Vanguard

VANGUARD

JOURNAL OF THE INNS OF COURT AND CITY YEOMANRY ASSOCIATION

No. 44

December 2009

Contents Who’s Who From the Honorary Colonel Nominal Roll DOSC From the Squadron Leader Museum Report Photographic Round-Up2009 Lanyard Trophy From the Association Chairman From the Retiring Secretary

2 3 4 4 5 6 8 10 11 12

Letter From Cyprus Annual Camp 2009 ICCYC Regatta 2009 Regimental Buttons Connection with Lewes June 7th Black Brogues Cadets Report Remembrance Sunday 2009 Obituaries

13 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 24

Who's Who C&CY Association Inns of Court & City Yeomanry Honorary Colonel: Maj-Gen (ret'd) DJM Jenkins, CB, CBE 68 (IC&CY) Signal Squadron Officer Commanding: Maj James Evans Second in Command: Capt K Mbugua PSAO: Capt IW Wadley Sergeant-Major: WO2 (SSM) S Healey Squadron AO: Mr M Tierney Headquarters: 10, Stone Buildings Lincoln's Inn LONDON WC2A 3TG Telephone: 020 7405 8112 Fax: 020 7414 3496 E-mail: iccy.li@virgin.net Drill Hall: TA Centre 900 Lea Bridge Road Whipps Cross LONDON E17 9DW Telephone: 020 8556 0938 The Band of the Royal Yeomanry (Inns of Court & City Yeomanry) Director of Music: Maj R Falshaw, BA, FLCM,ARCM, psm RY Headquarters: Holderness House 51-61 Clifton Street LONDON EC2A 4EY Telephone: 020 7539 3447 E-mail: band@royalyeaomanry.co.uk 35 (IC&CY) Signal Squadron ACF Det Comd: Lt J White Headquarters: TA Centre 900 Lea Bridge Road Whipps Cross LONDON E17 9DW IC&CY Museum Curator: DH Durkin Dep Chairman, Museum Trustees: Maj M O'Berne,TD

2Vanguard 2009

President: Vice-Presidents: Chairman: E-mail: Deputy Chairman: E-mail: Secretary: Address: Telephone: E-mail: Treasurer: Address:

Maj-Gen (ret'd) DJM Jenkins, CB, CBE Maj (ret'd) KR Hall,TD Maj (ret'd) AA Shipton, MBE,TD Maj (ret'd) AS Collins,TD andrew.collins@laytons.com Mr TD Taylor iccy@tomtaylor.freeserve.co.uk Maj (ret'd) PB Corfield QVRM 8 Ascot Road, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent ME15 0NL 01689 827496 iccyassociation@btinternet.com David Norris 34 Calder Close,Tilehurst, Reading, Berks RG30 4XL 01189 421159 davidnorris4@sky.com Richard Bundy rabundy@mac.com

Telephone: E-mail: Editor: E-mail: Committee: Mr KR Bamford, Maj (ret'd) AJ Benbow, Mr DH Durkin, Maj J Fern,TD, Mr EJ Hendrie, Maj NP Holder,TD, Capt GO Lovell, Maj EH Marshall,TD, Maj M O'Beirne, Mr J Sabini, Mr T Taylor, Capt IW Wadley, Mr J Wolfe Website: www.iccy.org.uk Inns of Court & City Yeomanry Benevolent Fund (formerly Inns of Court (Devil's Own) Regimental Association) Secretary: Maj (ret'd) J Prince,TD,ACIS Telephone: 01962 779227 HSF Contact: Mr J Sabini Telephone: 020 8527 6871 E-mail: john.sabini@btopenworld.com Devil's Own Sergeants' Club Secretary: Mr R Nelson E-mail: nrobert960@aol.com

From the

Honorary Colonel

A

s I write this Foreword, it is clear that the TA faces immense challenges in the immediate future. Not only do we have to merge with the Essex Yeomanry but we are also having to deal with the proposed financial restraint on training. I shall discuss that later but I would like to start with the positives of the past year. It has been another successful year for the Squadron culminating in the Camp in Gibraltar, where I was delighted to be able to spend three days with the Squadron and to find that morale was very high.The training was very challenging.

The tunnel fighting took place in an environment of total dark which tested the junior leaders.

After a day of tunnel fighting, the exercise ended with a dawn attack on a village. It was realistic and much was learnt – especially from the excellent directing staff from the Gibraltar Regiment.

I also visited the MACC task, which was to help restore Lord Airey’s battery on top of the Rock.The views were stunning and much valuable work was done. Finally I watched the adventure training involving sailing and water skiing.The officers and senior NCOs hosted a ‘thank you’ party while I was there. I was very pleased that my visit coincided with a visit of the Old Comrades led

by Barrie Corfield as the new Secretary to the Old Comrades Association.While Barrie Corfield,Tony Benbow, Eddie Marshall and Jimmy Wolfe stayed in the mess, the members of the DOSC (David Edwards, Ralph de Bedec Parks, Pat Howard and Les Clarke) installed themselves in the Rock Hotel.

As well as boosting the bar profits there, they visited the training and barracks that they had known in their national service. Such support shows the strength of the ex-members of the ICCY. We will need that strength as we face a challenging year.

Under the changes to the Royal Signals TA, the Essex Yeomanry will reduce to a Troop at Chelmsford and that will merge with the Squadron to form the ICC&EY. While noone likes dramatic change, I am sure the Squadron will work well and face the future with efficiency and confidence.We welcome the merger.What would make the merger much more difficult is the proposed withdrawal of funding for training. If ever there was a need for more training, it is after a merger to enable the new organisation to shake down. I implore all serving members to retain their enthusiasm for the TA and start again with great enthusiasm when the funding returns.

The Squadron continues to meet operational demands.

Sergeant Grieg has recently returned from Afghanistan and Sergeants Tear and Brazier and L/Cpl Ward have been mobilised for deployment to Afghanistan.

We wish them a safe and enjoyable tour. L/Cpl Karago is on the full time reserve as part of the Corsham hub. Captain Paul Mitcham is currently in Afghanistan in his civil service capacity and Lt Julian Allen is to deploy to Afghanistan next month.

I expect this to be the last Foreword that I will write. I am not sure at this stage who will succeed me. I have written elsewhere in Vanguard a short article of thanks to all those

who have given me such support. I wish all members of the Squadron and the Association all the best for the future and look forward to seeing them at events.

Major-General David Jenkins, CB, CBE

While noone likes dramatic change, I am sure the Squadron will work well and face the future with efficiency and confidence

Vanguard 2009 3

68 (ICCEY) SIGNAL SQUADRON NOMINAL ROLL SHQ Command Team Maj Evans (OC) Capy Mbugua(2IC) WO2 (SSM)Healey

Ops Team

Capt Leigh (Ops Offr) WO2 (YoS)Perry Sgt Griffiths(Ops Sgt) Cpl Knight

Tech Team Sig Irwin Sig Nyoro Sig Talbot

SQMS Team

SSgt Paton Cpl Parker LCpl Kane LCpl Michael RLC Sig Gorman Pte Hodgson RLC

Admin Sp Team

SSgt Boswell (MT SNCO) Sgt Jules AGC (SPS) Sgt Gall AGC (SPS)

Permanent Staff

Capt Wadley (PSAO) SSgt Beattie (PSI) SSgt Goodwin (SQMS) Sgt Springett (PSI (T)) Mrs Jones (Caretaker LI) Mrs Roche (Caretaker WX) Mr Allen (Storeman CH) Mr Whitbread (St’manWX)

833 (IC&CY) TROOP Lt Olohan Sgt Dawes

Cpl Barrett Cpl Warren Cpl Blackwell LCpl Mahomed (LOA) Sig Amanyire Sig Ellery Sig Greig Sig McGowan Sig Ngwira Sig Price Sig René Sig Robin Sig Teslenko Rct Balogun Rct Gorman Rct Elia-Perumal Rct Rahman Rct Taylor Rct Victor

Deployed OP HERRICK Sgt Brazier Sgt Tear LCpl Ward

FTRS

LCpl Karago

906 (IC&CY) TROOP

907 (EY) TROOP Capt Swain SSgt Pieper Sgt Marsh Sgt Stabler

Cpl Barham Cpl De Winton Cpl Hitchen Cpl Hutchings Cpl Sharp Cpl Simmons (Leeds) LCpl Foleros LCpl Giles LCpl Maalouf LCpl McCarthy LCpl Tysoe Sig Azad Sig Babirye Sig Berridge Sig Benyon Sig Fox Sig Goodland Sig Hawkins Sig Markham Sig Newman Sig Paterson Sig Sosseh Sig Whiffen

Cpl Delf Cpl Denton Cpl Honeychurch Cpl Nugent LCpl Brayshaw LCpl Burr LCpl Delf LCpl Mallia LCply Way Sig Alston Sig Ashton Sig Brown Sig Butler Sig Darley Sig Godsave Sig Jackson Sig Kerlen Sig Lewis Sig Mills Sig Mills Sig Parrish Sig Polley Sig Rideout Sig Salisbury

2LT Wiggins OCdt Tierney Sgt Burke

Rct Rct Rct Rct Rct Rct

Herst Laurent Mousa Mousa Noble Oakeshott

Detached Media Ops Group (V) Capt Keppler Capt Mitcham Lt Allen 2Lt Kallaway

Officer Trg(LDRTC OTW) LCpl Betz-Vais LCpl Johnson

Officers at ERE Lt Col Manley Lt Brindley 4Vanguard 2009

Rct Brooking Rct Hale Rct Hawkes Rct Howard Rct Miles Rct Shepherd Rct Tupper

From the Squadron Leader’s Desk – “Change” is the word that most sums up 2009.There has been a great deal of it – at troop, squadron, regimental, brigade, corps and TA levels, and 68 Squadron has been the subject of all of these changes in one way or another.

T

he first change to affect us has been the re-organisation of TA Royal Signals.This has resulted in a reduction from 11 to 5 TA Royal Signals regiments, and a large and allencompassing shake-up of the corps.The impact on 71st (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment was that 831 (London) Signal Troop of the now disbanded 31st (City of London) Signal Regiment has been transferred to 47 (Middlesex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron, and 70 (Essex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron has been merged with 68 (Inns of Court & City Yeomanry) Signal Squadron, producing the new sub-unit 68 (Inns of Court & City and Essex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron, and we welcome the Essex Yeomanry members of the new Squadron.

The revised establishment consists of three troops: 883 Troop at Whipps Cross TAC, 906 Troop at Lincoln’s Inn and 907 Troop at Chelmsford. Sadly, the Essex Yeomanry TA Centre at Harlow has been closed.

These changes have impacted our numbers, and the ORBAT has been enlarged; unfortunately, however, some soldiers and officers have not found places in the new ORBAT, and we have worked hard to find them positions in the wider TA if they so choose.

We are now in the enviable position of being very strongly recruited across all ranks, with a current waiting list of recruits.

Next, we were faced with the impact of the credit crunch on the MoD.The budget has been under pressure, and the

TA has had to face its part of the pain. In our case, this has meant restrictions on man training days, and certain activities becoming unfunded. I have been delighted, however, by the response by all ranks, and the soldiers and officers have risen to the occasion.

Attendance has not fallen – in fact, it continues at the high rates that we have experienced so far this year, and credit for this goes to all leaders in the squadron, from the Det Commanders and instructors to the Ops Team,Troop Sergeants and Troop Leaders.

There has, however, been a number of positive outcomes this year. Sgt Stuart “Jerry” Springett, the PSI Tech, trained a team which went on to win the Lanyard Trophy – the first time that a 71st Signal Regiment team has achieved this – and the squadron is naturally very proud of them. Ex SNOW FOX took place in January 2009, led

by Capt Christian Barker, and the team achieved 3rd and 9th places in the men’s rankings, and Lt Seán Olohan took a team north to once again take part in the Speanbridge Commando March in Scotland.

The crowning activity, however, was annual camp. In July 2009, we deployed alongside 47 (Middlesex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron to Gibraltar on Ex MARBLE TOR 5, the penultimate Marble Tor exercise, as funding for the annual exercise has been withdrawn by the MoD. In addition to seeing all operators qualified on BOWMAN (a task ably led by our SPSI, SSgt Jasen

Beattie), the exercise saw troops engaged in tunnel warfare training, OBUA, adventure training and an MACC Task; there is further information later in this edition of Vanguard. I was most impressed with the attitude and ability of the soldiers and officers during Camp, and must single out SSgt Dave Stedman, the SPSI of the Middlesex Yeomanry and Capt Ian Wadley, our PSAO, for their sterling efforts, particularly during the pre-deployment phase.

Engaged We have been engaged in the year in our usual operational training, and the soldiers’ trade skills are improving. In addition, we continue to support enduring operations abroad – Sig Matthew Greig has recently returned from Afghanistan; Capt Paul Mitcham is currently serving there in his civil service capacity; Lt Julian Allen is about to deploy on Op HERRICK with the Media Ops Group as OC Combat Camera Team; and Sgts Adam Tear and Ian Brazier and LCpl Russell Ward are also about to deploy on Op HERRICK in support of the Royal Signals.

In the previous Vanguard, I

failed to mention the happy occasion of the wedding of Cpls Elizabeth de Winton and Nathan Hutchings on 10 May 2008, and I remedy that here.

Congratulations go to the following personnel who were promoted during the year: 2Lt Julian Allen was promoted to lieutenant; LCpl Shannell Johnson has been selected as an officer cadet; Cpl Peter Dawes has been promoted to sergeant; LCpls Tim Hitchen and Derren Honychurch to corporal and Sigs Adam Delf, Joanna Giles, Nicola Tysoe and Russell Ward to lance corporal.

We welcome Capt Kimungu Mbugua, who joins the squadron as the new second in command, having transferred from the Royal Engineers. Capt Rawden Leigh (Ops Officer), WO2 (YofS) Tony Perry and SSgt Richard Pieper join 68 Squadron as a part of the merger with the Essex Yeomanry.Welcome to you all.

We also have some goodbyes to say.Capt Christian Barker has moved onto the unposted list; Capt Paul Mitcham transferred, on his posting to Afghanistan, to the Media Ops Group; SSgt (FofS) Alvin Lewis has moved to RHQ as the regimental foreman; LCpl Linsey Griffiths has transferred to London District Regional Training Centre as a member of the DS; Mr Bert Johnson is leaving his post as the administration officer to the PSAO at Lincolns’ Inn; and we say goodbye to Cpl Nathan Hutchings.

Final mention must go to Sgt Steve Scally who, after enlisting in 1971 and serving 38.5 years split between the squadron and the Home Service Force, finally retired in September 2009.His enthusiasm, drive and total commitment to the squadron will be sorely missed, but I expect him to soldier on as an active member of the Devil’s Own Sergeants’ Club!

Major James Evans Vanguard 2009 5

MUSEUM

REPORT

This has been an eventful year here at the Museum. First, some departures:

F

or many years our Curatorial Adviser from the National Army Museum has been Keith Miller of the Weapons Department. He has provided wise advice on all manner of topics, from the potential radioactive hazards of the luminous dials of the WS19 radios (caused by the use of radium in the paint) to the law concerning the deactivation of our weapons. He moves into retirement, but his last act of generosity for me was a private tour of NAM's extensive weapon collection on my birthday in March 2009. I shall never forget handling Tommy guns, a longbarrelled Luger, a Colt .45 auto, German MP38 SMGs (as in every half-decent war film) and a very crude home made rifle from the MauMau Rebellion days of Kenya.

Secondly, Denis Durkin after many years as Museum Curator has decided that with his continued commitments to work (albeit he claims to be retired but is still in great demand as an expert witness!) and his considerable travel distances, it is time for him to stand down. This is very sad for me as he has been running so much of the Museum: he is a font of tremendous knowledge on a great diversity of military

6Vanguard 2009

subjects, and is by far the greatest source of information on all things relating to the history of the Rough Riders. He is also one of the most important links between the Museum and the Old Comrades and his loss will be a great blow, but I know that he will be on the end of a phone or a letter (but not an email as he hates them even more than I used to!). So Denis, we will miss you, we wish you well and hope to see you from time to time.

Computer The Museum's proposed computer has been an endless source of discussion and frustration. The hardware is a mere trip to PC World; the more difficult problem is the specialist museum software. What we want is a future-proof database to record all our assets in a readily accessible and searchable form and can be expanded to include each item's detailed history and photographs, which will then be accessible from the IC&CY website with suitable security and possibly the facility for charging a fee to enquirers.

Major Tony Benbow has looked at a number of commercial packages varying from cheap to ÂŁ5000+, but none of them does what we have in mind or can be modified to do so and some

The carrot is that accreditation brings public funding, so all the big boys such as the NAM and the National Gallery have had to apply; but it requires a great deal of work website will then be a separate exercise, as there is a vast amount of work to be done to make the existing data usable and to add the many assets which are not presently recorded.

In parallel with this, I am progressing with our application to an official government agency, the Museums Libraries and Archives Council, for accreditation.

Many years This mess jacket and waistcoat of the Rough Riders was in use up to 1914.This one was worn by the 14th Earl of Lauderdale, the first commanding Officer, and was given by the Dowager Countess of Lauderdale in 1915. Subsequently it was worn by Colonel G C ChatfieldRoberts.

The side cap of the Rough Riders was worn by P F B Cooper in 1950s.

come with hefty annual licence fees that would bankrupt us after two years.

A few regimental members with IT experience have had a go at software writing but in the end pressures of families and work have got in the way, and so we are biting the bullet and paying a professional software developer, well known to Tony, who has advised a phased approach.

Firstly he will prepare a prototype, using the existing data, to demonstrate what is technically feasible and operator-friendly. That will enable us to prepare a detailed specification of our requirements for him to produce a full, working system and, when that has been fully tested, the third phase will be the provision of "self-administered" facilities, so that we can enhance it ourselves without further professional cost.

Accessibility from the

The background is that many years ago the late Major Dick Gentry successfully applied for the museum to be registered with the appropriate government museums quango. We agreed to subscribe to a set of rules for good museum practice. In 2002 we had to re-register for higher aims and standards, and that I did.

But that registration will soon cease and museums are now being invited to comply with a stricter set of rules.

The carrot is that accreditation brings public funding, so all the big boys such as the NAM and the National Gallery have had to apply; but it requires a great deal of work. I am currently looking at an application form of 38 pages, of far greater complexity than a tax return, and the drafting of numerous policy documents to go with it. This is now taking up much of the time I should be spending on museum research and useful

admin, but hopefully by the next issue of Vanguard we will have the requisite status.

Our donations have been small this year but interesting. We received from Paul Dewey a photo of Donald Bethune, a Trooper in the Rough Riders who was killed in Italy in 1917. Of greater substance was a most generous gift from John Newman of a magnificent tapestry sewn by his late father, Corporal Charles Newman of ICR, while convalescing in a POW camp in Germany after horrendous wounds received during the opening days of D-Day. Readers with long memories will recollect the excellent piece by Peter Reeve in Vanguard, October 1992, describing C Squadron's incredibly brave attempts at conveying their Engineer colleagues to the bridges across the River Orne to block the advance of 21 Panzer Division from the east towards the recently landed Allies forces in Normandy. A full account of his experiences in hospital and sewing this splendid tapestry with just one hand will be published in a later edition.

Finally, I am extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed and helped the Museum in various ways. The way ahead is paved with a mass of work but it is also an exciting time with promising results. Thank you all.

Vanguard 2009 7

SOME FACES OF

2009 Sgt Jules and 71 Sig Regt Shooting Team

Corporal Warren

Corporal Parker’s Long Service 8Vanguard 2009

Capt Neill Weddell: Camp Bastion ETS sign

ICCY Band A clutch of officers

Julien Allen

Maj Evans and Capt Wadley – swells about Town

Sgt Joule’s Long Service

The Legendary Human Pyramid for ceiling scribing!

LCpl Giles Vanguard 2009 9

71

(Yeomanry) Signal Regiment –

Lanyard Trophy

W

ednesday 5th June, 05:15 – the hooter sounded, and 71 were the fourth team to cross the start line, 13 checkpoints and 40 miles of Otterburn training area ahead of us. Evidently not entirely awake yet, we bomb-bursted, to the delight of the spectators, but quickly regrouped and started tabbing over the first of many babyheads (hillocks). Despite this start I was quietly confident that we could earn a decent result. Having trained for and completed the trophy three times, I believed that the training programme we had already completed was more than any other TA unit would have done.

Build-up days in Crowborough over a route previously used as a selection TAB for Royal Signals soldiers going to represent the corps on P-Coy, consolidated with three weekends in Otterburn prior to the event, familiarising ourselves with the actual route and covering the much needed distances and terrain, this meant that the majority of the team had covered the whole route and knew exactly what was ahead of

10 Vanguard 2009

2009

us.The weather was ideal, a few clouds, but nothing threatening.

This year’s Lanyard Trophy was different from others in that there was a staggered start, unlike the usual mass start.We were lucky that we were the last of the four TA teams competing to set off, meaning we could pick them off one by one.We were through checkpoint one within an hour, having already passed one of the TA teams.The recces over the previous weekends paid off and we negotiated the gullies, streams, woods and climbs, making it to checkpoint two well inside three hours and as the first TA team.Any complacency was short-lived as we suffered our first casualty, Sgt Ian Brazier’s (70Sqn) blisters hadn’t healed properly from the previous weekend and he was unable to continue.The remainder of the team were feeling strong and the CO decided to grab his day-sack and join us for a while.

We continued to make good time, climbing up to join the Pennine Way briefly before a series of short sharp ascents and descents took us through checkpoints three and four and

into the halfway point at checkpoint five, within seven hours of starting, and looking good for our aim of around the 14-hour completion time.

Another steep uphill out of checkpoint five took its toll on Sgt Adam Tear(68Sqn).We hoped that after a stretch on a proper track he’d be all right, but it wasn’t to be and he had to stop at checkpoint six.As well as being gutted for him, it also meant that we couldn’t lose anyone else.We pushed on and made solid progress on the long, hard slog up to trig point 501, the highest point on the course.

Downhills However, the downhills were taking their toll, joints jarring with every footfall. L/Cpl “Stavros” Michaels(68Sqn) in particular was struggling and he hobbled into checkpoint eight, his right knee seized-up.We plied him with painkillers and carried on. For a while this did the trick and we maintained a steady pace through checkpoint nine and on towards ten.

At checkpoint ten our marvellous support team, Capt Steve Slaney and SSgt Trev Evans, had excelled themselves, managing to heat-up a tin of hotdogs on a generator exhaust pipe, sending the RSM’s morale

sky-high! We were closing in on the finish but L/Cpl Michaels was in considerable pain. He gritted his teeth and kept moving. Eventually we made it up the final hill, through checkpoint 11 and onto the range road at checkpoint 12.

With the sun setting we came back into camp and into sight of the finish line, which we crossed after 16 hours 20 minutes, the fastest TA team, and a fantastic effort from everyone.

This is the first time in the 30-year history of the Lanyard trophy that 71(Y) Sig Regt has won the TA event and the first time in nearly ten years that it had managed to finish as a team.

Congratulations must go to all members of the team who gave up many weekends to put in the required training to achieve this result.The team included SSgt James Paton, Sgt Adam Tear, LCpl Stelios Micheal and myself from 68Sqn, Sgt Ian Brazier and Sgt Dennis Long from 70Sqn, Cpl Martin Carey and Capt James Greenrod from 265Sqn and last but not least completing his ninth Lanyard WO1(RSM) Kinsey.

We all look forward to having the opportunity to retain our title in 2010.

Sgt “Jerry” Springett 68 (ICCEY) Sig Sqn PSI(T)

From the Chairman of the

Association

Well, another year has passed and much has happened and, hopefully, progress has been made

T

he digitalisation of the database is now complete which will greatly aid the circulation of communications in the future. For this much thanks to our Honorary Secretary, Major Barrie Corfield. I must also give my thanks, particularly, to Tom Taylor, the immediate past Honorary Secretary.Tom’s immense knowledge and networking powers make him an invaluable part of the Association and I am delighted to say that he has just been elected as our Deputy Chairman; I look forward to continuing to work with him in the immediate future.

Nonetheless, to relieve Tom of the day to day tasks which he has carried out so well for 16 years, I would ask all of you contacting the Association to do so through Barrie whose contact details are on the “Who’s Who” page two.

My warm thanks, too, to Dennis Durkin, who is truly a Jack-of-all-trades and master of most! Not only does he do an excellent job as Curator of the Museum, but the lead on the Association committee and the editorial board for Vanguard for the City of London Yeomanry.

Last but not least he is he is also a leading light of the Devil’s Own Sergeants Club (see page 23), a vital adjunct to the Association, membership of which is open to all sergeants and above who have served with the Inn’s of Court, City of London Yeomanry, Home Service Force and 68 Signal Squadron.

My gratitude also goes to David Norris, who has recently taken over as our Honorary Treasurer. He has managed to assimilate the complexities of our finances with astonishing

ease. I must also give great thanks to Johnnie Balcombe who filled that role so admirably for many years. His jovial interjections will be missed at meetings.

It is much to our regret that you will only recently have received the previous issue of Vanguard.The reasons for this are many but I will not detail these but merely ask that you accept my apologies.

Restructuring One of the matters that has occupied us for the last few months has been the restructuring of 2 Signal Brigade.

I am sure that detailed reports will appear elsewhere in this issue and so I shall merely say that the former Essex Yeomanry Squadron (70 Sqn) of 71 (Yeomanry Signal Regiment has been reduced to one troop, based at Chelmsford which, by the time you read this, will have become part of 68 (Inns of Court & City Yeomanry) Signal Squadron.We welcome all those serving with [Squadron’s Essex Yeomanry Troop but, however warm the welcome, it is a hard blow for the Essex Yeomanry (motto “Ducus et Tutamen”), who trace their history back to the 18th century, to be reduced to one troop.As a consequence of the merger, the serving Squadron is now entitled 68 (Inns of Court, City and Essex Yeomanry) (V) and all ranks have adopted the green beret of the Essex Yeomanry.

Amazingly, it is 40 years since the Inns of Court & City Yeomanry became a Squadron of the 71st Signal Regiment, as it then was, and there is no way that one can conjecture as to where will be 40 years from now. Such mergers/reductions

are in now way based upon the efficiency or history of the units concerned and are hence without the control of those who care for their survival.

The Essex Yeomanry, of course, has its own Trust, Museum and Regimental Association. However, I have, on your behalf, made contact with the Chairman of their Regimental Association, Colonel David Casstles,TD, DL with whom I had the privilege of serving some 23 years ago, when we were both Squadron Commanders. It has been agreed that no formal ties will be created at Regimental Association levels as each Association has enough of its own members, heritage and events to be fully occupied.

However, I hope that we shall have the privilege of welcoming any member of the Essex Yeomanry Association, who is so inclined, to any of our occasions in the future.

As if the cuts, mergers and other disturbances were not enough, the recent proposed withdrawal of pay and allowances from the TA must be rated as one of the most stupid suggestions to have come from the home of so many illconceived policies! However loyal the serving Terrier may be,

it is beyond any realistic expectation that he or she will attend training sessions without reward and, after six months of that, all their time which was formerly devoted to the TA, will have become consumed by other activities and, sadly, recruitment is likely to have to start again from scratch thereafter.Your committee has plans to provide the Squadron with pay and allowances for ceremonial parades such as our two Remembrance Services but, as I write this, it looks as if the decision may be reversed. I sincerely hope that this will have proved to be the case by the time that you read this.

Thinking of anniversaries, 2011 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the merger of the Inns of Court Regiment with the City of London Yeomanry. If those of you, more senior to I, who were around at the time of the merger (or indeed anyone) have any ideas for a fitting celebration of this anniversary, we will be pleased to hear from you.

Turning to the more immediate future, the following events are all arranged for the forthcoming year and I shall look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible: -

Parade of Homage, start Bank of England 6th July 2010 Rough Rider’s Memorial Service 17th October 2010 Lord Mayor’s Show 13th November 2010 Remembrance Service 14th November 2010 Further details of these and other events will be circulated nearer the time by our ever-efficient Hon Secretary, Major Barrie Corfield.

With my best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy 2010.

Andrew Collins Chairman Inns of Court & City Yeomanry Regimental Association

Vanguard 2009 11

Outgoing Secretary’s Report

W

hen our new Chairman commanded 68 Squadron, he began his report for 1977 by referring to the “wind of change” being in evidence during that year.This year we might refer not only to another “wind of change”, which brought, among other things, changes to our senior management team, but also to the “ill wind” blowing from Parliament, which apparently consorts with European communists and fascists, shoots itself yet again in the foot by withdrawing funding for TA training, the expenses scandal and its ill-advised attempts to micromanage every aspect of civil life. Having got that rant out of my system, please allow me one more indulgence in this, my last report as Hon Sec, by repeating a prayer quoted by General Ward when he addressed the City Federation of OCAs at the Parade of Homage in 1976 – every word as appropriate today as then – “God give us men with strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands, Men whom the lust of office will not kill, men the spoils of office cannot buy, Men who possess opinions and a will, men who have homour, men who will not lie.

Men who can stand before a demagogue and damn his treacherous flatteries without winking Tall men sun crowned who live above the fog in public duty and in private thinking.”

(Please, as homage to Harriet Harman, as well as our own women folk, for “men” read “men and women”.)

Having mentioned the City Federation of OCAs, I am pleased to report that our support for the Parade of Homage has grown over the years and we are now the

12 Vanguard 2009

second largest group to attend the parade; we have now steeled ourselves to leave the bar and have lunch in the HAC’s mess at Armoury House.The Federation also parades in the City on Remembrance Sunday morning.Although we cannot, of course, attend that, our thanks go to John Sabini who, after our LI parade, goes to the City to lay our Rough Rider wreath at the memorial in front of the Royal Exchange.

The Garden of Remembrance at St Margaret’s Westminster, where we have two plots, is usually opened by a member of the Royal Family and we manage to have a good turnout, led by General David and the Chairman or the Secretary.

Memorial The Rough Rider Memorial Service at St Bartholomew the Great was held a week earlier this year, because of the liturgical calendar.We had a very good turnout, again led by General David.We continue to read aloud the names of the fallen from both World Wars.

Former Rough Riders Denis Durkin and Jon Balcon read the names and the lessons.The choir has been strengthened and was in very good voice; the choral singing lends something special to our service.

This year’s AGM was held on 28th October, midday and midweek (the previous AGM was held on Saturday 6th July 2007 before the start of the Garden Party).Turnout was modest but it enabled the Committee to conclude and/ or confirm business in hand…

We had two short and hurried visits to Normandy. In June to Graye sur Mer and Jerusalem Cross Roads and in August to l’Aigle.We had been making plans to visit with the Squadron in 2010 and 2011 but we learned that John Collinge, George Carr and Ken Robinson

were planning a private visit with their families for June 6th.

We got in touch with the mayors of Graye and Conde and resolved a visit by Barrie Corfield, Denis Durkin and myself. I’m glad we did go, not only to support our D-Day veterans, but we learned that 26 Squadron Royal Engineers, a regular unit whose wartime predecessors supplied the engineers who were under C Squadron command on D-Day, were in camp near Graye. Some 40 of their soldiers and their Regimental Colonel joined us at the brief services that were hurriedly arranged at Graye and Jerusalem Cross Roads.The Courselles town band was in attendance at Graye. I must thank Nick Leviseur for his long-distance help in arranging the services, which were conducted by Barrie and Denis.

The visit to l’Aigle was again hurried when we learned that, on the anniversary of their Liberation Day – 22nd August – the outgoing mayor planned to name a street on a new development after the late Lt Jack Howdle MC.We arranged to visit with Jack’s widow, Margaret, his daughter and one of his grandsons, together with Tony Voaden and his wife, Harris Newman, Keith Hall and myself.

We were accompanied by the Squadron Leader James Evans, Captain Wadley, S/Sgt ???????, Sgt Scully and Sgt Tear (off to Afghanistan in the new year).

The town councillors, particularly the lady councillors, were very impressed by the turnout and bearing of our uniformed detachment.

While we were at l’Aigle we visited the graves of Lt Richards and Tpr Climbe, who were killed on the D Squadron centre lines at Exemes, on the way to l’Aigle.They are buried in a churchyard cemetery at the head of a long valley looking back towards Falaise.

My gratitude goes to our Norman cousins for their evergenerous and warm hospitality whenever we return for commemoration visits.We always remember their part in that terrible time during the liberation of Normandy, when their citizens died alongside our soldiers.

A word of thanks – or should I say, many words of thanks – to all those members who have given me their support and help, advice and timely reminders – and grumbled at me when I got things wrong – their letters and phone calls.The late Dick Gentry, whom I considered to be my alter conscience when it came to things Regimental; the late John Bright, who, with a twinkle in the eye, deflated my pomposity when it needed it; Roly Day, former BSM of the Airborne Bty of the rough Riders, with his pithy comments when I did not come up to the mark that he had set for the Secretary; Sir Basil Hall, who interviewed me when I applied to transfer from the Lanarkshire Yeomanry early in 1953. It was B Squadron’s parade night; I wonder on occasions what would have happened if I had turned up on a Tuesday…Many, many more names come to mind – like the late Stan LLarge, much troubled by what he saw at Belsen; Bertram Garai, who had to lift his driver’s head from his lap before he could leave his burning tank…

I have enjoyed my time as Hon Sec and have been proud to be associated with such an august body of men and women.

The Officers’ Mess Alexander Barracks Dhekelia Cyprus BFPO 58 6th Januar y 2009

City Yeomanry, & rt ou C of ns In r Dea

to ratures have levelled off prus. Air and sea tempe Cy m nt fro asa ple ngs eti and gre ly, id dai tep dive Hello Badgers! Fond and warm enough for me to this week, which is still °C 15 nt nie nve co lly a mutua . sting. After the d the Garrison ‘Bond-u’ s for my first proper po ing ild for tabs and runs aroun Bu ne Sto 10 to d setting off. ce I bid farewell was sad and rather od it x, A month has passed sin jin hiow Sh r’s yo out, and I have been s and Lord Ma r control would make Autumn IC&CY par tie ou rum my as bad as f hal rs aren’t jor’s spare room after However, these infantee ke up in the Sergeant-Ma wo I d. and oye str try de st ly mu cal r, you oholi y: “For a graduate office warmly received, and alc brunch, was told sternl e lat ctions were jolly good a fun er Y ov &C and IC d, bar -en lar cel al first week fin e Th … wn t I’d let you guys do drink better, Sir”. I fel Reser ve Battalion ) is the current Theatre RR fun indeed.

PW (2 t en gim Re ss of Wales’s ttleGroup South. It 2 Battalion, The Prince tour in Afghanistan, Ba nth mo ee thr a on ay always aw snatch some Christmas (TRB), so a Rifle Coy is cellent. I managed to ex o als t iously bu re, he be time to t next week. Some ser means that it is a busy or to their deploymen pri y my Co get A h to y wit nit in rtu tra ly to eer, an oppo leave, but came back ear t time in my military car firs the for o, Als ng. firi sexy exercises and live new ones being 9mm ammunition. nk bla on s paw , but as they have two hts ger yac bad on g lin sai ct tru uting in February. entially to ins ing, and may start parach My posting here is ess div in ist ass I e. rol join the infantry , I await my t cam (my ‘tiger suit’) and commissioned in the UK ser de my n do I en Th til 1300. . No muppets. The fit and professional, too This is in the mornings er sup t bu , rly ble cha roa and app my first Battalion Orde game. They are friendly t still good rogues. On bu n s, tai me cer eti a d som fin ial to ter ) ma to Clip Joints soldiers are not IC&CY rain ‘hotels’ (attached the cet to d un urn aro ret go to e to du s had bir thday. He wa th 18 Officer (BOO)’s duty, I his ing rat eb his cel of wrath t returned from d it, thus incurring the new soldier who had no yment training, but misse htly lower plo slig -de en pre be his has for n ht lio rt at the Batta sta UK on an RAF flig My r. fice Of e lfar and the We new OC , CSM, Sergeant, my legs. my tail firmly between g pin nth. My Adventurous kee en be key, and I’ve aria on Monday for a mo Bav in s dge Lo Ski my Ar been told firmly by the I’m being posted to the back to bit me , and I’ve me co e But I had hav nce rie pe ex d s and setting up expeds.

Training quals and expe viding AT to the troop pro d use r tte be are ) Adjutant that my skills might hide in a bergen… ry.

‘The ‘Ghan’. (I think I to t anders’ Course in Februa ou g mm tin Co get op of d Tro pe the ho ash sm to at UK le sib the not fea return to Camp is, unfor tunately, I do hope to be able to h. A Gibraltar Annual las Y tunnel warfare, in e &C Th IC e. an in tim ze tic ee tas Maybe even squ you’ll have a fan and , erb sup is e kag t the pac present, but I know tha ugh I ja. nin welcome to visit – altho is r, par ticula ing well. You are most go is all u yo h wit k I hoep everything bac r. recommend the summe Mess Badger.

Please watch over the Yours ever,

Stuart aka ‘The Boy’. nery.

AI for filching unit statio PS Do send me my AG

Vanguard 2009 13

Annual Camp

H

2009

aving only ever been on annual camps with Southampton UOTC, I was curious and excited as to how deploying as a Troop Commander with a TA unit would differ. On discovering that we would be flying to sunny Gibraltar, I decided that it would certainly be a more pleasant location than Sennybridge, even if a little hot around the collar! On a typically British, wet, Friday evening, the members of 68 (IC&CY) Sig Sqn and 47 (MxY) Sig Sqn bid farewell to their homeland to embark on 2009’s Annual Camp, Ex Marble Tour 5 to Gibraltar.

For those who hadn’t before, the excitement of flying by C130 from RAF Lyneham was enough to maintain good humour for the several hours waiting at South Cerney, and on arrival in Gibraltar, it was clear to all that the anticipation was not unfounded.

After the 24 hours of travelling, and with everybody settled in to their respective accommodation, the hard work really began.

The camp was to be run on

a rotational programme, with both squadrons broken down into two platoons, according to trade. Days one to seven comprised an intense Bowmanisation package for the Operators (two day PET for Officers), superbly delivered by 68 SPSI, SSgt Beattie.

Meanwhile, 2 Platoon embarked on the second rotation. This consisted of adventurous training, including waterskiing, fishing and kayaking, the MACC task (refurbishment of Lord Airey’s Battery – no mean feat!) and, finally, what everybody had been waiting for… Ex Casket Heaven.

This was an infantry package put together by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, made up of two days training, followed by an intense 48 hours of tunnel fighting, recce patrols and the climax – a dawn attack on the OBUA village at Buffadero Training Camp. This was an exhilarating and educational experience for all, with everybody finishing exhausted but happy. From here followed a well-earned day of R and R, then a military skills competition,

Sig Gorman after tunnel fighting

This was an infantry package put together by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, made up of two days training, followed by an intense 48 hours of tunnel fighting 14 Vanguard 2009

2Lt Wiggins about to board C130 to Gibraltar

Sgt Griffiths Sig Ellery Sig Markham Sig Teslenko

ICCY officers at dinner Buffedero Training Area and OBUA Village

36 miles of tunnels!

Sgt Woods Tunnel fighting instructor and X Ray Platoon Sgt a

with all taking part in battle runs, section attacks and the assault course. In the week that followed, the platoons switched rotation and mirrored that of the previous.

So, the two weeks came to an end, and two squadrons took the journey home, tired, but with an immense feeling of achievement and satisfaction.

Annual Camp 2009 far exceeded my expectations and, I am sure, those of many others. We felt privileged to have had the opportunity to go on Marble Tor 5 and feel sure that with the continued commitment and dedication to the Squadron, there will be many more such fine experiences to come.

2Lt. A Wiggins

Vanguard 2009 15

Inns of Court and City Yeomanry Yacht Squadron

A

misty morning welcomed the crews to Sea View Yacht Club for the 19th Devil's Own Invitation Regatta. A slow start belied the day ahead.

For most, it is the first sail of the year and a very gentle breeze blew away the cobwebs in race one. A grave navigational error by last year's winner, saw the Colonel's Cutter drop from a commanding lead at the last mark down to fourth place. In the unusual absence of Major Tony Benbow, it was good to see course confusion maintained!

It was marvellous to welcome new teams from the Household Cavalry,

Report

Results: 1st The Carden Decanter - Barking Mad - Oxford UOTC (Edward Barker Esq) 2nd Cumberland Cavalry - ICCY (Major Andrew Collins) 3rd Black Bob's Rifles - Rifle Brigade (Capt Jonathan Jameson) 4th = Dodd's Dependables - ICCY (Major Jane Dodd) 4th = The Colonel's Cutter - ICCY (Major Rupert Sawyer) 6th Cave Canum - The Blues and Royals (Captain Mark Antelme) 7th The Genrty Award for Young Crews - The East Anglians - Various (Henry Gurney Esq) 8th The Rusty Shackle - The Leader - ICCY (Major James Evans)

assorted regiments from east of London and a stalker in the form of a long-retired Officer Cadet from Oxford UOTC being helmed by a retired naval officer. Some

16 Vanguard 2009

old faces from the Sharpshooters were very welcome - Captain Tony Jewell, an enormous help as always, and the re-appearing Major Matthew Douglas.

By the second race, the sun was shining and the breeze stiffened a little. Post lunch, conditions went from excellent to challenging.

Smaller sails and no spinnakers still had the Mermaids planning on the reach. With relatively calm sea near the shore, the bows trying to dive provided an exciting finale.

Lots of ruddy faces were glowing for drinks and dinner on the upper deck at the Sea View Yacht Club. A very good evening was enjoyed by all.

Overshadowed The day had been overshadowed by the loss of the ICCY Yacht Squadron's Admiral and regatta founder, Major Dick Gentry. A minute's silence was observed before grace at dinner to allow for happy and grateful memories of a great Regimental character who was much admired, respected and loved.

Next year will be the 20th regatta. Please encourage teams to enter for Friday, 4th May 2010. Before then, we will be holding the usual dinner at the Royal Thames Yacht Club and details will be circulated around the turn of the year.

I

have a few blazer buttons, large (21mm) and small (16mm), for sale.They are made by London Badge & Button Co. Ltd, a leading maker of regimental buttons. Buttons show the devil on a spur and are dead gilt and burnish finish with raised design.They are for sale at £3 each, large and small. If you are interested in buying any of the buttons, please send me an email at p.griffiths@4stonebuildings.com or telephone me on 020 7421 3711.You can collect them from me at 4 Stone Buildings, Lincoln’s Inn but please check I am in first. Alternatively I can send them by post; postage and packaging will be charged at £3.

INNS OF COURT AND CITY YEOMANRY BLAZER BUTTONS

Vanguard 2009 17

A link with

I

LEWES

n the High Street of Lewes, the County Town of East Sussex stands a lovely old eighteenth century coaching Inn – The White Hart. Screwed to the wall beside the door is a plaque stating that the inn was the cradle of American Independence. It states that inside Tom Paine expounded his radical theories, the pamphlets etc. about which found their way across the Atlantic and fired the imagination of the colonists.

History would have us believe that the entire pub listened spellbound, but I like to think that in the candlelit smoky fug voices may have been heard in a burry Sussex accent – “Pipe down a bit Tarm. Uz cairnt ‘ear unslelves playing’ dominoes over by ‘ere”.

Tom Paine, born in Thetford (a place well known to us) lived in Bull House, further up the High Street, and still standing and worked in Lewes as a revenue office. His somewhat revolutionary philosophy was to cost him his job and nearly his life.

It must not be supposed that everyone was in favour of the old ways of thinking.The late eighteenth century was a melting pot of technical and scientific discoveries as well as radical thought.The American Revolution was not universally condemned, particularly amongst the middle classes consisting of professionals such as lawyers. One such lawyer was Thomas Erskine, later to become Lord Chancellor and Colonel of the Law Association Volunteers.

The government, on behalf of George III, tried to indict Paine for treason and approached Erskine to lead for the prosecution. Erskine declined on the basis that he was permanently retained by Paine to represent him.

The King was not amused.

The attempt failed because Paine had taken American citizenship; nevertheless he decided it was safer to leave the country and he fled to France. His writings were also influential there and for a while he served on the revolutionary councils before the worst excesses started. In fact, he ended up in jail himself.

Fast forward now to October 1803 and a parade for volunteers in Hyde Park.The King asked who were the smart looking lot in red. Now, for many reasons, George III had reasons to dislike lawyers, particularly as a bunch of them had tried on more than one occasion to have him certified On being told “…,all lawyers, sire” and then, in the fashion of the time “Lord Erskine’s Own” the effect was at least two red rags to a bull hence the famous” All lawyers, all lawyers! Call them the Devil’s Own says I” This nickname soon stuck, for in the Museum there is a political cartoon published soon after that includes a figure in a red military coat (Erskine?) with a speech bubble that includes the words “Devil’s Own” in his reply to an overture advocating that peace be made with the French.

Denis Durkin 19 October 09

18 Vanguard 2009

The government, on behalf of George III, tried to indict Paine for treason and approached Erskine to lead for the prosecution. Erskine declined on the basis that he was permanently retained by Paine to represent him.The King was not amused.

The Old Comrades

S

unday 7th June saw the Association take part in a colourful parade and a equally pleasant lunch.

The Parade The Association made up 20 per cent of the marching contingent. The parade is a colourful event being led by The HAC band dressed in the full regalia of The Brigade of Guards and, for the first time in recent years, a WO2 from the HAC was in attendance in patrol order uniform with guards style "beeswaxed" ammo boots (I'm sure some of the Old & Bold remember these!)

Following the wreath laying ceremony at the Royal Exchange (our Rough Rider tribute was laid with great dignity by Dave Edwards).

The parade moved off in column of route led by the band and the standards of the many associations taking part for the great trek to Finsbury barracks.

The Review The parade left wheels into Finsbury Barracks to the strains of “The British Grenadiers”. At the first beat, arms swing higher, chest puffed out and heads lift up, the long trek becomes worth it.

Eyes right to this year’s reviewing officer Field Marshall Sir John Chapple GCB CBE DL (must be a good guy as he started life as a Rifleman in The Finsbury Rifles and went onto to command a Gurkha Rifle Regiment and also .........his name is John).

Halt in front of Armoury House (home of the HAC), during the right dressing a former “Bold Fusilier” and

ICCY soldier declined to respond to the HAC parade marshall’s instruction to step into a large puddle "Carry on Sgt Major". A noted comment from the inspecting officer was not another "Inns of Court man"– we consistently provide the highest number of single cap badged marchers.

Inspection over, the parade and guests moved inside for a service conducted by the resident chaplain from 1 Irish Guards.

End of service outside for our now traditional pre lunch "team" photo much banter and P- taking from the WAGs) Then onto the bar and lunch

The Lunch The lunch is held in The Long Room of Armoury House and follows a semiformal format with speeches by the OCA President and Field Marshall Chapple both of which contained interesting and relevant content.

All in all a good day was had by all.

Attendees From The Association: Jim Wolfe, Barrie Corfield (direct from Normandy!), Bob Lane, Bob Bulbrook, Phil Seaton,Robert Messenger Les Clarke (wearing the correct tie at last! and black brogues)) Ted Weldin (not wearing the correct tie!)

Ralph D-Perks (wearing a tie of historical interest - the first verson of The ICCY tie!), Robert Messenger, Dave Edwards (minus a beret! 5 days jankers for this?) and Don Henchy (in Rifle Green!) and Me (with correct tie and a beret!)

From The Serving Sqn:

Major James Evans and Lt Sean Olohan. Both came direct from deployment on week end training.

Camp Followers: Carol Corfield, Marguerite Weldin, Pat Henchy & Janet Sabini The camp followers also acted as the paparazzi and took a number of group photos of the marchers. We understand that the best of these will appear in next months Saga magazine centrefold. (and none of which have been made available to this publication.

Ed) The assembled members declined the paparazzi encouragement to do a "Calender Boy" shoot, mainly because it was staring to get a bit chilly!

Sub Notes The parade dates back to the 1920s when it was decided to remember the units of The City of London who served and lost members during WW1. In those days the parade would of have consisted of serving

uniformed members from the relevant regiments.

In 1934 The Federation of Old Comrades Association of the London Territorial & Auxiliary Units was formed and to this day "carry the torch" ICCY involvement stems from The City of London Yeomanry (The Rough Riders). Who were a "City" regiment from their formation in 1901. After their amalgamation with The Inns of Court Regiment this link has been maintained by The ICCY Association.

So if you have the opportunity to come along to next years parade (6th June 2010) do so, you won't be disappointed Regards

JS Domine Dirge Nos (Lord Direct Us – motto of "The Roughs") PS Regimental March of The COLY a compilation of Early One morning and Cherry Ripe (sadly I've never heard this played by The ICCY band!)

Vanguard 2009 19

35

IC&CY DETACHMENT ARMY CADET FORCE

I

t has been a good year for the detachment, with an excellent performance at Annual Camp in August at Napier barracks on St Martin’s Plain.

During the camp the cadets at 35 IC&CY took part in many competitions, consisting of the march and shoot, drill, tug of war, fire piquet and swimming.

I was very proud of the cadets as they were instrumental in every competition in bringing home the Iron Mongers Trophy to its rightful home at 3 Group, City of London, North East Sector Army Cadet Force.

This can only be seen as a reflection of the high standards held at 35 IC&CY.

Well done to all those concerned!

Also, a very big thank-you to the Worshipful Company of Armourer's and Braziers,for their kind donation of £2000 to the unit.This will go a long way in providing much need equipment and the longevity of a highly successful unit.

Finally many thanks to the Adult Staff, Sgt Paul Anderson and Lt. Seán Olohan and all the cadet NCOs who provide such good training.

Lt. John White 35 IC&CY Detachment Commander

20 Vanguard 2009

Cadets after a tough exercise (above); (below) sunscreen on!

LCpl McCarthy and Cdt Rogers – Fieldcraft Ninjas (above left); (above) Lt White

Ex Snowfox

M

2009

y first impression on arriving in Verbier, Switzerland was just how beautiful the place actually was.The guys had given reports of it, but it was only when I saw it for myself that I could truly appreciate how picturesque it was.

Being a complete skiing beginner was a little daunting, but knowing we had the best tuition made it a little easier.

On arriving we had to hire out the essential equipment, ie, skis ski boots, and helmet.

The rest of the day was ours to have lunch and be ready for the training that awaited us.

We spent our nights in a chalet, which came with a chalet guide who supplied us with breakfast and lunch and a cooked dinner in the evening.This was all very nice and comfortable.

First day as a beginner was

spent on the nursery slopes. It started with the very basic – putting your skis on and trying to move in them.The biggest challenge was finding our way up the ski lift and managing to stay on till the top.

Because of the expert level of our tuition, all the beginners including myself managed to achieve something each day, whether it was moving up to a new course, getting over the sheer vertigo of being up so high, or just managing to conquer the nursery slope.

The vertigo for me was my biggest issue – not realising how high you actually are, until you see the clouds below you!

Still the views were breathtaking.

By the third day we had managed to slide down blue and red runs.Whether we

were on our skis or using our body parts, it was still memorable. One day I even managed to ski through thick fog. Knowing that Verbier ski resort is one of the best in the world, and that their ski routes are quite tough, for me and the other beginners it was such an achievement.And this is what we had gone for.To progress on the slopes and enable us to be ready for Race Day. By the fifth day we had even

managed to touch a black run.This gave me more confidence knowing it was my first ever skiing experience.

Race Day arrived and even the name made it frightening.

In fact it was the complete opposite, you had the chance to watch everybody individually and see how people had progressed from the beginning of the week. It was also good to spend the day with everybody on the skiing trip; meeting new people that were in a higher group than me. Everyone was cheered on and it certainly gave me confidence when my turn came, even though I was still very nervous.

I had such a good time in Switzerland, putting it into words will not come close to the amount of fun I had.You have to go through it to understand.

Sig Crissie Markham 906 Troop 68 IC&CY

Vanguard 2009 21

Remembrance Sunday Parade

2009

SSM Jimmy Wolfe

Squadron PSAO Capt Ian Wadley

22 Vanguard 2009

THE DEVIL’S OWN SERGEANTS’ CLUB

T

he Club was formed in 1966 in the wake of the news that the regiment was to be put into 'suspended animation' following swingeing cuts that were to be made to the TA. The Mess decided that, whatever the government might do to break us up, we would continue to meet. We have just had our 395th monthly meeting and our 42nd AGM. Membership is open to anyone who has been a member of the Sgts’ Mess in the Inns of Court, Rough Riders, Inns of Court & City Yeomanry or the Home Service Force and to past and present members of 68 Squadron.

We also keep in touch with the families of members who are no longer with us, and others of the 'Regimental Family'.

The DOSC is very active and there is hardly any event at which members are not present. In addition it organises its own functions and this year has seen visits to RAF Northolt and the National Arboretum. A lunch was also held at The Rifles HQ in Davies Street, London.

There is an annual dinner, this year to be held at The Civil Service Club, Great Scotland Yard, on December 5th.

A monthly newsletter is published and sent to all members and 'friends', giving the latest news and information about future events.

Annual membership is only £5. If you are interested in joining, please contact the Secretary, Bob Nelson, on 020 7326 4729, or the Treasurer, Denis Durkin, on 020 8506 1888.

WEDDING Belated congratulations to Corporals Elizabeth de Winton and Nathan Hutchings, who were married on May 10th 2008, an omission from the last issue of the Vanguard.

Vanguard 2009 23

Obituaries JOHN ARTHUR UMPLEBY died in hospital in Warrington on 27th of August 2009, aged 86. He is survived by his two sons and their wives, five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. His wife Joyce died in 2003.

John Collinge writes: “I first met Jack in 1942 when, as 19-yearold troopers, we joined C Squadron Inns of Court Regiment at Mickley in Northumberland. We were both placed in the same troop and got on well together from the outset. I found him a commonsense, easygoing person with a good sense of humour.

He became a very popular member of the Squadron.

“With luck we both survived the early morning D-Day landing in Normandy, but unlike myself, he went on through the entire campaign to the German surrender, and to the Baltic, having driven the SSM in his Staghound. Eventually he became Cpl i/c Transport Troop, until his demobilisation in 1946. In civilian life, we maintained our friendship, which, in due course, developed into a lasting friendship between our families.

“Jack was an active member of the Royal British Legion. He attended annual reunions of the Inns of court Old Comrades for some 30-odd years, until ill health prevented him from doing so. He also took part in many anniversaries in Normandy and Belgium.

“In all the years I knew him, his personality remained unchanged . He was a man who got on with people – it was a natural gift. He was generally agreeable and tolerant. A kind and sincere sensible man of principle.

“Very few of Jack’s old army comrades are still around, but those who are will be saddened by his death, and will remember him as I do.”

JAMES MURRAY died on the 6th February 2009, aged 66, at his home in the City of London. He is survived by his son, Eddie, daughter Louise and grandaughter Sarah.

Jimmy joined B Sqdn ICR in 1959, one of 20+ members of an East End boys club who joined B Sqdn en masse, encouraged by two of the club’s leaders and existing members of the Sqadron, Cpls Fred Duvall and “Dickie” Bird,aided and abetted by Sgt John Halifax. They were given a big write up by the Daily Express.

Eric Hendrie (Satch) writes: “I knew Jimmy from about age 12 and then learned we had gone to the same infants school.

We joined B Sqdn together serving in the A ssault Troop under Sgts Coleman and Wilmot. We served together for five

Jimmy Murray (in the hat) at a B Sqdn IC&CY Reunion

24 Vanguard 2009

years until he left to get married and join the licensed trade where he had a successful career until he became seriously ill in 1986, leading to a heart transplant two years later. He was a staunch supporter of the Regimental Association and attended most of the re-unions when he was fit and able. He was a very good friend and our families were close. He had a well developed sense of humour. I remember one occasion when a large group of us had gone into a cafe and I had to sit at a table seperate from Jimmy and a young waitress came over and started to read the menu to me. I glanced accross at Jimmy to see him with a big smile on his face and I then realised he had told the waitress I could not read and would she help me. Those were the days.

Goodbye Old Friend.”

SEBERT GUY HELY GREEN died suddenly on the 29th April 2009, his 75th Birthday. He had been attending a local gymnasium, where he swam most mornings, and where he suffered a heart attack. He is survived by his daughter Becky.

Becky's mother Barbara had died some time before. Guy 's first wife also predeceased him.

Guy Stan Green (Right)

Guy joined B Sqdn, ICR after National Service with the 12th Lancers where his service took him to Malaya. His initial training had been with the Household Cavalry at Carlisle, where he declined the opportunity to attend a WOSB, explaining that if he was successful it would delay the opportunity to join the 12th and he may not get to Malaya.The lure of the Far East was partly his father's tales of his time there as a civilian Veterinary Surgeon.

Guy became a Lloyds broker and his business was, in his own words, modestly successful (people who know say it was very successful). He decided to retire at 65 and, answering an advertisement asking for volunteers for SSAFA, he was accepted and immediately became secretary of the Greater London North West Branch which at that time, in their words, was not firing on all cylinders. Guy's talents as an administrator came to the fore.The branch grew, Guy eventually became Branch President with a staff of over 60. He also became a Regional Representative to SSAFA’s main Council, covering five areas including Central London.

At Guy's cremation, fulsome tributes were paid by the Controller of SSAFA, Major General Andrew Cumming CBE, and

by Major Alan Smallbone ICR who was in Guy's intake at Carlisle and was a Tp leader in B squadron ICR when Guy joined us as a trooper . During National Service and in his early days in the ICR, Guy was known as Stan; later he became Guy, his second given name. During Alan Smallbone's tribute he told us why Guy had chosen the nomme de guerre Stan; but that's a story for another day.