The eagle royal dragoons magazines the eagle 1966

N0. 25

NOVEMBER 1966

Whejouma! of

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THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISEMENT PAGE, 67/68 IERMYN STREET, ST. JAMES'S, S.W.I. TEL. WHITEHALL 1504

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THE EAGLE THE REGIMENTAL JOUBNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGO0NS No. 25

GERMANY

NOVEMBER 1966

EDITOR — CAPTAIN P. W. F. ARKWRIGHT, THE ROYAL DRAGOONS, B.F.P.O. 41

PAGE

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viii

Til/:11. Imumwn a iii»! an «In Jiqppw r ll‘rlu 1.1.].

Editorial Vale / Salve Departures ..

From our Pilot in Borneo The Regimental Association Nature in the Raw “ A ” Squadron “ B ” Squadron “ C” Squadron Thoughts of a Migrating Bird Reece Troop R.H.Q. Troop M.T. Troop QM. Group Q.M. Tech.

The Band

Correspondence Island in the Sun L.A.D. Royal Signals Pay Office Sergeants’ Mess Corporals’ Mess Come Dancing in Deutschland Athlete of the Year Polo Racing Ski-ing Sailing Football Obituary, Marriages, Births

35 36 37 37 38 40 42 44 45 46 47 50 53 54

VALE

EDITORIAL SUPPOSE every new editor has big ideas for sweeping changes. My reaction on taking over was that The Eagle had remained virtually unchanged for some sixty years, and that 1966 was going to see something revolutionary. In ten years’ time I thought every Regimental Journal would have modelled itself on The Eagle 1966. I was wrong of course and here. regrettably, you have the treatment as before. The reason is purely economic. With necessarily limited circulation and with revenue from advertisements only marginally variable, the income to The Eagle Fund cannot be appreciably increased. Sweeping changes, if they are to be for the better and not just for the sake of a change, cost money: hence, with apologies, the usual mixture. The only firm decision that has been made is to publish twice a year. With our annual edition some of the contents may be as much as fifteen months out of date by the time The Eagle reaches the reader. By publishing every six months I hope that the Journal will become more topical, and thus have more appeal to its readers. You may expect therefore to receive your next copy of The Eagle in July 1967, and thereafter every six months. Inevitably the time table may have to vary slightly from year to year depending upon training commitments, but January and July will become target dates for publication.

The year has, as always in B.A.O.R., been a full one. The Colonel of the Regiment and Lady Fitzpatrick visited us from the 14th17th February and saw most aspects of the Regiment at work and play during their stay, which was all too short. Browsing through old copies of The Eagle I couldn’t help noticing an entry in the January 1934 edition: “We extend a hearty welcome to 2/Lt. G. R. D. Fitzpatrick and hope he will spend many happy years with the Regiment.”

It only remains to add that every Royal Dragoon in 1966 hopes that he will spend

many more equally happy ones as Colonel of the Regiment. Amongst other distinguished visitors have been the Minister of Defence for the Army, The Rt. Hon. G. W. Reynolds, and the Commander 1 (BR) Corps, Lieut.-General Sir John Mogg.

The training cycle has churned inexorably on through Troop Training at Soltau, Annual Firing at Hohne Ranges, Regimental Training and so to the Autumn formation exercises. The highlight of the training year was without doubt Regimental Training.

This year we visited a French Training area at Camp du Larzac. This is some fifty miles north-west of Montpelier, and is within easy reach of the Mediterranean. In this way we avoided the now familiar Soltau Training Area and combined valuable training over strange country with the more normal relaxations enjoyed—and paid for!

—by other Visitors to the South of France.

Finally a word on the visit to the Regiment by members of the Regimental Association.

We were all delighted to welcome to Detmold some thirty members headed by the Chairman. Capt. Peter Miles, and the Honorary Secretary, Major “Spud ” Lewis. They stayed over the Waterloo Day weekend and it was the greatest pleasure to the Regiment to meet old friends again. It is undoubtedly a visit which must be repeated, and we hope that every member enjoyed his stay as much as we enjoyed having them.

The ensuing pages will I hope give you a good idea of life in the Regiment over the past year. with a little light humour thrown in. One request before loosing you on the 1966 edition; it is already time to start getting material for the July 1967 edition, and any contribution is most welcome. Anecdotes, recollections and historical articles are all required if a balanced and readable Journal is to result, so please do not refrain from putting pen to paper if the spirit ever moves you!

BRIGADIER R. E. WORSLEY, O.B.E. Lt.-Col. Worsley (it‘s hard to get used to calling him Brigadierepromotion is so rapid these days!) relinquished command of the Regiment in December 1965, to take up his new appointment as Commander 7th Armoured Brigade. We wish him and Mrs. Worsley every success and the best of luck in Soltau.

Colonel Dick guided the Regiment through two and a half eventful years which included the sending to Cyprus of two squadrons of Armoured Cars, and the move to B.A.O.R. It was not by chance that these two events

were so easily and smoothly accomplished.

We miss his eagle eye, spotting immediately any trace of idleness or incompetence: his bursts of rage, always justified but soon forgotten; his fertile brain, producing idea after idea always with the good of the Regiment behind them; his knowledge of individuals and their problems; his hospitality which many have continued to enjoy at Jagdhaus Weiss. Above all we shall miss the professional soldier who devoted himself so entirely to the Regiment and its welfare Still the cries are heard—“ yes, certainly” —“ if the cap fits, wear it ”-~»“ nevertheless and nonethemore,” . . .

SALVE! LIEUT.-COLONEL P. D. REID IEUT-COLONEL REID returned to L take over command of the Regiment in December 1965. having completed a tour on the DRAC’s staff at Lulworth.

Colonel Peter was commissioned into the ‘Coldstream Guards in 1945, serving with the Guards Armoured Division in North-West Europe and transferred to the Regiment in 1947. since when he has served in all except one of the stations to which the Regiment has been posted.

We welcome Colonel Peter and his wife on their return to the Regiment and wish

them every Command.

success during

his tour of

Departures FROM OUR MAJOR M. B. NOBLE WE were all very sad to say goodbye to Marc Noble early in February. He joined the Regiment from the K.D.G.“s in 1958 at Herford and served continuously with the Regiment from that date except for a spell as Adjutant of the K.C.L.Y. He was Adjutant of the Regiment in Aden and a Squadron Leader in Malaya and Germany.

He very quickly established himself in the Regiment and became one of its most popular members. He was well-known for his delightfully old—world outlook on life, but this was coupled with a very real sense of service and outstanding loyalty. He and his wife were always ready to undertake any task. however dull or thankless it might be.

Their house was always a centre of outstanding hospitality, both to members of the Regiment and to visitors from outside, In fact, during their time with the Regiment Marc and Jane became an institution, and their going has left a gap which is felt by all who knew them. We wish them the yer)! best of luck and happiness in civilian l e.

CAPT. T. P. HART DYKE “ Leaving?—He can’t be, he has only just come back.” Unfortunately it was true and we were all very sad to see Terence Hart Dyke leave the Regiment to become a civilian. He can, however, claim the unique distinction of being the first officer in the Army to have resigned his commission within twenty-four hours of gaining a nomination to the new Army Stafl Course!

Terence joined the Regiment at Wesendorf in 1956 and was posted to “ B ” Squad— ron. He quickly became a competent Troop Leader‘starting with the Assault Troop before passing on to a Sabre Troop. He attended a White Shod Course in Norway— with the result that we didn’t see him very much during the ski-ing seasons in the years that followed!

R.H.Q. claimed him as Signals Officer in 1957 and in 1958 he went to Bovington as a D. and M. Instructor. He then became the first Royals Oflicer to read for a degree at

Shrivenham. Terence did his best to get back to the Regiment every summer from Shriven— ham and he did in fact come out to Aden for two months—when he became Second-inCommand “ C ” Squadron and did his stint

PILOT IN

on the Lodar and Dhala convoys.

His main achievement at Shrivenham. apart from becoming a qualified ocean racer and mate, was to find himself a wife. In fact he only just got back from Cyprus. where he was Second-in-Command “A” Squadron. in time for his wedding.

He is a great loss to the Regiment and we wish Wandaand Terence all good fortune in their new life.

CAPT. W. H. MAIR, R.E.M.E. Someone once said that Bill Mair must have been a good E.M.E.—he lasted more than six months. Bill Mair, of course, was a good E.M.E., but he was more than that.

Certainly he had the military side of things buttoned up, and certainly there were never any worries when the dreaded annual inspection of vehicles came round, but that was only partially the reason for his popularity and success, Bill was everybody’s friend from Willie the German fitter to the Commanding Officer to the newest joined and most ignorant driver.

“Herr Kapitan, my wife is krank.” “ Ha,

ha, ha, mine is always krank; go back to work.” “ Mair. your workshop is in chaos.”

“Ha, ha, ha, yes, Colonel, I know, but so would you be if you’d been through what we have in the last ten days.” “ Please, Sir, I’ve just driven my tank into your workshop door." “ Ha ha ha, you’d better drive it out again and report to the A.S.M. and see what he has to say about it.”

Not that everything was a joke with Bill: it’s just that one’s lasting impression of him will be one of good humoured efliciency which inspired confidence and high morale in all around him. We wish him and Valerie the very best of luck in their new life in Canada. By all reports their first taste of it they find entirely palatable. They are a sad loss to the Regiment. but it’s an ill wind . . .

BORN E0 survival course, a theatre conversion course

The Reason Why HE prospect of a stint at Detmold T exercising against a “retreating enemy, leaving behind him small pockets of resistance,” coupled with a phobia for the “phantom presseler” prompted me to seek fame and fortune with Army Aviation. I asked to be posted to the Caribbean but was posted to Borneo and l have found neither fame nor fortune. But then. on the other hand, nor have I done an Orderly Officer, which must count as a bonus.

I am still very much a Royal Dragoon, although it has so far taken one cheque, one priority signal and four letters, and still, after

Orientation If you were accustomed to swanning around a couple of inches above a king-sized cauliflOWer patch, in the manner of a bee, which has become temporarily uncertain of its position (ie. mostly lost) relative to its hive, you would be quite at home flying a helicopter in Borneo. The “leech infested and almost impenetrable jungle covered

three months, 1 have not received a stable

hills ” (all the old patter) stretch into the

belt—at least not one that fits a waist in excess of twenty-six inches. It would be nice to have one as, until two months ago, I was in the 4th Royal Tank Regiment Air Squadron Detachment, which was commanded by a Royal Scot with a 3 RTR sergeant and myself as pilots; it is now The Life Guards Air Squadron Detachment with a 16/5 Lancer, a Life Guard and myself as pilots. Thus, differentiation is important. However, I feel fully integrated which I am told is a good thing. We have just completed a move which qualified for the “Borneo Bulletin Most Secret Move of the Year Award ”—it was so secret that nobody ever knew anything about it.

Having spent almost a year at Middle Wallop (which is rather longer than most people spend there), where to fly over any— thing larger than a small wood produced a torrent of abuse from the instructors. the first thing one had to become used to was that the only available ground to fly over in Borneo is jungle. The newly arrived pilot is crashed through a series of coursesra jungle

wide blue yonder from the South China to the Sulu and Celebes Seas, but I am happy to say that as yet I know nothing at all about hacking my way through them, and with reasonable luck things should stay that way.

Having had great difliculty, even on a clear day. in finding my way along the A30 in Hampshire, the reader may well wonder how I can find my way from Brunei International Airport (Daily Flights to Jesselton but bring your own sandwiches) to a spot in the midst of the trackless and uncharted jungle of headhunting Borneo. Well. the boflins. with the computors and slide rules wearing out under the strain, have come up with a simple and foolproof formula, cutting out all the variables and unknown: it is G2

by Guess and by God. However, with your bag, vomit, clutched firmly in your sweaty paw, strap your rear end to the seat of a Sioux helicopter. Be careful to avoid pushing your Mapboard G.S. through the instrument panel—this sort of spastic behaviour can make the pilot very angry. It will probably take you a few

(i.e. change of scene), an operational theatre

conversion (for pilomedics) and an area familiarisation course (don’t drink the water,

don’t touch the women and lots of luck).

minutes to strap in and get yourself settled.

When you have done so unstrap yourself to remove the headset which you had been sitting on. and which had been making you so uncomfortable. Restrap yourself in and then test your headset. If it fails to work after two attemptsigive up.

Meanwhile. your long-suffering pilot will be preparing to take off and his " Tiger " soaked tones will come to your ears in that brusque. impersonal manner:

Flight Plan “Good morning, gentlemen. this is your captain speaking. welcoming you aboard Army Sioux Mission N0. 74. We shall be lifting off very shortly to a height of 4 feet. prior to climbing to 500 feet for our flight to R.A.F. Labuan (Crab Key). We shall be flying at 70 knots and our flight time will be 30 minutes. Please refrain from smoking, fidgeting or touching anything. No “toilet facilities ” are available, no refreshments are served and no parachutes are carried. In the unlikely event of an emergency you are requested either to throw yourself out at a decent height to lighten the load. thereby assisting the captain to complete a successful engine off landing, or to remain in the aircraft until your captain gives you the order «“Jump.” If you say, “What?” you will be talking to yourself. That’s all and I hope you have a pleasant trip. Thank you.”

Brunei Mosque with its solid 22 carat gold dome is soon left behind and as your pilot, with consummate ease and grace, wafts you effortlessly over the jungle canopy, you may well be treated to some in-flight entertainment by way of radio transmissions from American “chopper jockeys, fireballin’ in on Zap. Zap, Zap, Charlie Cong” Missions.

Perhaps something like: “ Un, Detroit, Detroit, this is Google Eye wa Huey ’copter two miles south of your grid—gimmeapuffayella smoke.”

However, before you can say “ Uncle Ho ” your pilot will be “easing over the active and pulling pitch” (crossing the runway in use, coming to the hover. and landing) and the delightful interlude will be over. When alighting from the aircraft you should be careful to avoid getting your head struck by the rotor blades. Not only is it awfully messy but it can also cause unnecessary and extensive damage to the aircraft.

The Military Aspect The Army in Borneo. certainly in the forward areas. is entirely dependent on aircraft for the movement of all personnel and supplies and some extremely comfortable camps have been fashioned out of parachutes. base boards. local timber and the ubiquitous forty gallon drum. Distances are measured in aircraft flying times and movement is dependent on aircraft serviceability.

Joint Service Co—operation (no. not lnf./ Tk. Co-operation) is at a premium and it is routine for a bearded Naval Oflicer to be tasking an R.A.F. piloted helicopter ferrying Army patrols into the jungle. Lest this has the keen military student muttering bemusedly and reaching for his worn and dogeared SD. in the F. let us pass over this cloud and consider the regimental heli— copter pilots role in Borneo.

Apart from border reconnaisance and liason work for the forward battalions he will find that one of his routine jobs is rear area patrollingficombining a military patrol with assistance to the local population. This means visiting the longhouses in an area. accompanied by a medical, educational and administrative officer. The longhouses are readily seen from afar owing to the light colour of their hill padi which contrasts sharply with the solid green uniformity of the jungle. They are always built by a river, and some are as long as 500 yards, supported on stilts to allow the animals to shelter underneath. A long communal corridor runs the whole length of the house, off which each family has a “ door ”leading off to their rooms. Thus the population of a longhouse is judged by the number of “doors” (i.e. families).

They are constructed entirely of

wood and rotan binding with a roof of woven leaver. although the arrival of the British Army means an abundance of tin roofing.

They still live on rice. fish and a little meat. all still cultivated or caught the same way as it always has been—spear and blowpipe. It is difficult to improve their methods of crop growing or to introduce new crops. A lift is given to anyone for whom there is room and who happens to be there, so that one often staggers into the air with a man and his wife, baby and belongings plus the odd piglet or two. and the inevitable chickens. One chicken banged out at 5.000 feet, but as its legs were still tied together its subsequent descent was “ unauthodox.”

The Helping Hand Medical assistance is frequently given but, as medical knowledge is limited, the standard

drill is an aspirin if the pain is above the chest and a stop/go pill as required if the pain is below it. One man was evacuated. who had lain paralysed for seven months on his back. following a fall from a tree. A pair of Army pliers was used to remove an lban’s tooth— the technique being that one of his mates held the unfortunate patient’s head in the required position while the rotting stump was extracted.

However, with this mundane

requirement obviously in view, the Ibans all cultivate large loops in their ears by suspending from them either a tiger’s tooth. or a hornbill’s beak or if these are not available. large metal rings which would be more suitably worn by a bulliand in its nose at that.

With the march of so-called progress, however, the ulu dressers (locally trained first aid men) are doing a roaring trade in the stitching up of ears.

Meanwhile “ confrontasi” continues until “ the new Indonesian cabinet is formed ” or until “ Bung Karno says it has ended” or until “ the Bangkok agreement is ratified,” or until “ 4th July ” or “ 17th August.” or “ yesterday.” or “tomorrow ” or else it will end “ very soon,” “ as soon as possible.” or “ within a few weeks ” or when “ Ratna Sara Dewi plays golf with General Suhartu again.”

3eme Regiment de Lanciers Belgian Army We were very pleased to learn towards the end of last year that the Regiment had been granted an affiliation with the Belgian Seme Regiment de Lanciers who are stationed at Altenrath near Cologne.

Their Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. B. E. M. Ecuyer M. von Canbergh was kind enough to invite a party of officers and N.C.O.s to visit his Regiment in March and since that time the relationship between the two Regiments has grown and prospered.

The Reece Troop much enjoyed their visit to Altenrath from the lst-7th May and we were fortunate in having their Commanding Officer and some of his oflicers stay with us during the Regimental Shooting at Hohne on the 17th and 18th May. We much look forward to future visits.

Our Cover Photograph THE cover photograph was taken by Brigadier P. J. Howard Dobson, and shows “A” Squadron tanks during night firing at Hohne, l966.

The Editor is most grateful to Brigadier Howard Dobson for permission to use this photograph.

BEQUEST The Colonel of the Regiment, on behalf of the Regimental Aid Society, gratefully acknowledges receipt of the sum of £200, a bequest from the late Major Daniel Rogers.

Major Rogers enlisted into the Regiment in [911 and served with the Regiment, reaching the rank of Sergeant, until 1917 when he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery. He retired in 1937, but rejoined the active list in 1939 and served with the Gunners throughout the Second World War. He was awarded the M.B.E. in 1941.

THEN AS NOW The following extract is taken from the Aldershot News of 18th August, 1894:— “ The health of the Emperor was proposed by the Colonel. In response, the Emperor said that it was a great pleasure to him to dine with so distinguished a corps as the ‘ Greys,’ of whom he had heard before. Their motto ‘ Second to None ’ was perfectly true, always excepting, he added. ‘ my own regiment, the Royal Dragoons.’ ”

ERRATUM In the article on Brigadier Tony Pepys in the 1965 edition it was stated that he was severely wounded before the Battle of El Alamein. This of course was not the case.

He commanded the Regiment throughout the battle and was wounded shortly afterwards.

THANK YOU! The Editor wishes to thank all those who have contributed notes and articles in this issue. Keep up the good work in time for the next.

The Regimental Association Honorary Secretary: Major C. W. J. Lewis, M.B.E., Home Headquarters, The Royal Dragoons, Hill House. Beckenham Lane, Bromley, Kent.

Tel.: Widmore 1939.

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The Regimental Association Party which visited the Regiment in June, with members of the Serving Regiment.

A Full Year INC‘E publication of our last notes the S In October 1965 a function to celebrate Association has again been very active. the Anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein was held at Albany Street and this was well supported. In the following March the Annual General Meeting and the draw for the Grand National Sweepstake took place at the same venue and the Committee of the Social Club of the Regimental Association would like to take this opportunity of thank— ing all those who most generously supported this sweepstake. As a result a sum of nearly £80 was donated to assist in supporting the Asociation trip to the Serving Regiment last June. Next year we are hoping to organise day trips to the seaside for our members and it is hoped that we shall again receive

generous support for our 1967 sweepstake, so that the fares for those who are retired can be paid, or at least subsidised.

Reunion Dinner The Annual Reunion and Dinner for 1966 was again a great success. A total of 190 members were present at the Dinner with many more members and their friends attending the social function afterwards. Our President, Lieut.-General Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick. K.C.B.. 0.5.0.. M.B.E.. M.C., addressed all present and informed them that he had recently visited the Regiment and he was

delighted to say that all were in excellent shape. There was no doubt that since the conversion of the Regiment from armoured cars to tanks they had trained hard and well. and without any doubt were now a profes-

sional tank regiment. 1n proposing the toast of the Serving Regiment he wished the Regiment the very best of luck and good fortune during the coming year.

We were pleased to hear the Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. P. D. Reid, who had recently taken over command of the Regiment, reply to our President and give us details of the work and play of the Regiment. In proposing the toast of the Regimental Association he stated he was looking forward very much. and so were the remainder of the Regiment. to the visit of the Association over the Waterloo celebrations in June.

To those serving members who had come over from Germany to attend the Reunion we ofler our thanks and say how much we all appreciated this and how delighted we all were to be able to exchange tales of the past and the present.

As is the normal custom the Combined Annual Memorial Parade of the ex—Cavalrymen’s Association was held in Hyde Park the morning after the Reunion. Despite the fact that the Reunion continued to a late, or rather early. hour we had a good muster of 95 all ranks and compared very favourably with other Regiments. However, the Committee hope that all our members will make special efforts to attend the next Parade which will be held on Sunday, 7th March, 1967. The Committee feel that every support should be given to this Parade and the numbers overall are increasing each year and we must ensure that our numbers also increase. We were delighted to have Lt.-Col. R. North on parade with us and we all admired him for marching with us, despite his lameness.

Visit to B.A.0.R. The Association had received an invitation from the Commanding Officer for the Regimental Association to go over to Germany to attend the Waterloo celebrations and this was accepted by a party of 32 members. The party met at Victoria on Thursday, 16th June, and then travelled by coach to Dover. where they transferred to a Belgian boat for the crossing to Ostend. Arriving at Ostend in the late afternoon a meal was taken and then we proceeded by coach to Germany arriving there without mishap about 8 am. on Friday, 17th June. On arrival at the Guard Room we tasted our first piece of organisation when Sgt. Owen took us to the

PQ Members of the Regimental Association Party take a well-earned rest on their return journey from Germany.

Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess where we had a most excellent breakfast before dispersing to our various hosts and Messes.

Despite the long journey all members were more interested in seeing the Regiment than taking rest and before long they were seen all over the barracks. That evening a Dinner was held in the Officers” Mess and social functions were arranged in both the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess and also the Corporals’ Mess. Needless to say the hospitality received was of the highest possible standard.

On Saturday. 18th June, which was the anniverary of the great battle, a very fine Tattoo was arranged by the Regimental Band under their Bandmaster, W.O.I D. H. MacKay, and without exception all members agreed that this display has never been excelled by the Regimental Band. Many of the older ones had tears in their eyes when the hymn “Abide With Me ” was played in such a fine way by the Band. Quite naturally all members then proceeded to the various Messes and again had a most excellent evening which did not break up until dawn had broken on the morning of the 19th June.

Despite the late evening practically all then attended the Church Service in the Garrison Church.

That afternoon the regimental polo team was playing the 17th/215t Lancers in the inter-regimental competition at Sennelager and this we attended in full strength. We did our best to cheer the team to victory but in the final chukker our opponents scored the deciding goal and we were beaten very narrowly by the score of 7 goals to 6. A very fine effort indeed.

Sports Trophy Presentation During our visit we attended the intersquadron swimming sports and at this function our Chairman, Capt. P. T. Miles, presented the Regimental Association sports trophy for the best athlete to Tpr. Thorn who is a road walker of international standard. It was unanimously agreed that this award for 1966 had been well earned and we all wish Tpr. Thorn more successes in the future and will most certainly look for his name among the internationals.

The party were due to return from Detmold on the evening of Monday, 20th J une, and as the Regiment was then in the midst

l

of moving to the training areas at Larzac in France we did our shopping. not forgetting our duty free cigarettes and spirits, and eventually left at about 6 pm. that night.

Before we left Lt.—Col. Peter Reid came into the coach and said how much they had all enjoyed our visit and hoped that we had all enjoyed ourselves and looked forward very much to our next visit. He was left in no doubt of the feelings of the visitors by the rendering of “For He‘s a Jolly Good Fellow” and the three resounding cheers at the completion.

To everyone in the Regiment who did so much to make our visit the great success it was we say thank you. It would be difficult to mention anyone in paricular and in fact would be wrong to do so. but we should be lacking if we did not mention the hard work and long hours spent on us by R.S.M. J. S. Clark and his members. No matter how small or how-large our problems were he overcame them all, and always with a smile and a cheerfulness We all appreciated.

To all members of the serving Regiment

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Old friends meet at the Annual Reunion 1956. R.S.M. and Mrs. Clark, R.S.M. and Mrs. Ranson with Mrs. Lewis.

we say come and see us when you are home on leave and we should be delighted to see you at any of our functions.

It is with the deepest regret that we have to record the death of the following members since our last notes. Where possible a member of the Association attended the funeral and wreaths were sent where information was received in time. To all the next of kin we send our deepest sympathy:~—

scroll with the words “The Royal Dragoons” underneath. These may be obtained from the Honorary Secretary for the sum of 23. 6d.

There are two different types, one with the stud which fits in the lapel hole and the other with a brooch pin to overcome the present trend of dress where suits are made without the lapel holes.

Association Members Who Attended the Visit to the Serving Regiment in Germany

Lt.-Col. A. D. Wintle. M.C., ex-R.Q.M.S.

Jim Old, ex-Farr/Major J. Giles. ex-Sgt. Jim Whitehurst. ex-Cpl. Jack Manners. exS.S.M./R.I. Charlie Taylor, ex-Cpl. Jack Starr.

ex-Bdsm.

G.

Hastings,

ex-Cpl.

F.

Lewis. B.E.M. To our list of Chelsea Pensioners we now add the name of ex-Farr/Cpl. G. Bullock who brings our total in Chelsea Hospital to four.

New Badge In conclusion we remind all members that the official Regimental Association badge is now a replica of the Eagle cap badge with a

Capt. P. T. Miles (Chairman of the Association), Major and Mrs. Lewis and

daughter (Hon. Secretary of the Association), Major and Mrs. C. E. Winstanley. Capt. E. E. L. Payne.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Albin. Mr. R. H. Abrahams, Mr. J. D. Bradley, S.S.M. C. C. F. Crabb. Mr. H. Norris, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Payne, Mr. R. W. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. H. Sullivan, Mr. J. Stirling, Mr. W. Thomas, Mr. J. Edwards, Mr. B. C. Frost, Mr. H. Grace, Mr. W. C. Griflin, Mr. S. Harris, Mr. W. English, Mr. J. Willis, Mr. S. E. Wood, Mr. A. E. Wilkinson, Mr. H. R. Waller, Miss D. Lamprugh.

at Sgt. Hayes, S.Q.M.S. Lloyd, Mr. Day, Major C. W. J. Lewis and S.Q.M.S. Tucker Capt. Hamilton Russell’s wedding.

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10

Nature in the Raw IIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

“

HERE is a nudist camp next door to T the beach, you know.” “ Oh! really,” I said, doing my utmost to sound nonchalant, without I feared much success.

The plain fact is that I have always longed to visit a nudist camp. Ever since the days when I used to buy Health and Efficiency to

was unanimously decided to go to the beach.

The journey down to the beach was fraught.

I had that feeling in my stomach usually reserved for the dentist's waiting room. I don‘t know why. I was really fairly con— fident that within a few minutes of my arrival I would be accepted by my fellow nudists as “one of the boys.’ I am certainly not proud of my body, but there are no

impress my friends on the school train, I

have harboured this secret longing. I say secret because I haven’t told many people about it. Just occasionally when in my cups I may have let it slip out, but it‘s not a longing of which I am particularly proud.

Not ashamed either mind you because I look upon it as a perfectly natural desire; not perverted in any way, just inquisitive. Inquisitive. that’s the word. What did it used to say in the last paragraph of the Orderly Officer’s Orders? “ Be alert. inquisitive and remember that you are the Commanding Officer’s representative.” Alert I was fairly confident I would be. in the nicest possible

obvious disfigurements so far as I am aware.

Things are by and large attached in the right places and no member is either particularly small or embarrassingly large. Perhaps it was the fear of sunburn which made me fraught. I should explain that in normal circumstances I am the sort of person who cannot even take his shirt off in the sun for fear of sunburn. let alone his trousers. But then with all the modern aids I should surely be able to avoid it. After all I had only recently commissioned Bill to get me some sun oil and he had returned with a litre canister of ‘.Sun Bliss.’ If the price of it, and the picture of the girl on the frontinot a naturist by the way—were anything to go by the stuff must be effective. Certainly good enough for my needs. I didn’t intend to spend the whole day naked after all.

way, of course: inquisitive I knew I was; as

to whether I was suited either physically or in other respects, to represent the Commanding Officer. I was unsure. I would have to seek advice on that.

Opportunity Knocks Eventually the opportunity for a visit arose. The Squadron had a day off and it

Entry Problem At last the journey was over and my big 12

“ Trying to make a compromise will not help you to use my Naturist Club for P010 messieurs.” moment had come. Now into this particular nudist camp there are three methods of entry. assuming you can’t fly. One is to go in by the main entrance, pay your subscription and leave your clothes in the care of a naked attendant. The second is to swim round the barrier. remove your drawers under water and walk up on to the beach looking as though you had only left it momentarily for a quick dip. The third. and incidentally the method I selected. is to sneak in through the sand dunes at the back of the beach.

This I did. and settled down in the dunes as I thought fairly well hidden from the majority of naturists. No problem this. I thought. just take off my drawers and I would be in business. Instant naturism I thought.

Well I did remove my drawers and I was, I supposed. a naturist. I can’t honestly say I felt one. I doubt if I looked one. but when in Rome. . . Don’t think for a moment it’s a comfortable business being a naturist: oh! no. First of all the sand on this beach is too hot to walk on. Imagine therefore sitting on it without even the protection of bathing

drawers. Not much to that you think. If that‘s ‘the only price you have to pay for naturism you’d settle for it. you think. Wait about though. Think of the sunburn problem. “Easy.” you say. “What about the Sun Bliss?” Yes. Sun Bliss: just the job I agree. But as a naturist you have to apply Sun Bliss to parts of the anatomy which don’t usually require Sun Bliss. Think now of sitting in the sand, Sun Blissed. to coin a

phrase. and if you are the sort of person who grumbles about toast crumbs after breakfast in bed then naturism isn’t for you. And as to how you get the sand off. or out, I still haven’t discovered. However. a glutton for punishment. I was prepared to suffer all this.

As yet my curiosity was not appeased. Only a few sun worshippers around me; true they produced some pretty funny sights—naturism sunbathe in the most extraordinary positions ebut I wanted to see more than this. I didn’t have long to wait. Approaching me. was a man, oldish, greying, spreading in the middle and naked save for a small pink hat (worn, surprisingly, on his head) and a pair 13

of binoculars hung round his neck. No less a man than Monsieur le Proprietaire. That wasn’t all though. Beside him was a man (without even a hat on) who can only be compared with Garth.

When I say that he was twice the size of “B" Squadron Leader 1 am not exaggerating.

The Moment of Truth “ Are you a naturist?” the old man asked.

This was the question I had been dreading.

I knew of course that I wasn‘t a naturist at heart, but there I was fulfilling. as I understood it. the basic requirement of naturism— nudity. “ Well. yes and no,” I replied, “ half an hour ago I wasn‘t one, and in half an hour’s time I won’t be one, but at this moment. yes. I am a naturist.” "Have you a member?” he asked. “ I beg your pardon."

I said thinking this was an unnecessary and stupid question in my present state. “ Have you a member of the Club?” “ Oh. I see. am I a member of the Club.” I corrected his use of the English language. I sympathised with him. I always find it difficult to know when to use avoir and when to use étre, and he clearly had the same trouble

in English, but this did seem to be a case where absolute accuracy was essential. “ No,” I said. “ I am not a member.” “ Then I regret you must leave,” this from the younger man and it was clearly not the first time he had said this to the likes of me.

Coming from him I was prepared to accept it without argument. If he said I must lea\e then leave I must and from the look on his face the sooner the better. He didn't bother to wait and see if I obeyed him. He just wasn’t the sort of person people disobeyed.

I did leave. It was really a great relief to be invited to leave. Best of all I considered that having been told in so many words that I wasn‘t a naturist I now had carte blanche to walk back down the beach dressed. After all there was clearly more to being a naturist than just being naked. To this day I don‘t know what. but I certainly didn’t fulfil all the requirements. I put on my drawers— never have they felt more welcomeiand walked down the beach through the naked throng. The sights I saw on the way are a story in themselves and they certainly wouldn’t bear publication.

Interesting though; yes there is more to being a naturist than just being naked.

Fulfilment

I don’t want to visit a nudist camp again.

I’ve got it out of my system now. I certainly don‘t regret it. I don‘t think I am any better off or for that matter any worse off for my visit. I’ve been to a nudist camp though. and lots haven’t. Dammit it will give me something to bang on about over the port too, won’t it?

“A” Squadron THE CURATE’S EGG! T HE past year has seen many changes in the Squadron at all levels. We said goodbye to Major Wilson FitzGerald and S.S.M. Crabb. and welcomed in their places Capt. Arkwright and S.S.M. Wator— ski. S.S.M. Watorski is, of course, an old “A” Squadron man and he very quickly settled in where he had left off in Malaya!

From the training point of view, the year has been busy. but successful. Troop training at Soltau was probably the most enjoyable time since we lived rough for a fortnight, in sometimes appalling conditions, but at the end of it very definitely had the satisfying feeling of something accomplished.

The range period at Hohne was marred for us by the tragic accident in which Tpr. Denver lost his life. His loss was very deeply felt by every member of the Squadron and the sympathy of every one of us goes out to his foster parents. The actual shoot-

ing at Hohne earned a good report, though we were all fully aware of the fact that we could and should have done better. Those who did not realise it before were left in no doubt after the Squadron Leader had spoken to us.

Regimental training at Larzac made a very welcome change from the now familiar Soltau training area. The two highlights of the training period were the Troop tests (where 2nd Troop, to the surprise of some,

won the first prize) and the Inter-Squadron Exercises at the end of training. These Exercises produced a very fair test of a squadron in every phase of war. We remember particularly a little battle we had against “B ” Squadron on point 852. After a lot of manoeuvring by both Squadron Leaders neither could quite force “checkmate ” and an honourable draw was settled upon.

Naturally the beach trips were

Nuffield Trust Minibus T the end of 1965 the Regiment was presented with a Morris J2 l3-seater Minibus by the Nutfield Trust, a very generous gift costing the Nuffield Trust over £700. This Minibus was put into service at the end of January and after the first seven months’ running a report can now be made on the use to which it has been put by the Regiment.

Any member of the Regiment, or his family, may use the Minibus on the payment of a hire charge. This charge has been worked out based on the estimated running cost and amounts to 20 pfennigs per kilometer regardless of the numbers carried. By the end of August this had brought in DM 1800 as against expenses incurred of DM 1400, and by the end of the first twelve months’ operating we should be able to

purchase new tyres and in addition put aside a small sum for depreciation out of profits made.

The longest journey so far undertaken has been a 2,400 km. round trip to Copenhagen.

Kiel and Skagen (Denmark) to take officers to and from the boat entered for the Skaw race in July. Other long journeys have been to Dusseldorf and Dortmund and a number of trips to the Canadian Maple Leaf Club in Soest. In addition there is of course a continual demand for the Minibus to take soldiers and their families on local trips in and around Detmold.

Finally a word of thanks to Tpr. Carpenter who cheerfully drives at all hours and in all weathers: without him we should not have been able to make such full use of the Minibus.

a] it

a .8st

How on earth did we manage it? Lt. Mackie and Sgt. Cox after their victory in the Regimental Troop Rally.

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14

popular and 2nd Troop held a very good barbecue party in celebration of their victory in the Troop tests. Throughout all our training this year we have had R.H.Q. Troop attached to us. We considered it a great honour to have them (call sign is they became) and although we got a bit fed up with them always winning our Squadron competitions. we much enjoyed their company. At least we beat them in the football at Hohne !

Around the Troops What of the Troops themselves. S.H.Q. found Sgt, Edwards homing on to his old job of Squadron Signals Sergeant. and Cpl. Cooper getting promoted to a rank which finally (and regrettably) precluded his driving the Squadron Leader’s tank. L/Cpl. Parkes and Tpr. Youngs have had their problems with the Dozer, all borne with their

usual cheerfulness. and L/Cpl. Blazier was only once defeated on the wirelessithis by a Slidex message from R.H.Q., which took 40 minutes to send. He won in the end though by coming up after some 30 minutes of fruitless decoding, with “ Say all again.”

They would not.

First Troop have had their little problems now and again. The Troop Leader has little faith in maps and the Squadron Leader even less in his ability to read them. Tpr. Thomton thought he could get down a hill faster if he went in neutral. He did—into a gorge, where he remained for some three hours while he was dragged out. At least, we knew where he was during this manoeuvre.

L/Cpl. Harman and Tpr. Gillett won a battle honour in a certain village by discharging their piece, much to the local inhabitants’ indignation.

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Tpr. Mason, Tpr. Wasey and Cpl. Brown at Sultau.

The Alpsee Monster: Tprs. Gillett and Rawlings.

Tpr. Youngs, L/Cpl. Parkes, Cpl. Cooper.

Dhobi time at Lanac: Tprs. Youngs, Emberson, Howell and Jee. Tpr. Mason on Listening Watch. lst Troop Leader relaxes—situation normal.

16

Rally Winners Second Troop have not heard very much on any of the Exercises due to the Troop Leader’s predilection for listening out on “the other means." What means this is or what this means We never really discovered, but they did win the Regimental Troop rally so they must be good at something. Tpr. Drennan has difficulty in getting Tpr. Flude out of his bed (the aerial case) in the morn-

ings, whilst Tpr. Rawlings delights in breaking gear levers off his tank at the most critical moment. Many changes have taken place in the Troop, but Sgt. Cox is still there, a lone Welshman amongst the Londoners.

He has been kept busy on the gunnery side, too, and our thanks must go to him and Sgt. Millett for their hard work before Hohne.

Third Troop said goodbye to their Troop Leader for the winter, while he was ski-ing in the Harz Mountains, and Sgt. Bosher came from the MT. Troop to replace Sgt. Edwards. [t is rumoured that Sgt. Bosher used to bribe the L.A.D. with his family allowance, to keep 13A off the road. Some say the Troop Leader threw in his L.O.A. to this end as well. Cpl. Vallins joined the Troop from the comfort of the Commanding Officer’s staff car and looks like being Troop Leader during the autumn manoeuvres!

Tpr. Cooney nearly perished in a canal in the South of France. Fortunately, his native lrish blood proved stronger than the French wine and he struggled out. The French were so surprised to see a soldier swimming in the canal at 1 am. that they left N.A.T.O. almost immediately.

Fourth Troop said farewell to Lieut. Scott after some three years in many hard stations from Tidworth to Cyprus, and are being given plenty of time to get over the shock.

Sgt. Wilkinson has been holding the fort for nearly a year with no sign of a replacement Troop Leader. Lieut. Roberts took the Troop on Troop Training and they soon became the ace night fighters. The co-ordination of 14 and l4A’s searchlights had to be seen to be believed. (Fortunately, no-one who mattered ever saw it—they were not equipped with IR viewersl). Cpl. Emery, Tprs. Woollard and Wray all distinguished themselves on the ranges at Hohne and Tpr. Scott was a tower of strength when he was not absent.

Last but not least. the Squadron fitters.

W.O.Il Herbert, Sgt. Hollis and their gang have been admirable, as always. They have had their problems with all the Troops, but have yet to be defeated and, remarkably,

they always remain cheerful.

They all deserve our sincere thanks for keeping us on the road through thick and thin, and for getting us through the U.E.I. with such satisfactory results.

“B” Squadron SWIMMING AND ATHLETIC SUCCESSES

SINCE last year we have said goodbye ' In April the Squadron said goodbye to to many members of this Squadron. S.S.M. Warren. The Squadron and the Major Noble retired in March and has Band. who share our block. marched him to settled in Kent. S.S.M. Warren is holding the Sergeants’ Mess from the Squadron an important post attached to the Libyan Club and for once Reveille in the garrison Army, and many other distinguished was sounded at midnight. members of the Squadron are reinforcing other departments of the Regiment.

In September the Squadron took part in Test for G.O.C. The weather for our two weeks at Hohne Exercise “ Double Deal." One of the more successful incidents was when 2nd Troop, in was excellent and the Squadron spent as a suicidal stand in the centre of a village, much time fire fighting as firing during the died, conveniently blocking all the exits of first few days, until some rain came. On the the village so that a complete German first day the Squadron completed a day’s Panzer Regiment was prevented from con- firing in true Trafalgar tradition in some 20 tinuing. After half-an-hour of arguing with minutes; nevertheless, we achieved a success2nd Troop Leader, who insisted that none of ful report. In addition to the normal forthis tanks was able to move, a German officer night’s work, the Squadron laid on a firing threatened to drop a tear gas bomb inside demonstration for the J .S.S.C., which Z/Lieut. Wrigley’s driver‘s cab if the driver included conventional firing methods and the —Robertsirefused to move in 10 seconds. new ranging gun firing techniques. lst and Before the German had reached three, 3rd Troops competed. The G.O.C. remarked Roberts had pulled his gas mask on and, at a guest night in the field that he would accompanied with a rather vulgar gesture, like to feel the atmosphere inside a tank. stated that he had no intention of moving ! Next morning at 08.00 hours he was loading lst Troop in a singularly unconventional for Lieut. Spencer’s tank during a battle run way won a battle honour by creeping up on by 3rd Troop.

also did well and helped the Squadron gain Entente Cordiale a very close second place.

In the Troop rally our Troops were Soon after the athletics, our swimming second, third and fourth out of twelve team, under the guidance of Sgt. Bell, dis- entries. Later during Regimental training tinguished itself by easily winning the Regi- we had the honour of being allied with a mental competition. With the athletics and Company of lst French Parachute Battalion. the swimming meetings. practically every To carry them we had the use of the three member of the Squadron present represented Regimental A.P.C. ambulances. The RC. the Squadron in one sport or the other. Tpr. Padre, Tpr. Mee as L.O., three drivers and Turnbull won the 50 metres butterfly, L/Cpl. 45 French Parachutists went into action in Dyer won the 100 metres freestyle and Cfn. these three vehiclesria stirring sight.

Edwards came second.

The Squadron, Recreation was at “ La Plage Militaire,” represented by L/Cpl. Dyer, L/Cpl. Best and alongside the nudist colony. Our relations Tprs. Greenfield and Turnbull, won the were so successful that 2/Lieut. Wrigley, 4 x 50 medley relay. L/Cpl. Dyer and A.Q.M.S. Bumfry and Cpl. Wilkins were L/Cpl. Schooley, Tprs. Beale and Godding forced to assist the French Police in removThe relay. also won the 4 x 100 metres ing pseudo naturists from the colony. The Squadron was particularly proud to win the French Policeman carried a whistle and wore swimming. as it coincided with the visit to a helmet—on his head ! the Regiment of the Old Comrades. Before Now while preparing for Brigade Exercise the swimming they were entertained to drinks in the Squadron Club whilst the Regimental the Squadron is split, some on courses, some on leave and many more at Wertach. S.H.Q. Band played. and 4th Troop combined for Wertach and trainweeks’ three for In June we set out Switzering in the South of France. Tprs. Pennings admired the scenery of Austria and and Sayers distinguished themselves by fail- land and the Bodensee—they climbed the Germany) ing to rejoin the train at the frontier. They Zugspitze (the highest mountain in after lavishly entertained were and — in track the along were last seen sprinting England’s success in the World Cup. hot pursuit.

an enemy command tank and removing all the aerials. A rather bewildered officer was greeted by Tpr. Schooley, who merely said, “ Excuse me, sir," while removing the aerials.

On return to camp the usual hectic race for U.E.I. took place, for which we eventually achieved a good report.

During the administrative inspection the Squadron was turned out in the tanks as for war. The Brigadier, on remarking to “ Sunray ” 21A that the outside I.R. basket was a stupid place for bedding, received the answer, “It’s only there when people like you are about, sir.”

The New Year was a scramble between individual training, leave and a party to Wertach for ski-ing. All too soon Troop training at Soltau was upon us. The weather was appalling—it even snowed in April.

Sport Whilst

at

Hohne

we

trained

for the

athletics and are very proud to have come a very close second to HQ. Squadron. With leave and other commitments, our team of 23 was selected from a parade state of 30.

Among those whom we would especially like to congratulate are L/Cpl. Dyer and Tpr. Pennings’ who came second and third in the three miles. S.Q.M.S. Mackay came first in the 100 metres, L/Cpl. Lisney was first in the 200 metres, and Cpl. Murphy and Tpr. Reid were first and second in the 400 metres.

Tpr. Cooksey came second in the hammer, L/Cpl. Best came first in the long jump, and L/Cpl. Unsworth and Tpr. Baker tied for second place in the high jump. These are only our more spectacular results, for others

“B ” Squadron on the ranges at Hohne.

IQ

18

“C” Squadron “C” A-GO-GO HE Squadron has once again had a very hectic year and has seen many changes. So many in fact that it is impossible to name them all. We hope those who have left enjoy their new jobs and welcome those who have joined us. The almost inseparable pair. S.S.M. Simpson and SiQ.M.S. Lloyd, have at last been separated, the latter departing to HQ. Squadron, where he seems to have terrible problems with his ration account. We rather think all our “ buckshees” may have gone with him.

Mention must be made of Tpr. Lyons. who has joined us: he is so small that at Hohne he almost got loaded in mistake for a 105 mm round.

Double Deal

we covered a large area of Germany, which we found far preferable to the mud or dust at Soltau. and managed to do remarkably little damage. How Tpr. Coleman got the dozer through some of the smaller gaps without demolishing everything will never be known.

One exception was the Troop, which shall remain nameless. which decided to do battle in a village with disastrous effect on the windows.

Lieut. Smithers decided he would be of more use to us behind the enemy lines. He proceeded to lose both tracks in the face of an enemy advance and spent the remainder of the Exercise in the same place. The Squadron Second-in-Command managed to lead half the Squadron over a 16-ton bridge and then. realising there was no better way out, led them back over it.

Last year’s training finished with the Divisional Exercise “ Double Deal.” On this

V\

E 6

It was on this Exercise that the Squadron Leader, on finding S.H.Q. trying to stop a

‘.

,2:\ “‘" ,

Tprs. Canington, Putland and Mulligan return from Canoeing.

Tpr. Baker in the Tank Park.

Lt. Chamberlain, Sigmn. Swinhoe, Tprs. Byrne, Putland and Head at Wertach.

S.S.M. Woods buried alive.

L/Cpl. Unsworth.

S.Q.M.S. Mackay—Senior Service Satisfy.

20

The Langlauf team. Lt. Roberts, Cpl. Budden, Tprs. Langton and Davies.

Zl

complete Panzer Battalion, was heard over the rear link. in a voice that left no doubt as to the situation. “Hullo 3, for God’s sake get an umpire here: I’ve knocked them all out and they won’t stop.”

Immediately on returning from this, we found ourselves faced with the U.E.I, and administrative inspection. Both the hangars and block were a mass of paint, spares, cleaning and mending kit. and it looked as if nothing would ever be ready in time. However. by dint of much hard work all was well and we produced good results for both inspections.

Here mention must be made of S/Sgt. Brooker and his fitters, who put in many extra hours before the U.E.I. and throughout the year. They always manage to produce 100 per cent runners both on leaving for and returning from Exercises.

Troop Training After the “ silly season,” with everyone on courses or instructing, the Squadron found

itself once again at Soltau. Here 2nd Troop

Trade Union meeting at Hohne.

S.S.M. Simpson : . . . and sometimes we just sits.

Tprs. Stephenson and Standen. Tank commanding has its problems.

Barbecue on the beach including S.S.M. Simpson. S.Q.M.S. Poulter, Tpr. Berwick, Sgts, Hayes and

Matthew.

Taking over the tanks at Larzac.

6.

proved very efficient at throwing tracks in the deepest puddles and Tpr. Baldwin was seen stripping off to retrieve the tow rope he had carelessly dropped. Lieut. Hewson kept up his record of throwing at least one track or sprocket per Exercise. Everyone found operating closed down wearing gas masks rather harrowing, particularly S.H.Q. Troop, who managed to get some considerable distance outside the area.

The S.S.M. decided that commanding 30B was much preferable to a scout car in spite of Tpr. Kennard. who wanted a pair of white goggles like all the other drivers, and apparently could not exist without his driver’s compartment full of Coco—Cola and Kit-Kat. Everyone learnt a great deal about night work during the last few days, when we operated by night and slept by day, or at least that was the idea! There was the unforgetable moment after a night march when lst Troop Leader found himself in a swamp. sinking fast. and the Squadron Leader spent two hours looking for 3rd and 4th Troops. who swore they were in the correct position. but were found 2.000 yards away from it.

S/Sgt. Brooker succeeded in raising the Squadron morale to an all-time high when his ARV blew up in a cloud of steam, never to motor again and was towed into a

squadron base camp by the dozer driver, a triumphant Tpr. Coleman. On one occasion Tpr. Ashmore, lately from the Stables, was heard to state that he would rather do a cavalry charge on polo ponies than tune a radio or load a gun.

Ranges The next exercise from Detmold after the usual hectic period of preparation was Hohne. This produced more excellent results thanks to Sgt. Acton’s and Cpl. Stuart’s very hard work beforehand. The fine weather, a pleasant change from last year’s floods, caused several fires, keeping the duty fire troop very busy. lst Troop were probably the most successful at this in that they succeeded in getting the 432 thoroughly bogged and in so doing made certain people very angry. On the Battle Runs Sgt. Hayes in the dozer had a 30 minute misfire, holding everyone up, to find no round was loaded.

Night firing was a great success and produced a very frightened Squadron Second-inCommand. He had been sent down range to produce light from a flank. He thought he was quite safe until firing started when he found rounds from the next door range coming unpleasantly close. Deciding that discretion was the better part of valour he requested urgently that he should be allowed to return. Fortunately for his nerve his request was granted.

The S.-of-F. July found the Squadron at Larzac where we took over stockpiled tanks immediately on arrival, and had to hand them back complete when we finished training. Miraculously we handed them back with very few dents and a minimum 0f P 1954’s! The area was a far cry from Soltau. Everyone’s map reading was tested to the limit. During the Troop Tests 4th Troop found it all too difficult, and were seen on one occasion passing their next ,checkpoint fast in a northerly direction, to return to it one hour later and late.

On the 72-hour exercise at the end S/Sgt. Brooker and S.S.M. Simpson spent a whole night going in circles in the ARV looking for the Squadron. They finally arrived having been to their starting point at least once, and having narrowly avoided several precipices. That same night 4th Troop opted

Tpr. Hodges: I wonder what I should do now ?

22

'

23

to defend the wrong hill. This produced a very much fitter but rather bad tempered Squadron Leader who spent a considerable part: of the night on his feet trying to find them.

Gone Fishin’ Immediately on our return to Detmold many people disappeared on leave or to the Baltic to sail. The S.S.M. has “ gone fishing ” and everyone hopes he is more successful at catching them than he is with fatigue men.

Those left behind busied themselves preparing for the Autumn exercises and helping the Squadron Leader count everything in the Regiment.

Several members of the Squadron have been down to Bavaria for Adventure Training. 2nd Troop went to ski before Christmas and in spite of little snow learnt a lot and

returned without injury. 2nd Troop went during the summer and managed to get on German TV. They apparently convinced the camerman that Adventure Training is hard work; how history does not relate. Cpl. Hayes was even seen teaching people how to canoe, something he knows nothing about, from the safety of a bridge. Tpr. Kennard practising capsize drill in a canoe lost his false teeth in the bottom of Lake Constance, since when his toothy grin has raised his crew’s morale greatly. All who went to Wertach obviously enjoyed themselves, and

returned much fitter with a fund of tall stories.

Sport On the sporting side the Squadron has given a good account of itself headed by four members in the regimental football and hockey teams which gives us great hope in the later Squadron competitions. S.H.Q. and Administrative Troop managed to reach the semi-finals of the Inter-Troop Football Competition, to everyone’s surprise, ably led

by Tpr. Austin and assisted in one game by S.S.M. Simpson who had to be “ transferred ” due to old age and injury. Tprs. Langton, Davies and Tucker represented the Regiment in the Langlauf team and spent a lot of

Thoughts of a Migrating

the winter away.

The Squadron Club. “ The Bucket” now re-named the “ C-A-Co-Go ” Club. after extensive redecoration. still does well in spite of giving Lt. Brooks and S.S.M. Simpson ghastly headaches over the accounting. They can be seen daily pouring over figures and usually arguing. The Club was even seen for a brief time on BBC. TV during the winter.

Altogether this year has been varied and hectic. Everyone has learnt a lot and we look forward to the Brigade Exercise followed shortly by the 2 Division one. During the next two months the Squadron is on exercise almost non-stop followed once again by U.E.I. and Admin. Time passes very quickly in Germany.

Believe it —— or not!

Re your dental enquiry, the tooth at the top is quite alright, but the one in my bottom is quite painful.

Bird T is remarkable that at the first hint of a move one’s husband is able to discover some unknown course to attend that conveniently absents him from home for the duration of the subsequent turmoil. Mine is no exception and took himself ofi to Orleans to “improve” his non-existent French.

Thus abandoned I begin packing up and crating our belongings. It is November and snow is already lying inches deep. We have comandeered the cumbersome regimental horsebox to move us the 700 miles from Detmold to France. together with volunteers for renovating our crumbling “ chateau ” there. The afternoon it arrives to swallow up our possessions, there has been a sudden thaw and the horsebox bogs down with its rear wheels in the back garden. Loading begins. As the house empties of crates, it fills with mud from the countless tramplings of Army boots. The driver and I make careful plans for a rendezvous the following evening so that I may see them safely through Customs and across the border.

Please send a form for extra milk as I am now stagnant.

Please send form for having milk for having children at reduced prices.

I posted my form by mistake before my child was properly filled in.

The Dreaded Drive That night the temperature plummets. and by morning conditions are appalling. My husband, concerned by weather reports, telephones from Orleans and arranges to fly to Frankfurt to meet me. My dog and I set off in driving snow and make slow progress on the Autobahn. there being only one very treacherous lane open to traffic. Snow gives

way to thick fog as we approach Frankfurt and I despair of any plane being able to land. But unbelievably my husband is wait— ing at the airport and forthwith takes over the driving. Unable to see the signposts at Frankfurt Kreuz we struggle on in entirely the wrong direction for some miles, and then there is anxiety we shall be late for the rendezvous.

We arrive at the appointed destination and

wait 2% hours for the horsebox with deepening despair. My husband tries for an hour to smooth the way for our belongings through the Customs but meets with much gesticulation, waving of arms and shrugging of shoulders. We find ourselves a hotel and telephone back to the Regiment for news of the horsebox. There is none. Up a narrow wooden stairway into a dingy little attic room with no hot water and a French-sized bed, we pass a sleepless night.

At dawn we discover the horsebox has not passed through the pre-arranged Customs point and we battle through gales up to Paris to collect the other car left at the airport the previous day. From there down to Orleans for my husband’s suitcase and finally, with mounting apprehension. we reach our destination.

Feathering The Nest Incredible! Unbelievable! The horsebox has arrived and is almost unloaded. They have driven non-stop throughout the night— 25

and crossed the frontier, who knows where?

Boxes are piled everywhere and 1 cannot reach the kitchen to prepare food. Beds are unearthed and sleep comes easily to us all.

Next morning, being Sunday, my husband remains and issues instructions for the attic to be made habitable and for the work he would like done in the house. Many essential tools and materials are missing and he kindly agrees to stay on till Monday and do the necessary shopping. But on Mondays in France the shops are closed. My husband returns to Orleans. Work finally starts, to the beating of drums and pop music which echoes throughout the house from transistors. interspersed with quantities of coffee and wads.

The Language Problem I have difiiculty in feeding them, as I doubt French cuisine being acceptable, although they do find the wine palatable. I am kept constantly busy being sent on errands each morning for items required, and armed with my dictionary I am amassing a strange vocabulary of hooks. screws, hinges and emulsion paint. With all the shopping, cooking, feeding. clearing and washing up, together with fits of laughter, I am not getting the crates unpacked or the house straight. I do, however, have a volunteer for stoking the old boiler, which must be trying for him as it is generally out in the mornings and almost impossible to relight—it consumes packing cases as quickly as I can empty them. This same young man came bursting into my room last night waving a 1,000 franc note and believing himself rich.

His face crumbled when I explained the mysteries of devaluation.

The days pass and work is progressing although morning reveille is tending to get later, and the queue for the only washbasin more protracted. The fleas. thank goodness,

are not worrying the labour force as fortunately they brought sleeping bags, but the drains are bad and have a very French flavour. Our rubbish is daily tipped over into the river below, and the water in consequence is undrinkable.

Fever Outbreak The youngest one is not too well and appears to be in much pain. I have summoned the doctor who arrives late and diagnoses appendicitis. I am to take him immediately to hospital, which in haste I do; his agony explains. better than my stumbling French. the condition he is in. After some hours the hospital telephones and says he is being transferred to an isolation hospital some 50 kms away. Typhoid is suspected.

I summon my husband immediately and by next morning we have another casualty with the same symptoms to be rushed ashen faced to lie alongside his comrade. Tests are in progress and for 48 hours we await trembling, the outcome: food poisoning, and I am the cook! I leave next morning, and return to Germany (my husband can look after them now). The patients I gather are weak and the hospital refuses to release them until their appetites recover. The cost of hospitalisation is mounting daily and the Chef is summoned to the ward, where the secrets of English cooking—eggs and bacon flare imparted to him. They are soon allowed to leave and travel back with my husband four days after me.

In the meanwhile the quarter has been scrubbed clean, I have handed it over, carried out a final clear up and am ready to leave again on the 16-hour drive back to France. The children follow next night with my husband and we are finally reunited in our new lovely home. Sad it is to think we have only another 18 months before the migration begins again.

Believe it ~ or not!

The following are authentic extracts from letters addressed to Ministry of Pensions.

I cannot get sick pay. I have seven children can you tell me why this is?

This is my eighth child. What are you going to do about it?

Mrs. “A" hasn't got any clothes and hasn’t had any for over a year. The clergy are visiting her regularly.

I am glad to say that my husband who was reported missing is now dead.

I am forwarding my marriage certificate and my two children. One is a mistake as you will see.

20B ON THE MOVE AT LARZAC.

27

We had an enjoyable and amusing time in Bavaria in April—especially when the local talent was heard to say of a well-known R.H.Q. S.Q.M.S., “ Who’s that old man with a pipe?”

The Troop was very split up for Larzac training as we had no tanks. Various jobs

RECCE TROOP

were done from M.T. driving to Sergeants’ Mess Caterer to organised sun bathing.

The big leave period is now over and we are busy preparing for the Brigade Exercise, which will be our first effort as a genuine R.H.Q. for a year.

The Eyes and Ears !

Life in the MT Troop

Reece Troop on Escort Duty RECONNAISSANCE is a loose description of our work during the past year.

We have varied from the more amenable tasks. such as untactical O.P.s on the beach in the South of France, to the more businesslike job of acting as enemy to the Royal Horse Guards on exercise. In April we spent a week with the 3rd Belgian Lancers, showing each other what we had to offer; L/Cpl. Plumb brought us great respect when he managed to drink more beer hanging upside down from a chandelier than the Belgian champion! The week was a great success and we hope we will be able to renew our friendships during the coming year.

Boon To Rock Climbing For regimental training at Larzac the vehicles were sent down by train, thus ensuring their safe arrival. We spent much

of the time down there training as a Troop and managed to fit in a most enjoyable three— day exercise which ended at the military beach. Cpl. Boon was noted for his rock climbing ability (in his Scout car. of course) and Tpr. Notridge became an expert at going across country on three wheels (the two nearside and the spare). L/Cpl. Chamberlain became self—appointed Troop Morale N.C.O. (as if one was needed) while Tpr. Palin formed the AMPA (anti-married pad association). He is fighting a losing battle though, as we seem to have a constant stream of weddings. Sgt. Harty leaves us at the end of the training season to join Major Lewis’ Recruiting Team. We wish him the best of luck, and hope he manages to get his car sorted out in time to take him to England.

All in all it has been a good year for the Recce Troop. and regardless of what others may say we really do consider ourselves the “ eyes and ears of the Regiment.”

RHQ Troop INETEEN hundred and sixty-six has been a busy and eventful year. Many are under the impression that R.H.Q. have an easy life; however, with three tanks, one Bridgelayer, three Ferrets, one FV 432 and always too few men, life in camp is sometimes a struggle.

The R.S.O., when available. has been the Troop Leader and Sgt. Melia, the Regimental Gunnery Sergeant. has been Troop Sergeant.

“A” Squadron were very kind and had us for Troop Training and Hohne Ranges, as 5th Troop. This. for our part, was a great success, although the Regimental Gunnery Instructor’s range appreciation on the Hitlerhof went slightly astray!

Congratulations go to L/Cpls. Sibley, Bolt and Adams on their promotion.

Cpl. Hore and the Bridgelayer are still together, if rather bent. having crashed while on a lO-tonner.

28

MT Troop has suffered quite a changeover during the past year. We sadly say goodbye to Capt. Keightley, S.Q.M.S. Thorpe, Sgts. Heller and Bosher. We welcome to the Troop Lt. Eddison, S.Q.M.S. Cummings, Cpls. Savage and Ody and a host of others. We congratulate Sgt. Grinyer on his promotion to a ‘Senior N.C.O.’ and L/Cpl. David on starting his climb up the ladder of command.

Well, with all these new faces, what has actually happened?

The Land Rovers have gone into a section of their own now under Sgt. Evans and have developed into a highly flexible fleet capable of instant response to any demand.

The main bloc of 4-tonners (or ‘the Trucking ’ as the ill-bred seem to call it) is organised into three sections in their ‘mob out’ role. This means we are no longer frightened of the siren but can move out completely in an instant of time. Morale has never been higher and we are keyed for war.

Unsurpassed Efficiency Parkinson’s law dictates that efficiency must ever improve on itself. Many members of the Regiment, however, apparently feel, judging from the gasps of admiration, awe and respect we receive. that we might let up just a little. This obviously cannot be so.

Of course even a well-oiled smooth running machine like the M.T. has its problems.

In the middle of a tool-check we find to our horror that 3RHA have nicked most of them. Consternation ruled for some time until we found that the garages are highly insecure and overcoming padlocks 1%in. peoples, other, is not an insurmountable problem. At one stage Tpr. Handley lost his 4-tonner, but a frantic search found it in Trieste (out of petrol) and we managed to return it to him before the Squadron Leader got wind ofgwhat was going on.

Trials and Tribulations Tpr. Howard was knobbled by the Police for going 60 mph. the wrong way up an Einbahnstrasse. He was fined 60 marks on the spot, but being an old soldier he rightly denied any responsibility and refused to pay.

We look forward to him rejoining us from Colchester in April 1975.

We had great fun in Larzac this year and our famous water cart ‘ Gungedin ’ broke all records by going from Larzac Camp to the beach in 1% hours. Sadly, though. she is now BER with big end trouble.

S.Q.M.S. Cummings picked up something indescribable on the beach and has been on leave ever since. The Troop express their sympathyewe all know how it must feel.

So all in all M.T. Troop have had an exciting and constructive year. As nobody else will, we wish ourselves every success in the year to come.

Believe it — or not!

I am writing these few lines for Mrs. “A” who cannot write herself. She expects to be confined next week and could do with it. . .

Unless I get my husband’s money I shall be forced to lead an immortal life.

29

R.H.Q. Troop Wertach.

at

Tpr. (now L/Cpl.) Bolt bombing up.

Spud bashing Larzac.

at

Me dogs are killing me—?? Monroe.

Tpr. Baker : Fire-ďŹ ghting or washing down?

31

Cracked But Serviceable

THE BAND or a Word from the Q.M. AST October saw the arrival of Major (Q.M.) S. N. Kent-Payne and the departure of Major (Q.M.) W. G. Baker. who we congratulate on obtaining his majority, and thank for the cheerful way he ran the department through the settling-in period here in Detmold.

Having experienced all the snags and difficulties during the first year we were all able to tackle 1966 much wiser and with greater confidence. The group is in fine fettle now and we are sure this is appreciated by the Regiment.

Despite the continual pressure of work we

were able to enter into the sporting activities of the Regiment and can boast Tpr. Moon the footballer. Cpl. Byrne the ‘all-rounder.’

Sgt. Burroughs the boxer and Cpl. Morley always ready for the high jump! The R.Q.M.S. is. of course. a dab hand with a starting gun.

We congratulate Sgt. Burroughs on his well-earned promotion and. though sorry to see him leave the group. wish him well in a Sabre Squadron.

Our motto is still “Action speaks louder than words." although Cpl. Hildred is still looking for “ The answer."

QM (Tech) Department Random Reflections

AFTER a busy training season and the ordeal of the R.E.M.E. annual sports in the shape 05 UEI, we settled down to rebuild— ing our sadly depleted stocks in preparation for the next lot of Soltau. Hohne and associated antics.

Some two thousand indents and a lot of worn out biros later, we set off on Troop training at Soltau. The T.Q.M.S. decided he would like to see something of the outside world for a change and came along with us which probably accounts for the filthy weather We had. We also took our refugee bandsman, Tpr. Pyne, along and .this convinced him that he should have paid more attention to his music studies. However, he has now reconciled his family to a lonely existence and has decided to stay with us.

On return from Soltau we were given a month to get over the pneumonia, flu and other ailments we had collected there and then went off on the annual holiday to Hohne. Mrs. Titmarsh decided to produce at this time so we left the T.Q.M.S. behind to assist. After a pleasant two weeks sojourn in Hohne we returned to prepare for Larzac.

This meant changing our binned vehicles as nobody expected the old Fords to get out of barracks. let alone the 1,700 miles to Larzac

and back. Strangely enough there were no volunteers for rear party on this exercise.

One gets a definite impression that every— body was looking forward to a month in the South of France unaccompanied. They never learn. After the initial flurry of taking over our tanks in Larzac and getting the training under way we settled down to a routine life and even managed to get down to the beach once. However. none of us were overimpressed with the French way 0f life, the country. food or climate and we were more than keen to hand the tanks over, load the train and make our way back to civilisation and some hard-earned leave. Now we have the usual mad scramble getting ready for the Brigade Exercise and then preparing once more for the R.E.M.E. annual sports.

We must congratulate S.Q.M.S. Louch and L/Cpl. Jordan on their promotion, and also the T.Q.M.S. and Sgt. Hunt on their family additions. Tpr. Styles decided to get married so we wrote him off for three months until he got back to earth. Many congratulations to him anyway. Tpr. Donovan did very well in the sports world, which proves that clerking is a nice restful occupation. Many Happy Returns to Cpl. Brandon, who is back in the fold for the third time.

32

The Band at Mons.

Mr. Evans Leaves After Eight Years N January we said farewell to Mr. George Evans and take the opportunity to wish him the very best of luck and to congratulate him on his appointment as Director of Music.

Royal Artillery (Mounted) Band. Mr. Evans joined the Royals in October 1957 having previously served with the 3rd Carabiniers.

We welcome Mr. and Mrs. Mackay (exRoyal Scots) and hope that their stay will be a long and happy one and that sometime in the near future Mr. Mackay will stop calling Squadrons. Companies and S.Q.M.S.s. Colour Sergeants.

Trumpeters in Paris One of our first engagements in the New Year was to give a concert in the village of Diedersen where we were the guests of Baron yon Hake. It was here that the Dance Band found that the only way to get people to dance was to play everything in march tempo.

In March the eight Herald Trumpeters played at the Paris International Horse Show. This was an extremely successful

engagement but we are not sure what the audience enjoyed most, our trumpet playing or the sight of eight trumpeters in Full Dress climbing up and down a thirty-foot ladder.

Here a mention must be made to the wives.

The Trumpeters were all in bed every night by 9 am. After Paris numerous engagements were carried out in the Detmold area and we are proud to report that we now have our very own Fan Club following us wherever we go.

In May we went for a three-day visit to the Regiment in Hohne. where we played at the Officers” Mess Dinner (half the Band

were able to disappear as it was so dark in the tent). Officers’ Cocktail Party (here everybody played with one hand, using the other to swat midges). and a very successful concert in the local Village Hall. Here Sgt. McMahon of the Royal Signals made his debut (Sgt. McMahon will be writing a full report with photographs to his Fan Club).

On return from Hohne we played at the 300th anniversary of the Detmold Fire Brigade. This was a combined concert with

the Fire Brigade Band. It was here Mr. Mackay had his first experience with a German Band. The opening March Radetsky was to be a combined effort and after previously checking with the German Bandmaster that we were in the same key. brought the baton down to the most dreadful noise imaginable. The German Band were in the key of B flat and the Royals in the key of D flat. Both Bands were extremely loyal, neither would stop playing. The Royals gamely stuck to their Bandmaster and the Germans were determined to put on a good show. All ended well, the German Bandmaster cut out his Band and the Royals finished the March triumphantly.

France Again Our next move was to Larzac with the Regiment and thanks must be expressed to the Band M.T. Section (S/Sgt. Fisher. Bdsm.

Nolan) who managed to get our instruments safely to Larzac. During our short stay with the Regiment we gave Concerts and Marching Displays in the town of Rodez, Millau and Estang. For our visit to Rodez we invited the R.S.M. along and it was here at approximately 03.15 hours that we discovered he could speak fluent French: unfortunately next day he had forgotten it all. After a very short stay with the Regiment we returned to Detmold for their four-day Schutzenfest.

This was very successful and the “ King and Queen “ have asked us to play for them next year.

Belgium The following week found us in Mons (Belgium) for the Annual Festival of Music.

This was perhaps the highlight of our Summer engagements. Numerous concerts and marching displays were given. Other Bands taking part were the US. Army Band 120 strong, Belgium Army Band 70 strong.

Dutch Band 60 strong, French Army Band 90 strong and the Italian Band 40 strong.

We are rather proud that our 28 were acclaimed the best and that our rendering of “ It’s a long way to Tipperary” brought tears to the eyes of many an Old Soldier.

On return from Mons it was straight into rehearsals for the Queen’s Birthday. The Band provided music for the Cocktail Party and afterwards combined with the 3rd Carabiniers in a marching display and march through Detmold. The following weekend saw the arrival of the Old Comrades. We thought the weather was going to let us down again but it cleared up in time for us to do a small Tattoo. We must thank the Signals Troop for the hard work they put into providing us with the lighting effects. It was during this evening that we had the pleasure of meeting “ Lackerty Woods” and a most enjoyable evening was spent reminiscing about the Band in 1908.

The usual changes have occurred but we would like to wish L/Cpl. and Mrs. Craft the best of luck with the Irish Guards. We also congratulate Sgt. Watts on his promotion and hope that he will keep up the Bands good name in cockfighting, jousting and the new one where you lie down on the floor blindfolded and attempt to hit your partner over the head with a rolled newspaper

Hatches and Matches Numerous domestic changes have occurred.

Cpl. Atkinson has taken the plunge along with Bdsm. Williams and Bdsm. Tender— owicz. We are glad to report that L/Cpl. Meikle is still resisting strongly. New additions to our families include T/M Shearn, Cpl. Burgess, Bdsm. Keys and Bdsm. Maytum. It must be the ‘Detmold Luft.‘ We would also like to welcome to the Band Bdsm. Nolan, Chatwin, Hagger. Baines and Martin and hope that their stay with us will be a happy one.

In conclusion we would like to point out that there is no truth in the Blue Light that our Trumpeters will shortly be taking up BAGPIPES.

Believe it +— or not!

Will you please send me a form for cheap milk. I have a baby 8 months old and didn’t know anything about it until a friend told me. _ . .

Please find if my husband is still alive or dead as the man I am livmg With can‘t do a thing until I know.

34

TIDSWELL’S GRAVE Readers of the 1964 and I965 editions of The Eagle will be interested in the following

letter from Mr. S. E. Wood. ‘k

*

*

Dear Editor, CAPTAIN C. R. TIDSWELL PRIVATE MEMORIAL AT MANANCOURT

This being the 50th anniversary of the death of Captain C. R. Tidswell, I enclose a photograph of his memorial. It was obtained through the services of the British Legion.

In conclusion, may I say that I was the only Old Contemptible of The Royals who attended the Mons Anniversary Service and Parade at Aldershot on the let August. I did meet Pte. Dougherty, who transferred from the 5th Lancers to The Royals in 1922 and who is a member of the Regimental Association.

Yours sincerely, S. E. WOOD.

Extract from Standing Orders The First or Royal Dragoons 1833 289 Any Dragoon who runs in debt for liquor or obtains liquor or anything else on the pretence of afterwards paying for it, will be punished; a practice so disgraceful, the Officer and Non-Commissioned Officers will take every means of detecting and putting a stop to.

Dragoons must behave to each other with decency and propriety; and if anyone makes use of improper language to another, the troop should take it up immediately.

., "

Going Out? Keep in touch with old friends and old times. Order. your “Eagle” from: The Secretary, The Royal Dragoons Regimental Association.

Hill House, Beckenham Lane, Bromley, Kent.

Keep in Touch. When you finish your service keep in touch with the Regiment as an old comrade. We welcome and need your support. Help by attending reunions and buying the “Eagle.”

Do BOTH through membership of the Association, price £1 ls. 0d.

Rumblings from L.A.D.

Island in the Sun A LETTER FROM MALTA

HE final whistle after extra time in the final of the World Cup let loose a flood of enthusiasm in Malta. Union Jacks were waved from cars and windows. Drivers of cars with GB plates (including Colonel Philip Fielden who happened to be visiting Malta) were treated to a great display of pro-British enthusiasm. This is a typical reaction from the Maltese people who, despite war-time and post-war vicissitudes, retain a great friendship for England and the English.

It is the English visitors who have changed rather than the Maltese. Khaki uniforms are far more in evidence than blue, and the bikinis and mini dresses of the tourists are increasingly seen even if not entirely approved. The English residents remain, however, obstinately English. Polo, golf, tennis, cricket, sailing and water ski-ing are all thriving sports and can be enjoyed almost the whole year round. Picnics on boats or on the land are popular and in the evening the soldier‘s thirst is quenched in duty-free drink.

pomp. All had been endlessly rehearsed and arranged, the guests were all seated in the correct order, the VIPs were there and the troops marching on. One of the R.S.M.s and myself—our work largely completed— were chatting in the background when we happened to glance up at the towering flag pole. As we did so the rope, which had been carefully out by a practical joker the night before, slipped through the pulley thirty feet above and slid to the ground. Now the climax of the Queen’s Birthday Parade is in the raising and lowering of the Royal Standard to symbolise the arrival and departure of the Queen. There were exactly eight minutes left before the standard must be raised. Four of them were wasted looking for a ladder before by chance we saw among the spectators the lithe form of a PT Instructor. It was a matter of seconds for him to climb the pole with the hoist between his teeth and thread it successfully through the pulley. So intent were the spectators on the parade that not a soul noticed his dramatic climb.

Not Without Problems An earthly paradise for the soldier? Well there are some snags as well, even for the gilded Staff. For example, one of the jobs of the DAAG is to arrange ceremonial occasions. For one such event the Governor General and the Prime Minister were to make a formal entry for a ball. The Band had been carefully briefed about the correct moment to play the national anthem.

Exactly at the right moment the Governor General was announced—the Bandmaster was ready with a roll of drums followed by the most extraordinary cacophony of sounds that has ever been heard. One half of the band was playing the national anthem of Malta and the other half God Save the Queen! Another moment of panic over ceremonial came at the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

This is always celebrated in Malta and Libya (as everywhere the British Army is stationed) with the greatest possible display of military

Conflicting Views Not everyone finds Malta a paradise: D. H. Lawrence wrote, “ We dodged about in the car upon that dreadful island, first to some fearful and stony bay, arid, treeless, desert, a bit of stony desert by the sea, with unhappy villas and a sordid scrap-iron front: then away inland up long and dusty roads, across a bone-dry, bone-bare island. Malta is all pale, softish, yellowish rock, just like bath-brick, this goes into fathomless dust.

And the island is as stark as a corpse, no trees, no bushes even: a fearful landscape. cultivated and weary with age of weariness, and old weary houses here and there.”

Take your pick between this view and the raptures of the tourist agencies and property speculators. The best way of judging is to come and see for yourself. If you can’t do that ask the writer when he returns to the Regiment in the Spring.

36

A Change in the Hierarchy HE L.A.D. was handed over in the cold winds of February to Capt. Roy Tarsnane, and we all said goodbye to Capt. Bill Mair and his wife at a large L.A.D. “Smoker.” They were both posted to Civvy Street. Canada, where we hear on the grapevine that they are doing very nicely. thank you. Our A.S.M. also decided he wanted the sun and decided that Malta was the place for him. We all wait with bated breath for the new A.S.M. to step into the hot seat. He seems reluctant to come while the sun shines and should knock on our door in midNovember.

The A.S.M. provided us with a little chuckle, underhand of course. during Troop training. He hared off at night in the Leyland with “Taffy” Doyle to answer a call 0f distress from Recce Troop.

The Ferret

had to wait, unfortunately. until 4 Armoured Workshop’s new Alvis-Berliet had recovered the Leyland, which has reposed in the Workshop ever since, afraid to come out, some say.

In the regimental athletics we lost the final of the tug-o-war for the first time in years. But next year we intend to regain this honour even if we have to put a 3 to 1 down with all the block and tackle we can muster.

We seem to have lost more than our fair share of good men recently, but we still have most of the stalwarts of Tidworth days and even a few “old timers” like Cfn. Mick Hunter, Taffy Jones, Cpls. Bill Taylor,

Byrne. Stuart and Dickenson who can tell us what it was like in the old days.

The South of France Most of us enjoyed the trip to Larzac to see the girls and taste the “red biddy,” especially the Recovery Group at the back.

The last vehicle in the convoy became famous throughout France by sporting gay signs at the front and rear with “Steptoe and Son 24 Hours Service,” in English and French. The locals seemed to understand, from their grins, and they got many a smile and a wave from the occupants in the shape of Cpl. John Howell and S/Sgt. “ Quickie ” Gill. Cpl. Howell sneaked out of the L.A.D. when no-one was watching and drove tanks all over Larzac even though he pleads he’s not fit enough to do more than blow up tyres. They say that Mrs. Gill served Irish stew for lunch on return from Larzac!

When the PRO hove in View with his cameraman at Larzac the L.A.D. looked like a ghost town for ten minutes, and then very neatly titivated fitters appeared.

“B " Squadron fitters were chosen as the pretty boys and we got some interesting shots of them doing their normal taskelooking at work. We hope their wives never see the photographs.

Latest fathers in the L.A.D. are Sgts. Marc Hayward and Tony App‘leby, Cpls. Jim Byrne, Rob Laing, Tom Maynard, Bill Taylor and Roger Webber and L/Cpls. Jock Gilfillan and Trev Greenfield. The E.M.E. seems to be the only one holding out on us at the moment.

Editor’s note: Even he has succumbed now—a daughter!

Royal Signals’ Troop HE Troop has had a successful second year in B.A.O.R. Apart from Regimental exercises we have also taken part in all the Brigade signal training exercises.

These exercises proved invaluable in maintaining a high standard of signalling.

At last we have been able to put our armoured l-ton (pig) into moth balls and welcome with great enthusiasm the AFV 432 from which to operate, thus giving us a feeling of being more in line with the rest of the armour in the Regiment.

We welcome Cpl. Carney our new electrician driver and Sig. Johns to the Troop.

We say goodbye to Cpls. Thomas and Carter and L/Cpl. Pearce and thank them for all the good work done in both the Troop and the Regiment. Cpl. Thomas spent seven years with the Royal Dragoons and was also one of the first members of the Regimental Freefall Parachuting Team. L/Cpl. Pearce was a member of the Regimental Cycling Team which won the B.A.O.R. cycling championship last year. We wish them well in their new jobs.

The Troop looked forward this year to the Regimental training period when informed

that it would take place in southern France at Larzac. We moved to France on the 26th June by train. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, especially the weather, and apart from the swimming the scenery was “ magnifique."

The Troop is well represented in the Regiment at sports and activities with Sig. Swinhoe playing in the Regimental Football Xl. Sgt. McMahon in the Regimental Hockey Xl. Sgt. Gallagher. L/Cpls. Wood and Hall in the Regimental Cycling Team and last but not least L/Cpl. Poole and Sig. Norsworthy both taking an active part in the Boy Scouts as Assistant Scoutmasters.

News from the Pay Oflice Pay As You Ernie E’RE the smallest working unit of the attached — even though we consider we work harder than the rest of the Regiment put together. However, be that as it may. it is only right that we should contribute the shortest piece. bearing in mind that our deathless prose of last year was not even published; but we got our own back, we did not buy a copy!

The Editor said “I don’t want the usual guff about arrivals and departures,” so we have fooled him and have adopted our own secret code, thus : As Hornes die away in the East. A Sale appears in the West, Farewells are waved off Portsmouth, And the SS. Walter Mongan berths safely at Detmold.

No query is too large or too small to receive our immediate attention. We do not guarantee satisfaction, but we do our best.

Despite what everyone thinks, we do not get a “ cut” from the Soldiers’ Widow Fund #and we do strongly advise all men (married that is!) to join. There is, of course, the great drawback#you have to be dead to collect.

In addition to the daily round of voluntary allotments. marriage allowances, maternity grants, detentions, forfeitures and, our greatest bugbear, P.1954’s, 1966 also saw us changing marks into francs with gay abandon —~ and, we hope, reasonable accuracy.

The Chancellor—“ Jim ”_only has to balance his budget once a year; we have to do it every month, so if our tempers are frayed at the month’s end, please bear with us and call on the first!

Fide et FiduciaAwhich, freely translated, means, have faith and trust us; it’s only

money after all.

A.Q.M.S. Bumphrey testing something or other.

S.Q.M.S. Thorpe feeding up the Officers’ lunch.

Tpr. Sharkey takes up his bed and walks.

Believe it — or not!

Reece Troop salute the “ Troop Hole.”

Please send me money at once as I have fallen into errors with my landlord.

Let’s try this one. Sgt. Trainer at work.

In accordance with your instructions, I have given birth to twins in the enclosed envelope.

I want money as quick as you can send it. I have been in bed with the doctor but he doesn’t seem to be doing me much good.

Milk is needed for the baby and the father is unable to produce it.

38

L/Cpl. Plumb.

Tprs Bolton and O’Donell.

The Sergeants’ Mess MURMURINGS FROM THE HEART OF THE REGIMENT HIS past year has been a full and eventful one. We can only hope to mention the highlights.

In December we quickly got into the festive spirit by holding a cocktail party on the evening of the 6th. the occasion to say farewell to Lt.-Col. R. E. Worsley. Our best wishes to Brigadier and Mrs. Worsley in Soltau. Thanks to the “brew ” served as cocktails and with the aid of the Regimental Dance Band this party went with a swing.

Our next event was the children‘s Christmas party held in the Mess. Either there are too many kiddies within our families or T

the Mess building is much smaller than we thought. However. all enjoyed themselves. we think!

On the night of the 22nd we held a dinner/dance and Christmas draw.

The wines served over the dinner table soon had the ladies in a talkative mood. Thanks to W.O.II Smith. T/M. Shearn and a good committee the evening was a “ howling “ success.

New Year‘s Eve was a good old-fashioned party, despite the non-arrival of A. Stewart.

In January we saw the departure of Bandmaster George Evans—best of luck to him

The Colonel of the Regiment signs the Sergeants’ Moss visitors’ book.

40

on his new appointment with the “Wooden tops ”~and the arrival of Bandmaster Duggie Mackay. who quickly settled in as a member of the Mess and the Regiment.

On February 6th Lt.-Col. and Mrs. Reid joined us in a get-together. Quite an enjoyable couple of hours spent discussing old times.

On February 16th the Colonel of the Regiment and Lady Fitzpatrick visited us for a social evening. Old acquaintances were quickly renewed and with background music provided by our Regimental Dance Band the time seemed too short for all happy memories to be discussed.

March and April found us once again at Soltau on Troop training. Some Mess members found difliculty in keeping warm, especially when the Q.M.’s supply of fuel tablets ran out.

The Mess was quite well represented at the Regimental reunion in London. Many thanks to the Old Comrades and permanent staff from K.C.L.Y., who so ably looked after our welfare during that weekend.

June proved to be rather hectic with annual firing at Hohne. Visit of the Old Comrades and the move to Larzac.

The party of Old Comrades stayed with us for four days over the “Waterloo” period. Although sleep was in short supply. an extremely good time, of the family gathering type, was enjoyed by all. These “Old” comrades can certainly liven the place up when they arrive. The highlight of

the weekend was the Regimental Band Beating Retreat in the evening of the 18th on the Officers” Mess lawn. The weather was kind to us for this event and stayed fine long enough for the display and to allow us all to get under cover afterwards without getting wet. The Band and Guard produced an excellent and moving display which left quite a few damp cheeks. Old Comrades and serving members alike, at the conclusion.

On June 20th the move to France started.

We spent our time between ten days in a semi-tented camp and fourteen days or so in a barracks which was somewhat “ spartan’ to say the least. The Mess building was not to our usual standard, but nevertheless we managed one or two good old Mess nights.

On leaving Larzac we left behind a rather puzzled M.O., who could not understand how a certain C.Q.M.S. from the Grenadier Guards could be injured by his horse falling on him inside the Sergeants’ Mess: we all live and learn.

Once again in “ Wetmold ”—our visit to France all over bar the shouting—the Regiment is fully committed, either on leave (l) or preparing for the “Detmold Tattoo,” to be held on the airfield here in Hobart Barracks.

To close. we wish those who have left us for soft numbers. all the best, wherever they may be, and to those who have swelled our ranks during the year a hearty Welcome and may your stay be a long and happy one.

Horses and Saddlery

THE EAGLE

A book entitled “ Horses and Saddlery " was published in December 1965 by J. A. Allen & Co., in association with the Army Museums Ogilby Trust.

The book records an authoritative account not only of the horse and its saddlery in the British and Commonwealth armies since the 17th Century, but also details of all the animals which have served the Army since that time, and is lavishly illustrated. A complimentary copy of the book has been presented to the Regimental Museum, but 1t is thought that some readers might be interested in obtaining their own copy, which is on sale at six guineas.

You can get a copy as follows: (1) Anyone by making an annual subscription. Send your correct address to the Editor and you can get your copy direct from the publishers.

(2) As a retired other rank by sub-

scribing to the Regimental Association.

(3) As a serving soldier through your Squadron.

(4) By writing to the Editor enclosing the sum of Ss.

mental reunion over the weekend April 30th/May lst, Those who travelled returned with many tales of “ Do you remember old so-and-so; he was there.” Our thanks to Major C. W. J. Lewis and the permanent staff of the K.C.L.Y. for so ably looking after our creature comforts at this time.

A party of Old Comrades paid a visit to

w

the Regiment for the weekend. June 17th.

18th and 19th.

We all were extremely pleased to see them, and like to think that they all enjoyed our company when they visited usiwe certainly enjoyed theirs. Quite a number of friendships were renewed and made at this time. Many thanks to Mr. Rogers, who kindly donated to our Mess pieces of silver which he had won on the field of sport whilst serving with the Regiment.

All good things come to an end. The Old Comrades returned whence they came and once again we were plunged into the scurry of preparing for and moving to Larzac.

Those of us who travelled by train have our memories of that journey (sore ones, the seats were rather hard), which we hope will soften with the passage of time. Of the Camp du Larzac and the training area thereabouts there are few comments. We found the much boosted French wines not

like good old beer and the madamoiselles rather disappointing.

We always understood that the words, in Army language, “red raw,” applied to recruits. We now know different; they apply to visitors to certain beaches in the area of Agde! The “budding navigators” found map reading not too easy. A certain nose we know which can smell a brew a mile away must have proved more useful than a signpost on the Larzac training area # he always appeared when we were “lost on the map,” and the kettle had boiled.

Now once again back in Hobart Barracks and enjoying the normal “ Wetmold ” weather we are in the midst of preparations for the Detmold Tattoo. These days we seem to spend all our time preparing for or recovering from some event or other.

All that remains is for us, before closing.

to wish those who have left us during the last year, “ The very best wherever you are ” *to those who have joined us, “ Welcome, may your stay be long and peaceful.”

With sighs of relief we close in the hope that a certain door will remain closed, and a resolution that we will keep that Events Diary up-to-date in preparation for the utterance next year of those few “innocent words.”

The Colonel of the Regiment drinks with Cpl. Petterson and Cpl. Cooper in the Corporals’ Mess.

Flourishing Mess Life NLY twenty-four little hours ago the 0 peace and serenity of our Mess was complete. Suddenly those innocent words issued by the R.S.M., “Produce your notes for The Eagle,” have thrown us into confusion. Much head scratching has so far produced only blank sheets.

However. visions of “The Green Door” spur on our efforts and here goes.

December last we gladly welcomed Bdsm.

Skews, as the Commanding Officer’s trumpeter, into our midst. By winning the annual trumpet competition, Bdsm. Skews not only earned the honour of “ Commandin Officer’s Trumpeter,” but became, for the period of one year, the only honorary member of our Mess.

Christmas and New Year festivities, well organised by the committee, went with a swing and a good time was enjoyed by all.

During the course of the year, Exercises

permitting, we have entertained and been entertained by all other Corporals’ Messes in the Brigade, making many good friends in the process.

In February we were all extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to welcome the Colonel of the Regiment to the Mess during his visit to the Regiment.

One event sticks in our memories, The day we played the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars in the Cavalry Cup—after a hard game we lost. The “ enemy ” then descended on us in full force for an evening meal and a drop of the stuff that cheers—no doubt thick heads were in fashion the following day.

Congratulations to L/Cpl. and Mrs. Fullick on their marriage. We hope the Guard of Honour did not prove too much of an embarrassment.

March and April were spent in the main (and cold) at Soltau on Troop training.

We were well represented at the Regi42

Corporals’ Mess members at L/Cpl. Fullick’s wedding reception.

43

Come Dancing in Deutschland OCHTEN sie tanzen? To those who have not had the pleasure of soldiering in Germany these words might be meaningless. They have nothing to do with food. drink, or even getting one’s car repaired. so are frequently overlooked by those preparing to crash in on the International scene. Mention them to the average soldier in Germany and you will probably notice a misting of the eyes. and a distinct shuddering of the body ending in a severe twitch about threequarters of the way along his greasy DMS boot. Don’t be too surprised. It is not a case of UElitis (similar symptoms) but merely that he has been reminded of the last time he tried out these three words on the dance floor, again. and again. and again.

Take Your Partners It’s rather embarrassing really. “ Mochten sie tanzen?” “ Nein.” “ Mochten sie tanzen?” “ Nein.” “ Mochten sie tanzen?” A shake of the head. Eventually—“ Noch ein bier bitte.”

At last someone is taking some interest, and a small glass of froth is banged on the table and a sweaty waiter demands another two marks. I didn’t really want to dance with them anyway. Look at that extraordinary way they oompha around the room, arms working like piston rods from an overwrought steam engine. Pity they don’t wear mini skirts. They must be at least two years behind in the things that count. Look at that Bird trying to twist; looks a bit like the Squadron Leader’s wife trying to get in the groove at the last Squadron party.

It’s quite amusing watching the Germans trying to enjoy themselves, but it is bad for morale and expensive on beer. All right, try again. This time remember to put the umlaut on the o of mochten. Say it a few times to accustom yourself to the extraordinary new noise. That’s better, I wish I had paid more attention to that wretched tape recorder when the Army Education Centre was teaching me how to be a social success in Germany. No wonder I wasn’t popular. They probably thought I was an ignorant British officer; almost worse than the other—.BO—but Amplex doesn’t help.

Collison Course This time swagger up to the prettiest girl in the room with renewed confidence. “ Mechten sie tanzen?” “Nein danke."

Now we're getting somewhere—eat least she said “Thank you." Even the correct pronunciation doesn’t appear to help. Having asked all the reasonably attractive girls in the room and received negative signals from each. one invariably commits the unforgivable sin, and in desperation asks the all time “ Grimmy ” sitting in the corner.

I can’t understand what lurking force drives one on to this calamitous course of action but it is definitely a case for “ Get thee behind me Satan.” Unfortunately he doesn’t spend nearly enough time behind us, and if he is in a really good tactical position, turret down a bound in front, one is doomed to an evening of utter misery. When you have asked the big question she may say " Nein,” in which case you creep out hoping that no one you know realises you asked her, throw your dancing pumps into the nearest available stream and volunteer for a job as barman in the Squadron Club. She might on the other hand say “ Ja.” One’s morale soars for about ten seconds and then the awful fact dawns.

Withdrawal The ensuing nightmare is almost indes— cribable. She is hungry and thirsty, so you order bier und brot. She is convinced you haven’t understood so quickly cancels your frivolous order insisting instead on having a Martini. Bockwurst and Kartoffel Salad.

Watching one’s best friend battling with a Bockwurst is fairly nauseating, but when you’ve paid for it and it is being masticated by the national wallflower champion the agony is unbearable. She is guaranteed not to speak any English so you’ll have to tell her that there is “ Keine wasser in mein wagen " or “Can Ich Jock vorstellen.” The fact that Jock doesn’t exist and you haven’t a car is immaterial. These are two sentences everybody remembers having done that B.A.O.R. German course. When you’ve said this you’ve probably exhausted your repertoire 44

so you immediately break into the funny face routine which should keep her laughing until it‘s time for physiotherapy on your right arm. This can be quite painful but unless she‘s a very big girl or it’s a very fast tempo it should not keep you on light duties for more than a week. If she is determined to stay with you after the first dance you are recommended to repeat the aforesaid formula

ad infinitum. The sentences can be varied slightly by substituting “ auto ”for“ wagen ” and Tom, Dick or Harry for Jock.

A night out meeting the Germans needn’t always be as demoralising as this but normally is. Perhaps “Vill you dance vit me?” goes down just as badly in England.

I hope so!

Athlete of the Year TPR. THORN

HE 1966 award was made on Waterloo Day when Capt. P. T. Miles, Chairman of The Regimental Association, presented the trophy to Tpr. Thorn (HQ. Squadron) for his achievements in Road Walking. Not a sport competed for in the Army, Tpr. Thorn has now made a name for himself in Bristol local and national events during the past year. A list of the events in which he has taken part is given below. and we wish him even more success after his home posting has enabled him to get the extra training and competition not readily available in B.A.O.R. 14th August, 1965. (Position 6th): Hastings to Brighton (38 miles). Time: 6 hrs.

6 mins. 50 secs.

4th September, 1965. (Position 9th): London to Brighton (52 miles). Time: 8 hrs.

50 mins. 57 secs.

3rd October. 1965. (Position 10th): Hamburgh (50 kms). Time: 5 hrs. 8 mins. 53 secs.

5th February, 1966. (Position 4th): Race Walking Association “Garnet” (10 miles).

Venue: Bexley, Kent. Time: 83 mins. 52 secs.

12th February. 1966. (Position 2nd): South Western Counties Championship (6 miles). Time: 45 mins. 54 secs.

26th

February.

1966.

(Position

Tpr. Thorn receiving the Athlete of the Year Trophy from Capt. P. T. Miles.

17th April. 1966. (Position 12th): Kassel 1nternational (20 kms.). Time: 1 hr. 44 mins.

11 secs.

2lst May. 1966. (Position 4th): Wiltshire and Invitation (20 miles). Time: 2 hrs. 51

mins. 45 secs.

4th June, 1966. (Position lst): Swindon AC. and Trowbridge and District AC. (6 miles). Time: 48 mins. 37 secs.

11th June. 1966. (Position 10th): National

2nd):

Wiltshire and South Western Counties Championship (10 miles). Venue: Salisbury.

Time: 80 mins. 41 secs.

13th March. 1966. (Position 2nd): Hamburg (20 kms.). Time: 1 hr. 45 mins. 27 secs.

(20 miles) Championship. mins. 19 secs.

45

Time: 2 hrs. 50

POLO An Effort Rewarded

My Kingdom for a Horse !—the Colonel hitches a lift

THE extensive outlay on P010 Ponies from the Argentine last year certainly paid off and has produced some good ponies this season. Another two were bought this year, bringing the total of Argentines to nine. Added to this, two ponies were brought over from England and Mrs. Woodward’s ‘ hunter ’ was educated to the game, making a total of twelve ponies.

In addition, we had one old pony which was not often sound and has now been got rid of.

All the ponies are privately owned, although on a new system, two are now part-

owned by the Officers’ Trust.

It is hoped

to get more on this basis in the future, as twelve ponies are not really enough for matches. allowing for some to be unfit. After last year’s notes, but still in last season, we entered the Captains and Subalterns Com— petition. We were drawn against the Blues, who were more experienced and better mounted than we were. The score at the end of the fourth chukker was 2—2, so extra time was played and, mainly due to tired horses,'we lost 3—2. Our team was Woodward, Scott, Hewson. Mackie. After this there was a Subaltern’s Competition, in which we managed to get to the final and played the Q.R.I.H. and beat them 7—2.

Such a surprise that we forgot to collect or bring back the cup! Team: Loyd, Scott, Hewson, Mackie.

There followed two

tournaments, one at Hohne and one at Hamburg. Both clubs entertained us very well.

We combined as one team with the Blues and played in four matches, two lost, two won. Team: Booth Jones, Dickinson, Routledge. Scott. Woodward. Hewson.

Narrow defeat Polo this season has been a great success, and although we did not win the Inter-Regimental, we narrowly missed beating the 17th/215t Lancers in the second round, losing by one goal (7—6) after having been five goals down at the end of the first chukker.

This match was played on Waterloo Day and was watched by a number of Old Comrades, who were well satisfied with our performance. In the first round we had beaten the Coldstream Guards, 3—1, in a good game, played in extreme heat, which reminded us of earlier games in Malaya or Egypt. In the Captains and Subalterns, we were drawn against the 11th Hussars in the first round and managed to beat them by two goals to one, albeit the Hussars scored both goals for us! In the second round we played the 17th/let Lancers, who fielded a team which was only one man different from their Regimental team.

We put up a good fight against them but were eventually beaten 6—0. However, much useful match practice and technique 46

The Regimental Polo team. Major Wilson Fitzgerald, Lt. C. M. F. Scott, Capt. Woodward and Lt.—Col. Reid.

Tpr. Finnie, L/Cpl. Williams and Tpr. Boyd with some of the polo ponies.

47

was gained. There are still some more tournaments to be played. including one in Berlin, but these must be for a future issue.

The Sine Qua Non The stable itself is still being run by Sgt. Cooke, with L/Cpl. Williams and Tprs.

Jones, Boyd, Finnie and McBryan to help him. As usual. the standard of condition

of the ponies is high. and great credit is due to Sgt. Cooke and his men for this. Last year we managed to mount the grooms for a polo match in which they did remarkably well. It may be possible to do so again this year. ‘ The Regimental team consisted of Reid, FitzGerald, Woodward and Scott, whilst Woodward, Scott, Hewson and Wrigley made up the Captains and Subalterns.

Racing Stable—A Tale of Woe FOLLOWING an encouraging start last year to the refounded Regimental Racing Stable, this year has so far been pretty miserable.

We started the season with a stable of six and these have now been neatly paired off; two dead, two passengers and two runners.

And the only attraction of that is the mathematical simplicity.

The loss of Sandshoes was a domestic tragedy. Of the syndicate’s horses he had by far the greatest potential, and although he ran a bit doggily last season. he had shown form enough for encouragement, He was also a delightful character—a sort of urbane lap-horse. His death, from a virus infection of the liver, was a gloomy start to the season and will, regrettably, be sharply reflected in the end of term accounts.

Talbot Green was not a howling success.

He came to us at the tail end of last season at 13 years of age in the hope that he would pay his way and provide some healthy exercise for the stable jockey. But his history of 9 years of galloping over fences has made itself evident and after a summer at grass he has now been sent to France with his eyes

tight shut.

The pair of passengers Hephaestus and On Approval have appeared on the tracks rather infrequently and stumble from one lameness to the next in a staccato pattern of spiralling depression. If Hephaestus could remain sound for long enough to be got fit and run a few races he would be well worth

having, for he performed usefully in his few outings last season, but for the moment he has been put aside to wait for the autumn and its softer going before making a fresh assault on the funds of the Direktorium.

Meanwhile On Approval. whose con— formation below the shoulder is several shades removed from perfection, is almost permanently in season and seems headed at best for a middle age of equine prostitution.

At long last Totti Fay, who arrived with only her breeding and an honest face to recommend her, has started to show some signs of becoming a race horse. She has run a few times. mostly on the flat, and improves with each race. She will now be turned to jumping and could well repay the hesitant patience with which she has been treated.

Savilla, the life line of the stable, continues to run consistently well and only ill luck has prevented her getting her nose in front more often.

Hope springs eternal At the time of writing there remains nearly half the season to go. so perhaps in a few months time the picture might look a bit more cheerful. But obviously with the animals which we have at the moment we are not going to bring much of a glow to the German racing scene and the plan for next season must be to get rid of the passengers and introduce some new blood, This should 48

Hephaestus takes a hol (1 on the way to the start. not be too difficult: the sort of horse which can do decently chasing here is just the sort which, carrying heavier weights and against sharper opposition. doesn’t quite make ends meet hurdling in England.

Finally our very many thanks to L/Cpl, Catlin, Tpr. Partridge and Tpr. Gillard who, despite a prominent lack of the horses’ success, have worked very hard and always turn them out looking really well.

“The 105 Wheelers” Cycling CAN Be Fun! HERE seems to be little enthusiasm for the Continental sport of cycling, but the “ 105 Wheelers ” are struggling to keep the Royals on the cycling map in Germany and. we hope, in France.

We entered a team in a 50 km. race at Minden. comprising Sgt. Gallagher of Royal Signals Troop, Tpr. Goding of “ B” Squadron ” and Tpr. Dunn of M.T. Troop. These three battled round under the sun while the Regiment was going to Hohne for the Regimental firing.

creditable fourth and was with the leaders all the way. Goding and Dunn did very well as novices with little training.

Our next race was scheduled at Bruggen and, after rushing back from Larzac. Sgt. Gallagher, with L/Cpls. Wood and Hall, made their way there and back without touching their cycles. We are now including a course in map-reading for new members!

In August we are off to SHAPE for two races in France.

We desperately need more members. We have five racing cycles. Why don’t you have a go‘.’

The field was very strong.

with ace cyclists from all over B.A.O.R. showing their paces in this. the first event of the season. Sgt. Gallagher finished a very 49

Ski-ing 1966—A Hard Day’s Night .

HIS year a minor record was established T when. on a bare and slushy peak in Austria, Shepherd Cross not only got to the start of a downhill race on time but also completed it without losing his way. his skis. or his sense of humour. He didn‘t achieve a very fast time but nevertheless this augurs well for the future and must be gratifying to him after his three years’ training at a cost of £1,200. Maybe we didn’t win all the prizes this year but at least we are improving.

The past season has been enjoyable and in many ways successful. For the first time in recent years he had a langlauf team who supported the alpine team extremely well. especially at the Divisional Meeting. They were formed under Lt. Roberts at the Regi— mental hut in Wertach, Southern Germany. with an excellent trainer kindly loaned to us by the German Army. At the same time Squadrons were sending parties down to the hut for a fortnight and also to STC Silberhiitte in the Harz, which has resulted in approximately 100 members of the Regiment spending a fortnight at least on skis this year.

If we follow the fortunes of the alpine team during the past season we get a pretty fair picture of how the majority of Regimental teams prepare themselves for the races. October and November we spent in pre-ski exercises and muscle/mind coordination jumping on and off highly polished tanks preparing for UEI. Early December deep breathing exercises trying to talk ourselves out of having to remain behind until after the Admin; however, this failed and so it was not until 11th December that the team eventually arrived at Ziirs in Austria. This was too late to enable us to get properly fit, but training began in earnest when, on the 14th, Oxford University gave an extremely good cocktail party. To them and to Cambridge and Trinity College, Dublin, go our sincere thanks for their hospitality, for pinching our trainer and for keeping Smithers permanently inebriated.

We’re sorry that we didn’t ask everybody to our cocktail party at the end but glad that everybody managed to come nevertheless.

Strict Training Routine The inevitable early nights which we had as a result of being cooped up in a dull little Austrian village in the height of the season took their toll and resulted in the following training schedule being adopted: 8 a.m., breakfast; 8.45. meet at ski lift; 9-9.30, wait for Smithers and Chamberlain; 9.45, first loosening run (six shattering falls) and retire to the Tritt-Alm for a NAAFI break; 11.00. first non-stop run followed by instructions from Hanmer as to what the trainer can do with himself, and a solemn declaration from Chamberlain that he will never ski again: 1130. usual discussion as to whether or not slalom training should be attempted in the afternoonfiwhy we bothered I can’t imagine as we never did any; 11.45, second non-stop run followed by complaint from Ski School #“ Du Engander. was machst du?”; 12.00, Shepherd-Cross disappears early to buy up all the ghastly photographs taken of him and his bird of the previous evening before We can: 12.30, Gustavs bar and first lousy beer followed by light training lunch; 14.00, we all look at horrible short stiff slalom skis but decide that Chamberlain needs more downhill practice so leave them where they are (unused in the darkest corner of the ski room): 14.15, giant slalom practice and everybody a little chuffed now—ski-ing can be quite fun when you’ve had a few beers and the sun is shining, but it is too good to last; 14.45. and that dreaded phrase, “Und now vee make short turns ” is uttered by our trainer Eric. The next 60 minutes are pure hell as we are expected to make about 100 short turns in a distance of 20 yards.

Smithers and Shepherd-Cross achieve 10.

Chamberlain five if he’s lucky and Hanmer one if the wind is in the right direction.

After this ski-ing is an unmentionable word and we all retire disconsolately for sticky teas. except Smithers who nips off to buy

some 'tonic to mix with his vodka.

Thus the days did pass in dull and monotonous training. Christmas came and went—some of us played canasta; Weston returned from Alpbach. but unfortunately 50

broke his ankle almost at once: Bols arrived for a week and kept us amused with his incessant chatter. New Year‘s Eve came and Shepherd—Cross spent a long time in the hotel lift; Zimmerman‘s greatest rival in the shape of A. H. Scott arrived. Here we have a skier with plenty of potential. but fortunately he is retiring from competition ski-ing and is challenging Woodward’s position in the 1968 World Olympic International Bob team or something.

Army Championships On the 14th January we moved on to St. Moritz to join 75 per cent of the British Army and to compete in the Army races.

Here again we went into strict training and could be seen early every morning staggering into bed.

The less said about the races themselves perhaps the better: for a host of purely technical reasons things didn’t quite go as they might have done. Smithers had half a glass of beer at lunch one day and then ran himself into a rock, knocked himself out for an hour and on waking up in hospital proceeded to consume a large amount of vodka.

This did further damage to his normally poor sense of balance and so we were a weakened team for the next 10 days, and with Shepherd-Cross doing his usual trick in the downhill we could only manage 6th in the combination out of 18 teams.

Capt. Lewis (11th Hussars) and Capt.

Woodward, representing Great Britain in the World Bob-Sleigh Championships.

up and down from Hindelang to Oberjoch not really sure of what was happening. The Giant Slalom was a very good course and the weather held but the less said about the downhill the better. Fortunately somebody , eventually had the commonsense to cancel Success! the slalom. The langlauf team had a lot of Lermoos. in Austria. where we next went bad luck with broken skis but nevertheless for the 4 Division races proved more lucky did very well to finish in all their events. and we repeated our previous year’s success Results by winning the alpine combination. The Shepherd— Chamberlanglauf team put up an excellent perTeam Hammer Crass Smithers lain Downhill I I 3 4 II formance which enabled us to just defeat r 4 I 6 8 the 17/21 Lancers in the combined. Alto- Slalom 6 r 3 7 gether this little meeting was by far the most Giant Slalom r 3 I 5 8 enjoyable and the best run of all the ones Combination I 4 Division—7 reams

we went to.

After Lermoos we went back to St. Moritz for the Commonwealth races. which sounds very smart but in fact they were of a lower standard than the Army races. Nevertheless it was a good practice and ShepherdCross fell over as usual in the downhill.

From St. Moritz we went on to Oberjoch in Germany for the B.A.O.R. races. Here for the first time the weather was against us and we spent a very miserable week trudging

Downhill

Slalom

3

4

i6

Io

12

—

Giant Slalam

5

Combination

4 5 i3 B.A.O.R.—25 teams

Downhill

6

7

Slalom

6

II

20

Giant Slalom

5

i3

22

Combination

6

10

22

4r

Army—18 teams

Smithers. who no longer requires a competent mate! Lt. Smithers‘ early efforts at Kiel spread terror amongst the Sapper divers who ran before his bows emitting streams of bubbles.

Twenty-five soldiers have been cruising this year, Cpl. Cooper and Tpr. Langton showing great promise. Originality in headwear was the vogue this year, with Tpr. Peddar leading the fashion and L/Cpl. Aldridge coming a close second.

The Regiment is becoming well-known in many of the small Danish harboursgmore than one Danish yacht has appeared with

SAILING

an ‘ M.T. Eagle‘ on its forepeak, and several times soldiers sailed on Danish yachts.

Solo Trans-Atlantic Further afield, Capt. Guthrie, who left the Regiment a few years ago, has sailed the Atlantic three times single-handed, and Lt. Barne has sailed twice on the Sir Winston Churchill.

1966 has been a good year for sailing, and next year we should be able to double the number of skippers and further widen our horizons.

Football CAVALRY CUP DISAPPOINTMENT THE past season was, on the whole, a bit disappointing, although we did have our moments. We started off in great style in the Westphalian League, with some very convincing wins and held the top position in the league up to half-way through the season. However, all good things come to HE Skaw Race . . . a race that will go down as one of the biggest routs sail changes which involved crawling forin the history of offshore racing—it will be ward against waves of solid green water, so a long time before the full extent of the solid that it literally removed Lt. Mackie‘s damage is knowneif ever—for there were oilskin trousers.

Every so often Uomie would drive head167 competitors from eight nations taking part and, in all, 92 had to give up . . . the long into an off—phase sea that shook every total estimate was of 20 mismastings, five - bone in boat and crew, Everything was yachts were unaccounted for and one yacht soaking, sleeping bags became sponges and sank outright. The official record gave it pumping became necessary every half-hour.

Force 7, squalling to 9, and a sea of a height Three crew members retired below with a never before known in these waters in communal bowl and the cabin looked a summer gales . . . ” So wrote a prominent shambles. The schoolmaster lost his false teeth in Lt. Shepherd-Cross’s sleeping bag. yachting magazine.

This was the first ocean race for five of They were found a week later in the bilges, the crew of six subalterns from the Regi- The Skipper, Lt. Barne, decided to retire ment and a schoolmaster. It was the first and made for Skagen, where there were time that Lt. Weston and Lt. Lewis had already forty other yachts.

A few crew changes found Lt. A. H, sailed in anything bigger than a dinghy. The cook, Lt. Brook, who eventually accepted Scott on board as cook for the return passthe absence of a refrigerator on board. was age south to Kiel. An illuminating fortnight the only subaltern who didn’t succumb to in which 511 miles were covered. the

elements, with

his patent remedy of

brandy and gauloises.

The gentle southerly wind at the start, near Copenhagen, changed into a strong north-westerly, giving a wet 15-hour beat

to windward. By the end of the first night Uomie was still well up the fleet after four

Baltic Cruises There were nine Baltic cruises this year. including two ofiicers’ cruises, the second being skippered by Major Wilkinson. There are now several qualified skippers, including Sgt. Edwards, who took a cruise, and Lt.

52

an end.

We lost Tpr. Edwards (left-half) to

the Parachute Squadron and Tpr. Moon (centre-half),

for

compassionate

reasons,

midway through November.

On 4th December we played 17/21 Lancers in the first round of the Army Cup. This was a hammer-and-tongs game played on the Lancers’ ground in Sennelager. We took the lead just before half-time with an excellent goal from Cpl. Birt. and this lead was maintained right up to the last five minutes of the game, when the Lancers got the equaliser after a scuflle in the goalmouth.

In the extra time that followed. it was obvious who was the fitter team, and the final result was a 4-1 win for the 17th/2lst.

On 16th February the Regiment played the Q.R.I.H. in the first round of the Cavalry Cup. The game was played on our ground and was attended by the Colonel of the Regiment and Lady Fitzpatrick, who obviously wanted to see the Regiment win. The Regiment was on top form from the kick—off and were three goals up by the twentieth minute, This lead was reduced to 3—2 by half-time. which was disappointing. as the Regiment never ceased to dominate the game.

In the second half the Regiment went further into the lead in the fiftieth

\

a

’

.J-

n

«a»

L/Cpl. Crabbe scores the winning goal for S.H.Q. “A” Squadron in the final of the Troop football.

minute, but this lead was reduced to 4—3 in the seventy-eighth minute by a good goal from the Hussars. It looked then as though this would be the final result, but the Hussars

scored a goal to equalise in the last ten seconds. In the extra time that followed. it was once again obvious who was the fitter team, and the final result was a 7—4 win to the Hussars. The man of the match was Tpr. Gibbs, the goalkeeper. who turned in a really breathtaking and spectacular performance, and who was later sent for and complimented on his game by the Colonel of the Regiment.

Hockey KEY MEN POSTED E were in the fortunate position of having a number of good players with experience in every position at the beginning of the season. and therefore approached it with some confidence. Unfortunately, before long. we were to lose our entire half-back line. and three of our best players. in Major Evans, Bandmaster Evans and Cfn. Doyle.

This left a gap which we never quite overcame. We entered a team for the B.A.O.R. Cup. in which we were narrowly defeated in the second round. and two teams for the

B.A.O.R, Six-a-Side Competition.

1n the latter. the “ A “ team did very well to reach the semi-final before going down to the eventual winners and holders of the cup, 7th Signal Regiment. The two Six-a-Side teams were: “A” TEAM: Sgt. Owen. Sgt. Greatrex.

Sgt. McMahon, Cpl. Birt, Cpl. Melbourne.

L/Cpl. McEvoy. “ B ” Team: Lt. Brook, S.Q.M.S. Mackay, S.Q.M.S. Poulter. Sgt. Skepper. Cpl. Murphy.

Cpl. Munday.

Rugby Football It takes 15 . . .

ALTHOUGH on paper the Regiment‘s record is not all that impressive#

played 7. won 2, lost 4, drawn lwwe had some very good matches and a lot of fun. In the 4th Division Seven-a-Side Plate Competition, we were narrowly beaten in the final. This was the nearest we came to fame.

Unfortunately. the German winter does not really lend itself to rugby, as the snow, once

it comes, tends to remain for several months, and it does not produce the ideal surface for rugby.

Regular players for the Regiment Were: Lts. Spencer. Scott. Lewis, Sgts. Cox, Edwards, L/Cpls. Freeman. Black. Tprs.

Hutt. Byrne, Freund, Tucker, Bolton, Cfn. Doyle. Bdsm. Williams. Cpl. Freeman was also a reserve for the Divisional side.

was a true cavalryman, who epitomised the spirit which runs through every Regiment.

His death, at the comparatively early age of 68, leaves a gap which can never be filled. In those 68 years were packed more adventure, excitement and drama than one could meet in ten other lives. It was a sad day. but at least he died as he would surely have wished. suddenly. and a fit man to the last.

Trooper L. Denver Lewis Denver’s death, as a result of an ammunition accident on the ranges at Hohne, was a tragedy deeply felt by all members of the Regiment. He was a competent crewman who only recently returned to tanks after a spell as a waiter in the Oflicers’ Mess, where he made a great impression. We extend our sympathy to his foster parents in their sad loss.

Extract from Standing Orders The First or Royal Dragoons 1833 It is impossible to point out in too strong terms the inconveniences which arise, and the evil which follows a Regiment encumbered with women. Poverty and misery are the inevitable consequence to the Dragoon; and it appears only necessary to point out

to the men, what some of their comrades suffer, who have wives and children, to prevent them subjecting themselves to similar hardships.

Note: There are now 220 married families in Detmold.—Edit0r.

Marriages Tpr. Blake to Barbara Scott, at Redhill, Surrey, on 11th September, 1965.

Obituary Lieutenant-Colonel A. D. Wintle, M.C., F.R.S.L. 1TH the sudden death of Colonel ‘Pop’ Wintle. the Regiment, and indeed the whole country, lost one of its greatest characters. Many of his deeds are now well known to everyone as a result of his appearance in “This is your Life” on BBC. Television, and the notable legal struggle that he r aged contesting the will of his cousin. The case made legal history when, pleading in :terson. without the benefit of counsel. he managed to persuade the Law Lords that the jury in the first hearing of his case had been misdirected, and a final decision was given in his favour.

He was, in the words of C. W. Mays. his closest confidant, “ unpredictable. infuriating. lovable, courageous, with a zest and enthusiasm for life that affected all around him.”

He had a hatred of bureaucracy.

Throughout his life he fought a war against “red tape. jacks in office, and the choking hand of inefficiency." Who else has been to prison for ‘debagging‘ a solicitor. Who else has presented himself as a parliamentary candidate and told his electorate that “the last person who went to the House of Commons? with any good intention was Guy Fawkes!” And so one could go on, for Wintle’s life was full of adventure and drama. He may not always have been approved of by his superiors, but surely here 54

LECpl. Fullick to Catherine Bronwen John,

Tpr. Howard (860). to Janet Mary Spary. at Hounslow. on 18th December, 1965.

at Detmold, on 26th February, 1966.

Tpr. Mason (118), to Barbara Anne Wilson. at Bishop Auckland, on 12th February, 1966.

Cpl. Atkinson to Doreen Ena Mixture, at Felstead, Essex. on 5th March, 1966.

Bdsm. Williams (136), to Carmen Frieda Johanna Schmitz, at Detmold, on 18th March, 1966.

Tpr. Styles to Elizabeth Mary Parnharn, at Gosberton, Lines, on 12th March, 1966.

Cpl. Petterson to Jean Margaret Burt, at Lanark. on 4th April. 1966.

Tpr. Thornhill to Sheila Margaret Smithers. at Reigate, on 2nd April, 1966.

Tpr. Provost to Renate Martina Sieber. at Wandsworth, on 11th February, 1966.

Tpr. Pennings to Sandra Jessie Anne Fairbrace. at Merton. on 13th April, 1966.

Tpr. Brady to Patricia Ann Parkin, at Penge. Kent. on 19th February, 1966.

Tpr. Blundell to Gillian Dorothy Main, at New Malden, on 11th May, 1966.

Tpr. Boyce to Wendy Linn Smith, at Basford. Nottingham, on 12th August, 1965.

Tpr. Hurd to Doreen Carol Hicks, at Amesbury, Wilts. on 20th November, 1965.

L/Cpl. Chamberlain to Jean Stuart Kelly, at Kirkcudbright, on 18th November, 1965.

Tpr. Gregory to Carole Anne Seaman. at Detmold, on 27th November, 1965.

Tpr. Bolton to Christine Mary Gallie, at Streatham. on 27th December, 1965.

55

Tpr. Dunn (646), to Dagmar Dorothea Mundt, at Hamburg. on 10th June, 1966.

Cpl. Brown (496) to Eileen Mary O’Donnell. at Detmold. on 30th July. 1966.

Cpl. Thomas (147), to Ruth Erna Rushinzik. at Detmold. on 8th July. 1966.

Cfn. Doyle to Margaret Ceris Evans, at Lampeter. on 301h July, 1966.

THE EAGLE BANKERS ORDER To : The Manager,

Births Tpr. and Mrs. Callaghan, a son. born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 2nd September. 1965.

Cpl. and Mrs. Emery, a daughter. born at B.M.H., Rinteln. on 4th October, 1965.

Cpl. and Mrs. Wilkins, a daughter. born at B.M.H. Rinteln, on 4th September. 1965.

Cpl. and Mrs. Brown. a daughter. born at Detmold, on 3rd November, 1965.

Tpr. and Mrs. Maton, a daughter. born at B.M.H., Rinteln. on 3lst October, 1965.

Tpr. and Mrs. Sussex. a son, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 9th October, 1965.

L/Cpl. and Mrs. Judd, a daughter, born at Winchester, Hants., on 15th November, 1965.

Tpr. and Mrs. Dunkin, a daughter, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 19th November, 1965.

Sgt. and Mrs. Bosher, a daughter, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 9th December, 1965.

L/Cpl. and Mrs. Hennessy, a daughter. born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 7th December.

1965.

Cpl. and Mrs. McLaren. a daughter, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 27th January, 1966.

Cpl. and Mrs, Birt. a daughter, born at B.M.H.. Rinteln. on 26th March, 1966.

Cpl. and Mrs. Budden, a son. born at B.M.H., Rinteln. on 24th March. 1966.

Cpl. and Mrs. Freeman, a son, born at B.M.H., Rinteln. on 19th April, 1966.

Bdsm. and Mrs. Keys, a daughter, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 12th April, 1966.

Tpr. and Mrs. Bocio, a daughter, born at Salford. on 7th August. 1966.

Tpr. and Mrs. Benn, a daughter, born at Sheffield, on 1st January, 1966.

Tpr. and Mrs. Swannell. a son, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 27th June. 1966.

Major and Mrs. Boyd, a son, born at Swindon, on lst April. 1966.

Cpl. and Mrs. Webber, a daughter. born at Detmold. on 23rd January. 1966.

Cpl. and Mrs. Byrne, a son. born at

Please pay to “ The Eagle ” Fund. The Royal Dragoons. c/o Lloyds Bank Ltd, Cox‘s & King’s Branch. 6, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, the sum of £

5.

d. ( ......... shillings)*

the first payment to be made on the ........................ and continue so to pay that amount on the lst day .of January in every year to the debit of my account until receipt by you of further notlce in writing from me.

Signature

* The cost for “The Eagle " to be sent direct to you from the printers each year is 12/- serving and retired officers; 5/- serving and retired other ranks.

Please return this order form to the Editor.

3d.

'

stamp

‘

Address

B.M.H., Rinteln, on 22nd January, 1966.

Those were the Days Cpl. and Mrs. Taylor (005), a daughter, born at B.M.H.. Rinteln. on 7th June, 1966.

Cpl. and Mrs. Maynard, a son, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 7th June, 1966.

L/Cpl. and Mrs. Greenfield, a son, born at B.M.H.. Rinteln. on 22nd April, 1966.

Cpl. and Mrs. Laing, a son, born at Guildford, on 5th March. 1966.

L/Cpl. and Mrs. Gilfillan. a daughter, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 25th April, 1966.

Lt. and Mrs. Eddison, a daughter, born at

Cpl. and Mrs. Peckett, a son, born at Salisbury, Wilts., on 29th January. 1966.

L/Cpl. and Mrs. Gange, a daughter, born at Greenwich, on 28th January, 1966.

Tpr. and Mrs. Hastings, a son. born at Detmold, on 11th February. 1966.

Tpr. and Mrs. Jee, a son, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 20th February, 1966.

L/Cpl. and Mrs. Golding. a daughter, born at Detmold, on 19th March, 1966.

Tpr. and Mrs. Hutt. a son. born at Padd— ington, on 19th February. 1966.

Tpr. and Mrs. Partridge, a son, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 18th March. 1966.

B.M.H., Rinteln. on 24th August, 1966.

Capt. and Mrs. Woodward, a son. born at B.M.H., Rinteln. on 30th August. 1966.

Capt. and Mrs. Tarsnayne. a daughter. born at B.M.H.. Rinteln, on 20th August,

1966.

56

T a General Court Martial held at Villa Franca on the 11th November, 1813, four Privates of The Royal Dragoons were tried on charges of “ Conniving at and concealing a robbery of a quantity of money from Manuel Martin. a Muleteer, and receiving part of the money knowing it to have been stolen."

Two of the Privates were found Not Guilty of the charges and were acquitted. How— ever, the other soldiers were found Guilty in different degrees and the Adjutant General‘s confirmatory order issued at St. Jean de Luz on the 30th November, 1813, states:—

“ That the Prisoner John Donald with respect to the first part of the second charge is Guilty. which being in breach of the Articles of War. do Sentence him to receive Five Hundred Lashes. That the Prisoner John Wilkinson in respect to the whole of the second charge is guilty. which being in breach of the Articles of War. do Sentence him to receive Nine Hundred Lashes.” “ The Sentence of The General Court Martial on the trial of John Donald and John Wilkinson, is to be carried into execution on Saturday the 4th Day of December 1813, at the Headquarters of The lst (or Royal) Regiment of Dragoons, in the presence of that Regiment and such other Troops as can be conveniently assembled to be paraded for that purpose."

(0

THE

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This year-Next year-Sumetime...?

You know some of the financial problems which will meet you on your retirement from service. In particular. you will have appreciated already the need for adequate cash reserves at that time. I shall be glad to discuss with you in more detail your own individual plans. I may be able to help you from the knowledge acquired in dealing with many similar (although never precisely identical) cases over the years. Certainly, I shall be happy to try.

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183

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THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISEMENT 67/68 IERMYN STREET. 51'- IAMES’S, S.W. I . TEL. WHITEHALLPAGES 2504'

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SUPPLEMENT No. 2—PAGE FOUR

Prinlcd in Great Britain

SUPPLEMENT No. I—PAGE THREE

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

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How paying by cheque helps your pay go further

Lloyds Bank offers full banking services to all ranks of Her Majesty‘s Forces.

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Produced for the Editor, ‘ The Eagle." The Journal of The Royal Dragoons. by Cnmbincnl Service Ptiblictttinns, Ltd, 67-68.

Icrmjwn Street, St. James's, London, S.W.x Printed in Great Brita-1n b\' F. J. Parsons. Ltd” The Atlclphi. John Adam Street.

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