.” “The question of my parole is twofold,” I told him. “In the first place it is forbidden by King’s Regulations for an officer to give his parole to the enemy. In the second place, even if I should feel disposed to depart from my duty, Darlan and his scum are not fit to receive my parole. But in your case it is different. I am quite prepared to give my parole, not to your superiors but to you personally. But there are certain conditions. I will give you my parole from Friday to Tuesday, which is a respectable week-end. But you must report back to me here before midday on Tuesday. Also, I require you to give me your word that you will ask this girl to marry you before midday on Sunday and that you will not take ‘No’ for an answer. Now tell those idiots at headquarters that you have my leave and see if they agree.”

Within the hour his leave was granted. I like to think that this is the only case in history where a prisoner has granted his jailer week-end leave. The following Tuesday he reported back to me in my cell. All was well. They were to be married as soon as possible. I then Went on with my plans for escape, which matured some months later, long after he had left the fort.

On his last evening in the fort he came to say good—bye and we had a last game of cards together. He won, and I still have the score sheet, which we both signed. At the end of the game I said'.‘ “I am now going to ask you to leave me for five minutes. When you come back I shall say something to you and I ask you to give me your word that you will not repeat it to anybody until I give you leave.” “Mon Colonel, I give you my word of honour.” As soon as I was alone I went to one of my hiding places. When he returned I said: “Here is a piece of

14

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JJURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

gold. It is an English sovereign. Have it made into a ring. It is my wedding present.” He was amazed that I should still have such a thing despite repeated searches. But what amazed him more was the coincidence that we should both have the same idea—he had procured a 0old 20—franc piece for the same purpose. He gave it to me, saying he hoped that his successor wguld not find it. “ You need have no fear of that,” I assured him.

After the War I had a silver snuff box made with the gold 20—franc piece let into the side.

On the base is engraved a reproduction of the score of our last game of cards. I alwavs carrv it.

I showed it to Molia recently in the television studio. Not to be outdone, he produced from“ his pocket the silver cigarette case I had sent him after the War. Inside is the same inscription. I had forgotten all about it. “But what about the ring?” somebody said. “Has he brought the ring with him?” I explained that women in France are very much like women in England No woman would take off her wedding ring to give it to her husband to take abroad.

Published by kind permission of the “ Evening Standan.”

Queen’s

Shilling Our visitors. Some official —

St. George’s Field, Southwark, scene of the first parade of the Regiment, let October, 1661.

N May, 1959, the Commanding Oflicer sent an armoured car troop on a tour of our new recruiting area, Sussex, Surrey and Greater London. An all—Regular detachment was selected from unlimited volunteers and together with five trumpeters we set off to take over our vehicles at Bovington. We were joined there by our Special Recruiters—Sgts. Ireland and Thompson, a fitter and two drivers and a three—ton truck from our permanent staff at the Sharpshooters.

We opened at Chichester, where We were most thospitably received by the Depot of the Royal Sussex Regiment. Colonel Flowers, the Chief Area Recruiting Officer, welcomed us and with a stirring speech gave us a good start to the tour. In the first week we visited Littlehampton, Crowborough and Hastings. We drew interested crowds at all and if they were slow in coming forward, as happened at Littlehampton, we made the trumpeters sound “ stables” in some strategic spot like the shopping centre. Their Worships the Mayors made us welcome and at Littleh’tmpton the Mayor read out a telegram from the Commanding Officer. At Hastings Capt. Boucher was somewhat disconcerted to learn, after considerable “ sales patter,” that His Worship the Mayor had served with armoured cars throughout the last War. Over the next week we visited Horsham, Crawley, Redhill and Guildford. The weather was wonderful and we attracted a great deal of attention from the Press and the public. We were delighted to meet many old Royals and people who had, at one time or another, been attached to the Regiment. It was not only old Royals who showed interest. It seemed to us that the majority of families that we met had some connection with the Army and were interested to sec us. We were asked the most technical of questions and We were interested to experience the startling effect of a cavalry uniform on the feminine population. That this was so at our stops can be seen from the

—Some not so official.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS 16

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

photographs, but it also happened on the move. We were glad not to have a Squadron Leader to monitor our contact reports.

Next we went to London and trouble. R.S.M. Bradley rescued, not for the first time in his career, a very spare troop leader somewhere in Walworth and directed him to Croydon, where S.S.M. Fletcher welcomed us. When we set up shop outside Croydon Town Hall the crowd was increased by the activities of a lady, thought to be League of Empire Loyalists, who harangued us unintelligibly until she was hustled away. \Ve spent a night at the Guards Depot, Caterham, before moving next day to Wellington Barracks. We took stand outside the Imperial War Museum for three days, driving there via Wellington Arch—guarded by Mr. Turp, late S/Sgt. Farrier of the Regiment, Piccadillly, The Mall and Buckingham Palace.

The troop looked most impressive with its shining paint, eagles on the muzzle covers and pennants flying. We were much encouraged daily by the ’bus conductors, the doorman of the Ritz and the Cavalry Club. Our final engagements were at Southwark and at the Surrey County Show at Guildford. The latter was a particularly successful visit.

In retrospect the tour was most amusing and instructive. We were surprised at the great interest shown everywhere. Surprisingly, the mothers were both interested and full of praise and admitted fully to the View that National Service had a good effect on the young man. To be honest, the young men were not so quick to agree. Headaches!

Well, the girls we coped with willingly, but we really had our work cut out with the young children. Everywhere we stopped it was like dealing with forty Giles families at once.

And what did we achieve? Directly, we gained nineteen recruits and registered twenty more.

This is surprising when one considers that applicants were prepared to sign for six or nine years after a fifteen—minute look round. A number of these failed the Medical and Intelligence tests and some have gone elsewhere. Indirectly, the name and function of the Regiment was advertised widely over the recruiting area. A large number of boys saw the equipment and something may come of this. The recruiting staffs throughout the area now know the Regiment. Certainly it was worth while and should be repeated regularly. It is unfortunate that at this vital time the Regiment is abroad.

(SHARPSHOOTERS) URING 1959 we have been able to train for the first time since 1956 with three sabre squadrons. This is due to the great increase in recruiting, which is now going so well that in at least one squadron we look forward to filling the establishment with volunteers during 1960.

The highlight of the year’s training was, as always, annual training camp.

In 1959 we went to Ollerton

(near Nottingham) and had the good fortune to share the camp with the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry/ Scottish Horse. Here we met Capt. Jim Old, their Quartermaster, and some ex-Royals including Henry

Hutchison, Michael Walker and many others.

Training at camp included a day’s dismounted training for

each squadron, troop training, two days at independent squadron camps, a regimental civil defence exercise, two inter—squadron exercises and an inter-regimental exercise. One day was devoted to troop tests in which each troop in the Regiment undertook various tactical and administrative tests, ranging from taking up an OP to producing a drinkable brew of tea. At least one troop was given nought out of a hundred for tea—making by our catering adviser, the manager of the famous London restaurant, Simpson’s—in—theStrand.

In July eleven members of the Regiment went to Holland to take part in the Nijmegen marches. This was a great success and we hope to repeat the performance again in 1960. The Dutch were most hospit— able and the rigid training carried out in the weeks before the march proved amply justified.

In October we took pant in the T.A. Tournament at the Duke of York’s Headquarters, King’s Road, Chelsea. Our contribution was a driving competition against the Inns of Court Regiment, each regiment providing two scout cars. The cars had to drive forward through a series of gates forming a zig—zag

course; the commander then fired five rounds of blank from his bren; finally, the cars reversed back along the course to the start line.

We were pleased that on each evening of the tournament we beat the opposition.

Also in October we held our Regimental rifle meeting at Caesar’s Camp ranges near Aldershot.

The permanent staff’s excellent preparations were upset (literally) as the Stores tent that had been set up the previous day was blown away in a violent storm during the night, smashing a large quantity of crockery.

Nevertheless the Q.M. and R.S.M. performed miracles and retrieved the situation before shooting

commenced.

Royals broadcasting service DEN is an odd place; the finest cameras can be bought, probably cheaper than anywhere else in the world, but what is there to photograph? Similarly, wi‘relesses can be bought for next to no thing, but there is virtually nothing to listen to. Scenery alterations we were not prepared to under— take, but it seemed a pity that with a total of something over a hundred 19 sets in the Regiment, one of them could not be slightly misappropriated for two hours a day. In Aden there is a Forces programme which functions from 6 am. (a time when few Royal Dragoons can appreciate Elvis Presley) until 8.30 a.m., and then goes off the air until 5 p.m., after which it gives continuous broadcasting until 11 p.m. The requirement seemed to be for a music programme between the hours of two and four in the afternoon. A little research showed that an original idea of rebroadcasting the British Overseas Service, which the 52 set receives very adequately, could only provide such entertainment as “Listen with Mother” and “Topic for Today,” which did not entirely fill the bill. The answer was clearly a record programme. With the aid of W.O.II Williams, the R.H.Q. Ops Room was swiftly transformed into the studio, and the IS 19 set was quite simply wired up to the record player. Announcers in the shape of L/Cpl. Glasgow and Tpr. Harris came forward and we were “in business.” B.P. gave us probably more publicity than was due in their weekly “Jottings” and we were left struggling to maintain the standard. Records in large quantities are hard to come by, and in spite of the Commanding Officer’s generosity in allowing us £10 from the P.R.I. Funds, we were always under pressure to keep broadcasting new tunes. Something more was needed and Capt. S. E. M. Bradish-Ellames very kindly volunteered his tape recorder and the use of

some twenty tapes.

So there should now be no stopping us. Already we are toying with the idea of television— but now we are getting back to square one; what is there to televise?

The standard of shooting was very creditable, “ C ” Squadron being the winner of the inter-squadron rifle competition. S.S.M. Fletcher still retains his reputation as a marksman by obtaining equal highest Major Wilkinson and R.S.M. Bradley also score of the day with L/Cpl. Langman, a T.A. member. produced high scores. The permanent staff entered a team for the “falling plates ” competition but were pipped at the post by our W.O.s and Sergeants’ team. For this competition we fired at snap targets instead of plates, and with good butt markers it proved a far quicker and more efficient target to use.

The permanent staff live up to the highest traditions of their parent Regiment and by working long hours and week—ends have ensured the success of the frequent squadron week—end exercises we have held this year. Their duties include the preparation and servicing of vehicles, their wireless and other equipment.

Besides this they have helped to run dances and T.A. recruiting drives, and last but by no means least they have found time to devote much energy to the Royals regular recruiting drive in London, Surrey and Sussex. This is a task with which we as a Regiment are very willing to assist. We can do this by making available our one and only Armoured Car (Daimler l) and a couple of scout cars for the permanent staff to

crew.

We also try to persuade any prospective regulars in our ranks to join The Royal Dragoons, and

finally, we encourage members of the affiliated Army Cadet Force squadrons to become regulars. Two of the latter are now at the Junior Leaders Regiment at Bovington.

We, in our turn, are very anxious to obtain recruits from armoured car regiments when they have finished their service with the regular army. Many people are understandably vague about the Territorial

Army and you may ask, “What does a Territorial soldier do ”?

The answer to this is three—fold: firstly,

he parades one evening a week with his squadron. These evenings, known as drill nights, may consist of training courses, sand—table exercises or troop training, At the end of training the canteen is always open and everyone can get to know each other informally in the atmosphere of a club. Secondly, he is expected These to take part in squadron week—end exercises which are held approximately every six weeks. exercises, bringing in troop tactics, and wireless and driving schemes, often take squadrons many miles out of London, sometimes as far away as the South Coast or Cambridge.

Finally, he is expected to attend annual camp, a fifteen-day Regimental camp run on the lines of the 1959 camp described earlier in this article. For all training, regular rates of pay are payable. In addifion there is an annual payment of up to J{:20 bounty to all who have completed the required number of training periods, annual camp (or a course instead) and who have fired their annual range course.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS As we are a Reece Regiment there is nothing new for any member of a regular amoured car regi— ment to learn. The chief difference is that we are organised on a scout car basis throughout.

We would extend a particularly warm welcome to any ex—Royals who, on leaving the service, feel they would like to “keep their eye in ” and become volunteer members. With drill halls at St. John‘s Wood, Harrow and Croydon we can cater for anyone living in the London area.

Finally, we extend a welcome to Capt. Crockett, Sgt. Routley, Sgt. Remfry, Cpl. Botting, Cpl. Clayton and L/Cpl. Brannan, hoping that they will enjoy their stay with us. \Ve have recently said good-bye to Sgt. Brear (R.T.R.), Sgt. Thorpe and Cpl. (now Sgt.) Bayne, and to them we offer our thanks and best

wishes for the future.

Remark of the Year R.H.Q. officer visiting “ B ” Squadron in the field : “ Is the bar open?”

(It has never been known to

close.

A SQUADRON HE start of 1959 outraged the Scotsmen in the Squadron, for it found us camped in cold wet weather at Sennelager. To make it worse, on New Year’s Day we walked ten miles in two hours (Sgt. Cameron to note), and the day after the Squadron Leader decided on some “outward bound training ” involving another long walk. Most troops visited Winterberg to ski, and we rented a village hall for two parties with great success. Hard work having gained us an “ excellent” on the CIV, we visited Hohne at the end of March and enjoyed firing the Saladin for the first time.

Troop training (“ Spring Sales”) was voted the best Exercise of the year. Certainly it was a full programme in beautiful weather and scenery. Several rallies were organised which produced two amusing incidents. On the first there were four spare cars that just could not find the check points—we still wonder what “Gasthaus” these troop sergeants found? The second occurred in heavy rain, a pitch black night on the crest of a wooded hill with a check point carefully concealed on the edge of the track. Two nameless scout cars appeared from opposite directions and halted head on while their commanders “discussed ” where they were. How the Squadron Leader five feet away wished he had a tape recorder !

May saw the Squadron out again for “Lady Godiva.” L/Cpl. Lock seriously interrupted Berlin’s milk supply before the exercise started. The month ended with a second more successful shoot at Hohne. July was an active month. We spent the first week on squadron training near Munster. The weather was extremely hot, reaching too2 on one day. Tpr. Brown 745 succeeded in hitting a signal box with a Saladin at 24 m.p.h. to the distress of its occupant who accelerated at 3G for the first time in his life. On the last two days of the exercise the squadron split up and troops communicated on skywave with great success 100 miles apart. Our final Exercise in July against the Q.D.G. was interesting. A classic partisan recce and capture of a bridge by 4th Troop over the river Weser, was nearly foiled by Major Timbrell approaching the spies—Cpl. Jenkins and L/Cpl. Inchley in view of the enemy and saying “ Guten morgen Herr Jenkins.”

August, September and October were hectic months. Many left us and even more came to us before we sailed. A great deal of hard work wasspent in handing-over in Germany and we looked forward to similar things in our new environment. Alas this was not to be but that is a different story. We have been at Sharjah three months now and already have seen most of the Trucial States and a lot of Oman. In difficult circumstances we have achieved a great deal in the camp and have made the best of life here. Christmas was great fun, a squadron concert at two days’ notice was a wow! and unbelievable talent was forthcoming. There are rumours that Carlsberg Ltd. are to build a new factory here! Donkey polo was voted the most popular sport in 1959 and produced a ding-dong inter—troop competition. The Desert Fox (A.S.M. Kinshott) and the Desert Warrior (S.S.M. Phillips) have been out, and even the S.Q.M.S. slipped away for 24 hours. We are about to say au revoir to

Why not place an order for

THE 5

a copy of the Journal now .7 Full details will be found in

page 44.

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“A” Squadron football team, Shariah. 1959/60.

Major Evans and S.S.M. Phillips, and we extend a welcome to Major Banham and S.S.M. Watorski.

It has been a successful sporting year. The squadron won the Hockey, Cricket, Swimming and Athletics competitions and have been represented in all Regimental sides. Our football team has just won the Sharjah league despite sending Pte. Flood to Aden. As these notes close we look forward to three months more at Sharjah despite administrative inspections and CIV; we hope to be out in the desert enough to make up for these. We, in short, are thoroughly enjoying our six months as a detached Squadron.

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E started in April with the usual “shake down ” on Exercise “ Spring Sales,” from this we went on to three more Exercises, “Flat Spin,” “Peeping Tom” and “Lady Godiva.” As always, visit of there were the usual number of incidents which all who were there will remember—the of which the Public Relations Officers who took some splendid photographs of the Squadron, some appear elsewhere in this magazine; two well—known members of the Squadron trying to explain gun to a German gamekeeper how they came to be in possession of a large rabbit full of shot pellets; 2nd Troop knocking out 20th Armoured Brigade HQ. on Exercise “Flat Spin ”l 4th Troop getting around behind the enemy on Exercise “Lady Godiva,” and knocking out Six of

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THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

their Troops, and on the same Exercise, two Troops crossing the River Weser by train, only to be greeted by the Q.D.G.’s in the station on the other side. At Hohne Ranges we fired the Saladins for the first time. It will be some time before we can call ourselves experts at this, but the second visit was far more successful than the first. Finally, in July we spent two days training near Steinhudemeer, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

In the sporting world we have not had the successes we had last year. We came last in ‘the swimming competition which everyone expected us to win, and we also came last in the athletics.

In the cricket field we did not distinguish ourselves, but there was an epic match against “C” Squadron when they beat us by one run on the last ball of the last over with one wicket to fall.

On the other hand we reached the final of the Troop football competition, where we were beaten for the fifth year running by the Q.M. Group. We won the Drill competition for the third year in succession.

From Germany we moved to Tidworth, where everyone managed to get some, if not all, of their leave. Here we said farewell to Capt. Hanmer and welcomed Major Lewis in his place.

Capt. Scott left us to go to Gibraltar and Capt. Eoucher took his place.

Despite a very pleasant voyage in the M.V. Devonshire, we were more than glad to reach Aden and the prospect of some excitement after two—and-a—half months’ inactivity. Our Second— in-Command came out to the boat but, to everyone’s delight, as he stepped on to a launch on the way to the oangplank, it whisked him ashore again.

Our large Advance Party had been hard at work.

First Troop were experienced convoy escorts, while Third and Fifth Troops were detached up country, where the Squadron Leader had to ask permission to visit. These last two Troops were envied by everyone and a period of detachment is eagerly looked forward to. The weather is cooler at 4,000 feet and vegetation abounds. There is always something to do there, even if it is not to reply to snipers. Third Troop took exception to a tame goat called “Charlie,” belonging to friends, whose passion it was to eat their mail and photographs.

Fifth Troop found map reading difficult at the start and once nearly led some V.I.P.s on a tour of the Yemen. On the nearby ranges they nearly put paid to the local rubbish vehicle which appeared in the target area at the wrong moment. The Troop, realising their numbers were thirteen, procured a monkey, “Amstel,” in the “suk” and took him on ration strength. They also took to riding camels and donkeys until the Troop Leader fell off and broke his arm.

Squadron Headquarters and the remainder have not been idle and have to date carried out seventeen convoy escorts and two operations. Their work, though less glamorous, has been essential and much appreciated. \Ve now look forward to handing over to “C” Squadron and going off to relieve “A” Squadron in two months time.

21

Exercise “Flat Spin” was an advance against the Q.D.G., when we were hard pushed to keep touch with R.H.Q. in a notably bad wireless area, Capt. Boyd and Cpl. Clayton pulling out all stops on the rear link.

Exercise “ Salad Days” was a summer training trip to the Baltic, an endurance test for the drivers, and a taste of the delights of Schleswig Holstein.

We co-operated in a demonstration by the Recce Battalion of the German 6th Panzer Grenadier Division at the request of the NATO Liaison HQ. and were well entertained by them afterwards.

In barracks, we had several Tombola evenings, the wives kindly helping with refreshments, and Squadron funds received a needed boost. We also held a “Smoker” to say goodbye to those ineligible for Aden.

We played three cricket matches, losing one and winning one against the redoubtable “A” Squadron side, but beating “ B ” by one run off the last ball of the match, Capt. Gubbins (A.E.R.) delighting everyone with his village-cricket sixes. 2/Lt. May and 2/Lt. Fletcher, Tprs. Davison

and Bunn were enthusiastic bowlers.

Beckett batted consistently well.

We came third in inter-Squadron athletics, in which the Squadron Leader set himself to win both the “ Old Soldiers ” and the “ 220,” failing respectively to S.S.M. Brennan of “ B ” Squadron and our own Tpr. Wilson. We were third also at swimming, our “aces” being L/Cpl. Burch, Tprs. Bowers and Stott. We came second to “ HQ.” Squadron at football, despite the efforts of the S.S.M.’s “cheer party.” The team was (from) Sgt. Lloyd, Cpls. Sanderson, Clayton and Oldham (R.E.M.E.), L/Cpls. Moseley, Radley, Harper, Armstrong and Meikle (R.A.P.C.), Tprs.

Tallant, Spencer (190), Bunn and Price.

We won the gunnery competition, thanks mainly to Sgt. Jubb, who instructed the crews.

2nd Troop (2/ Lt. Loyd and Sgt. Warren) won the Inter—Troop Shield for the March quarter, and 3rd Troop (2/Lt. Hallaran and Sgt. Lloyd) for June.

We welcome S.Q.M.S. Shone from “ A ” Squadron, and congratulate Cpl. Heath on his marriage, and L/Cpls. Falvey and Ellsmore on extending their service.

Tidworth Six ex-members re-joined from “HQ.” Squadron with our complement of attached personnel.

We received a draft from the Training Regiment and re—formed into seven troops, retaining five established ones.

We spent the three weeks at weapon training, shooting, drill and generally preparing for Aden,

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The Squadron arrived in Little Aden to find that for a week or so we would have no vehicles.

This period was therefore a time of great challenge and ingenuity to maintain our standards of training. We begged and borrowed wireless sets, arranged two excellent demonstrations by the 'Headquarters of the Aden Protectorate Levies and the rocket-firing Venoms of No. 8 Squadron,

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Herford N keeping with the whole Regiment the Squadron obtained an excellent report on the annual vehicle inspection. Credit goes to our drivers, led by Sgt. Warren, to S / Sgt. Willison and the fitters, and to the L.A.D. for their close co—operation.

Troop training, in April, was based on a high wood overlooking the River Weser, and we had about 400 square miles of variable country for movement. The weather was fine, and we were able to visit the Pied Piper town of Hamlen on several evenings. Detachments from The Leicestershire Regiment and the Corps Engineer Regiment coached our assault troopers to a useful standard of fieldcraft; a contingent of Eastbourne College Cadet Force joined us for three days. We staged two vehicle rallies, now an accepted feature of troop training.

Exercise “Lady Godiva” saw the whole Regiment set against the Recce Troops of 20th Armoured Brigade and The Royal Hampshires. The Squadron had an interesting seizing—and—holding task and went at a good pace. Capt. Glossop (A.E.R.), with the assault sections crossed the Weser at night in assault boats and formed a small but convincing bridgehead.

R.A.F., and generally orientated ourselves for things to come. Cpl. Hayes and a team of “experts” made a fine job of improving the appearance of the camp by digging-in large concrete slabs to . . distinguish traffic circuits and Squadron areas.

We were fortunate in getting brand—new. vehicles and equipment, and 1n late November started sending out troops on treks and patrols in lialson With “B” Squadron. Just before Christmas we provided an “enemy” of “tanks” and armoured cars for The Royal Warwrckshire Regiment on a four—day Exercise. This was 'much enioyed, especrally by the S.S.M., who spent one night firing 50 parachute flares from a 2m. mortar borrowed from our friends The Northampton— shire Regiment.

We entertained a party of sailors from the frigate Loch Insh, who were disturbingly accurate in their firing of our Brownings. They left in excellent spirits, having had two good wins at Regimental Tombola, and various nautical “ souvenirs ” still decorate our huge barrack room. We believe they will remember us too. (Where IS that Squadron flag?).

As ever, we have entered whole—heartedly into sport, and on occasions have had several players in the Regimental football team. We are not quite sure who owes who a crate of beer after the ceaseless challenges issued by “HQ.” Squadron. It is gratifying that our hockey team has improved

c JOURNAL or THE

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

ROYAL DRAGOONS

was». .

23

to the extent of winning the Christmas Competition, having been in the doldrums for a few years.

Swimming is popular, the sea being five minutes away, and several former non-swimmers can now be seen regularly striking out for the deep-water raft at high tide. In all, the Squadron is in good heart and looking forward to sending a number of troops “ up-country ” in the near future.

Oman Safari Being an account of one of several Exercises in Oman, in this case being the story of 4th Troop “A” Squadron.

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of Sharjah on HEN 4th Troop, together with half Squadron Headquarters, rollowed out we would still November 18, few of us guessed that instead of the planned two weeks’ Exercise, be out a month later. and set out for After a day shooting the guns at Manama, we left the rest of the Squadron at home.

Christmas at us to remote as about seemed that Muscat to halfway place Suwaiq, a little to the Wadi Quor that The first day’s motoring took us to the base of the Oman hills, the entrance

by Tpr. Collins’s brew of leads through to the Batinah Coast. The first night is remembered and had disastrous effects melted down chocolate (amongst other things) which defied description ' Osland.

Dr. to blood t people—firs of on a number of a German dreaming began everyone where stage the until smoothly, Next day all went

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Gasthaus.

It was just then that we found one. By the time that Signalman Davis had been convinced it was not a mirage and Sgt. Wallace had established the fact that it sold only PepsiCola, 4th Troop Leader had bought himself an umbrella (which he was determined was absolutely essential) and we were ready to move again. So on to Sohar, where we stayed the night with the Gendarmerie. Here we had our first encounter with a scorpion, bravely overcome by a familiar party armed with shovels.

The following day took us to Suwaiq, our RV for the Exercise, where we were met by Said Faiha, an impressive character who is the Sultan’s brother not, as suggested by L/Cpl. Lock, Orson Wells in disguise. We were a day early (Allah be praised) and spent two nights. Here we were able to vary our diet by buying fish, vicious looking creatures thought to be Barracuda, but later established as King Mackerel, and chickens. The former were professionally dealt with by Tpr. Dunn and Cfn. Parry (“ It’s not like this in W’ales ”). The attack on the latter was two—pronged, some preferring the birds fried in slices; alternatively perhaps the more successful method, turning on the spit, ably executed by Cpl. Underwood and L/Cpl. Mott in a true Loughborough fashion.

Eventually we moved inland to Rostak where, following a mining incident, we had to cordon off the village for 24 hours while it was searched; everyone found the night patrolling a bit tiring, particularly so Tpr. Barker, who succeeded in driving a considerable distance without realising he had left his Commander behind!

It was during this period that L/Cpl. Mott fired the only two shots of the Exercise that were even faintly in anger, in order to prevent an obstinate gentleman on a camel from breaking the cordon. In truth the wretched animal was probably well out of control and the beast is thought to have reached the Gulf of Oman before

stopping.

Our next task was to reconnoitre the Gobra Bowl, a natural mountain amphitheatre. By this time Tpr. Hainan only just winning a valiant struggle to keep his truck (hereafter referred to as Betsy) on the move; however, with the aid of a certain amount of string and a veritable army of men to tighten up the few remaining nuts and bolts at regular intervals, we progressed. We entered the Bowl through a very hazardous pass, which proved to be the downfall of a certain member of the party—nameless—who drove a scout car down quite a big hole, Once through the pass our proposed recce was cut short by bad going and worse navigation and we returned to the bottom of the pass. Just as we were about to eat a much needed meal it began to rain. The sight of 2/Lt. Hamilton-Russell under his umbrella was too much for Tpr. Brown, whose hysterical laughter was not even quenched by the sight of a camp—bed appearing from a tent on the crest of a large wave—until he discovered it was his own. In three minutes everything was on the cars and we had moved to higher ground—chased by a wadi in spate!

Once sorted out again we made back for Rostak, where we were to give a fire power demonstration. However, we had not gone far before a wheel fell off Cpl. Underwood’s Ferret, somewhat disconcerting. He was recovered quickly, however, and the fire power demonstration was completed with a lot of noise and not many hits. After this, Capt. Trouton left for home with two Ferrets and 4th Troop settled down to a week’s holiday waiting for spares to be flown down. Wireless contact was duly made with Sharjah (Sgt. Wallace’s head swells). Cpl. Welsh and Cfn. Parry attacked the broken down vehicles—~of which there seemed to be plenty—later joined by Cfn. Taylor and Thompson, all of whom worked very hard to get us moving again. The remainder occupied themselves plucking and eating chickens. A small arms competition was organised, and won by Cpl. Osland (shame on you, Dragoonsl).

During the whole Exercise so far, we happily had a Platoon of the Muscat Regiment attached to do our guards, and an Officer, Capt. Musker, as a guide and interpreter. We challenged them to a football match, to be played on the Rostak airfield. The highlight of a hilarious game—and there were many—was undoubtedly Cpl. Osland’s complete inability to place his foot anywhere ‘ near the ball. Ably referee-ed by L/Cp]. Lock, the result was 1-1, though nobody saw either goal scored!

Finally, we moved again, while Cfn. Taylor and Thompson and Tpr. Hainnan returned home; Cpl. Welsh took over the helm of Betsy and we set off for Sohar and Exercise

“ Mudlark 11.”

After some five hours’ motoring Betsy gave a despairing shudder and ground to a final halt, the front wheels pointing outwards and the track-rod bent nearly double. After some difficulty an aged and nearly blind “mechanic” was found locally who, by no known method, contrived to

It makes a change.

L/Cpl. Mott, “A” Squadron.

of Royal straighten it out again. Mobile again, we limped into Sohar and met up with a Platoon had an Marines, who were to do the Exercise with us. At this juncture 2/Lt. Hamilton—Russell from Sharjah afternoon’s partridge shooting and killed seven brace, while 2/Lt. Connell appeared Dams 'and with a new track-rod and some mail. We were glad to be joined again by Signalman had given Tpr. Calvert, who returned to ensure that no rations were wasted! After the Marines out to sea, a commendably smart drill display and L/Cpl. Mott had loosed off a belt of Browning was arranged, we moved up the coast to a place called Fizh, where another fire power demonstration cook—off in the a sustained Underwood Cpl. that except first, the than successful more was which picked out of empties bag (all the exciting things seemed to happen to him). The bullet was later a demonstration the rubber padding in the turret. A lucky escape! To keep us amused there was to ride the of a mounted camel platoon in attack—most impressive! We were a.llowed_to attempt there brutes afterwards; L/Cpl. Mott was first up, but fell heavily almost immediately, whereupon to this used We’re (“ Parry Cfn. for except abstain, to remainder the by decision was a unanimous . sort of thing in Wales ”), who got run away with! of goats One more call, another drill display by the Marines, somewhat interfered With by a herd haying crossing the parade ground, and we were on our way home. Betsy, in good heart, although two to be tow—started every morning by Tpr. Aitchison. We drove leisurely back, encountering being Lock, wthaleL/Cpl. three; shot heroically Leader Troop 4th which of out swarms of locusts, quarters but distuer at night by a dog, discharged a load of buckshot in the prox1mity of its rear unhappily missed by a handsome margin. . back to On December 12, somewhat dishevelled, but having enjoyed every moment, we got During our travel we had met with nothing but friendliness and a deSire to help; Sharjah. to klll._ we were only sorry we eventually had to eat Annabelle, the chicken no-one could bear We now look forward to another trip of the same type in the near future.

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27

Towards the end of our time in Germany came the C.I.V. and the Commanding Oflicer’s inspection of vehicles and stores prior to hand over. The inspection of vehicles was a pretty grim outlook, as we had on an average one driver to two—and—a—half vehicles. This being due to R.H.Q. run down prior to Aden, leave and Advance Parties. However, the whole Troop set to with the cleaning and the drivers did the maintenance. The result was a general grading of excellent on both inspections, with C.V.2 being graded the best vehicle in the Regiment on the Commanding Officer’s inspection.

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OUR training in Germany in 1959 was both varied and interesting. It included Regimental and Echelon Exercises, assault Troop training and Exercise “Kiel Canal.” The latter took place in the area of Eckenforde Bay, near the Danish frontier, with a leaguer in an attractive wood overlooking the sea. The programme included trips into Denmark and to the Royal Navy in Kiel Harbour. The Navy were excellent hosts, as S.Q.M.S. Titmarsh found to his cost.

The winter months in Aden have passed pleasantly. The Squadron is half the size it was in B.A.OJR. The efforts of the football, boxing and basketball teams were chiefly responsible for our victory in the Makins Shield competition. The Squadron football team flourishes in Aden.

Major Banham left the Squadron in December to become Second-in—Command.

S.S.M. Woods left us in England and S.S.M. Watorski joined us from Malaya. Arrivals and departures are too numerous to mention by name but departments will almost certainly have the space.

R.HHQ Troop ELL, Sir, Smudge and I, we felt cold in that field, so I got up and closed the gate.” This was my initiation to R.H.Q. Troop and this account of two of its members on an initiative test was being given by the “ Field Marshal.” Nobody seems to know why he went by this name, but I feel it was something to do with the pride that he took in his C.11 wireless set; the only one in the Regiment. He was only prepared to share his knowledge with the driver of the vehicle in which it travelled. This was a ferret, the only one of its kind we had.

Most of the Troop’s activities during the summer were focused on Exercises. Although there were few Regimental Exercises we managed to get out of camp on an average about once a week.

In June we became Aden-minded and decided to get some soft sand driving to our credit. We went to .Sennelager training area for a few days. Due to the Signals Officer’s capacity for fixing things with the Royal Canadian Dragoons we combined this training with a visit to their R.H.Q. Troop.

The whole fixture was a great success. Half each day was spent in soft sand driving and the

rest by us driving their vehicles and the R.C.D.s driving our vehicles.

In this they had more to

offer than we did. Nearly every driver in the Troop had a go at a tank, a “douce and a Haf,” and a “three—quarter,” as well as one or two other types of vehicle. This included a very clever machine that the Signals Ofl’icer monopolised for about half an afternoon and entertained himself by picking up scout cars and planting them somewhere else. We left the training area with two of the Saracens looking rather like six-legged ducks.

At the end of July we went up to Schleswig with the whole Squadron for a week’s Exercise.

“C ” Squadron were there for part of the time and with them we visited the German Army. We also went on board a Naval ship in Kiel. At least half the time was spent in sun bathing, a sport we are now very good at. Some people visited Denmark and others brought their families up.

Unfortunately, we had two breakdowns. C_V.I. broke down on the way up and seldom have

The final hand over to the Life Guards went without a hitch.

On leaving Germany the

majority of the Troop broke up and now the familiar voices are heard in the telephone exchange and on Radio Royals!

Q.M. Group INCE our last notes, which were written in the comfort and luxury of our Barracks at Herford, we have travelled a long way, via Tidworth, and business is still very brisk. The only request that we have not yet received is for the full dress for weddings, but we expect this will be coming in shortly.

Our teething troubles in our present camp are now over and we are beginning to see some daylight, although we honestly believe that our motto, which is “ The Impossible we do Immediately, Miracles take a little Longer,” has become true, and it is thought that others honestly believe it too. However, so long as our customers are satisfied, we are happy, and we trust that although at times we have not been able to supply by return, we have sent soonest. In fact, the word “Operational” is now so firmly imprinted into our daily routine'that it is rumoured that the Q.M. has drawn up as a personal weapon a rocket launcher, as it has been found most difficult to keep going the supply of the normal types of ammunition. The other day the Q.1M. was heard to remark that one of “B” Squadron Troops had fired more ammunition than was fired at El Alamein. We cannot believe that this is true, but it is known that the barrel is due for replacement.

During our move a number of the old stalwarts left us, either on release or posting, and even with sprained ankles in Malta, but to all those that have gone we send our very best wishes.

To Sgt. Louch and L/Cpls. Kemp, McLaughlin and Hunt go our best wishes on their promotion.

We must thank all those in Squadrons and Departments who did so much to ensure that the hand-over at Herford was a good one and in particular all the wives who did so much to ensure that the Married Quarters were in such a splendid condition, and over which they had obviousty taken so much trouble. Thanks a lot: it made our job so much more cheerful and easier.

Notwithstanding our various commitments, we are still very interested in sport. Before we left B.A.O.R. the Group again won the Inter—Troop Cup. Since arriving here Cpls. Wood and Kemp have played regularly for the Regimental side and have also played for the Army and the Combined Services teams.

Recently we have been told that an Administrative Inspection is due and so we shall now be busy preparing for this.

No doubt our next notes will be written in an entirely different country. We are certainly “ seeing the world! ”

I seen as livid a driver as Cpl. Coventry, who insisted that in all his time in the Regiment he had never been off the road on an Exercise, and for this to happen when he had ten days to push was

more than he could bear. On the way home we lost one scout car which had gone off course and broke down. This, however, turned up eventually.

In August we went out on a Regimental Exercise against the Q.D.G. This was our grand finale in Germany and everybody enjoyed it very much.

Throughout the summer the Troop was very rally minded. We had several Troop rallies and our representatives to the Regimental Waterloo Day rally competed with distinction, although

some were not quite so cunning at brewing up tea as others.

Interest in rallies went further and

there were few drivers that did not accompany the Signals Oflicer and the Tr00p Leader on

one of their many visits to the Nurburg Ring

Tpr. Smith became Rally Mechanic and Jaguar

tuning on a Mercedes proved to be very effective

M.T. Troop HIS is the M.T. Office. Cpl. Bull speaking, Sir. Land Rover to Sheikh Othman, Sir? Tonight, Sir? What time will you be returning, Sir? Ten o’clock tomorrow morning, Sir? Yes, I think that can be arranged.” So life goes on with Cpl. Bull in the centre of it.

Probably a very junior Officer did not realise what he was saying when talking about the “old man with grey hair in the ,M.T. Office.” At any rate, it afforded us a good laugh in the small world of M.T. The road from Aden to Little Aden is now horribly familiar to all of us, and L/Cpl. Gentile assures us that his vehicle can steer itself from Steamer Point to the Guardroom, from

28

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

the state of his vehicle it would appear that it frequently does so, but unfortunately it cannot rise to the greater heights of maintaining itself.

At the time of writing the Administrative Inspection has come and gone—M.T. Troop unfortunately had a great many punctures that morning—and C.I.V. has come but is taking rather too long to go. We have our problems as always; probably the greatest of them at the moment is the horse box—now a familiar sight on the Colony roads. It is an impressive sight, being about four feet higher than the average nhree—tonner and the “Accommodation Stores” peering out of the front makes even the most addicted Qat chewing native stare.

JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

it

Our work tickets have given us our usual worries. Tpr. Filkins managed to clock up 997 miles on a local laundry detail and Tpr. Houson went to Aden and returned with 200 less miles on the dock than he started with. However, all these things are occupational hazards and when the time comes when nobody in M.T. can produce an answer to them, it will be a sad day indeed.

What it all boils down to is No transport, No rations: No rations, No footballers, and only then can M.T. be said to have failed.

Orderly Room HE last year has been a hectic one for the Orderly Room. Two Regimental moves with massive quantities of “ bumph ” both to produce and then to dispose of in order to get all our buckshee kit into a mere 18 crates!

As usual there have been several changes in staff. Capt. Wilson FitzGerald left us and was last seen departing in the custody of the civil police at Southampton. Capt. Bradish—Ellames took over Cpl. Brandon left us to go off to the wilds with “A” Squadron, and Messrsi Johnson and Marshall had to be left behind in England despite all the efforts of the Chief Clerk to persuade them to Sign on and come to the sunny Arabian Peninsula.

We took over the Orderly Room successfully on the Devonshire, and L/Cpl. Wennell had a pleasant trip chasing his tripe—writer from one side of the office to the other as the ship rolled. We would hasten to add that uhere is no truth in the rumour that we accidentally posted the ship’s captain to the Sharpshooters and the Adjutant had to do the navigation. We took over the Life Guards Orderly Room in spite of the sun, heat, sand, flies, Quartermaster, expensive beer and painters. We find the climate very pleasant—it is lovely and warm when we emerge from the office just before lights out every night!

Royal Signals E arrived in Aden with a very different troop to the one which had survived the rigours of B.A.O.rR. Exercises. W.O.II Barton left us after doing an excellent job for all too short a time and W.O.II Williams took his place.

There is limited scope for the Signals in Aden, there being no regimental rear link to operate.

The result is that operators work largely in the Telephone Exchange, which has its compensations as we are seldom far behind with the scandal. The Radio Technicians have a chance of going to Ataq and Dhala as well as to Shariah, and revel in telling the remainder of us what it’s like (L up-country.”

L/Cpl. Strang came nearest to the sharp end on Exercise “ Phantom II” and returned impressively with an arm in plaster. However, he was forced to concede that it was not sustained through unarmed combat with dissidents, but by the all too easy, but somewhat less glamorous, method of falling off a 3-tonner.

W.O.II Williams has opened up his own amateur station and is having considerable success as one could expect from the entanglement of wire surrounding the Royal Signals workshops. The Royals’ Broadcasting Service has been a high priority job and we have managed to get the Adjutant’s tape recorder and the Sergeants’ Mess record player linked up to the 1.8. Wireless set. Even more than that, the set survived the annual inspection without adverse comment, in spite of having a somewhat odd appearance with wires protruding at places where the signals officer for one had no idea wires could protrude.

Dhala at dawn.

the wheel, and is now driving hard on his second circuit with his foot (and thumb) hard down.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

. At long last we managed to get the Royal Canadian Dragoons to a very belated evening’s enter— tainment which we all enjoyed. It is understood that besides the presentation they are richer by several oddments of furniture, plus the dreaded and much loved Round Table.

An event of note on the hand-over at Herford to the Life Guards was: Life Guards loss, Royals gain, one long ginger moustache—a much coveted trophy.

Tidworth is best remembered by leave, visits from Old Comrades, good hospitality from our friends Q.‘O.H. and the 1st Bn. Grenadier Guards. The arrival of “ Nasher’s ” fish and chip shop and a bicycle company helped to break the monotony.

During the year we lost many good friends, A.S.M. Churcther, W.O.II Barton, W.O.II Baker and mZny more, too numerous to mention, but wherever they are we Wish them good luck at their new 10 5.

Light Aid Detachment “

HIRTY pounds of steak, twenty pounds of sausages, 500 cans of beer, 300 rolls.” No, this is not part of the order for the Lord Mayor’s banquet, but is in fact the invoice for yet another L.A.D. barbecue. These charcoal affairs held on the beach are becoming a regular feature of our L.A.D. social life here in Little Aden. Cfn. Simmonds will insist on having a midnight bathe on these occasions, and lately has had the assistance of L/Cpl. Davis. Pity they are so pressed for time Oike the writer of these notes) that neither of them can wait to change!

S / Sgt. Pitcher has extended the spanner bashing activities of the L.A.D. into new territories, having taken part in

Although the farewell at Southampton had a sad ring with good-byes to sweethearts, wives and friends, the lighter side was also present. The Band gave us a first class rousing send off despite the fact several of its members were improperly dressed, followed by yet another display of good old British justice to prove the British Policeman is still the best.

Mess life in Aden is much better than anticipated. Although much depends on what is in the letter rack each evening, we have had some very good Mess nights.

Several of the RP. Refinery staff are firm friends of the Mess and help very much in making our social evenings. We have put a Mess Football XI out to battle with their club and in real “Cup Tie” style have each won a game. This gives the excuse for a decider to be played and another social evening. h We welcome “C ” Squadron of The Queen’s Own Hussars who will be our neighbours very

the Christmas “Swan” with the 21.C. up into the Hadhramaut. Luckily it was the 21.C. who split open a Landrover gear—box.

In the Persian Gulf, S / Sgt. Randles and a party of 20 keep our section ever active. We are told that the language used by Crasher and Paddy Keenan when

3!

s ort y.

We sometimes do other things.

of all was enough to cause the sympathetic detonation their beloved Scammel rested on a mine this section and corresin Germany from stalwarts few a still other mines in the area. There are _ a certain German Village named Kirchosen. pondence still passes between them and From “paraffin” driven motor into a new field. activities his extended has Rowan Cfn. are looking helicopters. If the RAF. Board of Inquiry cycles in Germany he has progressed to “ do it yourself kit.’

Rowan’s search they suggest I then for pieces of a local crashed helicopter, to “ B ” Squadron “ pl ph ” in the Regiment and a transfer Soon, I feel, there will be more than one

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Band Notes

will be indicated. last notes, I will say this, Aden is little different To all the characters who have left since our is just as much palaver a wee bit longer hours then them. There

from Germany and we still work but someInspections and C.I.V. as in Germany, and preparation for the season of Administrative moan about? to something not had we if do we how or other we triumph. What would Arte et Mane it is.

Sergeants’

Mess

Notes

members n, at sea aboard the M .V. Devonshirez Most ‘x 7E started these notes in an unusual positio over—eating and drinking. Many new to down settled have and legs sea have found their plus a new crew and are prominent both day and night, friendships have sprung up with the ship’s . ‘ y.

Plumbl Sgt. mascot—the ship’s hen—a favourite of ten a few ing on their promotion, and if we have forgot We would like to congratulate the follow S.Q.M.S.s Titmarsh, Shane and Simpson, ki, Wators S.S.M. sea. at all are we as we must be forgiven S / Sgt. Darling Boakes, Louch, and not forgetting the Band, Sgts. Bayne, Corcoran, Wallace, Rooke, ' . and Trumpet Major Whellans. the later this year owing to the training season, Although Waterloo Day was celebrated much ier te success. Among the guests were Brigad comple a was Ball ll Farewe and oo combined Waterl bar was very and a good time was had by all. The Aden W. A. C. Anderson, D.s.o., and his lady, Bashi and Mohammed Ali Bim y, Plumbl Farouk being rs popular—its prominent Eastern membe plus henchman.

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On the T the time of writing these notes we are almost sorry that we did not sail for Aden. a time to look shores of Folkestone we have gales, snow storms and torrential rain. This being satisfaction. We must retrace back over events, achievements, and amusing incidents, we do so with

Regiment with the local our steps to Herford, where much was done to enhance the name of the population and elsewhere. to Leeuwarden The Royal Canadian Dragoons called on us in May, 1959, to accompany them engagement, where (Holland) for a four—day Liberation celebration. This was a highly successful people. The we dined and wined extremely well and were given a warm reception by the Dutch by several appreciated much was which square, market huge the in concert a give to Band was asked football match thousand people. Another highlight of this trip was playing at an International was at their birthday celebetween France and Holland. Our final association with the R.C.D,’s

32

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

brations, this time on Hohne ranges. We were looked after very well and by then were almost established as the Regimental Band of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

Four trumpeters travelled to England with the Regimental recruiting tour and two attended at the funeral of Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makins.

Once again in May we were able to combine with the Carabiniers for a Red Cross concert at the Schutzenhof, Herford, which was well received by the German population. We completed our stay in Germany with a farewell broadcast on B.F.N., and by playing for a Polizei Sports Meeting at Krefeld. The Bandmaster was given the privilege of conducting the Massed Bands (six in all) in the Grand Finale, one of the items being the favourite march “Old Comrades,” to which the Germans gave their slow hand clap, a gesture of appreciation.

The Band played at Munster for “The Greys ” Waterloo celebrations, consisting of a parade, preceding a service to unveil and dedicate a War Memorial. In the evening the Dance Band played for the Sergeants’ Mess Ball and a Squadron Smoker.

The Band gave a farewell concert in the Rathaus Square at Herford for the German Red Cross.

We left Herford on zo:h July for Shornciiffe. We have settled in well at Shorncliffe and would like to acknowledge Major Hodgson’s help. The summer engagements at Southport, Brighton and Grasmere were successful and we have been able to secure the same engagements for 1960, Unable to perform at the White City Tattoo, we did appear at a Military Display at Southend in September, but, being out of the recruiting area, the Bandmaster-had to restrain himself. (Poaching just isn’t done).

After a short stay at Tidworth we played the Regiment off at Southampton. Those on board enjoyed the battle of the bands. Thanks to the Sergeants’ Mess on “ B” Deck, their vocal ovation proved too much for the Staff Band present.

On returning to Shornclifie, the Folkestone Cavalry O-ld Comrades’ Association Secretary contacted the Bandmaster and. at twenty-four hours’ notice, we headed a Balaclava Day Remembrance procession in Folkestone. This was hailed in the local press as a hallmark of the true “Cavalry Spirit.”

Armistice Sunday saw us at the Garrison Church Service and march past in the morning and the civic British Legion Service in the afternoon. After this we took part in the Lord Mayor’s Show. The theme of the Show was agriculture. The band ‘was placed between a combined harvester and a milk float with two Jersey cows. It did, in fact, prove to be profitable because at the time of writing we are negotiating an engagement at the Basingstoke Agricultural Society Show, of which the Lord Mayor is President.

The band club has been active. The Christmas draw took place as usual, and early in

December a trip was made to the factory of Boosey and Hawkes, the musical instrument manufacturers. After a three-hour journey we were given coffee and a quick look at parts of the factory before a most edible lunch (on the house).

A further tour of the factory took place after lunch. “Taffy” Shearn was wise in having his instrument repaired while he waited and a mouthpiece silver—plated (gratis). Our future programme to date includes: July Brighton.

August 20th Grasmere.

August 24th—27th Southport Flower Show.

September nth—18th Folkestone Bandstand.

Many readers will be sorry to know that Mrs. Norma Tait died on 19th November; our deepest sympathy is extended to Student Bandmaster Tait and his three children.

Many members have left the band for “civvy street,” but we are happy to welcome new blood in Bandsmen Fellows, Mexter, Taylor, Atkinson, Mitchell and Pentecost. We trust their stay will be a long and pleasant one, Temporary departures are Trachy, Craft D., Oliver and Meikle who are at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, on a pupils’ course.

Our congratulations to Cpls. Syms, Fisher, L/Cpls. Briggs, Thorn, Jury and Whitworth on their promotions.

The following have added their names to the married section of the band, Cpl. Everson, L/Cpl.

Whitworth and Bdsm. Watts, P. All our best wishes for their future happiness.

An addition to the family is happily reported for T/M. and Mrs. Whellans, congratulations to them both.

Finally, we from Shornclifle wish to send best wishes to all members of the Regiment and we look forward to linking—up once again in the near future.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

A JOURNEY TO

and Giesla Schlatholz, the only Europeans living in an area about the size of Wales. Herr Schlatholz turned out to be an irrigation engineer who is turning the Wadi Hair into a veritable cotton plantation by damming up the flood waters of the valley. He and his wife, with four Arab stone-masons, had built this lovely home in three months and fate had led us to it on Christmas Eve. Soon we were all bathed—clean clothes were unpacked and the delights of Mr. Twyford’s excellent plumbing arrangements had been sampled.

We sat down to a true German Christmas, and wine and sparkling conversation saw in Christmas Day. Our hosts had given us perhaps the best Christmas present we could all have had, a wonderful evening in a lovely house at a time when home life means everything.

Next morning, Christmas Day, our hosts saw us off with coffee; our water cans were refilled and

THE

HADHRADIAUT

DEN seemed to be getting more and more oppressive and the need to get out and about struck the

Second-in—Comrnand and the Adjutant simultaneously. How could the Chairborne Brigade get away from R.H.Q. for ten days and do something useful at the same time? Christmas and the New Year seemed to offer a solution.

Everyone would be so busy enjoying themselves, that the Bumph War would surely

ceasel The Colonel approved and planning started.

The official aim was to see if armoured cars could drive from Aden into the Eastern Protectorate and up to the Rub a1 Khali—the sand sea that forms the undefined border between Saudi Arabia and the Protectorate. Unofl‘icially we wanted to see the fertile Hadhramaut Valley—a great natural rift in the arid

mountains, long inhabited and of great scenic and cultural interest.

The iourney would entail a trip of 1,250 miles, all of it over rough tracks and soft sand. Petrol could be got at only two places en route and we were otherwise self-contained. This took some detailed planning and when petrol, spares, rations and water were aboard there seemed little room for passengers and kit. There was great competition to be “ in” on the party and eventually eight lucky people were selected. The oflicers

were Major Banham, Capt. Bradish—Ellames, Lt. Hamilton—Russell from “A” Squadron and 2/Lt. Woodward from “ B ” Squadron. S/Sgt. Pitcher came along to keep the vehicles rolling; L/Cpl. Yates was to keep us alive on Compo rations and L/Cpl. Smith and Tpr. Collingwood made up the team. Four Landrovers, loaded till the springs groaned, rolled out of Little Aden on the 23rd December.

We said good-bye to Aden’s tarmac and got on to the beach and were soon spinning along the shores of the Arabian sea at a good 40 mph. After passing the cotton plantations of Ziniibar and the small fishing Village of Shuqra we were forced inland by the advancing ride. We had a bathe first, however,

confiding amongst ourselves that sharks would not come close inshore.

The sight of ten monsters hauled

up on Shuqra beach together with a one—legged Arab fisherman a few minutes later caused conversation to lapse for a bit. Inland, going became very bumpy and dusty and we met one old friend, Major Mike Webb of the Blazers Field Battery, together with 4 Troop o “ B ” Squadron, returning from a small war they had been having for the last fortnight. All they wanted was a bath and some clean clothes and they thought we were mad—however, they told us that the locals were now in a better frame of mind and our small convoy was unlikely to be shot at. Conversation started once more. On arrival at Ahwar however,

some 150 miles from Aden, we found the 3rd Bn. Aden Protectorate Levies in full strength around the

Mukalla 45 miles away, seemed no distance.

35

However, all tracks do not lead to Mukalla, no matter how

many roads go to Rome and soon we were all pushing, sweating, towing, loading and off—loading in a sea of soft sand and Mukalla did not materialise until midday. Here we met with great hospitath and the Hadhramaut Beduin Legion refuelled us and gave us a new dynamo. Then with vehicles full to the brim with petrol and drivers almost to the brim with gin we set off northwards towards the mountain passes and

the Hadhramaut Valley. As evening fell we were climbing a 6,oooft. pass on a narrow track hung on to the cliff edges.

We stopped to put on woolly sweaters, leather ierkins and to listen to the Queen’s broadcast

with Mukalla and the sea 4,oooft. below us.

It was short message but the Queen’s voice came through clear

and firm. We climbed up to a little village called Maula Mater. It was very cold and time to take shelter for the night.

Our two excellent Beduin Legionnaires from Mukalla, Sayed and Salem, who spoke no English, found us a small empty house and in we settled. Soon a good fire was roaring away in the primitive wattle fireplace. L/Cpl. Yates brought in the pudding afiame with Mr. Hines’ best brandy. There were crackers

to pull, paper hats were “de rigeur” and whisky and water circulated fast and furiously.

Sayed and

Salem were surprised, to say the least of it, to see the Naserani eating food aflarne, but just loved the crackers and paper hats. Tpr. Collingwood, now known as Sidi Bin Collingwood, gave them their Christmas present—a pair of goggles each and received an agal in exchange; with the help of a yellow duster he looked

more Bedu than his friends.

/ THE YEMEN 41"

town and we had to collect some dozen stalwart Government Guards to escort us through the danger zone.

They were excellent chaps but the sight of them recalled the Iron Duke’s words before Waterloo 2 “I know not what effect these men may have upon the enemy—but by God, they frighten me!”

We spent that night at a small fort at Husan Billeid. A quick inspection showed it to be full of Arab

guards and even more of their parasitic hangers on.

We bedded down against the outside walls of the fort

the and passed the night listening to the clatter of the guards, and hoping that the DDT provided by

R.A.M.C. had some protective powers in it. It did not.

The creepy crawlies had us up before dawn next day and we set off to reach Mukalla some 220 miles trundled further on, by nightfall. At the border of the Eastern Protectorate we left our Arab guards and we met eastwards. Here the country changed into a black wilderness of larva rocks and every so often natives, dressed in Indigo dye, a cotton “futteh ” and all carrying various firearms. test. The By giving lifts we ensured we were on the right side and Banham’s Arabic was put to the

fact that we lost the way a couple of times showed that his Arabic was rusty to say the least.

Upto7oooft. /

About this

Ahmed who time a little man rushed out and gave us a letter—could we take it to Mukalla, to his brother

lived near the Suk? We had become the yearly mail run it seemed. Next we came upon the little Sultan— the ate of Bir Ali. Out of the fort turned the Tribal Guard and we had to go and pay our respects to Sultan who turned out to be an excellent fellow. Soon we were sitting bare—footed in the Guest room, coca in, conversation cola and tea arrived, together with the town’s (population 800) notables. The Sultan came the room. rolled round the room, but stopped short when two goats, going like the clappers, shot through Meanwhile, unknown to us, Tpr. Collingwood was parading with the Sultan’s Guard to be photographed in charge. and was getting at the same time some pretty hot instruction in rifle drill from the Shawish to offer better Pleasantries over, we left and nosed our way over the rocks to the beach which here seemed we were crossing going. Apart from almost losing one vehicle in a quicksand, all went well and at nightfall the Wadi Hair, the only permanently running river in Arabia. drove us on. We I suppose we should have stopped as night fell but we were behind time and the fates

to cover‘ had forgotten it was Christmas Eve. In the gathering dusk we left the green valley and stanted the stony hilly desert. Suddetily,llover a small rise, there appeared a shining white house that would have stood open and from f ' looked in place at Cap d’Antibes. Smart gates led into a green garden, the front door was a mirage indeed. i inside came the notes of “ Holy Night ” filtering out to the damp evening air. This people, 1(31‘1?

Al lbrakes went on and eight dusty Royals presented themselves. Inside were two wonderful

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THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS .

Boxing Day saw us moving at dawn over rocky highlands.

37

It was bitterly cold, and for the first time

Since arriving in Aden we really welcomed the sun. The clouds were lying in the valley below us and the air was crisp and had a Bollinger effect! Suddenly a great chasm appeared ahead and the cars stopped, and we walked up to its edge.

A breathtaking sight lay below. Steep, almost vertical sides fell a thousand feet sheer, and below was a green ribbon on the valley floor with small villages on whose flat rooftops the owners, like little ants, could be seen doing their house chores—and much else besides!

Here was our first view of the Hadhrarnaut valley from the head of its main tributary, the Wadi Duan.

We ate our lunch here, looking down, as though from an aircraft, the only noise an occasional donkey’s bray reaching us over the lip of the cliffs.

Twenty miles further on was the pass, down which a motoraible track wound its perilous way to the

Wadi floor.

The track twisted and turned round countless hairpin bends in a hair—raising descent of a

thousand feet.

Our guides told us that they blindfold the camels to lead them down this pass, so one can

judge how it felt to drive a Landrover round some of the bends.

Now we were in the Wadi Haierain, the continuation of the Wadi Duan. Around us creaked and groaned the wooden wheels of the water wells. Fortified villages, grim reminders of the inter-tribal wars which ceased only a few years ago, lay on every side. As night was falling, we were about to enter the Wadi Hadhramaut when disaster struck.

Going over very soft sand in which lay hidden a cruel rock, Major Banham smashed the gearbox of his Landrover. What to do? Salem dismounted and looked. He said a few well chosen words to Allah, advised us to stop for the night and tomorrow all would be well. S/Sgt.

Pitcher dismantled the drive and next morning the convoy split in two. Capt. Bradish—Ellames went ahead to see what could be done, whilst the other half of the party towed, pushed and carried the wounded vehicle the awful seventy miles to Sai’un.

Here morale at once shot sky high.

Simon had worked wonders.

The British Resident was away but

his Chief Assistant, Aidrus Banrakat, had arranged all. The gearbox would be mended at the government garage and we were all installed comfortably in the local Sultan’s Guest House. The bath, holding about two hundred gallons, was being filled and petrol was being arranged. As we sat in the evening’s cool taking a much needed sip of White Label and Crystal water and debating if and when the gearbox would ever be mended, in walked an Englishman. He was burnt a dark brown and his entire wardrobe consisted of a pair of khaki shorts and an off-white bandage on his right leg. He turned out to be Capt. Andrew Fuller of the Queen’s Own Hussars and an angel in disguise. He had just reached Sai’un from the northern desert on a mapping expedition and, Allah be praised, had a brand new spare gearbox in the back of his lorry. A sheep was killed and at the house of Salem Seyid, a charming local gentleman who had made his pile in Singapore, we sat down to a wonderful evening meal in true Arab style. Replete with food, happy conversation rolled round the room when the Sultan decided, it being eleven o’clock, that Sai’un should go to bed and out went all the lights in the town. Abrupt, but not a bad idea for hosts who feel their guests may over-stay their welcome.

Next day, while gearboxes were being changed, we explored the valley. First, Shibam. A town over

two thousand years old with houses ten to fifteen stories high.

The narrow streets of this ancient market

fortress teemed with life and a constant stream of donkeys bringing up precious water from the wells in the wadi floor below the town. Here indeed life goes on unchanged for centuries. The people seemed very friendly but were not keen on being photographed. Even now, the camera to many means the evil

eye.

Next we went to Tarim, a prosperous town with palaces and luxurious villas. The impeccable cemetery holds the graves of the Seyids, descendants of the Prophet, and is a shrine of Islam. We had been told we should find the town unfriendly to Europeans, but all seemed well, the people appearing shy but inquisitive. We saw a few cars, belonging to the rich merchants who return to Tarim after making their fortunes in Java or Malaya. One that intriguedus was fitted out for Harem purposes, being curtained

all round, and as we passed, was on its delivery run with its load of sweetness to an out of town villa.

Next morning came the unwelcome news that the gearbox was mended.

lovely valley and return to Aden.

Sadly we packed up.

We should have to leave the

The Sultan sent his barber and Tony Woodward

was ordered to have a haircut. The results staggered us all. Never before, and I hope never again, has a cavalry officer been seen wearing a crew cut.

As we were late and the Bumph War had started once more in Aden, it was imperative to get the Adiutant back quickly. Bazaar rumour had it, that an Aden Airways Dakota might land at nearby Ghuraf that afternoon. The airport turned out to be a sandy strip with a wind—sock and a large crowd of all types. The Airport manager arrived and of course luggage had to be weighed. N0 scales. A spring

balance was produced which promptly disintegrated when the first suitcase was hung on it. Soon all was arranged, after a public repacking, and Simon was left on the airstrip, a lonely white figure amongst a vast crowd of curious locals. He turned out to be the only passenger, the rest came for the day to see the fun.

We returned to Mukalla, this time trying a different route well to the east. This proved to be much

easier and by midday next day we were at Mukalla.

The Wells at Shibam, Wadi Hadhramaut.

Here, Mr. Alastair McIntosh, a famous figure

throughout Arabia, and the British Resident, out—did all records of hospitality.

We were housed, bathed and

38

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

entertained by Col. Snell and Major Pat Grey 0f the Hadhramaut Beduin Legion and finished up with a wonderful dinner at the Residency.

I, for one. shall never forget Mukalla and the people who serve the Queen's interests there. The friendliness and kindness of the small British community is a model for us all and is rarely found elsewhere.

All that remained now was to say good-bye to our hosts and to get back along the coast to Aden.

Without further adventure, mending twenty-«hree punctures on the way, we reached Little Aden eleven days after we had set forth. We had all had an unforgettable journey—had seen many wonderful places,

made many good friends and had learnt much about the Arabs and their way of life.

C.A.B.

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HE season 1959 was dominated by the knowledge that the racing stables had to be handed over empty on September 1. This meant a short term policy which, combined with an Nomecette exceptionally dry summer took toll of the unsound and put an end to the racing careers of (owned by Capt. Scott and Lt. Arkwright) and Capt. Trouton’s Rodolfo. that By the time of our departure, however, we had established a lead in races and stakes won, was not likely to be overtaken by any other British stable by the end of the season, and as owners we stood third in the list of Steeplechase Stakes winners for the whole of Germany. h There was no British Military racing in 1959. There was, however, a joint German/Britis were open meeting at Hanover on July 27, at which three races were confined to amateurs; all races our old to German and British owned horses. We tock this opportunity to share a tent with H.E. included guests Hussars)-—our Irish Royal Queen’s the (now Hussars 8th and 4th friends the friends from the British Ambassador, the C.—in-C. B.A.O.R., C.—in-C. R.A.F. Germany, and many had three all over Germany. The principal race of the day was for the Ambassador’s Cup; we (ridden by runners, Urban (ridden by Lt. Arkwright), Capt. Scott and Lt. Lockhart’s Margaret Roi Lt. Upton, of the 9th Lancers), and Roi de Peace (ridden by Capt. Trouton). Unfortunately, displayed de Peace rapped himself and did not come under starter’s orders. In the race Nick Upton Philip the skill which has made him champion amateur jockey of Western Germany and relegated race Arkwright on Urban to second place. Upton also rode Venediger to win the second amateur polo (over hurdles) and Tpr. Murphy scored an amazing victory on Triumph (who had been playing until the end of June) in the flat race at 18 to I (the forecast paid over 1,000 to 1!).

Verden and A feature of the season was Venediger’s eight victoriesAhe scored on the flat at Preussiseh-S-trohen, on the flat and over hurdles at Bad Harzburg, twice over hurdles at Hanover a disappointing and finally won handicap hurdle races at Dusseldorf and Cologne. Following summer and this liking his to conditions found six-year—old German-bred this 1958, in season showed himself on rock—hard ground up to two miles to be a brilliant hurdler and an exceptionally this horse, diflicult horse to beat. Cpl. Beeforth deserves the highest praise for having produced and who at his nineteenth start in five menths won his eighth race, looking a picture of freshness fitness.

Philip Arkwright steadily improved his riding throughout the season; his Urban unfortunately Hamburg, failed to earn “brackets” (the first time in nine years). He had rides at Hanover, career was Krefeld, Frankfurt, Pr. Strohen, Bremen and Baden—Baden. Jon Trouton’s promising (who had cut short by increasing weight. Tpr. Jackson rode two winners and Tpr. Murphy learnt to ride at Wesendorf) one. taking At the conclusion of our short season, Cpl. Beeforth moved to the Q.R.I.H. at Hethne, and with him Tprs. Jackson and Godden; Tpr. Murphy completed his three-year engagement he will Tpr. Hillman his National Service. Tpr. Hall accompanies the Regiment to Aden, where be in charge of what will be undoubtedly the fastest team of racing camels in Arabia.

JOURNEY TO THE l-{ADHRAMAUT

424

View of the Wadi Duan from the High .10].

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Racing Notes NOMECETTE TRIUMPH PARNASS MARGARET RODOLFO .

MISTER MUNNINGS R01 DE PEACE URBAN VENEDIGER

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Dhalzl (‘onvoy Escort at Nobat Dukaim.

Dhala Convoy approaching Kuraibah Pass.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Polo Notes URING the winter months we had the ponies at Herford: in February three Argentinian pcnies purchased from the 10th Hussars were added to the number, bringing the total up to twelve.

Krefeld.

30th

June.

1959.

Roi de Peace (left). ridden by Lt. Arknright. won the 3.000 m. Amateur Chase.

As soon as polo started, we opened up the stables at Sennelager again and the ponies remained there until we left Germany; we also stabled and looked after General Desmond Fitzpatrick’s and Brigadier W. A. C. Anderson’s ponies. The ponies were thus close to the ground at Bad Lippspringe, but some forty—five minutes drive from Herford; from the point of view of practice and supervision this arrangement of course put us at a considerable disadvantage.

The Inter-Regimental was played in June. In the First Round we were drawn against The Skins and we scraped home in extra time after a good game. In the Semi-Final we beat the 14th/ 20th, again in extra time with widened goals; this was a scrappy game, which we should have won without quite so much difficulty. In the Final we met the Q.D.G.s, who were a better team than us and far better mounted. This was a good game—played on almost the only wet afternoon of the summer—in which we were beaten 7-2. Our line-up was Miller (1), FitzGerald (2), Timbrell (3), Fielden (back).

In the Captains and Subalterns we were beaten in the First Round by the 14th/20th, who were able to field what was in fact their Regimental team. Our team (Miller, Boucher, Lockhart and Hammer) played well above the form that they had been showing and gave the 14th/ 20th plenty to think about.

In August the Commanding Officer, Major Timbrell and Captain FitzGerald took ponies up to Hamburg, where exhibition matches had been arranged; they had a first class week—end’s polo.

When we left, the ponies were disposed of to The Greys, The Skins, 9th Lancers and the Polo Club. It is sad to record that Bayonetta—an exceptionally good mare—died a few weeks after our departure. ' It was a well worthwhile season, with very few s:cppages for weather or unexpected military commitments. In addition to the teams already mentioned, Keightley, Yates and Arnison-Newgass also played. The young players should with practice, and more practice, ensure a bright future for polo in the Regiment.

Sgt. Thompson went in August to Bovington. Cpl. Cook moved to Neuhaus. Cpl. Pemblington remains in Germany until his service finishes early in 1960. The N.C.O.s and grooms all worked extremely well and in consequence we were very little troubled with ponies “ off the road.”

Equitation in Aden There is both polo and racing in Aden. P010 is played twice a week during all but the hottest months, at the Union Club, Khormaksar. It is supported by a varied membership of civilians, including the Chief Justice, Royal Air Force and Army Officers, inspired by Lt.—Col. Hugh Oldman of the Levies. The ponies—Arabs, Somali (too small) and Kenya~bred (usually a thoroughbred— Somah' cross) have been almost all imported by individuals as the need arises and it is almost impossible to purchase a pony locally. The nearest sources of supply (Kenya and Iraq) are more than 1,000 miles away—so the cost of transportation is liable to be quite out of proportion to the value of the animals purchased. The most recent importation of Kenya ponies was arranged by Hugh Oldman, who brought some 25 ponies back in November, 1958, and made them available to those interested at an average price of £50.

On arrival, we had to start from scratch (this really was not such a surprise as it might have

been in other circumstances) and the first thing was to find a suitable building; our friends of the

Hanover, 26th July, 1959.

Left, Lt. Arkwright on Urban (second); centre, Lt. Martin on Florero; right. Lt. Upton on Margaret (winner).

British Petroleum Refinery generously provided a suitable one, and through the generosity of the Levies and a trip to Somaliland we have got together six ponies of remarkable variation in colour, size, breeding, temperament, sex, conformation, soundness and ability from which we are extracting a good deal of experience and amusement. We have already fielded a Regimental Polo side (Fielden, Miller, Boucher and Lockhart) and others that have played are, of course, Timbrell, before his departure to Muscat, Boyd and Yates.

The racing takes place once a month from October to March; the track circles the polo ground

is (both are “ prepared ” sand) and as the circuit is only three furlongs, some desperate scrimmaging

40

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

apt to take place at the corners. The racehorses are the polo ponies and vice versa. There are usually five races in the afternoon, including a Camel race for which at present only Levy jockeys are eligible.

Arkwright and Boyd have already ridden winners and Lockhart has come under starter’s orders but so far has only managed to finish in the car park. we hope to hand-over a going concern to the Cherry Pickers, but it will undoubtedly require a certain amount of resolution to keep interest from waning during the worst months of the summer.

Inky Pinky Parlez-vous N November I, 1944, “B” Squadron was advancing from an area roughly ten miles South-West of the town of Armentieres. Armentieres is on the River Lys, which here forms the Franco—Belgian frontier.

Resistance had hardened on the previous day, no doubt because of the indignity that would arise from a German withdrawal over an international boundary. But the momentum of the British advance originated at Falaise was at its height; it was going to be an exciting day.

The Squadron moved “ three Troops up,” each with its affiliated assault section in a white scout car; 1st Troop under Lt. Frostick and Sgt. Cropper, 2nd under Lt. (later Major) Greaves and Sgt. Revell, who was killed six months later, 5th under Lt. Yates and Sgt. (now S.S.M.) Phillips. Tpr. Dawson. now Sgt. Dawson, of “A" Squadron, drove the 2nd Troop Leader's car. 4th Troop under Lt. Bennett was in reserve with 3rd under “yours truly.” My senior N.C.O.s were Sgt. (later R.S.M.) Edwards and

Sgt. Cannon (now S.S.M., tom/15th Lancers).

By mid—day Troops were in road blocks, and enthralling task

the German ring around Armentieres had closed to about five miles radius. All three contact. The usual reports had been coming in, mostly of enemy infantry, tanks and the usual rockets going out from Peter Thin (Major P. G. Thin, M.C.), who had the of commanding us.

A few minutes later I was summoned to the Command Staghound.

“Now you know what’s going

on, don‘t you?”

“Yes” l'doubtfully).

“Well, don’t you? You have been listening, I hope?” “Yes, of course.’ “. . . (censored). “ Right, I want you to get up to the main road leading west out of Armentieres, advance towards the town itself and get any information you can about the river bridges.”

We moved. The first mile or so was easy, as always when someone else has virtually cleared the way for you. Then we came across a farmyard where a chap vidth a small beard, plus girl friend, came out and spoke in perfect English about our route up to the main road. He said he was a shot-down R.A.F. pilot. I forgot to ask for any papers he might have had and accepted his information gratefully but with the usual pinch of salt.

The village just before the main road junction produced an elderly and enthusiastic officer of the Free French Forces of the Interior (“Maquis”) complete with inscribed armlet and a blood stained bandage around his head. His English was nil; my French slightly beyond the “ plume de ma tante ” stage. I was particularly worried about mines, since we had had some disturbing experiences with them before, but he assured me that all was well. We popped him on to the engine cover and he turned out to be a great hclp.

We moved on to the main road, patrolled a short way westwards, returned to the junction and reported it clear. We then moved eastwards with about three miles to go to Armentieres. I was now beginning to get that mixed feeling known to all troop leaders—on one hand apprehension and the need for caution, particularly as the other troops were still held up; on the other the thrill of being first into somewhere, both accentuated by that great cry from Squadron “ H..Q ” “ push on but don t get involved.” However I was less worried about mines now since they are harder to lay and easier to spot on a tarmac road.

We made reasonable speed. At a slight left-hand bend the leading dingo came back and reported two unidentified vehicles on the left hand side of the road. After a little game of cat and mouse we found

them to be British.

I can’t remember who they were but it was intelligence or field security or phantom

wireless or something like that. The N. C O. in charge took the wind out of our sails by saying that he had been right up to the outskirts of Armentieres and‘ they’re all waiting for you.”

Just after moving off again we were held up by a small crowd barring our way From it an old lady emerged and handed me up a bottle of Scotch whisky I gathered she had got it from a British oflicer in

r940 and had kept if for the first oflicer to return to that spot. of the ammunition rack.

So down it went into the scooped-out part

The rest was just plain motoring. We roared into the main square with a tremendous flourish and were involved in a scene only surpassed by “ C ” Squadron’s entry into Copenhagen after the war. It was all there—wine, women, Church bells, dancing, flowers. My Maquis friend took me to a Free French ops

room in the cellar of one of the civic buildings where I met a really big noise of the Resistance Movement with his staff. I had taken a couple of assault troopers along as well just in case of any funny business.

Regimental Polo Team, March, 1960.

Lt.-Col. P. B. Fielden, M.C., Capt. D.. Miller, Lt. B. J. Loekhart, Capt. W. S. H. Boucher.

The Big Noise wrote out a sitrep in his best English on the backs of four pieces of a German message form. It appeared that about a third of the town was still held by the enemy, including the area of the river.

I got back to my car to find that my opera-tor, Tpr. Donald, now working in a hospital in Elgin, had

asked to see the famous “Mademoiselle.” among other things, speak into Having made my report moving into the held part of officer insisted on coming with

This had caused half-a—dozen candidates to climb up and,

the microphone, which couldn’t have been very well received at the other end.

I was ordered to do my best about the bridges. This, of course, meant the town, so we made a quick plan, closed down, and went. The Maquis us but we persuaded him not to. We managed to see one of the two main

bridges, which was intact, but there was no movement the other side of the river. The area was quiet and “ unhealthy ” and I decided to pull out before we got “involved.” Not a moment too soon because Sgt. Edwards, raising his turrert cover to reverse into a side turning, was promptly hit in the head by a sniper’s bullet from high above us.

W’e rushed back to the main square and adjusted the dressing already put on

by Tpr. Bridgewood (Sgt. Edward’s operator)—later himself wounded in Holland. Fortunately Edwards’s wound was not serious, as subsequent Regimental footballers can testify, and was quickly patched up that night by Doctor “ General” O’Flynn, whom we lost at the Rhine crossing the following March.

W’e were soon ordered back after that, mainly because other British forces had swarmed into Belgium further east and were moving on to Armentieres from the rear. The Squadron made a long move in the

evening and there was no time for de—briefing; nor did it matter since other large towns were falling like nine—pins. The next day “The Daily Express” reported that armoured cars had taken Armentieres “by storm.” all day.

This was very flattering since we never fired a shot and the rest of the Squadron had been at it Moreover without the help of the various characters in this story we might have been much more

wary, the unsung heroes being, as you can see, the French people themselves (or was it the Scotch .3).

J.A.D.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

LU

4;

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Regimental Football XI, Stand mg: tS fgt. Tucker (tr alner Cpl. Sanderson, Pte. Flood, M ajor C. W. J. Lew is, M.B.E. (manager), Sgt. Lloyd (captain), Commanding Officer, Cpl. Heam, Cpl. Wood

42

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Football

Notes

2-: .r “—4 cl-

by 3 goals to 2.

In the semi—final we had to play HQ. B.F.A.P. who were much higher in the league than we were, but again our chaps fought very well and got through to the final. and In the final we played R.A.F. Steamer Point who are a much bigger unit than ourselves misfortune to who had beaten us in a league game by 3 goals, Just prior to the game we had the trouble. have in hospital both our wing-halves, one with an injured back and the other with throat Regiment and We were delighted when the day before the match they were both back with the reported fit. crowd of The final was played on neutral ground at R.A.F. Khormaksar before a very large and both teams which over two hundred belonged to the Regiment. It was a most excellent game

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through the official season, does sound out of place but that is what is actually happening.

Before we left Herford we played off the Inter—Troop and Inter—Squadron Football Cups as it was obvious with leave, advance parties, etc., we should not be able to do this at Tidworth. We must congratulate the Q.M. Group once again on winning the Inter—Troop Cup so convincingly and at the moment some form of handicap is being considered to prevent them from winning this trophy each year. The Inter-Squadron football was a great surprise with “C” Squadron the favourites, but “B” Squadron upset all calculations by winning.

On arrival at Aden we were informed that the football season had already started and that we had several postponed league matches to play. Not having had any trials and as the majority of our team had left, we had to find and train practically a new side. One asset was the fact that Cpl. Heam had rejoined us from the Depot and he has proved a tower of strength to the team.

In our first match we played the Northamptons and were beaten by the odd goal, and people who watched the game, and had heard of our previous record were not impressed. However, to play in Aden where there is no grass, on pitches which are hard or sandy is very different from the grounds we had been used to in Germany, and it took several weeks for our players to settle down_ Before we arrived here we had been placed in the second division of the League as our predecessors, the Life Guards, were in this division. However, after some persuasion we made Division One. Our first McEwan cup game was against the R.A.O.C. who had a very useful side and we managed to beat them by 3 goals to I. Next we had to play The Warwickshire Regiment who were unbeaten and were considered to be one of the best sides in Aden. This provided a great surprise and after a most excellent game, in which our chaps excelled themselves, we beat them

-=

and L/Cpl. Kemp.

U

ITING football notes with a shade temperature of about 80 degrees, and being about midway

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE ]OURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

played extremely well, with our wing-halves taking control and preventing the very good opposing forward line from becoming dangerous. At half—time we were leading by one goal to nil; this had been scored by our left-half Cpl. Hearn who had taken the opposing goalkeeper by surprise and quick scored a very nice goal. In the second half every effort was made by our side to obtain a a second goal but the opposing defence stood the strain and it was almost twenty minutes before Flood. inside—left by goal second the for in headed neatly was wing right the on Elliot from cross defeated This seemed to stir the RAF. side to greater efforts, as their record of not having been nice goal, during the season was in danger. About ten minutes before the end they scored a very but try as they would they could not avoid being beaten by two goals to one. must go to This is the first time that this Cup has been won by an Army Unit and great credit on this team The win. to fought they way the and up put they show wonderful all players for the occasion was :——— Goalkeeper: Pte. Ashcroft, A.C.C. Backs: Sgt. Lloyd (Capt.) and L/Cpl. Kemp.

Half—Backs: Cpls. Wood, Sanderson and Hearn.

Forwards: Tprs. Tallant, Elliott, Richardson, Ptes. Flood and Phillips. gain honours in We are now settling down in the league competition and although we cannot Since the Cup Final we this event we are confident that we shall win most of our remaining games.

4 goals to nil. A very have played Steamer Point in a league game and again we were victorious by creditable achievement. football season will W’e are wondering if, when the hot weather really does arrive, the Royals installing floodlights. continue as normal; it is rumoured that the Q.M. is seriously considering

to

their Camp is a Cissy I Z ”

Who knows ‘.

Head Office :

8, Roscman Street, London, E.C.I.

ARE YOU A KEEN MOTORIST? THEN

WHY

NOT

JOIN .‘

THE FORCES MOTORING CLUB

The Club. started in 1953. now has Branches all over the British Isles and in Overseas Commands.

The entry fee is 2 gas. and the annual subscripJon fee is £t.

The

attention

Regiment,

as well

of

all as

past

members

of

the

those serving away from

On the initiative of the Commanding Officer,

33’ CHINA STREET’ PENANG

1958, it was decided to introduce a special tie. able to be bought and worn by anyone who has represented the Regiment at any activity.

in

MALAYA ‘

From several designs, the following was chosen: “ Midnight blue. embroidered with small.

FODDER MERCHANTS l

games and sports. equestrian competitions and the like.

sports.

military

Good stocks of the tie are held and may be obtained on application to the “

CABLES

to re-form our Battalion crosscountry team and we would like to arrange friendly fixtures against you.

2. The following dates are suggested: 15th December, 19th December.

3.

If you do not already have a fixture on either of these days, we would be pleased to arrange this as a home fixture.

4. If you already have fix— tures arranged on these days,

past or present member who has represented the Regiment at any activity. This includes athletics.

‘ GENERAL IMPORTERS

ANGMALCO

It has just been decided l

{rainch gold eagles.”

l ‘

&

r Gordons, B.F.P.O. 23.

30th October, 1959.

I.

THE REGIMENTAL GAMES TIE

ANGLO—MALAYAN, TRADING C0. LTDL

2...

TELEPHONE .

P.R.I.,

price

£1.

inclusive

of postage.

WHY NOT WRITE FOR YOURS TODAY

you might be prepared for us to join in as an extra team. If this is not possible other suggestions would be welcome.

5. The Cross—Country Officer (Capt. Martineau) can be most conveniently contacted on Celle Mil 609 between 1300 and 1400 hours.

Captain, Cross—Country Officer,

The Royal Dragoons,

B.F.P.O. 69.

30th November, 1959.

I Gordons, B.F.P.O. 23.

3ISt December, 1959.

Subject : Cross-Country Running Ref. your letter G/ATH dated 30th October, 1959.

Subject :

I. Delighted about your Cross—Country Running new team.

Ref. your RD/S/5/5 of 30th 2.

Both dates acceptable, November, 1959. but we insist on being host Regiment.

I. Your arrangements for a 3.

It is suggested that friendly appear to be entirely special sand shoes should be adequate and are agreed. procured for your team. Alternatively, we will provide rope 2. We shall arrive by Camel soled sandals. at a time to be given later.

4.

We have started a “Jebelering” team and would 3. On going through our file like to challenge you to a friendly. We have the moun— ‘ the enclosed came to hand. It was felt a few simple imprestains readily available. sions of our training under 5. Joking apart, thank you, realistic conditions might be of and may we wish your team value. the best of luck this season.

Captain and Adjutant, . for Lt.—Col. Commanding, The Royal Dragoons

Captain, Cross-Country Officer.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Swimming

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Births

Notes

HE only competitive swimming in 1959 was the inter-squadron competition for the Cavalry Bowl held on Waterloo Day. This was an enjoyable and hard fought competition undecided until the last two events. Results were as follows:—

THE CAVALRY BOWL: “A” Squadron, 47 points, “HQ.” Squadron, 44 points; “C” Squadron, 31 points; “B” Squadron, 28 points.

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS: 2 x 2 and 2 x 4 lengths free-style relay: Winners: “A” Squadron (L/Cpls. Payne, Muckian.

Tprs. Jamfrey and Brown. Time 5.24 mins.).

4 x 2 lengths breast stroke relay: Winners: “ HQ.” Squadron (Capts. Boucher and Burnside, C-fn. Birkett and Tpr. I-Iibbert). Time 4 mins.

Plunge: Winners: “HQ.” Squadron (Capt. Burnside and L/Cpl. Hitchings). Capt. Burnside producing an individual best far in advance of any other competitor of soft. gin.

6 x 2 lengths free-style relay: Winners:' “A” Squadron (L/Cpls. Fowell, Bailey, Tprs. Lock, Rowlands, Jamfrey and Staton). Time 4.55 mins.

4 x I length backstroke relay: Winners: “B” Squadron (S.S.M. Brennan, Cpls. Callaghan, Rainger and Tpr. Curd). Time 1.41 mins.

3 x 2 lengths medley relay: Winners: “HQ.” Squadron (Capt. Burnside, Tpr. Fullwood and Bdsm. Charlton). Time 2.45 mins.

Light relief was provided by the Chain of Command race which was won by “ HQ.” Squadron.

There were complaints to be heard over this decision as some said the Sergeant of “ HQ.” had not eaten his bun, which was tied from a piece of string, fairly; but had had it stuffed into his mouth by some voluntary helper.

Major Dimond gave a fine display of tenacity and stiff upper lip. Never has a man been so determined to get an inner tube from one end of a swimming bath to another. He did declare at the end that he had learnt that you must not inflate an inner tube to its utmost capacity when you are required to lie across it and paddle it the length of the swimming pool.

The lavatory system could do with a fix, But it’s nothing to what you can see in A6.

The showers and cisterns have all been bust, Which has turned the pipes into heaps of rust.

I beg to submit, and I’m sorry it’s late,

The plugs which you gave us we tied to the wall,

This monthly return in triplicate,

But they still seem to use them for playing

The subject concerns repairs R.E. And there’s plenty Of them 35 you shall 366-

football.

The conditioner blows a strong smell through the block, So the louvres are stuffed with someone’s old sock.

We start off by looking in Block A.5, It’s a wonder there’s anyone in it alive.

There’s a soldier in bed and he seems to be dead From the sand that’s blown in through the

hole by his head.

1959L/Cpl. H. Hunt, a daughter, Lesley, born at Manchester on 1st January, 1960.

Marriages Major T. A. K. Watson to Helen Louise Angus, at St. Lawrence’s Church, Chobham, on 9th January, 1960.

Lt. P. F. W. Arkwright to Cecilia Caroline Georgina Scott, at St. James’s Church, Piccadilly, London, on 11th March, 1959.

L/Cpl. E. W. Barton to Yvonne Ruth Wheeler, at St. Paul’s Church, London, at Herford, on 27th March, I959.

Sig. E. S. Breach to Hilda Winifred Ann Carin, at Mutley Methodist Church, Mutley Plain, Plymouth, on 4th March, 1959.

Pte. J. H. Burns to Catherine Henderson, at Charmers Church, Larkhill, Lanark, on 27th

June, 1959.

The cigarette burns you can count by the score, For the fiftieth time there’s no spring on the

dOOY-

_

,

_

Taken together it’s such a grim View,

That I haven’t the courage to look in B.2.

There’s a horrible smell from that sort of soak And the windows appear to be mostly all broke.

The ape that we found to be smuggled by stealth Into one of the rooms is a danger to health.

Capt. J. G. Trouton, a daughter, Georgina Henrietta, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 23rd March, 1959.

Capt. J. J. F. Scott, a daughter, Arrabella Caroline, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 15th April, 1959.

Sgt. E. Wight, a son, Edward, born at Leven, on 5th January, 1960.

Cpl. G. R. Acton, a son, Raymond, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 25th May, 1959.

Cpl. D. Cooke, a daughter, Susanne, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 4th June, 1959.

Sgt. J. Mackay, a daughter, Christine, born at Herford, on 27th March, 1959.

S/Sgt. D. C. Randles, a daughter, Julie Marion, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 4th July, 1959L/Cpl. D. R. Syms, a son, Richard Melvin, born at Wigan Hospital, on 29th April, 1959.

Cpl. K. Underwood, a son, Ewan Douglas, born at Graigtown Hospital, Graigtown, on 16th July, 1959.

Cpl. N. Wood, a daughter, Christine Susan, born at B.M.H., Hanover, on 9th September,

I regret to say . We shall have to pay.

Thank God we can lean On the Dhala canteen.

W.S.H.B.

Tpr. B. C. Calvert to Christine Elizabeth Fisher, at St. Matthias Church, London, on 20th June, 1959.

L/Cpl. A. Craft to Margaret Hartley, at St. John’s Church, Crassen, Lancashire, on 29th September, 1959.

Tpr. J. Elliott to Gwendoline Carby, at St. Columbus Church, Seaton Bush, Northumber— land, on 12th September, 1959.

Tpr. R. Evans to Audrey Mart-ion Wright, at

47

St. Luke’s Church, Deptford, on 26th September, I959.

Cpl. P. Everson to Ingrid Begemann, at Sidoup Registrar’s Office, on 15th April, I959.

Cxpl. J. M. Heath to Barbara Grace Brunton, at the Parish Church, Aldershot, on 19th September, 1959.

Tpr. S. Henderson to Maureen Gordon

Nelson Macher, at Dumfries Roman Catholic Church, on 7th March, 1959.

Tpr. G. Hine to Inez Elizabeth McGillivray, at Perth Registrar’s Oflcice, on 9th September, I959' L/Cpl. G. Hitchings to Olive Julia Bigger— staff, at Willesden Registrar’s Office, on 11th

July, 1959.

Cfn. D. Levitt to Diana Muriel Gamble, at Langham Parish Church, on 9th September, 1959Cfn. A. Symonds to Wendy Ann Challenger, at Clandown Parish Church, on 12th September, 1959.

Cfn. T. R. Marshall to Agnes Murray, at Ruchil Church, Glasgow, on 9th April, 1959.

Tpr. E. A. Mollon to Jacqueline Rose Dale, at All Saints Church, Scarborough, on Ioth

June, 1959.

Tpr. A. Norris to Amelia Rose Nolan, at Emmanuel Church, I-Iighters Heath, Birmingham, on 7th March, 1959.

Tpr. C. D. McLaren to Margaret Beattie, at St. Barnabas Parish Church, Carlisle, on 22nd August, 1959.

Cpl. F. B. Robertson to Jill Simpson, at Steeple Parish Church, on 14th May, 1959.

L/Cpl. R. Rochester to Doreen Margaret Crosby, at St. Mary’s Church, Willington, Northumberland, on 12th September, 1959.

Tpr. J. Sweeney to Betty Irene Terrell, at Wandsworth Parish Church, on 25th April,

1959.

Tpr. R. Tames, to Ellen

Marria Drew, at

Hammersmith Registrar’s Oflice,, on 10th October, 1959.

L/Cpl. T. Theaker to Jean Sylvia Haines, at Christ Church, Birmingham, on 12th September, 1959.

Sgt. T. Tucker to Hedwig Anna Hoffmann, at Winchester Registrar’s Office, on 22nd August, 1959.

L/Cpl. R. H. Waite to Elsie Farrington, at Farnworth Parish Church, on 4th July, 1959.

Tpr. P. A. Wheeler to Joyce Reserly Davis, at Barnsgrove Parish Church on 4th July, 1959.

Cfn. P. H. Wicks to Pamela Lilian Willmore, at St. Mary’s Church, Charlton Kings, Gloucester, on zIst March, 1959.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

W101 C. G. Churcher R.E.M.E. R. Churcher first took over command of the Regimental L.AD. in 1947 at Wolfen— buttel.

He accompanied the Regiment to Egypt in 1951, retaining command until Phase II R.E.M.E. was implemented in 1952. At that time he was due for promotion, but the new establishment only allowed a W.O.II and he was posted to an Engineer Regiment in Christmas Island from 1952-55. In 1954 our establishment was amended to include a W.O.I, and after judicious string—pulling Mr. Churoher returned in 1956 as A.S.M. Mr. Churcher somehow managed to be a “true Royal” in every way, at the same time as being thoroughly loyal to his own Corps.

Co—operation between the Regiment and the L.A.D. was always first—class and he the main reason for this. He was always understanding and ready to help and nothing was too difficult or too much trouble for him. He was a firm

believer in the saying that “If a job’s worth doing, its worth doing well,” and he will always be remembered for his cheerfulness and tact.

He was a staunch member of the Sergeants’ Mess and was always prominent in their activities.

Mrs. Churcher will also be very much missed by us all, for her sense of humour and fun, her strong support for the Wives’ Club and her cheerful home that was always such a pleasure to visit. Their loss is a very real one to the Regiment.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

FINANCE On the advice of the Society’s auditors and stockbrokers, the Beecham Group shares and the Commercial Union Assurance stock were sold and the proceeds reinvested in 3% Savings Bonds, 1965/75. A sum of £750 from I n

the

Current

Account

was

invested

in

54,.)

Income from Trust and General investments totalled J€43,0/o/ 5.

Fund

A claim to the Inland Revenue for refund on tax resulted in {55/2/4 recovered on investments and {56/10/5 on Deeds of Covenant.

Subscriptions totalled £121/14/—.

The accounts for the year show an excess of income over expenditure of £182/8/6.

Cases Applications for assistance were 15 fewer than the previous year’s figure of 38. Of the 23, five were refused, two otherwise assisted, the remaining 16 receiving financial aid.

Grants were given for coal, clothing, removal expenses, balance of funeral expenses, debts,

fares to mother, seriously ill, rent arrears and extra nourishment.

The refusals were: . Required loan for house purchase.

In jail for stealing.

Ko , Vaal Krantz, Tugela Heights and Pieter’s

Single man, working and earning £8 per week.

5. Fair character.

The amount spent on grants, together with a number of Christmas gifts, totalled {201/0/10.

I95911 is with deep regret that they report the deaths of Brigadier—General Sir Ernest Makins, for many years Chairman of the Society, and Brigadier R. Peake, for 10 years Oflice Visitor and Treasurer. To these Officers the Com— mittee owe a deep debt of gratitude for their untiring efforts on behalf of ex-members of the Regiment.

From “ The Times” Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makins, K.B.E., C.B., D.s.o., who died on Monday, at the age of 89, was a cavalry officer who proved himself a good squadron leader in the South African War and commanded a Brigade with distinction in France and Belgium from 1914 to 1918. His indifferent health prevented his further advancement, but after retiring from the Army he pursued a Parliamentary career.

The eldest son of H. F. Makins, he was born in London on 14th October, 1869, and from Winchester went up to Christ Church, Oxford. He entered the Army from the Militia (4th Essex Regiment) in January, 1892, when he was gazetted Second-Lieutenant in the 1st The Royal Dragoons, getting his first step in August of the following year. His subaltern service was spent uneventfully at home stations, the Regiment, at that time, not being on the Indian roster.

He was promoted Captain in February, 1898, and went out as a squadron commander to the South African War, the Royals joining Buller’s force on the Tugela. So Makins was present at the operations at Colenso, Spion

Previously black listed.

We wish them good fortune and happiness and sincerely hope that we shall see them again before too long.

HE Committee have pleasure in presenting their report for the year ended 31st March,

SIR ERNEST MAKINS

Conversion Stock, 1974.

Mr. and Mrs. Churcher have remained in B.A.O.R. with 6 Infantry Workshops.

The Royal Dragoons Aid Society

QBhituatp

EMPLOYMENT The National Association for the Employ— ment of Ex-tRegulars placed 16 ex-members in These included security police, situations. factory workers, park attendants, drivers and postmen.

The thanks of the Committee are extended to the R.A.C. War Memorial Benevolent Fund for their co-operation in certain cases and to the workers of S.S.A.F.A. and the Forces’ Help Society for their invaluable reports.

A. H. PEPYS, Brigadier, Chairman.

Hill, it being his task, after Spion Kop had been abandoned, to go up with a flag of truce and arrange for the burial of the dead.

After Ladysmith was relieved in March, 1900, the Regiment served in Natal, the Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony until the end of the war, Makins, who was for some weeks in command of the Royals, being twice mentioned in dispatches and awarded the D.S.O. In June, 1902, he came home in command of a small detachment to represent the Royals at the Coronation of King Edward VII, and was promoted Major in September. He obtained a special nomination for the Staff College, from which he graduated in 1906 to rejoin his Regi— ment in India, and in February, 1910, he was promoted Lieutenant—Colonel and succeeded to the command. At the end of 1911 the Royals moved to South Africa, where, in July and August, 1913, they were employed on strike duty at Johannesburg during the riots. When his tenure of command expired in February,

1914, Makins went on half-pay.

49

After the outbreak of the war he was given command, in September, 1914, of the 6th Cavalry Brigade, formed of Regiments from overseas stations, and including the Royals.

As part of the 3rd Cavalry Division the Brigade landed at Zeebrugge in October and fought at “First Ypres,” General Makins having the misfortune to fall ill while the battle was in progress. He had to relinquish his command, but in May, 1915, was able to take over the rst Cavalry Brigade in the Ist Cavalry Division, being promoted Colonel in June. He led his Brigade until May, 1918, doing excellent work at the Battle of Cambrai, November-December, 1917, and also during the German offensive of March, 1918, when his men fought dismounted under the XIX Corps and VII Corps on the Somme.

Again obliged to return to England through reasons of health, he was afterwards appointed G.O.C. 4th Yeomanry Cyclist Brigade with headquarters at Dublin. He retired from the Army in June, 1919, with the honorary rank of Brigadier-General, having been created C.B. in 1917 and twice mentioned in dispatches. He was made K.B.E. in 1938.

‘Makins was Colonel of The Royal Dragoons from 1931 to 1946. He contested South Kens— ington in 1918, was elected Conservative Member for the Knutsford division of Cheshire in 1922, and occupied the seat until 1945He married Florence, third daughter of Sir J. R. Mellor, in 1903. There were three sons of the marriage, of whom one survives.

SOME MEMORIES BY MAJOR “GINGER" HOUSTOUN “I joined The Royals at Southampton on 27th January, 1904, on the troopship Sudan, which was taking the Regiment to India for a six-year tour of duty.

“ It was my first meeting with Ernest Makins, who was commanding “C” Squadron. My first impression was of a typical cavalry officer of those days, who did not think much of any— one who was not a Royal or at least a cavalryman.

“Young oflicers at first found him frightening and very particular about dress and tum—out.

It was only later that I discovered his charming character, his kindness and how much younger

minded he was than most of us realised.

“I was Ernest’s Adjutant for three years and it was then that I really got to know and appre—

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

ciate his great qualities. He always gave me the maximum of help and support.

“ Nobody could give one a better telling off if things were not up to the standard he expected of a Royal; it always ended with “ Don’t let it occur again,” and one took very good care it did not. His standard was a very high one and Ernest seldom expressed complete satis— faction, although you knew he was really rather pleased.

He had the knack of making you feel that you had got to do just that bit more and a grand fillip it was in making you try your utmost for the Regiment and for Ernest. “ He was a good horseman and much enjoyed his polo and pigsticking in India. Nothing annoyed him more than to see anyone get angry with Indians.

“He always knew exactly what was going on in the Regiment and took the keenest interest in every department of it. He kept the Colonel— in-Chief of the Regiment, the Kaiser, fully informed about the Regiment’s activities, and when the Crown Prince was attached to the Regiment in Muttra Ernest looked after him, saw that he enjoyed himself and found it a pretty exhausting experience.

“He had a great knowledge of Regimental and military history and a wonderful memory for detail. I remember him running a battlefield tour in Natal for officers and N.C.O.s of the Regiment and how intensely interesting his descriptions of the South African War were.

He made a great collection of Regimental pictures and medals and left them all to the Regiment on his death. These will remain a lasting memorial to him in the Officers’ Mess.”

His dear and charming wife Florence, was always a tremendous support to him and theirs was a wonderfully happy marriage.

I shall always remember Ernest’s essential kindness, his keen interest in people, his shrewd

commonsense

and finally his overwhelming

enthusiasm for everything connected with The Royal Dragoons.”

BRIGADIER R. PEAKE, D.S.O., O.B.E. Brigadier Roger Peake’s sudden death in London on the 19th May, 1959, came as a great shock to us all. Although he had not enjoyed the best of health for some time, his passing was most unexpected and was a terrible blow to his widow and two daughters, as indeed it was to his host of friends; to the former in par— ticular we extend our deepest sympathy.

Roger Peake joined the Regiment at Alder— shot in 1923. Soon after joining he became Signals Officer and was responsible for bring— ing his Troop to the high state of efficiency that gained it favourable comment on various occasions.

He always had an intense enthusiasm for whatever he undertook, whether it was a question of his duties as a Regimental Officer or in the field of sport. It was a natural sequel to his life as a subaltern that he should become Adjutant of the Regiment and shortly after relinquishing that appointment he passed into the Staff College at Camberley.

Those of us who served with him during his Regimental days will ever remember his intense love of the Regiment and the enthusiasm with which he tackled any game in which he might be representing it.

For instance, he would make himself lie down in a dark room before an important polo match so that his eyes could be fresh for the game for the sole reason that he must not let his side down, and this same quality of devotion stood him and his country in good stead in the war years that followed. He was gay and happily carefree when no responsibility was his, yet to be trusted as completely reliable at any cost to himself when the occasion demanded.

His love of the Regiment remained strong and true to the end, as those who worked with him on Regimental affairs can testify; however busy he was he went thoroughly into every case for the Aid Society to make sure that the applicant’s case was properly considered.

Because of his qualities and adaptability his career was varied and full of action.

At the start of the Second World War he was a Staff Officer and soon found himself at Headquarters, Middle East, as a G.S.O.I. From there he moved to the Ethiopian Campaign, in which he took an active part.

This was followed by an appointment to General Lumsden’s staff as G.S.O.I to the 1st Armoured Division. Later on, while on his way to take over the appointment as B.G.S. to an Indian Division, he found himself among those surrounded by the enemy at Benghazi. He controlled the defences until the position was overrun, when he calmly walked out on foot into the desert. He was posted as missing, but eventually rejoined his own troops on nearing Tobruk. At Alamein he was again in the 1st Armoured Division; then followed an appointment on General Sir Brian Horrocks’ staff as B.G.S. At the con-

clusion of the African campaign he was for a short while in command of a mixed force in Corsica with the rank of Acting Major-General.

His last active command was Brigadier corn— manding the 2nd Armoured Brigade.

In 1944 he was appointed Deputy Director of Military Intelligence at the War Office and flew with Sir Winston Churchill and his staff to Quebec, Ya‘lta and Moscow. Sir Winston Churchill was immediately aware of his abilities and asked him to stand for Parliament in the General Election of 1945. He was, how— ever, not elected, but with his customary adaptability decided to join the Stock Exchange.

He soon became a partner in the firm of de Zoete and Gorton and in this sphere made a conspicuous success.

In 1953 he was appointed to Her Majesty’s bodyguard of the Hon. Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, an honour which he much enjoyed.

His quick appreciation of any situation, his clear and flexible brain, and the enthusiasm and humour with which he faced life made him an

inspiring friend and the wisest of counsellors.

He mixed with happy ease and assurance with all around him whatever the occasion; he was the same in peace or war; he had the deepest sense of loyalty and never spared himself. No wonder then that he has left a host of friends in all walks of life who mourn his passing and know they have lost the truest of friends.

CAPTAIN S. J. LAWRENCE We learn to our sorrow that Capt. Sydney Joseph Lawrence died in hospital on 21st February, 1960.

He was aged 80.

Capt.

Lawrence joined the Regiment in January, 1898.

For many years he ran the Dog and Pot Inn at Stoke Podgcs, Bucks.

He was deeply 1898. He left in 1912 on posting to The Surrey Yeomanry.

attached to the Regiment, as visitors will know from the trophies and accoutrements kept so immaculately in his home. Our sympathies go to his family.

BANDMASTER A. A. SINGER, A.R.C.M. It is with deep regret that we record the death on 14th December, 1959, in the Victoria Hospital at Dover of Bandmaster A. A. Singer.

Born in 1897, Mr. Singer joined the 5th Dragoon Guards in 1911 as a Bandboy and was a Lance—Corporal Trumpeter during the First World War. After the War he served for five years in India, reaching the rank of Band Sergeant. In 1928 he went to the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall and was appointed Bandmaster of the Royal Dragoons in 1931, joining the Regiment in India. He remained Bandmaster of the Regiment until 1946, when he was appointed Band— master of the Duke of York’s School at Dover, an appointment which he held until he died.

He was a most popular member of the Regiment and under his loyal care and unfailing energy the Band maintained an exceptionally high standard. He remained a staunch “Royal” and at the Duke of York’s School he had special sanction to wear the Regimental cap badge. We extend our deep sympathy to Mrs. Singer and her two children on their tragic loss.

flflmWHWWWWWWWWWWWWMWWWHMWWWWWNMWWWWWMNWWMWWWWWMWWWMWWWWWWWL

0 GOING OUT?

WWWWMWW“”WWWWMWWMWMWWWW¥

Keep in touch with old friends and old times.

Order your

Eagle from: The Secretary, The Regimental Association, 60, Carey Street, W.C.2.

Price 4 /—.

0 KEEP IN TOUCH.

When you finish your service keep in touch with the Regiment

as an Old Comrade.

We welcome and need your support.

Help by attending Reunions and buying the Eagle!

WWWMMWMWWWWWWWWWWWWMWWMMWWWWWWNMWMM

E

HWWMWWWWWWWWMWWWWWWWWW

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THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

REGIMENTAL GAZETTE REGIMENTAL

Lt. M. P, T. de Lisle-Bush, Asst. Adjutant/LO. R.S.M. E. G. G. Vowles, Regimental Sergeant—Major.

Capt. S. E. M. Bradish-Ellames, Adjutant.

Major M. B. Noble, P.R.I. Lt. P. W. F. Arkwright, Signals Officer.

Major (Q.M.) C. W. J. Lewis, M.B.F.., Quartermaster.

Lt. M. Bull, R.A.M.C., Medical Officer.

“ H.Q.” SQUADRON Tpr. Gibson, E. Tpr. Strong, T. SERGEANrs’ MESS

8.3M. Wators-ki, W. L.

Tpr. Emonds, H. P.

S.Q.M.S. Titmarsh, C. L/Cpl. Glasgow, D. T. L/Cpl. Henery, E L/Cpl. Evans, J. L/Cpl. Taylor, J. L/Cpl. Ruston, D. J. L/Cpl. Smart, J.

Tpr. Gilbert, R. R.

Tpr. Best, A. Tpr. Evans, L. S. Tpr. Hepple, J.

Sgt. Louch, J. E.

R.H.Q. TROOP Sgt. Tucker, T. W'.

Tpr. Goodman, G. B. Q.M. GROUP R.Q.1Vl.S. Ayrton, A. S.

T.Q.M.S. Kimble, F. H. Sgt. Hall, B.

Tpr. Gray, G. A. Tpr. Harris, R.

L/Cpl. L/ Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/ Cpl. L/ Cpl.

Godfray, W. L. G. Gregory, W. C. Kemp, J. McLachlan, J.

Tpr. Baxter, J. M.

PROVOST

Tpr. Bugby, D. M. Tpr. Deckey, R. E. G. Tpr. Doxey, E. R.

Sgt. Weston, J. J.

Cpl. McCormick, W. G. L/Cpl. Hitchings. G. L/Cpl. Hall, B. S. L/Cpl. Wilks, D. OFFICERS’ MESS S.Q.M.S. Weller, E. H.

L/Cpl. Yates, C. B. Tpr. Barron, C. B.

Cpl. Bell, E. G.

S/Sgt. Smith, J.

A.C.C. Pte. Ainley, E.

Tpr. Belcher, M. J. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Craft, A. E. Dwyer, J. Filkins, J. H. Gough, P. J.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Hall, C. Henderson, T. Houson, H. Iliffe, J. H.

Tpr. Jackson, B. A.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Jennings, D. R. Kean, N. S. McCormack, P. G. Mitchell, A.

Sgt. Leech, J. C.

Cpl. Oliver, D. J. L/Cpl. Christmas, C. D. L/Cpl. Wennell, D. J. Tpr. Mole, A. Tpr. Pain, C. V. Tpr. Ryder, C. D. W. Tpr. Wilson, R.

Tpr. Lunnon, E. Tpr. McGowan, K. Tpr. Smith, R. I.

Sig. Breach, E. S. Sig. Middleton, J. A. Sig. Monk, D. J.

Pte. Ashcroft, R. J. Pte. Barlow, P. A. Pte. Burke, E. J. Pte. Cameron, R.

2/Lt. E. C. York 2/Lt. T. W. P. Connell‘ 2/Lt. J. H. Lloyd. S.S.M. Phillips, P. S.Q.M.S. Blackallar, H. A. S.

Capt. A. W. McQueen.

A.S.M. Kinshott, M. F.

Sgt. Laughlan, A.

L/Cpl. Waite, R. H. Cfn. Angus, W. D. Cfn. Batty, P. Cfn. Blizard, D. E.

Cpl. Allan, G.

Cfn. Bryant, T. J.

Cpl. Holdeness, D. L/Cpl. Clark, A. G, F. L/ Cpl. Thomas, G. L/Cpl. Robins, K. E. H.

Cfn. Clark, R. G. Cfn. Cogan, J. Cfn. Cowley, D. G.

Cfn. Duncan, D.

Capt. L. R. Burnside

R.A.P.C. Sgt. Harrower, A.

Sgt. Davis, F. G. Sgt. Happs, J. W. F.

Cook, A. W. W. . Horncastle, R.

. Reid, J. . O’Hagen, B. H.

SQUADRON

L/ Cpl. Rochester, P. W.

L/Cpl. Sneddon, J. L. L/Cpl. Spackman, D. J. V. L/Cpl. Theaker, T. A. L/Cpl. Walker, J. S.

L/Cpl. Wood, B. E. . Aitchison, J. V. . Aldworth, B. A.

Tpr. Grinyer, R. V. C. Tpr. Hainnan, R. Tpr. Hanrany, J.

Tpr. Harvey, T. P. W. Tpr,. Health, A. Tpr. Hooper, D.

Tpr. Johnson, M. M. G

Sgt. Cameron, D. J. Sgt. Thornton, D. R. Sgt. Leese, D.

. Bailey, B. C. . Barnett, D. B. . Beames, C.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Sgt. Dawson, C.

. Birks, J. J.

Tpr. Middleton, P. S.

Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Cpl. Cpl.

. . . . .

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Bayne, D. W. Corcoran, E. Rooke, G E. Underwood, K. Brandon, S.

Cpl. Payne, R.

. Atkins, J. R. . Ayles, E. J.

Boyd, C. Broatch, J. A. Brown, D. J. Brown, A. Browu, T. W.

. Calvert, B. C. . Carter, J. J.

L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl.

Bateman, B. Burge, D. A. S. Graham, R. M. Green, C.

L/Cpl. Hoggart, W.

L/Cpl. Hoiles, R. J. L/Cpl. Inchley, P. L/Cpl. Jackson, H. W

.

.

L/Cpl. Mollon, E. A.

L/Cpl. Mott, K. L/Cpl. Palmer, R J

. Carter, B. C. . Cartwright, P.

Johnson, E. F. Jones, B. E. Kerry, K. T. Marshall, A. .

McGarrigle, G. McLaren, C. D. Mortimer, T. O’Dwyer, A. Oldfield, P. Pagett, D. G.

Tpr. Revitt, G. G. Tpr. Roberts, E. Tpr. Rodgers, 1’.

Tpr. Ryan, J. R.

Tpr. Smith, D.

. Clayden, C. A. . Collins, R. J.

Tpr. Sowerby, D. C.

. Conyers, P. J. . Dunn, C. W. . Finn, A. P.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

. Flintouft, D. . Franklin, J. . . . .

Flatley, P. M. Gavey, H. L. Graham, D. A. Gillam, T. L.

Tpr. Stephenson, C. P. Stocks, R. Theobald, M. A. Turner, T. J. Watson, J. Webster, A. White, E. S. Wilson, G. Wort, E. J. Wright, A. P.

TROOP Roberts, D. W.

ROYAL

SIGNALS

Speers, J. A. Sgt. Hiles, G. S.

Aldred, A. G. Davies, J. I. E.

L/Cpl. Helyer, F. J. E.

L.A.D. L/Cpl. \Vallace, J.

. Flood, B.

. Cook, J. B. S. “A”

Major J. B. Evans Capt. J. G. Trouton Lt. C. B. AmeryLt. P. T. Keightley ‘ Lt. J. G. Hamilton—Russell"

L/Cpl. K L/Cpl.

Tpr. Theed, D. J. Tpr. Young, R. B.

SIGNALS

L/Cpl. Davis, B. K. L/Cpl. Carr, J. G. L/Cpl. Beechey, J. A.

L/Cpl. Barker, R. E.

Hibbert, D. Hogarth, B. Hunt, R. Hunter, R. G.

ROYAL W.O.II Williams, J. V.

W‘J‘v‘fi

ORDERLY ROOM

Tpr. Fullwood, M. T. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Sgt. Rochford, A. R.

Tpr. Moscrop, J. F. Tpr. Murphy, D. P. Tpr. Stannard, W.

Tpr. Attwood, P. R.

Tpr. Swift, L.

TRANSPORT TROOP

Tpr. Baird, J. Tpr. Barlow, C. J.

Cpl. Morley, K. Cpl. Wood, N. L. P. L/Cpl. Fraser, W. T.

.

R.A.M.C. Cpl. Bent, W. H.

Cpl. Barrett, R. E. Cpl. Gregory, P. A.

Cpl. Bull, R. L. L/Cpl. Barton, F. W. L/Cpl. Gentile, A. L/Cpl. Smith, T.

Cpl. Hildred, S.

Tpr. Roberts, R. H. Tpr. Stones, R. Tpr. Trowell, B. H.

Sgt. Worthinton, R. S.

Lt. (Q.M.) E. L. Payne, Quartermaster (Tech).

ADMINISTRATIVE 'I‘ROOP

Tpr. Robbins, P.

Sgt. Rosie, D. I. G.

HEADQUARTERS

Lt.—Col. P. B. Fielden, M.C. Commanding Officer.

Major C. A. Banham, M.C., Second-m—Command.

Capt. D. Miller, Squadron Leader.

R.A.E.C. Sgt. Eagle, D. R.

L.A.D., . East, L. A. . Foster, J. L. . Gordon, K.

S/Sgt. Randles, D. C. Sgt. Carter, N J.

. Grundy, G. W.

Cpl. Welsh, M. P.

. Jordan, A. . McDonald, 1. A. . Pinks, M.

. Smith, A. J. . Symonds, A. G.

Cpl. Robertson, F.

L/Cpl. Callister, R. M. L/Cpl. Keenan, D. F. L/Cpl. Rogers, B. Cfn. Ashton, G. W.

. . . . . . . .

Sig. McDonald, D. N.

Sig. Swift, F.

R.E.M.E.

Bartholomew, B. Finnegan, M. P Foster, R. S. Glister, R. S. Greenhill, R. Harding, A. R. Levitt, D. J. Meachen, F. T.

Cfn. Cfn. Cfn. Cfn. Cfn.

Parry, J. R. Perry, G. N. Shaw, P. W. Sirnmill, A. G. Stone, B. W.

Cfn. Taylor, D. Cfn. Thomson, R. D. K.

R.A.M.C. . Tighe, D.

Cpl. Osland, C. M.

Connell, R.

Pte. Brereton, A.

Glover, M.

Pte. Loynd, A.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

A.C.C. Sgt. Drury', R. H. J. L/Cpl. Dwyer, J. L/Cpl. Smith, R. W. S. Pte. At‘kins, A.

”C ”

Pie. Bradley, A. J.

. Hain. J.

. Hall. G. . Hoddy, B. A.

Pte. Bellamy, P.

Pte. Burns, J. H. Pte. Cassidy, G. Pte. Dare, B. M. Pte. Gudgion, S.

Sgt. Harrison, J. D.

R.A.P.C. L/Cpl. Maycoek, D. E. “B “

Major 0. J. Lewis Capt. W. S. H. Boueher

Lt. B. J. Lockhart z/Lt. P. Arnison-Newgass z/Lt. W. M. G. Black

2/Lt. C. G. McIntosh 2/Lt. J. N. Wilkinson

2/Lt. D. Williams-Wynn 2/Lt. A. E. Woodward S.S.M. Brennan, D. S.Q.M.S. Simpson, F. A.

. Boakes, A. -. Clarke, R. . Gayler, G.

. MacKay, J. . Poulter, R.

. Wight, E. . . . . . . .

Edwards, J. Fennell, A. Greatrex, L. Kent, P. Kerr, G. Murtagh, M. Rowlands, C.

. Rolph, D. . Rainger, P. L/Cpl. Buckingham, D. L/Cpl. Bell, P. L/Cpl. Curd, R. L/Cpl. MeGill, W. L/iCpl. Melia, D. L/Cpl. Mustoe, A. L/Cpl. Penerson, S.

L/Cpl. Smith, H. L/Cpl. Young, W. Tpr. Allen, B.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Major J. A. Dimond, M.C. Capt. D. S. A. Boyd Lt. D. S. Harrington—Brown: Lt. W. M. Hallaran 2/Lt. J. M. Loyd 2/Lt. T. S. May

*. Saxby, D.

2/Lt. D. M. Fletcher 2/Lt. A. P. G. Stanley—Smith ’S.S.M. Clark, J. S. S.Q.M.S. Shone, E. Sgt. Plumbly. G. R. Sgt. Lloyd, C. K. Sgt. Bosher, J. Sgt. Jubb, J. Sgt. Warren, R. Cpl. Alexander, K. T.

SQUADRON

Bateman. B.

. . . .

Bennett, E. Billington, J.

Bird, R. Bumpus, R.

Lester, J. Lovibond, R. Martin, R. Mekeown. J.

. Mills, R.

Butcher, D. Campbell, B. Campbell, G.

Carr, M. Carroll. A. Cobb, R. Collins, F. Coxall, E. Davies, R. Davis, W. Dodman, B. Dunn, G. Edwards, R.

Elliott, J. Evans, G. Fair, A. Freemantle, R. Graham, R.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cpl. Acton, G. R.

Morris, A. Murphy. P. Padfield. A. Pearce, S. Pettit, J. Richardson. A. Rigg, R. Robins, P. Robinson, D. Robson, J. Rushbrook, P. Sankey, T. Searle, R. Sherrington, A. Shorter, R. Simpson, H.

Harman, H. Harmer, R. Harper, C. Harvey, R. Henry, C.

Hutchinson, I.

. Whale, R.

Hurst, G. Jellyman, B. Jordan, P. Kingshot-t, S. Kingsland, B. Laking, E.

. Wheeler, P. . Willey, R. . Winsor, T.

Adams, J. D. Beckett, K. M. Bennett, D. R. Bowers, P. Brady, J. B.

Tpr. Branch, R. W. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Bridge, M. Bream, M. F. Bunn, B. W. Burlace, S. C. Barr, E. Ballard, B. W. Cairney, H. Calladine, G. J. Cheswonth, P. Chesterton, A. E. Cook, K. W. Davison, M. J. Dunkin, L. E. Fisk, J. W. Flowers, T. R. Farncombe, D.

Tpr. Gillingham, J. B. Tpr. Gray, D. C. Tpr. Green, T. W. Tpr. Green, G.

Tpr. Gillespie, W. J.

L/Cpl. Messer, T. G. L/Cpl. Mundell, W. F.

Tpr. Hill, A. M.

L/Cpl. McGowan, E.

Southall, R. Stacey, M. Symonds, R. Thomas, M. Tibbenham, H. Turner, M. Waters, M.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

L/Cpl. Matthew, J. A.

‘. Smith. A. . . . . . . .

Grice. D.

Cpl. West, A. R. A. Cpl. Heath, J. M. Cpl. Millett, J. Cpl. Falvey, D. Cpl. Ingham, J. Cpl. Sarll, R. F. Cpl. Sanderson, R. Cpl. Hearn, B. Cpl. Hayes, B. W. G. L/Cpl. Armstrong, A. G. L/Cpl. Burch, F. L/Cpl. Clark, G. L/Cpl. Ellsmorc, W. J. L/Cpl. Harrell, M. J. L/Cpl. Fetheringharn, R. D.

SQUADRON

L/Cpl. Pickett, M. J. L/Cpl. Radley, P.

Harding, K. Harrison, G. Hawes, A. R. Hawkins, R. Henderson, G. S. Henshaw, J. P.

. . . . . .

Hook, R. F. Hansford, D. F. H. Hanson, J. R. Lee, W. Lucas, K. Millington, G. E.

. Murray, M. . Murray, P. J. . McQueen, A.

. Matthews, J. ., Nelson, T. . Parnwell, R. H.

. Percival, G. . Potts, M. J.

. Pow, M. S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Preston, S. J. Pugh, J. T. Rickerby, C. Simpson, E. E. Sankey, W. Shailes, L. K. Shanley, A. Spencer, C. Spencer, B. L. Stewart, W. J. Stewart, J. Stillings, D. Stott, B. Strachan, P. W. Sweeney, J. Strudwick, J. Tallant, J. J. Tames, R. L. Wade, D. Walden, K. Young, D. E.

L/Cpl. Harper, R. R.E.M.E. S/Sgt. Willison, N. H. Cpl. Oldham, J. O.

. . . .

Cpl. Blann, A. Cfn. Bartholomew, B. E.

Peirs, C. J. Ruddock, D. C. Simmons, J. F. Stockwell, R.

. Thompson, B. . Needham, J. D.

R.A.P.C.

. Wright, G. . Meikle, F.

ROYAL

SIGNALS

R.E.M.E. ' . Spriggs, A.

L/Cpl. Strang, H.

S/Sgt. Pitcher, H. H. W. L/Cpl. Davis, J

Cfn. Booth, M. Cfn. Dear, R.

Cfn. Cfn. Cfn. Cfn.

Keanlyside, C. McMillan, J. Mumbray, B. Openshaw, D.

. Rowan, D. . Spinks, C. . Wright, A.

A.C.C. Bennett, P. . Bryce, G.

L/Cpl. Scott, B. Pte. Ashforth, D.

Pte. Baguley, L.

A.C.C. Pte Bowie, I.

Pte. Beaney, M.

Pte: Doodson, T.

ROYAL p .

:1

en,

.

1g.

00 ,

' . Magin, J. F.

Hagan, W. Berrow, A. G.

R.A.M.C. . Wilson, E. .

J

-

Pte. Phinips, A, W.

SIGNALS

.

Pte Tomkinson

11”., I,

.

Major A. Graham, M.C.

Maior T. A. K. Watson

IMPERIAL DEFENCE COLLEGE _ Lt.—Col. G. T. A. Armiltage, M.B.E.

Lt.-Col. D. N. MacDonald, M.C.

F

R.A.P.C. Lusk J.

S.H.A.P.E.

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

HQ. HOME COUNTIES DISTRICT

H.Q. WESTERN COMMAND

Major B. J. Hodgson

Major C. E. Winstanley

SULTAN OF MUSCAT ARMED FORCES

HEADQUARTERS, GIBRALTAR

Major K. F. Timbrell, M.C. 3/4th

lime—‘4

Major P. D. Reid

COUNTY OF LONDON YEOMANRY (T.A.) “SHARPSHOOTERS”

Major D. J. S. Wilkinson S.S.M. Fletcher, F '

Lt. (Q.M.) B. W. Crockett S.Q.M.S. Ransome, P.

R.S.M. J. D. Bradley Sgt. Remfrey, D. J.

Sgt. Brooks, F. J.

Sgt. Routley, A.

Sgt. Thorpe, N.

Cpl. Boning, K.

Cpl. Clayton, T.

ROYAL

ARMOURED

CORPS

CENTRE

Capt. A. B. T. Davey Sgt. Paul, J. A. Sgt. Webster, A. A. Cpl. Wickenden, P. R.

Capt. N. H. Matterson Capt. D. M. Jacobs Sgt. Cummings, S. R.

Sgt. Allport, F. M. Cpl. Ray, J.

Capt. T. P. Hart—Dyke Sgt. Bagguley, E. Sgt. Thompson, J. Cpl. Lornie, C.

A.D.C. TO C.-IN—C., B.F.A.P.

KUWAIT

Capt. D. M. Guthrie

S/Sgt. Bujko, H.

2 ARMY DELIVERY SQUADRON

F.A.C.R.

W.O.II Wood, W. R.

Sgt. Baillie—Hamilton, D. L.

Date .................. r 960

Please pay to Lloyds Bank Ltd., Cox’s & King’s Branch, 6 Pall Mall, London, S.W.I, for the credit of The Royal Dragoons Regimental Association, the sum of One pound One shilling, the first payment to be made on the ................................................ 1960 and continue so to pay that amount on the ................................................ in every year to the debit of my account until receipt by you of further notice in writing from me. £1

IS.

0d.

H.Q. R.A.C. 3 DIV.

ARMY APPRENTICES SCHOOL Capt. J. W. E. Hanmer

BANKERS’ ORDER To ......................................................... BANK LIMITED (Address) .....................................................................

Capt. W. R. Wilson FitzGerald

Cpl. Owen, W.

A.D.C. TO H.E. THE GOVERNOR, ADEN

A.D.C. TO H.E. THE GOVERNOR, GIBRALTAR

Lt. W. H. Yartes

Capt. J. J. F. Scott

RECRUITING SERGEANTS Sgt. Ireland, F.

Sgt. Thompson, F.

QUEEN’S ROYAL IRISH HUSSARS Cpl. Beefonrh, A.

Sgt. Colyer, P. 5th ROYAL INNISKILLING DRAGOON GUARDS

Cpl. Cooke, E. D.

ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE SCIENCE L/Cpl. Wiflin, R.

rszh/rgth THE KING’S ROYAL HUSSARS Cpl. Price, P. H.

H.Q., LAND FORCES, PERSIAN GULF Sgt. Woods, P. C.

.................................... 196!

Cpl. Dent, N.

Please pay to The Eagle Fund, The Royal Dragoons, c/o Lloyds Bank Ltd., Cox’s & King’s Branch, Gds. and Cavalry Section, 6, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, the sum £0 12$. od. ( .................. shillings) on 1st January, 1961, and annually thereafter on the same date.

__,- THE MAKINS SHIELD -7..7 Results 1959/1960

POINTS

“ HQ ” Squadron

234

“ A ” Squadron

177

“ C ” Squadron

176

“ B ” Squadron

158

2d.

Stamp

........... (Signature)

Name in Block Capitals ..........................................................................................

BERTRAND STEWART PRIZE COMPETITION, 1960

Established 1878

ESSAY

GEORGE KNIGHT CLOWES Memorial Prize Essay

Stable Belts m REGIMENTAL COLOURS made to requirements MINIMUM ORDER 50

BELTS

Competition, 1961.

COLES LTD.

Dressing Gowns

Shirt and Pyjama Makers Hosiery

onro

Prize: First prize, £35; second prize, £15.

315t March. 1961.

Closing date,

Blazer Badges “ Superior "

“Quality ” Car Badges ......

Silk Ties Pace Sticks

Give your views on how the system has worked since 1945—from the standpoints of the Fighting Services, the country as a whole and the individual National Serviceman.

Sergeants' full size Regimental Walking Canes, Malacca, Ball, Pear or Thimble Cap, Crested ......

43/6

EXPORT Peak Cap No. I. Dress OR's

33/6 22/-

147 Knightsbridge, London, S.W.1 GOLD

Phone: KEN. 4798

Pullovers

KEN. 8552

MEDAL

and

TRENCH GASCOIGNE

Prize

Minimum 6 dozen at l6/- dozen (plus post) Subject:

1.

Gold

Medal.

Closing date,

Discuss the importance of Africa on world

strategy.

OR

REGIMENTAL SHIRTMAKERS to

Neckwear

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

(plus post) 3/6 “ Fleet ” Web Dressing, Shades 103, 91, 3, 6|

Essay Competition, 1960.

Prize: Thirty guineas and 16th November, 1960.

Gloves

Wall Shields 7in. x 6in.

Subject: The call—up ended on the 3tst December, 1960, and by the 1st January. 1963, the last National Serviceman will have left the Forces, after the longest period of peace— time compulsory military service in British history.

2. “ The thermo-nuclear stalemate makes a major war out of the question. The Suez operation showed that a limited war, even if successful, is bound to be a political catastrophe.

The internal security of our colonies and dependencies does not call for Forces of the size and complexity, particularly the complexity, that we now have. What, then, are the Services for?

Discuss this with proposals on how the Services should be reshaped.

General conditions for this essay competition will be the same as for the 1959 competition and can be found in ACI 82 of 1959.

ATHANASBROS. (ADEN)LTD.

Swords and Scabbards Flags to your own design. Badge painted by Artist Unit Flashes embroidered to your own designs.

Lanyards made to order.

Unit Ties made specially to any design and colours.

Coloured Cloth for Badge backing, etc.

ERNEST GOODRICII Specialist in the supply of Military Requisites

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You can get a copy as follows:

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THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISEMENT PAGES, 67/69- ]ERMYN STREET. ST. IAMES’S, S.W.l.

TEL. WHITEHALL 2504

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Presentation silver, trophies or cups may be supplied from stock or to your own specification.

The designers and craftsmen of our military de— partment are always at your SCI'VICC.

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THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISEMENT PAGES. 67/68 JERMYN STREET, ST. IAMES'S, S.W.I. TEL. WHITEHALL 2504

F1111

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Street, London, W.C.2., Street. St. James’s, London. S.W.I. Primed in Great Britain by F. J. Parsons. Ltd., Lennox House, Norfolk S.W.x. (Phone: Whitehall no.1). and Hastings and FolkeStone. Advertisement Agents: Service Newspapers, Ltd., 67-63, Jermyn Street,

Ptinled in Great Britain SUPPLEMENT No. i—PAGE FOUR

Men who guide the destinies of the world wear Rolex watches Never before have the great men of the age been so well known to their contemporaries as today. News of almost all their words and actions is

flashed round the world in seconds.

Their faces and voices are made daily familiar to us in newspaper photo— graphs, on the radio, in films,

and on television.

We are

intensely aware not only of their importance but also of

their

personalities.

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impact is enormous on us as

well as on world events.

It would not be fitting to name them here, for they include royalty, the heads of States, great statesmen, and

service chiefs. But there is one unusual thing we invite you to look at when you next see them or their pictures—

the

watch on their wrists.

That watch will most likely

bear the name of Rolex of Geneva. Accustomed though they are to the very best, these

eminent men are nevertheless amazed at the accuracy and reliability of their Rolex watches, Rolex are proud, if unsurprised, that they quickly take these granted.

landmark Time

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The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Dateiusz has a Chronometer movement which has been awarded an Official Timing Certificate with the added distinction “ Especially good results.” It is protected from all hazards by the famous waterproof Oyster case and it is selfwound by the Perpetual ramr mechanism.

The date, magnified by the Cyclops lens for easy reading, changes automatically and instantaneously at midnight.

THE ROLEX WATCH COMPANY (ARABIA) LTD. CHARTERED BANK BUILDING, CRATER, ADEN

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£1333}: CHRONOMETER