The Acorn 1973

THE LIFE GUARDS GROUP SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY 1st DECEMBER 1972 On 26th July 1972 The Life Guards 'Group arrived ,iin Northern Ireland as infantry with resp'onsibHity for BaHym'acarrett and East Belfast: the first cavalry to be employed on foot ,in the city. The group consisted of Regimental Headquarters, 1 and 2 Rifle Squadrons and Administrative Squadron The Life Guards, C Squadron 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards 'and members ,of 20th Armoured Brig'ade Headquarters and Signal Squadron 'and 11 Squadron Royal Corps of Transport.

Eighteen weeks and two days later the group returns to BAOR with an im'pressive record. Searches, including 25,704 cars, 624 occupied houses and innumerable derelicts, alleys and waste ground resulted in 30 separate finds of 22t rifles, 28 other firearms, 7,661 rounds of ammunition, and 2,085 pounds of explosives. Over two thirds of these were Protestant owned.

Ten officer members of the Provisional IRA in Short Strand were captured and detained, including three successive Company Commanders, and 15 other IRA members were pi,cked up and sent for questioning. Eighty-four other arrests resulting in charges being preferred were made, mostlv for riotous behaviour. Twenty pints of blood were accepted, and 176 g'iven. Five members suffered gunshot wounds, and four were casevaced for riot injuries. With sadness, it is recorded that one ser.i'ous casualty was received.

Many shooting incidents took place, and few days were exempt from one or more riots. It is arguable which takes more courage to face: bullets; or bricks, bolts and bottles.

Operation Motorman, the Sirocco troubles and the three day Protestant "war" were particutar milestones; however, the steady andm'arked ohange in atm'osphere in the Catholicare'a was perhaps the greatest achievement.

Only one case ,of a negtigent discharge reflects the highest standards of discipJine. Bearing was outstanding. The firmness, ponteness, tolerance and understanding shown were rem'arkable to all people.

Every member of The Life Guards Group has reason to be proud of his service and duty in Ulste'r, 1972.

~~ BRADISH-E~ .

Belfast, 1st December 1972.

S E M L:ieutenant Colonel LLAM ES Commanding

l

VOLUME V 1973

THE REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE OF THE LIFE GUARDS Colonel-in-Chief: Her Majesty the Queen.

Colonel and Gold Stick: Admiral of the Fleet The Earl Mountbatten of Burma, K.G., P.C., G.C.B., O.M., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., G.C.V.O., D.S.O., F.R.S. Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel S.E. M. Bradish·Ellames

FOREWORD

CONTENTS Regimental Headquarters Administrative Squadron No. 1 Rifle Squadron No. 2 Rifle Squadron 6 Troop The Mounted Squadron The Band Household Cavalry Training Squadron Junior Guardsmen's Wing Illustrated Double Page Spread WOs and NCOs Mess Weser Vale Hunt Regimental Skiing The Brick Trip 1972 The Story of Combermere Barracks The Household Cavalry Museum The Dry Roger The Life Guards Association Annual Report Obituaries The Life Guards Association Accounts Nominal Rolls

Page

This edition of the Acorn looks back on a remarkable year

10 11 12 14 17 19 21 22 23 24-25 26 27

in the history of the Regiment: one spent mostly as Infantry.

You will read it all in the pages that follow. I would ask you, however, not to forget all the work, and huge support, given

28 29 30

31 32 33

37 38 41

to us by the rear party and the families left behind. We came back from Belfast intensely proud of ourselves and what we had done. Also let me just say that it did us no harm, rather the opposite; a lot of us grew up to our responsibilities very quickly indeed.

So what lies ahead for 1973? A year crammed full of activities, besides those normal ones of visits to Soltau training area and Hohne tank ranges. C Squadron will be seen parading on Horse Guards on 30th May. RHQ and A Squadron visit Canada, and we hope the Calgary stampede, for a month in the summer. B Squadron spend a month adventuring in various sized parties as far afield as Morocco, Sardinia and Sweden. It only remains for us to find enough time for leave.

The whole Regiment was delighted when Colonel Sir Robert Gooch was awarded the KCVO in the New Year's Honours List.

We send him our best congratulations.

We live in Detmold. Should any serving or ex member of the Regiment doubt it, let us assure you there is a great welcome awaiting any of you who might call in or stay with us. And it does not have to be at Brickhanging time.

THE ACORN is printed and published by Service Publications Umited, Caxton House, Shoreham·by-Sea, Sussex, for The Life Guards and The Ufe Guards' Association.

Editor: Captain J. C. Gill.

The Cover Depicts: The Life Guards in Belfast. Trooper Underhill.

Regimental Headq ua rters

Members of R.H.Q. inspecting the illegal still found in the Regiment's area

Regimental Headquarters, faced with the prospect of leaving its centrally heated deep-pile carpeted corridor and the endless cups of tea from Mrs. Skelly and Mrs. Bailey, started the year with some hurried reorganization.

Captain Morrisey-Paine, whose preoccupation with dress had become such that even he noticed, it, was sent away to the staff (Headquarters Household Division of course) and in his place as Adjutant came Captain Fletcher: Major Loyd was summoned back from the Corridors of Power where he had spent two years 'pointy head baiting': Lt Knock (the seven bob a day man) and CoH Maxwell started an intensive campaign of recruiting for the signals troop, which was so successful that they even got two men, Signalmen Rowan and Greenwood, from Brigade Headquarters: Captain Bedells and Tpr Bartlett formed an impromptu Intelligence Cell, aided, abetted and hindered by L/CoH Mathews and Lt Jones; and the Commanding Officer went on a Television interview course in Hobart Barracks.

Regimental Headquarters, subsequently to be known at Tactical Headquarters or the Nerve Centre, then went, with the rest of the regiment, to a wooden hutted camp in Sennelager where various fierce Foot Guards Sergeants put us through a form of training for our coming trip to Belfast.

The Commanding Officer and all Squadron Leaders (including Major A. R. Layard, 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards), Q.M. (Nt) and R.S.O. awaiting their flight at Aldergrove Civil Airport after completing the first reconnaissance

This fortunately did not last for too long and at the end of July we all moved to East Belfast.

Living in a Victorian police station, which already contained a full complement of Royal Ulster Constabulary, posed certain problems; however, we soon came to terms with them. The Operations room soon began to hum with muted efficiency: in one corner you might find L1CoH Dunn, monitoring his three wireless sets: next to him might be the Operations Officer himself, sending kindly and good tempered messages over the radio to his staff officer friends at Brigade Headquarters: sitting alongside him might be the second in command, down from Maidstone for the evening, flicking the odd cake crumb off his otherwise immaculate uniform: 2Lt Vetch might be logging away in his copper-plate handwriting at the end.

Behind this group the Commanding Officer would sit in his armchair, his eyes flickering from map to map as he deployed his troops to deal with trouble, or else patiently trying to get some of the Intelligence cell's closely guarded information out of them.

In support of this hive of activity you would find L1Cpl Shortman with his never ending supply of brews, L1CoH Dickson doing speed trials on the teleprinter, CoH Theakston (the sangar bUilding expert),

L1Cpl Donnan (the fastest draw in East Belfast) and the RCM, who had a finger in every pie.

RHO did go out onto streets from time to time and at short notice are prepared to 'swing the light' as well as anyone else about individual battle stories. We had our share of injuries too (luckily all minor) to back them up. Fortunately, after four 'aggro' months, as many returned as set out, and after some well earned leave were back in business in our centrally heated deep pile carpeted corridor. Mr. Stratford left us at this point to go to Lulworth and we welcomed in his place as RCM Mr. Young, who rejoined us from Guards Depot.

Mention must be made at this stage of 6 Tp, who although living on Maidstone, were controlled by RHO, on the principle that if you want something unpleasant done it is often better to get someone else to do it. 2Lt Ellery and such sweet natured men as CoH Hutchings, SOMC Kelly, L/Cpl Convey, CoH Knowles and others, would quietly prowl around our area, gently pointing out the error of their ways to excited Irishmen. Excited Irishmen tended to accept this, as it was usually accompanied by a hail of rubber bullets and a baton charge. On return to Germany it was realised the 6 Tp was far too dangerous to leave as it was, so it was disbanded. 'Sic transit gloria mundi'.

Administrative Squadron

Administrative Squadron formed at Staumuhle on 8th May, 1972. Staumuhle, a Bundeswehr training camp, was to be the Regiment's home for five weeks while we trained to become an infantry regiment.

Training started in earnest for the Squadron on 10th May when all but the sick and a few cooks, preparing breakfast, went on the first early morning run. This proved to us that we could all become very much fitter.

The training continued unabated with half the Squadron doing normal duties and the other half patrolling, shooting on the ranges or learning aikido. L/CoH Edge became a veritable enemy on night exercises and many foot patrols hid in ditches when they thought he was around.

By the time training had finished many members of the Squadron were sure that the training period was to be the worst part of the whole tour in Ireland. The quartermaster, Captain Jim Greaves, grew his first grey hairs handing back Staumuhle to the Bundeswehr Camp Staff, as not only did the camp equipment have to be accounted for to the last broom, but in true teutonic fashion every broom, shovel, fuel can or chair, in every room, had to be in exactly its original position!

We spent a week in Detmold packing and marking crates full of G1098 stores, which would probably only be used if the Regiment was moved into a tented camp in the Irish countryside, before going on three weeks' leave. Most members found their way back to Detmold at the appointed time and a busy few days passed doing the final packing before departure.

The Squadron flew to Belfast between 18-25 July and were herded into The Maidstone and the Hartland Point.

Actually the majority of the soldiers' accommodation was on the Hartland Point, a fleet repair ship which had originally been presented to HM Government in 1941 by the Canadian Government. The two ships lay end to end with a "brig" or some other naval term joining them together like an umbilical cord. On our arrival the ships were full of soldiers,

mainly the 1st Battalion The Royal Scots Fusiliers and a squadron of Royal Engineers, but as well as these two major units there were half-a-dozen minor ones and out of 1200 bunk spaces 1100 were occupied.

The first action that was seen was "Bloody Friday"-Friday 21st, July, the day that some 20 bombs exploded during the afternoon in the City Centre. On The Maidstone and the Hartland Point we had a view across the Harbour of black and white smoke erupting over the city. The command party had chosen this day to arrive-what a welcome!

The Squadron took over a mass of vehicles and stores from 23 Engineer Regiment who returned happily to Osna· bruck. The first few weeks were hectic especially for the MTO, Lt Jim Morris, who had to change the tyres on nearly forty vehicles and service all the transport -some of which had not been serviced for five months. Speedily the Quartermaster's department made up hundreds of deficiencies. For the first few weeks RQMC Bentley had his 'in' and 'out' trays full of demand and issue vouchers, but with quiet efficiency these were despatchedhow is still a mystery, because the Sirocco workers marched and twice or three times a day all the Quartermaster's men were taken away to patrol the North end of Mountpottinger Road.

After the first few weeks the Regimental Orderly Room under CoH Cherrington found themselves up to their necks organising R&R flights to all parts of England and Germany. They were not helped by a Squadron who decided to change all their dates at the last minute.

Tpr Winter was promoted Lance Corporal for this mammoth task; the only error he made was to give the Adjutant, Captain Peter Fletcher, only two days' leave.

Heaven and Earth were moved at the last moment to 'rectify this error. tour SCM Gibbs Throughout the produced men out of his fingers to guard the ship, guard Red 3 and Red 5, two Key Points and the usual 20 men in 20

minutes to be at 5 minutes' notice to move; which was the Operations Officer's way of getting his own back on the Squadron for not sending him a personal cake-a-day.

Across the passage from the Squadron Office the Medical Officer ran a comfortable hospital ably assisted by L/CoH Buckingham and Tpr Borthwick. Their telephone was constantly engaged with calls to Ladbroke's and the television seemed to alternate between BBC and lTV, who thoughtfully chose race meetings with races staggered at 15 minute intervals.

Tpr Borthwick had his moment of glory on the night of 16/17 October; Colonel Stewart was away in Germany and the locum knew only the theory of First Aid but not the practice, fortunately Tpr Borthwick kept all the patients alive and there are several soldiers in the Regiment here today to bear witness to his skill.

W02 Howard ran with L/CoH Morris, the Regimental Ration Stores. Trips were made almost daily to each Squadron delivering jointed meat, peeled potatoes and many hundreds of other items. W02 Howard's greatest problem was to find a cook who could produce the cheese souffle's for the RHQ Officers' Mess (I don't think this problem was ever satisfactori Iy solved). The Quartermaster instituted Messing Meetings which took place in the WO's and NCO's Mess every Wednesday evening at 1830 hrs. There the culinary art on issue food was tested.

All who went to one of these meetings can bear witness to the high standard of the Army Catering Corps training.

Reflecting on Belfast and the training which led up to it one appreciates the versatility of The Life Guards and on consideration one realises how necessary that training really was. Not one member of the Squadron had an accidental discharge and only four shots were fired in anger by the administrative side of the Squadron.

However, Six Troop, the Regimental Reserve, who were part of the Squadron, had an exceptionally interesting time and their notes are produced separately.

No.1 Rifle Squadron The dreadful round of Germany never seems to stop. If it isn't Hohne it is Soltau or trade training. It was therefore with mixed feelings that the news of Ireland was received. Some were delighted at the prospect of forgetting the iron monsters for a while whilst others, like the LAD, were not quite so happy at the thought of having to strip and renovate them whilst the rest of us were in Ireland.

The year began with trade training for most and panzer maintenance for the few not on courses. This was thoroughly unpleasant and great credit must go to all those who worked so hard, not the least of whom was the LAD, under S/Sgt flrown. The proof of the pudding was Hohne in March when all the vehic!es ran extremely well.

The only real drama at Hohne was when CoH Woodlands and Tpr Wallace managed to get two .50 rounds stuck up the barrel at once. This produced a swarm of experts from allover the place who are believed to be still trying to work out what had happened. Perhaps next year's edition will have the answer.

SoMC Kelly as the Squadron Gunnery NCO maintained a dignified silence and obviously felt that it would never happen at Lulworth.

The Regimental competitions and shoots produced some interesting results and no-one will forget the sight of a DS/T round hitting a hard target at night. At the same time a certain amount of deviation from Lulworth techniques enabled many crews to hit a target allegedly below 2600 metres but in fact at 2750 with two HESH rounds.

After Hohne the accent changed to the driver as the Squadron moved to Soltau for a fortnight's training. We drove up on a thoroughly nasty day and had visions of being extremely wet the whole time.

Luckily it cleared soon after arriving and we found that SoMC Miles had set up camp for us. Before long the finest collection of bashas and barombis marked where various troops were. First prize would probably go to One Troop, which, obviously influenced by CoH Marsh's experience of Sharjah could well have recently arrived from that famous place.

Two troop with Mr. Metcalfe and CoH Knowles went to the other extreme with a row of neatly laid out tents which might have been an entry for the International Camping Exhibition. It obviously served them well since they went on to win the Regimental Troop Tests.

A litlle charm goes a long way

The first few days were spent crew training where many found out that there was a lot more to commanding a tank than an armoured car. Not least was One Troop Leader who had just returned from a long Armour Course and who at the end of Soltau was seriously thinking of going back again. He became quite convinced that to command a Chieftain you have to be 4ft. 6ins. with three pairs of arms and a built-in immunity to cold.

Crew tests produced the usual number of people going East when they should have gone West but eventually everyone got to the RV for the night where it poured with rain.

Troop training then began in earnest, culminating in Troop Tests. This started with a long march to a night location where elements of C Squadron, obviously lost, followed the Squadron into leaguer and only realised their mistake on seeing the Squadron Leader and SCM York. They fled. Shortly afterwards the commanders were removed to do a recce of the next task and only later discovered that the tanks were set a recovery problem to be done by the crews. All went well which probably confirmed some people's impres-

sions that commanders were unnecessary.

We all ended up at Rheinsehlen Camp at the end with Two Troop the overall winners.

Return to Detmold brought feverish activity as we handed in our tanks and started the conversion to Infantry in readiness for Ireland. B Squadron temporarily disappeared as did the SCM to Knightsbridge as RGM and 1 Rifle Squadron consisting of B Squadron and part of A Squadron appeared. SCM Lumb arrived with a gleam in his eye which to those who had been through the Guards Depot with him heralded the arrival of Pirbright in Germany.

A thoroughly nasty German training camp at Staumuhle near Sennelager became our temporary home in May. The first moans were heard at the sight of the mattresses on the beds. Apparently the Olympic Games took precedence over 1 Squadron and what we had for mattresses appeared to be on loan from the BBG TV version of "Colditz". Another small problem was that all the rooms· were heated by oil stoves for which there never seemed to be any oil. Luckily there were so many people in every room that

Fall in-U.D.A. style

:he ;Jrob!em was not as great as it had at ':'51 seemed.

A rum our going around about khaki oerets eventually manifested itself in the form of Sgt Fox. Coldstream Guards, who was to be of invaluable assistance to us all and obviously proved too much for tCM Lumb. The result was that the whole squadron was soon rapidly reminded of the period they had spent at the Guards Depot with such cries as "cut about" and "Zap it around".

All in all we spent six weeks at Staumuhle converting to infantry. Many new skills were learnt and ones we all thought forgotten were soon remembered.

Probably the most rewarding were riot drills which often tended to become too life-like. During this time we returned to Lothian Barracks for four days, only to find that it had gone and Ballydowling district of Belfast had taken its place.

This was by far the most realistic aspect of our training but without the help of SOMC Miles' wife who threw a very good potato, would not have been as worthwhile as it was.

A very welcome penod of leave saw us through to the beginning of July when Ireland suddenly loomed very large indeed.

Before long the advance party of the Squadron Leader, Troop Leaders, SOMC and section commanders were away and on the 25th July the main body left Gutersloh for Aldergrove. At one stage it seemed highly unlikely that we would even arrive: not because the 21C was on the flight deck but because of bad weather.

However. we eventually arrived and spent a number of hours being conveyed to our bases by, amongst other things, a double decker bus! A number of people who had done previous tours spent this journey impressing those who hadn't with their apparent local knowledge and identifying various land marks. With few

A slight hitch for the U.D.A.

exceptions not many were seen again until R&R. Our bases were two church halls. To keep everything impartial SHO and 2 and 3 Troops moved into the first Presbyterian Church of Ballymacarrett and 1 Troop into the Roman Catholic Church of SI. Matthews. Conditions were not quite up to the standard of a Hilton hotel-indeed there were 57 soldiers in one room at Paulette Avenue.

The day to day routine consisted of manning three sangars by night, one by day and providing a standing foot patrol allied to a town mobile patrol usually mounted in a landrover, but in a pig by night, and a landrover patrol in the country. On top of this we manned a vehicle check point for about nine hours a day. All patrols were shared by each troop and 1 Troop had also to defend their own base as well and man a large observation post 24 hours a day. This looked down Seaforde Street into the middle of the Catholic enclave. At the same time we also had one section on standby all the time. In times of stress we also manned our interface between the Catholics and Protestants. This was probably one of the most boring tasks since nothing ever happened along the interface except at the beginning and end of the tour.

The first few weeks were spent in playing ourselves in and getting to know all the local characters. At the same time we became experts in the gentle art of waking people up in the early hours to search their houses. Luckily as time wore on the nights got longer and so reveille for the locals got progressively later!

Operation Motorman affected us in a small way with the removal of the Protestant barricades in the Dee Street area. August and September passed comparatively quietly with a half section

away on R&R the whole time. Without doubt R&R proved to be the best four days of the tau r.

October started in much the same way as other months but took a different turn in the middle. This was the time the UDA declared war on the army. A number of riots took place supported by gunmen.

We were extremely fortunate to have only two people hit during the riots. L/CoH Bishop and Tpr Anderson were both hit in the hand and, although L/CoH Bishop was casevaced to England, Anderson soon returned to the Squadron. Shortly afterwards LlCpls Creighton and Welton had a very lucky escape when their landrover was fired on by a sniper. The bullet passed through Welton's leg and through LlCpl Creighton's nose. It was particularly bad luck on Welton who had only been in Ireland a matter of days.

The only effect on L/Cpl Creighton was to straighten his nose. Rumour has it that his wife is quite pleased with the new look!

Comparative peace returned for the rest of the tour until right at the end when both factions decided to have a go at each other and therefore us in the middle.

This episode probably gave our successors whose advance party had arrived more of a headache than us. Finally the great day came on the 1st of December when we returned to Germany.

Inevitably in an article of this length it is not possible to mention all those who played their part in the squadron's activities. Neither is it possible to give a detailed account of everything that happened. Suffice to say that although No 1 Rifle Squadron is now defunct many memories of its existence, some amusing, some serious and some sad remain and all of us will remember our four months in Ireland for a very long time.

No.2 Rifle Squadron

For those who are responsible for writing squadron notes for the Regimental magazines it always appears that the demand from the editor arrives every three months and that he inevitably wants them the day before the demand reached the unfortunate writer. However, on looking back at the previous Acorn dated 1972, and surmounted by the ominous but now familiar Chieftain, I find the notes cover only as far as December, 1971. It's now January, 1973, and I seem to have a whole year of frenzied and varied activity to include and thus cannot really complain.

1972 was quite naturally dominated by our four-and-a-half month tour in Belfast.

However, prior to our departure to the Emerald Isle a great deal of training and hard work was accomplished and I shall attempt to recollect some of it.

January and February were taken up with regimental trade training courses on which a large proportion of the squadron was involved in an effort to get everyone their second leg trade before Ireland.

Thrown in with this training was the provision of men for Special Ammunition Site guard, two in two months, and the odd request for people for sniper, search team and even sniffer team courses. It all combined to start the year if not with a great deal of excitement at least with plenty to keep us warm.

March arrived, like a lion as far as most of us were concerned, with the pre HOHNE firing work-up and the squadron rang with the roars of Sabot Dot one., Dot one on . . . loaded . . . - - - oh Fire the f . . . ing thing. For the uninitiated and old armoured car gunners amongst our readers it may be opportune to explain at this point exactly what gunnery and regimental firing at HOHNE in an armoured squadron implies. Gone are the days of rolling up to a range five minutes before firing, selecting a suitable target, banging away for a bit and driving away again.

It is, we're told, the most important part of· our existence, that's why of course we only spend three weeks a year actually firing. It is also the period when swarms of highly qualified experts from the Holy of Holies, the Gunnery School Lulworth, descend upon a regiment. They attempt to explain, with the aid of much shouting, gesticulating and the use of unintelligible

English, why, when you're grinding along a rough track at 15 mph with a splitting head (you'd been to Hamburg the night before) and you haven't seen the puff of smoke 2000 metres away indicating the target, you have actually engaged some infantry at four hundred metres with an armour piercing round. It is a time of high tension, very early mornings, lots of noise and much shouting from even the quietest of us. Enough said I hope, for all to realise that through March we in C Squadron lived guns (especially as the second in command was the regimental gunnery officer).

At last the great day dawned, fourteen beautiful monsters lined up, x feet apart, y degrees to the firing point, barrels all trained on an imaginary centre of the range; red, yellow and green flags at the ready and a quaking squadron leader with his Lulworth shadow waiting to loose all the fury C Squadron could muster on the canvas screen targets. Then it started, it poured with rain and for the next three weeks, or a great proportion of them, it rained, snowed, blew a gale and we fired. We fired by day, we fired by night, on the move and stationary. long range and short range and at the end of it all we won the regimental urgent targets shoot. Memories of that first HOHNE are many, perhaps the sight of Corporal Major Deaville chasing his ammunition clearance chits round the firing point, the squadron leader's rover bogged down in the middle of the targets, or Trooper Carter's generosity to his 'friends' on a visit to Hamburg's Reeperbahn are worth a mention.

Mid April and we'd left the ranges behind us and driven, not as you might think quietly back to Detmold for a well earned rest, but on northwards along the Wietzendorf corridor to that haven of all tank soldiers, SOLTAU. Here, once again, on the sandy wastes and through the splintered pines we practised that other art of the man in armour, troop tactics.

Advance to contact, night replenishment, withdrawal, leaguer, they all had their turn as we criss-crossed the now familiar country. Troop tests were soon upon us and are memorable for their opening phase, a regimental march across country for the most part closed down. Troops

set off from their squadron harbour areas at differing times all aiming for new squadron leaguer areas but using a common route. The woods echoed to the sound of grinding tracks as tanks jostled each other to pass the various check points in the correct order and at the correct time. The sly or naive who, when told to don their gas masks didn't bother and drove straight through the cloud of CS gas, soon learnt that Chieftain is not gas proof when the filtration system is not working. Finally a nameless, faceless A Squadron tank which rashly tried to join the C Squadron leaguer and was 'politely' invited to go elsewhere by the SCM got its own back by crushing all his markers into the mud.

The tests finished with 2 Troop again our best troop but this time slipping a little to allow two troops of B to edge in front.

The next two weeks up to the 8th May, flashed by in a blur of tank cleaning, tool checking and finally reconstituting as a Rifle Squadron ready to start training for our role of an infantry company on internal security duties in Belfast.

At this point I should explain briefly how the Regiment had to reform to meet its Northern Ireland commitment and also to apologise to the readers of The Blue Light (our magazine in Belfast) as I shall be reproducing a great deal of the material used in that excellent production.

An infantry battalion is some one hundred and thirty all ranks stronger than an armoured regiment, each company being forty or so stronger. Thus to make our numbers correct a squadron of the 4/7 DG came under command, A and B Squadrons formed No 1 Rifle Squadron, C and HQ formed No 2 Rifle Squadron and HQ Squadron with certain assistance from A, Band C formed Admin Squadron as well.

These notes now become Second Rifle Squadron notes for the rest of the year.

By mid May the Regimental Group was in a German camp, Staumuhle, on the Sennelager training area and for five weeks by day and night we learnt the art of the infantryman in Belfast. We, in 2 Squadron, were ably assisted by Sergeant Taylor of the Scots Guards whose

munities, the arms finds, the riots, the tea stops, perhaps above all the plight of the children combined to make it an unforgettable tour. We battled with both Catholics and Protestants, we made friends with both but I'm afraid we came to distrust many as well. This is no place to go into the politics, the rights and wrongs of each side. I believe only that one should remember that within the United Kingdom a small minority of extremists both Catholic and Protestant are holding to ransom the great majority of decent Irish men and women in one of the most vicious and evil campaigns of terror the world has witnessed in recent years.

Trooper Underhill-pokey drill makes a man healthy

experience and knowledge were of immense value. The days passed remarkably quickly as we learnt riot drill, how to foot patrol, cordon and search, as we practised weapon training and snap shooting with the SLR and through it all continual PT and road runs to get us fit.

The five weeks ended with a two day exercise in Lothian Barracks transformed into a small area of Belfast. Familiar LAD faces suddenly became wanted IRA men, shouting wives hurling bags of flour and other missiles all too realistically portrayed the angry Irish matrons and the burning wrecks of the final riot almost required the assistance of another squadron to control the 'play'.

Time was now running out and after a well earned three weeks block leave and a week back in Detmold the advance party left for Belfast on July 18th, followed by the main party on 24th July. The Regiment's area was East Belfast, that is roughly all Belfast and its suburbs East of the river Lagan out to the line of Holywood. 2 Squadron was concentrated

in a part of Ballymacarrett and based on the Short Strand Bus Depot. Our area consisted of half the Catholic area of Ballymacarrett, the Protestant area of Woodstock and the mixed area of Willowfield. Our major responsibilities were the removal of the IRA from Ballymacarrett, the protection of the Catholic enclave, i.e., maintaining peace along the interface of the Albert Bridge Road, the control of the Tartan mobs and the UDA and finally the protection of Catholics in Willowfield, especially their large church.

It is impossible to describe in detail our four-and-a-half months in the Short Strand. For all of us it was a period of our lives we are unlikely ever to forget.

We lived in very cramped accommodation.

The bus depot was still in operation with upwards of one hundred and fifty buses in and out every day. Half the squadron was employed every minute of every day on routine duties, patrols, guards, VCPs, etc.. the staggering hatred and incredible generosity of members of both com-

I don't intend to relate a war diary of events, it would take too long and too much thought. A few random incidents must suffice. On about our third day a riot started on our southern interface, it concentrated after a short while on a cross roads where in fact the three squadron boundaries met. Here, like the proverbial flies round the honey pot, the three squadron leaders gathered to find themselves each trying to command a lone and harrassed section of 4l7th.

Needless to say with all chiefs and no indians disaster struck and the contestants managed to set fire to a pub on the street corner, Holy Joe's by name. Strangely enough it belonged to neither Catholic nor Protestant, but a Jewess.

Chips featured prominently in the squadron diet sheet until one day the ration truck delivered ten gallons of OMD 110 and we were forced to recommend boiled potatoes for the next week. One hectic night, with the entire squadron deployed, the red warning lights on our 150ft. rebroadcast aerial failed. A worried guard commander, CoH Charlett, was a little hurt when told that the emergency did not rate immediate action as low flying helicopters were not expected and sky reaching Paddys would have to take a chance. And so the weeks passed; unsuspecting innocents sent to buy fish n' chips from Mrs. Cupples were treated to language their mothers certainly never taught them. The local hardnut Fianna boy, Jim Murray, managed to blow himself 15

The friendly natives of Short Strand

Top-Troopers Dunning and Barrisford Bottom-Trooper Mears and Lance Corporal Harnett

three feet in the air with a butt end he dropped on a leaking gas main. Patrick Flanaghan struck L/CoH Milne, they're now friends for life. Trooper Carter so charmed Rosie Flynn that she changed from a bottle hurling wild-cat to a "soldier lover"; and suddenly the welcome faces of sappers from 42 Squadron RE appeared and we were on our way back. To end on a slightly more serious note, throughout

Corporal of Horse Keeys and Lance Corporal of Horse Monaghan . . . "with a name like mine, they think I am one of them . . . "

all the long hours, cold, wet weather, boring VCPs and unpleasant riots everyone remained remarkably cheerful and friendly.

There is no doubt too that we helped to add to that long list of Regimental achievements and I sincerely hope that we helped in a small way to ease the lives of the great majority of our Catholics and Protestants by putting pressure on the terrorist and shoWing to both sides

those greatest of assets of the British soldier-friendliness and fairness.

Before I finish these now lengthy notes I should mention that throughout our training and tour in Northern Ireland our LAD section worked non-stop to completely rework our tanks. They and the whole Rear Party deserve unreservedly our thanks for everything they did during our absence.

6 Troop

S,x troop, or'S' troop as we became '-'own. was a misnomer, for instead of :e;ng the dismounted troop of a cavalry oquadron we were the mounted troop of a dismounted squadron. However, names -,wart our function was to be the ::;egimental reserve and be proficient in a;1 roles.

Training for Ireland was hard-in part :ecause we did not know what we were :0 be used for, as the Regiment's : redecessors in East Belfast did not have a six troop.

The advance party consisting of my six section commanders arrived in Belfast in time to see "Bloody Friday" from the decks of HMS Maidstone, which was to be our home. We watched a dozen bombs explode within half-an-hour in the city centre.

The accommodation for six troop was quite good, as we were billeted on the good ship Maidstone, the envy of all old "sea dogs". To the cries of "Yo Ho Ho" and "Aye Jim Lad" we carted our kit down narrow gangways, banging our

heads on low doorways (sorry, Bulkheads) and finally came to rest in our four star rooms. This was to be our home for the next four months, and if the waiter service had been a bit better, it would have been ideal.

The next step was to take our many and varied stores. Many heads were scratched, as pieces of equipment labelled "this way up" and "Do not place in direct sunlight" were ticked off and signed for. It still remains a mystery as to how the roulette wheel became part of Six

Six Troop in action

17

Troop's equipment, but the problem was soon solved as jt was hastily passed on to the Officers Mess. Thoughts now strayed to communications and visions of A41s being carried on broad backs reared up. However, thanks to a masterpiece of electronic engineering, we were issued with that marvellous invention, the Pye radio. This excellent radio has a 6in. antenna, a range of eight miles and will fit into any normal size pocket.

A typical cordon and search operation involving 2 Rifle Squadron and Six Troop

The first week was spent in finding our feet in more ways than one and we soon discovered that carrying a pocketful of cap badges won instant approval with children of both religions. After Operation Motorman we found that a great deal more was needed to win anyone's support.

In August we came under command of 24th "Guards" Brigade who gave the green light to mass house searches in the Catholic area. It was in these searches that Six Troop was first required en masse. Search operations generally started af 5 o'clock in the morning with one of the squadrons providing a cordon and . Six Troop carrying out the search. They were remarkably successful and I believe that the Regiment found more weapons and explosives than any other in Belfast and Londonderry. A good find and an arrest was invariably followed by rioting and, as a compact body of thirty men, we were the ideal size for controlling all but the largest riots.

This routine continued for two months and our only contact with the UDA, a force capable of IRA style atrocities, was watching them march in great numbers and provocative style past the Catholic area to Stormont and other 'venues' every Saturday afternoon.

The Protestant backlash, when it came in October, was almost a relief as the temperature had become uncomfortable and we were almost tripping over each other when patrolling the tiny Catholic area. It came in the form of mass rioting and later shooting in the Newtownards Road and Willowfield areas and in retrospect it was probably the first time the UDA had shown its hand in East Belfast. Sadly we were not permitted to root out the UDA leaders- to our cost today.

Fortunately Six Troop suffered no serious casualties except for Corporal Marshall who was badly cut by a bottle and was evacuated to Woolwich.

During our last month there was an uneasy peace and much time was spent motoring and walking around the large and fairly prosperous Protestant parts of East Belfast. Sectarian murders and intimidation (mostly of Catholics) Jiving hitherto peacefully on Protestant housing

Lance Corporal of Horse Veal's section mount a vehicle check point on the Albert Bridge

estates became our main concern. We soon established the addresses of these unfortunate people but in spite of our efforts we witnessed the exodus of over a hundred Catholic families from the Cregagh estate.

In conclusion therefore, Six Troop had a very interesting tour in Ulster for, unlike

the Rifle Squadrons, we saw both sides of the coin, being neither based on Catholic nor Protestant soil exclusively. We were all touched by the kindness of people who brought us cups of tea and cakes on lonely nights of patrolling and at the same time even the most broadminded of us were startled by the volatile language of those we had cause to arrest.

The Mounted Squadron

1972 has again been a busy year, the Ceremonial season lasting well into ";ovember. The last Escort was for Her Majesty The Queen's Silver Wedding Anniversary.

The first Escort was at Windsor for Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. It .,as complicated by the fact that 1he -< '1g's Troop were still in residence at ::Jmbermere so the Squadron had to live ::: Victoria Barracks whilst the horses e- joyed the luxury of loose boxes at ,'f'1dsor race-course, The weather was =~Haordinary on the day with both hail a-.d rain. One of these flurries nearly caused the whole Squadron with Capt : Oyly in the lead to charge the Foot 3..:ards Guard of Honour in a replica of 3att!e Royal. By the time we returned to :'1e stables the blacks looked more like ;:reys and everybody was soaked to the :;":10.

The Major General's Inspection was a more ambitious affair than recent :arades, It was decided that the Regiment :; ~ould walk past in line and then trot : ast Squadron in line, These manoeuvres : roved very difficult and the first rehearsal Joked more like a pony club gymkhana, :.it luckily everyhing was all right on the cay.

The month of June proved to be the : Jsiest month of the year with the :: rthday parade, the state visit of the :.J ke of Luxembou rg and the Garter :eremony all within the month. The first - ,',0 passed off very well with little - eidenl. but the Garter Ceremony nearly : roved to be a disaster, A bus was to collect the Officers from :'1e Mess in Combermere but it failed to ::'''ve. When it became obvious that it was -:: coming cars and drivers were hastily : -;:a.,ized. However, it soon became a: :arent that it was almost impossible -: get in and out of the average car :'essed in full state kit. So after many ayers of polish had been lost and a lot :! heaving and pushing, this idea was 3.:Jandoned, Luckily by this time one of --e other coaches had returned and -"\anks to the skill of the driver, together ",th a total disregard of speed limits, a ;:roup of very hot and bothered Officers arrived just in time.

The Squadron also provided half of the Musical Ride. They enjoyed a very successful season, going to the Royal Tournament, The British Timken show, The Seven oaks Tattoo and the Southsea show.

The Ride was commanded by Capt D'Oyly and trained by Capt Jackson the riding master.

In July the Squadron was once more in the public eye but in a very different way, Cicero the Drum horse had become the hero of a childrens book telling of his fairy tale rise to fame. To celebrate the publishing of the book a cocktail party was held in the gymnasium. The guest of honour was Willie Wilson who used to deliver milk with Cicero in Edinburgh. We hope that "Willie" having obviously enjoyed his first trip "abroad" managed to return to Edinburgh safely. There then followed a television performance on lTV's Magpie which showed Cicero once more between the shafts where he behaved

well. Unfortunately his live appearance in the studios was marred by the fact that he caused a considerable amount of work for the studio staff, but the studio gardener was reportedly well pleased with his performance.

Tpr Simcock and Cicero soon stopped dreaming of Hollywood though when, in September, they and the rest of the Squadron went to Pirbright for camp.

The reason for the later date was due to the help and horses that the Blues and Royals required for the Guidon parade at Windsor.

However, despite the rather cold weather it was a most successful ten days. Luckily there were not too many injuries. SQMC Reed took one fence without the co-operation of his horse and had to have stitches in his head. This meant his head had to be shaved which quite spoiled his looks. Mr. Horsfall also arrived back from Pirbright with his leg

~uch

The State Visit of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands

-.-

The Musical Ride at the Royal Tournament, 1972 in plaster, however, to his embarrasment, this was not caused by a fall from a horse. Although there are many stories concerning the circumstances it seems the nearest to the truth is that after a lengthy session in the NCO's Mess tent he tripped over a guy rope when leaving.

He did not realise that there was anything wrong with his ankle until the following morning.

Having returned from Pirbright, we were soon boxing up again on the way to Windsor for the state visit of the president of the Federal Republic of Germany, President Heinemann. This was a very successful Escort in bright autumn sunshine. It was swiftly followed by the state opening of Parliament and then the Lord Mayor's show. The latter was commanded by Mr. Horsfall and CoH Williams.

The Escort for the Silver Wedding Anniversary was a unique occasion. It was a double standard Escort from Buckingham Palace to the Guildhall. When the Escort halted at Temple Bar Her Majesty The Oueen Mother asked Capt Morrisey-Paine, the carriage Officer, why

his horse had been coug:ling a1l the way from Buckingham Palace. He replied, not wishing to seem unconcerned, that he thought that she probably had an oat stuck in her throat. Unfortunately it remained stuck throughout the Escort.

Shortly after this we were very happy to welcome the Colonel, Admiral of the Fleet The Earl Mountbatten of Burma, on an unofficial visit. He spent a morning watching the Squadron at work and then had lunch in the Officers Mess.

This winter has seen the start of advanced rides at Windsor. This very popular scheme allows a troop at a time to go to Windsor for a fortnight riding in the Park as well as a few days hunting with the drag hounds. Many soldiers have managed to have a few days out with the Windsor Forest Blood Hounds which have been admirably whipped in by CoH Savage.

The childrens Christmas party was a great success this year thanks mainly to the efforts of CoH Nicklin who made a splendid Father Christmas with a grand entrance on Cicero.

During this year we have sa:d farewell to Mr. Thompson who left to go and live with the tribesmen of Afghanistan and to Mr. Lewis for a more conventional civilian life. Sadly we are soon to say goodbye to SCM Hewett who, rumour has it, is going into the printing business! CoH McGloughlin has left to chase Officer Cadets round the square at Sandhurst and is now an SOMC. CoH Shergold has returned to the Regiment via Northern Ireland.

We have welcomed CoH Goodyear, CoH Miller, and CoH York who seemed to find tanks more comfortable than horses at first, and Mr. De-Ritter from the long course at Melton. We have had two new Squadron leaders this year. The first, Major W. R. Edgeda:e arrived from the Guards Depot in January and has since taken command of the Mounted Regiment. We congratulate him on his promotion. Lastly we extend a warm welcome to Major Haworth-Booth who has recently arrived and has just started in the kit ride. He is finding it a little different from hunting and point-to-point riding.

The Band

Tile Band got off to an early start this year when in February we provided some cackground music for the series "The Strauss Family", which was screened in the Autumn. The Musical direction was t::y Cyril Ornadel and the music itself made a nice change from the usual Military Band repertoire.

In March we did another T.V. "gig", :: ~t this time we were left out in the cold

,\I:th a vengeance! We were asked to a::Jpear on a T.V. programme called "Close to You" with Burt Bacharach and =<ex Harrison, part of which was the story :>f an ex-Drum Horse which had retired :J a "Rest Home for Horses". So we :,rovided a Mounted Band for a short sequence in the story. It was a very interesting job to do, especiallv for \1usician "Dixie" Dean whose horse didn't 'ke the look of one of the cameras and Jromptly sat down on the spot, right in :he middle of a film shot! Musician Morris also got deposited in the mud by his high spirited mount, which then proceeded to try and confuse the issue by galloping in and out of the ranks at breakneck speed. ,';t least the incident warmed everybody .JD. the temperature being well below freezing! It's amazing how long these :hings take to do-we spent four very cold hours filming and the sequence on the actual programme lasted for approximately thirty seconds! Still, it was all worth it when we saw it on television a few months later and everybody realised what a good job the cameramen had made :)f it.

The very next day was spent hurriedly :acking for the annual visit to the =egiment in Germany. We flew from Brize "lorton to Gutersloh in an RAF Brittannia and. on arrival, were taken to Detmold by bus. The whole Band were invited to the NCO's Mess and had their first taste of German beer since the Berlin Tattoo. Next day we marched round barracks to the beating of drums and the throbbing of heads! We did quite a number of school concerts which were to set the pattern for many more in English schools later in the year. The DOM caught us all on

the hop by asking us to demonstrate our instruments individually. CoH Walthew amazed us all by talking to the children while taking his clarinet completely to bits and putting it back together again. It worked afterwards as well! We seemed to have some bad luck with transport on this trip, losing the 3-tonner with the band instruments on no less than three occasions! However, an excellent time was had by all, and we are looking forward to our visit this year very mUCh. The Band would like to take this opportunity of thanking the Regiment and the RCM for looking after us so very well inside and outside the Mess!

On returning to England we plunged straight into the normal round of concerts starting with a Centenary Concert at the Albert Hall and Easter weekend at Bournemouth. LlCpl Harman had a change from the Drum Horse when he did a job

Musician Slater on Cicero

at the Airport Hotel mounted on a fork lift truck! We also did the Burma Star Association Annual Dinner, providing the backing music for Russ Conway, Vera Lynn and Gert and Daisy Waters.

May was taken up with innumerable mounted band rehearsals for the Queen's Birthday Parade, Beating the Retreat, GOC's and the Windsor Horse Show.

In June the Summer season started with weeks at Eastbourne and St. James's Park. At Ascot Races we made our usual loss owing to the inability of some of the racehorses to make it to the winning post.

In July we welcomed three of our opposite numbers from the TA who spent their Annual Camp with us. This year we went to Jersey by boat and, much to our horror, when we got to Weymouth, we found the dock personnel on strike, so we had to load all our gear onto the boat without the help of the cranes.

Having put it all in enormous crates for the Journey, this was no mean task. By the time we did at last make it to the Passengers' Lounge most of us were suffering from miscellaneous cuts, bruises and suspected slipped discs! The rest of the season went off well with concerts at Brighton, Shrewsbury Flower Show and Bournemouth.

There have been quite a few changes in personnel this year with the retirement of BCM Dunsmore, S/Cpl Gunn and LlCpl Geordie Bending. Also LlCpls Lucas and Graham have left us to take jobs in "Civvie Street".

We welcome back Musician Poland after his short sojourn as a civilian. Congratulations to CoH Walthew on his promotion to BCM and to CoH Frost upon gaining his WOII. We welcome Musicians Dillon, Bole, Szreider, Norris and Hart to our ranks.

At the present time we are frantically practising our scales for the Kneller Hall Inspection and, looking at my diary, I see that next season looks just as busy, if not more so, than the past year.

21

Household Cavalry Training Squadron

1972 has unfortunately been disappointing for recruiting. This can very largely be attributed to the situation in Northern Ireland. However, we have III the time of writing (20th January, 1973), 50 recruits in the Squadron with a further ten attending Technical training with the Training Regiment at Catterick.

We also have 35 ex juniors from the Junior Guardsmen's Wing completing a special three week programme before proceeding to Catterick or London. The number of Household Cavalry junior troopers passing out of the Junior Guardsmen's Wing is steadily increasing and this year we can expect up to 150 juniors to pass out of the Depot. This is most encouraging when adult recruiting continues to go so slowly.

On the sporting scene the Squadron has more than held its own. In the summer, under the auspices of the Depot Swimming Officer, (the Squadron Leader), the Squadron team easily won the InterCompany SWimming Competition. We have also achieved a certain measure of success in the boxing and football. To crown it all, tonight we won the Inter Company Basketball Competition.

In May we organised a display of Armoured Equipment which included Armoured Cars, a Chieftain Tank, 432's and Helicopters. We were also greatly indebted to the Mounted Regiment for the strong contingent they provided. Over 2000 people saw the display and for the majority it was their first glimpse of Armoured Vehicles.

We celebrated our Squadron holiday, EI Alamein Day, in October by taking all the recruits to watch the Royal Armoured Corps fire power demonstration at Lulworth. This was a great success; a lot of first round hits were scored and the recruits eventually returned to Pirbright having been very impressed with everything they had seen.

During the year we have lost wall (now RCM) Young, L/CoH Ingram, L/Cpl Whetman, and Tpr Balls to The Life Guards and L/CpJ Rothwell to the Household Cavalry Regiment. We wish them all the best of luck in the future.

We welcome from the Regiment CoH Dugdale, L/Cpl Hunt and Tpr Bridger, and from the Mounted Regiment Tpr Costain.

22

Recruit Taylor from Newcastle, Australia, best recruit from Corporal of Horse Smith's troop, receiving his certificate from the Commandant, Guards Depot

Colonel H. D. A. Langley, M.B.E., talking to recruit Nammock, who was one of 35 Household Cavalry recruits passing out of the Guards Depot on the 26th January, 1973

The Commanding Officer talking to Junior Lance Corporal of Horse Friend and Junior Troopers Randall and Cooper on his visit to the Guards Depot-23rd January, 1973

Junior Cuardsmens Wing

s."ce the last issue the Junior ::...arcsmens Wing has enlarged to a :7A of 1,170 boys of which 128 are _ ~'":ror Life Guards. (The Household :a·.alry contingent as a whole number 2501. We also have the senior boy, Junior ::.::Jrporal Major Dobson who holds the a=pointment of Junior Drill Sergeant. He 5'":ould be joining the Regiment in June, . 9,3 T'le technical trade training that started : .ar a year ago is now flourishing and ; '''9 the boys a useful background <:"'owledge before their final training at :atterick. Some of the boys have also =-een doing motor mechanics as a hobby, a-;d from time to time enter their own car ":r Stock Car Racing at Aldershot.

The 'mounted' trade have had an ='.entful year, covering again the Royal Nindsor Horse Show. Some of the boys -ave hunted with the Bisley and Sandhurst f'oxhounds and attended the Army Point:o-Point at Tweseldown. The boys also acquitted themselves at Stoney Castle

during the Mounted Squadron's Summer Camp coming 2nd overall in the Mounted Sports.

On the sporting front the Junior Guardsmens Wing won the Junior Army Boxing Championship for the second year running, when they beat the Junior Leaders Battalion at Oswestry by nine bouts to six. There were two Junior Life Guards in the team of fifteen and overall the Household Cavalry had five in the team. The two Junior Life Guards were Jnr LlCoH O'Neill and Jnr LlCpl Simpson.

At other sports the Wing has achieved some success and Jnr Staff Cpl Leader has represented the Junior Army at football.

A certain amount of a Junior Trooper's time is taken up by Outward Bound Training, which they thoroughly enjoy even though the reason may be purely to get away from Pirbright! The Outward Bound Training has taken place over the last year at Thetford, Salisbury, Oswestry,

Snowdonia and Plymouth. Several of the better boys get selected for the Army Outward Bound Course at Towyn which Jnr LlCpl Laycock has attended. Jnr CoH Walton has also passed his Canoeing exams and is now a member of the Army Canoeing Union.

Due to the school leaving age rising from 15 to 16 in January of this year the Junior Guardsmens Wing is at present undergoing some changes which will not be fully implemented until the start of the September term. Most of the problems encountered are due to the fact that the two year course is being squeezed into one year.

We have just heard that a third of the Junior Guardsmens Wing will be exercising in Kenya in March. This opportunity has arisen as the battalion originally going are now to be sent to Northern Ireland.

The Advance Party is leaving for Kenya with only four days notice, and the main party follows in about two weeks time.

Top Left: The chain of Command Left Centre: Major W. T. V. Loyd and Corporal of Horse Knowles with one of the regiment's finds in East Belfast.

Bottom Left: The Colonel presenting Long-Service and Good Conduct medals to S.C.M. Gibbs and S.O.M. Johnson.

Top Right: SO.M.C. Batey and Ulysees on their way to second place in the Tent Pegging at the Rhine Army Horse Show Right Centre: Troop Training becomes a little more fun each year

24

Top Left: The Colonel being shown No. 1 Squadron's S.H.Q. on Exercise 'Bloody Hand' by Major A. B. S. H. Gooch Left Centre: The Lieutenant Colonel commanding Household Cavalry laying a wreath on the grave of Corporal of Horse M. Brown in Nicosia Cemetry in February, 1973. Corporal of Horse Brown was killed when serving on operations in Cyprus in 1956 with 'A' Squadron. He had been leading scout car commander in Colonel Langley's first troop when he was commissioned in 1949 Bottom Left: The Under Secretary of State for Defence for the Army Department presenting Tpr Davey with the Director Royal Armoured Corps' prize at Bovington Top Right: Trooper . . . * and Outlaw * censored Right Centre: Training for Hohne?

WOs and NCOs MESS The Regiment returned from Hohne and Soltau on the 21 st April, CoH Keeys having covered himself in glory with his troop winning the troop shoot and CoH Cozens in the same troop winning the individual shoot. During the next few weeks we put away our tanks and started to learn how to become infantry. We moved to Staumuhle camp at Sennelager for six weeks and certain Mess Members were heard to pass some choice comments about "Ride, drive and fly" with the Household Cavalry.

On 1Qth July, the Colonel, Admiral of the Fleet The Earl Mountbatten of Burma. came on a brief visit with Colonel I. B. Baillie. That evening we held a dinner in the troops mess as there was not enough room in our own. One hundred and forty members and guests sat down including W01 G. B. Charters-Rowe, W02s Holland, Young and York from UK, and W02 Lerwell and SQMC Skyring from BAOR units. Presentations were made to Colonel I. B. Baillie and to Major M. S. Wilmot, who was retiring after 11 years as Paymaster.

We wish them both well and a long and happy retirement.

Shortly after this the Mess moved to Northern Ireland where we took over from 23 Engineer Regiment. The Mess was situated in the bowels of the ex-prison ship HMS Maidstone and thus started the Mess in a ship on water called a Barracks.

The first week saw us entertaining a local CSE show and the Mess soon became accepted as the "in" place in Belfast. RQMC Bentley and SCM Gibbs arranged a "darts match" every Friday evening which proved to be a great success and we were pleased to see "players" from the luxury of those far flung stations, such as Mount Pottinger,

Paulette Ave, and the Short Strand. We cannot understand how they could leave such luxury to come and gloat at our overcrowded conditions.

The Mess supported a succession of various regiments. In fact saying 'goodnight' and 'see you in the morning' could usually mean a new regiment moved in over night. However, we were pleased to see The Royal Scots, The 1st Battalion Paratroop Regiment, The Royal Marines and the RGJ plus a company of the Queens as well as the other regiments who were on board such as RMP, REME, RCT and the Royal Navy.

Every week W02 Howard used to produce a beautifully intimate dinner, cooked to perfection by Sgt Melville.

These were the social highlights of the week and to obtain an invitation was a great coup. However, our thanks to them both for the really excellent dinners; they eventually provided dinners for the whole of the Mess and all the officers.

We were pleased to have SCM Juleff and his wife and family visit us fresh from the tropical heat of Uganda. Colonel I. B. Baillie also paid a flying visit, plus numerous gentlemen with white hats and various types of gold braid on their sleeves.

Finally to scotch any rumours, the Mess caterer did wear a flak jacket three times, but word got out to the would-be rioters who decided they could not afford to get involved with the ultimate deterrent.

On our return to Detmold everything went into the melting pot and we emerged a tank Regiment once again.

The first event in the Mess was a cocktail party to welcome everybody back and a chance to air all the war stories.

An excellent buffet was laid on by W02 Howard and a very good evening developed. Two days later we all attended a pantomime; this was a surprise item arranged by the rear party and wives.

'Cinderalfred' was a tremendous success and our thanks go to Jackie Fettes the Producer, Hazel Henderson who made the costumes out of the most unlikely things and to all the cast and backstage helpers.

Brickhanging was again a great success.

It was hung on 15th December by Mr. Eason and it gave us all great pleasure to have him back with us again. W01 brought his band of Charters-Rowe wanderers once more and they were made very welcome, even at two o'clock in the morning when they arrived. We are now scouring BAOR for an antidote to sleeping sickness with which ex CoH Waterworth seems to be stricken.

We have welcomed the following back to the Mess: W02 Wardell and CoH Mitchell.

We have said farewell to RCM Stratford and wish him well in his new job at Lulworth, W02 Bentley to MVEE as RCM, a very deserved promotion, W02 Walley.

W02 Gibbs and CoH Miller to Household Cavalry Regiment and CoH Tucker who has left for civilian life.

The following are congratulated on their recent promotions: W02 Miles, CsoH Knowles, Kelly, Stay, Anderson, Townsend, Cozens, Bishop and Mead.

The Senior members of the Mess are: W01 (RCM) M. Young, W02 (RQMC(E)) B. Howells, W02 (SCM) L. A. Lumb, W02 (RQMC) A. B. Cottee, W02 (SCM) W. M. K. Juleff, W02 (SCM) J. M. Wardell, W02 (SCM) J. S. Deaville and AW02 (SCM) J. H. Miles.

eser Vale Hunt

~-ese

bloodhounds, which hunt the line

:. =- ~a, without any artificial smell, are

i the middle of their fourth season -ermany. Captain W. A. Stringer of --~ Blues and Royals formed the pack 969 and he hunted them for two ",a's until going on to greater things he formation of the Windsor Forest :: : dhounds in England. Since he used laim "the whole of BAOR" as his :-.::u. try no doubt he now claims "the - le of England". ajor C. N. Haworth·Booth was then in rol until Major W. T. V. Loyd took : .ar just before Christmas '72. Major ~.1. Hickman has been Joint Master '3 ce the pack's formation. :0"

There are about six couples of Hounds

a d each year we aim to have a litter or :wo. Due to a fairly high mortality rate : e overall figure remains fairly constant.

T' is year we are fortunate to have our 'lrst puppy walks-the QOH at Hohne indly walking a couple.

L/Cpl Ruane is kennel man and whipper· in and has learnt and carried out his duties with remarkable efficiency. No-one s quite sure whether he is very brave :·r just plain foolish the way he goes across the country on his mare Waveney. '..luch of the improved layout of the kennel a~ea is due to his hard work.

The proximity and smooth running of the stables ensures a well knit and economically run establishment.

The finances are reasonably sound and support has been excellent over a wide area. A large number of soldiers have enjoyed themselves with the Hunt and the black horses have gone as well as any and better than most.

The Master, Major Haworth·Booth showing the Colonel and the Commanding Officer a new litter of puppies

most days affording everyone the opportunity to have a decent ride and to watch the Hounds. We had a particularly good hunt from the Officer' Mess in Detmold at the end of October. Unfortunately our gallant Field Master, Major J. W. F. Fuller, whilst negotiating an awkward bridge and in his unaccustomed place in front, suffered the misfortune of his horse slipping and falling on him. The Quartermaster, who had speedily rescued Major Fuller and taken him to hospital said later that night,

The aim is to concentrate the country in the area South East of Detmold. There is plenty of grass in the river valleys and although a good cob could get over the country very well, a well bred horse suits best.

"I thought Bubbles was going to croak it".

We have had a good season so far-

"Oh no", said the Master "I knew he

would be alright because he hadn't lost any colour".

Another very good hunt took place after the meet at Graffin Oeynhausen's Schloss Reelsen in November. The fences kept coming at us and towards the end there were a good few empty saddles-always a sign of a good hunt.

The inevitable German winter closed in on us just before Christmas, however, we still snatch a day whenever the weather allows. Our last at the time of writing was in the Senne valley, where our adjutant, Captain P. T. Fletcher, joined the illustrious role of those who have 'bought a plot of land'.

Regimental Skiing On December 10th, four officers, very unfit from Northern Ireland and suffering from the effects of countless Squadron parties, made their way to Livingno in the Italian Alps to start training for the Army Downhill Skiing Championships which took place in January.

2Lts Read, Adderley and Vetch were complete beginners and spent the following five weeks under the wing of an Italian instructor, not fluent in English, who confused them by saying "too fast" when he wanted more speed and "bye bye" when he greeted them in the morning.

Meanwhile Mr. Falkner made off to slopes of greater gradient "to improve his techniques", appearing only occasionally to marvel at the courage of the beginners and offer such encouragement as "Mmmcoming along quite well" and disappearing rapidly to continue to improve in case his limited expertise should be surpassed.

On 1Oth January, the tour moved to Ischgl in Austria, confident that they would not disgrace themselves in the 4 Div Championships.

Two days before the first race Mr. Read excelled himself by fracturing his leg. (After his fall he gallantly tried to ski down the mountain after a few sharp words from the skiing captain "Get up and ski you idle . . . !").

Mr. Vetch followed suit the next day and was also in plaster so the only LG competitors were then Messrs Falkner and Adderley. The latter could not resist the temptation to follow the trend and with great originality broke his wrist before the end of the meeting.

And then there was one. Mr. Falkner was by this time rather pessimistic about his chances of survival but somehow managed to escape injury and continued the races as an individual, finishing in the thirties out of a total of 108 in the Army Championships.

Although three-quarters of the team returned to Detmold in plaster a great deal of experience was gained and there is now a good basis on which to build a skiing team for next year.

Mr. Faulkner "airborne" at Ischgl

The Brick Trip 1972

by WOl C. B. Charters-Rowe

W.O.1 G.B. Charters-Rowe and his Brick/ Hanging Wanderers

The 1971 trip was so successful that it seemed to go without saying that we would again try to get as many Mess members as possible, both past and serving, to visit the Regiment for the Brickhanging ceremony in 1972.

So it was that on December 14, at one o'clock in the morning, our party was welcome at Bielefeld by SCM 'Nobby' Gibbs, SOMC 'Ginger' Reynolds. SOMC 'Danny' King and Master Cook 'Slim' Howard, to name but a few. After a 35 minute journey in a truly luxurious coach, equipped with refreshment we arrived at the Mess. Here we found a welcoming party in full swing and quickly renewed old friendships.

The RCM, a truly reformed character (so he says) asked us to leave at about 6 a.m. in order that the Mess could be cleaned up for the purpose of our visitBrickhanging.

At 1155 hrs the serving Life Guard members of the Mess, and those from UK, assembled in the ante-room, where they armed themselves with the traditional broom handles and started the parade into the main room to the renderings of 'Lloyd George knew my Father'. In the main room, awaiting the congregation, were ex-RCM A. W. Eason, MBE, RCM M. Young and three ex-RCMs and a Superintending Clerk, now commissioned.

Mr. Eason climbed the ladder for this his 9th-and-a-half occasion as Brickhanger and informed those present of the unsolicited praise that he had heard of the Regiment's achievements in the past year. He then addressed himself to those who had joined the Mess on promotion in the past year and told them .of the ceremony. Having toasted the Regiment and the Brick, Mr. Eason dismounted from the ladder to a chorus of 'For he's a jolly good fellow'.

The officers and the attached Mess members then joined the Mess and the normal series of Mess games commenced! !

This year the traditional game of Mess Rugby was played with a real ball, which had been signed by the 'All Blacks'. It would appear that a ball improves the game as it was twice as fast and even more dirty than the normal punch-up.

The celebrations continued well into the early hours (again) but creditably many appeared for breakfast.

Saturday morning saw the party shopping for home comforts or items to make their homecoming comfortable, and by the evening we had recovered sufficiently to start again. This time in the presence of the ladies. We had unfortunately missed the Christmas Pantomime performed by the ladies but having seen one of the stars (Mrs. Creighton) perform a few extracts, I am sure that another opportunity must arise.

On Sunday morning eleven Mess members showed what they were made of by beating 655 Aviation Squadron 3 goals to 1 in a fairly serious football match. It was Oh so nice to see SCM Lumb in the back four' lending his support to RO Collee the 'link man'. SCM 'Nobby' Gibbs scored one with a truly remarkable diving header. One feels that if the ball had not gone in to the net he would have been chasing whoever it was that pushed him!

After 'lunch!' the Mess turned up in force to see us off on the first leg of our return journey. We moved off in two mini-buses with a baggage vehicle in the rear. The RCM had very kindly presented us with a box of drinks 'for the road'.

We suppose that he thought it clever to supply spirits and thinners, but no glasses!

However, old stalwards like ex Corp Majors Dave Miller and Black Pat soon had the problem sorted out by half emptying bottles of lemonade and ginger ale and topping them up with the hard stuff.

The journey to the Hook was very

comfortable and according to tradition we managed to get the Dutch conductor and Buffet attendant fairly well oiled.

We arrived at the Hook at 2200 hrs and embarked on MV St. George. This was real luxury and can be recommended.

The sleeping cabins were gratefully by all and the crossing received unbelievably calm.

Those who made the trip were:Ex Members H. Martin, Esq. D. C. Miller, Esq. D. J McCoy, Esq. C. E. Oxberry, Esq. D. Pallinson, Esq. J. Prescott, Esq. D. Thobold, Esq. L. K. Thomas, Esq. C. M. Trindall, Esq. D. A. Turtle, Esq. S. Waterworth, Esq. Serving Members W01 G. B. Charters-Rowe W02 D. York W02 M. G. Holland SOMC C. E. Dean CoH W. Johnson L1CoH A. C. Etches L/CoH D. Rennie L/CoH D. W. Willis Footnote It is doubtful if it will be practical to organise a trip this year as it looks as if the date of Brickhanging will be 21 December, 1973. This would mean that unless we flew we would not get back until 24 December which is a lillie close to Christmas!

Whether we can fly or not solely depends on you and your support as quantity of numbers is the criteria. So if you are at all interested please contact me at RHO Household Cavalry, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AK, as soon as possible and at the latest by early September.

29

The Story of

COMBERMERE BARRACKS

by W02 C. W. Frearson

Foreground: Tlie old barrack square on which four new barrack blocks now stand-The two old barrack blocks flanking the green (now the square) with the Officers House in the background screened by chestnut trees-The tree, centre right is still surviving and was planted Circa 1800.

When the barracks we call 'Combermere' was being rebuilt in 1867, remnants or rhinoceros, mammoth, aurochs and several kinds of deer were found deep in the gravel below what is now the Headquarters Squadron Block. They were said to be the remains of animals which once roamed the Thames Valley in warmer times and before the last Ice Age reached this far south, about 20,000 years ago.

Some of these skeletal remains found their way to the Guildhall Museum at Windsor.

The site of the barracks is really within the old parish of Clewer and did not come within the bounds of the Royal Borough of New Windsor until relatively recent times.

In the thirteenth century, a leper hospital, dedicated to the Blessed St. Peter stood near here and is recalled in local history and on the Ordnance Survey map as 'Spital'-a word Shakespeare uses in Henry V to denote a leper hospital, the barracks itself is marked on early maps of Windsor as 'Spital' Barracks. In 1251, Henry In granted a purpresture of 120 acres to St. Peter's Hospital, but by 1445 leprosy had so diminished that Henry VI granted the original lands of St. Peter's to his newly founded Eton College.

The lands remained the property of Eton College until 1st January, 1800, when

30

16 acres were conveyanced to the Barrackmaster General for the purpose of building a barracks to house 400 men and horses. It should be said at this point that this was the first great barrack-building period of the Army's history. Ever since the Mutiny Act of 1697 the British Army had been billeted in ale-houses, a practise which was bad both for discipline and public relations. The Napoleonic Wars had swelled the Army to 700,000 men, most of them in England. These early barracks were largely Jerry built and the Spital Barracks were completed on 26th October, 1804. Standing largely astride the old Bourne Ditch, the boundary and water supply of the lepers, the buildings of the 1804 barracks were on the same foundations as those now occupied by the Headquarters Squadron Block and the Troopers' Dining Hall, with a small hospital on the site of what is now the Boiler House. The water supply came from the Bourne Ditch, which still flows from Highstanding Hill at Cranbourne, under the middle of the Barrack Square and the London Bus Depot, thence across Frogmore to join the Thames at Datchet. Lighting was by candles, stuck to the walls of the barrack rooms which measured 16 feet by 28 feet and were 10 feet high, in two storeys built above the stables. There were no married quarters

and the wives were permitted to live with their husbands in divisions of the barrack rooms. The streets of Windsor began at the end of Peascod Street and the barracks was surrounded by fields.

It was to this barracks, just completed on 26th October, 1804, that The Blues came. Nearer the town, in what is now Victoria Barracks, the first occupants were the Staffordshire Militia, who remained there for many years. This barracks was known as the 'Infantry' Barracks until 1900.

Kmg George III moved into permanent residence at Windsor Castle a week after the arrival of The Blues. He dressed almost invariably in a Captain's uniform of the Regiment and had his own Troop.

He frequently attended the early morning parades and inspected the Regiment; his visils were not always announced save by the Duty Trumpeter as the King entered the gate. When the Royal Salute was sounded, Officers and men paraded on the old Square (the site of the four smaller barrack blocks). He arrived one morning when the officers were at breakfast and, entering the old Officers House by the rear door, caught the Surgeon (McGrigor) -who was excused parades-breakfasting in carpet slippers and shirtsleeves. The Blues remained at Windsor until 14th June, 1821, as only two squadrons were employed

in the Peninsula Campaign and three in the Waterloo campaign. They thus spent 17 \ears in the Borough and had virtually :",:'-e:1 root.

From 1821 the 1st and 2nd Life Guards and The Blues rotated annually between Regents Park, Hyde Park and Windsor Barracks. In 1806, at Windsor, King George III formed the first band of The Blues and during the summer each Sunday every evening they played to the King and the local population on the terrace at Windsor Castle (North Terrace then). The 2nd Life Guards, who relieved The Blues at Windsor in 1821, caused much local annoyance by discontinuing these concerts and after much exhortation were compelled to renew the custom which has continued until today, albeit only when the Queen is in official residence and, of course, on Sunday afternoons.

On Saturday, 3rd December, 1864, Queen Victoria visited the Spital or (as it was by now called) the Cavalry Barracks.

She actually inspected the barrack blocks and the men's quarters, which she condemned for 'the lowness of the ceilings which were much too low for healthful ventilation'. If anyone could make the Barrack Office 'move' it seems to have been Queen Victoria. The phenomenal amount of £30,000 was spent on rebuilding the new barracks (exactly on the site of the old buildings) and the programme was completed in 1870. It was during this p~riod that the prehistoric animal remains were found.

The 1870 barrack blocks were much higher. Stables were on the ground floor and the two upper floors were connected by iron verandahs as a fire precaution. But the new barrack rooms measured 12 feet by 40 feet and the ceilings were 16 feet 8 inches high. I must add that the Bourne Ditch still supplied the water and the rooms were still candlelit. The men cooked their own rations (lib. bread, -JIb. beef or mutton and lIb. of either cabbage or potatoes-but not the latter both together).

A canteen for the men was built on the site of the present museum and 35 married quarters were built along the line of the present RHQ to the NAAFI Shop.

A new riding school was built in 1881 and is now all that remains of the old barracks. The cost of building it, and it has not altered at all in size, was £2,056.

Church parades in those days were followed by a kind of 'open day' on the barrack lawn, where the band played and the locals, especially children, flocked to sp~nd the afternoon. The Garrison Church of Holy Trinity was built between 4th April J 842, and 1844, Prince Albert laying the first stone.

In 1900 the Foot Guards, who apparently did not relish living in 'Infantry Barracks', sought and gained Royal permission to rename their barracks 'Victoria Barracks'.

At the time a detachment of the Ist Life Guards was stationed at the Cavalry Barracks. Unable to find a more revered name than Victoria (except The Almighty) they sought and

gained permlsswn to rename Cavalry Barracks as 'Combermere Barracks' after their Gold Stick of 1829-65.

The date of the 1st Life Guard Order announcing the renaming 'by Royal Permission' was 1st February, 1900, but the 2nd Life Guards and The Blues ignored this impertinence and continued to head orders and correspondence from 'Cavalry Barracks' when they were at Windsor.

In 1922 the 2nd Life Guards amalgamated with the 1st, but The Blues still continued to call the barracks by its old name.

Between 1953 and 1963 the barracks we now occupy was built in phases. The lawn disappeared first and became the Square, the Troopers Dining Hall replaced the old Officers House which was rebuilt on the southern end of eight acres of land once called the Barrack Field, which had been added to the original 16 acres in 1903, by purchase from the Bulkeley family.

The Main Gate of George IIJs old Spi ta I Barracks (1804-1870) became once again the Main Gate and the name 'Combermere Barracks' went up on the wall by the gate, so in the end the 1st Life Guards triumphed. But, be it Cavalry, Spital or Combermere Barracks, it has never been occupied by any other Regiments than the HOllsehold Cavalry except once. That was when the Kings Dragoon Guards was posted here to replace the 1st Life Guards who were alleged to have mutinied in 1892.

The Household Cavalry Museum VISITORS Just under 2,000 vIsitors signed the visitors book between 1st January and 31st December, 1972. This did not include organised parties such as schools, youth clubs, cadets, recruits, etc. Few visitors came from Windsor or the immediate vicinity.

Foreign visitors came from America, Australia, Brasil, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Jordan, Monaco, New Zealand, Portugal, Rhodesia, Sweden, Switzerland and Zanzibar. We hope to get assistance in advertising from the Ministry of the Environment this year and if the new annexe is complete we should expect to be able to report in 1974 that we are doing more to publicise the Household Cavalry to the million tourists who visit Windsor each year.

ACQUISITIONS The major items added were of course the 1927 Regimental Standard of the Royal Horse Guards and the 1954 Guidon of the Ist Royal Dragoons, which hangs in melancholy splendour in a place of honour.

By the generosity of Mrs. Betty Newman, on behalf of her late husband, Professor S. T. M. Newman, we have also acquired a rare R. H. G. Royal Cypher Standard of the reign of George IV and relics of Captain Simeon Hirst (RHG) who rose from Trooper to Captain between the r~igns of George III and Victoria.

RECORDS The library is now in all probability the most unique of its kind in any

Regimental museum in Britain. Officers records have been brought up to date during the past year and will be, it is hoped, completed in 1974. The only gaps to be filled are, Ist and 2nd Life Guards and Horse Grenadier Guards from 1714 to 1788; The Blues from 1714 to 1749, and The Royals from 1939 to 1969-(the latter almost complete up to 1945).

THE ANNEXE This building has four walls but no roof at the moment. Its main showcase, made to our own design and measuring 25ft. by 7ft. high is already being made.

We are desperately short of 17th and 18th century relics of The Royals but hope to get assistance from National museums.

THE DRY ROGER

Over the last quarter of a century, the Dry Roger has accompanied the regiment to the various theatres of the world where we have served. including latterly Belfast It was whilst in Bellast that the author c:ecided to do some research into the origin of what must be the best known bit of regimental property. Popular rumour Ilad it that it had been acquired in Germany at the end of the war, so various ex-officers were consulted, many of whom replied with useful information.

The general consensus of opinion was that in May, 1945, 1 and 2 HCR were in the process of reorganizing themselves into Life Guards and Blues. RHO and B Squadron LG occupied a rather nice house on the hillside above Goslar, in the Harz mountains and in this house, on a table in a bay window, stood the Dry an Roger. The house belonged to industrialist called Herr Greif, as presumably did the Dry Roger, but this was a time for the parting of the ways. Major Derek Cooper is generally credited with being responsible for the act of looting and sadly there is no substantiation to the rumour that an attempt was made, in 1950, to hand the Dry Roger back to Herr Greif. All that is known is that the house, visited last year by Major Norman Hearso;), is deserted and in poor repair now.

The Dry Roger is almost certainly

German and is carved, curiously, out of different bits of wood which have then been stuck together.

Colonel Tony Meredith-Hardy remembers soaking it in the bath in Palestine, where it was becoming too dry and finding in the morning to his horror that the glue had dissolved, leaving a form of 'Do it yourself' kit floating on the surface: Brigadier Muir Turnbull remembers attempting to add to parts of the couples' anatomy with carefully carved pieces of cork: Major Kenneth Diacre suggested that Jack Creswell looted it, the latter in turn suggesting Major Derek Cooper: Major 'Nipper' Wordsworth, however, suggests that A Squadron, not B or RHO, were responsible and removed the article to Wolfenbutlel from Goslar.

Anyway, the Dry Roger, at this momenl sitting on a table in the Ante-room in the Mess in Germany, subsequently travelled to England, Palestine, Egypt, Germany (several times) Aden, Cyprus, Malaya, Singapore and East Belfast. Ever since the lady had her leg chipped whilst travelling loose in Major Michael Young's car when returning from Cyprus, a special box was fashioned for safe transportation.

We hope that it will be with us for many years to come, taking it's place of honour with Marlow's painting of Horse Guards, and the silver rose bowl.

W.T.V.L.

OBITUARIES

Lance Corporal of Horse L. A. Durber It is with deep regret that we record the death on 21 st February, 1973, of L1CoH L. A. Durber.

Len Durber died as a result of injuries sustained on October 5th, 1972, whilst serving in Belfast. Although he never fully regained consciousness we shared with his wife and family the hope that his gallant struggle for life would be successful and we share now in their grief.

L/CoH Durber had been in the Regiment for six years and had served in Hong Kong, Germany, Windsor and in Northern Ireland three times.

All ranks The Life Guards extend their deepest sympathy to his wife Movita and their two children.

295261 Cpl PENNY, A.G. Joined 4th March, 1938, to 22nd March, 1946.

Died 11th February, 1972.

229443 Cpl CASE, H.C. Joined 2nd September, 1920, September. 1928, into 2LG. Died 18th September, 1972.

299297 Tpr CHURCH, L. Joined 16th November, 1914, August. 1922, into 2LG. Died 23rd November. 1972.

to

1st

to

28th

295122 CoH HOWITT, M.E. Joined 6th May, 1936, to 20th March, 1946.

Death notified but date unknown.

299734 COZENS, C.A. 2LG. Died 315t December, 1972.

296650 CoH KIDBY, D.A. Joined 3rd April. 1945, to 1st October, 1960.

Died 3rd January, 1973.

299523 Tpr BURTON, F. Joined 22nd May, 1923. to 28th July. 1930.

Died 15th January, 1973.

2190 Tpr BURTON, F. Joined 22nd May, 1923. to 28th July, 1930.

Died 15th January, 1973.

2190 Cpl HOGG, W. Joined 24th April, 1900, 1908 into 1LG. Died 29th January, 1973.

to

16th May,

2895 Tpr GREEVES, J. Joined 21 st March, 1912, to 29th April, 1919 into 1LG. Died 15th December, 1969.

NOMINAL ROLLS COMMAND SQUADRON

LAD

Regimental Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel S. E. M. Bradish-Ellames ajor S. C. Cooper

Captain P. T. Fletcher Lt W. Jones WOl (RCM) M. Young

Regimental Headquarters (Light) Troop CoH Maxwell LjCoH Booth LjCoH Riches LjCpl Rendell Tpr Ayres 428 Tpr Balls

Tpr Kusznierskl Tpr Goodall Tpr Rose Tpr Tuck Tpr Whitehouse

Squadron Headquarters Troop Major C. J. Simpson Gee SCM Julell LjCpl Lee Tpr Fitzjames

Tpr Harper Tpr Jobling 506 Tpr Chand ler

Recce Troop SOMC Reynolds CoH Hutchings LjCoH Jewell LjCoH Branney LjCpl Convey LjCpl Trench LjCpl Mayo LjCpl Siamon LjCpl McGuire LjCpl Allcott

Tpr Ellery Tpr Fitzpatrick Tpr Gale Tpr Mc Intyre Tpr McLaughlin Tpr Sidebotham Tpr Reilly Tpr Milner Tpr Cullen LjCoH Thoms Post

Provost CoH Theakston LjCpl Rimmer LjCpl Parsley Tpr Griffiths 608

Tpr Alexander 511 Tpr Needham Tpr Crossan

Dog Handlers LjCpl Bevan Tpr Fogg

Tpr Meakin Tpr Pattison

Trumpeters Tpr Carter

Tpr Owen

Training Wing CoH Black CoH Marsh

B SQUADRON Squadron Headquarters Troop Major A. B. S. H. Gooch Major J. B. Emson SCM Miles LjCoH Dunn LjCpl Denton LjCpl Jewell LjCpl Bailey LjCpl Cooper

Sqn Ldr Designate Tpr Marshall Tpr Darbey Tpr Dickinson Tpr Dagge Tpr Willis Tpr Wale

2Lt R. S. R. Mileham CoH Woodland CoH Mead LjCoH Brammer LjCpl Lodge Tpr Banks Tpr Dundavan Tpr Hyde

Tpr Karlson Tpr Knight Tpr Mansfield Tpr Wood 750 Tpr Murphy Tpr O'Caliaghan Tpr Wilford Tpr Wood 952

2 Troop 211 P. D. Metcalfe CoH Bishop CoH Cozens LjCoH Grant LjCpl Brownlee LjCpl Foster LjCpl Wilmot Tpr Brown 320 Tpr Dawson

Tpr Davey Tpr Hollingsworth Tpr Jackson 408 Tpr Jones 544 Tpr Liddell Tpr Ormiston Tpr Logue Tpr Wise

3 Troop

Orderly Room ORSOMC Henderson CoH Cherrington LjCoH Savage LjCoH O'Brien LjCpl Winter

LjCpl Mills LjCpl Butterworth Cfn Pendlebury Cfn Worrell

1 Troop Tpr Bingham Tpr Coggins Tpr Dillon Tpr Grant Tpr GriHllhs 426 Tpr McClung Tpr McRllchle Tpr Rogan Tpr Thorne

GW Troop Captain A. H. B. Imbert-Terry CoH Mitchell LjCoH Ingram LjCpl Wright LjCpl Imrie LjCpl Smith 989 Tpr Dangerfield 842

SjSgt Cooper Sgt Randall Sgt Collins LjSgt Sieling LjSgt Levitt

CoH Saunders

A SQUADRON

SOMC Kelly CoH Cummins CoH Williams LjCoH Saull Tpr Alexander 252 Tpr Anderson Tpr Johnston Tpr Mason

Tpr Matthews 773 Tpr Reynolds Tpr Ryder Tpr Smith 957 Tpr Steele Tpr Spencer 144 Tpr Wattace

Administration Troop SOMC Felles CoH Perry LjCpl Gibson LjCpl Goodall Tpr Gartside

Tpr Goodbody Tpr Pride Tpr Matthews 619 Tpr Snell

LAD Sgt Medlyn LjSgt Jolly LjSgt Miles LjSgt Sadkowski LjCpl Hope

Cfn Grant Crn Green Cfn Liversedge Cfn McCormack

Squadron Headquarters Troop Major W. T. V. Loyd Captain J. C. Gill SCM Wardell LjCoH Frazer LjCoH James LjCpl Lea LjCpl Belza LjCpl Dearden

Tpr Robertson Tpr Batch Tpr Burns 618 Tpr Coleman Tpr Gregg Tpr Jackson Tpr Lowry Tpr French Tpr Parkinson Tpr Mitton Tpr Rigby Tpr Rogers Tpr Walsh Tpr Warner Tpr Wragg Tpr Gibson Tpr Hatton Tpr Kranjnlk Tpr McKenzie Tpr Morris Tpr Phillips Tpr Soflley Tpr Wearing

2Lt s. D. G. Vetch CoH Land LjCoH Banks LjCpl Cavin LjCpl Howard Tpr Cinnamond Tpr Colley Tpr Colclough

Tpr Evans Tpr Fry Tpr Haywood-Percival Tpr Hollman Tpr Rhodes Tpr Rodwell Tpr Still Tpr Tucker

2Lt P. R. L. Hunter CoH Lawson CoH Richards LjCoH Milne LjCpl Brunning LjCpl Byrne Tpr Birkett Tpr Borkowski

Course UK Tpr Leach Tpr Mott Tpr Sheppard Tpr Viggers Tpr Webster

SOMC Hatto LjCoH Turner LjCoH Callard LjCpl Donnan LjCpl Richardson LjCpl Vidamour LjCpl Mills

Tpr Ellioll Tpr Gilling Tpr Jones 706 Tpr Kelly Tpr Neale Tpr Smith 161 Tpr Wells Tpr Wolczynski Tpr Gilbert Tpr Martin Tpr Mullen Tpr Ritchie Tpr Thompson Tpr Tomkins Tpr Underhill Tpr Webb Tpr Hardacre Tpr Matthews Tpr Mountford Tpr Peddle Tpr Powell Tpr Rae Tpr Seale Tpr Wifd

Administration Troop

Administration Troop

Lt c. A. Joll SOMC Mitcheson LjCoH Morgan LjCoH Creighton LjCpl Beck Tpr Barnes

Lt The Hon. N. J. Adderley CoH Keeys LjCoH Veal LjCpl Curzon LjCpl Gunning Tpr Berrisford Tpr Carter Tpr Clarke

3 Troop

3 Troop 2Lt D. StC. O. Bruton CoH Townsend LjCoH Jones 320 LjCpl Whet man LjCpl Burns LjCpl Balnaves Tpr Barnett Tpr Barratt Tpr Dunning

Tpr Bolsover Tpr Hallas Tpr Jones 267 Tpr Hartwell Tpr Stephenson

2 Troop

2 Troop Lt H. P. Read CoH Anderson LjCoH Willis LjCoH Ross LjCpl Coles LjCpl Williams Tpr Byron Tpr Ford

Major T. M. Hickman Lt J. W. M. Ellery SCM Deaville LjCoH Cruddace LjCpl Mason

1 Troop

1 Troop 2Lt N. P. Hearson CoH Slater CoH Stay LjCpl Thorpe LjCpl Belcher Tpr Bishop Tpr Chamberlain Tpr Davies

C SQUADRON Squadron Headquarters Troop

Tpr Bendall Tpr Gratton Tpr Hallum Tpr Petch Tpr Price Tpr Summers Tpr White

LAD

APTC

SjSgl Roberts Sgl Archibald LjSgt Dyckhofl LjSgt Yates L/Cpl Meadows L/Cpl Smallridge

L/Cpl Barnes LjCpl Robinson Cln Robertson Cln Rogers Cln Wain

HEADQUARTERS SQUADRON Squadron Headquarters Troop Major J. W. F. Fuller SCM Lumb SOMC Tonkings LjCoH Dickson LjCoH Redlord LjCpl Lister

LjCpl Harvey LjCpl Fildes Tpr Dickson Tpr Hugman Tpr Summerfield Tpr Moylan RHGjD

W02 Knight

R Signals Lt R. J. Holmes

ACC W02 Howard Sgl McDonald L/Sgl Blake L/Sgl Rlck!s LISgt Melville LISgt Holl ingsworth L/Cpl Smith LjCpl Turner LICpl Chandler L/Cpl Meechan

LjCpl Cape LICpl McKeown LjCpl Deacon L/Cpl Webster Pte Barrell Pie Columbeli Pte Gibson pte Hatch Pte Topp Pte Turner

aM's Troop CaDtain (aM) D. Charles ROMC Collee SOMC King SOMC Bayliss CoH Jordan CoH Davis LjCoH York

LjCoH Edge LjCpl Macdonald LjCpl Flounders LICpl Mallhews Tpr Bartlelt Tpr Bowen

aM (El's Troop Caplain (aM) J. W. Greaves ROMC (E) Howells SOMC Cornish SOMC Johnson CoH Shollon LjCoH Brandon RHGjD LjCoH Bourne LjCpl Harrison

L/Cpl Shortman Tpr Brown Tpr Droboll Tpr Gledhill Tpr Timson Tpr Warner Tpr Clayden

MT/Stalwart Troop Lt J. L. Morris CoH Charlell CoH Mcivor LjCoH Howell RHGjD LjCoH Webster L/CoH Allen L/CoH Jones 507 L/CoH Mangham L/CoH Monaghan L/Cpl slanilorth L/Cpl Thornlon LjCpl Creighton LjCpl Hollingdale LICpl Holt Tpr Ashworth Tpr B"gnali Tpr Bamard Tpr Beh Tpr Bowler Tpr Dobson Tor Faulds

Tpr Garbull Tpr Gallagher Tpr Hickling Tpr Hulbert Tpr Hutsby Tpr Jobling Tpr Jones Tpr King Tpr Lillie Tpr Mears Tpr Mitchell Tpr Moody Tpr Moseley Tpr Rogan Tpr Shaw Tpr Spencer Tpr Thompson Tpr Turton Tpr Welton Tpr Wright

Stables Troop SOMC Batey LjCoH Sherwin RHGjD LjCoH Siddle L/Cpl Leishman L/Cpl Ruane Tpr Barwick

Tpr Mack Tpr McGlede Tpr Dukes Tpr Desmond Tpr Westaway

Officers' Mess SOMC Taylor LICoH Skelly

Tpr Hall Tpr Lollhouse

WOS & NCOs Mess L/CoH Dlgney Tor Crawlord

Tpr Ridley

Medical Centre Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Slewart L/CoH Buckingham

L/CoH Annis LjCpl Borthwick

Orderlv Room Tor McAlpine Soldie,. temDorarlly delached: L/CoH Harris RHG/D Tpr Ayres 754 Tpr Boots Tpr Foley Tpr Mordecai

7 Armd Bde HO & Sig Sqn 4 Gds Armd Bde HO & Sig Sqn 4 Gds Armd Bde HQ & Sig Sqn 4 Gds Armd Bde HO & Sig sqn 20 Armd Bde HO & Sig Sqn

Attached Personnel

LAD Caolain P. G. Welsh W01 (ASM) R. L. Leeder s/Sot Buckingham ~/S!!t Kniqht s/S!'t Hathaway ~qt Wheally ~ql Carr Sql Hall S!!t Haram S!!t Newlon Sgl Ward Sgt Oliver Sot Gaqer LjSqt Cadger L/S!!t Penny LjSgt Moore L/Sgt 0' Mahoney L/sgt Washer L/S!!t Spark L/S!!t Mole LjSgt Jones L/Sgt Wilgaus LICDI Dennis

LjCpl Forsyth L/Cpl Glusing L/Cpl Millar LICpl Reeves L/Cpl Stenhouse LICpl Fraser LlCpl Eaqles Ctn Bavnham Cln Aldis Cln Clegg Cln Connor Cln Folev Cln Hawke Cln Marshall Cln Manser Cln McCusker Cln Murray Cln Pope Cln Thompson Cln Tong Cln Tweedle Cln Twisl Cln Maddy

RAPC CaDtaln R. W. B. Anthony W02 Croll LjSgt Graham

42

'JS!!t Buckley L/Sql Morrison LISgt Mills

THE BAND Captain (DoM) A. J. Richards TIM Dodson W02 Frost W02 Walthew SOMC Henslel CoH Marsden CoH Hocking LICoH Eden L/CoH Davies LjCoH Legge LjCoH Fletcher L/CoH Rose L/CoH Halstead LjCoH McOueen L/CoH Taylor LjCoH Wood L/Cpl Cooper L/Cpl Harman Musn Alien Musn Ball Musn Barnes Musn Bole Musn Campbell Musn Cooper Musn Dillon

Musn Dean Musn Edwards Mus" Fensom Musn Harl Musn Hearn Musn Hopkins Musn Jarvis Musn Lund M usn Manlleld Musn Mean Musn Morris Musn Nelson Musn Owen Musn Nichols Musn Nicholls Musn Norris Musn Pearce Musn Poland Musn Robinson Musn Slater Musn Szreider Musn Walls Musn Webb Musn Whitworlh

THE LIFE GUARDS MOUNTED SQUADRON Major C. N. Waworlh-Boolh Captain C. J. D'Oyly Ll A. P. D. De Riller Ll T. J. W. Howlell

Ll C. D. Horslall SCM Gibbs SOMC Reed

CoH Murnan CoH King CoH Stewartson CoH Goodyear CoH Savage CoH Miller CoH Nicklin CoH York CoH Williams LjCoH Palmer LjCoH Henderson L/CoH While L/CoH Park LjCoH Wright LjCoH Ellis L/CoH Strickland LjCpl Perry LjCpl Walsh LjCpJ Radlord LjCpl Horspool L/Cpl Flory LjCpl Cooper L/Cpl Carrington L/Cpl Meade LjCpl Abbotl LICpl Rothwell L/Cpl O'Grady L/Cpl Meyrick L/Cpl Swallow L/Cpl Lowton L/Cpl Sutherland L/Cpl Mackay

Troop CoH Farrier Farrier Troop CoH Troop CoH Troop CoH Troop CoH Troop CoH Troop CoH Sqn Stores Mellon Mowbray Trumpeter Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Sqn Clerk Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Riding School Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Troop NCO Course

Tpr Airey Tpr Allen Tpr Andrews Tpr Ayers Tpr Baker Tpr Beck Tpr Bevan Tpr Booth Tpr Brecknock Tpr Brennan Tpr Briggs Tpr Bryant Tpr Burns Tpr Carrington Tpr Carruthers Tpr Cochrane Tpr Cooper Tpr Crosby Tpr Davidson Tpr Decosemo Tpr Dillon Tpr Doe Tpr Edwards Tpr Evans Tpr Flaherty

Tpr Frawley Tpr Gore-Lioyd Tpr Greig Tpr Gynane Tpr Hawkins Tpr Hodlands Tpr Hughes Tpr Hunter Tpr Jones Tpr Key Tpr Lambert Tpr Leach Tpr Lawery Tpr Lockwood Tpr MacDonald Tpr McDonnell Tpr Meredith Tpr North Tpr Orchard Tpr Orwln Tpr Pace Tpr Payne Tpr Pond Tpr Powell Tpr Richards

Tpr Salisbury Tpr Sanderson 856 Tpr Sanderson 295 Tpr Scarff Tpr Simcocl: Tpr Sm 299 Tpr S ilh 797 Tpr Stockwell Tpr Ta Tpr T ".keYies Tpr Vickers

Trainees Tpr Magill T;>r Keenan Tpr Todd Tpr Yarrow Tpr Taylor Tpr McManus Tpr Jarvis Tpr White

Tpr Vince Tpr Whltemore Tpr Wilkinson Tpr Wood Tpr Williams Tpr Mills Tpr Brown Tpr Thomson Tpr Fellows Tpr Caslelow Tpr Kallasle Tpr Balmain Tpr Beer Tpr Barrett Tpr Machin Tpr Nammock Tpr Robertson Tpr Reed Tpr Taylor Musn Bole Musn Dillon

Coy Comd, Mons College

Household Cavalry Training Squadron Major S. V. Gilbart-Denham SOMC Hoare CoH Dugdale CoH Craig L/CoH Bunyan L/CoH Diamond L/CoH Polls

L/CoH Read L/Cpl Phillips L/Cpl Scully Tpr Granl Tpr Costain Tpr Reece Tpr Trench

British Military Delegation to France Major M. D. Pocock

BLO (RAC) Saumur

14th/20th King's Hussars Major H. D. E. Boyt

Air Sqn Ldr

Headquarters United Kingdom Land Forces Mejor (OM) E. Sant

OM. Camp HO

Household Division Captain R. J. Morrisey-Paine

Trainee Musicians Musn Sneider Musn Hart Musn Morris

Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst Major N. S. Lawson

-

Caplaln H. L. Schotter

RAC Gunnery Wing BAOR Captain C. J. Rodger

LIFE GUARDS REPRESENTATION IN HEADQUARTERS SQUADRON HOUSEHOL'D CAVALRY REGIMENT (Mounted) Lieulenanl Colonel W. R. Edgedale Veterinary Lieulenant Colonel B. F. Abraham Caplain V. A. L. Goodhew Caplain A. Jackson Captain C. S. Harcourl-Smlth W02 Walley W02 York W02 Varley SOMC Humphries SOMC Varley SOMC Bowden SOMC Brown SOMC Fincken SOMC Richards CoH Gook CoH Johnson CoH Perkins CoH Clough CoH Clark L/CoH Rhodes L/CoH We.lwood L/CoH McKie L/CoH O'Sultivan L/CoH Rymer L/CoH Frape L/eoH Davies L/CoH Jefferies L/CoH Hanson L/Cpl Ollon L/Cpl Mussell L/Cpl Holberry L/Cpl Simpson L/Cpl O'Connell L/Cpl Gries L/Cpl Klssock L/Cpl Scales L/Cpl Blackaby L/Cpl Wilkinson Tpr Adams Tpr Baleson Tpr Belhel Tpr Bolechela Tpr Davies Tpr Forward Tpr Gutlerldge Tpr Hanover Tpr Lloyd Tpr Pltman Tpr Smith 699 Tpr Springall Tpr Sturgess Tpr Wilson

Commanding Officer RVO Adlutant RM ROMC RCM Deslgnale RidinA Inslr Full Dress Store Master Tailor Riding Inslr Farrier Officers' Mes. Masler Saddler Medical Centre WOs & NCOs Mess Caterer Provost Orderly Room OM Stores OM Stores Provost Riding Instr Course Provost Foraoe NCO OM Stores Butcher Officers' Mess Officers' Mess MT OM Stores NCOs Mess Orderly Room Riding Instr Medical Centre Posl NCO CO's Groom Canteen NCO Remount Rider General Duties MT Saddler Provost Groom Adjt's Orderly Provost Provost Tailor NCOs Mess CO's Orderly MT Groom

LIFE GUARD OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED MA Moscow Regimental Headquarters Household Cavalry

2Lt P. R. Woods 2Lt N. J. D'Ambrumenii SOMC Close CoH Lloyd CoH Shaw CoH Norman L/CoH Elches L/CoH King L/CoH Lawrence L/CoH Plant L/CoH Rennie L/CoH Smilh L/Cpl Hunt L/Cpl Percy Tpr Bonarius Tpr Bridger Tpr Brown

JGW JGW JGW JGW JGW JGW

Tailor MT MI Room Clerk MT

Oxford University 2LI A. R. M. Bell

Magdalen College

HQ RAC 1 Br Corps W01 K. W. Iveson

RAC Centre W01 L. D. Strallord W02 Payne SOMC Griffilhs SOMC Orme SOMC Warne CoH Allen CoH Daysmith CoH Jolley CoH Jones CoH Leighlon CoH Whvte Tpr Hadfield

Gunnery School o & M School JLR JLR Gunnery School JLR RAC MDT JLR JLR o & M School JLR Gunnery School

Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) W02 Casey

1 Division Headquarters & Signal ReCliment W02 Lerwell

CoH Collier

Junior Tradesmen's Regiment, Rhyl SOMC Poynler

Roval Military Academy, Sandhurst SOMC Hales CoH McGloughlin

Provost Drill Instr

RAC Training Regiment SOMC Reynolds CoH Fitzgerald CoH Finney

Army Air Corps SOMC Skyring CoH Dean CoH Whelan CoH Beel L/CoH Baxler L/Cpl Cousins Tpr Burke Tor Killby Tpr Richardson

655 Squadron 661 Squadron 651 Squadron 7 Reqiment 655 Squadron 660 Squadron 651 Squadron 660 Squadron 7 Regiment

Motor Vehicle Experimental Establishment (Aldershot)

L/CoH White L/CoH Archibald L/Cpl Hale L/Cpl Starling Tpr Mlddlemas

HQ London District L/CoH Blake CoH Henderson

HQ 7 Armoured Brigade CoH Newens

Army School of Education, Beaconsfield

RAC Ranges, Castlemartin CoH Pearson

A. D. Meakin

Household Cavalry Regiment (Mounted) (Holdee Strength) Maior J. W. Barnes

BRIXMIS CoH Johnson

Recruiters

Joint Warfare Establishment MaJor H. A. M. Pyman

Headquarters 4th Guards Armoured Briqade DAA & OMG GS03 (Int)

L/CoH Harrison

Army Apprentices College, Arborfield

Lieutenant Colonel (Staff OM)

MaJor A. J. Hartigan Captain J. R. Bedells

RLO

Guards Depot

W01 D. Benlley

Brigadier E. M. Turnbull. OBE Colonel H. D. A. Langley, MBE W01 G. B. Charters-Rowe W02 Holland CoH Dean CoH Smith CoH Enqlishby

Stalf Capfain

Royal Brunei Malay Regiment

CoH Alderson CoH Brown CoH Friend CoH Hooper L/CoH George

Sioke-on-Trent Liverpool Preston Manchester Sioke-on-Trent