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THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

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SUPPLEMENT No. 2—PAGE TWO

THE

EAGLE

T/le Regimental Journal of

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

MIDDLE EAST

JUNE, I953

LIST OF CONTENTS

EDITORIAL

.

ROYAL CANADIAN DRAGOONS’ REUNION ARMOURED CARS IN WITHDRAWAL

COLONEL HAWKERS’ DIARY .

POLO NOTES FISHING

A JOURNEY TO JORDAN SHOOTING NOTES

JORDAN IN SPRINGTIME SKI-ING IN THE LEBANON

BAND NOTES THE GRAND MILITARY GOLD CUP) 1953

A VISIT TO THE IRAQI LEVIES SPORTING NOTES:

SQUADRON NOTES: CRICKET “A” SQUADRON HOCKEY “B ” SQUADRON RUGBY “C” SQUADRON BOXING “D” SQUADRON SWIMMING “ HQ.” SQUADRON WATER POLO M.T. TROOP NOTES FOOTBALL Q.M. NOTES BOYS’ SQUADRON R.A.C. LIGHT AID DETACHMENT SERGEANTS’ MESS NOTES SIGNAL TROOP .

\L.

R

REGULAR FORCES’ EMPLOYMENT THE GUIDON I E. G. VOZL'IL’S, R.Q.M.S, 7. B, Old, 5.51M. W.

FIFE AND FOREAR YEOMANRY ASSOCIATION O.C.A. NOTES REGIMENTAL GAZETTE

THE

JOURNAL OF

THE ROYAL

DRAGOONS THE

JOURNAL

OF THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

.39“ 31cm majesty (Eaten film: It was with great sorrow that the Regiment learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Mary on 25th March, 1953.

Queen Mary’s death will be specially mourned by all past and present Royal Dragoons for the keen and continued interest she always showed in our activities since the days her brother, Prince Francis of Teck, served in the Regiment.

*

EBITORIAL

The second appearance of The Eagle as an Annual marks the completion of another year in the Middle East. Although the last year has passed without the disturbances and excitements of the previous one, it has been no less full, and we have had twelve crowded months of Military and Sporting activity to look back on.

The keynote of the year, without a doubt, has been Regimental Training; we have taken part either as allies or enemy in the three Divisional exercises held in the Zone, as well as many others at Regimental and Brigade level. These were all excellent experience and enabled us to make up for the six months we had spent on Internal Security duties, when Tactical Training was impossible. The many lessons we learnt and the increased confidence which came with each successful battle were no less gratifying than the messages of apprecia— tion we received from various Commanders.

Exercise Longbow II, which took place in Sinai in March, marked the climax of a most successful training season which even the age and decrepitude of our armoured cars could not spoil.

In sport too, it has been an outstanding year.

The Regimental football team have had their best season on record, and every past and pre— sent Dragoon will join in congratulating them on winning, among other trophies, the Army Cup. This came as a just reward for many seasons of untiring effort on the part of Major Lewis and R.S.M. Edwards.

New laurels for mounted sports have also been won both on the racecourse and the polo ground. Our polo team’s unbroken record of

*

Wins throughout the season, and Major Fielden’s success in the Grand Military Gold Cup, are mentioned elsewhere in this Journal.

Our Waterloo Day celebrations last year included a ceremonial parade at which Lieut— General Sir Francis Festing, G.O.C. British Troops in Egypt, inspected the Regiment. After the inspection, the Guidon was trooped in slow time past the Regiment, the bearing of the escort being specially noteworthy during this exacting manoeuvre.

In August we were visited by General Sir John Harding during his tour of the Middle East, shortly before he assumed his appointment as C.I.G.S. The anniversary of the battle of El Alamein was observed as a Regimental holiday, and the Inter—Squadron Athletics Championship for the Scissors Cup was held.

This was won by “HQ.” Squadron by a convincing margin.

R.S.M. Edwards and S.S.M. Baker were among a party from the Canal Zone who attended a memorial service at the Cemetery at El Alamein on that day.

Major Graham left us in January to relieve Major Greaves as Training Oflicer of the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, and was succeeded as Second—in—Command by Major Massey, who had just returned from the U.S.A. Our congratulations go to C01. R. C. G. Joy on his marriage on 16th April.

Although opportunities for leave have been few, a number of members of the Regiment have managed to find their way, on duty or otherwise, to various parts of the Middle East, and some of their journeys are described in

Lieut.—General Sir Francis Feasting at the Waterloo Day Parade

these pages. These expeditions provided a wel— come and popular relief from the monotony of the Canal Zone, and it is hoped that the articles describing them will perform the same function in this Journal. .

The Regiment is being represented on the Coronation procession from the Abbey by a party of seven, under Major Houstoun. R.S.M. Edwards will carry the Guidon.

By the time the next Eagle appears, we will be somewhere in Germany. Although our exact destination is not yet firm, we are looking forward to a visit from the Old Comrades where— ever we may be. at

*

‘A'

An Officer’s Sabre—tache and pouch bearing the monogram of William IV have been generously presented to the Oflicers’ Mess by Major P. Massey, M.C. They originally be— longed to Capt. W. Eccles, who left the Regi— ment in 1826. *

*

KING

GEORGE VI NATIONAL MEMORIAL FUND

The Regiment contributed {125 to this fund: the following acknowledgement was received from the Secretary:—

KING GEORGE IV NATIONAL MEMORIAL FUND Telephone: The Mansion House, Mansion House 2500 London, E.C.4.

Secretary: W. H. Nevill 19th November, 1952.

Dear Colonel Fitzpatrick, Your letter of the 28th October, addressed to the Lord Mayor and enclosing cheque for £125 for the Memorial Fund has been received.

I have pleasure in enclosing a formal receipt and Sir Leslie Boyce asks me if you will be good enough to convey to all ranks under your command his sincere thanks for their most generous response to his appeal.

'k

In conclusion, we would like to express our thanks for all the Regimental Journals we have received from other Regiments, and especially to the “dear old Greys ” for so gracefully acknowledging that we really are the First Dragoons.

Yours sincerely, W. H. NEVILL Secretary.

LL—Col. G. R. D. Fitzpatrick,

D.S.O., M.B.E., M.C., Commanding Ist The Royal Dragoons.

THE

JOURNAL

OF

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS THE

ROYAL CANADIAN DRAGOONS REUNION, 1952

The R.C.D. Guard of Honour for Sir Winston Churchill

Under ordinary circumstances it might be considered eccentric to drive a thousand miles out to dinner. In this case the end definitely justified the means for it is not often that anyone in the Royals has the opportunity to attend a reunion of our sister Regiment.

Indeed the writer is the first senior officer of the Regiment to have had the good fortune.

Leaving Fort Knox, the “ Home of Armour,” we travelled via Cincinatti and Detroit to spend the night at Windsor just across the Canadian border. Our party consisted of the Canadian Liaison Officer at Fort Knox, Major Mills, Lt.— Col. Dailey, an American Officer, and myself.

This left the British once more holding the balance of power while the two North Americans argued with each other over the merits of their respective countries. International relations were somewhat strained when

our ally discovered that the American dollar is worth five cents less than the Canadian. Undiplornatic references by Major Mills to the debased currency of neighbouring states did little to help.

Next day we drove along the shores of Lake Ontario, through Toronto to Kingston. Here we were most hospita‘bly entertained at the Canadian Staff College. In Kingston we were shown over the Staff College, and the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers’ School and the Royal Military College. All, of course, are based upon British practice and the general routine is almost identical with similar British Army institutions.

However, one could not but be impressed with the magnificent military buildings which are everywhere being built. Barrack rooms, institution rooms, messes, and amenities are on the most lavish

jOURNAL

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and luxurious scale. Everything added up to the impression that Canada is the country of the future.

In due course we completed the last lap of the journey and arrived at Petawawa. The Officers’ Mess of the Royal Canadian Dragoons overlooks a magnificent view of the Ontario River, which is an arm of the inland sea, per— haps two or three miles Wide. The Mess garden overhangs a steep wooded decline running down to the river which nature has thoughtfully pro— vided with sandy shores ideal for bathing.

Should swimming fail to appeal, the river also caters for the yachtsman and the angler. The Mess itself is a spacious building, most comfortably furnished and decorated with numerous trophies and pictures of Regimental interest.

I was informed almost apologetically by the CO, Lt.—Col. J. F. Merner, that this building was not good enough and was shortly to be replaced by something better. It was already obvious that only the superlative is good enough for the R.C.D.’s.

“C” Squadron of the Regiment is in Ger— many and the unit at Petawawa consists of HQ. and three squadrons. The squadrons were in camp a few miles away.

The next morning we visited these Squadrons.

“A” Squadron, commanded by Major 1. G. Price, were under canvas by the edge of the Ontario River, and “ B ” Squadron, cotnmanded

by Major A. L. MacDonald, were camped on the edge of a game reserve, which is apparently the exclusive hunting ground of the Regiment.

Both squadrons were in surroundings which millionaires would pay large sums to share.

Every form of shooting and some of the best fishing in the world are not normal adjuncts to a military training area. This, combined with the generous rates of pay, may partly explain why the Canadian Army has no difficulty in maintaining itself on a volunteer basis.

That afternoon we were the guests of the Sergeants’ Mess. R.S.M. Price greeted us. Born in Middlesex it was evident that his 24 years’ service has done him no harm. Some N.C.O.’s had known the Royals in Italy and almost all had been in England during the war. Hospitality, as always in Canada, was lavish, and the extremely potent liquid refreshments made conversation easy if progressively less coherent.

Happily the old horsed days provided the main topic and since the R.C.D.’s used to provide the majority of ceremonial escorts in pre—war times there was no lack of equine anecdotes.

The afternoon passed all too soon and left barely sufficient time to change for dinner.

THE

ROYAL

Lt.—Col.

DRAGOONS

Merner

(C.O.),

Major-General

114mm

Colonel The R.C.D.) and Major Massey at Camp Petawawa.

Ninety—two past and present officers of the Regiment sat down to a meal that was all that could be desired. After the Loyal toast, the Director of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, Colonel Chubib, proposed the health of the Royal Canadian Dragoons to which the CO. replied. General Mann proposed the toast of the Royal Dragoons to which your correspondent had the honour to respond by conveying the best wishes of Colonel Wilson FitzG-erald and the Royals to our sister Regiment, expressing the hope that the two regiments should be afforded an opportunity to get together in B.A.O.R., perhaps in 1954, and by congratulat— ing 21 Providence that had the good sense to affiliate the best Regiment of the British Army and the best Regiment of the Canadian Army.

After raising our glasses to Fallen Comrades the dining room was abandoned and the party continued on the Mess terrace which afforded an excellent view of the Northern Lights, which may or may not have been in the sky. By five o’clock it was time for the more intrepid to go fishing. Canadians evidently hibernate in winter since sleep is a practice unknown to them during the kinder seasons of the year.

The Regiment, as might be expected. is ex— tremely well turned-out and smart. After two years in the United States where these things

6

THE

JOURNAL

OF

are not considered particularly important, it was a very real pleasure to witness the high stand— ard of saluting and the extremely confident bearing of the men. The past history of the R.C.D.’s would lead one to expect the high standard achieved in the present.

It is unfortunate that the Atlantic Ocean and the still more restrictive financial chasm should prevent the exchange of officers and men be— tween our two regiments.

It is doubly unfortunate that the Royals should be in M.E.L.F. when the R.C.D.’s have a squadron in B.A.O.R.

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

Quite apart from the desirability of maintaining by every possible means the links between the countries of the Commonwealth it is a cir— cumstance of great good fortune that the Royals and the Royal Canadian Dragoons can find so much in each other of which to be justifiably proud. It is to be hoped that our next move will take us into the vicinity of the R.C.D.’s so that we may offer to our guests in Europe some part of the hospitality which they certainly ex— tended to any of us in Canada.

ARMOURED CARS IN WITHDRAWAL In the past it has not been the practice for the British Army to study and train for a withdrawal. There has always been a feeling that the mere mention of withdrawal savours strongly of defeatism and in consequence that its study is bad for morale. Viewed rationally, this is a dangerous and alarming example of the fool habit of burying one’s head in the sand. (This metaphor comes to mind all too easily in an Egyptian spring). In fact, the successful con— duct of withdrawal is one of the most skilled operations of war—one in which our former opponents, the Germans, were highly adept.

It is of interest to note that even in our post— war manuals the space devoted to withdrawal is one half of that allotted to the attack. This is a reflection of the last war when we attacked frequently and successfully, and withdrew, mercifully, less frequently but certainly less successfully. There is nothing immoral about withdrawing; the indecency obtrudes only when the withdrawal is mismanaged and becomes a retreat.

There is always a danger of this happening and it can only be avoided by training and the resultant skill. In any event the opening stages of the next major war, or any war against a totalitarian power, will involve withdrawal in some theatre. . This is quite inevitable. No democracy or alliance of demo— cracies can afford initially to match the forces of

an aggressor.

The purpose of these paragraphs is to describe the part that armoured cars will be required to play in a planned withdrawal. It is a commonplace that the principal role of armoured cars is reconnaissance. This dictum does not, however, exclude other tasks; and

such is the organisation of the field force, the employment of armoured cars in a delaying role in a withdrawal will be essential. This will

involve a highly skilled and specialised technique.

There are two distinct methods by which armoured cars can impose delay on an advancing enemy. Firstly, they can oppose his advance frontally. The degree in which this can be effective depends on the terrain and the tank strength of the enemy advanced guard. How— ever, even in open desert armoured cars, with good guns and when skilfully handled, can produce surprisingly good results.

Secondly, armoured cars can attack the flanks of the advancing columns, as it were the wooden haft of the enemy’s spear. This tactic is, of course, more easily achieved in desert than in close country. When practicable it has a most devastating effect, since important supply columns and headquarters are highly vulnerable. To counter this threat the enemy will be compelled either to subtract from the tank strength of his advanced guard, or to halt and deploy his local anti-tank defence.

In the first method success depends on the selection of good positions and the right decisions when to open fire, and, later, when to evacuate the position.

The appropriate mixture of shot and shell Will always cause an advanced guard to pause to take thought, and often compel it to deploy. If a Squadron is operating on a narrow front it may be able to leap-frog its troops through each other; more often, however, troops will not be covered, and will be responsible for selecting their own rearward positions; this is the important responsibility of the Troop Sergeant.

The distance between delaying positions will, of course, vary with the terrain, but it will also be affected by the extent of deployment of the enemy advanced guard.

If the enemy is advancing on a wide front only the stronger

THE

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positions will be effective; on the other hand, if he is moving undeployed almost any accident of ground can be used to advantage. The principle is to oppose the enemy wherever and whenever possible. The use of mines and minor obstacles will be of the greatest value.

Armoured cars cannot hold a position in the face of attack for a specified period, and they should not be invited to do so. If given a free hand, however, they can achieve much.

The second method demands an ability to operate on a long and unprotected L. of C. The right choice of targets and speed of action will make for success. Air supply may be a necessary adjunct in this type of operation.

Throughout withdrawal operations armoured cars may often find themselves co—operating with other arms, and they may repeatedly with— draw through demolition belts. This calls for

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

7

a detailed knowledge of all-arms tactics and in particular the procedure concerning the firing of tactical demolitions. It may happen that armoured car officers will be charged with the responsibility of ordering these demolitions to

be fired.

To sum up, armoured cars require the following capabilities and dharacteristics: (a) Tactical skill, (b) Offensive spirit, (c) Knowledge of other arms tactics, (d) The right equipment.

This Regiment, and indeed all armoured car regiments, can provide the first three, but the last is more difficult. At present the Regiment is reorganising so that each Troop includes one heavy armoured car to provide the necessary fire power. What is really needed is the issue to Regiments of the new armoured car.

A JOURNEY IN JORDAN Early in February a party consisting of Lts. Bradish—Ellames and Lewis, Tpr. Baird and Cfn. Bradshaw of the L.A.D. flew to Aquaba on the North Eastern shore of the Persian

Gulf.

At Aquaba we collected two Jeeps with trailers and set off to reach the fabulous Wadi Rumm at sunset. The Wadi leads off an open mud flat some ten miles long. Huge sections of sandstone rise vertically from the gently sloping sand, until after a few miles one is driving down a vast corridor of rock, the sides of which rise a thousand feet on either side. Here two hundred feet up the Western side is the spring. Below, guarding the water hole is an Arab Legion fort.

The fort savours of “Beau Geste” and the French Foreign Legion. A sentry on the watch tower covered the Sergeant who came out to indentify and greet us. Later as we sat in the Guest Tent drinking sweet mint tea the sentry was relieved for a few moments so that he too might welcome the travellers. There are still Ibex at Rumm, but our hosts were quick to explain that townsmen in Jeeps and lorries had massacred many to provide trophies for tourists.

There were still Gazelle to be seen far into the Wadis away from the beaten track.

Early next morning we were somewhat surprised to see an Arab heading towards our camp, but managed to persuade him to stay for breakfast. As luck would have it some of our

“ration” eggs were bad and so, as there were not enough to go round, there was a tremendous pantomime of “ Bacon good for Ingleesee.”

“Bacon no good for Arabee” all in very ele— mentary Arabic. All through this performance, Lt. Lewis who had taken on the duties of host sat shivering cross—legged in duffle coat and pyjamas.

Later we pushed on hoping to get to Mudawara in a couple of hours, but had not bargained with the winter rains. The mud flats that Lawrence of Arabia’s armoured cars used to race down at 50 miles an hour had been turned into lakes. The going on either side, between lake and escarpment, was very rough, causing us to drive at walking pace.

The legionaires in the fort at Mudawara had been warned of our arrival by wireless from Rum and had bowls of ice—cold water ready for us to wash in. Refreshed we sat crosslegged with our hosts. One sang while grinding the coffee, occasionally beating time with his pestel on the brass bowl, whilst the others would join in the chorus. These most hospitable folk were upset when we moved on after some forty minutes. That night we brewed up at Tuluh El Shaan station. This station, like Ramla near where we slept, was attacked by Lawrence. The old Turkish earthworks are still there and the ruins of the station are probably untouched since the Hejaz railway was put out of action in the First World War.

A

JORDAN IN SPRINGTIME Lts. Ashton and Burnside made another expe dition to fordan, with L/Cpl. Russell, of the L.A.D., and Tpr. Powell. The following accou nt shows that it was not always “ plain sailing.”

“It’s going to be a real picnic,” I said to L/Cpl. Russell, as we drove out of Aquaba in the warm sunshine. It had all been so simple— the four of us had flown in that morning, signed for the two jeeps and trailers, and drawn our rations for 14 days and 20 jerrycans of petrol. After a quick lunch at the N.A.A.F.I. we set oil to Wadi Musa in high spirits.

The next morning we took to horses somewhat less confidently than we had to jeeps, and made our way to Petra. Already ancient in Roman times, this capital of the Nabateans was

an impregnable stronghold dominating the caravan routes from Syria and the Red Sea. It lies in a huge irregular bowl to the south of the Wadi Musa, hidden by great sandstone cliffs and crags, through which some seven or eight defiles connect it with the outside world. In the sides of these defiles the ancient inhabitants made their tombs, carving them out of the red cliff face. Nearer the centre of the bowl, and by the sides of the stream that runs through its floor, the tombs give way to houses and public buildings, some conventional but most of them carved out of the rock, their entrances marked by columns and facades in the red sandstone.

We entered Petra by the track from Wadi Musa village; this led us through a crack in the towering cliffs, by a narrow path but six or

The Treasury at Para.

All too soon came preparations for the journey South. On leaving Amman there was the first mechanical breakdown. Unfortunately it was rig-ht in the centre of the bazaar. Every— one decided to help in his own capacity, but one more forceful than the rest grabbed the tools front a protesting Cfn. Bradshaw, and murmuring “Jeepo in T.J.F.F.*” had the car—

burettor in small pieces in a flash, inextricably mixed with shaving kit in a washbowl.

Eventually and miraculously, the Jeep went.

The party was expected at the cavalry barracks in Kerak, but the Corporal of the Guard insisted that the guests be entertained until the rooms were quite ready. For three hours we trudged about looking first at the old Crusader Castle, then in turn at the market, the police station, the three churches, the football pitch, until eventually we politely refused to be shown all over the modern Italian hospital.

The next day consisted of the most arduous driving over the most fantastic mountain country. For nine miles at a time down winding tracks, then nine miles up again to be repeated at varying intervals. At sunset we arrived at ‘Wadi Musa police post and straightway organised ponies for a visit to the old city of Petra in the morning.

Petra was not a great success. The corridor six feet wide between sheer rock was still there but the human element let us down. The pony boys were in poor form. The guide could not speak English, nor it seemed Arabic, but chattered cheerfully away in Italian or Latin, which he honestly believed to be English.

All this was driven from our minds by the breath—taking moon-like scenery on the final stage of the trip down to Aquaba. Once in Aquaba we were back in the warm weather, the annual swarm of locusts and the familiar British voices. *TransJordan Frontier Force.

Looking towards the Dead Sea from the Crusader Fort at Kcrah.

The Arab Legion hospitality is boundless.

While we were with them everything we could need was at our disposal—a police guide in Jerusalem, letters of introduction to the police officer in any district we chose to visit.

DRAGOONS

2.

The last day of the journey North we motored into Azrack. By this time we had done some 350 miles and had only passed four forts or Villages on the whole trip. In the evening we motored into Amman and civilisation.

ROYAL

4.

On Thursday we pushed on hard North East.

At mid-day we were forcibly stopped by a garrulous old Arab who insisted on giving us tea. Disconsolate when we refused his invitation he stood in front of our Jeep sending his family running in all directions. The tea came to the Jeeps.

Later in the day we crossed the mud flats south of Jafr and could just see the fort dancing in the mirage. That night we slept in the lee of one of the three low hills of the Eastern Desert known as “The Sisters.” It was some 4,000 feet above sea level; the weather was bitterly cold by any standards, and blowing half a gale.

THE

JORDAN

OF

IN

JOURNAL

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Canal South Major League Championship, .' 3.1. Hooker (Trainer), Tpr. Kelly, Cfn, Booth, Tpr, Ryltmds, Tpr. Canning, Tpr. Paul, Tpr. Thomas and Cpl. Brooks. av, Cfn. Birch, Sgt. Lloyd , Lt.—Col. G. R. D. Fitzpatrick, D.S.O., M.B.E.. M.C., R.S.M. Edwa rds, Major C. W. 7. Lewis, M.B.E., L/Cpl. Fulton, Tpr. Greenaway and Tpr, Sheppard.

lY/imzerx :

Army (Egypt) Association Challenge Cup 1952/53; Inter—Services Cup Winners Challenge Cup 1952/53;

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eight feet wide.

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Above us the walls rose sheer

for hundreds of feet, sometimes allowing a narrow strip of sky to show and sometimes completely overhanging the path. Along the sides of the walls, the old aqueduct may still be seen, which once supplied Petra’s water from the Wadi Musa stream.

The ravine suddenly opened out in front of us into the central bowl, bringing us in full view of the finest of all the remaining buildings.

Behind a vast pillared entrance, like the front of a Greek temple carved out of warm red rock, lie a series of halls and chambers hewn deep into the cliff, their walls and ceilings showing the changing colours of the sandstone like veining in red marble.

High on the mountainside, past more pillars and reliefs, are perched the tombs of the Nabatean Kings, and beyond them a castle said to have been built by some Pharaoh’s daughter. On another peak is the reputed tomb

of Aaron, and close by in later years the Crusaders built a stronghold. On the highest crag of all is a place of sacrifice, a high altar that must have been in use three or four thousand years ago.

When the Crusaders left, Petra fell into decay, and now only poor Beduins live there ready to pounce on passing tourists.

We left Petra, “the rose red city half as old as time,” magnificent and intriguing in spite of the rain which was falling, and the next day drove north along the mountain track. We ran into snow after five miles—seven hours and 15 miles further on we were completely stuck

in a four—foot drift 5,500 feet up.

More snow came fl‘urrying down and then the dark. After the bitterest night any of us could remember (jeeps are not draughtproof!) we managed to get the jeeps alone through the worst of the drift. The next step was to unload the trailers and then carry and drag first the kit and then the trailers up to the jeeps. The four of us could just move a trailer a few feet at a time between pauses for breath, and eight hours had passed by the time we had the trailers unloaded and hitched on to the jeeps once more. By this time it was almost dark and we decided that our only chance of getting on was to drive at night whilst it was freezing —melting slush and mud was one thing the jeeps couldn’t take.

The 80-mile drive to Kera‘k, our next stop, was a nightmare. The rough track clung to steep mountainsides and zig—zagged in a succession of tight hairpin bends, and it was after midnight when we arrived.

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While we were manhandling the trailers to park them. in the courtyard of the police post, there was a shout and a crash. I turned just in time to see the tail of Burnside’s jeep going over the edge of a drop, and heard it crash down below.

I scrambled over the edge to find the jeep upside down, IO feet below the road: Burnside, by the grace of

God, had been throwu clear, and I found him a few yards away. Kerak luckily has the only hospital for scores of miles in any direc-

tion, and we got him there in 20 minutes.

After seeing him examined and in bed, I returned to the police post much in need of a large, strong drink!

The rest of us spent the night in a police barrack room. The next 36 hours were spent in telephoning, sorting out the patient and the jeep. A loo—mile round trip to Amman produced an R.A.F. doctor and spares for the jeep, which L/Cpl. Russell repaired by torchlight. We then learnt that Lt. Burnside had broken three ribs and couldn’t move for ten days, so the three of us left for Amman with

the R.A.F. doctor.

We got through the Wadi Majib—2,ooo feet down, the same up again, one and a half miles as the crow flies, and 18 as we drove, then first one jeep and next the R.A.F. doctor’s Landrover skidded off the road, fortunately with no harm done, although the jeep had landed on its side. It was a pretty shaken party that arrived at the R.A.F. station, Amman, that night.

After visiting the Arab Legion Armoured Car Regiment at Zarqa, we went on to Jerusalem, where we discovered that Tank—suits are not waterproof, having driven most of the way through rain and hailstorms! Warm sunshine in Jerusalem made us feel human again: we put on civilian clothes and turned tourist for the day. Our next stage was back to Amman and north to Mafraq.

Here we met the Gamelry for the first time—in the mountains the police had been horsed and at Kerak we had watched them tent-pegging from seven to eight every morning. The Badi police on their camels and wearing their sheepskin—lined scarlet cloaks, with pistols, bandoliers and daggers were a striking sight. Nearly all of them had the long hair and great natural dignity of the true Beduin.

Following the Baghdad road east towards the Lava belt, L/ Cpl. Russell’s jeep shed a wheel and ploughed 300 yards across the boulder strewn ground. The wheel nuts had sheared, and the resulting damage compelled us to limp

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back to Mafraq. Again, a round trip to Amman provided the necessary spare parts.

Roadworthy once more, we struck south—east the next day, making good a 150 miles across the desert.

It was just after dark by the time we reached Bayir in a thunderstorm with brilliant pink lightning. The garrison of six men of this isolated post greeted us with true Arab hospitality, laying out rugs for us to sit on and giving us first coffee and then tea. Our hands were washed and food of all sorts was set before us. It was a warm and friendly evening, and we were sorry to leave these kindly people the next morning.

We drove on south and east, to see parts of the desert that were but rarely Visited. As we went south the going got steadily worse until the surface became a mass of sharp ' flinty pebbles. The cover ripped off one tyre and another was badly cut. Then two punctures followed in quick succession. Leaving L/ Cpl. Russell and Powell with their jeep and the trailers, I loaded all the remaining good tyres and spare petrol on my jeep to drive back

BAND Having survived the trials and tribulations of the Canal Zone for eighteen months, including two Christmases and two Easters, with little or no bad effects, we now feel that the end of the tour is in sight and are eagerly looking forward to the return home of the Regiment. By all accounts we will have plenty of work to do in the meantime; we attach no credence, however, to a report recently printed in “ A1 Misri ” that Bands in the Zone are already packing up and rehearsing for the evacuation of the Zone, and we would also like to deny emphatically that “ Al Misri ” is the non«de-plu.me of a past member of the Dance Orchestra!

At long past the Band is able to appear in public and on parade in the much-discussed “No. I Dress.” We wore it for the first time when we were asked to play at the Commander— in-Chief’s residence last winter during the visit of the South African Minister of Defence. The final fitting of ”the new uniform was not without its snags, chief amongst which was the expan— sion of L/Cpl. Brown since he was first measured for it in Germany some three years ago!

We have also been issued with the Summer No. 3 White Tropical Dress, which we expect to be wearing before these notes appear in print.

Last summer saw the Band performing at

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west to collect the spare wheels we needed to complete our journey.

Setting off just after midday, I reach Mudawwara at about six o’clock, after 85 miles through a standstorm, hoping all the way that my owu jeep wouldn’t fail. From the BeauGeste—type fort the-re, the Wireless operator sent a message to Aquaba asking for three spare wheels and some rations, and late the next day these arrived, brought by a Gunner Officer.

After an early start the next morning, I made my way back to the rest of my party and iii spite of a petrol stoppage en route, sighted them just before noon. It’s hard to say which of us was the most pleased to see each other again.

Within an hour we had fitted the new wheels, had a meal and were on our way. Soon after five o’clock we drove into the compound at Mudawwara, as the garrison turned out en masse from the fort to greet us. That night was the best of the whole trip. We left in the middle of the next morning on the last 90—mi1e stage back to Aquaba.

NOTES quite a number of the many Athletic meetings held throughout the Zone, and we also performed at Church Services held in connection with the RE. and R.A.S.C. Corps Weeks, and at Gunner and Sapper Parades at Geneifa.

Although it is a long time since we have given a “live ” broadcast, from a proper studio, we managed to record a 45—minute programme for the Forces Broadcasting Service, which was transmitted on Easter Sunday morning. This recording nearly ended in tears, as we were originally detailed to make it from the stage of the R.A.F. Cinema at Abyad. We duly arrived there to find the stage occupied by an elaborate stage set. A little expert demolition work soon had the stage clear and ourselves installed ready to begin playing.

However, instead of the recording experts from F.B.S., whom we expected, the next arrival was 'an irate Flight Sergeant who informed the Band— master in extremely plain language that there would be no recording from the stage but that there would be a play rehearsal! We quickly put aside our trombones, triangles and trumpets, rebuilt the stage, and finally made the recording elsewhere. Allowing for these and other technical difficulties, the result was far better than our expectations. Whilst on the subject of radio, we should mention that some of our modernists

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have for-med an “Afro—Cuban” Group, and gave a very creditable performance in a recent Latin—American music broadcast.

Although we have no representative in the cup-winning football team, we are proud to have at least a musical connection with them, and have played programmes at most of the major games. Our own team has played other Bands in the area with varying success: we are hoping shortly to get our revenge on the “ Skins,” who recently defeated us during the only Khamsin to date. Cricket has not yet started, but we are looking forward to a successful season under the leadership of Bandsman “Wonk” Smith. We are also expecting great things in the athletics line from Bands— man “Big Alec” Philip, who has proved as lethal with the discus as with the trombone: he has already removed a slice off his namesake’s ear with the latter weapon!

Our Band Smokers are still a very popular form of get-together, and two successful Smokers have been staged under the Presidency of Cpl. Stone, who was ably assisted by a committee who transformed the practice room into a suitable clubhouse and arranged an excellent buffet under the guidance of Cpl. Hendry, of the A.C.C. Our congratulations go to Bandsman Woodward for winning a “Cousens Memorial Parchment” for instrumental playing whilst at

The Bantz'masrer and Band Sergeant in No. 1 Dress

The Band

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the Royal Military School of Music and also on his marriage whilst in England.

There have been several changes in the Band, and we have recently said goodbye to Cpl. Kerr, who has returned to civilian life after serving for 15 years. Bandsmen Tinker and Holden

(our only National Service member) have also left us on release in the past few months, and we wish them all the best of luck. We extend a hearty welcome to Bandsmen Lacken and Thomason on joining the Band and hope that their time with us will be a happy one.

\ THE GRAND MILITARY GOLD CUP, 1953 The Grand Military Gold Cup was won this year by Major P. B. Fielden, M.C., on his horse Atom Bomb. This was not only a great personal triumph for Major Fielden, but a major event for the whole Regiment, as this is the third Gold Cup to be won by a Royal Dragoon. The race had previously been won in 1893 by Mr. (later Colonel) Burn—Murdoch on Major Tidswell’s horse Larva, and by Lt.—Col. R. B. Moseley on his own horse, Slieve Grien, in I931.

Major Fielden bought Atom Bomb in Ireland last September. The horse had run 13 times (being placed eight times) in the previous six months, and took a long time to pick up after being so over—raced. Although it was originally planned to race him twice before the Gold Cup, he wen-t back considerably after his first race

at Sandown in February, and he was not entered again before the Grand Military.

On the day of the race (Friday, 13th March) Major Fielden was ably supported in the pad— dock by a bevy of Royal Dragoons (including the Cornet and Col. Moseley), who dispelled any doubts he may have had about Atom Bomb’s or his own condition—he had had to lose a stone to make the weight!

Major Fielden rode a very good race, coming to the from three fences from home and bring the “Bomb” in still full of running, an easy winner in spite of an anxious moment at the last fence.

Capt. P. B. Browne’s win on Knuckleduster in the “Past and Present” the next day completed a great double event for the Regiment.

All past and present Royal Dragoons will join

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in congratulating Major Fielden most heartily on his success with Atom Bomb.

The Commanding Officer received the follow— ing letter from “ The Cornet,” Capt. H. Robertson Aikman, shortly afterwards: “Dear Col. Fitzpatrick, I am writing to congratulate the Regiment on winning the Grand Military Gold Cup. I do wish you could all have been there to see Major Fielden ride a very good race. . . . You’ve no idea how bucked we old Royals were.

Moseley won, as you will know, in 1931, and Joe Burn—Murdoch won in 1893 on Major Tidswell’s Larva. Major Tidswell and Major Gough (both RD.) were killed when the square was broken at Avbou Klea in 1885.”

Late

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It is regretted that owing to the late arrival of copy, Football Notes and Sergeants’ Mess Notes could not be printed in their usual place in this Journal, but will be found on Pages 36 and 39. m

w

Padre Yones, R.Q.M.S. and Mrs. Old at the Sergeanzs’ Mess Dance, November, 1952.

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”Pampeenne II” (Col. H. Alexander) leading “Atom Bomb” and “ Winning Plan” (Capt. H. McEwan) at the tenth fence

The C.I.G.S. visits the Sergeants" JMESS

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Squadron Notes

“ A ” SQUADRON As always, we have our quota of goodbyes and welcomes to say, and this year has seen a bigger exodus than ever. 2 /Lt. Glossop was our first loss, leaving us in September to face the rigours of civilian life.

In his place came 2/ Lt. Robinson, who led the 3rd Troop to earn the title of Long Range Desert Troop by its disappearance for a day or two last autumn.

Capt. Davies Cook left us in September, and Lt. Matterson took over the duties of 2 i/c until the arrival of Capt. Fabling after Christmas.

Two National Service Officers have recently joined us and have already made their mark—z/Lts. Napier and Park, who command the 2nd and 3rd Troops respectively.

S.S.M. Rapkin and S.Q.M.S. Joyce are still with us, but we have lost Sgts. Critcher and Courts on demobilisation. In their place we welcome Sgts. Weston, Clark and Blackhaller.

Sgt. Paul is temporarily on detachment in Kuweit, teaching D. and M. to the Arabs.

Sgt. Kimble disappeared for a time to work in “HQ.” Squadron’s M.T. Troop, but he has

now returned, and we have lost Sgt. Fletcher.

A new arrival among our attached personnel is “Bader,” the legless wonder, and Rin—Tin— Tin, of 2nd Troop; obviously a dog of import— ance, though not normally welcome at Squadron conferences!

In May the Squadron enjoyed a very pleasant week with “C” Squadron at Bir Odeib on the Gulf of Suez. Swimming, sand castle competi— tions and treasure hunts were intermingled with Troop and Squadron training. This camp produced not only a high standard in military matters, but proved a source of great enjoyment and relaxation to all ranks. During the summer we continued with individual training, weapon training and gunnery in particular being practised with increasing fervour.

Regimental training began in the autumn, increasing in scale to the Divisional exercises from which we are now recovering. The last of these took place in the Sinai and gave ample opportunity for troops and troop leaders to show their mettle. Such messages as, “Have had no breakfast—permission to use reserve rations?” can always be relied on to cause a stir on the Squadron net. On one occasion the Squadron Leader found it appropriate to give the Naval order, “Come along side,” to a Troop entering leaguer; the Troop in question had a few minutes previously reported its position, which proved to be, when decoded, in the middle of the Bitter Lake!

Turning from training to the other main activity, sport, we were very successful in the Inter-Troop football competition.

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held in the summer, and we had three teams in the first seven, out of a total of 25 teams competing.

In the District Swimming Championship Tpr. Eastwood did extremely well to come in second in the two—mile race. The Squadron cricket and hockey teams both tried hard but never quite managed to win enough games to walk off with the cup.

The athletics meeting showed that “A” Squadron spirit to be as good as ever, and everyone produced their best form. Lt. Matter— son and Tprs. Munroe and McCullock were outstanding in the one and three—mile events, which the Squadron team won.

December brought us our great victory over “B" Squadron to win the Inter—Squadron boxing competition. In spite of last minute injuries, the substitutes came well up to the mark, and the whole team fought really hard to be well rewarded for all their hard training. 2/Lt. Park boxed nobly in spite of an old injury to

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his nose, which has since been successfully operated upon.

In the District Rifle Meeting S.Q.M.S. Joyce and Sgt. Fletcher won second prize in the Bren pairs and our junior team also did well, although not gaining a place. The plates did not fall as frequently as hoped, but we did manage to get into the third round of that competition.

At Christmas the traditional tree was planted in front of the Squadron Office and proved a great attraction to all. Coloured lights and decorations produced a most seasonable effect.

In general, we can say that we have taken part in every sporting activity both in team and individual events, and where we have not managed to win we have always put up a battle.

Although this year has lacked the patrols and skirmishes of the previous one, there have been a few “flaps ” and alarms: whatever the coming year may hold we are ready to show that our tails are well up.

“ B ” SQUADRON The first two years are the worst, the pundits cry, after that the Middle East has you body

and soul, the sand, the sun, the sparkling blue waters of the lake, and of course there’s Stella.

Now, however, we have heard disturbing rumours that the Regiment is to go home early in 1954, and the Quartermaster has exhorted us to patch up our packing cases without delay. Pre— parations are therefore well under way, and with luck we should be ready to leave this blissful country in nine months’ time.

So many people have arrived and left in the last 12 months its hard to know with whom or where to start, so we may say generally that we sympathise with them if its worse than where they’ve been or where they’ve gone and hope for the best.

Capt. Dimond took over management of HQ. Squadron last summer, and Capt Reid joined us from Carlisle a few months ago to take his place. We miss Sgts. Smith, Fearn and Bujko who went home after the Troubles.

Some of the scars they made with their besas are still evident in Ismailia, though the Caracol has been almost completely renovated—and didn’t it need it! Sgt. “Topper” Brown has also “failed to return” from a course in U.K. We hope he is better now, and that he will join us again when we get home.

Various members including S.S.M. Baker

went home on L.I.L.O.P., and arrived back months later looking pale and wan after the rigours of the English summer. We congratu— late Sgt. Edwards and Rickuss who both qualified for marriage allowance, and wish them happiness and prosperity in the future.

This winter we have managed to get in a fairly complete training season, taking part in three large scale exercises, to say nothing of small Squadron frolics. Navigation has therefore become easier—“ if you keep going long enough you are bound to meet something you’ve seen before ” being a principle followed faithfully by many of the members. We have also had a fair amount of small arms training, 70 per cent of the Squadron qualifying with the rifle, a higher proportion than last year. Competence with the rifle should lead automatically to competence with any type of weapon, so our aim this year is 100 per cent qualified shots.

The Squadron now has the trials model of the new armoured car in A.P.C. form, Tpr. James who “owns ” it has put in for a special mast to fly the appropriate flag of the high—ranking officers who go joy—riding round the desert with him. So far it has behaved in exemplary fashion, and we look forward to the day when we can all cruise round at high speed in every sort of going. We were so struck by the Greys’ camouflaged tanks on one exercise that we have

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“ C ” SQUADRON

Since the last issue of The Eagle the Squadron has been occupied with schemes in the Canal Zone and Sinai. During this time Major Fielden has left us to take over more arduous Territorial duties in London and win the Grand Military at Sandown. In his place we welcome Major Greaves who has just returned from the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry,

In the Summer the Squadron acted as enemy

“B” Squadron Cricket Team.

now painted our cars disruptively dark brown and yellow. The results are satisfactory and a matt surface to eliminate shine would make our A.F.V.s very hard to recognise in any light.

Once again we won the inter—Squadron Cricket Cup, and have a useful football team, which includes three Regimental stars. We con— gratulate Tprs. Greenaway and Shepherd, both of whom scored hat—tricks in the Army Cup Final, about which no doubt mention will be made elsewhere in this Eagle. In the finals of the inter—Squadron boxing, we lost to “A” Squadron by one point after a first-class match, Stirling and Fogg boxed subsequently for the Regiment. We play hockey fairly frequently and

Winners of the Regimental League.

enthusiastically but not quite so well as some of the other Squadrons.

Last but not least compliments to‘ the l\_lational Servicemen past, present and future, who seem to arrive and leave like trains at a junction; they now form the body of the Squadron, and a good stout body it is. By the time their release date arrives, they are almost all qualified crewmen and many of them are car commanders who know their stuff. With a changing population no Squadron can remain trained for long, but we know the new members will soon take the places of the old, and maintain their standard.

“Exercise

Beneath the pier at Bir Odeib Our Sergeant-Major stood.

The S.S.M. unclothed was he The water did him good.

He’d spent the day in finding his way From *Sausage to Hagul Then altered his tack to the Canyon Track —in all a goodly pull.

Ends”

Of what did he think as he stood at the brink Of the Gulf so blue and clear?

Of a night in the Mess? (That’s not a bad guess) Of Odeib? Oh no—just Bir! J.A.D. *Sausage.—The name given by the Royal Dragoons to a desert feature shaped like a beret due for casting.

against the Ist Guards Brigade on Exercise “Birdcage Walk.”

We were assisted by the Guards Independent Parachute Company and ended the scheme with a grand cavalry charge in which the gun troop were well to the fore.

In November, with the rest of the Regiment, we went South of Suez to Bir Bad (a wellknown landmark consisting of one tree), the Squadron at this time being commanded by Capt. Hammer. For the first few days of the exercise in which the Regiment was taking part, the troops had little to do as we were in reserve, L/Cpls. Bullas and White excelled themselves on the rear-link wireless by helping to maintain communications. The Colonel, remembering “C” Squadron’s role at El Alamein, then gave us the task of harassing the enemy (3rd Infantry Division) from the rear. One whole night was spent crossing the Ataka range of mountains and it was noon the following day before we reached our destination by making a track of our own, only to be confronted on our arrival by a troop of enemy Armour in the shape of the Reece Troop 4th R.T.R. In leaguer that night the burning question was, “Where’s the S.Q.M.S. and the echelon?” However, after a number of Very Lights had been fired, that worthy duly appeared, though somewhat bedraggled having been chased by tanks on his way up to us.

In January, the Squadron again stood to in case of trouble in Ismailia. Unfortunately the time never came to go there, but one or two recces were done on Sundays in heavy disguise.

During these few days troops were out at night in the Fayid Garrison Area on road patrols.

There were no incidents but 3rd Troop distin— guished themselves in aid to the civil power by catching a wog taxi.

In February we took part in two exercises, the first, Exercise “ Pegasus One,” in which we were again the enemy, this time to the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment. In the early morning the Battalion dropped on Kilo. 99 and from then

on we were continually harassed for 36 hours.

The zeal of 2/Lt. Trouton resulted on him being hit on the head by an anxious paratrooper. “ Longbow I” (the 3rd Infantry Division exercise) took place later. The Division motored South of Suez and for several days was harrassed by the Regiment. We were ably assisted by a squadron of “ The Skins ” who were disguised as native guerillas. Even their assistance did not prevent Sgt. Shone from loosing his codes and maps after a spirited hand—to—hand encounter with the enemy, in which he was worsted only by being outranked by the foe.

Two weeks later we were again on the move.

This time over to Sinai where the Regiment battled against the Ist Infantry Division. The first half of the battle was in the nature of a blood—feud—Capt. Hammer versus his Brigadier cousin, at that stage commanding the enemy opposing us. Although a 50 piastre reward was offered to anyone capturing the senior partner, the prize is still unclaimed. We later retired to Nakhl (mentioned by Lawrence of Arabia) halfway between Aqaba and Suez. After a day there we turned and again gave chase to the Division retiring towards Suez. It was during this pursuit that “The Gun” (now Squadron history) was captured. This piece of ordnance was on

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tow behind an enemy Stuart tank —— until the 2 i/c and another master of sleight of hand unhitched it while the Squadron Leader was ex— plaining to its crew how they had been knocked out! The gun remained S.H.Q. property until the end of the campaign.

These notes would not be complete without mentioning Sgt. Kinchington and his fitters.

The old cars and the extremely rough country kept them busy during the schemes. It has become a familiar sight to see them in their faithful half—track ploughing their way through the desert, sometimes the lone vehicle, sometimes one on tow and at the worst periods looking rather like a goods train.

We congratulate the following on sporting activities:—

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Cpl. Holliday and Tpr. Paul—members of the victorious Regimental Football XI. Ist Troop—winners of the Squadron Sports.

S.HQ. Troop—winners Of the Squadron Rifle meeting.

The Tug-Of—War team for their triumph in the finals.

The boxers for putting up such a gallant fight in the semi—final.

Those who represented the Squadron and the Regimental team in the Ist Division Rifle Meeting.

And finally the Hockey team.

We say goodbye to Sgt. Whitbread who has gone to the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, and welcome Sgt. Malkin and Peacock who have recently rejoined the Regiment.

“D ” SQUADRON whole Squadron went to Kabrit to take over the arduous if somewhat unmilitary duties of being “Butlin’s” tO the southern part of the Canal Zone. For a month we put aside our armoured cars and became chefs, waiters, barmen and generally “Universal Aunts ” to the 300 Odd soldiers on leave. 2 / Lt. Green proved a versatile Entertainments Officer, providing a Gully-Gully variety show, dance or tombola session every night, always with the assurance that however the holidaymakers might react, his productions were certain of the support of the Squadron!

After a strenuous month at Kabrit, we returned to the Regiment, having enjoyed the change but in some danger of forgetting our proper job!

It was not long, however, before Exercise Triangles gave us the chance tO get properly into the swing of our more martial duties. Lt. Ashton and 2/Lt. Green went Off to umpire, and the Squadron found itself once more in the Wadi Hagul. We somehow seem fated to fight our exercises in this Wadi, and by the end of Triangles we almost regarded it as private property! Shortly after Triangles 2/Lt. Philippi joined us and took over the 3rd Troop.

December and January were spent‘ in recovering from Triangles, celebrating Christmas and pre— paring for future exercises in the New Year. A series of Troop schemes took place in which newcomers gained closer acquaintance with the desert, and the Regiment’s recovery facilities were tested to the limit!

In February Major Houstoun returned from leave to receive congratulations on his engage-

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ment, and to take over from Lt. Ashton, who had commanded during his absence. Shortly afterwards Capt. Davies—Cooke joined us as 2 i/c from “A ” Squadron, and rallied forth to battle with us in the two final exercises of the season, Longbow I and Longbow II. In these we explored the worse going on both sides of the Suez Canal, and in the second, made our first acquaintance of Sinai. Longbow II marked the end of the exercise season and we returned to camp, well exercised and just a year old as a Squadron, with twelve full months Of

‘ various activity to look back on.

During the year there were the inevitable comings and goings of new arrivals and those leaving on release, too numerous to mention.

However, we hope to see them again at the O.C.A. functions in the not too distant future.

We have taken part in the various sporting activities Of the Regiment, and special mention should be made of our Victorious hockey team, to which goes our congratulations for its keen— ness and success; also of Tpr. Canning, who has played for the Regimental football team throughout the season, and for the B.T.E. team in Cyprus.

Our future as a Squadron is still in the

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balance, and it seems that we may no longer exist when the next Eagle appears. If our life proves a short one, it will at least have been a merry one.

CONVERSATION PIECE Orderly Officer: Trumpeter, go and blow HQ. Squadron Orderly Sergeant at the Double with Greatcoat.

Trumpeter (Supernumerary): Sir, there’s no such call as “With Greatcoat.”

Orderly Officer: Oh, yes there is.

Trumpeter (8.): How does it go then, Sir? Orderly Officer: Well, it’s the same call with a twiddly bit at the end.

< moroomaromwovazovom

The last issue of these notes went to press when we were, as a Squadron, but a month old.

Our infancy was a short one, and after two months of settling down, or perhaps more accurately, in Naval parlance, “working up,” we went into the desert on the shores of the Gulf of Suez for a week’s camp with “B” Squadron. There we spent an energetic and happy if somewhat hot week, doing Troop and Squadron training. The climax of this was when war suddenly broke out between us and “ B ” Squadron and we joined battle with them in the Wadi Hagul. The outcome was doubtful —suflice it to say that we somehow managed to encircle each other, and that the 2nd Troop after some successful mountaineering had to surrender their breakfast to the rapidly advancing enemy!

2/Lt. Green joined us shortly before this, and it was not long afterwards that Lt. Burn— side went to “HQ.” Squadron to become M.T.O. The next three months were mainly occupied with individual training, with occa— sional road patrols. Capt. Evans left us (after some leave earned at the price of a boxing course) to become Adjutant, and Lt. Ashton, who in the meantime had gone home to learn about Atom Bombs, took over 2 i/c.

In August we said goodbye to 2/Lt. Don, who had completed his National Service, and 2/Lt. Fry joined us. At the same time S.S.M. Crosby joined us from HQ. Squadron, taking over from S.S.M. Urquhart On his posting to Tel el Kebir.

Next came the extraordinary experience of running a leave camp. On 19th September the

ENSURE YOUR COPY OF “THE EAGLE” AFTER YOU LEAVE BY JOINING THE O.C.A. ASK YOUR S.Q.M.S.

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H11 SQUADRON Perhaps the best and most important news of the Squadron over the past year is of a steady improvement in the standard of training. This must always be considered in two ways. First, regarding individual training, we have managed to give more men R.A.C. trade courses than previously. This in turn, besides improving the over—all efficiency of the Squadron, gives men a greater status and increased pay. It has not always been easy to spare people from their normal duties in the administration of the Regi— ment, but we have managed to fill nearly all the course vacancies offered. There has been much cohesion too in selecting men for courses according to their aptitude and previous training. The second consideration, linked natur— ally with the first, is an improvement in our working as the Regiment’s supply echelon on desert exercises. We still have much to learn in the matters of defence of leaguer areas, cam— ouflage, convoying and navigation, but the actual process of getting food, water, petrol, mail and vehicle spares to Sabre Squadrons is now a fairly smooth one, and there is a real understanding by each man of his job in the machinery of supply.

It is worth recording that our sickness figures are negligible compared with those of a year ago.

Whilst paying tribute to the Medical Officer and his staff for their part in this, it is certain that men are much more conscious of the importance of personal hygiene and anti— fly measures, so essential in this country.

We have done reasonably well at various sports, providing players for all the Regimental teams. We won the athletics cup for the fourth successive year. It is agreed that our preponderance of numbers over those of the Sabre Squadrons contributes to any success we may l‘ave in sports, but athletics seems to be our strong card apart from this. Many men learnt to swim last summer. The water in the Bitter Lake, though dirty, is salty and therefore buoyant. We used to march to the nearest bathing area and swim before breakfast.

Our rifle and machine-gun shooting has not been up to standard. We aim to correct this on this year’s annual classification, and as a start have trained seven Bren pairs, and are holding instructional periods whenever possible.

We are fortnate in having our tent lines near the N.A.A.F.I. canteen. This was especially

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convenient last summer when the band gave us many excellent evening concerts including various musical competitions on the verandah of the N.A.A.F.I. The Egyptian summer night is pleasantly cool after the contrasting heat of the day. The only drawback is that one has to go to bed fairly early because of the early sunrise the following day.

Guard duties come round for each man about every nine days at present, though this interval dropped when other Squadrons were guarding the C.-in-C.’s house in February and April, and for which they earned praise. We get our share of Commanding Officer’s Orderlies, awarded to the best turned—out man at guard—mounting.

In all, the life of the Squadron is as happy as possible under Egyptian conditions, and the thought of England at the end of the year makes the third summer here more bearable. Inevitable changes have occurred through National Service and completion of overseas tours. We hear from ex—Royals often and are delighted to see a few old faces re—joined from service with the TA. We would like to pay tribute to the way in which the I4 departmental groups combine whenever a unified Squadron effort is called for. Some of them have notes elsewhere in this Eagle. We are grateful too for the co— operation of other Squadrons whose S.Q.M.S.’s and staffs work with us on exercises and who help us so often with transport duties. To them, as to all ex-H.Q. men go our best wishes.

I!

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M.T. Troop

Lieuz.—Gencral Sir Francis Festing inspecting the Escort to the Guidon

During the past 12 months M.T. Troop has decided that the greatest curse to the human race has been the invention of the telephone. It is upon this instrument that many frustrated beings waste much energy and give vent to their feelings much to the detriment of nerves.

Conversations usually revolve around the subject of transport and lengthy explanations of why a vehicle must be found within five minutes or else the administration of the Regiment will come to standstill. Needless to say the troop always rises to the occasion. However, our gratitude is extended to the Sabre Squadrons who are often called upon to provide when M.T. resources are exhausted.

In November, a new addition, namely two donkeys and a cart came to the troop and we sometimes wonder if indeed we are correct in calling ourselves M.T. any longer.

Even though the standard of driving remains at a good level, one rather enterprising member

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of the troop decided that he disliked the architeoture of one of the pillars of the main gate which he duly proceeded to knock down with his three—tanner. This incurred the wrath of the Q.M. who had it rebuilt in the same design within 24 hours. The same member was pulled up by our illustrious friends the Nlilitary Police for exceeding the speed limit of 30 mph, however, this time they chose the Wrong vehicle which was never to see 25 mph. again.

On Exercises “ Triangles,” “ Longbow I ” and “Longbow II,” the Echelon did stout work in keeping the Regiment well replenished. The finale of “Triangles ” was a mad dash up the Wadi Hagul when the theme song was “You won’t see our trucks for the dust.” It ended at the Northern end of the Wadi with Tpr. Lazwler the DR. chasing a rampant Scammell, the Squadron Leader chasing the DR. and the E.M.E. bringing up the rear chasing the Squad— ron Leader. The remainder of the echelon wished to follow suit but it was pointed out that the Recovery Section of the L.A.D. was suffici— ently employed elsewhere.

We were sorry to see the departure of Sgt. Nash, Sgt. Williams, L/Cpls. Vessey and Heritage, Tpr. Rowntree and the number of NS. men who left the Regiment on Python and release. We wish them the best of luck in their civilian careers.

We congratulate the following in their pro— motions, L/Cpls. Parkes, Ashcroft, Lorine, Thorpe and Mitchell.

The troop still manages to produce a very good football team, and a number have represented the Regiment both in the Ist and 2nd XIs, these being Tprs. Kelly, Rylands, Cunning— ham, France and Park.

A few members of the troop have managed to have a trip to Jordan on Exercises.

It is encouraging to see that the percentage of short service regulars has now risen to 45 per cent, as opposed to this time last year, when it stood at less than 30 per cent. To the National Service element we say “Keep up the good work—your efforts do not go unheeded!”

Q.M.

Notes

Since the last publication of The Eagle, things seem to have been rather quiet and uneventful in the group. During the past year' everyone, including the Q.M., has found pressing business requiring attention in the United Kingdom and has taken full advantages of the facilities offered for leave to that distant land. We must,

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however, raise our hats to Cpl. Plumbley for the very excellent way in which he obviously over—

came the ration restrictions whilst in the United Kingdom, and it is rumoured that it is now

most difficult to fit him out with the correct size of Battle Dress.

We should like to take this opportunity of congratulating the QM. on his majority, and also the magnificent wins obtained by the Regimental football team which he has still continued to train.

Waterloo Day was celebrated by Trooping the Colour and we offer our congratulations to the R.Q.M.S. on the very steady way in which he carried the Guidon on parade. It has been

overheard that he found it very difficult to write after his steady march, but we personally do not believe that!

Although we have not been very successful in the sporting line of recent months, due no doubt to overwork, we can promise our admirers some fireworks in the near future, as we understand that a number of the Regi— mental football team are now desirous of be— coming carpenters and bricklayers.

It was during the dark days of November that we bade farewell to our own Bing Crosby, i.e., T.Q.M.S. Harry Mantle, who decided that he had very strong ties in the United Kingdom, and that the desert was not the place for croon— ing. We wish him every success in his new home. Indents were immediately forwarded for replacement and to our surprise and delight O.R.Q.M.S. Bill Crockett arrived to take over, and we are most delighted to see him in our midst. Sgt. (D.C.R.E.) Shone left the Carpenter’s Shop to find sanctuary in a duty troop and

we understand that it is the first time that “C” Squadron has seen a six-seater on the back of a Daimler Armoured Car. Our transfers were not yet completed, and to

complete the tail of woe we found that Sgt. (F00) Sheppard was whisked care of the “ jankar-wallahs ” Sgt. However, our loss was are indeed very sorry to see

away to the gentle to become Provost their gain, but We him depart.

Sgt. Ayreton has now left the Ration Stores and has been transferred to the Technical Department where he is doing extremely well, and

while he finds that it is very much different handling spanners to loaves of bread, he assures us that he enjoys it. In his place has been in— stalled Sgt. Taylor who looks after our gastronomical affairs very well, and after he has taken his percentage for his own consumption, obesity in the Regiment has dropped considerably.

A very large number of National Servicemen

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have gone back to their civilian jobs and a number of reliefs have arrived, and we wish them all the very best of luck. To those who have departed good luck, and to those that have arrived, keep up the good work. However, we must mention some of the most important changes and the chief of these was the loss of our clerk L/Cpl. Bayley. We miss him very much indeed, but we are lucky to have a good relief in Tpr. Hall.

Undoubtedly the catastrophe of the year was when the R.Q.M.S. and the T.Q.M.S. were whisked away from the foxholes and struggling and screaming, joined the echelon on Longbow 1. After this adventure, he T.Q.M.S. did some rapid thinking, and decided there was no place like home, but the R.Q.M.S. “ volunteered ” for another lot and disappeared again into the desert on Longbow II. He has now, with a badly— burned face and broken heart, returned to his table with a sadly disillusioned look, and has decided that it is far better looking after married quarters than travelling the desert in a one— ton truck.

We should like to take this opportunity of congratulating T.Q.M.S. Crockett, Sgt. Ayreton and Cpl. Thornton on passing their trade test and wish them the very best of luck.

JV W/W/z' - //1/' /’/})// /////// ('l'ho Scrum ol' Those \Vho Svrw) CLOsI» LY linked with the sailors, soldit-rs and airmen ol Hcr Mait‘slr qucn lulimlwth ll is a M‘Hict‘ dcditntcd to their \H‘llari‘, rulrcslnncnt and recreation, at honu‘ and abroad, in Pk‘att‘ and war. \au, Army and Air l:()l‘(t‘ institutes (Nash) takes pride in its ilost‘ alliniti' “ith the l'(>l‘tt‘\' ol thc Cronn. Naali‘s organisation is \\orld\\idc; in addition to its thousands ol‘ canteens Ashore and alloat

it ('(ill(lll(l$ grocery shops [or

Scmiu‘ lnmilics in lllL‘ United Kingdom and owrscas, sports shops, t'luhs Ior olhcors (()\L‘l'5t‘d,\), Ratings and Other Ranks * Solhk‘ \\ith residential .u't‘ommodation equal to that oln lirsI-L’lass' hotel

and LCAM‘ Centres lor the l'orccs ()\L‘I‘,\L‘JS.

it is through Naali that Sen it’cmcn and “onion supplmnt‘nt

their dail\ mi‘ssing \\ ilh i1‘t‘l1].\|l()l int'ludcd in the lmsit‘ ration,

L.A.D.

Detachment

Looking back over the past year, the L.A.D. has had notable achievements in almost all spheres of camp life and the spirit that has pre— vailed has been the greatest contributing factor.

Work has always been at high pressure point.

Constant change of personnel has been a drawback but generally everybody seemed to rise to the occasion when it was required of them.

Since our last notes the Regiment has taken part in a number of schemes, Exercises Longbow I, Longbow II and Triangles being the most worthy of note. It is always quite easy to determine when a scheme is due because as little as three days before the Regiment is due to leave camp the workshop area looks more like a scrap-park than a workshop, but by some miracle it is empty except for the obvious non~ starter on the day.

Such questions by the E.M.E. to a certain Squadron fitter Staff Sergeant as, “Are you flapping yet? ” and by worrying Troop Leaders, “Do you think my cars will be finished for the scheme? ” received answers which cannot be published!

Longbow II was not without incident. One Staff Sergeant heard a crash and on alighting

and Nadii‘tulltllltl’s milnay liulh't—L'ar svr\ it‘r‘s on the Continent [or mcmln‘rs ol‘ the Forces on lcaw lo and from the [1.K.

'l'lu‘ l'ort'cs l’artcl hot-\it'c lor liritish troops in Korea, Malam and japan has dcliwrcd tliousands ol’ parcels on lwhall ol' rolntiws and lrionds‘ at home since Nash introdutvd tho scheme a war ago.

Nanii finds its inspiration in its on n mottoi in the sun [cc ol lhosc \\ ho some in Her Majestr‘s' l'ort’cs. At this time ol rcjoiu ing, the 40,000 men and “onion ol the \aah organisation, in all parts ol' tht‘ \\orld, join in loml trihutt‘ to the 'l'ltront‘.

NAAF‘ The Official Canteen Organisation l‘or l|.l\l. l-oru‘s

and HM. SHIPS at SEA

9 we Mv92PAANRTD[AS IROF FOTHRCE E INSTITUTES '0 ’ I m ogo'zcesY‘ AR LLTRON . HER MAJESTY 5f THE‘R PA - -‘ ia’tgg 2 HM'

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L.A.D. Team Winners of the Inter-Troop Football League

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The \l‘llll()l>\Clll' in the \L‘Hitt‘s turns to the business “hicli is tumlut lk‘ll (‘\I)l'(‘\&l} 101' Her {\lajcslys l‘nl‘tcs.

l'm‘ \Vartlmnm .lllll Mess. \aali In» in stock wines and

spirits Hi the highest quality A\ twpm‘ll} slm‘t‘ll as the} are llmwn.

In Naali‘s line

tellars, “invs l‘t‘dl‘l] pcrlctlinn unxlvr ideal conditions,

For spotinl \L‘l'\lLL‘ nttasinns. Niall talrring is nl lllL‘ laulllvxs stile and ~t.\I1<LH'(| {ml} to [w twgwtlwl lz'nm an organisation lungx mpcrit‘ntt'tl in lln- parlitulnr needs ol Ilw Rmal \.n_\, the Arm} and the Rmal \il' l'm‘tt'.

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from his half—track to investigate found a motor cycle under his gear box: the usual competition between the Squadron fitters and HQ. Section L.A.D. took place on this scheme, and after we had been assured by the E.M.E. and the A.S.M. that Scammells never break down, one was actually seen by us being towed by another Scammell! This caused a certain amount of ribald comment and a large amount of money changed hands on return to camp. Needless to say the Squadron Sections were accused of sabotage! Once again the cooks’ waggon came into the news, but this time instead of the Scammell breaking down by the cooks’ waggon it was reversed, the cooks’ waggon just made the grade to the nearest Scammell then surrendered itself to the 12ft. tow rope. Was this

a coincidence? |t‘~li\i1it‘.\.

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Homes” ~

\Vtwltlin .v tliiltlrt‘n's

l'(‘( clwliom.

Cln‘islmax

parties . . . “hatcwr the cwm, l\'.1a|i tan lw r’rlit‘tl on in prminlv the xwlwrt touch.

NAAFT The Official Canteen Organisation for H.M. Forces. Ruxlcy Towers, Eshcr, Surrey.

At the end of March this year with regret we said goodbye to our E.M.E., Capt. Tweed; we wish him all the very best in his future career and hope one day he will visit us. In his place we welcome our new E.M.E., Capt.

Roberts, and we hope that he will settle down to enjoy his new task and be as happy with the Royal Dragoons as his predecessor. He can be assured of full co—operation of the A.S.M., “ The Three Squadron Types ” and all the men.

Promotion seems to be a common thing now-

adays, so we must extend our congratulations to S / Sgts. Dawes and Kinchington on promo— tion from Sergeant to S / Sergeant, and to Sgt. Morton from Corporal to Sergeant. They have all proved themselves worthy and capable of their new rank, although the Q.M. has had to issue them all with berets four sizes larger: perhaps this is the reason for the nickname

“Big Ed”!

With regret we have lost Sgt. Stone, an exRoyal Dragoon, who has left the Army for civvy street. We wish him all the very best of luck in the future.

We are also losing S/Sgt. Kinchington, who is going out of the Army to get married and settle down. We cannot help wondering if his future wife knows him as well as we do and realises what she is taking on; however, we congratulate them both and hope they will be very happy together.

Further congratulations to Sgt. Lloyd, the Armourer Sergeant, and to his wife on the birth of a daughter at the end of March, happily coinciding with the end of the financial year.

The event was suitably celebrated in the Sergeants’ Mess.

In the sporting sphere we can record the following successes.

Football. Winners of the Inter~Troop Football League and we stand a very good Chance

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of winning the Inter—Squadron League, needing only two points with only two games left to play. Regimental honours for this game go to Sgt. Lloyd, Cfns. Birch and Booth, all regular first team players, and to Cfns. Carr, Bell and Bradshaw, also L/Cpl. Williams, all of whom had trials for the Regimental team and repre— sented the Regiment in friendly games.

Cricket. We finished runners—up to “B” Squadron after a tight finish to the league and also defeated “C” Squadron no fewer than seven times! Regimental honours for this game go to Sgt. Stone, Cfns. Rodman and Pikesley, all of whom are now unfortunately demobbed.

Hockey.

We finished third in the InterSquadron League, but H.Q. Section L.A.D. won the Inter—Section H.Q. Squadron League. Regi— mental honours in this game go to S/Sgts.

Dunckley and Kinchington, Cfns. Berry and Carr. So in all the LAB. has done very well in gaining honours and supplying talent to the Regiment.

Our chief hope now is that we move home with the Regiment, and the Regiment gets equipped with new cars; we have done everything to our present ones, including fixing them together with pieces of string to keep them mobile!

Signal Troop The organisation of the Signal Troop is still as nebulous as ever. All that is certain is that it consists of two parts, The Royal Signal Troop, attached, and the Regimental Signal Troop, both presided over by the Signals Officer. The numbers of both troops are always changing, rarely laid down and usually wrong when they are!

The Royal Signal Troop has been sadly diminished in strength recently due to the strange system inaugurated by the War Office whereby Signalmen disappear after two years’ service. However, led by Sgt. David, we have carried on undaunted through a host of schemes, including Exercises “Hatta,” “Triangles,” “ Longbow I ” and “ Longbow II.” Battery-charging in the field has become a big problem, as we are equipped with everything needed to charge batteries except charging engines that work! (Mr. Climax please note).

However, we have overcome that thanks to the L.A.D. who allow us the use of their facilities for schemes.

The Radio Mechanics, headed by Cpl. Bonwick and including L/Cpls. Marlow and David, also Sigmn. Landless, Johnston and Sankey de— serve a big hand for their work in repairing

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\vireless' sets.

Ignoring rude suggestions that we should resort to smoke signals, carrier pigeons or cleft sticks, the operators have done well too. We are fortunate in having L/Cpl. Sawyer and Sigmn. Ellis and Hope, who are all past masters at juggling with electrons. L/Cpl. Beer is mainly employed with keeping the Signal Ofl‘iccr busy with vehicle documentation (worktickets to the uninitiated) but on exercises work a wireless set for the L.A.D. On the telephone repair side Sigmn. Beasley rushes around in a mad frenzy all day repair— ing the telephones which periodically get smashed. He is reputed to be on good terms with the Quartermaster as they have a common interest—the latter’s telephone!

Last but by no means least we have the drivers—Messrs. Andrew, Weatherill, Dinds— dale, Hobbs and Evenden, all guaranteed to keep the wheels rolling, even if they are on tow!

The Regimental Signal Troop, too, has suf— fered a number of changes recently, though our numbers if anything have increased.

The Regimental Signal Sergeant, Sgt. Joule, was married on 20th December, and in Febru— ary he was posted to Bovington as an instructor, where we wish him the best of luck. Sgt. Dick has taken his place in the troop, and many “ old stagers ” will remember him with “A” Squadron in Germany. Cpl. Pemberton left the troop in September having completed his time in the Army.

L/Cpl. Billingham and Tpr. Van Dooren are still with us, but leave the Army together in the summer, after just over a year in the troop. We welcomed Tprs. Jones and Ling into the troop in February. Tprs. Hardy, Brocklehurst, Brede and Godfrey are still coping with the ancient and overloaded telephone exchange, whose eccentricities are blamed on the Signal Officer more often than he cares to admit.

Training has been fairly continuous during the last year, culminating in Exercises “Long— bow I” and “Longbow II,” in February and March respectively.

Back in camp we have been running a series of wireless courses, assisted by Cpl. Kenny and Cpl. Gill as instructors. The latter was posted to Carlisle in March and Cpl. Reeves has now taken his place.

Lt. Bradish-Ellames was Signal Oflicer until September, when he deserted us and left Lt. Wilkinson, who had been on a course at Boving— ton, to take over.

We are at present turning ourselves into “ Boflins ” and experimenting with all sorts of aerials, and Lt. Birkbeck who looks after the pigs

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Exercise “ Harm ” in his spare time suggests trying to get through on pigtails and a counterpoise. Needless to say, we disregard this gem of wisdom and are busy building an “H” aerial, so that we can ask, “ How do you see me ” at the appropriate time.

The correct answers to this are, of course, “ Very

well thank you,” “ Distorted,” “Visible” or “ Through a glass darkly ” (this latter phrase to be used on any night towards the end of a scheme). We also thank that “View Halloo” should come into it somewhere—possibly when the 1.0. eventually gets on net.

FIFE AND FORFAR YEOMANRY Since our last notes in June, 1952, we have been receiving a steady stream of National Servicemen, including 12 from the Royals: Tprs. Hutton, R., Drumm, J., MeKenna, P., Lorimer, O. L., Porter, A., Lowe, J., Stewart, J., Bostock, G., Cunningham, A., Younger, W. The strength of the Regiment at the time of writing is 556 all ranks, and it is estimated that by this time next year we shall be only a little short of full strength.

Last summer the Regiment went to Kirkcud— bright for its annual camp; although the South— West Coast of Scotland is noted for its heavy rain fall, we were fortunate in having reasonably dry weather, although our tent lines were nearly flooded out the day we handed over to the Inns of Court Regiment before leaving. The fort— night’s camp was successful in every way; in the first week we fired our main armament on

the A.F.V. ranges and concentrated on Troop training; Squadron exercises and a two—day Regimental scheme completed the second week’s training and the Regiment returned to Fife at the beginning of August.

Individual training continues from the end of camp to April this year, and we hold a Regimental trade test in December and at the end of April.

This summer the Regiment goes to camp at Chickercll, just outside Weymouth, from 26th July to 9th August; this should be a good train— ing area and the camp is practically on the sea. The Adjutant is, however, seriously con~ sidering opening a “laugh and tear up” file for traffic accident reports, as Bank Holiday is in the middle of our fortnight’s camp, and Bank Holiday traffic and armoured cars do not mix!

The Yeomanry Ofiicers’ ball was held at

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Kinloch last June with kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison; there were about 140 guests, including Major-General Arbuthnot, G.O.C. Highland District at the time. Dancing went on until three o’clock and the party was a

Benson, who is now a fireman in Dundee, was relieved by Sgt. Brown; Sgt. Link, at present working for Hutchison’s mills in Kirkcaldy, was relieved by Sgt. Acres, Sgt. Dick returned to the Royals, and there have been various other

great success.

changes too numerous to mention among the

\Ve are now reorganised on to our new establishment of three Sabre Squadrons and H.Q. Squadron; Kirkcaldy Squadron has now become H.Q., and the Leven Squadron is a detachment of “A” Squadron at Cupar.

The average Squadron strength is about 130.

A Troop from the Regiment took part in a Battle of Britain demonstration last year at R.A.F. Station Leuchars. The Troop, com— manded by Lt. W. H. O. Hutchis-on (who served with the Royals at \Volfenbuttel), represented an armoured car troop held up at an enemy strong point, which was then knocked out by rocket firing jet aircraft. One of the scout cars broke down during the display and this unrehearsed casualty was hastily covered up by Major Greaves, who was doing the commentary to the crowd, by saying that the vehicle had been knocked out in the initial engagement; this caused slight confusion when the driver managed to get it going again a few minutes later!

There have been recent and considerable changes among our permanent staff.

Major Greaves returned to the Regiment in January of this year and was relieved by Major Graham, who arrived at the beginning of March; Sgt. Horsefield is now a policeman in Yorkshire, and his place was taken by Sgt. Whitbread; Cpl.

permanent staff drivers. Capt. (Q.M.) Beckwith, of the 3rd Hussars, recently left us for an appointment with the Yorkshire Dragoons, and was relieved by Capt. (Q.M.) Brett, R.T.R. The Regiment is sending two detachments to the Coronation in June and will be represented by two Officers and 23 other ranks. Major Nlathewson is to command the detachment in the procession and Capt. Panton the detachment lining the route. The Regimental Guidon, at present in the Castle at Edinburgh, is to be carried with the route lining detachment. At the time of going to press, we are starting a period of intensive drill for all concerned every week—end up to the day the detachment leave for Bovington.

As the National Service intake increases, so does our Regimental strength, and so do the permanent staff’s responsibilities! On the whole the National Service intakes from the Regular Army are first-class material, and we look to them for our young N.C.O.s. Out of our total strength of 556 O.R.s, 320 are National Service— men, and I70 of those men are volunteers in the TA. In closing these notes, it is hoped that on the Royal’s return home from Egypt, there will be a considerable liaison between the two Regiments, and that perhaps some of the Regular Officers will pay us a visit up here.

O.C.A. NOTES The members of the Committee of The Royal Dragoons Old Comrades’ Association wish to extend a hearty vote of thanks to all members who have given their loyal support during the past year, and we also extend a warm welcome to all our new members.

The Annual Reunion Dinner and Annual General Meeting, held on the 21st June, 1952, proved a great success. Members started arriv— ing soon after 5.30 pm. and the “bars” did excellent work before the Annual General Meet— ing at 6.15 pm. This was presided over by the Colonel and matters were dealt with very quickly.

Over 100 members sat down to a really firstclass dinner and all enjoyed the toasts which were proposed by Our Colonel and the Com—

manding Officer, Lt.—Col. R. Heathcoat-Amory, M.C. Dinner over, members again collected at the “bars” for serious drinking and a good “chin wag ”; thus ended a very pleasant and enjoyable evening.

It was the general feeling of all present that

the “sit down” dinner, such as this, is much preferred and the Committee hope that a greater number will attend the next Reunion.

At the time of preparing these notes applica— tions to attend this year’s Reunion are coming in. A full report will be given in the next edition of The Eagle.

The number of Old Royals who took part in the Ex-Cavalrymen’s Memorial Parade in Hyde Park last year was a sad disappointment and the Committee earnestly ask that more attend this

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Parade in future years. This Parade is always held on the Sunday following Cup Final Saturday, so please make a special note of this.

Preparations are now going on everywhere for the great occasion, the Coronation, and a lot of work has fallen on the Committee, for the O.C.A. were allotted seats and standing places along the route of the procession. Notices of this were sent to all members and the seats and standing places had to be ballotted for. We wish the successful members a very enjoyable time and trust they will give a loud cheer as the members of the Regiment march by.

Heartiest congratulations, from all members, to Mr. J. Davidson (“ Dutchie ”), of Luton, on being awarded “The Meritorious Service Medal."

We extend our congratulations to the Regiment for their very fine performances in the

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field of sport; we shall enjoy reading in these pages of the success of the Regimental football team and the very fine performances of our steeplechasing Ofl‘icers, past and present, Major Philip Fielden and Mr. Percy Browne.

It is with deep regret that we must lose our Chairman, Brigadier R. Peake, D.S.O., O.B.E. Brigadier Peake has been Chairman of the Committee for the past six years and his guidance at our meetings will be greatly missed, but it is his wish that another Chairman should take his place, so let us say “Thank you very much, Sir, for all the help you have given.”

It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. H. H. Weeks, of Cornwall, who was a member and a loyal sup— porter for a great number of years. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family.

COLONEL HAWKER’S DIARY Col. Peter Hawker joined the Regiment in 1801 as a Cornet, soon being promoted Lieutenant as a reward for recruiting men to complete his Troop to the new and increased establishment.

Although he transferred out of the Regiment soon afterwards, he was to meet them later, in the Peninsular, when he was in the same Brigade.

Col. Hawker was wounded at Talavera in I809 and because of this shortly afterwards resigned his commission. He spent the rest of his days living the life of a sporting Squire in Hamp— shire, devoting his time and his boundless enthusiasm to shooting.

His diary gives a vivid and amusing picture of contemporary life: Hawker’s energy and zeal in pursuit of game are a model for any sports— man, though by today’s standards his enthusiasm appears at times to have exceeded the bounds of good citizenship!

Although shooting was his ruling passion—he even designed his own guns—he was a man of many parts, being a good musician and an accomplished artist. He died exactly a hundred years ago, on 7th August, 1853.

December 2nd (Keyhaten), 1826. “3/6 for a fly.”

Detained by bad weather and illness (said by Drs. Badger and Nyke to be gout, and by Sir E. Home not gout) till this day, when I started in the gig for Longparish. After being dragged about Southampton (to do my commissions) in a “donkey fly,” I proceeded on my journey home via Twyford, in order to call on Ward.

I took a shot out of the gig, and killed two partridges, belonging to some ’Squire or other, just to try how the old musket would reach them, and how old Lazarus (my grey horse) would stand fire. Both gun and horse pleased me much better than I should have done the ’Squire had he seen the shot. While last in Southampton a rogue charged me 3/6 for a fly for about twenty minutes: I swore I would never give 3 shillings and 6 pence for a fly again, so I got a donkey one, at eighteen pence an hour. But, “Che mm mm,” the vehicle was so small that I thrust my elbow through the glass, for which I had to pay two shillings; so after all, it was to be that I must pay 3/6 for a fly!

October 3rd, 1808. “Col. Hawker v. Parson Bond.”

Went with a party amounting to near 20 (besides markers and beaters), to storm a preserved cover belonging to Parson Bond, who never allowed anyone a day’s shooting, and had man-traps, and dog gins, all over his wood. I had made out a regular plan of attack, and line of match, but our precision was frustrated by the first man we saw, on reaching the ground, being the keeper. We therefore had no time to hold a council of war, and rush’d into cover like a pack of foxhounds before his face. Away he went, picking up everyone he could, who joined him in the hue and cry of “where is Parson Bond? ” In the meantime our fen de joie was going on most rapidly. At last up came the parson, almost choked with rage. The two first people

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he warned off were Col. Hawker and myself. (sic). Having been served with notices, we kept him in tow while the others rallied his covers and serenaded him with an incessant bombard— ment in every direction. The confused rector did not know which way to run; the scene of confusion was ridiculous beyond anything. and the invasion of an army could scarcely exceed the noise. Not a word could be heard for the cries of “ Mark! ” “ Dead! ” and “ Well done! ” interspersed every moment with bang, bang, and the yelping of barrack curs. The parson at last mustered his whole establishment, to act as patriots against the marauders; foot boys Dunning one way, ploughmen mounted on cart horses galloping the other, and everyone from the village that could be mustered was collected to repel the mighty shock. At last we retreated, and about half-past four those who had

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escaped being entered in his doomsday book, renewed the attack. The parson having eased himself by a vomit, began to speak more coherently, and addressed to those who being liable to action of trespass, were obliged to stand in the footpath and take the birds as they flew over. At last so many were caught that the battle ceased. Tho’ an immense number of pheasans were destroyed the chase did not end in such aggregate slaughter as we expected, and not more than one-third of those brought down were bagged, in consequence of our being afraid to turn off our best dogs. We brought away some of his traps, one of which was a most terrific engine and now hangs in the mess—room for public exhibition. Only one dog was caught the whole day, and whose should it be but—Parson Bond’s!

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car. No goals were scored in the first chukker when We found ourselves being much more closely marked than in previous matches. We managed to score once in the second chukker, but matters were very even until the third when the ball ran well for us, and we acquired a lead of 7 goals to I. Both sides scored twice in the last chukker, so we emerged victorious by 9 goals to 3, thus winning all our matches by 5 clear goals or more.

After Christmas various members took part in a Gymkhana at Moascar, notably the Colonel who won the trained polo pony event and came second equal on his other pony; Birbeck won two first prizes and Timbrell and Armitage seconds. The last event, as darkness fell, was a ball and bucket race, with Royals taking the first four places.

Since the New Year we have been challenged twice, first by the Ist Battalion Coldstream Guards, and later by the Royal Artillery, Canal

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29

Zone. We had a good game against the Coldstream winning by 5 goals to 2%. We scored three times in the first chukker to lead by half— a-goal, but then our opponents got our measure, and play was pretty even for the rest of the game.

They were unlucky not to score on several occasions. Fitzpatrick, Timbrell, Armitage and Reid played for the Regiment.

In February we played a picked Gunners’ team at Fayid in a very hard fought match.

Our opponents scored twice early on, and were leading by 4 goals to I after two chukkers. How— ever, we fought back grimly towards the end, and just managed to score a fifth goal before the end of the fourth chukker to win by 5 goals to 4. Our team was Fitzpatrick, Timbrell, Armitage and Fabling. We are to play a match against the Commander-in-Chief’s side shortly, and there is to be another low handicap turnament soon, in which a Subalterns’ team is to represent the Regiment.

POLO NOTES We have had a successful year’s polo. The Regimental team has an unbeaten record, and there are now 15 officers playing the game.

Several more are waiting to start when the 'pony situation allows it. Our old ponies have lasted well on the whole, and we were allotted four Lebanese stallions in the winter out of a group of about 25 bought from the Lebanese cavalry.

Larger and stronger than the local Arabs, these ponies are beginning to play satis— factorily, and should be very good in a few months time. Forage has been increasingly hard to come by during the winter, but we have never actually had to stop playing polo on that account. An appeal to General Neguib him— self seems to’have improved matters recently.

There have been two tournaments since the last polo notes were written. In June a low handicap tournament took place, and in the fianals at Fayid, a Regimental team consisting of Fitzpatrick, Timbrell, Wilson FitzGerald and Owen beat a B.T.E. side after an exciting game with extra time.

In December we played for the Inniskilling Cup, with preliminary rounds at Moascar and Fayid, and the final at Fayid just before Christmas. Duty in Jordan unfortunately prevented the Colonel from taking part, so the Regiment were represented by Timbrell, Armitage, Cubitt and Wilson FitzGerald. In the first round we played a scratch team “ The Dragons,” and won easily by 7 goals to 1%. This match gave us an opportunity to settle down as a team before our second match against our old rivals the

FISHING

Commander—in—Chief’s side.

Receiving three goals we built up a long lead early in the game, and eventually ran out comfortable winners by 10 goals to 5, the opposition scoring several times in the last few minutes.

In the final we met 3rd Infantry Division, who had won the preliminary contest at Moas—

Although few people have so far tried the fishing in this part of the world from the Regiment, there is most excellent fishing to be had, in both the Great Bitter Lake and the Gulf of Suez.

The fish we try to catch in the Bitter Lake are known here as Luce or Loot, but in fact we think they are a form of weak fish or Sea Trout. They run, as an average, to about five pounds, and are great fun to catch. They travel in large shoals which can be seen quite easily as they colour the water a bronze-red colour. We fish for them on light spinning tackle and use a piece of Cuttlefish for bait. The Padre has so far caught the largest, a fish of just over six pounds in weight.

The Gulf of Suez is another story. We have only managed to get down there three times, and then at the tail end of the season when all the large predatory fish had already travelled south. Nevertheless we had great fun and are looking forward to the next season when we hope to do a lot more of it.

Normally we fished outside of the coral reefs and could expect to catch various forms of Rock Cod, Groupers, Snappers and a whole lot of smaller fishes, very brilliantly coloured and covered with spines, which were known collec— tively as those “little ———s!” This because they would snatch at our baits bending the rods double, and then disappear into the coral. By the time we had disentangled the line from the

coral we found a small fish about five ounces on the end.

Sometimes about three o’clock in the afternoon, the whole bay seems alive with fish. One sees a large school of Sardines swimming along quite placidly when, without any warning, the sea around them boils and fish about a foot long have a sardine dinner. A little later the same thing happens again but this time the quarry are a foot long and the hunters about a yard.

We fished the coral reefs using Clam for bait which we had previously dived for, and prised from the coral. We did not have any great success at trolling because we had no proper baits and were unable to get live bait. However, we hope to do better this season and to spend more time at it. The best fish caught along the coral were an eight and—a-half pound Scavenger and a nine and»a-half pound Gar fish, three feet eight and-a—half inches long.

This latter fish was great fun to catch: it leaped into the air several times and did the “ tail—walking ” stunt for several feet.

We have started a new form of fishing here; underwater with a spear, frog flippers and mask.

Again the coral reefs are our hunting grounds.

I think I know of no sport that can compare with this for excitement and fascination. The colours and shapes of both fish and coral are amazing and a very startling contrast they are with the drab, dusty desert ashore.

Stalking the fish is quite absorbing.

The

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actual shot is more often a miss than a hit.

There must be quite a few fish down there wondering who the great stupid frogs were and what on earth they were strying to do!

Luckily we have not yet met any Sharks or

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Barracuda, although we have seen several Leopard—Rays, and once a six-foot long Shovel Nosed Skate evinced an uncomfortably close interest. However, even without excitements of this nature, there is plenty of this kind of sport

to be had here this summer.

SHOOTING NOTES This season has been an improvement on last year, but the Canal Zone still suffers from an over abundance of troops, stationed here since the bad times last winter. As a result en— thusiastic amateurs flounder through every bog, the choicest pools teem with bewhiskered Infantrymen and the few duck who seek to make Egypt their winter home find difficulty in achieving a resting place before last light.

The B.T.E. shoot on the lakes west of El Ballah has provided some good days, and a few members of the Regiment have shot on the Embassy Shoot near Tel-el—Kebir.

The B.T.E. Shoot is normally shot once a fortnight and the Regiment is allotted two guns.

Bags varied from over 200 duck to about 90, Teal forming the greater part of the total.

Those who potter locally round Fayid have outwitted a number of snipe, possibly not as many as those who have outwitted members, but the results have been generally satisfactory.

We had one expedition to some bogs south of Quassassin organised by Graham, a pleasant day with plenty of snipe to shoot at, and a few duck to lend weight to the bag. We saw many birds including pintail, shoveller, pochard and teal.

managed to ski almost every day. The Lebanese Army Ski School was most hospitable and provided instructors and medical attention which was often most necessary. We met Giles Allington, Graham Sorley and Sgt. Clarke, who were already at the School on a course. After about ten days and much Franco—Arabic arguing we managed to persuade the locals to operate the Ski—lift.

Eventually, having seemingly spent a fortnight going dOthill on our bottoms, under the able if dispairing tuition of Barber and Leslie Clayton of the Sa-ppers, four of our party endeavoured to pass their third—class test. Rather to our surprise we managed to pass all the tests except that of going down a hill sideways, to us a highly dangerous manoeuvre.

After many long farewells and equally long

3I

bills the party returned to Cyprus via Beirut.

On arrival we found our plane was postponed a day. We eventually took off for Egypt, only having to land in Cyprus again owing to a faulty engine, much to certain officers’ delight.

We were then informed that there would not be another plane for three days. K.F.T. and Bobby Barber decided that their presence was essential to the security of the Canal Zone and managed to get back the next day. ].W.E.H. and E.H.B. on the other hand, decided that the addition of two Cavalry Officers to the social life of the island was a factor outweighing all other considerations.

All good times come to an end, and it was with the deepest regret that the remnants of the party signed their last cheques and departed for the landof sand and sorrow.

A VISIT TO THE IRAQI LEVIES Now the ubiquitous quail are with us once more, and we will endeavour to surpass last year’s final score of close on a thousand. Fun for all except the mess staff who have to pluck them.

SKI—ING IN THE LEBANON

by Sitzmark and Schuss In early January a small party from the Regiment consisting of K.F.T., J.W.E.H. and E.H.B. set out for the Lebanon via Cyprus. On arrival at Fayid Airport it was discovered that Inter— national Vaccination Certificates were required.

It was quickly proved that these could be obtained at remarkably short notice! On arrival in Cyprus ones first thought was to discard uni— form and become a temporary civilian. After currency regulations had been overcome and a good lunch had been enjoyed by all, we arrived in Beirut early the same evening. For the benefit of those who are not acquainted with this international city we would like to point out that even sterling is found to be a negotiable currency. After prolonged encounters with rapacious taxi—drivers and having lost our tempers and a considerable amount of money, we eventually arrived at our hotel where we were to spend the night. After dinner K.F.T. set out to explore the war potential of Beirut while ].W.E.H. and E.H.B. directed their attention to the nocturnal life of the city.

The next day the party set out for Les

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Cedres, approximately 80 miles to the North East, where we were to spend the next two weeks ski—ing. As a point of interest, one of the taxi-drivers who drove us on this, and subse— quent trips, by name Fuad, used to be in the Transjordan Frontier Force and did at one time drive Peter Wilson who used to be in the Regiment.

On arrival at Les Cedres we found that we were all to stay in a Chalet looked after by a German ex—Oflicer.

There was very little snow but luckily it snowed hard all our first night and at no time during our stay was ski—ing stopped owing to lack of snow. The next morning was spent in fitting skis and boots and a word of thanks is due to Bobby Barber of the R.W.F., a great expert on such matters, who saw that we were all properly fitted out.

With Bobby speaking fluent French and K.F.T. fluent Arabic, the main languages of the country, we were able to explain our wants to the locals.

Although conditions were not ideal, owing to further falls of snow and strong winds, we

The following account describes a visit by Capt. P. D. Reid and Lt. N. Matterson to Habbaniya in March, 1953, to umpire an exercise of the R.A.F. Levies.

On Saturday, 7th March, we took off from Fayid with Colonel P. M. Robertson of the 3rd Battalion the Grenadier Guards and several others from his Battalion and from the Coldstream. Some seven hours later we were circling Habbaniya Airport, after touching down at Mafraq in Jordan to refuel.

Habbaniya itself is an R.A.F. Station bordered on one side by the Euphrates and surrounded on the other side by a canal.

Our first impressions of Habbaniya were ones of extreme comfort judged by our own nomadic existence.

The R.A.F. wined and dined us handsomely and we really began to look for— ward to the scheme for a rest cure. However, that was not to be.

Before I say a few words about the scheme, I would like to tell you something about the Levies themselves.

The Levies are recruited from the Assyrians and Kurds who come from the Northern mountains of Iraq on the Turkish-Persian border.

These two mountain tribes are continually at feud, and the average Assyrian or Kurd recruit to the Levies has usually already had some experience of small arms firing from both the marksman’s and the target’s point of View. Recruits are also found from the Marsh Arabs living between the estuaries of the Tigris and Euphrates.

The Levies consist of two wings each approximately the same strength as an infantry battalion although the organisation of the Support Company weapons differs. All the officers are native with the exception of the Wing Com— manders and Squadron Leaders. Their task on this exercise was the protection of a convoy travelling along the desert road from the Jordan frontier to relieve the “beleaguered garrison” of Habbaniya, against the attacks of a raiding force (also Levies).

To describe the scheme itself here would be out of place. Suffice it to say that the scheme was a success: it effectively practised the Levies in a role they might well be required to fulfil in the event of a war or civil disturbances, and much was learnt from it by all, including the Umpires.

One could not help being impressed by the Levies—~an intensely loyal force who could be relied upon in any future trouble to give as good an account of themselves as they did during the last war. The native officers had a natural and unfailing eye for country, with the result that positions were chosen and weapons sited in a way that would make any army envious. The Levy, whether he be Kurd, Assyrian or Marsh Arab is an enthusiastic soldier, Hours of work do not seem to bother him and he is always cheerful and energetic.

The scheme finished on Friday, 13th February. On Saturday morning we had an Umpires’ conference and then the A.O.C. was kind enough to place his two private aeroplanes at our dis—

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posal. We were in Baghdad in time for a late lunch.

My first impression of Baghdad was that the taxi-drivers seemed to be safer than those in Egypt. This was dispelled before long.

On the drive from the airport, the traffic was stopped by the police to let the King and the Regent drive by, the Royal Car, accompanied by an escort of three motor-cyclists being greeted by the doffing of hats and salaaming on all sides.

Baghdad is a surprising city. Not very big from the air, it seems endless from the ground.

It is a strange mixture of old and the new: the new supplied by the money from the oil fields and the old being not very different from what it must have been in the days of the Thousand and one nights.

Like all good tourists we visited a night club, the Bazaar, and the Golden Mosque. That was really all we had time for.

Abdullah’s may sound the very essence of Baghdad: not a bit of it, it is another odd contrast.

A Spanish band, a small dance floor, seats set in rows on tiers like a cinema. The music, Rhumbas: the dancers, Eastern girls in western dresses and their partners, fierce—looking Arabs in American suits. The audience, old shieks in older clothes watching the dancers and

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Notes

‘

1952, although not an outstandingly successful year as far as results were concerned, did pro— vide us with many most enjoyable games, and quite a number of close finishes. Out of a total of 15 matches played, five were won, six lost, and four drawn. In the league championship, our final position was 4th, and in the Army Egypt Championship Cup, the only other competition we entered, were were unfortunate enough to meet one of the eventual finalists, 35 Corps En— gineer Regiment, in the first round.

The side suffered chiefly from a woeful lack of batting stability. On only three occasions did our total exceed loo—a fact which speaks for itself. L/Cpl. Brabham was the only consistent scorer, returning an average of 35.7 from 12 innings. He was followed by Sgt. Stone with

16.8 from seven innings and Cpl. Barwick with 13.7 from 13 innings.

In the field, however, the side was more effective. Bdsmn. Smith and Cpl. Barwick were a lively and accurate pair of opening bowlers,

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drinking Chi; in fact they were waiting for the cabaret. They would arrive just before it and leave just after. During the cabaret they would nod their heads and point to some dancing girl or other. A white female leg seems to have an irresistible fascination for the Arab. Nor were we entirely immune to its charms.

any use. Next year, however, squadrons will play at the end of April in order to give the selectors a chance to look round.

The side was usually chosen from the following:— Capt. J. B. Evans, Lt. W. R. Wilson Fitz-

The Bazaar is on River Street, and is like a succession of tunnels filled with smells, weird music, and the East in general. The manners of the Bazaar, were unexpected, in that we were not pestered to buy. We were left to our own devices unless we stood hesitantly and obviously at a loss, when some stall keeper would approach us and ask us what it was we wanted, He would then tell us where to go.

Green, Sgt. Stone, Sgt. Taylor, Cpl. Barwick, Cpl. Holliday, Cpl. Corfield, L/ Cpl. Brabham, Bdsmn. Smith, Tpr. Haslam.

The Golden Mosque is very beautiful, and although we were not allowed inside, as appar— ently some tourists had caused a little trouble there a few years’ previously, we saw into it by climbing to the roof of a house opposite. It was most impressive.

We were back in Habbaniya in time for lunch on Sunday and back to Fayid for dinner.

So ended a very interesting and happy inter— lude in our life in Fayid. We have just one regret, that our stay in Iraq was so short. However, we hope to remedy that later on.

SPORTING NOTES Cricket

THE

who were constantly called upon to perform for long spells. These two in fact claimed between them three-quarters of the wickets that fell, Smith finishing the season with 41 at 10.4 apiece, and Barwick 40 at 11.3 apiece. In this department the Regiment suffered, especially from the lack of a spin bowler.

The fielding was usually adequate and at times it could be excellent. Behind the wicket though, too many chances were wasted. The condition of the majority of outfield in the Zone does, however, make fielding a difficult and often dangerous business, with the result that more runs are “ given” away than would be the case in England.

The 2nd XI again provided people, often at very short notice, for the senior side, and thus fully justified their existence. The inter-Squad— ron Shield was won by “B” Squadron, after a series of very evenly contested matches.

In conclusion, we need many more people from whom to choose the Regimental team. The Squadron games always reveal talent, but in the past it has been too late in the season to be of

Gerald, 2/Lt. W. J. Grice, z/Lt. F. C. D.

Hockey In contrast to the experiences of the previous season, Regimental hockey in 1952~3 suffered rather from having more keen players than could be catered for, since unfortunately, the Regiment was allowed to enter only one team in the District championships. In spite of this we found it hard to fill certain key positions, such as goal and the wings, effectively with the result that the composition of the team varied considerably for the first half of the season, and some of the oldest supporters of the team found themselves unable to make up for the practices they had missed during the process of selection.

The season produced a number of keen players among the subalterns, for whose services there was usually some competition, more or less friendly, with the Rugby “Committee.” Two newcomers to the game from the L.A.D., Cfn. Carr and Cfn. Berry, proved most useful at goal and left half respectively, and with the arrival of Capt. Evans, and latterly of Major Greaves, from England, the team took on its final, if still somewhat variable shape as follows: Goal, Cfn. Carr; backs, 2/Lt. Green, S/Sgt. Dunckley; halves, 2/Lt. Trouton, Major Greaves, 2/ Lt. Fry; forwards, S /I. Hooker, 2/Lt. Alington, Capt. Evans, 2/Lt. Sorley, Cpl. Thornton.

At the time of writing, the Regiment has played ten out of twelve matches in the Canal South Major League, winning five, drawing two and losing three.

Of the latter, the game against Engineer Group Egypt was one of our best and we felt it to be an indication of our strength at the end of the season that the Engineers, who were finalists in the knock-out competition, only managed to gain a 1-0 victory.

A welcome result of having a Regimental hockey pitch is that we have usually been able to meet our opponents on our own fast and

somewhat dangerous asphalt, and have so far avoided the long and dispiriting trek down to Suez.

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33

The Inter-Squadron challenge shield has been keenly fought for this year, between the five Squadrons, with the L.A.D. fielding its own team. At first it looked as if Capt. Tweed might lead his R.E.M.E. to victory, but towards the end “H.Q. ” and “D ” Squadrons took the lead, and the two teams emerged neck and neck, “ D ” Squadron having one match to play. This last game was enlivened by the enthusiastic presence on the touch line of S.S.M. “Bing” Crosby, and by the holiday spirit prevailing as a result of winning the Army soccer championships. The result was a win for z/Lt. Fry’s very keen “ D ” Squadron team and the first three places were as follows: "“ D ” Squadron, 18 points; “ HQ.” Squadron, 16 points; L.A.D., 11 points.

The match on Christmas Day between the Officers’ and Sergeants’ Messes was played with more enthusiasm than sureness of the eye, and while few may remember the score, most people will recollect the remarkable sound made when z/Lt. Fry and Sgt. Rickuss met head—on, at speed, in front of the Sergeants’ Mess goal.

Easter week—end saw a lot of hockey played within the Regiment.

After an exhibition match on Maundy Thursday between “D ” and “HQ.” Squadrons, Mrs. Fitzpatrick very kindly presented the Inter—Squadron challenge shield to “D” Squadron, and medals to the members of both teams.

On Good Friday and Easter Monday a hectic six-a—side tournament was played, in which the L.A.D. with their new chief well to the fore, beat all comers, and won the medals, which Mrs. Fitzpatrick was again kind enough to

present.

Far from this being our swan-song, we hope to copy the Quartermaster and his footballers by observing no “closed season ” and going on to Inter-Troop six—a—side hockey during the

summer.

Rugby Notes We have not had a very successful season.

This is due in some measure to not having a grass pitch near enough on which to train. Our pack was a very good one, and at full strength Was probably one of the best in the Canal Zone, but was let down by lack of cohesion among the three-quarters. We have played about 20 matches, winning six and losing the other 14, a few by narrow margins. We seemed to do well against the RAF. sides, beating all except R.A.F. Station, Fayid. We were most unlucky not to do better in the seven—a—side cup, losing

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by a single goal in the last minute to 35 Corps Engineer Regiment who had beaten us with a

full 1 5 by 12 points to nil.

In spite of our bad season it is safe to say that the team has enjoyed its games. We were popular opponents and were frequently chal— lenged to friendly games, not so much, we like to think, because we were easy meat, but because we played enthusiastically and cleanly.

Due to training and latterly the call of duty in the form of the C.—in—C.’s guard we seemed to field a different 15 for each match. To mention a few names readily to mind because of their various rugger virtues here they are : — Sgt. Morton—A good front row forward who is always up with the play. '

Cpl. Kirk—Hooker.

Probably

the

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Tpr.

Francis — Centre three—quarter. Runs straight but slow off the mark.

Many others have played for us, not as regu— larly as those mentioned, to whom we extend our thanks. It is a happy thought that in future season we will not be restricted to hard Canal Zone pitches and will possibly have a pitch near enough for training and in a more suitable climate. Thanks must be given once again to Padre Jones for being a most ardent spectator, and as severe a critic as his calling will allow.

Our sympathies go out to our Sergeants’ Mess players who had the trying task of minimising the extent of our defeats to their fellow mess members.

most~im—

proved player on the season’s play.

Lt. Lewis—Front row.

Leader of the pack,

Boxing Notes

and as such makes good decisions, not always adhered to by the rest of the pack.

2/Lt. Green—The best kicker in the side. Has an exceptionally long and accurate punt kick.

2 / Lt. Robinson—Has often to play out of position, but is quite sound as a lock forward.

2 / Lt. Charlesworth—Full of energy and a very good blind side wing—forward.

Sgt. David (R.C.S.) (Signal Sergeant) — The other wing forward. Very fast and gets across quickly to break up opposing three-

quarter movements.

2/Lt. Sorley—Played well as a fly-half and centre three—quarters.

2/Lt. Boyd—Our best scrum-half, and takes a lot of knocking about.

Tpr. Burke—Very good fly-half or anywhere as three—quarter. Has a good swerve and is adept at selling the dummy. ‘ Capt. Fleming (R.A.M.C.) (Medical Officer)— Played well as fly~half and once at fullback. Took a lot of convincing that he really was not unfit!

Sgt. Rickuss—A good forward who hung on to the ball just a shade too long.

Tpr. Inglesent—Regularl full-back. Very safe and cool but has a short kick.

2/Lt. Davies—Centre three-quarter.

Needs to

handle better and to take the ball on the run. Starts promising movements.

Capt. Dimond—Right wing. Runs across the field too much. Quite safe in defence.

Sgt. Hooker (A.P.T.C.)—Front row. Good with his feet and keeps with the ball.

Sgt. Viggars, Sgt. Stanley—Both useful in giving weight in the scrum.

Events in Egypt made the formation of a Boxing Team last season more than usually difficult; this year we hopefully entered the Royal Dragoons for the Inter—Unit Boxing Championships, and then set about building up

a team.

The first step was to organise an Inter— Squadron Boxing Tournament, after all Squad— rons had held a mill. This tournament was won by “ A” Squadron, who won a very close victory over “ B ” Squadron in the final. Some very promising material was uncovered during this process; unfortunately some of the more talented boxers, while perfectly willing to box in an Inter-Squadron Tournament were not suffi— ciently interested to face the harder training needed to compete with any degree of success in the Inter—Unit Championships.

However, in spite of losing Roberts of “A ” Squadron, an excellent boxer, who had to be sent back home for health reasons, a team was finally selected, and training began, though there were frequent interuptjons in training caused by normal military training, it: driving courses, wireless courses, exercises etc., and occasionally by illness. One boxer exposed him~ self to military discipline by an over—enthusi— astic exhibition of fistic ability outside the ring; happily his sentence expired at noon on 17th February, the day of the first round of the Inter—Unit Competition.

The Royal Dragoons were drawn against the 10th Railway Squadron R.E.: the weigh-in was held at noon of 17th February, and we faced another reverse; Tpr. Irvine, through lack of training was much over—weight, and therefore was unable to appear for us. We met this by asking Tpr. Johnson of “D ” Squadron to fight

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as a light-welter in place of Sgt. Shone, and the latter fought as welter—weight in place of Tpr. Irvine.

So in the evening the Royal Dragoon’s Boxing Team, seconded by the Padre and Sgt. Evans sallied forth to battle.

L/Cpl. Bryant of “HQ.” Squadron met a much more experienced opponent, who however, lacked Bryant’s punch. Bryant, although behind on points was battering his opponent to defeat in the last round, when unfortunately his Vest aroused the referee’s interest and he stopped the fight to pull Bryant’s shoulderstrap back on his shoulder. It was a welcome relief for Bryant’s opponent, who lasted the round to win a decision.

Tpr. Sterling fought too continuously against an older opponent and lost the decision; a ver— dict which met with a very mixed reception.

Sgt. Peacock had his opponent out on his feet in the first round, but the referee rightly stopped the fight in the second round, because Sgt. Peacock had sustained a very badly bruised eye.

Tpr. Randall won the first fight for the Royal Dragoons by hustling his opponent so much that he retired in the first round with a badlysprained ankle.

L/Cpl. Johnson made rings round his oppo— nent for three rounds to Win by a wide margin.

L/Cpl. Hunter boxed very well against his opponent, and looked very much the winner at the end of the first round. In the second round he slipped to one knee, and while in this position was punched very hard on the jaw by his opponent. The referee then warned the Sapper and ordered the fighters to box-on. Hunter’s opponent then promptly knocked him out.

Tpr. Fogg boxed very well to win; although he found his lack of training very much against him in the last round.

Tpr. Goodhead, in the first round, landed the best punch of the evening on his opponent’s chin. It was a beautiful punch, and nine times out of ten would have ended the fight. This was the tenth time. Goodhead’s opponent, a very tough sergeant struggled successfully to beat the count, was awarded the fight on points; a ver— dict which we greeted with surprise.

The highlight of the evening was then pro: vided by z/Lt. Park and his opponent, who between them put up a terrific fight. The decision was awarded to the Sapper, a verdict which surprised everybody and the Padre whispered a criticism couched in non—ecclesiastical terms.

The tournament ended on a comic note.

L/Cpl. Wheatley of the Royal Dragoons, a

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heavyweight knocked his opponent down so often and so heavily, that after breaking one of the arc lights and nearly wrecking the timekeeper’s bell, the fight was stopped in Wheatley’s favour in the second round.

Sgt. Shone was beaten in the last fight of the evening by a very tough and skilful opponent and he did very well to last the distance, his opponent’s extra weight being especially telling in the last round.

So ended the Royal’s Boxing Team’s hopes for this year. We hope that next year we shall be more successful.

SWImming For most of the inhabitants of Fayid “ swimming ” is swimming in name only, and consists of occupying among a seething mass of humanity a small portion of the shores of the Old Vic Lido, and roasting the body to a becoming shade of puce, or enjoying standing room only in the waters of the Great Bitter Lake.

However, for those who take swimming more seriously and do not treat it as a means of making up their lost salt content there have been more opportunities this year to go further afield and find some pleasant beaches and clear, clean water with plenty of elbow room.

Regimental and Squadron training took us as far as Bir Odeib, south of Suez, where we were able to take a dip in the Red Sea. Oothers were even more fortunate in taking their leave at Sea View Holiday Camp, Port Fuad, or Cyprus, where the Mediterranean laps the sandy beaches.

An ever increasing and popular sport is that of spear gun fishing. The more adept swimmers are seen wearing frogman type masks and flappers on their feet, with the gun tucked underneath their arm. They lie perfectly still on the surface until a fish is spotted and then with a quick flip of their bodies they dive to the sea bed, the gun at the ready. Even if the fish manages to escape it is a wonderful sport, open to all those who swim for pleasure.

The Regiment held the individual competi— tion on Waterloo Day and the meeting was a great success, with plenty of rivalry.

The following are the results: 100 yards Free Style: Cpl. Clarke (D), time I min. 17.2 secs.; Sgt. Newton (C); L/Cpl. Thornton (HQ).

100 yards Breast Stroke: Lt. Burnside (HQ), time I min. 28 secs; Capt. Davies- Cooke (A); Tpr. Wells (D).

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100 yards Back Stroke: L/Cpl. Kempton (A), time I min. 46 secs; Sgt. Kurpiewski (D); Cfn. Ryan (A).

220 yards Free Style: Tpr. Eastwood (A), time 2 mins. 58.5 secs; L/ Cpl. Campbell (D).

440 yards Free Style: Sgt. Pearson (RAR), time 6 mins. 40 secs; Tpr. Eastwood (A); Tpr. Morrison (HQ).

Plunge: S.Q.M.S. Brennan (B), distance 41ft.

2%in.; Tpr. Saville, 34ft. 3%in.; Tpr. Eastwood (A), 33ft. 11%in.

Diving: S.Q.M.S. Brennan (B), S.S.M. Jones (C), Sgt. Newton (C), and L/Cpl. Thornton

(C).

Water Polo The season opened with a terrific bang as we had our complete team for the first three matches, but ended poorly owing to leave,

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courses, exercises and injuries. However, we enjoyed all our games and hope that next season we will be more successful. We will miss Lt. Grice, our goalkeeper, who emptied the pool every time he dived in, much to the consternation of opponents and spectators.

Results: 58 Coy. (G.H.Q. Car) R.A.S.C. Won 9—1 35 Corps Eng. Regt. R.E. Won 2—0 7r H.A.A. Won 2—1 42 Survey Regt. R.E. Won 3—1 22 Field Regt. R.E. Lost 2—4 R.A.P.C. Lost 0—15 Eng. Group (Egypt) Lost 1—5 G.H.Q. “A ” Lost 1—4

G.H.Q. “ B ”

Lost 0—3

The following played for the Regiment: Capt. Davies—Cooke, 2/Lt. Grice, S.S.M. Jones, S.Q.M.S. Brennan, Cpl. Stourton, L / Cpl. Vessey, L/Cpl. Morrison, Tpr. Eastwood.

FOOTBALL NOTES Iraqi Levies

Another season has just ended and without doubt this has been the best season that the Regimental team has had for many years. Full details will be given in the notes, but let us first of all start off with the Inter-Troop competition which we ran during the summer months with a view to unearthing talent for the Regimental team.

Six games of 30 minutes each way were played every day with the exception of Sunday and when the season commenced there was quite a number of players who had played very little, but by the end of the Troop competition they had improved immensely and quite a lot of talent was found. Congratulations to the L.A.D. on winning this competition.

The Regiment then entered for the Major League and due to the number of entries this had to be divided into two leagues, with the winners of each league playing off in the final game for the Canal South Championship. In this league the Regiment played a total of 13 games and only drew one game, winning the remainder, mostly by convincing margins. The final positions in the “A” League were as under:— Goals Team P. W. D. L. F. A. Royal Dragoons I3 12 I o 69 15 R.A.P.C. I3 IO 2 I 79 17 84 Maur. Gp. R.P.C. I3 8 5o 19

The winners of the “‘B” Section of this league was the Ist Bn. Oxf. and Bucks. L.I. from Suez and the Regiment therefore had to play them for the Canal South Championship.

This took place on the Old Vic Lido Ground and the result was never in doubt from the start, the Regiment eventually winning by nine goals to one, and thereby won this shield for two successive seasons.

We then had to play the winners of the Canal North District, the Ist Bn. The Parachute Regi— ment. Our team had one of their off days and the Ist Paras. deservedly beat us in the final by six goals to one. In this game we had lost our regular back, Cpl. Holliday, who had been crocked in the previous game, and Cfn. Booth, whom we had become to rely on as a first-class right half, did not come up to expectation, so we had to admit defeat to the Parachute Batta— lion. Good luck to them—they were worthy winners on that day.

Whilst the Major League was being played the Regiment also entered for the Army (Egypt) Cup and in this competition there were a total of 61 entries. In the first game We were drawn away against the Engineer (Egypt) Group, but our fellows were on top of their form and won deservedly by eight goals to one after a very one-sided game. The next round was on our own ground against 10 B.O.D.; this team can always be relied upon to give a good account of themselves and we had to fight very hard,

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The Golden Mosque, Baghdad

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particularly as Cfn. Booth was badly injured in the first five minutes and remained a passenger for the rest of the game. However, we eventually beat them by four goals to one.

The third round saw us drawn against 71 H.A.A. Regiment, R.A., on their ground and a very tough struggle took place. With Booth still on the injured list, and Birch being injured during the game we had to play extremely hard before we eventually won by three goals to two.

The fourth saw the Regiment drawn against the Ist Parachute Battalion on their ground; this team is always a difficult team to beat, and this game was no exception. After a very even first half, during which we were leading by one goal to nil, the Parachute Battalion had the better of the exchanges in the second half and eventually drew level. Extra time was played but no further goals were scored and we then had the advantage of playing them on our own ground the following Tuesday. In this game we took control right from the kick—off and a most excellent game of football resulted. Our forwards were playing right on top of their form and we won by six goals to three.

As a result of our win over the Parachute Regiment we were now into the semi—final of the cup; we were drawn against the Ist Bn. East Surrey Regiment, who had recently come to the Zone and were an unknown quantity.

This proved to be another excellent game and we just about deserved our win of one goal to nil. Both teams tried extremely hard to score goals but the defences held out very well and this was the main reason for the low scoring in the game. A very clean and sporting game indeed.

Then came the game of the season—the Cup Final. This was played on the Old Vic Lido on Saturday, 8th March, and we print below an extract from the local paper:

- ka§“'\%v~é

The Fife and Forfar Yeomam‘y marching to Church,

Annual Camp, 1952.

“The Old Vic Lido, Fayid, saw its biggest crowd of the season last Sunday, when the Ist The Royal Dragoons scored an impressive 8—3 victory over 29 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, in the Army (Egypt) F.A. Cup Final.

“The Dragoons took every opportunity that came their way and thus it was only after ten minutes’ play that they scored their first goal when outside right Canning tricked the opposi— tion and laid on a pass from which centre forward Greenaway scored. “ The Gunners fought back hard to cqualise and the Royals’ right back Fulton had a busy time as the Gunners’ left wing Langford attempted to foil him with super wizardry. The Artillery forwards swarmed round their op—

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ponents’ defence for periods, but failed to take the chances offered. They did not cherish the quick and determined tackling of the Royals’ defenders, and skipper Edwards at centre half held the Gunners’ centre forward Richards well.

Thus Richards, who is an Army centre forward, had to wander all over the field in search of goal scoring openings. “ Play then swept to the other end of the field and Greenaway then surprised the Gunners’ defence when he skimmed the crossbar by inches with a first timer from well out.

“A few seconds later a roar went up from the Artillery supporters as their forwards went tearing down the field, and Richards in brilliant style ended the run when he smashed the ball into the back of the Dragoons’ goal to equal the score. “ Almost from the kick-off the Dragoons carried out a similar movement and Greenaway put an artistic finish, as he nodded a high ball on to his foot and with a first—time shot drove it hard past the Gunners’ goalie. “ The game was certainly not lacking in goals, and the Royals went further ahead after outside left Sheppard had gained possession of the ball near the goal-line and drove home a shot which did not give Cutler a chance. “ Spurred on by their success, the Royals continued to press and inside right Birch shot from a long way out. Cutler, rushing out to catch the ball, mistimed and it glided over his head into the net.

“The Artillery side rallied, and Richards broke away; as he shot he collided with goal— keeper Rylands, and as they both lay stunned on the ground, the ball trickled passed the goalline and into the net! However, just before half—time Greenaway yvent into one of his fast runs down the centre and excelled himself to beat Cutler with a fine angled shot. The halftime arrived with the Royals leading by five goals to two. “ Straight from the kick—off in the second half the Royals were not content with the lead and were continually endeavouring to increase it.

Canning, the Royals’ workmanlike little outside right, was a real trier. His well placed centres led to many a goalmouth melee. However, he decided to have a shot at goal himself, shooting from well outside the penalty area he scored with a well placed shot. “ After this there was a spell of midfield play, but it livened up again when Greenaway, in great style, went through, ran rings round the Gunners’ defence and when challenged by the

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goalkeeper, passed to Sheppard, who shot into the open goal.

“Shots were peppering the Artillery goalkeeper from all directions as the Royals per— sisted in tearing gaps in the Gunners’ defence, which was now in a state of panic.

Goal NO. 8 came for the Royals as Canning, receiv— ing a pass from Sheppard, dummied his way past two defenders and scored a beautiful goal.

“It was the tenacity of Richards, the Gunners’ centre forward, which carved the final goal of the match as five minutes from the end he beat Edwards and pivoted round with a lightning shot which streaked past Rylands.

“At the conclusion of the game, Lady Robertson, wife of the Commander-in—Chief, M.E.L.F., presented the trophy and medals to the players. In keeping with the cup final tradition, the Royals’ R.S.M. and team captain Edwards was chaired off the field as he proudly brandished the trophy.”

The following team represented the Regi— ment in this game and we take this opportunity of congratulating them on a most excellent performance: Tpr. Rylands; L/Cpl. Fulton, Cpl. Holliday; Cfn. Booth, R.S.M. Edwards (captain), Tpr. Paul; Tpr. Canning, Cfn. Birch, Tpr. Green— away, Sgt. Lloyd, Tpr. Sheppard.

Reserves: Cpl. Brooks and Tpr. Kelly.

On the following Sunday the annual match for the Inter-Services Cup took place, when the Regiment, as Army Cup winners, played the R.A.F. from Ismailia, who were the R.A.F. Cup winners.

In this game we fielded exactly the same team

as in the previous game and after an excellent game we won by three goals to nil.

In addition to the team shown above we have also been playing a “B” team and these have always come through extremely well when they have been called to play in the first team.

Before closing, mention must be made of the following players who have done so well for the team. There is no doubt the whole team have done extremely well, but it is only fair to mention the grand work put in by R.S.M. Edwards, who can always be relied upon to upset the plans of other teams at all times.

Also L/Cpl. Fulton, Cfn. Birch and that ever live wire Greenaway, who has taken so many knocks this season but always comes up smiling.

We should also like to thank S.I. Hooker for his grand assistance as trainer. He has certainly put in a lot of hard work in this direction.

He obtained his just deserts when he was selected to travel with the Army as trainer to Cyprus.

Before closing, congratulations to Tpr. Can— ning on being awarded his Army colour; we are hoping to hear much of him later when he is playing for Birmingham City.

It would not be fair to close without thank— ing all the people who have supported us so well, and no small amount Of our success is due tO their support.

SO ends a wonderful season and we hope to be opening again in a few weeks time with Inter-Troop competitions to find some talent for next season, as we shall have lost at least five of our players by that time.

TIIE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS Honours as well as conveniently being “A,” “ B,” “C” and “D ” Troops in the approved style. The Troop is a purely administrative unit and is composed of boys at all levels of training, age and intelligence. The value of Inter— Troop competitions of all kinds need scarcely be stressed. The boys organise their own affairs as much as possible through the media of Boy N.C.O.s. These ranks gain them experience in the art of command. Corporals and upward

earn extra pay.

The Squadron is split into two groups for military training and education so that full advantage may be taken Of the limited number of instructors allotted. Except for their last term, when they are on Crew training alone, Boys thus spend two-fifths of their time on G.M.T. (including RT. and Padre etc.) two-fifths on education and one—fifth on games. If they come young enough, all boys will be taught Wireless and either Gunnery or D. and M. The Education syllabus has been specially designed to combine the basic essentials that N.C.O.s as a whole need with special R.A.C. requirements. Emphasis is laid on Spoken .English, Map Reading and elementary Engineering in addition to normal subjects. Hobbies and spare time activities are encouraged, and successful voluntary classes in Carpentry, En— gineering Drawing and Languages (both French and German) have already been held. Aeroplane modelling, dramatics, debating, photographic and musical clubs are now being arranged in response to demand. There is a spacious, com— fortable library which contains both fiction and reference books especially chosen to meet the boys’ requirments.

Great keenness has not unnaturally been shown in games of all kinds. Apart from the customary games, most worthy of note has been

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a Novices’ Boxing Competition. The standard of skill and, most hearteningly, of spirit, was commendably high. The “ piece de resistance,” however, has been the Inter-troop Athletic meeting, for the Queen’s Bays Shield, held on 3Ist July, 1952. It is interesting to note that three Troops participated and that the most recently—formed Troop, Cambrai, proved vic— tors. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Athletics Officer is also O.C. Cambrai Troop!

Last summer term finished in grand style. To make a real “ day ” of the Athletics meeting, the parents of our boys were invited down. For this idea we are indebted to the Boys’ Battery, RA, and an excellent idea it proved to be. In view of the distances involved—one boy’s mother came all the way from Edinburgh—invitations were extended for two nights. The mothers and fathers, be it known, thoroughly enjoyed themselves in spite of the rigours of barrack-room accommodation. Perhaps the secret was that the cookhouse turned up trumps and showed talents above their normally high standard. The Fathers’ Race displayed such a wealth of Olympians that we are seriously con— sidering getting Mothers to try out their paces this year.

It is hoped that this account will give some idea of what we are trying to do here. It is inevitably sketchy, but it may suflice to show that we really are a going concern. Essentially our success depends on getting boys of the right type. We have yet to build up a tradition, and, as all know, this cannot be done overnight; but that tradition does exist in the Royal Armoured Corps and it is simply a matter of transferring it to this Squadron. We want you to encourage your sons, nephews, young brothers to join and

we want you to enter them now.

We will be delighted to answer any queries.

BOYS’ SQUADRON R.A.C. The Boys’ Squadron, R.A.C., at Bovington, Dorset, is now almost eighteen months’ old, and is a valuable source of future recruits to the Regiment. These notes are reproduced in the hopes that it will not be long before there are sons and brothers of Royal Dragoons among the Squadron’s numbers.

Although it seems a long time since that first group of apprehensive youngesters drifted into our lines, we have in fact increased very rapidly, and are now at full strength. Although this is not the place to discuss future policy, we are

fairly confident that we will shortly be called upon to make plans for further expansion.

In the maelstrom of planning, unless one is very careful, one is apt to get so engulfed that the human material with which one is dealing is neglected. How have the boys themselves reacted to this experiment? It would be extraordinary indeed if all were equally contented and keen; but it can be claimed without fear of con— tradiction that the majority has settled down well and are tackling their work with enthusi—

asm.

They wear general issue Boys’ uniform—Ser— vice Dress and Berets.

Four Troops are now functioning, Alamein, Balaclava, Cambrai and Dettingen. This is a fairly representative selection of Corps Battle

SERGEANTS’ MESS NOTES The year 1952—53 has been an eventful one in the field Of International affairs, although they have had less violent repercussions on Regimental life than the Egyptian troubles of late 1951 and early 1952. However, life within the Regiment has been eventful, but in a less violent manner.

In the early summer of last year as condi— tions quietened and life returned to its normal routine, preparations were made for the celebration Of Waterloo Day. For the first time in Regimental history the Guidon was trooped on a dismounted parade. R.Q.M.S. Old had the

honour of carrying this historic emblem throughout the parade.

The parade itself created a great deal Of local interest and Public Relations Branch of the Army sent one of their photographers to “ cover ” the parade. This resulted in two very excellent photographs, copies Of which now grace the wall of the Mess.

In the evening the Mess celebrated the occasion with a formal dinner, followed by a dance. Not only did we have the pleasure of entertaining the senior Officers of the Regiment but also we had the pleasure of the company of the Commanding Officer and his wife. Congratulations

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must be given to the Mess officials of that period for a very successful evening’s entertain—

ment.

After Waterloo Day, football, under the experienced eye of the Quartermaster and the experienced feet of the R.S.M. and Sgt. Lloyd, began to rise to the centre of interest of Mess life. Their achievements are mentioned with due praise in other sections of this Journal. But all through the winter football ranged from success to success, culminating in the Army Cup at the end of the season.

It was not long before we found ourselves faced with the Christmas holiday, which was celebrated in the usual manner. The dinner was a great success in spite of N.A.A.F.I. rising to its usual heights and giving at least 200 reasons why certain commodities were not available. However, under the eagle (no pun intended) eye of Sgt. Sutherland our very excellent Christmas dinner was arranged, cooked and served. It is on such occasions as these that the Mess feel the absence of the wives (usually referred to as the “ Mums ”). Entertainment was of less formal nature than Waterloo Day and after Boxing Day a number of members could be seen walking with a limp. They never learn that the R.S.M. is a champion at cockfighting.

It is only fair at this stage to welcome to the Mess the new faces we now find in our midst, and to bid fond farewell to those who have left the sunny shores of Egypt to take up life in other climes. Space prevents a mention of each member by name, but our welcome is none the less cordial. We must congratulate S.S.M. Joyce, S.Q.M.S. Hards and S.Q.M.S. Collerton on their promotion, also the members who have ascended the promotion scale from the Corporals’ Mess and are now with us.

Here should be noted the fanatical interest there has been in “Corsuk”; practically any member is willing to take a course if it is being held in the United Kingdom. Even drill and duty courses, which mean imposing on the hospitality of the Brigade of Guards, are now greeted with a smile. D. and M., gunnery and such are discussed with one eye on Bovington and the other on the availability of leave passes.

It was after Christmas that football came into its ken, and as success mounted on success, social activities mounted on social activities.

Our guests were too numerous to mention by name but we think that they not only experi— enced adequate football but adequate hospitality.

The training season arrived and many of

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the members found themselves once again con— templating the scenery of sand, wind and sun, while the “base wallahs” remained behind to combat the paper war that the Army is con« tinually waging. (Who was it during the last war who mentioned that the War Office was on our side? ). It was during this period that great excavations were carried out within the camp under the business management of the Quartermaster. “You want the best ’oles; we dig ’em ” was the motto.

Congratulations should be extended to “ Jim ” Maple and “Duck” Collyer for both turning up as Orderly Sergeant-Major on the same parade! When the “ fighting ” troops returned conversation over the bar dealt mainly with the exercises and reminded one of the very famous British Judge who said, “Half of my time is spent in investigating collisions of motor cars, each on its own side of the road, each sounding its horn and each stationary.”

As we go to press plans are under way for the celebration of the Coronation of Her Majesty the Queen, which occurs in the same month as Waterloo Day. Before bidding farewell to our readers it is timely to mention that our Journal of 1954 should make very interesting reading.

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Cavalry Memorial, 3rd May, 1953.

REGULAR FORCES EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATION

PLEASE SUPPORT . . .

Post-war conditions led to all kinds of complications and one of these has been the position

with regard to entry to Post Office. The regu—

°

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lations are that for ex-Regulars entry to posi— tions as established postmen in the Post Office service can be obtained only through nomina— tion by the National Association. When there are few vacancies and a number of men requiring this employment, as was the position before the war, these nominations are carried out in strict roster order, which is the reason why it is necessary for there to be one source of supply only, Already in some parts of the country vacancies occur so seldom that there are quite considerable waiting lists and in these places the roster is of importance in order to ensure fairness.

Immediately after the war the Post Oflcice, like everyone else, had very many vacancies to fill and the position arose when men in most places could get straight in without any waiting at all. In one or two places this is still the case and the general scarcity has led to some Post— masters ignoring the normal methods of recruitment and engaging men who apply direct. In

such instances the National Association has to be pulled into the picture in order to supply the necessary information and set in motion the proper machinery for keeping the Post Office records in order. There is a good deal of difficulty in many cases through the man already having started work, while the National Association cannot comply with the Post Office requirements easily without seeing him.

It is for this reason that the regulations are being tightened up and men will save themselves and everybody else a good deal of trouble and diffi— cutly, not to mention time, if they will make a point of applying to their local branch of the National Association for information about Post Office employment.

It should be remembered that one of the privileges of the ex—Regular is the fact that he may remain on a Post Office roster and be taken out of other employment should he so wish when his turn for nomination to Post Oflice comes.

Non—Regulars are nominated by the local Employment Exchange, but only if unemployed, and the National Assocation has confirmed that there is no ex-Regular available for the vacancy.

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REGIMENTAL GAZETTE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Lt.~Col. G. R. D. Fitzpatrick,

D.S.O., M.B.E., M.C. Major P. Massey, M.C. Major C. W. J. Lewis.

M.B.E., (Q.M.) Capt. J. B. Evans

Lt. D. J. S. Wilkinson 2/Lt. J. S. Faulder Capt. E. G. Jones, R.A.Ch.D. Capt. R. Fleming, R.A.M.C. Capt. G. O. Roberts, R.E.M.E. R.S.M. Edwards

Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Cpl. Cpl. Cpl.

Parker Sheppard David (R. Sigs.)

Crane Parkin Bonwick (R. Sigs.)

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“ HQ.” SQUADRON Major J. C. Parkhouse Capt. J. A. Dimond, M.C. Capt. C. E. W. Ferrand

Sgt. Benson Sgt. Fletcher Sgt. Ayrton

Cpl. Bevan Cpl. Brandon Cpl. Plumbly

R.Q.M.S. Old

Sgt. Dick

Cpl. Barwick

T.Q.M.S. Crockett S.S.M. Vowles

Sgt. Collerton Sgt. 'Viggars

Cpl. Webster Cpl. Thornton

S.Q.M.S. Weller

Sgt. Stanley

Opl. Berry

Sgt. Taylor

THE BAND “A”

SQ UADRON

Major K. F. Timbrell, M.C. Capt. R. H. D. Fabling Lt. N. H. lVlatterson

S.S.M. Rapkin

Lt. E. H. Birkbeck 2/Lt. The Hon. C. M. Napier

Sgt. Paul Sgt. Leese

2/Lt. R. F. H. Park

Sgt. Clark

S.Q.M.S. Joyce

Sgt. Kimble

“B” Major G. T. A. Armitage, M.B.E. Capt. P. D. Reid Lt. D. B. Owen Lt. W. R. Wilson FitzGerald 2/Lt. G. R. T. Sorley z/Lt. J. G. R. Alington 2/Lt. D. S. A. Boyd

Major B. T. Greaves Capt. J. W. E. Hammer Lt. O. J. Lewis Lt. C. J. Squires z/Lt. J. A. d’S. Charlesworth 2/Lt. J. E. Trouton

Lt. L. R. Burnside S.S.M. Jones

. Weston . Collender . Reeves . Wight . Kempton . Hill

SQUADRON

z/Lt. W. J. Davies S.S.M. Baker S.Q.M.S. Brennan Sgt. Able Sgt. Cole-Evans, D.C.M. Sgt. Rickuss Sgt. Edwards Sgt. Tinnarsh

“C”

Band Master Trythall Band Sgt. Tait

. Coupar . Dickinson

T/ Major Mountifield Cpl. Darling

“ HQ.”

SQUADRON — ATTACHED

R.E.M.E.

A.C.C.

A.S.M. Morgan, B.E.M. S/Sgt. Dawes S/Sgt. Dunckley S/Sgt. Kinchington Sgt. Lloyd Sgt. Morgan Cpl. Davies

Sgt. Sutherland A.P.T.C. S.I. Hooker R.A.E.C. W.O.II Maple

. Croft . . ~. .

Evans Main Taylor Woods

By Appointment Silversmith to the [are King George VI.

SQUADRON

Sgt. Shone Sgt. Stirling Sgt. Watorski Sgt. Warren Sgt. Malkin Sgt. Peacock Cpl. Holliday Cpl. Bailie-Hamilton

Cpl. Maberley Cpl. Stone

. . . . . . . .

Brooks Cole Jubb Sabine Green Scott Bullas White

Carrington & Co., Ltd. ESTD. 1780

ENGAGEMENT RINGS

S.Q.M.S. Wood

“D” Major A. B. Houstoun, M.C. Capt. P. P. Davies—Cooke Lt. A. G. R. Ashton Lt. S. E. M. Bradish—Ellames 2/Lt. F. C. D. Green

2/Lt. R. E. J. Philippi 2/Lt. M. C. G. Fry

All diamond Eagle with ruby eye, green enamel wreath.

SQUADRON

S.S.M. Crosby S.Q.M.S. Phillips Sgt. Colyer Sgt. Clarke Sgt. Hards Sgt. Mattock Sgt. Poulter

. . . . . . .

Kenny Gunn Linley Ling Cummings Robinson Kirk

‘r i

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SOUVENIRS At ‘112’ we are proud

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Join the British Legion

of Souvenirs in jewel—

The Banking Service lery. Gold and Silver X}

which charmingly rc—

for the Services The Legion me/zm,’

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cow/moles with your regi-

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occasion. Here is the opportunity to choose a suitable commemor— ative gift.

Aninterestingbrochure

4km M‘II

entitled ‘Coronzition LIMITED

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SHOIMAKERS

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38 DOVER STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND

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BROWN ANKLE-HEIGHT OHUKKHA BOOTS

will gladly be sent on [C(lLlCSC.

\

LLOYDS BANK LIMITED Cox’s & King’s Branch 6 Pall Mall, S.W.1

GARRARD & CO. LTD. m M‘Afee

TO

OFFICIALLY APPOINTED

AGENTS

THE

AIR

ARMY AND

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Crown jewellers

STYLE 7.5

formerly

FORCE

Brown Ankle-height Chukkha Boots, cut from reversed Buck Calf, with crepe rubber soles.

Available for immediate use in good average sizes and widths.

Price £7 . 15 . 0 per pair Every (IIIt’IZIlO/l given lo orders by port li'nm [IONIC or overseas.

THE GOLDSMITHS & SILVERSMITHS COMPANY LTD

112 Regent Street, London, W.I NUMBER ‘112’ IS OUR ONLY ADDRESS ~ TELEPHONE : REGENT 302 I

4‘

SUTPLEMENT Nor 2—PAGE THREE

THE

EOLL‘OWING FIRMS SUPPORT l‘SERVICE JOURNALS W . f/o arflflc/a/ foods ’ I’c'zr my CAI/alrea- /Wc7/lf

figmcewxfigfligl” /

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LEMON SQUASH, &c.

cigarette

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In new

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CROSBIES PURE FOOD COMPANY SOUTHALL, MIDDX., or FRUIT FARMS, BRADLEY.

Huntleg & Palmtrs

LINCS.

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at their

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llI., Lennon,

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These selected sun-drenched kernels, toasted to a delicious golden brown are a sure favourite in canteen and mess! Their delicious 'oven-freshness'

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SUPPLEMENT No. 2—PAGE FOUR SUPPLEMENT No. l—PAGE THREE

The Following Firms

Support Service Journals

Try BURMA SAUCE Every dropis of full flavour

LNEEDLERS

Ask forWhite — Cottell's Worcester Sauce

By Appointment to l-lis Late Malesty King George V.

SWEETS O

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O

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- C I G A RS -

ENGINEERS

SINCE I862

MILD HAVANA FLAVOUR

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Regimental Outfitters to The Royal Dragoons

MAW HOLLOWARE

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ASK

Late of 8 New Burlington Street, W.|.

APPLIANCES

IERMYN

STREET, LONDON,

S.W.1

FOR

Telephone: REGent 2740 London.

Telegrams: Rogers, REG. 2740 London.

ORIGINAL

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SUPPLEMENT No. l—PAGE FOUR

MILLER LIMITED

SPEED, LTD 40 Marlborough Street. Devonport LUNUUN. \\".I.

TRADING ilmousnour lHE WORLD NAAFI'

APPLICATION

and samples sent on requesL

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ON

Personal attention given to all orders and enquiries. Estimates

nvmammwv rum" in ml in: IMIEWIGHI

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CAPMAKERS

REGIMENTAL

THE ROYAL

TO

DRAGOONS

CAMBERLEY 38 NEW BOND ST., LONDON, W.1. Mxli'fxth 0784 - 40A LONDON RDi, {ll/’cdnssday afternoon: only)

CIVIL 81 IVULlTARY HATTER\

Eb

RfGlMENTAL & CLUB TIES

(limit dim!“ lilflifil MIMI

PASSED TO YOU . . .

THREE familiar words used in the Services, calling for attention and action in some routine matter, apply equally to us as the printers of your journal.

Our assurance of attention and service in matters concerned with all kinds of printing is well known to an ever-increasing number of Service personnel, and we shall be pleased to include you in our list of satisfied customers. We welcome enquiries, so why not—

F. ].

PARSONS,

LTD

LENNOX HOUSE. NORFOLK STREET. W.C.2 ' Temple Bar 659] Workx.‘ OBSERVER BUILDINGSJ-IASTINGS' Huxringsll”

Producrd for the Ed tor “The Eagle" The Journal of the Royal Dragoons I)» Combined Seivice Publications.

Ltd” 6768. Jermyn Stieet St Jumcss London SW] Printed in Great Britain by F J Parsons Ltd Lennox House Norfolk Street, London. W 012.211-d Hastings .1nleolke~'t011€. Advertisement Agents : Service Newspapers.

Ltd” 67-68. Jeimyn Street 5. W.

('Phone: Whitehall 2504).