Cross Keys November 2022 (Freemasonry)

The Cross Keys The Monthly Newsletter of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No.242

November 2022

Cross Keys November 2022

Number 249

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From the Editor Military lodges have been a feature of the November Cross Keys for many years now.

Sadly their numbers have dwindled since the Napoleonic Wars. In 1755, 29 lodges existed with travelling warrants—see Page 3 & 5 for the current situation.

The article on the 71st HLI is based on a lecture given at the PGL of Glasgow Seminar in August. It’s a fascinating history of a lodge attached to a regiment which was commonplace in the 19th Century. In fact, over 90 Regiments of Foot had lodges attached to them, some with two lodges, one in each battalion.

As we see with Bro. Baz’s article on the RAF lodge, these lodges are not just Army. The history of military masonry alone is such a large subject that there is probably too much now for one brother to research the whole topic.

Grant

Cover—The banner of the HLI/RHF Lodge No.1459 showing the HLI cap badge with the ‘Assaye’ honour and City of Glasgow. See Page 12.

The Cross Keys is a free magazine distributed across the many countries in order to spread the good (and sometimes not so good) qualities of the Craft. All views are of individual brothers and not any organised body.

Editor: Bro. N. Grant Macleod PM of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 PM of The Anchor Lodge of Research No.1814 Past Provincial Grand Secretary of the Province of Renfrewshire East Provincial Grand Scribe E of the Province of Renfrewshire..

Proof Reader: Bro. Allan Stobo PM of Lodge Houstoun St. Johnstone No. 242 Treasurer 242

In this issue: 3 4 5 7 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31

Current Military Lodges Irish Military Lodge More Recent Military Lodges (EC) RAF Lodge No.7335 (EC) RA Headdress in Antrim Sir Ralph Abercromby 18th C Military Commanders 71st Highland Light Infantry The Baird Family Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge Capt. Hon. William Leslie Warrant of the 17th Reg. of Foot US Masonic Roots Pathfinder Lodge No.7255 (EC) Paisley Volunteers Willem van Oranje Lodge No. 3976 Personal Thoughts from Afghan Sir John Doyle Obituary 1834 Rules of a Military Lodge Kensington Battalion Lodge Dorsetshire Lodge Col. Merry 3rd LRV

November Meetings Friday 11th INSTALLATION At 7pm Prompt Thursday 24th EA Degree

By OBs 7.30pm start

All Scottish Constitution.

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Current Military Lodges The Grand Lodge of Scotland lists 4 Lodges with military titles, but these are not longer truly Military Lodges. The most recent being Lodge Kajaki No. 1848 which appeared in Cross Keys April 2018. In England, the Circuit of Service Lodges, formed in 1993 and currently comprising 42 Lodges, exists to promote comradeship and fraternal contact between military masons. To qualify as a member of the circuit a lodge must have a distinguishable military culture and ethos.

Initially 32 lodges joined. Three further lodges joined the Circuit, Rosemary Lodge. No 2851, originally the lodge of the Artists Rifles (later 21 SAS TA) and later drawing its membership from Special Forces; Pegasus Forces Lodge, No 9393, an Airborne Forces lodge based in Hampshire; and Brothers in Arms No 9540, a lodge based on Salisbury Plain. The list of member lodges reached ten with the addition of United Services Lodge, No 9605, based in Bridgend, South Wales and the Circuit grew to thirty eight. Victoria Rifles Lodge, No 822, was rescued when on the point of handing in its warrant by a group of Past Masters from military Lodges. It has since been recognised as an Installed Masters’ Lodge and is a genuinely all-Service forum in which the members and their guests spend time in perfect peace and harmony.

Navy Lodge; East Lancashire Centurion Lodge; United Service Lodge of Derbyshire, Queensman Lodge, which took on the warrant of Justinian Lodge in May 2012, the newly formed Armed Forces Lodge in Newport, Gwent, Connaught Army & Navy Lodge, Comrades Lodge from London, the Reserve Forces Lodge of Northumbria, London Irish Rifles' Lodge, the new Combined Services Lodge in Berkshire, Aldershot Royal Engineers, Parachute Regiment Lodge, Middlesex Armed Forces Lodge, Bloomsbury Rifles, Pro Patria Lodge, Invictus, London Scottish Rifles, Tudor Rose, Royal Rose, London Rifle Brigade, Shropshire Combined Services and the most recent addition, Marine Lodge in Bristol.

The Circuit participates as a platoon in the annual march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

Some more lodges have been added to the list—Combined Services Lodge No.9900 and various newer lodges which can be seen on Page 5, and a new lodge using an old charter for historical research still to be consecrated, both English Constitution.

Of course, two of the most well known are Irish lodges still epitomising the travelling warrant idea. They are Glittering Star Lodge No. 322 (see Cross Keys November 2020) and St. Patrick’s Lodge No.295 (see Cross Keys The more recent additions are White Ensign April 2022). Both lodges consist of current Lodge on the outskirts of Birmingham; In Ar- and ex serving brethren and are extremely duis Fidelis, members of which are from the popular lodges, especially for visitors.

RAMC and Army Medical Services; Gostling Murray Lodge, named after Lt Col Gostling I hope this is correct, but if not please let me Murray who at the time commanded the 8th know.

Middlesex Rifle Volunteer Corps (in 1912 the Lodge became 'open' to officers of any Branch of His Majesty's forces); Aldershot Army &

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Irish Military Lodge From the dust and darkness of forgotten archives in the library of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts are being brought to light invaluable documents of Masonic history. One of the most recent discoveries, a set of bylaws bearing date of 1806, governing a military lodge then being held in Ballickmoyler, Ireland, is entirely in handwriting. Striking contrasts with present-day practice in balloting, conferring of degrees and firmness of discipline give the reader a lively concept of what Masonry meant 130 years ago.

lodge with the Petition Two Guineas, otherwise such petition cannot be taken notice of.

But if such Petition does not be balloted in, the Money will be returned. Any Person proposed and meeting the Approbation of the Lodge will pay for Entering, Passing and Raising the Sum of Three Guineas and a Half with a Crown for the Tyler.

Each Monthly Night the Tyler is to receive from the Treasurer out of the Box One British Shilling for his Attendance. Every Member is to pay each Monthly Night to the Treasurer three British Shillings as his Dues. If he is not prepared with this Sum when called upon, he is on the following Night to pay a Crown additional—if not ready then, on the succeeding Night, Half a Guinea, and if he still perseveres he is to be suspended from the Body during their Pleasure.

The brethren of ancient times had to attend lodge. They were fined if they did not. Refreshments and hospitality were important attributes of lodge nights. But the visiting brother who took part of the fraternal cheer, and failed to become an affiliated member after his first visit, could not continue the practice upon such a flimsy precept as “dues in my lodge back East are a dollar a year less: Any Member using disrespectful Language to that’s why I don’t demit.” another in the Lodge Room, is to be immediately ordered out, and if his Conduct should The visiting brother contributed his share to- appear to the remaining Members to be imwards expenses by paying three shillings and proper or disgraceful to the Fraternity, they three pence for his entertainment. The treas- may call it into Question and dismiss from the urer took no chances, either; he got his mon- Lodge during Pleasure. ey before the brother left.

The Dues paid in by each Member is to be acOf the thirty-two rules adopted, January 1, counted for every three Months at which 1806, and bearing names of Bro. Captain Lu- Time Bills of all Expenditures during that Pecas as Master and Bro. Lieutenant Bailie as riod must be produced and if any saving may secretary, the most significant follow. Every appear, it is to be laid out for the Good of the Brother must complete himself in a Sash and Lodge in whatsoever Manner the Members Apron according to his degree, and unless he may think fit. is so dressed cannot be allowed to sit in the Lodge or work with the Brethren.

When a Candidate is proposed he is to be balloted for and if three black Beans appear Every Brother must wear in the Lodge a Rib- against him there is no Occasion for any furband in his Breast of the Degrees he has ob- ther Explanation; But if only one or two aptained in Masonry, in Neglect of which he is to pears, the Members putting them in must be fined for each Omission, One British Shil- show the Lodge a sufficient Reason to think ling at the such Candidate would not be an Ornament to Discretion of the Worshipful Master. For the the Fraternity.

Admission of a Brother from any other Lodge to become a member of this: No less a Sum If any Difference should appear between than one Guinea will be received along with Brothers they are to refer it to the Lodge, but his Certificate. if they take it on themselves to settle such Difference in any Manner unbecoming a Man If a Brother proposes a Candidate he must and a Mason, such Brothers will be brought to Cross Keys November 2022

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Irish Military Lodge (ctd) Tryal & suspended for such Length of Time as the Discretion of the Worshipful Master. the Body may think fit.

Every visiting Member after the first Visit if Every Brother is to repair to his Home after not lodging his Certificate must pay three and the Lodge being over Soberly and Quietly as three pence. The Money to be deposited with his Conduct will be particularly looked into the treasurer as no Credit can be given. on these Nights. For if Quarrels and Disturbances might happen it is immediately laid to All expenses of Refreshments &c &c to be setthe Charge of the Masons which brings Dis- tled before the Brethren depart from the grace on the Fraternity.

Lodge.

Any Brother not attending at a Quarter past due Summons on Lodge Nights will be fined Sixpence Halfpenny—One Hour, a ShillingThe entire Night, a Crown- except in Cases of Sickness and Regimental Duties, and that at

Bro. Craighead was introduced to Masonry in St. George Lodge No.190 in his native city of Aberdeen, Scotland. A charter member of Thistle Lodge No.900, Yonkers, New York and served as Master in 1917.

More Recent Military Lodges

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RAF Lodge No.7335 (EC)

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he Royal Air Force Lodge No 7335 was consecrated on 30th March 1954, at Freemasons’ Hall in London, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of the United Grand Lodge of England. It was founded to unite, in bonds of Masonic friendship, Brethren who are, or have been, Commissioned Officers of the Royal Air Force, Royal Naval Air Service, and Royal Flying Corps, many of whom were serving in the War Ministry at the time; the Royal Air Force in this connection includes its Auxiliaries and Reserves.

seek Her Majesty’s permission to use the ‘Royal’ prefix and to confirm that the Air Council had no objection to the use of the title. Lord Newall (founder of the lodge—see P.8) undertook to make enquiries on both these points and did so without any adverse response. The meeting further agreed that the qualification for membership should be commissioned service within the Royal Air Force, the Royal Naval Air Service, or the Royal Flying Corps; and the By-laws should be drafted to make it clear that this included commissioned service within the RAF Volunteer Reserve, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and Although there had been masonic airmen the RAF Regiment. It was agreed that strict who had clearly been members of lodges Emulation ritual should be adopted (Nigerian since the formation of the Royal Air Force, on Ritual).

1st April 2018, there had been no specific Royal Air Force Lodge1. It is understood that The Royal Air Force Lodge was consecrated at a meeting of Grand Lodge in the early 50s, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, The Air Vice Marshal C P Brown was Right Honourable Laurence Roger sat next to Grand Secretary, Sir Lumley KG GCSI GCIE GCVO TD, Sydney White, who commented The 11th Earl of Scarborough, on that there was a plethora of army 30th March 1954; the ceremony lodges, and the Navy Lodge, why was carried out in Lodge No. 1 at was there not one dedicated to the Freemasons’ Hall. At the consecraRoyal Air Force? Subsequently, tion there were 83 founder memthe AVM spoke to Air Cdre John bers of the Lodge, with the followTitmas who, in turn, wrote to all ing brethren installed as Master, and sundry whom he knew to be SW and JW respectively: masons to gauge interest in forming such a lodge. There was clearly great sup- W Bro Air Vice Marshal C P BROWN,CB, CBE, port and a large number of Brethren who DFC wished to become members of a Lodge for W Bro Group Captain W P Wilson, CBE RAF Officers serving in the Air Ministry in W Bro Air Commodore J E R SOWMAN London.

It is not entirely clear why the Most WorshipA meeting of Past Masters was convened at ful Grand Master elected to carry out the cerFreemasons’ Hall on 20th July 1953, under emony himself, but it is likely because this the Chairmanship of Right Worshipful Bro was the first Lodge in Freemasons’ Hall to Marshal of the Royal Air Force the Lord New- bear direct association to the Royal Air Force ell GCB OM GCMB CBE AM PGW. It was by using the ‘Royal’ Prefix, it was meeting in agreed that there would be sufficient founder Freemasons’ Hall, and that the formation of members (over 80), with a number of other the Lodge was sponsored by numerous senBrethren indicating that they would be will- ior London Freemasons, including Lord Newing to join after the consecration. ell.

The meeting agreed that the ‘Royal Air Force’ At the initial meeting, virtually all officer was the most appropriate name for the ranks from Flight Lieutenant to Marshal of Lodge, and it was considered advisable to the Royal Air Force was represented. The AlCross Keys November 2022

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RAF Lodge No.7335 (EC) (ctd) dershot Army and Navy Lodge No. 1971, the Navy Lodge No. 2612, and the Pathfinder Lodge No. 7255 (See Page 21), who are still strongly associated with our Lodge, were all present at our first meeting, and all three continue to participate in our annual Installation Ceremonies when their WM, or his representative, act as SW, JW and IG. The Festive Board, after the Consecration Ceremony, took place at the Connaught Rooms, at which the new Master, W Bro Air-Vice Marshal C P Brown presided and, after the Loyal Toast, proposed the health of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason. The RAF Lodge has held Festive Boards in numerous locations over the years, but currently we hold the Installation Festive Board in the Royal Air Force Club (128 Piccadilly), and the other three regular meeting Festive Boards in the Freemasons Arms (8182 Long Acre).

At the time of its consecration, the Lodge crest was approved (see above and right) and the right of members to wear a Royal Air Force (or RNAS/RFC) tie when attending Lodge meetings was granted; that privilege continues to this day. Moreover, whether serving or retired, the Brethren are accorded the respect of their military titles, both in the ritual ceremonies, and within any Lodge minutes or other correspondence. However, masonic rank holds precedence and we are all consider each other equal as Brethren.

Since its foundation, the number of founder members has inexorably dwindled and, with the passing of W Bro Flt Lt Neil Ker, who took the Chair as WM in 1966 and again in 2003 (our 50th Anniversary year), all have now passed to the Grand Lodge above. However, the Lodge has been fortunate in attracting a steady flow of joining members and initiates, and therefore our overall membership size has remained fairly consistent at around 60-65 members.

The Royal Air Force Lodge currently still meets in Freemasons Hall: on the 2nd Monday in January; 4th Monday in March; 3rd Friday in May; and the 3rd Monday in October (Installation).

My thanks to Bro. Group Captain Barry E Dale PM LGR, Secretary Royal Air Force Lodge No. 7335.

If any brother would like a fuller history with names etc, please email me and I will pass on the document very kindly provided by the author Bro. Baz above (Secretary) who provided an interesting fact: Although there was no ‘Royal Air Force’ titled Lodge, there were a number of predecessor Lodges with RAF connections: Ad Astra Lodge No 3808, for Air Inspection Directorate Staff (1917); Daedalus Lodge No 3843, for RNAS & RAF Staff at RAF Cranwell (1918); Mercury Lodge No 4581, for Air Staff & Members of the Royal Aeronautical Society (1923); Hermes Lodge No 5532, for staff at RAF Gosport (1935); Pegasus Lodge No 5637, for personnel at RAF Halton (1936); Venture Adventure Lodge No 6022, for those connected with the Air Training Corps in London (1944); Albatross Lodge No 6164, for those connected with the Air Training Corps in Manchester (1945); and Pathfinder Lodge No 7255, for those who served with the Pathfinder Force RAF Bomber Command 1942-45 (1953).

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RAF Lodge No.7335 (EC) (ctd) Bro. Cyril Louis Norton Newall was born on 15 February 1886, the son of Lieutenant-Colonel William Potter Newall of the Indian Army. He was educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

In 1905 he joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and served in the Zakkha Khel Expedition in 1908. In the following year he transferred to the 2nd (King Edward’s Own) Gurkhas, with whom he remained until 1914 when

he joined the Royal Flying Corps.

He served in the First World War, being mentioned in dispatches three times and was awarded the Albert Medal (first class) and, also, the C.B.E. In 1919 he was transferred to the Royal Air Force. He commanded units of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force in the First World War, and served as Chief of the Air Staff during the first years of the Second World War. From 1941 to 1946 he was the Governor-General of New Zealand and also Grand Master in the GL of NZ.

"When we have won the war, we and our children will then have to win the peace. It is for us as Freemasons to contribute our part' to this by putting into practice the ideals that are behind the Ritual."

Marshal of the Royal Air Force, The Right Honourable, The Lord Newall, GCB, OM, GCMG, CBE, AM. These words are as fitting today as they were 76 years ago if we look at how we come through the global pandemic.

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The Royal Arch Headdress in Antrim The headdress below is from the chapter in Larne in the Province of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Unlike any chapter regalia today, the mitre probably took its origin from the old grenadier regiment mitres as seen to the right.

worn in this country and in Scotland some chapers have opted not to wear any headdress. Perhaps with Covid, this wearing of shared regalia might be revisited.

The mitre for the 3rd Principal often had the phrase ‘Holiness to the Lord’ as shown and also the photo at the bottom—the 1st P would wear the crown as shown, the 2nd P often a turban style hat, often miss shaped in many old photos. This custom is still maintained in some US chapters in which the High Priest wears a mitre and breastplate. Today, these are rarely

Royal Arch Chapter No.615, Larne: Mitres

Royal Irish Regiment

Royal Arch Chapter No 615: Crown.

Congratulations to the 8 brethren from the Province who received their Mark degree from a team made up from the Commissioned and elected officebearers from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West. The Charity Mark degree raised a total of £412 for the Provincial Grand Master's Charity fund.

A unique event greatly enjoyed by all and a special thanks to Lodge Firth of Clyde, Gourock No. 626 for their kind assistance in hosting the event.

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Sir Ralph Abercromby Bro. Abercromby was born in 1734 in Menstrie Castle, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. He was educated at Rugby School, a coeducational school in Rugby, England. He went on to the University of Edinburgh before being sent to Leipzig University in Germany. At Leipzig University he studied civil law with the idea of pursuing a career as an advocate.

When he returned from Germany Abercromby expressed a strong desire for Military service. In 1756 a commission was secured for him in the 3rd Dragoon Guards. He served with his regiment in the Seven Years' War. Abercromby rose through the intermediate grades to the rank of lieutenantcolonel of the regiment (1773) and brevet colonel in 1780, and in 1781, he became colonel of the newly raised King's Irish infantry. When that regiment was disbanded in 1783, he retired on half pay. He

also entered Parliament as for Clackmannanshire (1774–1780).

After a distinguished military career, rising to the rank of Lt General, Abercromby was sent to recover Egypt from the French in 1801. At the Battle of Alexandria, Abercromby was injured being shot through the thigh.

Bro. Abercromby dismounted from his horse and ‘took part in the melee’ supporting his troops in the hand to hand combat. Seven days later on March 28th, 1801 he passed away from his wounds on board the HMS Foudroyant which was moored in the harbour.

Bro. Abercromby was initiated into Canongate Kilwinning Lodge No 2, Edinburgh in 1753 while his grandson, Colonel the Hon. George Abercromby, (afterwards 3rd Lord Abercromby), would be appointed Provincial Grand Master of Stirlingshire.

Trafalgar Royal Arch Jewel This stunning RA jewel which depicts Lord Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory, was presented to Comp. Edward Madgwick Roe Royal Navy in 1885—86.

The chapter was consecrated in 1875 and linked to Royal Navy College Lodge No.1593 at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London. Bro. Roe stayed at the RN College Hospital until his retirement. He died in 1925, aged 88.

My thanks to the Jewels of the Craft Club who can be contacted at Contact Us – Jewels of the Craft (jotc.co.uk) should you be interested in this fascinating hobby.

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MP

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18th Century Military Commanders wo compelling examples are Sir Adolphus Oughton (1684-1736) and Sir Robert Rich (1685–1768 shown below), members of the Duke of Richmond’s Horn Tavern Lodge.

(1727), major general (1735) and lieutenant general (1739). In 1757 he became commander-inchief and Field Marshal. The office of Field Marshal, the most senior rank in the army, was created in 1736. A predecessors was Viscount Cobham, appointed 1742, a member of the Lodge at the Adolphus Oughton, later MP for Coventry, had Queen’s Head, Bath. served with Marlborough in Europe and was commissioned captain and lieutenant colonel in Rich’s formidable military and Masonic connecthe 1st Regiment of Foot. He returned to England tions were continued by his son, James, who comon the accession of George I and was appointed manded the 37th Foot at Minden in 1759. James Groom of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales. was active in both English and Scottish FreemaIn 1715, his political loyalty was rewarded with sonry. He became Provincial Grand Master of Mipromotion to colonel and appointment as the first norca (English Constitution) in 1752 when stamajor of the Coldstream Guards. He became lieu- tioned on the island, and joined Canongate Kiltenant colonel of the regiment two years later. winning lodge in Edinburgh after being posted to His proximity to the Crown and to Sir Robert Scotland in 1754. He was Grand Master of the Walpole brought promotion to brigadier in 1735 Grand Lodge of Scotland (1769-71) while at the and the colonelcy of the 8th Dragoon Guards from time serving as commander-in-chief of British 1733-36. Oughton was also friends with Freder- forces in Scotland. ick, Prince of Wales, and his example may have been one of several factors in the latter’s decision to become a freemason.

Like Oughton, Robert Rich, successively MP for Dunwich (1715-22), Bere Alston (1724-27) and St Ives (1727-41), was a political supporter of Walpole and gained preferment accordingly as Groom of the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales and to George II. Militarily, Rich was promoted colonel and given command of the 13th Hussars (1722-25), 8th Light Dragoons (1725-31) and the King’s Regiment of Carabiniers (1731-33), where he succeeded his fellow freemason and member of the Horn Tavern, Lord Delorraine.

Rich also commanded the 1st Troop Horse Grenadier Guards (1733-35), officers of which regiment were members of the Lodge meeting at the Mitre in Reading, the first Masonic Lodge formed in Berkshire. Rich was promoted brigadier general

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71st Highland Light Infantry “Many of us know by experience that war consists of long periods of boredom, interspersed by brief intervals of intense excitement and terror.” Little wonder then, that, two hundred years ago, long before N.A.A.F.I. or E.N.S.A. had been dreamt of, the practice of Freemasonry solaced the soldier in out-ofthe-way stations, and its principles lifted him above the weariness, and even sordidness of his lot. Within the lifetime of many of us, for a large section of the population, to 'list for a soldier was the last disgrace a lad could inflict on his family. Two world wars, when the bulk of the fit population was called upon to serve in the fighting forces have proved that the Queen's coat is not the badge of the failure, the ne'er-do-well or the blackguard.

name of the regiment which now had Glasgow in the title awarded by King George III. Sadly at this point, their silverware and other documents were also lost although a couple remain in the Buenos Ayres Museum. However, proof exists why.

Grand Lodge records note the events as to how this Lodge lost its Warrant as follows: "This Lodge and another Lodge associated with this action, No. 356 at this time in the 9th Dragoons (1760-1818) formed the army which in 1806 occupied Monte Video, and on the 27th June, General William Carr Beresford, subsequently famous during the Peninsular War as Marshal Beresford, captured Buenos Ayres with the 71st Regiment. The Spaniards retook the town almost immediately, and the whole of the 71st became prisoners-of-war."

It was the Irish invention of the Warrant, which made the erection of travelling Lodges possible. There is little doubt that, to It is also believed the warrant the soldier mason the Warrant of his Lodge is also preserved in the museum which has held a place in his heart, second only to The the guidon (hangs from bagpipes) below.

Colours.” This is the introduction to an interesting article by Bro. R. E. Parkinson when writing about Irish warrants.

Looking closer to home, the Highland Light Infantry (HLI City of Glasgow Regiment) is known to most in the west of Scotland and further afield. The regiment was initially the 71st Regiment of Foot and a Scottish charter was issued in 1759 although at this stage it was probably the Fraser Highlanders rather than the HLI.

However, due to the regiment being stationed in Dublin in 1801, a charter from the Grand Lodge of Ireland was issued in 1801 as Lodge No. 895 and worked until the Commanding Officer issued an order to return it in 1833 and erased from the Grand Lodge roll in 1858. A duplicate was issued in 1808 (very common for military lodges to lose items due to fighting broad—the 71st was in Buenos Ayres at this time fighting the French) - it may have been to include the new

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Apparently it it was captured in one of the forts, and the brethren may have been at labour when disturbed by Liniers and his gang of cowans and intruders. The 71st remained prisoners till July 1807 when a strong British force under Lieutenant-General John Whitelocke attempted to recapture Buenos Ayres. Although it failed, part of the agreement of withdrawal was the release of the 71st, but without the guidon and warrant of the lodge.

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71st Highland Light Infantry (ctd) The regiment was stationed in various parts of the world and accredited itself with distinction. So why did the CO decide to return the warrant.

passed in 1829 to which the Grand Orange Lodge reacted with anger, saying it was a bad law. Later in 1832 "The Party Processions Act" was passed, which outlawed Orange Demonstrations, they rebelled against this Another artefact of the lodge can be found in Act by holding unlawful Parades, by this time the display cabinet of Victoria Lodge No.56 the Orange Order was facing hostility from (Ontario, Canada) - it is the lodge seal shown the Governing Classes. Sadly the distinction below and also right.

The Seal is circular, with a braided edge within the circumference. A large Triangle shape is inscribed 71st REGT LODGE No 895 MEMENTO MORI; which is Latin and is simply translated as “Remember your mortality”. The 3 spaces between the triangle shape and the edge each bear 4 identical emblems, for a total of 12 emblems. Within the triangle are recognizable symbols including a ladder of many staves, skull and bones, and a coffin, cable tow and Jacob’s Ladder.

between the Masonic and Orange was unclear to gentlemen of the outside world.

Part of the letter to the Grand Secretary stated: "Although as soldiers we cheerfully comply with all orders given to us by our commander, still we lament that we found it his bounding duty to allow no secret society to exist in the regiment under his command". Clearly the brethren were dismayed at the decision not to practise freemasonry. I wonder how many The ribbon surrounding the seal are the col- affiliated to lodges where the regiment was ours of the Waterloo medal. stationed?

In 1827 the Duke of Cumberland had become overall Grand Master of the Orange Lodge. By 1836 he had dissolved all military lodges within HM Forces and resigned his position as Grand Master (this was the last Royal connection with the society), due to the embarrassing position in which he was placed by the subversive discipline of military Orangemen against the chain of command. This was a response to the Catholic Emancipation Law

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The Baird Family Baird family of Newbyth: 1st Bt. British military lodges arrived in South Africa with their regiments during the Second British occupation (1806-1814). Truter found a masonic ally in the Commander-in-Chief, Major General David Baird, Colonel of the 24th Regiment (& 71st Reg, previous pages) a member of Canongate Kilwinning No.2, welcoming him to De Goede Hoop as Protector. However the influx of Englishspeaking members into his lodge brought tensions and an inevitable split when English members broke away to form the first permanent English lodge in the Cape, The British Lodge in 1811.

After Sir David's death, a monument to his memory was erected

by Lady Baird, the foundation stone of which was laid with Masonic honours in 1832. The 4th of May was selected for the purpose, because on that day General Baird took Seringapatam by storm.

Baird family of Saughtonhall Baird, Lt-Col. Sir James Gardiner (c.1756-1830), 6th bt.

Only son of Capt. Sir William Baird (1721-71), 5th bt., and his wife Frances, daughter of Col. James Gardiner of Bankton, born about 1756. He succeeded his father as 6th baronet, 17 August 1771. An officer in the army (Ensign, 1772; Lt., 1776; Capt., 1777; Lt-Col., 1796; retired 1796) who served in the American War of Independence and in Flanders; and later of the East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry (Lt-Col. from its formation in 1797). He served as Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, 1810-13.

His son, also Sir David, was Substitute Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1841 under the Grand Mastership of Lord Frederick Fitz-Clarence ad Lord Glenlyon Depute GM who would take over from Clarence.

Lodge Marie Stewart No.541 in Crosshill in Glasgow advertising for a Tyler in The Masonic News in 1873. Very often this was a paid job (and in many lodges in England today still is).

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Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge No.2362 (EC) The St. Giles and St. George's Bloomsbury Volunteers were established at the beginning of the 19th. Century and are recorded as on parade (600 strong) at a review in Hyde Park in 1803. This Regiment (The Devil's Own), however, is considered by some to be the ancestor of the "Inns of Court O.T.C.", rather than the Bloomsbury Rifles with which this Lodge is associated. They were disbanded in 1814.

"The Bloomsbury Rifles" were formed in 1859 as the 37th Middlesex (St Giles and St George's Bloomsbury) Rifle Volunteer Corps.

In 1880 they became 19th Middlesex (St Giles and St George's Bloomsbury) Rifle Volunteer Corps and in 1881 they were designated a Volunteer battalion of The Rifle Brigade. In 1892 they Became 19th Middlesex (St Giles and St George's) Volunteer Rifle Corps. 190002 - Detachment served in South African War with City Imperial Volunteers. In 1908 on the formation of Lord Haldane's Territorial Forces they were amalgamated with the Victoria and St. George's Rifles (who, tradition has it, were descendants of the Duke of Cumberland's Sharpshooters 1792) as the Queen Victoria's Rifles, (9th. County of London) Btn. The London Regiment. This Regiment became a territorial battalion of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps ending up in 1967 as the 4th (Volunteer) and 5th (Territorial) battalion of The Royal Green Jackets.

On the 1st May 1961 the Queen Victoria's Rifles were amalgamated with the Queen's Westminsters, to form a new Regiment, the Queen's Royal Rifles and on the 1st. April 1967 together with the London Rifle Brigade/ Rangers and the 4th Btn. The Oxfordshire and Cross Keys November 2022

Buckinghamshire Light Infantry there was a further amalgamation when they were formed into the 4th. (Vol.) Btn. The Royal Green Jackets, the name they bear today.

In the year 1860 our Mother Lodge, "The Victoria Rifles Lodge No. 822" was consecrated.

In February 1890 Lt. Col. Smith-Richards, the Commanding Officer of the 19th. Middlesex Rifles Volunteers (The Bloomsbury Rifles), decided to form a Masonic Lodge meeting at Chenies Street and a petition was sponsored by the Victoria Btn., incorporated in the Queen Victoria's Rifles.

Brother Past Master Claud Scott, having informed the Brethren of the Victoria Rifles Lodge, that the Bloomsbury Rifles Corps (of which he was the Quartermaster) was desirous of founding a Masonic Lodge, produced the Petition to Grand Lodge and asked for signatures in accordance with the Book of Constitutions. Proposed by Bro. Past Master Claud Scott and seconded by Bro. Past Master Hawkins and resolved unanimously that the W.M., S.W. and J.W. do sign in open Lodge the recommendation to the Petition for a new Page 15

Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge No.2362 (EC) ctd Lodge made by the Petitioning Members of the Bloomsbury Rifles. Originally the Lodge required its Members to be taken from the ranks of the Regiment, but today this requirement no longer stands and Members come from all walks of life. However, many of the traditions remain including a toast to "The Regiment" during the festive boards. It’s great to see a lodge continue the memory of an old regiment.

The lodge continues to meet in Great Queen Street in London.

Boston Fusiliers Boston Fusiliers was founded on the 4th July 1787 by veterans of the Revolutionary War. Captain Jenks of the Fusiliers ordered 100 to be made in 1790.

Above the soldier’s head is the motto of the Fusiliers: “AUT VINCERE AUT MORI,”—either to conquer or die. Below the soldier is the statement “Success to the Independent Boston Fusiliers, Incorporated July 4th 1787- America for ever” and above the soldier is a collection of masonic icons.

The Boston Fusiliers served as a guard of honour for patriotic and political events in and around the city. Jenks was a member of King Solomon’s Masonic Lodge in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

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Captain Hon. William Leslie, 17th Regiment The 17th Regiment of Foot (Leicestershire) suffered greatly in the Battle of Princeton in 1777 as part of the US Revolutionary Wars.

In this engagement, Bro. William Leslie, Captain of the 17th, Ensign 42nd (Black Watch) Regiment 1770; Lieutenant 17th Foot 1773; Captain 1776, was mortally wounded aged 26. There is an interesting tradition connected with his death and burial.

When, after the battle, Gen. Washington was riding over the field, he perceived some British soldiers supporting a wounded officer, and upon inquiring his name and rank, was answered, Captain Leslie. Dr. Benjamin Rush (his friend from Edinburgh University), who formed a part of the Commander's Staff,

asked to have him placed under his care. He was indeed the son of the 6th Earl, Grand Master Mason 1759—61.

Leslie died the same evening, and was buried with martial and Masonic honours by his American brethren in the graveyard at Pluckamin, where a monument placed

by Dr. Rush marks his resting place. Two days after the battle, Washington sent his aide. Col. Fitzgerald, into the British camp, with a flag of truce, advising the British of the death of Capt. Leslie and of the honours with which he was interred.

The stone to the left was a replacement with the same inscription in c. 1836 by Professor Ogilby of Rutgers University at the request of David Leslie-Melville, 8th Earl of Leven.

asked whether he was "a son of the Earl of Leven" being answered in the affirmative, he

At the centre, American General Hugh Mercer, with his horse beneath him, is mortally wounded.

At the right, British Captain William Leslie is shown mortally wounded. In the background, American General George Washington and Doctor Benjamin Rush enter the scene.

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Warrant of the 17th Regiment of Foot Following on from the previous page, let’s look at the background to the lodge attached to the 17th. The first warrant was issued under the GL of Ireland in 1743 as No.136. On returning to England in September, 1767, the Regiment applied for a warrant from the GL of Scotland, the old warrant having been lost through the "Hazardous enterprises in which they had been engaged." The lodge was designated Unity Lodge in the 17th Regiment, and the Grand Lodge minutes of Nov. 22, 1771, record that it was "to be gratis."

The Grand Lodge minutes of 3rd Feb. and 18th May 1772, note the attendance of Bro. Hanson of Lodge 168. While this appears to be the number by which the lodge was known in the Grand Lodge minutes in the Warrant itself the lodge's number was given as No. 169.

It is believed that at the Battle of Princeton, the Delaware troops captured the Warrant No. 169 of the brethren of the 17th Regiment.

Whatever the reason for the loss of the Warrant, it eventually passed into the hands of the brethren of Lodge No. 5 at Cantwell's Bridge, Delaware, now Union Lodge No. 5, Middletown, Delaware. This old Warrant is now in possession of the lodge.

attack at Stony Point, July 16, 1779, among their baggage was found the warrant and regalia of the Lodge; when this was brought to the notice of Gen. Samuel H. Parsons, an American Commander, and member of American Union Lodge, in the Continental army, he at once sent the warrant back to the British Regiment with the following fraternal letter: Brethren, when the ambition of monarchs or jarring interest of contending States, call forth their subjects to war as Masons we are disarmed of that resentment which stimulates to undistinguished desolation, and however our political sentiments may impel us in the public dispute, we are still Brethren, and (our professional duty apart) ought to promote the happiness and advance the weal of each other. Accept therefore, at the hands of a Brother, the Constitution of the Lodge Unity No. 18, to be held in the 17th British Regiment which your late misfortunes have put in my power to restore to you.

Below is the miniature of an unknown officer of the 17th—the very uniform our brethren of the time would wear. The lodge attached to the regiment become defunct in 1816 and the regiment disbanded in 1975.

When the regiment was captured, during the

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US Masonic Roots in Military Lodges Provincial Grand Masters were named for North America, or parts thereof, by the Grand Lodge at London and the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Lodges chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ireland worked in America, and the "Atholl" Grand Lodge or the Ancients issued a warrant under which the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was organized in 1764, and a Grand Lodge in New York city in 1783. There was no single source of Freemasonry in North America. The short-lived Grand Lodge of All England at York did nothing for American Freemasonry except to bequeath the name of York.

No British regular army units were sent to North America until the occupation of Louisburg in 1746, when the 29th, 30th and 45th regiments came from Gibraltar. There had been several independent or separate companies raised, and the 40th regiment had been established here and stationed in Nova Scotia. There was a lodge at Annapolis Royal for which a dispensation was granted by St. Johns Provincial Grand Lodge at Boston (Modern in origin) in 1738, and also chartered by the Ancient Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1755, as No. 399.

While we know that a Lodge, Number 83 under Irish Constitution, did exist in the 30th regiment at Gibraltar, it cannot be conclusively proven that it worked at Louisbourg between 1746-49, during the occupation. But there were a dozen or more officers from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut who came home from a tour of duty in the garrison at Louisbourg and then appear as Masons. Since the records of the lodges then sitting at Boston and Portsmouth, New Hampshire are fairly complete, we assume those Masons who show up after a visit to Cape Breton were made at Louisbourg. This supposition is supported by tradition in some cases, although we all realize that stories lose nothing in the retelling. But it is almost certain that among the charter members of the lodges at New Haven and Middletown, Connecticut, formed in 1750 and 1754 respectively, there were men who were made Ma-

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sons at Louisbourg, because in tracing their movements they could not have been made anywhere else.

The situation in the garrison at Louisbourg in 1746-49 could not have been much different than it was after the recapture in 1758, when a British officer of the 43rd Foot recorded in his diary — "When the calendar does not furnish us with a loyal excuse for assembling in the evening, we have recourse to a Freemasons Lodge, where we work so hard that it is inconceivable to think what a quantity of business of great importance is transacted in a very short time.”

For obvious reasons when the army is in the field there is no opportunity for work or festivity by the Craft. When in garrison or winter quarters it is a different matter. Under successive command of Forbes and Bouquet, parts of the regular forces spent the winters in Philadelphia, and there in 1767 we find evidence of the Royal Arch and Knight Templar degrees being worked. They could only have been introduced by lodges under Irish constitution which were with the several regiments quartered in the city. In 1758 the Grand Lodge of Ancients warranted Royal Arch Lodge Number 3 in Philadelphia. It no doubt was formed by men in an army lodge working under Irish warrant, but it was more convenient perhaps to obtain a warrant from London than from Ireland. However, I do not know of any civilian lodge in America warranted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland, except one second hand which I will mention later.

In 1767 the Royal Irish regiment was in Philadelphia and had with it Lodge No. 351 i.e. applicants from among the officers of that regiment were refused consideration by the city lodges for the very reason that the regimental lodge was present and working. Both the Royal Arch degree and the Knight Templar degree, having been introduced by Ancient Masons, appear to have been retained under Grand Lodge control in Pennsylvania and were conferred under sanction of a lodge Page 19

US Masonic Roots in Military Lodges (ctd) warrant until well into the 1800s. Apparently the early influence of the Grand Lodge of London was swept away by the introduction of the Ancient system when the "Atholl" Grand Lodge warranted a Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania. In that state today the ritual and practice is quite different from what the other states follow.

third lodge in the same community under a Connecticut charter.

At Boston in 1752 a group of Masons who did not find themselves in complete accord with the high-toned or "silk stocking" Masonry of St. Johns Provincial Grand Lodge (Modern), organized a more democratic group which was chartered under date of 1756 by the The 1737 warrant, copied in 1759, was con- Grand Lodge of Scotland as the Lodge of St. firmed in 1763 by the Provincial Grand Mas- Andrew. ter of New York, and in 1765 reconfirmed by his successor. Sir John 'Johnson, later Grand In 1769 three regiments came to garrison the Master of Quebec. Under the name Union, this forts at Boston as a deterrent to the rising oplodge flourished for Z7 years with the same position in the city against tariff and trade Master. Having been reconfirmed in "all prec- control measures which the Boston meredents and other privileges as they may or chants and shipping interests considered opought to claim", they did claim precedence pressive. The 14th regiment had with it from 1737 and all privileges that went with it. Lodge Number 58 chartered by the "Atholl" Disaffection with the Grand Lodge which had Grand Lodge of England; the 29th regiment been organized in New York city forestalled had Lodge Number 322 under Irish Constitutheir acknowledgement of its authority until tion; and the 64th regiment had Lodge Num1806, when they submitted and are now Mt. ber 106 under Scottish registry. These lodges Vernon Lodge (3). Perhaps they inherited the cooperated with the Lodge of St. Andrew in fighting spirit of the 2nd Battalion Royal but the organization of the Massachusetts Grand this looks like something other than "noble Lodge (Ancient). contention" for precedence.

Here in Boston the earliest record of conferIn the garrison at Crown Point in 1762, ral of the Royal Arch and the Knight Templar among others, Lodge Number 7 P.G.L.N.Y. was degrees was in August 1769 under sanction at work in the 55th Regiment of Foot and of St. Andrews Royal Arch Lodge. During that made Masons among the colonial officers on same month four members of army Lodge No. duty there. Three Master Masons by name 322 are on record as visitors to the Lodge of and "nine other Masons" were recommended St. Andrew and unquestionably brought those to the Grand Lodge at Boston as "highly wor- degrees with them. The evolution of the Royal thy . . . for holding a Lodge ... in the Colony of Arch chapters and Knight Templar comConnecticut". Two years later they were war- manderies some 25 years later is a story ranted by St. John’s Provincial Grand Lodge which merits separate treatment and I will (Modern), but twenty years later and after leave that to someone else. the war, under the same leadership, they applied to the Massachusetts Grand Lodge (Ancient) for a charter. When the Grand By Bro. James R Case PM Lodge of Connecticut was organized a small American Lodge of Research group continued to work in Norwich under NYC their old charter, while others organized a

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Alma Lodge No. 3534 (EC) The membership had been made up of Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants of the 7th Battalion Royal Fusiliers stationed at Hounslow Barracks. The Regiment had participated in the victory at the Battle of the River Alma in the Crimean War, September 1854 against Russian forces.

The jewel is from the consecration in 1911; the lodge still meets in Twickenham under the PGL of Middlesex.

Snuff Box

Following on from the 71st on Page 12, we have a snuff box presented to Ensign John Buchan of the 62nd Regiment in Quebec in 1825. He had enlisted int the 71st in 1808, was wounded six times in the Peninsular War and Waterloo. The brethren from his lodge (No. 895) in the 71st presented the box on his promotion to the 62nd stationed in Canada in 1824—he died 9 years later fighting in India. The box is the only surviving regimental silver after a shipwreck in 1842 and is now in the Canadian War Museum.

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Pathfinder Lodge No.7255 (EC) Pathfinder Lodge was consecrated in 1953 by members of Bomber Command. It meets in Duke Street, London four times a year and dines at the RAF Club in Piccadilly.

The Pathfinder Force (PFF) was active in WW2 from 1942 to 1945 and was created by RAF Bomber Command to improve the effectiveness of Bomber strikes. The best aircrew were selected and a number of PFF squadrons emerged. The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln commemorates the lives of 80,000 airmen who perished.

At the end of hostilities many of the PFF maintained contact and the Pathfinder Association was set up with a "watering hole" in Mayfair and other social activities. At some point in the late 1940s or early 1950s a group of guys realised a common interest in Freemasonry. The appropriate wheels were set in motion and on 13 April 1953 Pathfinder Lodge took off.

The frontispiece of every lodge summons states "To perpetuate in terms of Masonic friendship the spirit of Pathfinder Force RAF Bomber Command 1942-1945." I personally was initiated into 7255 in November 1971. At that time most of the founders were alive and active and I have to say fully endorsed the lodge mission statement! DFCs DFMs were a plenty plus a couple of DSOs and OBEs. As the years have rolled on sadly all our founders have passed on to the GLA and we now have very few ex RAF members and certainly no founders. Pathfinder Lodge supports the IBCC at Lincoln. We are going to donate to RAF Wyton when normal service resumes. We regularly support the RAF Benevolent Fund and try to act in accord with our founders in 1953.

My thanks to Bro. David Sudbury and Alexander Boothroyd Secretary of 7255.

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Paisley Regiment of Volunteers During the Napoleonic period, many fencibles and militias were formed up and down the country uch was the fear Napoleon spread across the globe. The Paisley Volunteers was typical of these regiments which were the forerunners to territorial army units and reserves. Most were formed and equipped by the Commanding Officer.

ied till the close of the war. Bro. James Dunlop PM was captain in 1805 and Bro. Thomas Bissland was also captain.

In 1805, the Renfrewshire Volunteers were commanded by Bro. Dayhort MacDowell (205).

Before the middle of this century the RenfrewThe brethren in bold are members of Paisley Kil- shire Militia were disbanded; but in 1854 they winning Lodge unless another lodge number is were again, on account of the Russian war, emprovided. bodied by Act of Parliament. They mustered for the first time on 25th January, 1855. The officers From a return, in 1806, we learn that the officers were — Sir J. M. Napier, Bart, of Milliken, colonel of the Paisley 1st Regiment of Volunteers were as commandant; William C. Bontine, Major; James follows — Lieutenant-Colonel commanding, Wil- Lowndes (Lounds) and Mr. James Stewart, capliam M'Kerrell PM ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert tains; F. R. Reid and Daniel Shaw Stewart, lieutenMaxwell ; Major, John Bisset ; captains, Robert ants; and William Cunningham, ensign. On 4th Hart, Fulton M'Kerrell PM, William Bissland, January, in the following year, the Earl of GlasJohn Snodgrass, William Maxwell, Thomas gow presented to the militia, in the Barracks Lounds and Oliver Jamieson; lieutenants, John Square, a stand of new colours; and at this musOrr, John Buchanan, Nathan Gibson, Gavin Max- ter, Colonel Sir J. M. Napier stated that, although well, William Murray, William Giffen, William the regiment had only been twelve months emStirling, Charles Downie, Charles Fraser, Francis bodied, it had furnished three hundred men to Martin, and Thomas Sharp ; ensigns, John M'Lel- the regular army and was still five hundred lan, Charles Peacock, Thomas Campbell (QM), and strong. The gallant colonel further intimated that James Campbell; Adjutant, Campbell Snodgrass Her Majesty, as a mark of her approbation of their (also 242 Founder); chaplain. Rev. James Smith; good conduct, had been graciously pleased to call surgeon, Lt James Muir; assistant-surgeon, Robert it the " Prince of Wales's Own." On the same evenM'Kechnie. Captains William Stuart and John ing, the officers of the regiment gave a grand ball Sym is also mentioned in the lodge records as in the Abercorn Rooms, to a large and fashionable Royal Paisley Volunteers in 1802. party, in honour of the presentation of the new colours.

The officers in the Paisley 2nd regiment were as follows: Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert Fulton; ma- Today, they but a memory, but the call to arms jor, Alexander Campbell; captains, John Davidson, was serious and the brethren responded to their William Twigg, Robert Orr, and John Pollock; EA closing charge. lieutenants, Alexander Macahster, John Motherwell, F. Orr, and John Bell; ensigns, Alexander Pollock, Hugh Vallance (paymaster), and James Whyte; Quartermaster, Andrew Dunn; surgeon, Robert Watt; assistant-surgeon, Thomas Richmond.

In 1807, raised and embodied no less than three additional regiments, which were named respectively the First, Second, and Third Regiments of Renfrewshire Local Militia. They were commanded by lieutenant-colonels Bros. Boyd Alexander, William Mure of Caldwell (242), and William M'Kerrell Jnr. These regiments remained embod-

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Willem van Oranje Lodge No.3976 (EC) The Willem van Oranje Lodge was founded at the Hague in Holland on 6 July 1918. The founders were British naval, military and civilian prisoners of war who had been released on parole from various prison camps throughout Germany for internment in a neutral country for the "duration."

Events leading up to the formation of our lodge have been described by another founder, Major H. T. Jeffery, at that time a sergeant of the Hampshire Regiment. He relates how he was sitting one day listening to a concert in the lounge of an hotel near the Plein in The Hague, when he was approached by a distinguished looking Dutchman who asked him point blank if he were a mason.

Jeffery replied that he could not answer such a question indiscriminately. The gentleman then introduced himself as Baron van Ittersum, the representative from the Grand Lodge of England to the Grand East of the Netherlands. They were soon on terms of fraternal understanding. Jeffery was aware that Colonel J. A. Gibbs the senior British officer among the prisoners in Holland was a keen mason, so he approached him at Orderly Room the next day to ask for a private interview.

As a result of this interview, Colonel Gibbs and Baron van lttersum were soon brought together and discussions were started. Colonel Gibbs undertook to seek out the masons amongst officers and Sergeant Jeffery those amongst other Ranks.

The process of forming the lodge had begun.

Holland grew as more prisoners arrived from Germany and the group of those interested soon became strong enough to raise a petition for the constitution as a lodge. The Gastvrijheid Lodge volunteered to sponsor the petition and it was agreed to follow the procedure used by them in 1915.

A necessary preliminary was to seek approval from United Grand Lodge of England.

This original Charter is in the Dutch language and is still one of the most treasured possessions. It is on display at every meeting of the lodge and it is formally passed on from master to master at Installation for safe keeping, with the injunction that should our lodge ever be disbanded it must be returned to the Grand East of the Netherlands.

The jewels, worn by the officers were given by the Gastvrijheid Lodge. These were made by hand in the workshops at Groeningen Camp where most of their brethren were interned. They are still worn regularly to this day and are greatly valued.

Also a set of Working Tools, likewise fashioned in Groeningen.

The lodge continues to meet today in London.

The number of Masons among the prisoners in

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Scottish freemasons will make history by presenting a cheque for more than £1 million to Prostate Scotland. The achievement comes after a fundraising appeal lasting an incredible 10 years, recently named the Make It a Million campaign. The most recent was a zip slide which contributed nearly £50,000 to the appeal.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland embarked on the appeal to help increase awareness of prostate disease, its symptoms and the treatments available. The money was raised thanks to a collective effort by thousands of freemasons who devised a huge range of fund-raising initiatives.

Bro. Ramsay McGhee GMM and Bro. Joe Morrow 1st Grand Principal are shown who led the recent campaign from Bro. Charles Wolridge Gordon who instigated the initiative.

The GMM also thanked Mrs Dawn Oliff and her staff who carried out an immense amount of administrative work in respect of the project.

Prostate Scotland have publicly acknowledged that the support of Scottish Freemasons, both in financial terms and by providing a platform for the distribution of information, has had a hugely positive impact on developing their work.

PGL Renfrewshire East We’re now into our second month of Installations and 11 Lodges have held a successful Installation.

At the PGL Tri Annual Meeting in Maxwellton Road, Paisley on 28th October, a number of recommendations were approved. They included the allocation of 10 Christmas vouchers to each Lodge with the value of the voucher being increased from £10 to £15.

They also included a seminar for Secretaries and Treasurers early in the new year, and the production of a guidance booklet for Lodge Trustees.

The PGM assisted by Bro William Fleming PSPGM and Bro Scott Bogle SPGM also presented the various bowling and golf competition trophies.

Bro. Ronnie Fraser PGM

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Personal Thoughts from Afghanistan The following is from a brother who served with the Canadian Armed Forces and attended Canada Lodge (Under Dispensation) in Kandahar. At the time, it was the only ‘moveable’ lodge before returning home in 2014.

Some of the brothers who attended the lodge went through great lengths to attend. There were Filipino brethren who worked as electrical engineers on Camp Hero (an Afgnan National Army base next to KAF). At first they had passes to get on base and they travelled in a pick-up truck (with no armour), risking attack by the Taliban as they travelled unprotected to attend lodge on the base. At one point their passes expired and while they were waiting for them to be renewed, an Australian brother, the always affable Brother Sergeant Major Alex Mearns, smuggled them on and off base to attend lodge. He recounted to me – with some humour – how they came close to being discovered one time.

Canadian Forces are deployed, Canada Lodge must be deployed with them. The business of war does not provide for reprieves. We work long hours 7 days a week. On our minds from the time we awake until the time we lay our heads (and many times it does not leave us then), is the real and present danger of death and dying, of killing or being killed, of carrying our fallen on their last journey home and working harder the next day to ensure he was the last to fall. The lodge provided a healthy reprieve from this. Whether it was attending lodge and sitting in peace and harmony with the brethren, or stealing 5 minutes over lunch to commit some ritual work to memory. It was meditative, it was therapeutic, and it was exactly what this soldier needed.

I am certain that this is an experience I have in common with my brothers in arms and in the Craft from ancient times. It is undoubtedly this “healthy reprieve” that fortified and sustained them through the valley of the Before completing this story I must impress shadow of death. upon you how much the Aghan people appreciate water. Being a very arid country, bottled In an early email home I wrote of Canada drinking water which NATO soldiers con- Lodge that we hoped “to create a placeof cisume daily is rather valued by the locals. It vility in an otherwise very uncivil place.” This was late one night after lodge and they were is exactly what it became for me. Away from returning to Camp Hero. Brother Mearns cov- the insanity of war we sat behind tyled door, ered our Pilipino brothers in the back of his men of mixed creed and religion in peace and SUV. As they approached the gate the Afghan harmony. Outside the door of the lodge was guard (who normally waved him through be- the dark chaos of war; inside the door of the cause he knew him) indicated he would like lodge was order, civility, and light. to search the back of the vehicle. Being quick on his feet (as he is), our brother dismounted. By Bro. Lt. Joseph F. Curry, Beaches Lodge He opened the rear hatch and took out a case No.473 in Toronto. of bottled water which he tossed at the guard (knowing he would catch it and not let it go).

The guard stood calling to him to stop – clutching the case of water. “You’re welcome mate! Any time.” he called back as he sped through the gate. These were the brethren I had the privilege of knowing and sitting in lodge with.

Based on my experiences in Afghanistan, I am convinced that whenever and wherever the

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Bro. Sir John Doyle Obituary 1834 This gallant officer and most distinguished Freemason died in August last, at his residence in Somerset-street, Portman Square Sir John was Prov. Grand Master for Guernsey and Jersey, and had served generally the offices of the Craft, who, among other services, will particularly remember him as President of the Board of Stewards, on the natal day of His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, in 1829.

verely wounded. In 1796 he got the colonelcy of the 87th, and was sent in command of a secret expedition into Holland, and on his return was appointed secretary at war in Ireland, and afterwards served as brigadiergeneral in Gibraltar, Minorca, and Malta.

He volunteered his services to Egypt, and accompanied General Hutchinson (the late Earl of Donoughmore) in the expedition against Grand Cairo. His services here received the His military career was one of high reputa- thanks of Parliament, ancl he was in 1804 aption. He entered the serpointed lieutenantvice, by the purchase of governor of Guernsey; an ensigncy in the 48th created a baronet in Foot, in 1771. In 1775 1805, with liberty to he embarked, as lieutenhave supporters to his ant, with the 40th Foot, arms and an additional for America, where he crest. served in all the campaigns of that period, In April, 1808, he was having received a. appointed lieutenantgeneral ; in 1812, K.B.; wound in action. In in 1815 K.G. G of the 1778 he obtained a company in Lord RawBath (a vacancy, in don' s corps, "the Volunwhich order is caused by his death) : and in teers of IreAugust, 1819, the brevet land" (afterwards 105th of general. It will be onFoot), and purchased his majority in it in 1781, ly necessary to enumerate the distinctions having been twice borne on the colours of wounded while serving Sir John' s regiment to in that regiment. show the nature and extent of his service— The regiment was reduced in 1784. Having Barossa, Tarifa, Vittoria Nivelle, Orthes, Toureturned to his native country, Ireland, he re- louse, Peninsula, Ava." By Sir John's death the mained on half-pay until the commencement colonelcy of the regiment he so long comof the French revolutionary war, at which manded is passed to Sir Thomas Reynell of time he raised tbe gallant 87th regiment, " the the 71st HLI (see page 12). Sir John Doyle Royal Irish Fusiliers," in the command of was in his seventy-eighth year, having been which he embarked for the Continent, with born in 1756.

Earl Moira. He served under the Duke of York in the campaign of 1794, and repulsed an at- The above obituary appeared in various matack of the enemy at Alost, where he was se- sonic publications in August 1834.

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Rules of a Military Lodge The following are the abbreviated ‘Rules, Regulations and By-laws to be strictly observed by the lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Held by Authority in His Majesty's 12th Regiment of Foot, by title and Denomination, the Duke of Norfolk's Lodge (using original spelling): 2. "The Body to assemble at a house most convenient for their Purpose, the first Tuesday in every month, if conveniency will permit. That Master, Warden or Member Neglecting to appear at the place and hour appointed Except lawful Necessity calls him otherways shall be fined as the list of Fines annexed."

4. "A Lecture on Masonry to be given every Regular Lodge Night by the Master or Order, for the better edyfication of the Brethren, the secretary to be exempt the Lecture the better to observe any misbehaviour—Cursing or swearing, Coming drunk to the Lodge, interruptions in the Lecture or otherways, and likewise to take a particular acct. of the Charges, and Acquaint the Master when it amounts to ten Light Stivers Each member." [Stiver: one sixth of a shilling and was likely to be the currency where the regiment was stationed at that time].

8. " It is strongly recommended, to every member when the Lodge is closed and the charges of the house defray'd that every Brother repair immediately to their Lodgings, as there are several bad consequences attend late hours beside the extravagant expenses Ave run ourselves into, and often causes great disturbances in our familys; The extreme hurt we do our bodily healths and often renders us incapable of pursuing our "Daily occupations, beside gives the scandalous Tongues of ill disposed people or enemies to the Royal craft, the greatest Liberty of Ridicule."

Wisdom, Strength and Beauty are our chief supports. First, then, our Wisdom, in abstaining from all rude and frothy expressions. Lett unanimity be our strength and then Beauty and order will be their natural consequences. Lett us stamp our seal of secrecy on whatever is said or done there, and never permitt anything to be publish'd out of those Doors, for when Masons are mett together they should unbosom themselves freely without reserve, well knowing and reason expecting that whatever unguarded expressions may be accidentally made use of they ought to go no further but are or ought to be lock'd safe in those breasts alone that know to whom and in what Place to reveal them, and Lett every Bro. consider that masons are a society of men closely knitt together and that true masonry will certainly like the square will reduce all rude matter into form and rub of nil Rust of conversation which very often renders a man unfit tor human society, Good manners, the true character of a Gentleman and good sense distinguishes us from the lower class of mankind are to be attained and Improved by Masonry.'

14. "Whatever Brother shall be so rude as to hiss at another or at what he says or has said, shall be expell'd till another time, and publickly owns fault before the Body, and his grace be granted by asking Pardon of the Party offended."

Here ends the By-laws of this "Military Lodge" of which it may truly he said that the compilers rightly appreciated the pure and high character of Freemasonry, and when viewed according to the times and circumstances, no better laws for Lodges have ever been compiled.

Some interesting points which are still relevant today. Even the education of their brethren with the lectures was deemed of high importance.

Clearly, the behaviour indies and outside the lodge 9. "Any member who shall Behave himself inde- was important for soldiers in order to maintain cently out of the Lodge so as to be anyways a discipline. stain to the character of. a mason shall be pubThis was lodge No. 58 under the Grand Lodge of lickly excluded."

Scotland which was chartered in 1747 and ceased 10. " Every Brother must always consider that to work in 1809. The regiment because the 12th whenever he enters the Lodge he is in a Place (East Suffolk) Regiment of Foot. where masons are met in order to work and that Cross Keys November 2022

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Kensington Battalion Lodge Kensington Battalion Lodge No.3624 (EC) was consecrated in 1912 and was initially restricted to officers, WOs and NCOs who were serving or had served in the 13th London Regiment, Kensington Battalion. It is still known as Princess Louise's Sqn of 38 (City of Sheffield) Signal Regiment (Royal Signals).

Like many lodges with a specialist interest, the candidates gradually were drawn from all walks of life.

The third master, Capt. Foxwell, was Secretary from 1919 to his death in 1947; his son Maj. Bryne Foxwell was Secretary and Treasurer for the next 19 years—quite a family commitment.

The lodge lost four brethren in its early existence: Lieutenant Robert Murray MACGREGOR who died at Ploegsteert in 1915, 2nd Lieutenant George Thomas BROOKS who died at Cambrai in1917, Captain Archibald ROSEVEAR who died of wounds in 1920 and his brother, Captain Frank ROSEVEAR who died in 1918 near Ypres.

However, loyalty to the mother regiment remains and the Regimental Marching Song iss till sung with great fervour. The early list of masters is impressive from the ranks. The first master and founder was Col. The lodge continues to meet in The Rev. W. McLean who was May, September, November and followed by: Lt. Col., Major, Capt., Lt, RQMS, April in Great Queen Street, London.

CQMS and CSgt.

Warrant Officers’ Lodge No.2346 (EC) Warrant Officers’ Lodge was consecrated in 1890 at Freemasons’ Hall in London by Bro. Col. Shadwell Clerke Grand Secretary and would work under a civil charter. Bro. Frank Cheesman was founding secretary and his jewel is shown whereas the other jewel is for founding brethren. The lodge lost three brethren during WW1, representing three corps—infantry, engineer and artillery showing the range of arms within the lodge. However, one was a private rather than a WO, again probably indicating that to receive candidates the original entry had to be extended to include more.

Three years later, the brethren would apply for a Royal Arch Chapter to be attached to the lodge.

The lodge continues to meet in London.

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The Dorsetshire Regiment The regiment consists of 1st Battalion (39th Regiment of Foot), 2nd Battalion (54th Regiment of Foot), 3rd Battalion (Special Reserve which was the Dorset Militia) and 4th Battalion (Territorial Dorset Rifle Volunteers). However, the 35th Regiment (Royal Sussex had the designation Dorsetshire from 1783 – 1807 under General Wolfe against the French in Quebec. In fact, it was the first regiment to wear the designation “Dorsetshire.”

The 39th was raised in Ireland by Royal Warrant in 1702 and in 1807 King George III gave it the tile Dorsetshire. The raising of the Corps was necessitated on the eve of the war with the Spanish Succession in which Gibraltar was added to their credit in 1704 – hence the castle on the cap badge.

The battalion gained many battle honours during the Peninsular wars against Napoleon and then at Inkerman and Sebastopol in 1855. Their colours now lie in Sherborne Abbey in Dorset. The lodge attached to the regiment had the following details under the Grand Lodge of Ireland: 39th Ft.

Dorset Regiment

21st Nov 1742

No.128

Gibraltar Lodge

The lodge seems to have lapsed in1758, but later took number 290 although a duplicate warrant was given in 1819. This was quite common with military lodges when often the lodge chest might be lost in a conflict. The warrant was surrendered on 17th July 1886.

The 54th Regiment was formed in 1755 again after a French threat then served in the American War of Independence. It also served in Egypt under Bro. Sir Ralph Abercromby and would become the 2nd Battalion. It became renowned for being the last regiment to leave the hill at Spion Kop during the Boar War. The lodge attached to this regiment had the details: 54th Ft.

West Norfolk Regiment

1st May

1829

The lodge operated under the Grand Lodge of Ireland, but later worked under the PGL of Madras. In 18138, the lodge took the number 669 under the UGLE using th Name West Norfolk Lodge and was erased from their roll in 1862.

The 3rd Battalion was sourced from the Dorset Militia in 1757. No lodge was attached to the militia.

Adapted from an article By Bro. Col. Sir William Watts KCB in The Dorsetshire Man journal.

Bro. Watts was initiated into a lodge in Blandford in 1886 and was founder and master of many lodges, including South Africa during the Boer War. He became Depute PGM for the Province, Grand Superintendent and Junior Grand Deacon in the UGLE. His artefacts were sold to the Museum which can still be seen in the Dorset Provincial Museum and Library.

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Spiritual Alchemy This book starts by looking at the history of guilds and their mystery plays to see if there is a correspondence with Freemasonry’s rituals. Then it gives an overview of the era of the Stuarts. Even though England had become a Protestant country when Henry VIII established the Church of England in 1534, following this and the death of his daughter, Elizabeth, England was then ruled by Scottish Catholics. This brought all sorts of problems to the country.

Surprisingly, though Catholics were despised in society, they were welcome in the Lodge and many Catholic nobles and aristocrats were members of the Horn Lodge.

The Stuarts had hoped to build a New Jerusalem in London Following the Great Fire of 1666 and the destruction of Saint Paul's cathedral, as they believed the second coming of Christ to be imminent.

Following the short Interregnum when Cromwell establish the Commonwealth, dissension grew so quickly that it was now impossible to put it back “in the bottle.” Citizens were lawfully allowed to follow and even promote belief systems other than the Church of England’s – but still Catholicism was illegal. This meant that many new ideas such as mortalism, questioning what happened to the soul after death, were hotly debated, and some newly written books

on the subject were debated on in Parliament and found to be blasphemous, which only increased the readership.

The third degree introduces “the quest for immortality” at a time in England when mortalism was being hotly debated and this explains the strong emphasis in the ritual that “the soul never, never dies!” However, more than this, to protect the ritual from government censure, Freemasonry recreated the mystery play of the ancient guilds, then rewrote it with a secret teaching that you would only understand if you had deciphered the steganography in the second degree.

The Third Degree still has elements of both alchemy and Chinese Daoism in it, but these are hidden in the ritual using steganography. There are even aspects of Jewish mysticism, the Tree of Life, depicted in the Lodge in an attempt to make the Lodge as syncretic as possible. On top of this, the early Grand Masters may have used Sir Francis Bacon’s “New Atlantis” as a template to build their new organization, in recognition of his role in starting the Enlightenment. Though this series of books is grouped together as “Spiritual Freemasonry,” the most spiritual lessons are reserved for the fourth and last book, “Freemasonry: Royal Arch.”

Christopher J. Earnshaw PhD 33° is a British Citizen living in Tokyo and author of the “Spiritual Freemasonry” books. He is a Past Grand Historian, Grand Lodge of Japan, Past Master of the Research Lodge, Grand Lodge of Japan, Scottish Rite 33° IGH, Past-Chairman of Education Committee, recipient of the Order of Merit, Grand Lodge of Japan, for educational activities and a Past Master of Sinim Lodge, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Social Media Links: Spiritual Freemasonry videos: http://youtube.com/c/spiritualfreemasonry Twitter: @AuthorEarnshaw: https://twitter.com/AuthorEarnshaw Podcasts: Freemasonry in 7 Minutes or Less: https://anchor.fm/earnshaw-christopher Website: http://chris-earnshaw.com

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Colonel Merry 3rd LRV Bro. Colonel James Merry had a long connection with the 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers (LRV). He joined the regiment when it formed in 1859, having helped to raise the 14th Lanarkshire (South Western Company), which became the 3rd LRV. Merry was in attendance at the first Royal Review of Volunteers in Edinburgh on 7 August 1860.

Steadily rising through the ranks, Merry took command in 1877 and stayed with the regiment until 1895. He encouraged the skill of marksmanship, presenting a shooting trophy that takes his name.

Outside the LRV, Merry was the Principal Partner of James Merry & Co. Calico Printers of Renfield Street, Glasgow. He was Chairman of the Glasgow Charity Cup Committee, a fundraising football competition which ran annually from 1877 to 1966. This personal passion for football reflects the development of the 3rd LRV football team into the Third Lanark team. Bro. Merry was initiated into Lodge Govandale No.437 and master 1864—66.

Bro. Merry died in 1900, aged 63.

Mauritius & Kurrachee No.337 In 1810, the Regiment that took part in the occupation of Mauritius was the 22nd Regt of Foot (the Cheshires). Mauritius was captured on 3rd December 1810 by the British under Commodore Josias Rowley. British possession of the island was confirmed four years later by the Treaty of Paris in 1814.

The 22nd remained garrisoned there until 1819 with the first governor being a Scot and a Freemason. Sir Robert Townsend Farquhar came from a cadet branch of the Farquhars of Gilminscroft, Ayrshire, who migrated to Aberdeenshire in the seventeenth century. His grandfather, the Rev. Robert Farquhar (16991787), was minister of Garioch. He was initiated into the Lodge of Friendship No.3 (now No 6) on the 12th February 1807.

British lodge had been founded, Faith and Loyalty No. 676. Farquhar was recognised as Provincial Grand Master.

Did he meet the members of the Mount Moriah Lodge that ultimately became The Lodge, Hope of Kurrachee, I doubt we will ever know. The Regiment returned to India during the Second Sikh War (1848–1849) fighting at the Battles of Meeanee, Hyderabad and Scinde and that is where The Lodge, Hope of Kurrachee was born.

He was the Governor of Mauritius from 1810 to 1823 when the 22nd were on the Island.

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AYM NEWS A quarterly newsletter brought to you by The Ayrshire Young Masons association

AYM Officially Inaugurated History was made in the Province of Ayrshire on Saturday the 17th of June 2022 in Kilmarnock Masonic Social club. The Constitution and Laws of the Ayrshire Young Masons association was officially adopted and signed by the Provincial Grand Master, Brother William C. Steele, the AYM Chairman, Brother William J. Rowan and Secretary Brother Jason B. Cairns.

The PGM presented the AYM members in attendance with their membership packs (AYM tie, Membership cards and AYM Jubilee numbered tokens 1—70).

After the official portion of the evening, the AYM held a “Gala Night at the Races” social event which is now a fixed event on the annual calendar.

A Roadmap for the Future

The association has released it’s official road map for the rest of 2022 into the summer of 2023. The calendar (above) includes all official events that the AYM will be conducting out -with Lodge meetings and Masonic visits. These events have been constructed in this way so that any Brother (member of the AYM or not) can attend. The AYM association is passionate about bringing together all Brethren across the Scottish Craft, regardless of age and in particular within the Province of Ayrshire. For details on any of these events please get in contact with the AYM Secretary via the email address in the footer of this page.

Autumn Assembly On Saturday the 15th of October the AYM held a Masonic education day in the premises of Lodge Burns St. Mary’s 505 in Hurlford. The five speakers of the day were Brother Dr. Kevin Pollock who presented “Freemasonry and the Holy Land”, Brother Robert Geddes who presented “Mozart and Freemasonry”, Brother Grant MacLeod who presented “An Angle on Symbolism”, Brother Alan Cuthill who presented “Masonic Literature” and our very own Ayrshire Brother James Hodge who presented “A Masonic Accommodation”. The presentations were highly interesting and thought provoking which was received very well by the Brethren in attendance. Ayrshire Stovies then followed the event which were also well received! The AYM association thanks the speakers for sacrificing their time and Lodge 505 for allowing us to use their hall. Keep your eyes peeled for this event happening again in the future.

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Selsdon Park Installation Congratulations to Bro. Ian Gurling (centre back row) and his office bearers on being installed as master of Selsdon Park Lodge No.5005 (EC) in Croydon last month.

Good to see the old crocks seated in the front row. . .

Queen’s Edinburgh Rifles

Depute Provincial Grand Master Bro. Gordon J Mackay accompanied brethren of The Lodge Queen’s Edinburgh Rifles (The Royal Scots) No 1253 at St. Giles Cathedral laying wreaths at the memorials of the 4th & 5th battalions Royal Scots (Queens Edinburgh Rifles) whom the lodge was raised, erected and consecrated as a memorial lodge to 101 years ago.

The white tablet on the right of the pics is dedicated to the 9th battalion which also has it's roots from the Queen's Edinburgh Rifle Volunteers.

“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today".

Lest we forgot those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

To submit an article or want added to the mail list or Facebook group, contact the Editor, Grant Macleod: E-Mail:

sec242pm@yahoo.co.uk

Website: http://lodge242.bravesites.com/

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