The eagle royal dragoons magazines the eagle 1959

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The Saladin at Last

THE EAGLE The Regimental Journal of

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

CONTENTS

No.

18

EDITORIAL

PAGE Topics of Interest The Ashton Memorial The Future of the Regiment

3 6 and 13 7

Dundalk

8

The Fife and Forfar Yeomanry/ Scottish Horse The Day I Got My Own Back The Regimental Association Cross—Country Running Waterloo Day

14 15 16 17 19

Lt.-Col P. B. Fielden,M.C.

20

GERMANY

LT.-COL.

G.

T.

A.

Armitage,

M.B.E.,

relinquished command in January.

We

congratulate him on his appointment to the Imperial Defence College. Under his ability, enthusiasm and loyal care the Regiment has greatly increased its efficiency and good reputation We are very sorry to lose Lt.—C01.

and Mrs Armitage and their family and we wish them every success and happinessin the future, knowing that their interest will remain with us.

Visit of the Colonel of the Regiment

20

We welcome in their place Lt.—Col. and Mrs.

“A” Squadron Notes

21

P. B. Fielden, who are well—known to all of

“B” Squadron Notes “C” Squadron Notes Prospect and Retrospect

22 23 25

“HQ.” Squadron Notes L.A.D. R.E.M.E. Notes

27 3o

Sergeants’ Mess Band Notes R..SM Edwards ..

Five Folk in the Sea Falcon 3rd/4ah County of LondonYeomanry (Sharpshooters) ... .

InitiativeatChristmas Operation Elvis Presley Racing Notes P010, 1958 Football Notes Boxing Notes

31 32 33 34

us and to many Old Comrades.

37 41

Rugby and Hockey Notes

41 43 44 46 47 48

Cricket Notes

48

Births,Marr1ages and Deaths Obituary Prize Crossword Regimental Gazette

48 49 51 52

We extend

our sympathy to them over the upsets involved in their short stay in England January the 1st, 1959, saw the end of twelve happy years of affiliation to the Fife and Forfar

Yeomanry Scottish Horse. Despite the official severing of our ties, we have made so many friends in Fife that we know this will not mean the end of our association. We count ourselves extremely fortunate in starting a new affiliation with The 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharps-hooters). We extend a warm welcome to them and from the way our relations have started, we are in no doubt that our association will be a very happy one.

In December, 1958, the Regiment completed a your in Herford and simultaneously received news of a move to a hotter climate in the autumn of 1959. By then we shall have spent five years in Germany on the present tour and ten years there since the end of the Second World War. Training this year has

followed the familiar pattern.

Troop and

Squadron training has been carried out at times and in areas of our own choosing.

Squadrons only have taken part in Formation

Exercises;

the

only

time

the

Regiment

Cpl. Sarll. L/Cpl. Falvey, L/Cpl. Caimey, “ C" Squadron.

TIIE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

deployed was for our annual battle against the 12th Lancers. This Excrcisc, called “Farewell," was the last set by our late Brigadier—Brigadier G. R. D. Fitzpatrick, D.S.O., M.B.E., M.C. It was a most valuable and enjoyable Exercise.

The Saladin armoured car is at last with us. The winter has been fully occupied with get— ting to know this and our new wireless equipment. There was no Administra— tive Inspection this year, but the Regiment has just received a grading of Excellent on its annual “A” Vehicle Inspection.

The outstanding sporting success of the year was that achieved by the crosscountry running team. They won the

Brigade and B.A.O.R. Championships.

In the Army Finals at Aldershot they finished fifth. The football team won a large league competition, but have less

talent available than for some time past.

We are sorry to record the loss on retirement of Major and Mrs. Fabling and Capt. and Mrs. Bucknall. They

have our best wishes for their happiness in civilian life.

Recruiting is now an important task for the Regiment, your attention is drawn to the article by the Commanding Officer on “The Future of the Regi— merit.”

This has also influenced this

Journal.

The new cover and changes

, xx .- .

Lt.-Col. G. T. A. Armitage, M.B.E., Commanding Oflicer, 7th September, 1956—2nd January, 1959.

‘

in layout have been made to make the magazine more attractive to serving and future Royals. A large number of copies are to be used for recruiting purposes.

As a new

Editor, I would like 'to thank everyone con— cerned for their magnificent support. I regret returning so much material due to lack of space.

21323th We record with deep regret the deauh on May 18th, 1959 of BRIGADIER—GENERAL SIR ERNEST iMAKINS, K.B.E., C.B., D.s.0.

Commanding Officer of The Regiment— February, Igio—January, 19I4 Colonel of The Regiment — January, 1931 — October, 1946 .

TPL Harp", CPL Mumgh, TP‘ Stacey

, L C I. S in “B” Squadron. / P

w

,

and on May 19th, 1959, of BRIGADIER R. FEAKE, i).s.o., 0.8.13.

As this sad news has reached us so close to press, full obituary notices will appear next year

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

only live in the knowledge that “those were

Topics of Interest

the days.”

Yours faithfully,

CONGRATULATIONS TO “ THE CORNET ” We were delighted to read in The Daily Telegraph of 20th February, 1959, that Major H. Robertson-Aikrnan celebrated his 93rd birthday on that day. Brigadier—General Sir Ernest Makins, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.0., sent him this telegram:

memory of my father, and have received your telegram. With deepest feeling, I wish to thank you and all Royal Dragoons. It is greatly appreciated that the past Colonel—in-Chief Of the Regiment is remembered today with such deep respect.”

“ Congratulations—well done ‘ Cornet.’ " The following reply was received:

*

We “ My dear Ernest, Thank you so much for your greetings telegram of good wishes on my ninetythird birthday. I was glad to hear from such an old comrade.

I do hope you are getting on well.

Yours ever,

CORNET.” BOILLOT (DRINKWATER) We congratulate Mr. C. E. Boillot, M.B.E., M.C., on his engagement tO Miss L. Hochschild, of New York, announced in May, 1958.

Mr. BoillOt joined the Regiment as a lieutenant after the fall of France in 1940. To protect his relatives in France, he assumed the name Of Drinkwater. He left the Army as a lieutenant-colonel, in 1946, after a dis— tinguished wartime career. *

*

*

We congratulate Lt.—Col. A. D. Wintle, M.C., on his memorable victory in the House of Lords, in 1958. The serving Ofl‘icers sent him a telegram and a games tie on the occasion. We take this Opportunity of thanking him for allowing us to publish a story of his in this edition. *

*

'A'

A telegram was sent to H.R.H. Princess Victoria Louise Of Brunswick on the occa— sion Of the Centenary Of the birth Of her father, The Kaiser, on 27th January, 1859.

The text of this, and of her reply, are as follows: “Your Royal Highness, the Officers and men of Her Majesty’s Royal Dragoons remember today in honour of His Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm II, a past Colonel of the Regiment.” “ Colonel Fielden. I have just returned from birthday celebrations in Berlin, in

congratulate

*

F. W. REED Editor’s Note—Pouch belts are still worn beneath shoulder chains and in this case a strong sun and the photo-reproduction are to blame. *

*

*

*

Brigadier

G.

R.

D.

Fitzpatrick, D.S.O., M.B.E., M.C., A.D.c., on his

appointment as A.D.C. to Her Majesty The Queen. it

*

*

*

*

*

The following interesting letter was recently passed to the Editor. Mr. Reed, who is 71, is an Old Royal Dragoon.

Fleet, Hants.

11th September, 1958.

It is my intention to settle down and devote the remainder of my life to do what I have always wanted—to sit down and draw horses.

Racing, POlO, War. Many years ago I read, I believe in Ainslie’s “Records Of The Royal Dragoons,” a passage about the return Of Vedettes in the mist at dawn, before Dettingen or Malplaquet. I have always had a great longing to do this in colour as, in my imagination, I see those Troopers riding in with Old flintlocks carried at “the advance.” A Hence you may realise my interest in all things military, especially Cavalry. In conclusion tO this lengthy epistle, I should like to express my appreciation Of The Eagle, which I consider a superb production. I would like to comment on one item. Had this occurred in my time, one would have been sent Off parade for being improperly dressed.

I Observe three Officers and N.C.O.s wearing

the pouch belt over and on top of the shoulder chains. This would not have happened in Mr. Parsons’ (“ Dusty ” the R.S.M.) and Col. Burn-Murdoch’s time.

I assume it must be what I am informed every day, that I have not moved with the times. I fear this is the truth, and I can

it

*

APOLOGIES .

We apologise for failing to record'two important facts in 1958. Firstly, the birth of a daughter to Major and Mrs. J. C. Parkhouse.

Secondly, the marriage of Lt. and Mrs. J. J. F. Scott. * * * A SIGN OF THE TIMES R.R.O.s, 1958: “It has been generally observed that certain individuals are using N.A.A.F.I. food trolleys as perambulators for their children. This practice is thoughtless, unhygienic and detrimental to N.A.A.F.I. property, and will therefore cease.’

The Regiment is indebted to Lt.—Col. G. T. A. Armitage, M.B.E., for his presentation of a fifth silver State Trumpet. *

EXCHANGE OF OFFICERS 1958 has seen the return to their Regiments of Lt. Peter Jarvis, The Royal Canadian Dragoons, and Capt. Simon Bradish—Ellames, The Royals, exchanged, as reported in our 1957 Editorial. We thank the R.C.D.s for sparing us such an excellent “ambassador.”

Peter Jarvis, and Mary Lou, whom he married at Wesendorf, are very much missed by all of us.

We understand that The Royal Canadian Dragoons also enjoyed having Capt. Bradish—Ellames, and we see every reason for the exchange to be repeated in the future.

Past members may be interested in the new belt buckle adopted at the time of the VlSlt of The Colonel of the Regiment in October, 1958. Made of sheet brass, it is centred by a brass cap badge. at

*

*

WANTED, by an Old Comrade—A hookah.

The Sunday Express of 15th March, 1959, carried this unusual requirement Of Old Com— rade Sir Hugh Rankin, Bt.

“ We note from Burkes’ Peerage and Baronetage that Sir Hugh Charles Rhys Rankin, 3rd Baronet of Bryngwyn, CO. Hereford served as a Trooper on active servrce in Ist Royal Dragoons in Ireland in Smn Fem Campaigns, 1920-1922 until invaltded.”

Will one old Royal come to the aid of an-

other and supply this Hubble—Bubble?

The Impossible we do at once,

Miracles take a little longer.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE

ASHTON

MEMORIAL FOR THE OUTSTANDING JUNIOR REGULAR SOLDIER OF

THE

YEAR

0

FIRST AWARD I957 - I958

EH‘ {HHHEHHYH‘HIHHHHHMIFHi1IHIll\I1H‘r!1E\ifH\TIN\HHmH1:‘IHJHHJHh\HHH:Hllm|\UH\:JH\MHHHIHIHWIHHHHHHHM

CORPORAL

J.

M.

HEATH

“ C ” Squadron WHSWT‘h1m:J\I\HIWHIMH‘WHII IMHHHHTHMHNIHHHHHIHHWIHHIWIHHHHI‘:HMHHIMHMYwlHMHIHHHHWIW

The

Ashton

Memorial

Trophy

and Dress

Sword

THE FUTURE OF THE REGIMENT Service soldiers; that is to say r1‘HE Regiment, in March, 1959, contained 289 National last call-up of National 62% of the Corporals and below are National Service. The will be no National Service there 1962 by and 1960, early or 1959 in occurs Service soldiers has got to be replaced by the soldiers serving in the Army. The National Service soldier from? coming Regular. But where is the Regular

es, I can say with confidence To all of you, serving Royal Dragoons and Old Comrad s. It is up to us—serving Regular these get to efforts own our by fall or that we shall stand else is going to help— no-one And else. one es—noComrad Royal Dragoons and Old be sure of that!

Dragoons. I will only say What are we going to do about it? Firstly, serving Royal rable expense, in which conside ng involvi gn campai new entirely an ing that we are organis serving soldiers, regard the We, . involved is Rank Other every serving Regular Officer and t.

Regimen the of future the to this campaign as of primary importance

WHO ARE WE? AND WHAT DO WE DO?

as a Recruiter for the Regiment.

Old Comrades, we want to include every one of you es, I can only hope to give Comrad Old 400 to myself ing address In help? you How can n. questio this to you a general answer of contact in your everyday life You must let it be known at every possible point man young any of hear to want you that

1' 2.

3.

Who wants to join the Army.

Who has recently lost his job. be a potential recruit.

Who is dissatisfied with his present job and might

AND GO ON LETTING IT BE KNOWN. day life I mean: By every possible point of contact in your every Your grocer.

The boy who delivers your newspapers.

Your Doctor.

Your Post Office.

WHY NOT JOIN US AND FIND OUT

15THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

The local Garage.

The local Police. if National Service era would be assured The future of the Regiment in the post t, recrui ar Regul one find s, month 12 next you could each, in the on your man, make sure that he INSISTS Finally, remember that when you find joining The Royal Dragoons.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Dundalk .

. .

A retrospect With some consequent digressions

Tdthe concltfiion of the article. which I wrote in the last issue. 1 carried my Regimental Reminiscences . own to ‘t e time when The Royal Dragoons left Dundalk in 18 for I .

Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. On subsequent consideration, halveverHclmfISIItovt‘h: :[tligdj 13f: Dundalk too hurriedly, so before bidding it a final farewell, I am harking back to dwell a little further on its historical connection with the Regiment. It is to be regretted that neither “ The Royals ” nor any other regimen-t is ever likely to be stationed there again, or, for that matter anywhere else in South Ireland, since she was allowed to go her own way, separate herself from the limited Kin dom and calfhersellf 2 Elepublic. After the Regiment left in 1897 it was to go South Ireland onlyg oncd more ore ‘ was sent there in ‘ 1920 to suppress a wave of nun-:19:32d 0-1;,an when, after the first World War, it The first occasion that the Regiment became acquainted with Dundalk was towards the end of the 17th Century. All members of it know that it was raised by King Charles II in 1661 for the defence of Tangier, which was part of the dowry of his bride, Queen Katharine of Braganza and where it remained fighting the Moors for over 20 years. It must always be a matter for regret that the two next occaSions on which it was called to take up arms, were against their own kith and kin in c1v11 strife within the boundaries of the Unit-ed Kingdom.

The first of these occasions was when it was engaged in the suppression of the rebellion of the protestant Duke of ‘Monmouth, the illegitimate nephew of the papist King James II. The Tan ier Horse, renamed The First Royal Regiment of Dragoons, had recently returned to England and Elias under the command of its newly gazetted Colonel—John Churchill, who became the Duke of MarlbDOSEugh It distinguished itself at the action at Sedgemoor on July 6, 1685, escorted the captured TOWZIOEonmgth to London, and was quartered at Southwark for his execution on July 15 in the The second occasion was when the Regiment, together with racticall the ' ' support of William of Orange and his wife Mary—the daughter ofP James II—in hilsofficlirfghégldlsetedlfi: father-in-law. There was no fighting in England, a little desultory opposition in Scotland but there was organised resistance by James in Ireland with his Irish and some French troops. “ The Royals ” crossed from Scotland to N. Ireland and they made their first acquaintance with Dundalk during the operations that drove James’s army south to Drogheda and which resulted in the decisive Battle of the Boyne on July 1, 1690; after which James fled to Dublin, went on to Waterford where he took ship to France. ’ All resistance in Ireland came to an end with the capture of Limerick and the Regiment returned to England early in January, 1692. Two years later it was ordered to go on foreiOn service across the English Channel and was not to return to Ireland again for 115 years; when it z:iid so in 1807 it had its HQ. stationed at Dundalk. It was here that orders were received to proceed to Cork to embark for Lisbon. However, departure was delayed owing to the setback of Sir John Moore’s-Retreat to Corunna, and they did not embark till 1809, arriving at Lisbon in September for the Peninsular War.

It was at Dundalk in 1807 that a unique domestic incident occurred in the

duel fought between Colonel John Slade and his Second—in—Cornmand, Lt.—Col. Charles Cerj’at I found some correspondence about this duel among the Slade Papers some years ago when they were in the possession of Wyndham Slade, Esq., of Montys Court, Taunton and I wrote an article in The Eagle about it. There has always been something rather mysterious about the Cerjat family—there were three brothers, who all joined The Royals and there is some correspondence between that family and Henry the 10th Earl of Pembroke at Wilton. The father of these brothers was a Swiss gentleman living at Lausanne and married to an Irish lady, but there seems to be no explanation as to how this friendship between the two families originated. There may have been some old romance, but the fact remains that Lord Pembroke took all three brothers as Officers into his. own Regiment. The second brother, Henry, joined as a Cornet in 1773, but went to the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons as a Captain in 1779. The eldest brother, George, joined as a Cornet in 1774, and was still a Captain when he left the service in 1794. It was the third brother Charles who fought the duel—he joined as a Cornet in 1787 and had become Brevet Lieut-Colonel in 1802’ He deeded to sell out apparently owing to nursing some grievances real or imaginary against Slade,

9

and was awaiting official confirmation of his freedom, before having an open quarrel. As my former article is long out of print, and no doubt forgotten, I will reproduce the account of this interesting social incident which, occurred 150 years ago. It is the only duel which, so far as I have walks been able to discover, has ever taken place in The Royals, though duelling was very rife in all of life at one time, and especially in the Army, The reason may be that we have always been a very happy family.

Description of the Slade-Cerjat Duel and Letters from the Slade Papers 1807. Statement of ye affair between Col. Slade, Commanding The Royal Dragoons at Dundalk, and Lt.—Colonel (Charles) Ceriat, late an Ofi’icer in the said Regiment.

Ist An affair of honor having taken place near Dundalk early on Monday morning last, the , commanding The Royal Dragoons at Dundalk, and instant, between the Gentlemen, Colonel S to lay Lieut.—Colone1 0—, late an Officer in the said Regiment, we are enabled from authority, the following particulars before the Public, and to vouch for their authenticity. met Colonel S— in the On Sunday, the 3ist May in the afternoon, Lieut.-Colonel C harshest and Street of Dundalk, and without any previous conversation expressed himself in the , astonished at so unprecedented an attack, moved on most approbious language. Colonel S the words that without making any reply, and committed to paper, as well as he could recollect, . A friend informed Lieut.-Colonel C—, from Colonel S—, had fallen from Lieut.—Colone1 C was desired to acquaint that in consequence of what had passed in the Street of Dundalk that day, he felt himself compelled by What he considered the most extraordinary and him “ that Colonel S , to tell him that he considered that unprecedented conduct on the part of Lieut.—Colonel C name an hour and place conduct as un—Gentlemanlike, and desired that Lieut.-Colonel C——— would and supporting that the next morning, in order that he might have an opportunity of testifying to vindicate against determined was he which and world, the in possessed he hoped Character he

by Lieut.—Colonel C— or any unfounded suspicion that might be attempted to be cast upon it any man.”

Gentlemen took ground They accordingly met at the hour and place fixed, and before the in what instance Lieut— Colonel S——’s friend desired to know from Lieut.-Coloncl C——’s friend, either as an Officer behaviour, or conduct improper any with S—— Colonel charged Colonel C replied that Lieut.-Colonel or as a Gentleman, towards him, to which Lieut.-Colonel C——’s friend , but felt that his S did not take upon himself to lay any specific charge as to Colonel C conceive that insinuations general conduct for .a series of years had been such as induced him to but that if Colonel 8—— had gone abroad injurious to his character as an Officer and a Gentleman:

he would retract the would under his hand say he never had acted so towards Lieut.—Colonel C—, said that Lieut— immediately friend ’s S Colonel which to words that had fallen from him, that

on ’s most extraordinary and unprecedented conduct had made any satisfaction Colonel C head inadmissable. after which Lieut.The Gentlemen then took their ground and discharged 3 case of pistols, S——-’s friend Colonel which upon satisfied, was S—— Colonel if asked ’s friend Colonel C can never be satisfied with Lieut.-Colonel C——’s conduct. made the following reply: “Colonel S any offence: he came into the field to vindicate He disclaims ever having given Lieut.-Colonel C upon it, even by the unfounded his honour from any injurious impression that might be made has sufficiently discharged himS Colonel that consider I him: upon made been has attack that I see no good reason for the opinion, same the of are Sir, you, if and self as a Man of Honor, the Gentlemen parted agreeing, friend ’5 C Gentlemen to proceed further.” Lieut.-Colonel without further explanation or any reconciliation taking place.

) Letter from Slade to “Dear W,” no date except Tuesday (Winyard Dear W.,

having escaped in whole bones For the first time in my life I was yes terday engaged in a duel, and travelling equipage

forming part of this tho’ my adversary is one of the best shots of the day, a target ll consider this as confidential, I will give wi you trust I as and practices, constantly he at which which occasioned it, that will astonish you some of the particular traits of the misunderstanding of my opponent (LL—Col. C——- late of idea distant most the not you, as I can assure you that I had tho’ we were certainly not friends we for me, against y the RD.) harbouring anything like animosit

then it was on something relative to the had never differed since we lay at Swinly Camp in 1800, and '—

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

II

Regiment, and since we have been in this country I have had an opportunity of serving him essentially. Only fancy his keeping his anger within his own breast till Sunday afternoon last (on which day we received the Gazette which announced to us his having quitted the Service). He met me in the Street of Dundalk and told me in the most approbious language that he had an opportunity of telling me that I had acted like a villain to him, I was in Regimentals and he was not, or I certainly should have put him to death on the spot, but I checked my anger, and made no sort of reply, but very well. I immediately went to a friend who lived a few miles in the country, who carried him my message. I had another reason for taking this step:‘ had I remained here, Colonel de Grey would have thought it his duty to put me under arrest, and as the language he made use of was before two Officers of the Regiment—it was no secret—we met yesterday, and I was about to ask for my second pistol when his Second said Colonel C. had declared he had not fired at me but levelled purposely on my side. The Seconds therefore said We had acted like Men of Honor and might leave the ground. I had not the most distant idea of his having any intention of this action.

Letter from General Garth to C01. Slade, Windsor.

215t June, 1807

My dear Colonel, Yesterday’s post brought me your packet from Ireland so often enquired after by His Majesty, and so eagerly desired by me. The arrival was just in time for me to read your letter and answer to the daily question if I had heard from the Regiment, and when on Horseback I repeated your account of the very outrageous, abominable and ungentlemahlike attack you had upon you, together with the particulars of the meeting, there seemed to be but one opinion entertained by my August must be insane, and a sort of general Auditors, in which I fully coincide, namely that Lt.-Col. C

Skeeter

lamentation ensued that it was said to be a family misfortune, which indeed is the best and most or charitable construction such conduct can claim. I hope and trust nothing further will be said, done, and the sooner so disagreeable a subject is dropped the better. I cannot, however, dismiss polite— it without saying that you conducted yourself with firmness and resolution tempered with ness and judgment, and generally approved of here, although such rencontres are not admitted but are under the most——and urgent necessity, to which from malicious and evil intrigues men of honor sometimes subject in the course of their professional duty. Etc., etc.

Extract from a Letter to Slade from T. Anderdon, Forest Lodge, Walthamstow. 26th June, 1807 our “ I had several opportunities in Somersetshire of discussing your affair with Cerjat amongst sanity— man’s the to as opinion concurring one but be to appeared there and mutual friends, by your comthe misfortunes of his family are everywhere fully known. I am much flattered

munication of the details of the affair, and have had great satisfaction in having been able to do them justice amongst other friends.”

Letter from General Garth to Mrs. Slade, Islington.

7th August

the utmost Extract: “ All I shall say on another unpleasant subject is that Slade behaved with the folly and absurdity prudence and propriety becoming an Officer and a Gentleman, the other with adherence to Christian of one totally forgetting both characters: in compassion to him, and in an draw a veil.”

Charity, I fear he was under the influence of a malady over which we must

From a Scrap of Paper in Slade’s Handwriting

“B”

SQUADRON

DRAFT,

1958

Left to right: Tpr. ‘Conopo, Tpr: Hepple,‘ Tpr. Billington, L/Cpl. McAndrew, Tpr. Edwards, Tpr. Dwyer.

Tpr. Hlbbert, 'lpr. Allen, Tpr. Curd, Tpr. Carroll.

out at the time, I can “. . . for, if he felt injured at any part of my conduct, why did he sell of compleating the term of scarcely think it possible that he should have remained in for the sake . But such is the fact—and years, which entitled him to ask for permission to sell his Commission even a suspicion of till it burst for some years did he carry in his mind the revenge that we had not can scarcely believe it, that he had forth Sunday. There is a report afloat in the Regiment, but I Saxton, you know, quitted the out. me call would he that Saxton poor with made a vow jointly Army first, and then his life. conceiving from my intenHe certainly was behind the scenes thro’ the whole of that affair, and the Court Martial, the result of tion in bringing it forward that I was in a scrape, urged him to stand which led him to destroy himself.”

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Court Martial of John Saxton, Senior Captain, Nine and Ten Days of June, 1801 Found guilty of neglect of duty and disobedience of orders.

Letter from Charles Morgan, J.A.G., submitting the proceedings to John Slade, 22nd June, 1801, and stating that Capt. John Saxton is since unhappily deceased.

Description of Quentin—Palmer and X.R.H. It is interesting to recall that a duel also took place in the X Royal Hussars between the O.C. and his Second—in-Command. The parties were Colonel Quentin and LL—Col. Palmer and it took place soon after the return of that Regiment from the Peninsular War and was the most notorious of any Army duel. The Regimental duel in The Royals had taken place in a small station in Ireland and the combatants had been Officers, neither of whom were of the same social distinction as those of the Hussars. The Prince Regent was Colonel-in—Chief of the 10th, and all the Officers were personal friends of his—were noblemen or belonged to aristocratic families—two of the Officers were the sons of HRH. The Duke of Clarence by the actress Mrs. Jordan—being stationed at the Royal sea resort at Brighton, they were very much in the public eye. The row started with a Round Robin signed by 24 Officers, addressed to Lt.-Col. Palmer with the request that it should be forwarded to the Prince Regent—and contained a series of complaints and criticisms about the conduct of Colonel Quentin. The accusations, under four headings, accused him of not taking proper precautions to protect his men when foraging, for not supporting his advanced squadrons when engaged with the enemy, and on general neglect of duty on various detailed occasions.

Colonel Quentin demanded a General Court Martial, when these charges were formulated and it was held at the Horse Guards on 17th October, 1814, with General Vyse as President and 13 Lieutenant- and Major—Generals. The charges were generally considered frivolous and, if the Officers had not been of such high standing and social influence, it is more than likely that it would never have taken place, and even that the Officers would have been cashiered. As it was, Colonel Quentin was acquitted of the charge except for some small qualification of the first of them. The 24 Officers who signed the Round Robin had to leave the Rgiment and be posted else— where and were replaced by others—they were given the name of “The Elegant Extracts ” throughout the Service.

During the trial Quentin considered that Palmer had cast aspersions on his courage and a duel was considered inevitable. Palmer crossed the Channel to France, Quentin followed him, challenged him and a duel was fought outside the Paris boundaries on 3rd January, 1815. There was only one exchange of shots when Quentin, having fired first, Palmer fired into the air. Quentin expressed himself satisfied.

'Dhese “affaires” seemed frequently to terminate in such an anti— climax.

But I must return to Dundalk and the Regiment, from the skeleton in the cupboard of another Regiment, with which we must sympathise, owing to our own troubles of similar though milder character. The next time that we went to Dundalk was in 1825 for one year and again in 1845 for one year.

While we were in Dublin in 1859 we detached 1 Troop to Dundalk. We spent the rest of the 19th Century about equally between Ireland and England, alternating with The Greys—and there was a good deal of unrest in Ireland in those days. It was probably the principal reason why we were not included in the force dispatched to Egypt in 1882, but sent a Sergeant and 32 men to reinforce the 4th D.G.s, who were lucky enough to be selected. In 1884 we sent Major Gough and Lt. Burn—Murdoch and two Sergeants, two Corporals, one Trumpeter and 38 picked men to join the Heavy Camel Corps, and Major Dickson to serve with the Nile boats, and Lt. Frank Rhodes as A.D.C. to General Sir Herbert Stewart. Thus though nothing happened in Ireland worthy of record when we went to Dundalk in 1885, yet we were adding to our history and that of the nation in Egypt.

It was the year in which the expedition to relieve Gordon failed, Gough was killed and the Camel Corps had heavy losses within the Square at Abu Klea, and Burn-Murdoch, after distinguishing himself in the battle, brought home the twenty-one survivors and was then appointed Adjutant.

Major Tidswell, on whose horse “Larva” Bum—Murdoch had won the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown in 1884 and who had been sent out in place of Gough, died of dysentry on his way home.

Major Dickson was wounded in the knee and later in the year went off to join the V.D.G. and got the command of that Regiment. Capt. Frank Rhodes came home; his General, Sir Herbert Stewart, had died after being badly wounded at Abu Kru after the battle of Abu Klea. Frank Rhodes, elder brother of Cecil Rhodes, got his majority soon after his return in August, and was given a D.s.0.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

I3

and Brevet Colonelcy in September. He was a remarkable personality; no matter how depressing the condition, or how black the outlook, he was always cheery. Lord Rennell of Rodd mentions in his Memoir of him that it was commonly said of him that “ no expedition was complete without him.”

He was warmly welcomed home and remained with the Regiment for about three years enjoying his hunting and cricket; he Was a very good cricketer and played in the Eton X1 in 1879 and ’80 at Lords against Harrow. He went back to serve on General Sir Francis Grenfell’s staff in Egypt in 1888, and then in 1890 went to be Military Secretary to his old Etonian friend, Lord Harris, who [had been captain of the Eton Cricket Eleven, and was at this time Governor General of Bombay. From there, as I mentioned in my last article, he was invited by Sir Gerald Portal, once Master of the Eton Beagles, to be Chief of Staff to his Uganda Mission.

The others were Raymond Portal and Major Roddy Owen of the Lancashire Fusiliers—known as the best G.R. of his day, who had just won the Grand National at Aintree. The climate took a heavy toll of the Mission. Raymond Portal died of fever before the end, Sir Gerald Portal died of typhoid three months after his return, Roddy Owen, who had been very ill during the expedition, died in Egypt at Wadi—Halfa the following year. I mentioned in my last article that few people know that the Owen Falls are named after him, and during the past year I found nobody that I met realised it—it is curious that waterways, so different in character and locality, as the Upper Nile and Becher’s Brook, should be associated in one’s mind with the same individual. Frank Rhodes survived his friends by ten years and made a further name for himself in other parts of Africa, but in the end he too paid the penalty of the others. Within three months of his return home at the end of November, 1893, he sailed for South Africa bound for Rhodesia, where he was to act as Administrator in the absence of Dr. Jameson. Thereafter his life was linked with that of South Africa, and where his brother was the ruling spirit. He went on half pay in June, 1894. It is a pity that he went out quite so soon, as he was sent by his brother to take charge of the Reform Committee in Johannesburg at the time of the Jameson Raid, which was an incredibly muddled affair.

He was arrested after it and put in gaol with Sir George Farrar, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and Sir Lionel Philips, condemned to death, then reprieved with a fine of £25,000._ The ‘Matabele Rebellion

helped him to try to forget this most unfortunate episode in his life, and this was followed soon after ‘by his employment as Times Correspondent in Egypt, when he was present at the battle of Omdurman, which was a satisfaction to him after being present at the failure to relieve General Gordon. Unfortunately he was shot in the shoulder early in the day and so missed the final entry into the town in the late afternoon. This restless spirit then went off to the South African War as a freelance3 and was shut up in Ladysmith, joining the Staff of Colonel Bryan Mahon as Intelligence Officer in the Relief of Mafeking. His brother Cecil had died at Cape Town at the end of 1901, when Frank was in England—he rushed back and was present at his brothers burial in the Matoppo Hills. Frank himself died at Groote Schuur on 25th September, 1905, and is buried ' . at Dalham—the estate in Norfolk that he inherited from Cecil.

I dealt fairly fully with our year at Dundalk in my last article in 1896-97, so I Will now bid a final farewell to that old Cavalry Station and all South Ireland.

The Ashton Memorial HIS memorial, in memory of Lt. Arthur George Ritchie Ashton, The Royal Dragoons, who died in 1956, has been instituted through the generosity of his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. E. Ashton. The memorial is in two separate parts, a trophy and a sword. .

The trophy, a beautiful silver replica of a Daimler Armoured Car is to be presented annually together with the sum of £10, to the outstanding junior regular soldier of the year (Corporal or below).

In addition, there has been presented «to the Officers of the Regiment an inscribed dress sword. 'Ilhis ‘11 . _ is kept in the Officers’ Mess and is worn daily by the Orderly Officer.

The Regiment is extremely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Ashton for this generous gift and w1 be proud to honour the memory of their son in so fitting a way.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

The Day I got my own back - with 656 Ha’ Pennies

Fife and Forfar

Yeomanry

BY Lr.—Cot. A. D. WINTLE, M.C. *

(SCOTTISH HORSE)

On

behalf

of

all

ranks

of

The

I HAD been writing letters in my quarters when the trumpet sounded for Stables. I picked up my my hat, belt, stick, sealed my letters and put stamps on them. I was short of a ha’penny stamp. Off I went to the squadron office with my bundle of letters. I was greeted by my Squadron Sergeant-Major. “Oh, by the Way, sergeant-major, have you by any chance got a ha’penny stamp? ”

Royal

“ Soon get you one, sir,” said the sergeant-major, flinging open the door of the squadron office.

Dragoons we take this opportunity to express our sorrow at losing The Fife and Forfar

Yeomanry/Scottish

Horse

twelve happy years of affiliation. the Regiment

every good

after

We wish

fortune

in

the

future as we publish these notes for the last time.

W‘R‘»

The New Guidon, presented July, 1958.

HE Regiment went through a very busy Summer in 1958, with the Jubilee celebrations throughout our large parish and the Royal Review in Edinburgh. We had the great privilege of providing a Guard of Honour for Her Majesty The Queen during her visit to Cupar in June. The Guard was commanded by Major Hutchison who served in The Royals in 1948/49.

On July 12 the Regiment went into camp at Dundonald. Seven days later we were presented with a new Guidon by Lieut.-General R. G. Collingwood, C.B., D.s.o., C.—in—C. Scottish Command. The new Guidon was accepted by S.S.M. Waterson, M.M., who served with The Royals in Meerut, India, in 1932. He was then in 4th Troop “A” Squadron with Capt. Old, now our Quartermaster at Cupar.

Lt.-Col. G. T. A. Armitage, M.B.E., visited the Regiment during an officers’ week—end early in December. At a dinner he kindly presented the Otficers’ Mess with two silver Syphon Slides, suitably inscribed, from the officers of The Royals. This is a most acceptable gift to mark the years of happy affiliation. The next morning he gave an interesting lecture on the situation in Germany.

In running through the activities of members of The Royals in Scotland, we first have to say good-bye to Capt. Sivewright and S.S.M. Finch who left the Army in January, 1959. Sgts. Routley, Plumbly, Cpls. Price, McCormick, Lomie are all on their way back to the Regiment and we wish them luck. S.Q.M.S. Blackaller, Sgts. Mackay, Stirling and Tillot have all been to see us this year and have kept us up~to-date.

During the year the War Office decided that The Royals’ affiliation with us would be transferred to The Sharpshooters. This is a sad blow after twelve years and we wish them every success in the future. We note with pleasure that we are to share Camp with The Sharpshooters at Proteus, near Nottingham this year.

WE QUOTE 1958 HQ. Squadron Orders: “All items noted as deficient 0n the last kit check will be handed into the S.Q.M.S.’s office the next day.”

“C” Squadron Orders: “Men getting 'k d h 1d h f th $th on guar S on report t e act to e Squadron Oflice the next day.”

“Here you! ” You came in, saluted and stood rigidly to attention. It was Tpr. Waller. “ Go and get the Squadron Leader a ha’penny stamp.”

I felt it was rather like using a steam hammer to crack a nut, to send off a Dragoon to fetch a stamp. Still, it was the sergeant—major’s order and I did not like to countermand it, Nevertheless, I felt just a little apologetic about it. I felt in my pocket for a coin; the only one I had was a half-crown. Tpr. Waller took it and marched off. He was gone a long time. Eventually he returned, marched smartly into the room, halted and placed a halfpenny stamp on the table. Then from his other hand, which had been tightly clenched, he deposited a heap of coins beside. They were all ha’pennies. “ Your change, sir,” he announced without a flicker of an eyelid. “ I am very much obliged to you, Waller,” I replied. “ Care to count it, sir ” he said. “ No thank you, Waller, I’ll take your word for it.”

I swept up the coins, put them in my pocket and Tpr. Waller marched out. Nobody had even smiled during this ceremony, but as soon as he had gone, the sergeant-major and I both relaxed.

“He’s been all round barracks collecting those ha’pennies,” said the sergeant-major. “ No wonder he’s taken all that time.”

From the direction in which he had disappeared came loud laughter. Tpr. Waller was telling his version of the story to his cronies. “ All right, you scoundrel,” I reflected with a grin. “ We’ll see who laughs last, that’s all.”

I waited a fortnight. Then on a Thursday I said to the sergeant-major, “ I will pay out the squadron tomorrow.” “ You, sir? ” Usually paying out is done by a junior officer. “ Yes. And by the way, find out What Tpr. Waller is to get.” In a few minutes he was back with a slip of paper. “ One pound, seven shillings and fourpence,” he announced. “ Now listen to me carefully,” I said. “ I want you to go to the bank tomorrow and get me £1 75. 4d. all in ha’pennies. Not a word to a soul.”

When the squadron forms up for pay parade two witnesses are called to see that the sum on the pay—roll agrees with the amount paid. The men are called up in alphabetical order, the amount . . is read out and the money paid. “ Tpr. Waller,” called the sergeant-major in stentorian v01ce. “ Sir,” said Tpr. Waller advancing. .

“How much?” I enquired, as if I did not know. _ “ One pound, seven shillings and fourpence," shouted the sergeant—major. “ Right,” I replied, and emptied the blue bag of ha’pennies on to the blanket which served as a cloth on the table.

Tpr. Waller was non—plussed for about two seconds. But he was a Cavalryman, “ Care to count it, Waller? ” I asked.

“No, sir. Take your word for it,” said Tpr. Waller. ha’pennies into it and fell out.

_

He removed his hat, swept the 656

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

When the parade was over I turned to the sergeant-major. “ That fellow Waller is a sportsman,” I said. “Will you please see to it that somebody takes him to the wet canteen every evening for a week and buys him a drink with my compliments.” “ Very good, sir. I’ll see to it that he has a pint every evening.”

.

“A pint, sergeant—major! ” I said in shocked tones.

Cross Country Running 1958-1959

“ Remember that Capt. Clarke, who

captured the Eagle at Waterloo, said in his Will that every Dragoon in the Regiment was to be given a quart of beer. And you know as well as I do that in the old days Royal Dragoons were never served wrth anythmg less than a quart. Make it seven quarts, or rather fourteen quarts. Ithink

the squadron storeman should have his share when he entertains him.”

“Very good, sir.” “ Thank you, sergeant-major.”

During Hitler’s war I was standing in the blackout on a platform at Crewe. There was nothing

to be seen except fog. Presently the fog took shape and a form emerged from it. It was Tpr. Waller. I was delighted to see him. If we had been Frenchmen we would have embraced. Instead he saluted. “ Capt. Wintle! ” he said. “ I thought it was you, sir. How are you? ” “I’m very well, thank you,” I replied. “ But if it’s all the same to you I’m now Col. Wintle,

Tpr. Waller.” “ Well, sir, if it’s all the same to you, sir, I’m Capt. Waller.”

“ What, Waller, you damned scoundrel, they’ve made you a Captain ” “ Yes, sir,” he replied. “ I applied your methods” Then he remembered that he owed me a drink. I don’t know where he is today, but I wish I

could have another drink with him before I die.

Published by kind permission of the “ Evening Standard.”

THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION HESE are the first notes under our new title, and we hope this change of name will encourage younger members joining the Association, on leaving the Regiment, to take a keener interest and become lasting members.

We fully realise that National Service has not been liked by many, but we are sure that whilst with the Regiment many friendships have been made, and it is through the Regimental Association that these friendships can be maintained if at only one meeting a year—the Reunion. Last year there were a number of young members present and they enjoyed a very pleasant evening.

Well over 100 members attended the 1958 Reunion at Stewarts’ Restaurant, Victoria Street, S.W.1, and 90 members sat down to an excellent dinner. The Colonel of the Regiment, in proposing the toast to The Regiment, spoke of his visit to Germany, where he inspected the Regiment and watched them in training; he was very pleased with all he saw.

In reply, the Officer Commanding, Lt.-Col. G. T. A. Armitage, M.B.E., spoke of the Regiment at work and play. He said that the training the National Serviceman received was very hard, but they came through with flying colours. At sport the Regiment had done more than was expected and this was mainly due to the efforts of Major Lewis, who never tires in bringing the Regiment to the fore in this field. In conclusion, he proposed the toast “ The Old Comrades’ Association,” coupled with the name of the President (Brigadier A. H. Pepys, use.)

When dinner was over the General Meeting commenced and the President gave thanks to the Chairman (Major K. G. F. Balfour, MC.) and members of the Committee for their work during the

past year.

The Chairman, in reply, thanked all members for their support and asked for a vote of thanks to the Honorary Treasurer (Capt. H. de Pinna Weil) for producing a very favourable balance sheet.

In presenting the balance sheet, the Hon, Treasurer said he had nothing further to add to his report and asked that the balance sheet be adopted.

The meeting ended soon after 9 p.m. and there was much “nattering at the bar” until 11.30

p.m.

What more can be said of our Association but to ask that young serving members when joining the Association, continue to support each year, for sooner or later they will be the backbone of the oldest Cavalry Regiment—“ The Royal Dragoons,” and the Regimental Association must never fade and we look to the younger members to maintain this end.

Lastly, but by no means least, our heartiest congratulations to Lt.-Col. P. B. Fielden, M.c., on attaining command of the Regiment.

THE

TEAM

Tpr. Coleman, Sgt. Naseby

IN

ACTION,

B.A.O.R.

Tpr. Dockray (D.27)

FINALS Tpr. Payne

Following THIS has been one of the most successful seasons in the history of the Regiment. at last year’s excellent results in Rhine Army, the sport was given equal priority with football they that outset the from determined was captain, team the Naseby, Sgt. season. the of the start with the would win the B.A.O.R. Cup, which they did, a brilliant effort in this his last season Regiment. very hard The story opens in October with the Inter-Squadron Competition. This was a run race and augured well for the selection of a good team. Results were: Squadron, Team: Ist, “HQ.” Squadron, 256 points; 2nd, “B” Squadron, 270; 3rd, “A” 529; 4th, “C” Squadron, 592.

Squadron; 3rd, Individuals: Ist, Tpr. Coleman, “B” Squadron; 2nd, Sgt. Naseby, “HQ.” L/Opl. Jones, “ C ” Squadron. place every The first twenty runners in the race then started training really hard. This took The matches. friendly regular with supplemented was year, last as and, morning and afternoon Then came two defeats team‘won its first six races, defeating every unit in the immediate vicinity, Light Infantry, at the hands of The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and the Duke of Cornwall’s winning both races against followed by three more wins. L/Cpl. French pulled off a double by the Royal Hampshire Regiment. to win the Brigade To qualify for the B.A.O.R. final, it was essential for the Regiment 1958, against 10 other teams.

Competition. They did it very easily at Detmold on 10th December, Hampshire Regiment, 148; Results were: Ist, The Royal Dragoons, 83 points; 2nd, The Royal 3rd, 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers, 234. and expert guidance the team Training was now stepped up and under Sgt. Naseby’s methodical broke the monotony but Winterberg at skiing week’s A became happy, contented and formidable. have The Duke of Cornwall’s numerous friendly races were won and it became obvious that we should in the B.A.O.R. Final.- Both had Light Infantry and The Royal Scots Greys as our chief opponents visit to Berlin in January pleasant a paid team The time. second the for D.C.L.I. the beaten us, Finally, With 25 races, city. beautiful this of sights the in taking as well as heating The Royal Scots,

before the B.A.O.R. Final. of which 3 only had been lost, the team went to Iserlohn a few days

French caught influenza; an unhappy During training here Williams injured himself and LyOn and heart and set out on the gruelling unprelude to the task ahead. However, the team did not lose there were virtually only three teams dulating 6%-mile course full of confidence. After three miles

18

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

aw,

in the race—the ones forecast. But by keeping together and giving all they could at the finish. the team won by the narrow margin of II points from the D.C.L.I. with The Royal Scots Grevs some way back in fourth place. Seventy spectators travelled to support the team and see Sgt-Naseby and Tpr. Coleman finish in the first 10 The team left Germany for Aldershot on the 23rd February and on the 27th took part in the Army Championships there, before a week’s hard-earned leave. Here the competition proved to be much more severe—there were 14 teams, and with individuals over r80 runners. The race consisted of two circuits of a 3—mile course over fairly flat going, This was not what our team was used to.

However, after a good start the team did their best and finished 5th with 278 points, some 128 pomts better than the next team. The first individual home was Tpr. Coleman in 17th place.

Honours for the brilliant achievement go firstly to Sgt. Naseby for his determination backed by rigorous scientific training. He built a most happy team quickly and brought them to their peak just at the right time. His loss on posting will be hard felt by the Regiment, and our best wishes and thanks go with him.

CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM

Cpl. Corcoran and reluctant doughnut.

Sgt. Remfrey, L/Cpl. Christie “ Eggbound.”

Cpl. Boakes and “Those Were The Days.”

WATERLOO DAY 1958 HIS year, due to exercises, Waterloo Day was celebrated on the 7th July. . This was a happy choice from the weather aspect—the day being warm with bright sun and blue skies. The Day started with the Driving Competition on the Square. With the amusement stalls round the edges and the marshalling areas, the organisers introduced a real “ rally ” atmosphere. A stiff course included such events as Slalom, acceleration and braking, narrowing passage, nearside wheels along planks and reversing into a garage. The course was timed and was altered for the different classes from Scout Car to Saracen. A large number of entries proved the popularity of the event and drivers drove with great élan. The E.M.E. and the organisers, surprised at the apparently excellent vehicle state, had many misgivings at the howling of tyres and the noise of transmissions extended to the maximum. The “Gymkhana on wheels” event in the afternoon attracted a large crowd prepared to gloat over any unfortunate who broke the raw egg in his mouth. They were not to inlook so happy when certain blindfolded competitors, against the advice of their navigators, sisted on driving 180 degrees off course. With notable exceptions, the event explained the reason why a vehicle cannot be backed into a hangar from an angle of 45 degrees, and showed how many drivers never let their right wheels know what the left are doing. Class winners were: Scout Car: Sgt. Shone, Tpr. Watson, “A” Squadron; Sgt. Remfrey, L/Cpl. Christie, “B” Back row: Tpr. Lyons, L/Cpl. Helliwell, L/Cpl. French, Tpr. 2 / Lt. Woodward.

Payne,

Tpr.

Dockray,

Cpl.

Spalding.

Front row: Tpr. Coleman, Tpr. Conopo, Tpr. Seaton, Sgt. Naseby, Tpr. Harding.

.

The Regimental journal ‘

We invite the attention of our readers to the Order Forms at

O The Old Comrades Association

the end Of this 'Iwmal'

Squadron (tie).

1 ton Truck: L/Cpl. Botting, Tpr. Law “B” Squadron.

“HQ.” 3 ton Truck: Cpl. Gorman, L/Cpl. Tidey, “A” Squadron; Cfn. Russell, Cfn. Kerr, Squadron (tie).

Armoured Car: Tpr. Jones, Tpr. Robins, “C” Squadron.

Saracen: Capt. Boyd, Tpr. Bennett, “HQ.” Squadron.

Gymkhana on Wheels: 2/Lt. Spencer—Nairn L/Cpl. McAndrew, “ B” Squadron. usual events In the afternoon after a special lunch, the annual swimming sports were held. The Leader lost his Squadron “A” when heightened race, Command of Chain a by enlivened were bathing trunks.

“B ” Squadron; Results of the Inter-Squadron Competition for the Cavalry Depot Bowl: Ist, 2nd, “HQ.” Squadron; 3rd, “C” Squadron; 4th, “A” Squadron. amusing day was Mrs. Armitage kindly presented prizes for both competitions. Finally, this this year that sorry particularly were We Schutzenhof. the in Dance Ranks’ All ended with an out. came no party of Old Comrades

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Lt.-Colonel P. B. Fielden, M.C. Lt.-Col. P. B. Fielden, M.C., joined “C” Squadron near Nazareth in October, 1940. He commanded 3rd Troop (horses) until mechanisation, and later, the same Troop in the Western Desert until May, 1943, when he became Intelligence Officer. In October, 1943, he went to H.Q., 4 Armoured Brigade in Italy, as 6.80.111, and was with this Brigade until joining Tac. H.Q., Second Army (March to December, 1944).

After attending Staff College, he was MA. to Commander—in-Ohief in A.L.F.S.E.A. and in

M.E.L.F.

.,

In November, 1946, he rejoined the Regiment at Dedelsdorf and commanded “X” Squadron (combined “A ” and “D ” Squadrons) in Berlin, and later in Wolfenbuttel.

He was G.S.O.II Plans, H.Q., B.A.O.~R., from 1949 to November, 1950, when he rejoined the Regiment at Chester.

He commanded “C” Squadron in Fayid.

After two years at H.Q., 56 Armoured Division in London, he returned to the Regiment at Wesendorf in March, 1955, and commanded “ B ” Squadron, before becoming Second-in-Command in September, 1956.

He was at the Gunnery School, Lulworth, from July, 1958, until taking over Command from Lt.—Col. G. T. A. Armitage, M.B.E., in January, 1959.

7

A

Visit of Brigadier A. H. Pepys, D.S.O.

were present.

On November Ist he visited all parts of the Regiment at work and in the afternoon watched a football match.

At the conclusion of this very successful visit Brigadier Pepys sent a message to the Regiment congratulating them on their very high state of efficiency and saying how much he Ll'lad enjoyed his

stay.

All sections of the Regiment were delighted to see him again and to have the opportunity of spending some time with him in his very full programme.

1

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5

STAFF COLLEGE CLUB

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Colonel 0f the Regiment BRIGADIER Pepys paid his annual visit to the Regiment from October 30—November 3, 1958.

He was met at Dusseldorf by Lt. P. W. F. Arkwright on the afternoon of the 30th.

On the gist he inspected a full strength Regimental parade, during which he presented a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to S/Sgt. Dawes, R.E.M.E., and the Makins Shield to “B” Squadron.

After the parade Brigadier Pepys visited some of the families, the Corporals’ Mess, and watched luncheon being served in the dining hall.

In the evening he watched the finals of the Inter—Squadron Open Boxing competition, after which he presented the cup and medals, and then addressed the Regiment, the majority of whom

The Committee of the Staff College Club wish to draw the attention of

ALL

SERVING OR RETIRED OFFICERS WHO WAR STAFF COURSES

QUALIFIED

ON

to the fact that they are

ELIGIBLE TO BELONG TO THE CLUB The annual subscription is 5/-, and full particulars can be obtained from the Secretary at the

Staff College, Camlberley,

Surrey.

This year, the REUNION GARDEN PARTY for members of the Club will be held at

_

CAMBEIRLEY on JUNE 27th.

Lieutenant-(“olonel P. B. Fielden. NLC.

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In the background, “C” Squadron Block.

GRAND MILITARY GOLD CUP, SANDOWN, 1959.

’9 Her Majesty The Queen Mother congratulating Lt. N. Upton.

Central behind, Capt. S. E. M. Bradish-Ellames.

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Tpr. Jackson on Urban winning the principal Steeplechase at Frankfurt on 5th October. 1958.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

SQUADRONwmmmmmmmmmmm S.S.M. “Danny ” Bradley left us in December, 1958, to become R.S.M. of the Sharpshooters.

Our regrets are recorded elsewhere and wish him and Mrs. Bradley all success and happiness.

Our year began with ten days’ troop training near Warburg.

This started in a snow storm and ended in a heat wave. Everyone enjoyed the delightful scenery and the various Exercises that occupied us. Among the more amusing incidents were the unknown sentry in 3rd Troop who challenged a roe buck, and the spirit with which 2nd Troop entered into a Night Exercise. They captured Mr. Bradley, trussed him like a chicken and locked him in the family “two holer.”

May and June were occupied with a series of Signal Exercises and one Squadron excursion with an Infantry Brigade at Soltau. The latter was voted the wettest ever; it rained from start to finish. In July we went to an area North of Munster for a week’s training by ourselves. An Inter— Troop competition was held throughout and honours shared by 5th Troop (Lt. Green, A.E.R.) and 3rd Troop (Sgt. Shone). Later that month, during Squadron training, we found a natural amphitheatre as a leaguer. Hitler had spoken there in the past and it gave us a magnificent view in fine weather. The Inter-Squadron battles were great fUn and honours were divided.

We suffered a severe initial setback against “C” Squadron but later evened the result, and against “B” Squadron we caused havoc by capturing and crossing an unreconnoitered bridge in the dark. The enemy’s reaction was to accuse us of cheating but we have our own ideas on that. August and September saw us at Hohne and battling with the 12th Lancers. On the latter Exercise Ist Troop distinguished itself by destroying S.H.Q. in full view of the Corps Commande r.

No outstanding sporting successes can be recorded but we were represented in all Regimental team activities. By Tprs. Dockray, Theaker, Franklin and Johnson at football.

By Tpr. Dockray and L/C‘pl. Fowell at cross—country running, and by L/ Cpl. Payne, Tpr. Hemming , Cpl. Ruxton, Sgt. Slhone at hockey. Sgt. Shone’s team again won the Moti—Ram Cup for Sten shooting at the Regimental Rifle Meeting. L/Cpl. Rowland, Tprs. Jamfrey and Dix represented the Regiment at Rugby, and we won the Inter-Squadron seven—a-side competition.

During the year we lost Capt. Hammer and S.Q.M.S. Brennan to “ B ” Squadron, and welcome Capt. Trouton and S.S.M. Phillips. In December we invited a party of “A ” Squadron, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, for a week-end. We showed them our weapons and vehicles and wined and dined them well. Over 1,000 bottles of beer disappeared in 24 hours and the week-end was a great success. We were impressed at their treatment of anyone who misses the ’bus—Walk Home! !

Our next report will come from a hotter clime. At present we are distressed at how few willi Brigadier A. H. Pepys presents the Makins Shield to Capt. J. W. E. Hanmer. “B“ Squadron Leader.

In

background.

S Sgt.

Dawes.

R.F..M.i‘..

be going but no doubt the number will increase shortly.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

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T is about now, with the C.I.V. almost over and a new training season upon us, that we feel the “Call of the wilds” and an urge to jump into armoured cars and motor. The inevitable depression caused by the winter’s inactivity is fast slipping away.

The winter has been made as short as possible by continuing Squadron wireless exer— cises almost until Christmas and by spending the last two months with paint and kerosene converting old vehicles into not such old ones.

In fact, if the C.I.V. was concerned only with paint work we would be excused C.I.V.’s for the next five years.

Although tiresome, the winter has at least been a mild one, unfortunately so for those who have set forth with skis, string vests and warnings against frost bite to Winterburg. However, every party to the training centre enjoyed some ski—ing and returned having achieved varying degrees of skill and having had a pleasant week’s change. That no bones were broken was perhaps surprising, judging by the recklessness and complete abandon with which we hurled ourselves down mountain sides.

During the last training season there were three main exercises, “Spring Sales,” “Summer Sales” and “ Farewell.” Each has its own particular story. Those who were there all remember Suffice countless incidents, amusing and unusual, and there is no point in trying to record them here. perhaps it to say that the Squadron is at its happiest when in the field. “ Exercise Farewell” ought In to be mentioned as being against the 12th Royal Lancers who were posing as Russian armour. out enough them knocked have to claimed we then but speed tank to adhered hardly they réle their times to have disposed of at least three regiments of tanks. us from Mention must be made of our half-track crew who always arrive sooner or later to haul of the right the most impossible positions, if given the correct grid reference and if in the possession with plenty of map. I expect our more ingenious drivers will be able to supply 8/ Sgt. Pitcher bog as easily not may Saladin a although that remembered be must it for problems this summer, as its predecessor—when it does . . . “ Well, Staff, it’s up to you.” as the year If i958 is remembered as the year we spent waiting for them, 1959 will be recalled are becoming familiar they actually arrived. We are now almost fully equipped with Saladins and has gone well with with most of the new equipment and fittings that go with them, Conversion Regimentally. and Squadron the by run M. and D. courses in Gunnery and to a chain The new F.M.R. is in service and Sgt. Remfrey‘s puff range would give employment cars on the ranges smoker. We are now awaiting eagerly the chance to try out the new armoured bedding roll is going to fit. and on exercises—although it remains to be seen where the troop leader’s field where we have had competitive and sporting the to military, purely things To turn from following is a satisfactory list: one of the most successful years the Squadron has ever enjoyed. The 0an Boxing—Runners-up.

Squadron Basket Ball—Winners.

Novice Boxing—Winners.

Swimming—Winners (by

Troop Basket Ball—Runners-up.

Rifie Meeting—Champion Man—at—Arms— Cpl. Colvin (ist); Major Reid (2nd).

half point

Squadron Football—Winners.

Troop Football—Runners-up.

from

Pistol—Winners.

F.M.R.—Winners.

. SpeCial mention should be made of Tpr. Lamb who won his weight in both Boxing Competitions and was awarded the medal for the best novice boxer. In the Cross Country we were second to HQ. Squadron, and Tprs. Coleman, Conopo, Payne and Williams were all in the Regimental team which won the B.A.O.R. competition. It was largely due to the splendid efforts of Sgt. Clarke that we managed to win the Swimming by a half point from H.Q. Squadron. The result of these achievements was that we won the Makins Shield, and this was presented to Capt. Hanmer by Brigadier Pepys when he visited the Regiment last summer.

It is easy for these notes to degenerate into a list of names of those who have left or joined us; so I mention a very few by name. Last October Major Reid left us to go to the Staff College, getting married as well, and S.S.M. Vowles became R.S.M. at the same time. At a Squadron “ Smoker ” we sent them both away with our best wishes. In their places we are fortunate to have Capt. Hanmer and S.S.M. Brennan.

For the rest, we have had to say goodbye to many who have contributed much to the Squadron but who prefer a civilian way of life and although we wish them good fortune in this we would prefer and value them here.

We now embark on our last training season in Germany, for a while at least, for by next year most of us hope to be in a hotter place. Although conditions may not be so peaceful there we shall at least have confidence in the state of our training as troops and as a Squadron.

SQUADRON

HQ. Squadron).

Drill—Winners.

Cricket—Winners.

O’Shaugnessy Vase—Sgt. Remfrey (3rd year running).

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ARLY in 1958 the Squadron pre— pared for the Central Inspectorate of Vehicles. Twice the Colonel inspected us, made some pointed comments and per— suaded us that not even civilian garage pressure-sprays were a substitute for hard work.

We worked.

Having visualised the C.I.V. Inspectors as fastidious monsters, we found them helpful and human, apart for a liking for heavy hammers by day and beer by the gallon at night. Many vehicles got “ excellent ”; “C ” Squadron unclogged itself and put on a concert.

This was a marked success, but the audience never knew by what thin threads Sgt. Jubb’s lighting system worked; how near Sgt. Tucker came to running out of jokes; why Hanbury-Tracy’s “ snake” wouldn’t be charmed; nor of Tpr. Horrocks’s explanation to the Bandmaster next day as to how the stick went through the drum-skin.

On Exercise “Spring Sales” we were visited by the Corps Commander, when four troops “fought ” each other and hemmed in the Public Relations Officer. In our exercise area there was a nice little “Clochemerle”—type village, completely oblivious of anything so shattering as our 2nd Troop. The villagers were minding their own business, which was to save up for a new bridge over their bit of river. 2nd Troop decided to give them one, gratis. Three Scammells worked all day to free the Daimler which was dangling all four wheels in the water through the existing wooden bridge.

24

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

The L.A.D. and the spectators loved it. Afterwards there were hot showers and “coke” from our friends, 317 A.S.A. Battalion, US. Army.

We lost the Inter—Squadron athletics by very little, having won the medley relay and tug-of—war, the 5,000 and 1,500 metres (Sgt. Tucker Ist for the third successive year), the shot (Cfn. Cunningham), and discus (Cpls. Eltham and Dempster); Tpr. Milton was 2nd in the 800 metres.

S.S.M. Fletcher left in July for The Sharpshooters. He had created a keenness for small arms shooting, which We try to maintain. Under his eye we had gained 5th place in a .22 competition, most of the thirteen entrants being infantry companies. S.S.M. Clark was an ideal successor, having got our form as S.Q.M.S. over 2% years. Sgt. Brooks also went to the C.L.Y., Sgt. Bosher as an instructor to the Boys Regiment, and Sgt. Stirling was discharged after 35 years’ service. Good luck to them all. We were delighted to welcome our re-joined regulars—Sgt. Lloyd (of football fame), L/Cpls. Clayton, Matthew, McGowan, Tprs. Turner and Thompson.

The weather was good for the Summer exercises, when our 3-tonner drivers found that even haystacks can be given four-wheeled drive. (LAD. please ignore). In October we did a home— brewed night exercise designed to confuse the enemy (Signal Officer) by imposing spells of wireless silence on the move. It went well and the Signal Officer is still confused. Exercise “ Snowball” was the Squadron versus “ A,” abetted by H.Q. One aim was to test the recovery, but since no vehicles

PROSPECT AND RETROSPECT

broke down we had to invent casualties, to the disgust of the L.A.D. The Squadron Leader satisfied himself that “A” Squadron Leader was full of low cunning, and the S.S.M. made a note never to leaguer in a village with a pub at each end.

Exercise “Farewell’ versus the 12th Royal Lancers was a test of stamina and the state of training, as well as being great fun. In Squadron H.Q. we remember it for Arkwright’s mad dash to buy lhot rolls from a bewildered baker almost in the face of the enemy, for the dismay of L/Cpl. “Chef” Cairney and our Portugese officer, Carlos, at our frequent sudden moves, and for the harmony between forward and rear links, e.g. “Where the ‘hell are we? ” “Who wants to know? ” “The Manager.” “ O.K., say so-and—so and we’ll be there when you’ve sent it.”

Exercise “ Golden Fleece ” was more gentle. We befriended the Gloucesters and the D.C.L.I.y who praised our communications; little did they know that the 52 set would “ send ” only when! hit with a scrubbing brush, or that Squadron H.Q. was “ atomised ” for four hours, control being assumed by 2/Lt. Philips on his own initiative, nor of Barrington—Browne’s classic merging of “A” set and “ intercomm”:—“ Hold it! Hold it, you idiot! Hullo 4 I’m upside down—over.” At this time Mr. Turner of F.V.R.D.E. was attached to us and was most helpful. “ Winter Sales ” was notable for rifle shooting in the .pouring rain, and the change of Colonels. If grey hairs distinguished a man, “C” Squadron can claim to have contributed to C01. Geoffrey Armitage’s well—deserved appointment; in our turn we are grateful for the standard he set us.

We again extend our sympathy to Cpl. and Mrs. Acton on the loss of their baby daughter in December.

We Thank Our footballers, L/Cpls. Sanderson and Moseley, Tprs. Price and Milton—for keeping the Q.M. happy. All those who sent us Christmas cards. S/Sgt. Willison and the fitters for never looking surprised. The departments of HQ. Squadron for their co-operation.

We Congratulaze “ B” Squadron on winning die Makins Shield, in which we came second. Cpl. Heath on winning the Ashton Memorial Trophy. ist Troop on getting the first Saladin. Cfn. Cunningham (elec— trician) on not blowing us all up. Sgt. Jubb, Cpl. Millett and L/Cpl. Clayton on getting good reports from the R.A.C Centre. L/Cpl. Wiffin, as Orderly Sergeant on not losing a Squadron flag for six months. All those who have married and those whose families have grown. Our cross—country runners, Cpl. Spalding and Tpr. Harding on their. great success.

And so again to the 1959 C.I.V. with the Squadron doing well and resolved to establish the good name of the Regiment in Aden.

9th August, 1964.

Dear Smith, How very nice to hear from you. Of course, I don’t mind answering all your questions, though one or two answers may disappoint you. And, of course, I remember you. I think you left in 1959, didn’t you? You were “Smith 947” in 2nd Troop when I had ist.

I’m sorry to hear you haven’t settled in Civvy Street, but if it’s any comfort, you seem not to be alone in this. National Service was an unsettler for many people; those Who returned to their old jobs in secure trades appear to have readjusted themselves best. But those who Wanted to try their hands at anything, so long as it wasn’t further military service, seem to have come off worst.

There are exceptions, of course, and one hears occasionally of people who started afresh and are doing really well.

Well, now to answer your letter. First, I’m sorry to say We just can’t accept you back into the Regiment, at least not immediately. You see, the plain fact is we’re full up! Now, officially, if you agreed, I should pass your application to another Regiment having a vacancy in the near future.

However, we do keep (quite unofficially) a waiting list. If you would like to go on to this I will add your name, and you would be 13th. Hope you’re not superstitious! As far as one can see this would mean a delay at present of six/eight months. Well, there it is, and I’m so sorry to have to reply in this Way. We seem to get a sharp rap over the knuckles if we go over strength even by one!

My belated congratulations on your marriage. As you remark yourself, the quality of married quarters has quite definitely gone up, and everything inside them, not that generally they were too bad before. But I should warn you that the number of quarters is still limited, and there is still a points—system based on length of service, rank, children, enforced separation, etc. Also there is still the odd station throughout the world where for health and operational reasons quarters are not provided. However, there is now a well-established scheme in every theatre for people to make their own local arrangements, and the allowances that go with it are very generous.

Sorry to hear you have drifted from the Old Comrades’ Association, which is a force to be reckoned with these days. I enclose details which will get you reinstated, and I know they Will be delighted to Welcome you again and to give you any help they possibly can.

Yes, it was good to win the Cavalry Cup again. We are now keeping our fingers crossed for the that—trick! I expect you can guess who “ christened ” it first.

While I remember, Smith, there is now some form of intelligence test before you can rejoin.

I expect you’ll have no difficulty, but one or two chaps have fallen by the Wayside over this, so I thought I ought to warn you.

You mention the new uniforms. Actually we don’t really think of them now as something new, but I agree with you that they are most attractive, as well as (we find) practical. In fact they more played a part in the re-enlistment of quite a few men but (as those chaps would agree) there’s glamour to soldiering now than just a smart set of uniforms.

Why on earth didn’t you come up and speak to someone at the “ 61 Celebrations ”.3 As a matter of fact3 now I think of it, I’m sure I did see you in one of the crowds somewhere.

You ask about your pals. To be quite honest I can’t remember who your particular ones were. what they are but I enclose a copy of this year’s Eagle and you can see from the list in the back you Will see doing now. I expect one or two have moved up in the Regiment since your day, and The Eagle because, that quite a few have rejoined. Incidentally, I’m rather proud of this number of contribution! I as you will see, the Editor thought fit to give me a little prize for the most novel remember, 'of Will You request. you as allowances, and pay of rates on enclose also a little book a'comparison With course, to think of all the things the soldier gets “in kind ” if you’re attempting and penSions. civilian rates. You will also see details of the excellent terminal grants spite of our being full Squadron—in same the into back getting about difficulty no is there No, up Regimentally.

couple of years I’m afraid the cross-country enthusiasts went through a slightly lean time for a in England, and. you Will ——just after you left I think it was—but did quite well during the spell this year.

Championship Command the for chance sporting a have they that Eagle see from The

I didn’t know you had worked in the Orderly Room.

You would find it different nowadays.

THE l OURNAL OF THE ROYA L DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Thereis far less “bumph,” more modern office equipment, and the powers of a CD. are pretty

I

extenswe.

H Q Squadron

Yes, you will definitely have to start your trade training over again. First, the equipment has changed, 111,811 cases for the better. I must say Saladins and Ferrets have done us extremely well, and we don t really rrund “waiting for the new armour-ed car, but I expect we won’t see it for a year or so yet._ You are right in thinking that there have been great strides on the wireless side, though I fiant go. into details. Secondly, the trade set-up is now much more streamlined. Our old friend potential ’ or “pot ” has disappeared, for example. Briefly, the trades run like this :— Sig I

Dvr I

(includes gunnery)

Sig II Gnr I

(A and B vehs)

Dvr II (A or B vehs) (includes signalling)

Aslt Tpr I

Cut II

Aslt Tpr II

The star classification system no longer applies to us.

Yes, you can count your old education standard, but there is now no 3rd class, and you have to get Ist at one Sitting. Education is no longer an essential qualification for promotion but 18 strongly encouraged as easing eventual resettlement.

You ask how we got all the Regulars.

I think it started about the time of Aden (what a wonderful year that wasl). You will remember how the Regular was ridiculed when he was in the mmority—(“ You want your brains tested,” etc., etc.). Well, one or two took the plunge as a result

of our early recruiting efforts. There we seemed to stick for a while. Then a few more came.

Then another batch of “rejoinees ”; then a lot more and we were over the hump. And now anyone who wants to get out wants his brains tested, and we finish up by having to put off chaps like you!

N introducing these notes, as a change I propose to tell a short story.

In darkest Herford there were two fleas. Father and son. Father decided to show his 5011 Oh? world, and since an elephant was passing by, he thought he W0111d start there. They (311.1“de

Well, Smith, I really must close now. I am down to play football for Squadron HQ. in 20 minutes. I will certainly give your regards to those whom I think you knew, and please write again if there is anything I haven’t covered. In any case, write again in about three months and I’ll hope to have better news for you~ If I get any more letters with all these questions I’ll have to have the replies “ run off.” But that, of course, would do away with the personal touoh. On reflection I suppose that’s really our secret—the personal touch!

on the L.H.F. leg.

Au revoir, Smith.

R . H g Q o Yours sincerely,

(Captain).

The Royal Dragoons, - .

Bnmh Forces POSI Office 99' (Editor’s Note: The writer of the above article does not intend any criticism of present policy or plans. The mews expressed or implied are his own and are given constructively).

~ MAKINS

‘ SHIEL

1::

’ 1958/59 Results 39 Squadron

274%

»

“ C ” Squadron

174‘1

\

B

2 ”

“

squadron 99 U , squadron HQ A

“

161

128

TrO 0p

_v——_——_—-———_——_————————

.

REG ROYAL

“

After some two weeks they got around to ”exploring the tail: halfway down, the

WCIi’ “.‘Y boy, you remember )the Did?" what on earth are those? b9}, stopped and 3‘23“}; ' will’ remember, the bigger the organisation, the bigger the Yes. birds and the bees?

Nevertheless, we are domg well in the 1959 Makins Shield competition.

\

WE start by welcoming to the Troop Tprs. Wright, Kean, Smith 248, Hunt, Harris, Smith 268, Swift and Wittington. We have lost to Civvy Street Capt. Bucknall, R.S.M. “ Skip ” Edwards leg whilst and Tprs. Bennett and Jackson. We send greetings to Tpr. Sargeant, who broke his of R.S.M. ski—ing at Winterberg, and is now finishing his service at Bovington. With the arrival Vowles the Troop is now better known as the Andy Cap Club.

Mereweather, In the Inter—Squadron boxing, R.H.Q. was represented by L/Cpl. French, Tprs.

Squadron win the Ruddick and Sargeant, who all gave very creditable performances to help the hlglpedhtherg Buckley Trophy. Two members of R.H.Q. were also in the cross-country maria/End} p . renc an alon the road to win the B.A.O.R. Cross—Country Championships, they were Tpr.g Sargeant, who ran in approximately 28 races.

Coventry During the Christmas holidays “HQ.” Squadron laid on an initiative test and L/Cpl. to the “Amencan and Tpr. Jackson volunteered to have a “bash.” They were picked to go Zone” and try and get a. flight in a jet. They just missed a trip to St. Louis, U.S.A., by half-an— completed, but hour. However, owing to prevailing weather conditions their mission could not be . .

Yanks. the with whoopee making and dinner having they ended up had their. funnier The Troop have done a large number of schemes this year, some of which

moments.

On one occasion we came to the rescue of a local farmer and helped to give birth to a

(by all cgcerfned. We calf. The mission was successfully completed and a hearty meal was enjoyed ——we' ve our new ave had a ver bus time learning the C12, with which we are now equippe out Dingoes! clapped three and set wireless C11 with Ferrett, new brand one garacens in theXI‘roog, We are all now It is nice to see at last some of the new equipment we have been promised. beginning to think about Aden—one major headache for Sgt. Leese is how he is gomg to transport See you in Aden next all his amateur wireless equipment—ten—ton lorries are in short supply!

year!

rm: JOURNAL or THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

29

and did well. Spriggs did particularly well and won the medal for best boxer, which was presented to him by the Colonel of the Regiment. In closing, we should like to say goodbye and good luck to all those who have left us, and welcome all those who have joined us recently — we hope their stay will be a long and happy one.

GROUP

M.T. Notes

INCE the last publication of The Eagle many changes have taken place in the Group, the main one being the depar—

ture to civilian life of

,

YOU LL

PAY My Boy

YOU‘LL

PA)’ I

R.Q.M.S. Jones, who had held the appointment since September, 1953. We wish him the best of luck in the future. The other change of note is that of S.Q.M.S. Weller, who 18 now ably taking care of the Officers’ Mess.

He ‘had been connected with the Group Since 1946 and will be sadly missed by the families of the Regiment. His successor Sgt. Webster, has all our sympathy. As usual, we won the Inter—Troop Football Cup again this season in a most convmcmg manner by winning all our games. It is worthy of note that we scored 33 goals and only acceded five throughout the League. In other fields of sport we have provided more than our quota With four Regimental footballers, two cross—country runners, four Regimental basketball players, three Squadron boxers and even a badminton player for the B.A.O.R. individuals’ tournament.

We even manage to cope with our normal commitments in spite of all this. We would like to congratulate T.Q.M.S. Kimble on his promotion and wish him all the best in his new appointment also congratulations to L/Cpls. Burrows and Clark on their matrimonial achievements, we hope they will return to our world again soon. We admire the aquatic achievements of the QM: (Teoh.) who decxded, during an Exercise, to study the tactical situation from sea level in the shape of a sewage well in a farmyard. He finally agreed with the A.S.M. that the whole set-up seemed very flmd. We. would like to deny all reports that S.Q.iM.S. Weller has gone “native,” even if the sentry does msxst on seeing his “Ausweiss ” before allowing him to enter camp. The Q.M. now admitsdefeat. It came as a shock when he was presented with a dhit to sign as Major Evans. However, his rendering of some of the more nostalgic Welsh ballads during the Group smoker left nothing to be desrred and it is generally agreed that the old form is still there. On Friday, 20th February r959, one of the oldest members of the Regiment passed away. Minor had been with us for 13 years, including a full tour in Egypt. The office seems quite desolate without him around. ’

Royal Signals Notes A LOT of changes have taken place during the last year.

S/Sgt. MacMillan left us to go to Catterick and S / Sgt. MacPhail took over the Troop. We congratulate him on his award of the B.E.M., for keeping General Stockwell’s wireless on net during the Suez Crisis.

We also congratulate Cpl. Hiles and L/Cpl. Ray on their promotions and the former on having done well on a course at Catterick. He now earns large sums of money and sports an Opel of unknown vintage, which he took to Paris one week—end with Wright and Spencer—he has now driven home— we are all wondering how late off leave he will be?

We also welcome Sgt. Todd to the Troop: he arrived in time for Exercise “Crossed Swords,” and celebrated his first appearance with R.H.Q. by trying to fly from the hay loft, where he was sleeping, on to the farm floor—someone had removed the ladder! ngn. Howlett is now the proud possessor of a Humber I—ton “ Gin Palace ”; all mod. con., including a two—section ladder, so that he can reach the driver’s seat!

ngn. Spriggs and Howlett, Harvey and Curley all entered the Squadron Boxing Competition

IKE “ Old Man River,” the M.T. Troop just keeps rolling along. In parts, the river runs swiftly and at high pressure, but somehow never bursts its banks or fails to carry along the heavy burdens imposed on it. This is largely due to a number of experienced regular drivers who are the main prop of the Troop and in whose hands the safety and convenience of so many of the Regiment lie.

Of course there are problems to be faced, which make even the most resourceful M.T. Clerk turn pale. Like the telephone conversation which went something like this:' “Good morning, M.T. Oflice, Royals . . . Military Police? How nice to hear from you . . .

Broken down outside the stables? No, I don’t think that is likely to be one of ours . . . Oh it is . . .

Well, we often have to take rations that way . .. Doesn’t smell like rations? Well, perhaps the rations are underneath the manure? . . . No, it may not be very likely, but have you really looked?” . . . And so on, until both sides are exhausted.

The M.T. Office Clerk seldom has an amusing time, and Cpl. Bull gets all the kicks and little praise for his work. In return, he probably knows more about what goes on in the Regiment than anyone else.

We have been fortunate in Germany in having the help of the M.C.T.G. to do many of the more routine details about the camp, and also in having the use of some Volkswagens. Many of the Troop have become proficient drivers of these cars, some becoming so good that they can admire pictures of their wives or girl friends stuck on the windscreen and drive at the same time. Apart from the great use made of the Volkswagens, they have been a great help in allowing a number of drivers to pass the B111 trade test, for which a driver must be able to drive two types of “B” Vehicle. ' , With the prospect of Aden ahead of us, it seems likely that the Troop Will be broken up to a certain extent, although it is expected that some 21 members of the Troop will be going. What we can expect when we arrive remains to be seen, although it is rumoured that the trade of camel driver carries extra pay. Meanwhile, we all look forward to a short period to enjoy English summer weather before embarking for the somewhat warmer sun of the Red Sea.

Regimental Orderly Room

.

ANOTHER year of the “ paper chase ” has passed, and with it several inevitable changes of staff.

Capt. Bucknall departed in May, and we hear he is now supporting the Army via the Income Tax Office.

Capt. Matterson stepped into the breach as Adjutant until Capt. Wilson FitzGerald joined us in September. With his usual efficiency and charm, Capt. Matterson effected a smooth period of hand—over, and he is now endeavouring to bring the Boflins down to earth at Bovington. iMessrs. Craik, Cumming, Bayliss and Dewey have rejoined civil life and are no doubt enjoying the benefits of National Assistance! Reinforcements have included Corporals Oliver and Brandon and Troopers Wilson, Christmas and Wennell, who have settled down well in the “Kremlin”!

To break the routine, six members of the staff, headed by the Chief Clerk, joined “Charlie” Squadron as assault troopers on Exercise “Farewell.” We would like to extend our thanks to “Charlie” Squadron for putting up with this liability and hope they will have us again.

We must congratulate the two pugilists we have. Trooper Johnson won the Regimental Open Light-welter contest, and L/Cpl. Lunnon the Lightweight Novice contest. Both were very spirited fighters and Johnson showed that he was well versed in this art—Appearances really are deceptive!

In the Squadron cross—country team, we had Tpr. Marshall and Tpr. Craik, who helped win the Inter-Squadron Cross-Country Championship.

The Wives’ Club still keeps us well informed of the forthcoming events—but it is not true that the Regiment is going into hostels and only the families to the Middle East. Well . . . we don’t think so.

Brevity is essential, and as we have to type all these notes, this is the end.

30

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Light Aid Detachment

Sergeants Mess Notes

“E.M.E., you’re pushed, submit your notes soonest!”

E.M.E., as usual, is a trifle pushed, but managed to get this contribution in only two days after the final closing day.

There has been a big rush on the Q.M. Stores recently for berets, size 94;- and upwards, since the C.I.V. result came through as “Excellent” on “A” Vehicles. It is hoped that the account for midnight oil burned to achieve this result is debited to a good cause. (Next big job, involving even more burning of the midnight oil, will be straightening the E.M.E.’s bent car).

Friday (any Friday) is a bad day in the L.A.D., and at times resembles a certain Scots city on flag day. Two furtive figures—Wallace and Symonds may be seen trying to squeeze the weekly offering out of L.A.D. and Q.M. Tech. members for the L.A.D. Subscription Fund.

Some know it as a “swizzle.” Their efforts have not, however, been in vain, as all members leaving the L.A.D. or Tech Group, on posting or release, have been presented with an engraved silver tankard. Two excellent smokers have also been held in the last six months.

Sgt. Davis still keeps the Gun Fitters’ side alert. It is easier for him to inspect the pieces, now that we have gone from 2-pounders to 76 mm. If he wears soft shoes it will prevent footprints at the critical 1” from C. of R. S / Sgt. Randles, Willison and Pitcher now grace the scenes as Squadron Fitter N.C.O.s in the Sabre Squadrons. S/ Sgt. Sager (“H.Q. ”) is the remaining pillar of strength from the ex—Royals fitters of old.

It is not possible, or perhaps desirable, to list all changes in personnel since the last letter, but sufficient I think to mention that it will be an all-regular L.A.D. Aden—bound in October.

The current rumour that the Albert Hall has been hired for the annual dinner of the “Ex E.M.E.s of the Royals Association” is, I am informed, without foundation. Capt. McQueen can now unpack his M.F.O. . . . he has been with us nine months.

FAREWELL T0 R.S.M. EDWARDS

THE outstanding event of the year, and also the saddest, was the departure of R.S.M. “ Skip” Edwards. He, who has given so much of his life and all his enthusiasm to the Regiment, has represented them well in war, in his official capacity as R.S.M., and on the sports field. Many times his enthusiasm and his weight have wreaked havoc—the wounds of Mess members bear

testimony.

The well liked and much missed “ Skip” was dined out by the Mess at full strength. During the evening A.S.M. Ohurcher presented him with a Silver Salver inscribed with the signature of all Mess members, and a Tankard. The Warrant Officers of the Regiment presented him with a painting, the original of which he had always admired. In saying goodbye to him we also welcome and congratulate his successor, R.S.M. E. G. G. Vowles.

The tradition of Mess night on Fridays has been revived and has resulted in many convivial gatherings, not to mention a noticeably slower tempo in life on Saturday mornings. The spirit of . the Mess has gained by these nights.

El Alamein Day was celebrated by a Ball to which the Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier A. H. Pepys, D.S.O., was invited. He had already met members of the Mess on the previous day, and on the night of the Ball presented Tankards to two potential civilians—S / Sgt. “ Pongo” Morton, R.E.M.E., and that old reprobate, Sgt. “Jimmy” Stirling. An interesting point came to light The Ball was when Brigadier Pepys stated that S / Sgt. Morton’s father had taught him to ride. well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all members and their ladies.

The Annual Christmas Draw was once again organised by “ Moneybags ” Naseby—though not subsidised by imprest‘. By dint of hard work and not a little extortion we were squeezed dry.

The main celebration was held over the New Year. Our New Year was on the 3rd January this year and took the form of a Fancy Dress Ball run by the Bandmaster and his musicians. The apparitions which met us at the door had little resemblance to those that eventually went home in time for an early lunoh. Our revellers came from Cairo and Toronto and all stations between!

All had a good time and despite icy roads all returned safely to their homes.

Those of the Mess who prefer active exercise have kept up the reputation of the Mess. The most notable of these (cross-country running and B.F.N.) is, of course, Sgt. Naseby, R.A.P.C. In the inter—troop basketball league the Mess finished top of B League, having played and won six matdhes. In the semi-final our opponents were Q.M. group. This match provided a close and thrilling finish and yet another victory, this time by 33 points to 27. The following day before a packed Gymnasium the Mess met “ B ” Squadron in the final. This was a match between two undefeated teams with the Mess ahead on points: S / Sgt. Kerkhof, A.P.T.C., Sammy Simpson, Eric Shone and Ray Thornton battled on with the remainder of this “old man’s ” team (average age 32) but we were defeated by a younger team 28 points to 21.

During the year we have lost S.S.M. Bradley, to whom we offer our congratulations upon his promotion to R.S.M. of the Sharpshooters. We say fond farewell to R.S.M. Rapkin, “Darts ” Spud Murphy, Sgt. Dale and after eleven years S /Sgt. Norman Dawes, also Sgt. Williamson, who has our sympathy on being invalided home.

We welcome the following who have returned to the Regiment: S.S.‘M. Wood, S.Q.M.S. Warren and Sgt. Lloyd (exaR.E.M.E. now Royals) and the newcomers: Sgt. Wallace, Sgt. Poulter, Sgt. Allport, Sgt. Cameron, Sgt. Gaynor and Sgt. Harrower, R.A.P.C.

It is with regret we say farewell to the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry/ Scottish Horse and thank them for their kind co~operation over the years.

We send greetings to the Sharpshooters and look

forward to meeting them at the O.C.A. dinner.

fllIllllIIIIIIIII|llIllIllllllll|IllIllllllll|llllIllIll|Ill|Ill|llllIllIll||Illlllllllll|Illlllllllllllllllll|llllllIlllllllllllIlllllllll|IllllllIllllllllllllllIllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIllllllllllllllllllE' 0 GOING OUT? Keep in touch with old friends and old times. Order your “ Eagle ” from: The Secretary, The Old Comrades’ Association, 60, Carey Street, W.C.2. Price 3/6.

0 KEEP IN TOUCH. When you finish your service keep in touch with the Regiment as an Old Comrade.

g i

3

We welcome and need your support.

Help by attending Reunions and buying the “Eagle Left to right: S.S.M.‘Phillips, A.S.M. Churcher,

R.S.M.

Edwards,

S.S.M.

Woods,

S.S.M.

Vowles.

37'

_

7_=I1|llllllllllllllllllllllIIIIlll||lllllllllllllll||||IllllllIllIIIIlllllllllllllllIllIlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll|||IllllIIIIllllllllllllllllllllllIllIIllIIlIIllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllfi

THE JOURNAL OFhTHE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Band Notes OOKING back over the events and achievements of the past year we note the arrival of the C-ha Oha, at present battling with Skiflle. We are happy to report that Oha Cha is winning in

the Band, having a little more musical value.

Our routine and activities have been much the same and a high standard has been maintained despite many changes in personnel. We left Herford in June, 1958, for our summer commitments, which included the White City Tattoo, Brighton and a spot of leave. During our stay in England, while accommodated at the R.A. Depot, Woolwich, we were called upon for the very rushed and urgent task of providing 21 Guard of Honour for the wedding of Capt. Boyd. 'Ilhe aid of several sources was enlisted to provide the necessary kit for a full dress turn-out. In spite of everything we managed to turn out a good Guard of Honour. The same Guard, under T/M. Darling, were happy to present themselves for the wedding of Sgt. Titmarsh, who remarked on how well they consumed his liquid refreshment.

The Tattoo had a special significance this year. Bdsm. Nixon was chosen as Solo Trumpeter for the finale, this being the first occasion that a Trumpeter of the Regiment has been so honoured.

We congratulate him on a very good performance. At Brighton we again met up with Old Comrades who we are always pleased to see.

The Band returned in September to settle down for the winter routine, during which the Dance Band were once more in demand in the Garrison and were praised heartily for their good playing.

Christmas entertainment was a major task, particularly having to erect a stage on which to produce a Variety Show. A lot of work was put in by all concerned, the show, as a result, was labelled first— class.

In February we received word of a Kneller Hall inspection to be held on Friday, 13th March, 1959. The date immediately demoralised the Bandmaster, but midst many difficulties we got on with the job and Friday, 13th, proved to be a lucky day. The official report has not arrived at press, but we anticipate a very good one.

For the second year running we have massed with the Carabiniers Band and given a concert in the Schutzenhof Herford, for the German Red Cross. These concerts have been praised in the local press and have done a lot to enhance the name of the Regiment in Herford.

On the social side we are happy to report that the Band Club is flourishing. Now that we are closer to other Bands we were able to get together with the 9th Lancers Band on two occasions;

for a games night and a smoker. We came out equal in the end, which was a fair result.

We have also entertained the Carabiniers Band to a Saturday game of hockey. The TrumpetMajor laid on some of the Q.M.’s tea, which was laced with something or other. It was hoped the “ Carbs ” would drink most of this to impair their efficiency in the second half. The result proved either that they were used to the hard stuff, or that their hockey could withstand it.

Special mention is made of two senior ranks, S /Sgt. “Twacher” Tait and Sgt. “Tammy” Williamson. S / S-gt. Tait has left us after valuable service in the Band to undertake a Bandmaster’s course at Kneller Hall. We have every confidence in his success and trust that, (speaking in Kneller Hall jargon), he will get a good tip. Sgt. Williamson has been discharged medically unfit, which is regrettable, having been with the Band for 15 years and given loyal service. We extend to them both and their families every good wish for the future.

We can strike a more happy note and say how pleased we are to have added to the ranks the following: Bdsm. Trachy, Clements and Jury. We hope they will settle in and be very happy with us. On the way is another Craft brother, this is the third son to come to the Band, rapidly becoming a Royals family!

Back from Kneller Hall is L /Cpl. Fisher, who has settled in well as Librarian, after a successful pupils’ course at the School. Apart from having to have an interpreter from North of the Border, we manage to get the right music out for practice.

Although now departed, we can congratulate Bdsm. A Nixon on winning the C.O.’s Trumpet Competition with a very high standard of sounding.

E: Q:

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

R.S.M. Edwards

The Sand Calls

R.S.M. Edwards joined the Regiment at Shorncliffe in September, 1936, and was posted to “ B ” Squadron. Immediately, he was to the forefront in both mounted and dismounted sports, and in September, 1937, was selected to take part in the Young Soldiers’ Dummy Thrusting Championships at Olympia when this team won the event.

In 1938 he was sent to Weedon on an equitation course, and later served with the Regiment in Palestine, Egypt and Syria. After fighting with the Regiment throughout the North African Campaign, he was recom— mended for a commission in the field, but this

was not granted. He then returned to England and was posted to The Inns of Court for about four months, rejoining the Regiment when it returned from Italy and was stationed

at Durham for a short time.

.

He served throughout the North West Europe Campaign and was wounded in France. During this period he was recom— mended for the D.C.M., but instead of this decoration, he was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre, in June, 1944. In addition, he was awarded the Commander—in-Chief’s certificate in February, 1945, for his excellent work. He was selected to carry the Regimental Guidon at the Victory Parade, and also carried the Old Guidon when it was laid up in the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in June, 1954.

He played football for the Regiment for many years, and was always a tower of strength to the team. He also played for the Rhine Army XI and was the only amateur in the side. He played for the Army XI in Egypt in 1951-1953. He represented the Regiment at boxing, taking part in the notable contest between the Regiment and the Haifa Police, in Haifa, when the Regiment won by the odd fight. This was the first time that an Army side had beaten the Police team, and R.S.M. Edwards won his bout.

He had a wonderful personality, and always gave of his best, whether at work or at play, and when he left the Regiment a gap was left which it will be very difficult to fill.

One of his greatest attributes was his Cheer— fulness and optimism at all times—his “Be all right on the day, sir.” Our very best wishes go to him and to Mrs. Edwards in their new life. He will always be assured of a great welcome when he visits the Regiment, which we know he will do when he has the opportunity.

Old soldiers never die, Though many of them faded, Some to the Army said “goodbye,” Because they were down-graded.

We hear that more will say “goodbyes,” Though they’ve seen many moons, For fear of sand is in the eyes Of many Royal Dragoons.

For we are bound for other lands, Desolate and stinking hot, A place famed for burning sands, Aden—sweaty feet and footrot.

But men don’t take this to heart, Some day you will return From this hell—the hottest part, And your feet shall no longer burn.

You’ll see another side of life, Be charmed by Arabs’ quaint dress,

So different from civilian life And all its dreariness.

Chanting music and strange sounds Like natives in Nairobi, Bellows and squeals like Baskerville hounds, The Wogs down in the dhobi.

So those of you about to depart Don’t leave your mate, poor fella, Sign on with a cheerful heart And drown all your sorrows in Stella.

There’s enough Stella beer for everyone there, And maybe too a black maiden, With a stiff upper lip, come make the trip, Join the rest of the lads off to Aden.

TPR. E. HUNT

THE SEARCHLIGHT TATTOO I959 The Searchlight Tattoo at the White City this year will be held on 17th, 18th, 19th, 2rst, 22nd (matinee only), 24th, 25th, 26th, 28th August. About 2,000 men from the three Ser— vices will take part. In addition to the traditional features such as the Massed Bands and Pipers, there will be some novel items this year.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE IOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

FIVE FOLK J UTLAND

.in the

SEA

Copenhagen

3

FALCIJN

0 Make

and

Mend

in

Copenhagen Harbour.

lSpod Rudkfibi

I EXPECT that many of you have a great deal of experience of living in a “bivvy” for ten or more days. Have you tried five people in a 50 square metre sailing boat? If you have not, do try this summer; we did it last year and are still here to tell the tale!

To save any misunderstanding about the members of the Sea Falcon’s (gallant) crew, we were a mixed bag of two-and—a—half couples—couples attached! One-and-a—half couples being Royals; the other couple consisting of Skipper (most important!) and Helmswoman, belonged to I R.H.A. The Royals were Navigator, Mate and Cook.

In case some of you are not very sure about a boat like the Sea Falcon, do not imagine she is

anything like the Shemara—far from it!

The Skipper and Helmswoman slept, somehow, in the

fo’c’sle, with the sails. The only other compartment in the boat housed the remaining crew, plus the kitchen. All very matey—like; lean out of your berth-cum-sofa and put the kettle on! “Can you do that in a bivvy? ” The Navigator perched on top of everything, we could not find room for, anything, from the matches to the compass.

As usual in the Army, the boat had to be “taken over ” officially. That task was allotted to the Mate, Helmswoman and Cook. Taking over a barracks or house is obviously relatively easy compared to taking over 50 square metres of “double dutch”; however, nothing daunted, we set sail (not literally!) Having waded through several pages of unintelligible nautical terms, we surfaced and had one—or was it tw0?—for the road; sorry sea! The loading and stowing of our liquor, “barter,” was a major operation, successfully accomplished in the bilges.

The Skipper, having been delayed unnecessarily for 36 hours, arrived with a somewhat darkened brow, plus the Navigator; we reported all “ ship—shape ” and before half of us knew where we were, we had cast off, set sail and Kiel was disappearing rapidly behind us.

We left Kiel about 4.15 with a good following sea. Leaving Kiel one passes the German 1939— 1945 Memorial for submarines and their crews. An impressive monument, standing on a headland facing the wide open Baltic. We sailed until 12.30 that night. By then most people had got their “ sea legs ”5 although for the first two days the Cook’s job was easy; mention food and people turned green! Spodsbierg was evacuated very abruptly the following morning, as in the dark we had tied up at the local ferry’s berth. Several rude noises on the ferry’s hooter informed us of our mistake and in ten minutes flat the crew were up, more or less dressed, and we were once more under sail.

The second night found us tied up at Rodvig, after a lovely sail of 73 miles in 14 hours, that started off in dull, cloudy weather, ending with us basking in the sun. The following morning we were collected by a friend of the Skipper’s and he very kindly drove us to his home, where we were most royally and hospitably entertained for 24 hours. A large amount of “ schnapps ” was consumed and we investigated everything from the local Village church to the combine harvester.

GERMANY

OUTWARD

TRIP

————— HOMEWARD BOUND

Fourth evening found us at our destination—wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen—another grand sail and we made excellent time. By now the crew were fairly sea—worthy and we all knew our stations and duties. We entered Langelinie Yacht Haven in the best of style, without ramming anyone or ourselves. We toasted our safe arrival, did a quick change, and out into the City. For those of you who know the Tivoli, there is no need to say more-for those of you that do not, go there and see for yourselves. We ended up there and as “form ” was fairly good we did our best to make it better! “ The Tunnel of Love ” was a quiet, cuddly place for you and your girl—a small boat for two and lapping water—lovely—until nhe Skipper’s cold, wet hand shot out from behind a pillar. The tunnel suddenly became alive—especially when the Navigator came in contact with an electric wire, and the mate ended up in a courting couple’s lap. Oh, La! lal—We left before we were asked to. Our second night there was even more successful. After a quiet day sunbathing, sight-seeing and shopping We once more turned to that happy hunting ground, The Tivoli.

The crew, having spent the last few days at sea, now turned to try their hands at a practice for the Monte Carlo‘Rally. Admittedly, bumper cars do not go so fast, but my word they corner well! We may not have rammed the boat but we certainly rammed those cars and eventually caused a traffic block that made Piccadilly Circus look stupid. The attendant was speechless (language difliculty) and finally the police were asked to come and help restore order and get the traffic going again—— so much for Copenhagen. We sailed next morning.

One or two of the crew were very keen on going to Sweden to add another stamp to their pass— ports. So to Sweden we went. One hour at Halsingborg! We collected the necessary passport stamp and while there the Swedish Naval weather report. Forecast Wind force 3—4 and a good

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL on THE ROYAL DRAGOONS night. On the strength of this report we decided to sail round the top of Sealland that night. We crossed over to have a look at “ Elsinor ”—Hamlet’s Castle. We did not have time to land but sailed as close as we dared, getting a wonderful view. It was a lovely evening’s sail, with a freshening wind, and having left Copenhagen in our sun-suits, as evening drew in, so we donned further attire, which was to look a little ridiculous the following morning! We were averaging about eight knots. Darkness found us off Nykobing and by then we were beginning to realise that the Swedish Naval weather report was slightly inaccurate and as night wore on was to prove very wrong indeed. By the time we rounded Sealland’s Odde we had ten reefs in the mainsail, storm jib on and lifebelts; this was approximately 23.00’1hours, and our destination was Kerterninde (Fyn). Off the Island of Sejero we saw several quite large tankers lying up at anchorage; slightly ominous; so changed our plans and instead of heading across the Store Belt, we decided to make for Kalundborg. By then we were in a gale of force 8—9, but thanks to_, some truly expert handling by the Helmswoman the Sea Falcon rode the storm well, but even so every movement was dangerous and life lines were tied on to people when anything required movement from the cockpit. The Cook, realising that someone might as well be reasonably dry and warm, remained below, firmly braced between the bunk and the table.

Every now and then passing up any required article, from torch to whisky bottle—mostly whisky bottle! About 3.30 a.m. we rounded Rosnaes Point and our troubles started afresh; having been running with the wind, we now faced an exhausting four-hour beat into Kalundborg. We tied up alongside one of the dirtiest, smelliest harbours we ever hoped to see, but any harbour was a haven and we staggered off a sorry looking lot of bedraggled, soaked characters. The mainsail had a batten blown out and was splitting and the genoa was ripped beyond repair—however, we made it.

The Sea Falcon was made as ship-shape as possible under the circumstances before we all tumbled into beds at the local hotel, after a most welcome Danish breakfast—and as one discarded the sodden layers of clothes, so one eventually reached—a bathing suit! We surfaced that evening for a few hours to consume an excellent dinner and show the local fishing folk how to dance the latest “ rock and roll ”—we had had enough practice at rocking and rolling.

Having been stormbound, or should one say bed-bound, for a day, time was beginning to catch up on us and we had to press on regardless. We sailed early the following morning,‘ the gale had abated but it rained most of the day. The Cook then became Navigator, being the only one who could remain below in such a sea and keep the charts dry, and strange to relate we reached Nyborg (Fyn) at 6.30. There we tied up alongside the local Fishery Protection Patrol vessel. The following morning we had to jetison the Navigator, as he had an urgent date with the Royals’ cricket team in Odense. We think he had one or two other urgent dates, knowing the Navigator— and Odensel The Cook then took on the task of trying to get us back to Kiel. We had a very pleasant and peaceful sail that day from Nyborg to Rudkobing, for lunch, and Marstal to view the little museum. Well worth seeing if you are passing that way. In his spare time a blacksmith, named Omegns, hand-made the most lovely collection of boats and ships, all from photographs, and every detail is most meticulously copied and beautifully executed. We cast off from Marstal about 3.30 and just managed to creep out along the very narrow and shallow channel before our amazing luck changed and by 4.30 we were becalmed. Except for the fact we were due back in Kiel by midday next day, we had no worries. No engine. no wind~no go! So there we were, and after a friendly fishing boat had towed us nearer the shore, we dropped anchor and settled down for a quiet evening and early night’s rest. It was a lovely evening, not a breath of wind and later a porpoise came to investigate the strange, motionless monSter lying in its domain. As night fell, so we fell into bed; our batteries were 10w and we had to preserve them as much as possible.

Next morning started with the lark, as there seemed some hope of a wind. For several hours we had another member of the crew. A fly-catcher was on board when we awoke and stayed with us until we were nearly out of sight of land. He was quite tame and sat on someone’s shoe. The last 30 miles took us 24 hours, including being becalmed, and our “ tacks ” were so numerous that they must have made up for the rest of the trip. Our luck and a little wind held for five hours—then once more the wind dropped and as we were already overdue we decided to try for a tow. Our method of signalling was perhaps a little unorthodox, the flashlight bulb having blown on us, so the Cook resorted to white towel and red scarf. History does not relate whether the attraction was the Cook or the towel, but a tow drew alongside in the shape of a Dutch timber vessel. We were on tow for about half—an-hour when the rope broke. Our friends circled us, prepared to try again, but the wind had freshened and we reckoned we could sail on alone; so we parted as friends with a bottle of barter swung overboard. 4.30 saw us tied up and alongside in Kiel Yacht Club.

37

For those of you who know more about sailing than the writer of this tale, I would like to mention that this trip of the Sea Falcon was somewhat of a record. Never before had any 50 square metre from the Kiel Yacht Club sailed round the top of Sealland, and to add to that record was our spectacular sail of 264 miles in approximately 44 sailing hours, without a “tack,” except to enter and

leave harbours. From Kiel to Marstal we were very lucky and had the sea and wind in our favour— except for the “ beat ” into Kalundborg.

So ended a really wonderful ten days. We experienced the entirety— the sun, the rain—the storm before the calm—but above all we had the greatest fun.

M.H.

3rd/4th County of London [Yeomanry (SHARPSHOOTERS)

Short History 2 HF. Regiment has its origin in three battalions of Imperial Yeomanry, the 18th, zrst and 23rd, which were raised during the South AfricanWar, 1899-1901. Each man was a marksman. This accounts for the name Sharpshooters, which is part of the present title of the Regiment. The units served throughout the war, gaining for the Regiment the battle honour “ South Africa, 1900-2.”

At the end of the war the home service regiment was raised and commanded by the Earl of Dunt‘aven, who had been largely instrumental in raising the original units for service in South Africa.

The Regiment was given the title of the 3rd County of London (Sharpshooters) Imperial Yeomanry and was composed largely of the men who had served during the war. Lord Dunraven commanded until 1904, when he became Honorary Colonel. His racing colours were adopted as the regimental colours and are retained to the present time.

The first Regimental Sergeant 'Major of the 3rd C.L.Y. was Mr. C. W. Parsons of the Royal Dragoons; he became Quartermaster in 1903. Among the officers who joined shortly after the formation of the Regiment was Capt. Douglas Graham, who had also served with the Royals.

In 1908, as a result of the re—organisation of the Army which was carried out by Lord Haldane, the Regiment became part of the Territorial Army and was renamed the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).

During the Kaiser’s War, the 3rd C.L.Y. served in the Suez Canal area, Gallipoli, Salonika and Palestine up to the time of the second battle of Gaza. In January, 1918, the Regiment was trans—

ferred to the Western Front, disembarked and became a battalion of the Machine Gun Corps; thus following the same course as a number of Cavalry and Yeomanry regiments at that time.

In 1922 the Regiment was one of the first Yeomanry units to be mechanised and became the 23rd (London) Armoured Car Company. In 1938 the unit returned to a full regimental establishment and resumed its old name and in the following year the 4th County of London Yeomanry was raised. Later the same year the 3rd and the 4th C.L.Y. were converted to armoured regiments.

It was as armoured regiments that the 3rd and the 4th C.L.Y. served throughout Hitler’s War. Both regiments sailed for Egypt in August, 1941, where they joined the 7th Armoured Division and fought throughout the campaign in North Africa, It was during this period, early in 1942, that Lt.— Col. Harry Scott, D.s.o., came from the Royal Dragoons to take command of the 4th C.L.Y., which he commanded until getting a brigade a year later. While in command he was awarded a bar to his D.S.O. at the Wadi Akar-it in April, 1943.

The 3rd C.L.Y. took part in the invasion of Sicily and both regiments fought in Italy, before returning to the United Kingdom in January, 1944, in preparation for the invasion of Normandy.

Both regiments took part in the early heavy fighting and having become reduced in strength were amalgamated in August, 1944, and designated the 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry.

The ’Regiment fought for the remainder of the war in Europe in the 4th Armoured Brigade and finally took part in the capture of Hamburg.

In 1947, the 3rd/4th C.L.Y. was a unit in the 56th (London) Armoured Division. The Regi— ment was one of the armoured regiments in the 22nd Armoured Brigade under the command of Brigadier A. H. Pepys, D.S.O. In 1956, as a result of the re—organisation of the Territorial Army, the Regiment was converted to a reconnaissance regiment and transferred to the 44th QHome Counties) Infantry Division.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

39

In March, Major Wilkinson was installed as Adjutant and the take-over is now virtually completc. As these are our first notes in The Eagle they are accompanied by a short history of the regiment, At the same time we would like to say how very pleased and proud we are to be the affiliated yeomanry regiment of The Royal Dragoons.

'The affiliation will, we hope, be a two-way process. We hope to be able to help our parent regiment in a number of ways. First of all, recruits, We live in the Regimental recruiting area, every Drill Hall is a recruiting office. The permanent staff have already been briefed by Lt.-Col. Fielden in duties as recruiters. The recruiting office at Acton is about to stage a special display for the Royal Dragoons which will last for three weeks and the recruiting troop while in London will be based on us.

We also have affiliated detachments of the Army Cadet Force. They are a potential source of regular recruits and any cadet who intends to join the Regular Army will be strongly recommended to serve with the Royal Dragoons. We also hope that ex-Royals, whether Regular or National Service, who live in the Greater London area will join the Yeomanry and give us the advantage of their experience in a Regular Armoured Car Regiment, which is quite invaluable.

Again, any member of the Royal Dragoons on leave or duty in London, who is stuck for a bed for the night or needs any assistance has only to telephone PRImrose 7141, when he will be supplied with any assistance in our power.

In conclusion, we always welcome visits from members of the regiment. We have been pleased to see Capts. Matterson and Hart—Dyke and look forward to further visits in the late summer

when the regiment is at Tidworr‘h.

‘

Why not place an order for

THE

a copy of the Journal now 2

'

li:

a

L

Full details will be found in page 5|.

AL DRAGOONS SERVING WITH 3rd/4th COUNTY OF LONDON YEOMANRY (SHARPSHOOTERS), 1959 Front row : Sgt. Brooks, S.Q.M.S. Ranson, R.S.M. Bradley. Major Wilkinson. S.S.M. Fletcher, Sgt. Thorpe, Back row: Tpr. Richards, Tpr. Robertson, Tpr. Lloyd. Tpr. Horsman. Tpr. Henderson, Cpl. Kelly, ‘ Cpl. Bayne.

THE REGIMENTAL

m 80MB BEMEMBRANCE

GAMES

will you send a donation to

THE LEAGUE 0F

The

attention

of

all

TIE

past

members

of

the

Regimental Notes

Regiment.

On the Ist January, 1959, the 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Slharpshooters) became officially the affiliated yeomanry regiment of the Royal Dragoons. There were, of course, rumours long before that, but the secret remained locked in the bosom of the War Office, until a signal reached us last May in annual camp in Cornwall, that the affiliation was to take place and that Royal Dragoons would replace existing permanent staff as their tours of duty ended.

After that events moved rapidly as several of our permanent staff were due for replacement later in the summer. Major Fielden (as he was then) visited us in June to get a first hand impression of the form. The problem set to Lt.-Col. Armitage, who was still at that time partly responsible for the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry/ Scottish Horse, was a difficult one, but already we have cause

the Regiment is drawn to this recent innovation.

to know how generous our parent regiment has been.

By August S.S.‘M. Fletcher was installed as Permanent Staff Instructor of “ B” Squadron at Croydon and was followed by Sgt. Thorpe, P.S.I. of “ A ” Squadron, Cpl. B‘ayne and later Cpl. Kelly.

S.Q.M.S. Ranson is attached to us and preparing to take over as P.S.I. of “C” Squadron. Sgt. Brooks has taken over as regimental wireless N.C.O., and after Christmas Mr. Bradley took over

as R.S.M. In September Major Mackrill and Lt. Mollo visited Herford, where they were most hospitably received, spending part of the time in the field on Exercise “ Farewell” and a short time in barracks,

where Major Mackrill was able to meet some of our present permanent staff and warn them of the rugged conditions and lack of central heating which lay ahead in the Yeomanry.

as well

as

those serving away from

in

-

1958. it was decided to introduce a special tie, able to be bought and worn by anyone who has represented the Regiment at any acrivity.

Patron'in'Chief:

From several designs. the following was chosen: “Midnight blue. embroidered with small,

1945

1914

1-inch gold eagles”

H.M. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

The tie may be purchased and worn by any

Founded in 1914 to assist the widows and dependants of officers of the three Services and the Nursing Services, who work happily, making Hospital Dressings.

They receive a grant-in—aid for

their services.

32, GREAT ORMOND STREET, LONDON. W.C.l.

(Registered Full

under

the

War

Charities

Act)

particulars on application to the Secretary at the above address.

past or present member who has represented the Regiment at any activity games

and

sports.

This includes athletics>

equestrian

competitions and the like.

sports.

military ‘

Good stocks of the tie are held and may be obtained on application to the

P.R.I., price £1. inclusive of postage.

WHY NOT WRITE FOR YOURS TODAY

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

roQ-

TAKEN

fi

bnanbm

\\

Initiative

Christmas?

UITEwhose idea it was we don’t know: we have our suspicions! A sandwich man patrolling outside the N.A.A.F.I. and in the hangars offered prizes from £10 to bottles of champagne for anyone in HQ. Squadron willing to risk volunteering for something unknown. Some— one said it was in Squadron Orders as well, but who reads those?

Two days before Christmas thirty of us gathered and were given sealed envelopes; it was then we discovered, amongst a welter of frontier passes, leave passes and instructions, what was expected of us. We were split up into pairs and given tasks such as visiting (and proving it!) the Folies Bergere in Paris, the Carlsberg factory in Copenhagen, and Munich cathedral. Altogether we were to cover Denmark, Germany, Austria, France, Holland and Belgium; and there was a narrowly missed chance of Christmas in St. Louis for L/ Cpl. Coventry and Tpr. Reid who were

three-quarters of an hour too late at Rhein Main Airport.

The really vital stipulation was not to spend money on transport (except ferries) during

the whole test. None of us did, witness the blisters after walking for miles along desolate auto-

WHATS

bahns on Christmas and Boxing Days. And as part of the judging for prizes, we were to write an account of our journeyings. Perhaps a few extracts will suffice to illustrate points of view in life!

Tpr. Jackson and Cfn. Pinks (they came second): “The journey was uneventful, except for

an hour or so when Jackson took the wheel—dingo’s and Volkswagens just don’t mix ” and “ Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest is now in ruins, and only lunatics go up at this time of year: the last lunatics had to be rescued by helicopter! ” Christmas time in an American Camp: “ We were rousted out at 5.30 a.rn. by a massive coloured Sergeant, smoking a cigar: Hey, you guys, Chow's at six! and outside Yanks scrubbing the passage—on a holiday.”

Bandsmen Theme and Oliver: “ We talked with the villagers north of Flensburg, who told us our Kapitain must be quite mad to send us eel fishing at this time of year! ” They spent Christmas on the SS. Radnor, with Master Captain McAlpine, and never caught their eel!

in y

Vou WE‘LL

TRADE

L/ Cpl. Spackman and Tpr. Urquhart (ride a bobsleigh run at Garmisch): “ Lunch with the 181 Transportation Company was steaks as big as dinner plates, salad, peas; potatoes, jelly and coffee to wash it all down.”

Or even Tpr. Cooke and Bandsman Watts in Amsterdam: “Before leaving we just had to say goodbye to a girl: she really was a wonderful girl; ‘very good’ to both of us during our short stay.”

Space is too short to mention everyone’s exploits: Tprs. Morris and Rustin pinched an RAF. Squadron Leader’s hat (and repented). L/ Cpl. Coventry and Tpr- Reid had a high time wait— ing for high altitude jet tests. L/ Cpl. Thorne and Weaver drifted round the Nurburgring in a Mercedes. Tpr. Copeland and Cfn. Cogan brought back a duelling sword from Heidelburg. It took L/ Cpl. Dadson some forty—six lifts to discover the secrets of the “ Coq d’Or ” in Copen— hagen, and come third in the competition. And so on, but we had better let the winners have their own say.

Operation Elvis Presley says,

EAQL-“Hmds

Six

9F

3 (D

WHE Qr‘s Tt-us

at

BY BANDSMEN P. R. BURGESS AND A. NIXON

HE evening of the 23rd December was cold and damp as we left barracks at about 11 pm. Our thoughts were on the 4oo-mile journey ahead of us and, here doubt crept in, would our target _be there at the other end. After all, he too might be going away for Christmas! Trumpet-Major Darling gave us a good start by taking us to the Autobahn and dropping -us at the transport cafe nhere. In the cafe we soon made friends with Susie the waitress (36—25-35) and poured out our story to her. She was kindness itself and as new customers arrived she would .ask them to help us.

A few beers and one—and—a-half hours later she was successful and we climbed into a truck belonging to Konsum, the co—operative chain—store grocers, and we were off at last on the first leg to Dusseldorf 150 miles ahead.

42

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Cramped, tired and irritable, we said goodbye to our first benefactor outside Dusseldorf at 4.30

Name

1958 Record of Races

Venedigar Rodolfo

Nomecette Triumph Lobongoolu Maiko Urban

Solani Sinbad

Dalfmi " Ski Jump Irish Lancer . .

Wiclitilg

,

4 ,

, ,

OWOOO'yWOWOOMO

However, we were

Agein 1958

OMHOOOOOOOWOO

Command, 32nd Armoured Division), which we thought was our final objective.

Racing Notes #QQ’CQ‘IOEOGOUICIUI

a.m. the next morning, and here luck deserted us for a time. It was four hours before we got another lift, spent in drinking coffee, thumbing out in the cold and heaping curses on drivers in general. At last a large Opel saloon stopped and took us to Cologne, where, after 10 minutes, we found another Opel going to Frankfurt. We arrived there at midday on Christmas Eve. We knew that our objective lay somewhere in the area, but we had to find out the exact place by asking at an American airfield by the Autobahn. They told us here that we had to get to Friedburg, North—East of Frankfurt, and we set about changing Autobahns for the next stage of our journey.

We were soon given a lift to the other side of Frankfurt by a Coca—Cola van and again after that by a retired American Captain, a Volkswagen salesman, who went out of his way to drop us at the Friedburg road—Autobahn junction. From here we decided to walk the nine kilometres over the hills. Our sense of direction was helped by the champagne bottles and beer cans in the ditdh that marked the track.

Once in Friedburg we followed the signs marked CCC 32nd AD Spearhead (CCombat

0 0 2 O 1 0 3 0 O 0 (sold) (sold)

(sold) (sold) (sold) (sold)

(i‘ denotes imported from U.K.)

to be disappointed, for after an enquiry at the main gate we were told that Pte. Presley was on a 72-hour pass from midday that day and they did not know where he had gone.

Our morale dropped at once, but we decided to take a photograph of the camp notice board as proof of our visit. While we were doing this a Master Sergeant leaving camp took an interest in us, and on hearing what we wanted, offered us a lift in his Cadillac to Bad Nauheim, saying that Elvis Presley lived in a hotel there. On his advice we went to the Park Hotel, on arrival only to find our man had left and now stayed in another hotel the other side of town. It took us ten minutes’ walking before we saw the well—known cream BMW sports car parked in the hotel drive and heard the sound of a guitar (Bandsmcn have an acute earl). We had arrived.

However, we had to see him before we could count ourselves successful.

But help was forth—

.

coming in the shape of the manager’s daughter, who took our papers to Elvis Presley, while her father and mother gave us a grand meal of raw fish, toast and champagne. Then, and we shall always remember this for a long time to come, Elvis Presley appeared. He was extremely nice and said he was sorry that he was not allowed to give concerts while he was in the Army, but would we like to hear a couple of songs? How we wished we had a tape recorder! He sang us two songs in his inimitable style and talked to us for some time about his life in the Army and gave us his autograph.

We had now completed our task in 18 hours and we felt We should try and get back in time for Christmas dinner in the Regiment. So we said goodbye to the man we had come so far to see, and after he had wished us and the Regiment a happy Christmas, we set off by the same route as before. _ Our return journey was a fairly easy one. A Swedish man gave us our first lift to Frankfurt, five kilometres from Bad Nauheim. Now followed two long spells of walking, helped by two lifts, and we arrived at Cologne at 00.05 hours on Christmas morning. Here we toasted absent friends and each other from the small bottle of whisky we carried, and half asleep we staggered on. We had 2% hours of walking between three lifts before we returned to our first helper, Susie, at the Herford barracks, Autobahn cafe. We told her of our travels and having refreshed ourselves, set out for A having to walk the whole six miles before we got there at half past four on Christmas morning. trip interesting and exacting an ended Shone, Sgt. Commander, Guard the from tea welcome cup of

THE move from Wesendorf to Herford placed us geographically in a most favourable position; we were still within striking distance of the “ easier” races at Hanover and Harzbung, and at the same time, We could reach the major courses in the west without undue strain. The training facilities, however, were “ quite another kettle of fish.” There was adjoining the stables an enclosed riding school, 120 yards long, and here we were able to do all the preparatory slow work; but it was not possible to find anywhere else to work within 15 miles of the barracks. For fast work we had to box the horses to a sand track near Brackwede. The only hope was to run the horses fit and then keep on running them—a policy which the German—bred horses stood up to much better than the English ones. _ The first B.A.O.R. meeting was, as usual, at Bad Lippspringe on Easter Monday. By this time we had had a number of runners and our horses were very much fitter than anyone elses. Anyway, we won four races and Lt. Boyd was beaten by a short head in the fifth. Lt. Arkwright distinguished himself by winning three of these races and Lt. Powell, on Venediger, won the fourth.

This was a good start, and we had great hopes of Venediger, who had beaten some useful horses on a tight rein. We now took him to Cologne, where he had to give away a lot of weight and got beat.

Subsequently, he ran most disappointingly.

As in England, it was a remarkably wet summer; this suited Solani in particular, who is very moderate on the hard. He won three races, and was perhaps a little unlucky to be beaten at the German Derby Meeting in Hamburg, when ridden by Lt. N. Upton (9th Lancers).

We took 10 horses to the week’s racing at Bad Harzburg. Solani won here and most of the others picked up place money, but it was left to Sinbad to uphold the “horses for courses” theory in a remarkable manner. Following no less than 10 unsuccessful efforts, he won on the first Sunday at 20—1, on the following Wednesday (with a 71b. penalty) at 4—1, and finally, a selling race, on the Saturday, at even money. In theory, there was no reason why Harzburg should have suited him, as the course is very sharp and he is a horse that has not the speed to keep his

place in a fast—run race. However, he was able to come round three or four horses at the last bend

.

a. fig ,4;; reaf— ewe-575‘.

A“,7.

and come up the steep incline to the winning post (about a furlong) leaving the others lengths behind.

,. , ‘ UNDER l'le’ Hunting, Shooting, Fishing

ARE YOU A KEEN MOTORIST? THEN WHY NOT JOIN THE FORCES SiggORING CLUB

—whatever your sport——

8, Rosoman Street, London. E.C.I.

it is “under fire.”

The Club, started in 1953. now has branches all over the British Isles and in Overseas Commands. The entry fee is 2 gns., and the annual subscription fee is £1. ‘ The Club sends a printed quarterly magazme to each member. and organises rallies for the enthusiasts. as well as treasure hunts and “ noggin and natter” sessions for the more sedate, or those with older cars.

Some good economic privileges and other facilities are available .to members.

Open ll) all serving and ex_SerVice men, For further details apply to the Head Oflice.

ea

THE BRITISH FIELD

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The Secretary, British Field Sports Society.

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He was bought at the subsequent auction and won his fourth consecutive race at Frankfurt the following week. He had won five races for us in 12 months. ' The Grand Military Meeting was held at Hanover on the 27th July, and will probably be the

ICE _‘

last B.A.O.R. meeting to be held in Germany.

There are not sufficient British-owned horses in

B.A.O.R. to fill a card, and there are so many races for amateurs in Germany that it was considered that the B.A.O.R. Meetings had fulfilled their function. Ski mep, ridden by Tpr. Jackson, was slightly unlucky to be beaten in the Grand Military Ohase; Urban ran disappointingly for Lt. Arkirvright in this race and was fourth. Lt. Trouton rode his Rodolfo in another chase. At this meeting Major Fielden was third in a hurdle race on his Solani.

Major Fielden’s departure to England in August necessitated a reduction in the stable. Lt. Arkwright became “Besitzer—Trainer” of the four horses that remained, and We began to wonder whether we would ever be in the money again. However, with Cpl. Beefortih continuing to produce the horses in peak condition, we did not have too long to wait. After unsuccessful trips to Bremen

44

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

and Hannover, we went to Frankfurt on the 7th September, where Rodolfo won a Class B flat race and Urban showed a welcome return to form by being second in a handicap chase. From then on, Rodolfo went from strength to strength and, running every week—end, he was only twice out of the money, until he stopped racing in the middle of November. Urban, who had been showing a certain amount of temperament, was now really enjoying his racing again, and followed up his second at Frankfurt by winning a good race there to give Tpr. Jackson his first, and a well-deserved winner.

He ran well twice more and there were strong stable hopes that he would win a race at Dusseldorf when perfonning in front of the Colonel of the Regiment. However, after a long delay at the start, his jockey failed to convey to him the importance of at least attempting the first obstacle, with the disastrous result that he did not venture within thirty yards of it. Venediger, also in this race, broke a blood vessel and was pulled up when going well.

The Regiment was, for the third year in succession, the most successful stable of all Regiments in B.A.O.R., with a total of thirteen winners.

From a betting point of view, our best day was when Urban won at Frankfurt, after which, the local bookmaker refused to accept our bets, which afforded us a certain amount of amusement and a great deal of inconvenience. Handicap chases, which are probably the races which suit us best in Germany, are becoming increasingly popular and consequently less easy to win than before; equally, as they become more popular, so more are included in the calendar, so it cuts both ways. Cpl. Beeforth once again proved his skill in producing horses consistently in top condition throughout a long season. Tprs. Jackson and Murphy both rode their first winner during the season: Jackson, in particular, has improved enormously. Behind the scenes there were Tprs. Hillman and Upstone, who were an essential part of the team.

We look forward to what is likely to be our last year in Germany with great enthusiasm and a certain amount of confidence, because, on paper at any rate, our horses seem to be ideally placed— time alone will show.

Grand Military, 1959 \%§§s On Fniday, 13th March, Golden Drop, an eight-year—old chestnut gelding, by Mont Dore out of Ballyclerihan, won the Grand Military Steeplechase at Sandown Park. He had been purchased by Capt. C. R. Radclyffe of The Greys in Ireland in June, 1958, on behalf of the joint owners, the Commanding Officer and Capt. S. E. M. Bradish—Ellames: he was ridden by Lt. N. Upton of the 9th Lancers and trained by Cyril Mitchell, who had been in the “ Skins.”

Golden Drop had an impressive list of point-to-point victories behind him in Ireland and had scored in a hunter chase. He went into training at Epsom on Ist January, 1959, and ran in hunter chases at Sandown and Windsor before the Grand Military, for which he started at 3—1 in a field of nine, with a good deal of confidence behind him. Lt. N. Upton whose first ride it was over a park course, was unmoved by the occasion and rode a well-judged race, in which Golden Drop had little difliculty in asserting his superiority. The Queen Mother presented the cup to Capt. Bradish-Ellames and talked with the jockey and the joint owners for some minutes in the unsaddling enclosure after the race.

This is the third time that the Regiment have won this race since the war. The view is widely held that the diversion of the Regiment’s future destination from U.K. to eastern climes was devised to minimise the chances of us monopolising this particular race. We shall see.

at

Frankfurt,

he.

8th

1958.

June.

Polo Notes, 1958 L0 started at Bad Lippspringe in the middle of April and continued until the first week of October, 1958, only three days being lost through bad weather throughout the summer. This meant a full season for everybody playing polo—three days a week except when we were on exercrses.

Polo was played on two grounds early in the season—on occasions twelve chukkers on each. This was something of a contrast with Wesendorf polo when we seldom played more than eight chukkers. In and consequence individual standards improved considerably, particularly our less experienced players the encouraging form shown by the Captains and Subalterns was a healthy indication,

Lt. Arkwright

on

Solani,

being

led

in

by

Tpr.

Hillman

4th May, 1958.

after

winning

Chase

at

Hanover,

46

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

We took over a stable block at Sennelager from No. 1 Veterinary, Remount, and Wardog Unit.

Royal Veterinary Corps, in April and kept a dozen ponies there throughout the summer. The polo grooms d-id sterling work looking after the ponies, and bringing them up in first class order on every polo day. It was very largely due to their efforts that so many of us had a really good season.

We had an experienced side (by modern standards), for the Inter—Regimental and should have been able to reach the final again. However, we were beaten by the odd goal of nine by the 3rd Hussars in the second extra period in the semi-final. It was a good game, but we lacked thrust in the attack, the forwards not being properly supported by the backs. The Captains and Subalterns team had an easy first round match against I R.H.A., which gave them a chance to settle down as a team. They then took on the 17th / 21st, whose team included three of their Regimental side. Well led by Fabling, who was playing at his best The Royals were in no way worsted in the first two chukkers by which time the score was 2-1. In the second half, however, experience (and some said fitness), told and the 17th scored four times. Lockhart showed himself to be a sound steady back in this match and supported Fabling well.

The Regimental Teams Inter-Regimental: Major Fielden (back), Lt.-Col. Armitage (3), Major Fabling (2), Major Timbrell (I).

Captains and Subalterns : Lt. Lockhart (back), Major Fabling (3), Capt. Miller (2), Lt. Jacobs (1).

We took part in a number of other tournaments and matches throughout the season, both as individuals and teams.

In the Bad Lippspringe Horse Show Lt.-Col. Ar-mitage’s Irish pony Ranger (by Sandyman, Dam

by Free Return) won the heavyweight Polo pony class and was subsequently judged Champion Polo Pony.

Football Notes NOTHER official football season has almost ended.

First, the Inter-Troop Football Cup.

Boxing Notes ll ‘HELRE was insufficient talent this year to justify training a Regimental team. was some good sporting boxing in the following competitions:—

Nevertheless, there

Novices Individual Competition, 1958

The Novices Individual Boxing Competition for 1958 was held on September 22, 23 and 24, The Buckley Trophy was awarded to Headquarters Squadron, and the final contestants are shown below:— Weight

Winner

Bantam

Tpr. Marston

Feather

Tpr. Mereweather

(“H.Q.” Sqn.) (“H.Q.” Sqn.)

(“C” Sqn.)

Runner-Up Tpr. Barclay

(“A” Sqn.)

Tpr. Birch

(“C” Sqn.)

Tpr. Maw

(“A” Sqn.)

Light Weight

L/Ctpl. Lunnon

Light Welter Weight

Tpr. Marlow (“C ” Sqn.)

Tpr. Shaw (“ H.Q.” Sqn.)

Welter Weight

Tpr. Lamb

Tpr. Baird

Light Middle Weight

Tpr. Jackson

Middle Weight

L/Cpl. Mattimore

Light Heavy Weight Heavy Weight

L/Cpl. Rainger

(“8” Sqn.) (“H.Q.” Sqn.) (“A” Sqn.) (“B” Sqn.)

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Tpr. Henderson (“ HQ.” Sqn.) Tpr. Ellam Cpl. Louch

(“A” Sqn.) (“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Pte. Jones, A.C.C. (“H.Q.” Sqn.) Tpr. Sneddon (“H.Q.” Sqn.) The best boxer’s medal was awarded to Tpr. Lamb (“ B ” Squadron) and the best loser was Tpr. Shaw (“H.Q.” Squadron).

Open Team Boxing

This

was again won by the QM. Group, who completed all their fixtures without defeat and thoroughly deserved their win. During the past seven years the Q.M, group have been in the final each year and have won the trophy on no less than four occasions. In the Inter-Squadron Competition, “ B ” Squadron were the winners. Although it was thought that “ C ” Squadron would win, they fell down at the last fence.

Regimentally we have had quite a successful season and whilst we did not have any stars in the team, they have played consistently well. In the Cavalry Cup we were deservedly beaten by The Carabiniers on their ground by the odd goal in three. This was quite a good game and on form we should have won, but we lacked that little punch that is necessary in Cavalry Cup games, and our opponents had that punch. In the Army Cup we met the 9th Lancers in the second round. Again on the day they were a far better side than we were and we were well and truly beaten by five goals

All Squadrons entered for this competition which produced four nights of keen hard boxing. In the semi—finals “ B ” Squadron beat “A” Squadron relatively easily and Headquarters Squadron beat “C” Squadron by one fight. “C ” Squadron then beat “A” Squadron for third place after a hard struggle.

In the final we saw the best boxing of the Competition. Headquarters Squadron won by 22 points to 19 points. The Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier A. H. Pepys, was present to give away the Commander Robson Shield and the medals. Individual results of the final were as follows:— Weight

Winner

Runner-Up

Bantam Weight

Tpr. Murphy (“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Walkover Tpr. Cordingly

(“B” Sqn.)

L/‘Cpl. Lunnon

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Feather Weight

Tpr. Gentile

Light Weight (Ist String)

L/Cpl. Christie

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Light Weight (2nd String)

Tpr. McGrath

(“ B ” Sqn.) (“H.Q.” Sqn.)

(“B” Sqn.)

to one.

We entered the Westphalia League which included six Army teams and six Royal Air Force teams, including the R.A.F. Cup holders, Sundern. We won this competition decisively as the table below will show, finishing at least six points in front of our nearest rival. We could not close without saying how much we enjoyed this competition. As our record will show the team did extremely well and are to be congratulated.

The following was the final position in the league: Played 22. Won 19. Drawn 3. Goals for 113. Goals against 28. Points 41.

To obtain a total of 41 points from a maximum of 44 is no mean achievement. During the season the following players appeared regularly for the side: Goalkeepers, Tpr. Wyatt and L/Cpl. Moseley.

Backs, Tpr. Kemp, Cfn. Hudson and Tpr. Richardson. Half—Backs, Cpl. Wood, L / Ctpl. Sanderson, Tpr. Milton and Tpr. Mullen. Forwards, Tpr. Hutchenson, Tpr. Price, L/Cpl. O’Brien, Tprs.

Dockray, Fraser, White and Cfn. Kerr. \We congratulate Cpl. Wood on playing for the B.A.O.R. XI versus R.A.F. Germany, when they beat the R.A.F. side by five goals to three. Considering his task was to mark L.A.C. Laverty,

a professional with Sheffield United, he acquitted himself extremely well.

This season has now ended and we hope to complete the Inter-Troop Football Competition before we leave Germany. We shall therefore, as usual, keep to our motto, as per the Windmill Theatre, “We never closed.”

Tpr. Mereweather (“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Light Welter (1st String)

Tpr. Johnson

Light Welter (2nd String)

Tpr. Stannard

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Tpr. Fraser

Welter Weight (1st String)

Tpr. Sargeant

(“ HQ.” Sqn.)

Tpr. Turner

Welter Weight (2nd String

Tpr. Lamb

(“B” Sqn.)

Tpr. Williams

(“B” Sqn.)

(“B” Sqn.) (“ B” Sqn.)

ngn. Howlett

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

L/Cpl. French

(“.HQ.” Sqn.)

Light Middle Weight (1st String)

L/Cpl. Douglas

(“B” Sqn.)

Light Middle Weight (2nd String)

Tpr. Henry

(“B” Sqn.)

Tpr. Ruddick

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Middle Weight (Ist String)

Middle Weight (2nd String)

ngn. Stpriggs

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

L/Cpl. McCormick (“B” Sqn.)

’ Sgt. Mackay

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

Light Heavy Weight

L/Cpl. Clarke

Heavy Weight

L/Cpl. Rainger

Tpr. Warren

(“8” Sqn.)

(“ HQ.” Sqn.)

Cpl. Boakes

(“B” Sqn.)

(“B” Sqn.)

Tpr. Kemp

(“H.Q.” Sqn.)

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Births

Rugby and Hockey Notes 'l‘HEISE notes are necessarily short because of lack of space and because neither team were very successful.

Rugby A keen and enthusiastic team made for a number of very enjoyable games. We were knocked out early in the B.A.O.R. competition by a strong 3rd Royal Tank Regiment team. A very enjoyable Inter-Squadron 7-a-side competition was held which was won by “A” Squadron. The team consisted of : Capt. Burnside, 2/Lt. Hallaran, Sgt. Mackay, L/Cpls. Rowland, Lusk, Loftus, Tprs. Robins, Jamfrey, Dix, Gillingham, Jackson, Cfn. Cunningham, Philip, Harris.

Hockey The team was very weak in the forward line and we were knocked out by 3 R.T.R. in the 2nd Round of the B.A.O.R, Cup, having defeated The Skins 3—0 in the first round. The team consisted of: Major Evans, Capts. Wilson—FitzGerald, Miller, 2/Lt. Philips, Sgts. Leech, Shone, Poulter, Titmarsh, Cpl. Heath, L/Cpl. Ruxton, Tprs. Harrell, Hemrni'ng.

Major R. H. D. Fabling, a daughter, Victoria Therese, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 2nd April, 1958.

Major J. B. Evans, 3 daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Kathleen Alice, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 29th January, 1959.

Capt. D. Miller, a son, David Mark, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 16th November, 1958.

Capt. J. G. Trouton, a daughter, Georgina Henrietta, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 23rd March, 1959.

Lt. A. B. T. Davey, a son, Albert Edward, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 11th January, 1958.

W.O.II F. H. Kimble, a daughter, Melody Martha, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 16th

49

Capt. O. J. Lewis to Pamela Julie Flowers, on 28th June, 1958, at St. Mary’s, Andover.

Capt. D. S. A. Boyd to Elizabeth Ann Brown at St. Mary’s Church, Stoke D’abernon, Surrey, on 30th July, 1958, Lt. P. W. F. Arkwright to Cecilia Caroline Georgina Scott on 11th March, 1959, at St. James’s, Piccadilly.

Sgt. C. Titmarsh to Marguerite Fedora at Parish Church, Ely, Cambridgeshire, on 6th August, 1958.

Cpl. I. J. Pickworth to Irmgard Golnik at Standesamt, Herford, on 11th April, 1958.

Cpl. S. Brandon to Josefine Cacilie Jungen at Standesamt, Verden/Aller, on 15th August, 1958.

June, 1958.

Cricket

Notes

LOOK at the season’s results show that we won four matches out of seventeen. If this indicates an unsuccessful season it does not show how far the Regiment got in the B.A.O,R, Cup competition, or how many interesting and exciting matches were drawn.

When the season opened it looked as if we might have a well balanced side with at least five of the last year’s eleven.

By the time of the first match, however, 2 / Lt. Hadlee and L /Cpl. Pears were injured, the latter never playing throughout the season.

With only three recognised bowlers, it became clear that the batsmen would have to make runs.

They failed to do this early in the season and in consequence we lost six of the first eight matches.

However, when the Army Cup competition started on July 3 the fortunes and morale of the team underwent a startling change. The batsmen began to score runs and they were helped by some fine bowling by 2/Lt. Sinker, L/Cpl. Travis and Tpr. Hewitt. In the four cup matches we played the side never scored less than 130 in thirty overs. Tpr. Pickering bowled beautifully in the second round match, taking five wickets for forty—one runs in seventeen overs.

The season was highlighted by our visit to Denmark at the end of August. This year we could not play in Copenhagen and we were invited to Odense to play the combined clubs there. The team, who travelled up in private cars, were royally entertained and everyone was put up in private houses.

We were housed, fed and entertained magnificently throughout the four-day stay; and for this our greatest thanks go to Mr. Wally Jorgensen who was in overall charge of the arrangements, as well as to our individual hosts. We were very disappointed and so we know were our friends, that we had to cancel the return fixture because of Exercise “ Farewell.” However, we look forward to repaying this visit with interest in 1959 before we leave Germany.

In conclusion we can say that we had an enjoyable season, and considering how unbalanced a side we had, a reasonably successful one. It looks as if our season may be cut short in 1959 due to the move. At all events we have to find an entirely new team to replace all our losses this year. The team was usually selected from the following.

Major Evans, Capt. Trouton, Lt. Farmer, 2/Lt. Sinker, 2/Lt. Hadlee, 2/Lt. Wingfield—Digby, 2/Lt. Hamilton Russell, Cpl. Heath, Cpl, Cox, Cpl. Travis, Tpr, Parton, Tpr. Hewitt, Tpr. Pickering, Cfn. Shaw.

Sgt. A. Normington, a daughter, Maria Jane, born at B.M.H., Munster, on 30th August, 1958.

Sgt. C. Murphy, a son, Christopher, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 5th October, 1958.

Sgt. J. C. Leech, a daughter, Deborah Eliza— beth, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 7th July, 1958.

Sgt. F. J. Brooks, a son, Vincent John, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 25th September, 1958.

Sgt. F. A. Simpson, a son, Ivor Frederick, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 3rd October, 1958.

Sgt. D. Leese, a daughter, Angela, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 13th October, 1958.

Sgt. J. Jubb, a son, Stephen William, born at Families’ Medical Centre, Herford, on 22nd January, 1959.

Cpl. R. Drury, a daughter, Jacqueline Ann, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 24th January, I959Cpl. W. P. Gorman, a daughter, Rosalind Margaret, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 16th June, 1958.

Cpl. H. S. Thompson, a daughter, Shirley Ann, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 20th November, 1958.

Cpl. E. Corcoran, twin daughters, Sheena and Melonie, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 9th February, 1959.

L/Cpl. R. Wiflin, a son, Ronald Joseph, born at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 30th June, 1958.

Marriages O.C. “C" Squadron to Trooper in 4th

The Daily Sketch, 13th December, 1958:

Troop: “ Where’s Mr. Barrington-Browne? ” (Troop Leader).

“Back Spud, he’s got the lot. ’ Anonymous Officer to Mess waiter: “ Dad-

“ Who’s he, Sir? ”

son—has my dog dined? ”

Major P. D. Reid to Catherine Fleetwood Boodle at St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, Surrey North Western, on 9th August, 1958.

L/Cpl. J. L. Clarke to Eileen Campbell Andrew at St. Marnock’s Church, Kil— inarnock, on 23rd August, 1958.

L/Cpl. C. T. Allbright to Pauline Ivy Proctor at the Parish Church of St. Alban ThegMartyr, Birmingham, on 20th December, 195 .

L/Cpl. J. F. S. Coventry to Margaret Lilian McGregor at Downfield, Strathmartine Church, Dundee, on 20th September, 1958.

Cfn. E. Birkett to Beryl Iris Cobb at the Parish Church of St. Stephen, Grimsby, on 24th December, 1958.

Cfn. R. Greenhill to Annie Rafferty Conley, at Bridgeton and Newhall Church, Glasgow, on 3rd January, 1959.

Cfn. D. J. Hawkins to Elfriede Maria Jaksties at Winchester Registrar‘s Office, Winchester, on 15th January, 1959.

Tpr. P. J. Meadows to Paula Liesslotte Sass at Registrar’s Office, Manchester, on 12th June, 1958.

Bdsm. I. Craghill to Kathleen Holdsworth at St. Michael’s Church, Mythelmroyd, York— shire, on 5th July, 1958.

Tpr. J. Burrows to Mary Brown at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Liverpool, on ZISt June, 1958.

Tpr. P. Davis to Pauline Thorley at St. Mary’s Church, Boulton, Derby, on 23rd August, 1958.

Bdsm. A. D. Watts to Maureen Margaret Glover at St. Margaret’s Church, Gillingham, Kent, on 6th July, 1958.

Tpr. D. J. Rolph to Maureen Marvell at Parish Church, Hitchin, Herts., on 18th October, 1958.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Tpr.

L.

C.

Gibson

to

Esme

Frances

Brimmell at Parish Church, Redditch, Worcs.,

THE ]OURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

Tpr. E. E. Simpson to Ingrid Christie Brigitte Dudlitz at Herford Standesamt, on 16th December, 1958.

on 15th November, 1958.

I)eaths Tpr. W. J. Ellsmore to Gerda Schmidt at Herford Standesamt, on 16th December, 1958.

ment was over 6ft. 1in., and there were at

ACTON.—]oan Acton, daughter of Cpl. G. Acton, died at B.M.H., Rinteln, on 2nd December, 1958.

@hituarpi

SIR MERRICK BURRELL, Bart., C.B.E. We have to record with regret the death of yet another old Royal in Merrick Burrell, of Knepp Castle, Sussex, who died on 22nd December, 1957. He was born in 1877, edu— cated at Eton and joined the Regiment in May, 1898, accompanying it to the South African War on the 5.5. Manchester Port. He returned home later, after a severe attack of dysentry, and remained with the Reserve Squadron at Shorncliffe. Soon after the termination of the war, he resigned his commission to devote himself to the management of his large estate and become one of the best-known agriculturalists in the country, noted as a judge at shows, and breeder of high-class cattle.

He was President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England in 1936, and was awarded the Gold Medal; Chairman of the Royal Veterinary College for 19 years, and of the Agricultural Research Council for seven years.

Lord Bledisloe wrote to The Times on his death that, “ as an enlightened and progres— sive country squire, he had few, if any, compares in Great Britain.”

He served in the Remount Depot during the Great War, becoming 3 Lieutenant— Colonel and Inspector of Remounts. He was always a keen follower of the local hunt.

LT.-COL. A. S. CASEY Tim Casey’s first attempt to join the Regi— ment in 1915, was foiled when, on arrival in France, it was discovered he was under age.

He re—joined the Regiment in 1916, taking

over a Troop in “ B ” Squadron. From then, until his retirement in Meerut, in 1933, he served on Regimental duties continuously,

LT.—COL. G. W. FERRAND, 0.B.E. “ Ferdie ” Ferrand joined the Regiment in Germany in 1919, when it formed part of the Army of Occupation. Although at that time the average height of the officers of the Regi—

and proved himself to be, in war and peace, a most capable and painstaking Troop and Squadron Leader.

He took part in all forms of sport. On many occasions he played “back” for the Regi— mental polo team, and although never a firstclass player, he was always a great asset to his side. Many Royals will remember his great pony, “Dunboyne,” which played so well when he lent it to the British Army Team which played the visiting American Army Team in 1926.

Fox-hunting, of all his many interests, undoubtedly came first. In the twenties he was a well—known figure with the Cottesmore, Quorn and Belvoir Hounds, when he used to spend his Hunting Leave at Craven Lodge, Melton Mowbray. When he retired, he be— came Master, first of all, of the Earl of Harrington’s Hounds, and then of the Cheshire Hounds. Always, of course, a heavy— weight, nevertheless, he was a very good man cross-country, and hard to beat. His interests were very wide, both in literature and music.

He could talk with knowledge on a very much larger number of subjects than the average Regular soldier.

He married Diana Eyres Monsell in 1935, with whom he had a wonderfully happy life, with a family of three daughters, and a son who is to become a Royal Dragoon in due course.

After serving in England during the last war, his primary occupation was the care of his farm near Oakham. His love of fox—hunt— ing continued throughout his life; out with the Cottesmore, he saw as well as, if not better than, anyone else in the field, a fast 35—minute hunt, at the end of which he fell

from his horse and died.

least 10 officers over 6ft. 3in., he was con— spicuous for his height. After a short spell in Germany, the Regiment moved to Ireland, where he was posted to “ A” Squadron.

After the Irish troubles were over, he re— mained with the Squadron both at Hounslow for a year and then in Aldershot. Perhaps it was his length of limb, coupled with an unflagging energy that undermined his health; but whatever it was, he had a severe illness in 1924 and retired from the Regiment shortly afterwards.

“Ferdie ” was a great sportsman, a keen and very good shot, his other love was fox— hunting. NO day was ever too hard for him, and he could be seen, his long legs wrapped round his horse, cramming it into the most im—

51

possible obstacles. Bubbling with enthusiasm in all he did, he would produce wonderful and novel ideas, supported by an unfailing flow of argument, which would resolve into roars of laughter when the results were not quite what he had expected. He was said to be as wild as a hawk at times, but his great charm and obvious sincerity disarmed all cr1t1c1sm.

In the last war he commanded the 2nd Light Anti—Aircraft Regiment with distinction, and retired with the rank of LieutenantColonel. His many friends will remember his courage, warm heart, and his love for the

Regiment. One of his greatest ambitions was realised when his son joined the Regiment in I947-

JOAN'ACTON The Regiment extends its sympathy to Cpl. and Mrs. Acton on the death of their daughter, Joan, on 2nd December, 1958.

ZEbt flrnnkmnuh memorial

1939=1945 This Memorial bears the Names of Three Thousand Five Hundred Men and Women of the Forces of the British Commonwealth and Empire who gave their lives in their own Country and in many Foreign Lands. In Home and Distant Waters. In the Campaign of 1940 in Norway and in later raids on the Coast of Europe and to whom the fortunes of war denied a known and honoured Grave.

You can get a copy as follows:

So reads the inscription on this memorial which was unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen on Saturday, the 25th Cctober, 1958.

In a peaceful and green garden stands the tall stone Cross of Sacrifice.

Here in one of the panels are inscribed the names of four past members of the Regiment and in this short article we record our tribute to them.

(I)

By making an annual subscription (sec Bankers

Order

overleaf).

Send

your

correct address to the Editor and you

will get your copy direct from the publishers.

As a Retired Other Rank by subscribing to the Old Comrades’ Association.

LIEUTENANT J. A. MACDONALD (3)

CORPORAL C. H. EDINGTON

As

a

Serving

Soldier

from

your

Squadron.

TROOPER F. C. HARLEY (4)

TROOPER W. H. SMITH “ Their name liveth for evermore.”

By writing to the Editor enclosing the

appropriate sum.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

REGIMENTAL PRIZE

CROSSWORD

GAZETTE

COMPETITION REGIMENTAL HEADQ UARTERS Lt.-Col. P. B. Fielden, M.C., Commanding Officer.

RULES I.

' Open to all servmg and ex _ Royals and thei'1' fam‘lie5_ l .

2.

The first correct solution opened on 151 August, 1959, will merit a cash prize of £2 or goods to equivalent value from P.R.I. shop. Solutions should be sent to Editor,

.

.

.

R.S.M. E. G. G. Vowles, Regimental Sergeant—Mair».

f‘p- M.- B. - Noble, 150“P.R.I. “Z era ; )utant.

Capt, Cat.D.S.A.B d,S' ‘w.

Major (Q.M.) J. Lewis M.B.E., Quartermaster.

Lt. (Q.M.) E. C. L. W. Payne, Quaitermaster (Tech). " ~ -, -. ..

LLPD M. JacobsfyAssisltirr‘iilixgilgrir.

uapt' N' A' M' somemnc’ R'A'M'C" Medical Ofimr'

“ The Eagle.”

HEADQUARTER SQUADRON

3

CLUES

ACROSS 1.

Bdsm. Craft, C. G. Bdsm. Clements, T. V. Bdsm. Fisher, D. H.

Lt. T. D. Philips

Sgt. Hall, B.

Bdsm. Meikle, J. A.

Sgt. Allport, T. M.

Bdsm. Mimmack, J. K.

Sgt. Thornton, D. R.

Bdsm. Oliver, A. R.

S.S.M. WOOd, W. R. S~Q~M~S- P3111, I. A.

Sgt. Webster, D. A. Cpl. Louch, J. E.

Bdsm. Shearn, L. D. Bdsm. Slade, B. J.

15 down. (4) Promotion. (I0) After seven years? (4) Health, wealth and Wis—

Sgt. COIYCIE 13Cpl. RObSOH, S. RCPL Morley, K. L/Cpl- Glasgow, 13-

Cpl. Hildred, S, Cpl. Williamson. E. S. Cpl. Wood, M. L. P. L/Cpl. Burrows, J.

Bdsm.

Bdsm.

Bdsm.

Bdsm.

dom for the early one.

(5) Ransack in the armoury.

L/CPI- Taylor, JL/CPI- EVISOTI; L. MTpr. Campbell, I. G.

L/Cpl. Clark, J. L. L/Cpl. Donovan, M. R. L/Cpl. Milne, G. M.

Bdsm. Watts, A. D. Bdsm. Watts, P. E. Bdsm. Whitworth, R. s.

(5)

TPY- Eyers, G. R-

Not suitable for Aden.

TPI- Fry, K~ I

L/Cpl. Pratt, C. P.

(5)

Tpr. lehngham. J. B.

Tpr. Attwood, P. R.

STABLES

Another moved fast but obviously didn’t im-

T131 Hencry} 13Tpr‘ Hepple: .l-

Tpr. Cookson, J. H, Tpr. Bugby, D. M.

CPL Beeforth, ACPL (:00sz E; D-

press. (4, 3)

Tpr. Johnstone, R. L.

Tpr. Baxter, J. M.

L/Cpl. Pemblington, A-

Tpr. Morrison, A.

Tpr. Doxey, E. R.

TPF- Ballard, 3- W-

Tpr. Ruston, D. J.

Tpr_ Fearn, K.

TPL Green, C

Tpr. Shailes, L. K.

Tpr_ Hams, A. D.

M.O.? (5)

.

Country. (5) . Most intimate associate

Tpr. Humphries, A. D.

TPY- Hanson: L- R.

TPR TPFTpr. TPT-

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

TprTpr. Tpr. Tpr.

smart, I Woodward. P. Cordingly, N..

Roberts, J.

R-H-Q. TROOP

Tpr. Egg’wards, M.

$13: 5:33”; H.

Sgt. Leese, D. Cpl. Kerr, G.

T r. .

Tgr. Lyons, B. G.

.

Tpr. MIHS’ R‘ E"

goo b or l? ' the same m message.

P ~ h(4, 3. ck3) ( )

L/Cpl. Coventry. J. E. S. L/Cpl French I] ' Tpr. Byers, I. > '

Tpr. Lyon A. T r McGrath S J P‘ McGowan3 K. ‘ ‘ Tpr.

Tpr. Murphy, H' J" Tpr. Rickaby, F" T p r. Smith ’ R.

.

Machine to complete a shampoo. (5)

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

3

etermine DWCSI Wm; aarrangemen rank. (7) t O f 22 across. (7) . Increasing lot .of Royals. (Io) . . . Slow use of this getaway may entail hot pursurt.

Hunt H. Harris, R. Mereweather, T. E. Peers, A. B. Roy, W. Ruddlck, J. C.

TRANSPORT TROOP Capt. W. S. H. Boucher Sgt. Tltmal‘Sh, C.

TPT- Legg, E»

CPL Bull, R' L-

Tpr. Teasdale, B.

Cpl. Dent, N.

TPI- Smfih; T R- C.

TPF- Young, R- 3J

TPF: Wright ’ bG- ,F- i V. TPY- YOUUE, D.

E??? Evans

R H

Form common to Mgnckhester grid West)l*1(z;r;i.(5)

Lg/thl "156225 M J .x

-'

L/CPi- IgltChlnlgsbG. 'If‘égpfiauercfivas. ' Tpr: Chegswfirtfi, C,

G

F

5-. rS/Sgl- TaiYaVM-I ' R Wgr/Mé Darlllfizr G. . gt. .Wt/oni,

gRovngk ‘~

L/Cpl. Godfray, W. L. G. L/Cpl. Boyes, J"

(4- )

ora¥u-

Tpr. Stocks, T. Tpr. Upstone, A'

Tpr. Smith, D.

Listener p01es apart wholly deserves reward. (5) . Dbfsoerrsjateion post covers three directions—all uncovered. (S) A ship turns cavalryman In Algeria. (5) . I (1631 and lo:e)fifty. (4)

MeLachlari l Morris. A. , KI Neil, W. L. Reader, D. Seton, J. N. D. Sloan, T.

Tpr. Sargeant. A- ]-

TE: IW‘lIaiIt‘t’irijtog D

' 6

Tpr Tpr: Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

TPL SW1“, L.

Theatre -dm reveals an artisan. (2’ 3’ 5).

game. 4

HE‘H’ RHillman, D. P. Hanratty, JHutchinson, GTpr. Jackson , M. A.

v 11? Th Boodled silarsiialli;a nave:

, “Parent food” (and wine too for Royals next yeah)- (4: 2, 4)~

. L011

Hogarth. B. Hibbert, D. Hutcheson, R. L. Fullwood, M. T. Kemp, J.

. Mark of Correctness. (4)

._ Many in often a backward rout(5) come to a Royal house. (5) Allusions dropped.

cange

Tpr- Godden, R.

Tpr. Slmpson. E.

v DOWN Direction. (4) Ripe proiector. (4)

curiosan

L/Cpl. Fraser, W. T.

Good suppliers always have them in mind. (5) Bondsman? (5) Much in a ship creates . inlets.

(5)

ane In t e'ge .( 4) Mask a purl er. Io

k

Storrie, J. Thorne, P. W. Tickle, G. J. Trachy, J. H. G.

of those most dear. (7)

uses

'

Q.M. GROUP R.Q.M.S. Ayrton, A. S. T.Q.M.S. Kimble, F. H.

ADMINISTRATIVE TRoov

9. Amalgamate? Certainly not. Merely a result of

'

Capt, S. E. M. Bradish— Ellamcs,‘ Squadron Leader.

Capt. D. Miller, 2 l/C.

Sent from the Orderly

Room? (Io)

Address ..........................

z/Lt. M. P. T. de Lisle-Bush, Intelligence Officer.

glaifrvlé. I}; WTbrdIlfi‘Mé” Slzcoxccliiin—Command.

‘. M

TE: €233le CR

TPF: Bartoh, F- WT C Tpr. CirrJlJ'dT R Tpr. C pfe a: 1E .

8?} Eh? amap -

Tpr. D2333 E W

Lprl $3133, j

Tgi: Dog/lie3 E. N-

‘

"

Iéégpl-Asrymsf DG 1%" Bd:$' Beg;t ,R IV ' Bdms. Briggs, C. J.

'

’

'

‘

$1): Evma’ J'A Tgr. Gggdch’ild. T. G. Tpr. Henderson, T.

Tpr. Trowcll, B. H.

Bdsm. Burgess, P. R.

Tpr. Houson, H. R.

Tpr. Wilks, D.

Bdsm. Charlton, F. C.

Tpr. Illifie. J. H.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

54

REGIMENTAL GAZETTE Tpr. Ingram, R. A. Tpr. Jackson, B. A. Tpr. Jennings, D. R.

continued from page 53 Tpr. Dymond, J. G.

Tpr. Stones, R.

Tpr. Gibson, E. Sheward, L. T. Strong, T.

ORDERLY ROOM

Major J. B. Evans Capt. J. G. Trouton

” A ” SQUADRON L/ C pl Wood, B. E. pr.Aldworth, B. A

Lt. P. T. Keightley

Tpr. Bailey, C. L

2/Lt. J. G. Hamilton Russell 2/Lt. A. 1. Spencer Nairn 2/Lt. E. C. York

Tpr. Barclay, P Tpr. Boyd, T Tpr. Brown, J. S.

S.S.M. Phillips, P S.Q.M.S. Smith, G. H.

Tpr. Brown, A. Tpr. Brown, T. W.

. Kitchener, J. B. . Kellaway, S. . Kerry, K. J.

Tpr. Broatch, J. A. Tpr. Bateman, B.

. Lock, M. J.

Tpr. McQueen, A. B. Tpr. Mitchell, A.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Tpr. Robert-son, E.

Tpr.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Tpr.

L/Cpl. Spackman, D. J.

Tpr. Yates, C. B. SERGEANTS’ Mass

Tpr. Christmas, C. D. Tpr. Johnson, G. P. Tpr. Marshall, J. D.

Sgt. Thompson, J.

Tpr. Morgan, D. N.

Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt.

L/Cpl. Allbright, C. T. Tpr. Davis, P. Tpr. Dawson, W. G.

Tpr. Wilson, R. D.

Cpl. Baxter, D. F.

Tpr. Wennell, D. C.

Cpl. Corcoran, E. Cpl. Farrant, R. J. Cpl. Jenkins, M. R. Cpl. Price, P. H. Cpl. Rooke, G. E. Cpl. Ruxton, I. B. T.

Tpr. McCormick. P. G.

Robertson, L. Simpson, B. Stannard, W. J. Urquhart, M. M.

OFFICERS’ MESS S.Q.M.S. Weller, E. H.

L/Cpl. Dadson, J.

Barron, C. B. Marsden, K.

Sgt. Leech, J. C. Cpl. Brandon, S. Cpl. Oliver, D. J. L/Cpl. Lunnon, E. W.

ROYAL SIGNALS TROOP S/Sgt.McPhai16D M M..BE.

Cpl. Hiles, G. S. Cpl. Johnstone, I. C.

L/Cpl. Ray, G. P. Sig. Breach, E. S.

Capt. A. W. McQueen

A.S.M. Churcher, C. G. S/Sgt. Sager, C. B.

Sgt. Davis, F. G.

Sig. Hamilton, J. Sig. Harvey, D. Sig. Hewlett, T. Sig. Smith, M. Sig. Speers, J. A. Sig. Spencer, E. ' . Spriggs, A.

Cfn. Ashton, J. W.

Cfn. Birkett, E. Cfn. Blackwood, C. C.

Wallace, T.

.Stead, D. R.

L/Cpl. Barker, R. E.

. . . . .

L/Cpl. Bagguley, B.

McDonald, D. M. Wardle, W. F. Woodhouse, D. Wright, P. L. J. Helyer, F. J. E.

L/Cpl. De La Haye, G. J.

L/Cpl. Fowell, E. J L/Cpl. Held, G. L/Cpl. Muckian, M.

L/ Cpl. Mattimore, T.

L.A.D. . Collins, C. J. . Collins, D. . Cross, M. W. . Clapcott, C. B.

.Marshall, T. R. . Martin, J. . Phillips, M. J.

. Greenhill, R.

. Hall, H. F.

. Walker, J.

. . . . . .

. Waite, R. H. . Walker, C. . Wicks, P. H.

J. S. F. R.

Shaw, F. Simmel, A. G. Symonds, A. G. Thompson, B.

. Wright, A. E. . Wedd, R. C. . Clark, A.

Capt. L. R. Burnside

R.A.E.C. W.O.II Baker, D. C.

S.S.I. Kerkof, M.

Sgt. Normington, A. Cpl. Barratt, 15. E.

. Billington, H. F. . Cameron, R.

. Johnstone, A. . Phillips, B. S. . Rawlins, T. R.

. Smith, J. B. . Smith, R. W. S.

Cpl. Dru.ry,R H. J. L/Cpl. Gregory, P. A. Pte. Adams, R. E.

. Cotterill, J. F. . Harvey, D. J. . Hodgson, D. J.

Pte. Anderson, A. H.

. Hogg, G

. Swanton, R. . Wallis, M.

Pte. Barlow, P. A.

. Jones, B.

. Wilson, E. R.

. Mitchell, J.

Tpr. Edmondson, R.

. Mollon, E. A. . Mott, K. . McNeilly, J. Neild, . O’Dwyer, J. A.

Tpr. Ellis, B.

. Palmer, R. J.

Tpr. Dunn,'C. W.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Fleming, A. R. Flatley, P. M. Franklin, J. R. Flinitoft, D. Gardner, G. Grebby, B. Goodman, G. B. Green, C. W. N. Gillam, D. A. Hilson, P.

Tpr. Humphrey, J.

. Parton, P. . Peat, E.

. Pagett, D. G. Ryan, J . . . . . . . .

Revi‘tt, G. G. Rochester, R. W. Robinson, P. J. Roberts, P. Sharman, P. Staton, K. B. Theaker, T. A. Wallace, J. S.

. Williams, G. J.

R.E.M.E. L/Cpl. Robertson, R.

. Duncan, D.

S/Sgt. Randles, D. C. L/ Cpl. Tidey, D

. Wright, A.P.

L/Cpl. Rowan, D. K.

R.A.P.C. L/Cpl. Tighe, D.

“ B ” SQUADRON L/Cpl. Callaghan,H. L/Cpl. Christie,W

. Cobb, R. . Oonopo, D.

2/Lt. C. G. McIntosh

L/Cpl. Cook, R. L/ Cpl. Helliwell, K. L/ Cpl. L/ Cpl.

2/Lt. A. E. Woodward

L/ Cpl.

S.S.M. Brennan, D. S.Q.M.S. Blackhallar, H.

Sgt. Mackay, J.

L/ Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/ Cpl. L/Cpl.

Sgt. Poulter, R

L/ Cpl. Mustoe, A.

Sgt. Remfry, D. Sgt. Simpson, F.

L/Cpl. Rainger, P. L/Cpl. Swift, G. L/ Cpl. Webster, G. Tpr. Allen, B. Tpr. Ashton, W.

Capt J. W. E. Hanmer

2/Lt. W. M. G. Blac

Sg't. Wight, E . Boakes, A A.C.C.

Calvert, B. C. Duncan, C. Dockray, T

. Mathew, J. . Maw, G. A. . Meadows, P. J.

Tpr. Harrison, A. R.

Sgt. Baguley, E Sgt. Gayler, G.

A.P.T.C.

Carter, J. V. Cartwright, P.

. Thorne, D. B.

Lt. B. J. Lockhart 2/Lt. P. Arnison-Newgass

. Maycock, D.

Clark, R.

. Jamfrey, R. A.

Tpr. Hoiles, R. J. Tpr. Hunt, E.

J.J F. Scott R.A.P.C. . Harrower, A.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Hainnan, R. Hoggart, B. W. Inchley, P Johnson, M. G.

. Payne, R. . Rowland, B. W. . Sneddon, J. D.

. Pinks, M. . . . .

Harris, T. Hawkins, J. Hazzledine, Hudson, P. Keenan, E. Kerr, J. M.

Woods, P. C.

Cpl. Underwood, K. L/Cpl. Allison, D

' i ‘ '

Sgt. Happs, J. W. F.

Cpl. Allen, G. Cpl. Gorman, E. W. Cpl. Harrison, K. L/Cpl. Bartlett, J. B. L/Cpl. Wallace, J. L/Cpl. Kirby, J. L/ Cpl. Callister, R. M.

Cameron, D. J. Dawson, C. Shone, E.

. . . .

.

Cpl. . . .

Boning, K. Collett, A Colvin, C Lornie, C. McCormick, W.

. Murtagh, M. p. Rowland, C. L/Cpl. Allen, H. L/Cpl. Bell. P.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

McAndrew, A McCormick, J. McCurrach, J. McGill, W. Melia, B.

Bateman, B. Belcher, M. Best, A Billington, J. Buckingham, D. Bumpus, R.

Tpr. Caines, R Tpr. Carroll, A.

. Coleman, R. . Coxall, E.

. Curd, R. . Darke, A. . Davidson, J.

. De La Haye, H. . Dunn, G. . . . . . . . .

Dwyer, J. Edwards, R. Elliott, J. Evans, G. Fair, A Fraser, A. Graham, M. Graham, R.

. Halliwell, C. . Harper, C.

. Harvey, R. . . . . . .

Henry, C. Hodder, R. Hughes, J. Jellyman, B. Jordan, P. Lamb, A.

50

THE JOURNAL 01? THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

no, 44 INFANTRY DIVISION (T.A.)

“ i” Squadron continued Tpr. Ludlow, J. Tpr. McBain. A. Tpr. Mewett. R.

'l‘pr. Robbins. 1’.

Tpr. Robson. J. Tpr. Rolph. D.

Tpr. Strassen. G. " . Struthers. C. . Turner, M.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

'

Moore, R. Owen, G. Pearce. S. Platt, A.

Tpr. Priest, N.

Richardson. A. Sayle, T. Simpson, H. Smith, H.

Tpr. Stacey. M.

H '

. . . .

"

. Young, W.

Major B. J. Hodgson EAST AFRICA

ARMY AIR (JORI’S Capt. O. J. Lewis

Warren, T. \‘Vhale, R. White. F. \Villiams, G.

Major C. E. Winstanley

Cpl. Hayes, B. W. G.

IIlh HUSSARS CPI: Hatch .

Capt. N. H. Matterson

Ca t. A. B.

Sgt. Baguiey, E.

Sgs Bosher T Davey

Sgt. Cummings, S. R.

Cpl. Rochfo’rd A. ’

R.A.C. CENTRE ‘

R.E.M.E.

om‘b‘

x . Philip, 1.

Cfn. Booth, M.

E/fé’}, IJMENMH‘ p.

-

'

Cfn. Davis, J. ‘

‘ . Rodgers, B. . Spinks. C.

‘

R.A.P.C. Cpl. Lusk, J.

'

gaffl'RT‘ P' Hart‘Dyk“‘ p.

ADEN PROTECT CRATE« LEVIES « Lt. D. M. Guthrie

Sgt. Tillot, S. D.

KUWAIT

Sgt. Wickenden, P. R.

MOBILE DEFENCE CORPS

H.Q.. 1 (BR) CORPS

.. C n SQUADRON S/Sgt. Bujko, H.

Maior J. A. Dimond, M.C. Lt. P. W. F. Arkwright Lt. W. H. Yates

L/Cpl. McGowan, E. L/Cpl. Messer, T. G. L/Cpl. Moseley, G. H.

. Harper, R. . Hawkins, R. . Henderson, G. S.

. Hill, A. M.

Lt. D. S. Barrington—Browne

L/Cpl. Nlundell, W. F.

2/Lt. W. M. Hallaran

L/Cpl. Sanderson, R.

. Leaver, E.

2/Lt. J. M. Lloyd

L/Cpl. Wilfin, R.

. Lee, W.

2/Lt. T. S. May S.S.M. Clark, J. S.

Tpr. Armstrong. A. G. Tpr. Beckett, K. M.

. Marsh, A. T. . Martin, R. N.

S.Q.M.S. \Varren, R.

Tpr. Brady, J. B.

. MCPhee, R.

Tpr. Branch. R. W.

. McQueen, A.

Tpr. Bream, 1V1. F.

. Mitchell, R.

Sgt.

J.

.

.

Sgt.

Tpr. Breese, J.

. Milton, S.

Tpr. Bowers, P.

. Murray, M.

Tpr. Burch, F. Tpr. Bonn, B. W.

. Newell, R. W. . Pow, M. S

. .

Cpl. Cpl. Alexander, K. T.

Tpr. Burlace, S. C. Tpr. Calladine, G. J.

. Price, M. F. . Raven, R. G.

Cpl. Auty, C.

Tpr. Chesworth, P.

Cpl. Best, A. R. A.

Tpr. Cook, K. w.

Cpl. Heath, J. M. Cpl. Hope, G. W.

Tpr. Condie, W. D. Tpr. Davison, M. J.

. Smallwood, J. . Sparham, W. J. C.

T... DudlexR-K'

£3,533.59?“

Sgt.

_ r .

Sgt.

.

’. .

.

Sgt. Sgt.

.

CPL Mme...

Cpl. Sarll, R. F.

Cpl. Spalding, W’. J. L/Cpi. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl. L/Cpl.

Bennett, A. A. Cairney, H. Clark, G. Clayton, T. Elliott, M. G. Falvey, D. Ingham, J. Matthew, J. A.

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

L/Cpl. Clark,

‘ G' F

Cpl. Fennell, A.

L/Cpl. Jackson

FEDERATION MALAYAN ARMOURED CAR S.Q.M.S. Watorski, W. L.

REGIMENT

Sgt. Baillie-Hamilton, D. L.

RECRUITING SERGEANTS Sgt. Ireland, F. W.

Sgt. Thompson, F. D.

ARMY APPRENTICES‘ SCHOOL

2 ARMY DELIVERY SQUADRON

CID]- OWCD: W-

L/Cpl. Parker, J. D.

. Reynolds, P.

‘ . Robins, F. A.

rS .

WH I TE

'

‘ '

‘

Colour Specialist

Dunkin, L. E.

. . . . . . . .

Flowers, T. R. Fraser, J. McL. Green, T. \V. Hall, M. J. Harding, K. Harrell, M. J. Harrison, M. J.

Cfn. Bartholomew, B. E.

MOTOR

. Spencer, C.

Elder, G. Ellsmore, W. J.

Spencer, B. L. Stott, B. Sweeney, J. Thompson, E. Turner, E. F. Wade, D. Williams, R. Wilson, R. G.

R.E.M.E. S/Sgt. Willison, N. H.

ay

TO THE

EXPORT

(free of purchase tax)

Royal Dragoons *

TIES, SQUARES, HAND .

KNITTED SWEATERS, Etc.

Cfn. Cunningham, J"

VAUXHALL

5

. Oldham, J. O.

.

We specialisein export sales to personnel stationed

in. or proceeding to, Western Germany. lfalready

R.A.P.C.

*

L/Cpl. Meikle, F.

overseas may we accept yourexport orderfor collec-

tion on home leave ? U.K. Personnel waiting overseas posting may take delivery free of purchase tax

OFFICERS AND N.C.0.s EXTRA—REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED ' THE WAR OFFICE

8. Burlington Gardens

mam?55.22.33.225.?.i.*:r;°.;i:.i;f”e:.:;:§ .

Major A. Graham, M.C.

Major J. C. Parkhouse

Maior T. A. K. Watson

LONDON, WI.

S.H.A.P.E.

Established over a century

Lt.—Col. D. N. Macdonald, M.C.

TEL REG 0532

HQ, 2 DIVISION Lt. (Q.M.) B. W. Crockett

‘

(or full details.

We A R M ST R O N G

8‘

CO

(PROPS: AUTAIR LTD) 15 WIGMORE STREET . LONDON . W.l Tel : WELbeck llSl

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL DRAGOONS

HERBERT JOHNSON sperialise in liatrfnr every

ormsion —fnultlmr hat; made to suit yuu perm/tally,

WW,

;

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS OLD COMRADES

‘

ASSO CIATION

(urrmm'ss that is nbsrri'm’ in

Wm (B O N D S T ) LT D

the making qr an rrgimrnml headgear. Also available are impermlrle nrrrflnrirs including regimental

23313310

”W”

TH E

38 New Bond St., London WJ. Mayfair 0784 Weekdays 9 am. — 5 p.m.

ROYA L

4

BANKERS’ ORDER

(Thumdays 6.30 pm)

To ........................................................ BANK LIMITED

Saturdays 9 n.m. — 1 run.

403 London Rd, Cambcrley (Wednesday afternoons only)

D RA G o o N s

(Address)

Date ................. 1960

Please pay to Lloyds Bank Ltd., Cox’s & King’s Branch, 6 Pall Mall, London, S.W.I, for the credit of The Royal Dragoons Old Comrades’ Association, the sum of One pound One shilling, the first payment to be made on the ................................................ 1960 and continue so to pay that amount on the ................................................ in every year to the debit of my account until receipt by you of further notice in writing from me.

G. THOMAS

‘

Up

1

Court Hairdresser

Maintain your

‘

11 DUKE STREET, ST. JAMES

service to

LONDON: S-W-l

Queen and Country

{1 Is. od.

(Hairdressers) Ltd

Ladies" and Gent/emen‘s

And at

19 HI

CH

STREET, ETON

Address ...................................................................................................

in civilian life EXPERT ENGLISH ASSISTANTS

ONLY

Patronised mostly by Officers of H.M. Forces

Join

the British

Legion

“ ROYAL YACHT ” I}

is a very exclusive Hairdressing

“ MY AMBROSIAL SHAVING

CREAM "

“the RESUME” Shaving Office“ Of the

The Legion co-operates with your regimental association and speaks for all ear-service men and women

ROYAL DRAGOONS and their Families are cordially invited to the above addresses, where they will always find best attention given

Signature:

BRITISH

LEGION.

49

FALL MALL, S.W.l

SPAPERS ADVERTI WSEMENT PAGES. . S.W.1.

'7 TEL. WHITEHALL 250d.

SALES

.

MAIN

SERVICE

.

SPARES

seesaw

+

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m1.

furihlimx

for North-West Hampshire SELF

DRIVE

AND

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Phone ANDOVER 3525

QUEENANNE RARE SCOTCH WHISKY

A BANKERS,

from [/16 Chairman (1/

1

ORDER

MESSAGE

To: The Manager,

HER MAJESTY’S FORCES

‘

KIWI

SAVINGS ('()Ml\’II'l"I'EE

DEEP SHINE LOOKS SMARTER

11? you iiAvt-N' r Al Rl Mxv started saving. you should try to develop the savings habit \\l1llC you are in the Services.

Please pay to The Eagle Fund, The Royal Dragcons, c/o Lloyds Bank Ltd, Cox’s & King’s '

Branch,

Gds.

. Thelcfmfexcelltinl‘llWll'lff.1035“”lg m .lll UnitN til the SCIVILCS in ugly p.111 (1i thc

and

Cavalry

Section,

6, Pall

Mall, London,

S.W.I,

the

sum £0

125.

0:1.

( .................. shillings) on Ist January, 1960, and annually thereafter on the same date.

world—4n fuel the slogan 0'1 H.M. Forces

Savings Commitlcc is “thrcvcr you serve, you C'dll SllVC.

We have an excellent xcrics nl~ lcutlcls (:lS illustrated above) vihich tell in simple lun_______ (Signature)

guuge all about Forces Savings.

Why not write for :1 copy 01‘ the leaflet which applies to your Service? Write to me personally:#

Name in Block Capitals ..........................................................................................

Address

Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Saunders. (it'll. klll‘i ML'. I)| K . MM.

('hairman. H.M. Forces Savings committee, l, Princes Gate, London, S.\\'.7.

. ,1

.- .

1. 1-

“k deep mm the 1

leather. to give :1 gleaming. long-lasting: shine. [um-z! [11‘ [Lil/1 lint m Still/rut ('ummi/lm'

deep shine with KIWI 'DEEP-GLOW‘ COLOURS ’ Prinlud llI Cqul Elli-till

SIIP PI [MEN T Ni 1

17"

i 1 leEE PA (F

l7 Appalnrm-m

1. Nu "mm Y». w»anh mm.........

Ivylm I Hunt

You get more for your money with all

CflMWfih

TryBURMA SAUCE Every drop is of full flavour

M I N E RAL WAT E R 5

BaLratts sweets MADE

IN “1000

GREEN

lONDON

Ask forWhite-Cottell's Worcester Sauce

LEMON SQUASH, 8.c.

SOLD EV N.A.A.F.|. CANIIENS

Wm“ g

.

I

I

I

I

Rd/n‘xho‘ ANN spark, Imzw’ um] \fmrl

Meltonian Wright’s SHOE CREAMS

COAL TAR SOAP and WHITE DRESSINGS 1mm

The best

IOR 10‘er BAIH AM) 1“.“th

SWEETS

T P” M“

w: HELP TO FEED THE

(Imps

NATION

you ever struck

C2201

are good to eat!

BRITISH MADE by

BRYANT 81

MACDONALD & MUIR LTD. Distvllers - Leith - SCOIIGHCI

MAY

"IE SAUCE nut noes vou GOOD GOODNESS

PARK DRIVE

BROWN 8: KNIGHT, LTD. Ham Specialists

93. Lower Marsh LAMBETH, S.E.1

‘ / WW / MMIWWWWill/I(fl/I

I‘IIAN'K

Huntley & almers

for the real

\

Blscults REGAL

FRUIT

DROP3

P

“‘WWWWWVWWWWWW

um's . / l e I / c a / a c n I/e GENUINE

of tobacco

MADRAS

CURRY POWDER Peacock

Brand

THE SECRET OF A GOOD CURRY

MILITARY 8. ORCHESTRAL For Your Enloyment

Callard & Bowser's

DRUMS

Celebrated "IhisIIe Bland"

as supplied '0 KImlIc: mu, HM‘ sumac oI Guald) a 3 3c.

20 FOR 3’aIso PARK DRIVE TIPPED at 1’3 '01- lo 0 2’6 for 20

BUTTER-SCOTCH

EmbIazonmcnt and (EDJHS .1 SpeciJhw

Famous since 183 7

L. W. HUNT DRUM CO. LTD. ~———

IO’II ARCHER ST.. W,I.

GER. 8911’2 Pvmled m GveaI Inlun Pfin'o4 In Gr’QI iriIiIn

SUPPLEMENI Nu

2~PAGE FOUF

SUPPLEMENI No. IvPAGE THREE

NT PAGES. HALL 2504.

milk chocolate BIS CUlT

gain! only There's a lovely In! of chocolate on SPORTS! Thick, chunky dairy-rich chocolate . . . “ith .1 Carr‘s snrrl crisp biscuit crulrc. Such a biluble bargain for only 21d.

1 d __ ' 2 each

NESCAFE Ncscafc' is a registered trade mark to designate Ncsllés instant coffee

i--‘l||||l!l[HlHllHllli

.l lllHHilllilllillllHlllllllliilillHHillllllllilHlllllliiili‘llllllllllllllllllll‘

Really good meals Really fast Nip in to the

Where will the Brigadier be at 1100 hrs. tomorrow ?

NAAFI Stores for \\

\‘ls $\\\

\\

\1Mt §\

\s; \ \

wherever you go...

You'll always find lime to enjoy Sun - l’at ('liocnlmc Coated Raisins. 'l'hey’rc a foul trout—rind Chocolate Roasted l’cauuts are iusl as good.

Bolh are now ulxiuinnhlc from your N.;\.A.F.I. in llzllllh l‘ilk‘lis.

WHITESIDE

&

CO

LTD - LONDON

SE5

filllllillllllllllllilllllllIIIH[lilllillilllllllllllllllllHHHHHHIH:’ Prinled in Gyeal Brilain SUPPLEMENT No. l—PAGE FOUR

AN OF DECISION. Knows what he wants and sees he gets it. Regular Army. Man ofregular habits, too, the Brigadier. Dependable.

Tomorrow he has a rendezvous at Lloyds Bank, to cash that weekly cheque. Why Lloyds Bank?

He’ll tell you.

From the day he was first commissioned, he banked with the Cox’s & King’s branch of Lloyds Bank — the official Agent to his Regiment. Since

then, in wartime and peacetime, at home or overseas, Lloyds Bank has given him service, in many ways, beyond the call of mere account-

ancy.

Lloyds, says the Brigadier, has always been a proper bank; no frills or gadgets, but nothing too much trouble.

Yes, he’ll be at the local branch tomorrow. At 1100 hrs. precisely.

LLOYDS BANK LIMITED

fly BEA CHEAP FARES FUR FORGES 1959 Nothing like a flying start for gaining extra time on leave. Fly swiftly and in comfort by BEA aircraft—big reductions on tickets for UK. leave.

Available for travel

by BEA and associated carriers only to all members of HM. Forces.

Ask your Travel Agent.

Welfare Officer or nearest; BEA Office for details of schedules and fares.

‘HUrry homg' _

.

someone’s waltlng’

$74

7/48

BRITISH

EUROPEAN

AIRWAYS

Produced for the Editor, " The Eagle," The Journal of the Royal Dragoons, by Combined Service Publications, Ltd., 67-68, Jermyn Street, Se. James 3, London, S.W.x.

and Hasungs and Folkcstone.

Prmted in Great Britain by F. I. Parsons, Ltd., Lennox House, Norfolk Street, London, W.C.2.,

Advertisement Agentl: Service Newspapers, Ltd., 67-68, Jermyn Street, S.W.r. (Phone: Whitehall 25045.