RGJ Newsletter 1997

THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION F.:

8

...< -

'

.

.-, -

,

,

.

? .

i,' >

'

,

.

.

. '' . m,.-

: c .

.

.

1 .

.; ..:

,

.

.

,

'THE ROYAL, ,?GREENJ . .

4 -

.

.

...,r..

- tn

'.-G'!.% -47 ,,.-p

.

.

.

I

;,

.

.

..

-

.

.

S

.

La

.

' 4 ,

I" .

I'

.

.

-

. -:. , .,..

.

:

....

-

.

.

.

.-I

.

.%.

.

I

8

-.-_, .

.:r

1

K-

,:.

-'

r

I.-*

.

;

t

.

.

.

. . .. ,

8'

,

\

'

-

...

'-c:. ,

$> ; jS$ - r

....

r

.

b.-'

g

,

,

S

,:.!r'

.-

-11

-

.r

-

l

.,,

.

.

\

-

<?- . . I -

,

,.-'

,-

I

,. :

.

. . . , &&L; .

- .F'?-

t:

. . .

s:;;:~, ..

i~

'.,:.v

.

,1997

.

-. .

,,I

..

*... . . . .

7

8

?

-i

.-

--',-qyr . ,-

.

.

-71

'-L

. .

. --

. 'c-:-:> . .

47 k t. l

.

.

. .

.

NEWSLETTER

S"

'.

-.

-, .

.->L .. ...

?.:.L . -

.

.

8

. *-

.

i., ,qJ. :-y ; i .

.F$, z

8

.............

. , :S<-. .

8

;

.c&..>Y,;:

I .

;

-

. -~ -

-

%

..

1

.

-

Colonel-in-Chief The Queen Colonels Commandant and Honorary Colonels 1997 Rcprcscnlali\.c Coloncls Coni~na~idalit and Coloncl Coniniandanl 2RGJ Liculcnanl General CBQ Wallacc. OBE Colo~iclComniandanl 1 RGJ Mqjor Gcncral CGC Vyyan. CBE Honoran Colo~icl4(V)RGJ Tlic R1 Hon Sir Gcoffrcy Pallic. PC. MP Honoran~Coloricl YV)RGJ Coloncl RJ O'Ncill A 0 Battalions

1st Ballalion 2nd Battalion 4lh(Volunteer) Battalion : SlIi(Volunteer) Batt a1'Ion : A'TR Winchester

Liculcnant Coloncl JT Jackson Liculcnanl Colo~iclJH Gordon. MBE, Liculcnanl Coloncl GS Snlilh, TD Licutcnanl Coloncl MBD Smilli. MBE Liculc~ianlColoncl JA Alliill

Recn~ilTraining

Amiy Trailling Rcgimcnl. Winclicslc~-and lnfa~ilryTrai~ii~ig Ccnlre. Callcrick Alliances

l

I

Auslralia

Wcslcrn Australia University Rcgimcnt Sydncy Uni\.crsil\. Rcgi~iicnt Mclbounic Univcrsily Rcgi~iicnl Tlic Brilisli Columbia Rcgiliic~ll(Dukc of Connauglll's O\\:n) Pri~icessPalricia's Ca~iadia~i Liglil Infanln* The Quccn's O\vn Riflcs of Canada Tlic Brockvillc Riflcs The Royal Winnipcg Riflcs Tlie Royal Rcgi~iaRiflcs

New Zcaland

1st Battalion. Royal Nc\v Zcala~idInfanly Rcgi~ncnt 6th Ballalion (Hauraki). Ro\,al Nc\v Zcalalld 11llinlt-yRcgiliie~il

Soulli Africa

Tlic Durban Light InfanlnTlic Kaffraria~iRiflcs

Fiji

The Fi-ji Tnfanln~Rcginicnl

Pakistan

2nd Ballalion The Frontier Forcc Rcginic~il(Guides) Affiliations

Royal Gurklia Riflcs

1

HONOIIRS AND AWARDS 1996

We cot~gratulatethe following on their awards New Year Honours 1996

MBE Lieutenant Colonel JH Gordon - GO 2RGJ Major NP Carter - MNACGS Queen's Birthday Horlo~~rs 1996 013E Colonel SC Hearn - I T 0 Commnnder's Congratnlntory Brigadier J.M. Patrick MBE, ADC Comd, 145 (Home County) Bde

O~~tstnlldir~g G r d or1 Colj~hnfI ~ l f n l ~ f i y ~.'v ?Co11r.w ~nl~ The Commander congratulates the following member of 5(V) RGJ on receiving the "Best Endeavour Award" on his recent CTC course at ITC Catterick: 24957868

Rfn

Lockhart

"Best Endeavour" on CIC 96.01 fi.om 13 Apr 96 to 3-7 Apr 96.

VALE

The Regiment extends condolences to the families and friends of those who died while servicing in 1996.

W 0 1 L Collins 3RGJ, permanent Cadre of 22 SAS on 6 Dec 96

i

And also ex Riflemen and loyal Association members of the Regiment: Bdsm KD Jenkins - Feb 97 aged 43, 2RGJ, Leaves a widow, Si~san,a son & dauyliter. Adc11.c~~ 28 Hornscrof? Road, Bolsover, Derbyshire Cpl C.A.W Stephens (Charles) - 1 7 Feb 96 Kent Enlisted RB on 4.1 2.4 1 Served 1 st & 2nd KRRC, ROD 1946 Major S Sperling - 9 Mar 96, RB WO11 Jock Neil - 17 June 96 Colchester 43rd & 52nd, RGJ

\

WO11 J. Humphrey - 20 June 96 Liverpool I RGJ R h R.W. Barnett - Aug 96 Maidstone, Kent, RGJ (Borneo 1964-67) n of k mother. Any friends please make contact through David Lamb 01 81 -559991 6 WOII R.H. Hughes - 2 1 Sept 96 Shrewsbury DLI, 1 LI, RGJ (Peninsula Band) Major (QM) B. Cox - 1 1 Oct 96 431-d & 52nd, RGJ Douglas Hazelton - 25 Dec 96, Ips~vicIi1 RL 8 RB, RGJ Association B Leeson Earle - 13 May 96

FOREWORD BY BRIGADIER G de VW HAYES, CBE Chilil-man Royal Green Jackets Associiltion

This has been a year of progress for the Association and 1 am sure we are on tlie right lines to build up membership as well as get all of yoir in the Branches better informed about the serving part ofthe Regiment and the activities ol'the battalions. However, I am equally sure that despite our efforts "at the top" little change has yet been seen by the membership; it cloes take time for everything to filter down though so do not dismiss what is being attempted as of no consequence for you - remember we are on a five year plan with one year gone only!

The first most important step forward has been in getting the regular battalions to nominate Branch sponsors from within their Sergeants messes. The idea here is for these individuals to liaise closely with the Branches and arrange to visit and update you at specific meetings you 110ld.

Obviously this will not be on a montlily basis but one or two such visits each year is the aim. 1 would ask you to support this initiative and turn out for the evening when a "sponsor" is coming to your Branch. Much effort will go into the scheme from the battalions and we sho~rld reciprocate by making the effort to attend.

The second important bit of progress is obtaining increased financial backing fiom tlle Regimental Funds thus allowing 11sto upgrade the Newsletter to a glossy p~rblicationwith pictures. Tile first such edition is due next year and it will come to you free, by post, as is the current practice.

Again I would ask for your involvement and support to make the magazine a success. We have ideas for a correspondence section and for reminiscences to be included, but these will fail without your contributions; start dusting off your diaries and pllotograpll albums now so that you can give us material when we call for it.

1 hope you will find the information in this edition of tlie Newsletter is interesting and that you will feel it is keeping you in touch with tlie Regiment. Keeping in toucli and maintaining links with the Regimental Family is, after all, a key function for the Association. We are inlproving in this area but we do need you to support our initiatives if we are to succeed fully.

Once again I hope to see many of you at Branch gatherings or tlle Association Reunions during the year. Best wishes for 1997, and keep on the look out for those sparky potential young Riflemen. Recruiting is better but we still need everyone we can get.

THE LICI-IT DlVlSlON

Hc~~~(1qunrters Tile Ligllt I)i~li.$ion HQ Light Division was closed down on 1 April 1996 and tlie newly structi~redHeadquarters Infantry opened at Warminster, incorporating the now smaller offices of the Divisions of Infantry. Wliilst accepting Headquarters Tnfantry as the primary focus for all Divisional Offices, some Divisions have also retained their offices in the respective Divisional area of interest. Tlie 1,ight Division is one of these and has kept the offices in Sir John Moore Barracks (SJMB) "Tlie Monie of The Light Division". The mai~i effort of the Division's work is carried out at Wincliester.

DIVISIONAL HlCHLlC [ITS

Tile B m d In October The Band of The Light Division earned an excellent report from tlieir first I<neller Hall Inspection. For tlie first time since tlie formation of either Tlie I,iylit Infantry or The Royal Green Jackets the Band have been issued with a proper ceremonial uniform. It has been modelled on tlie old 'Rifles' ceremonial uniform, and tlieir concert i~niformis now tlie old No 1 Dress (Greens) uniform.

C(l(lL?tCup Tlie Light Division Cadet Cup, run at ATR Winchester, continues to be a major event in the cadet calendar. This year 12 teams (120 cadets) took part from all over the Country. All the participating teams were the winners from earlier regional competitions. The Competition concluded with a parade and prize giving at which Lieutenant General Christopher Wallace, The Representative Colonel Commandant took the salute. The Cadet movement is certainly alive and well.

Mmning rrntl Recruiting The manning situation has improved markedly since last year's report, both in absolute numbers ant1 f i ~ t ~ ~trend. r - e Recruiting continues to be a top priority for the Division and we are forecasting a Divisional surplus against establishment in May 97.

THE RECTMENT

ilcrtrnlion loccrtions: lRGJ Kiwi Barracks, Bulford Camp, Nr Salisbury, Wilts SP4 9PJ 2RGJ Alanbrooke Barracks, BFPO 22 4RGJ 56 Davies Street, London W1 Y 2HR 5RGJ TA Centre, Slade Park Barracks, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JJ 1st BATTALION LETTER l

i

r l

l

I

19 January 96 saw the First Battalion parading in its new honie at Kiwi Barracks in Bulford - a chilly occasion for many who had forgotten the finer points ofdrill on an extremely cold morning! At the time the Battalion was woefi~llyunder-equipped, as all the vehicles originally held on the Kiwi Barracks account were those that had spent the last 2 years in Bosnia in UNPROFOR livery. Gradually both vehicles and equipment started to arrive from 3 "owners" in 4 different places, in order to bring us up to scratcl~.It is only due to the Herculean efforts of the QMs' Departments that training was able to go ahead on schedule. (We were subsequently to bring back our original vehicle fleet from Bosnia as part ofthe theatre drawdown thus putting us in the unusual position of having progressed from owning no fleet in January to two fleets by December!)

As nsual the first three months of the year were given over to the annual round of cadres. A Company was responsible for running tlie NCOs Cadre. This was based in Rollestone Camp. \vhich allowed thcm

a free hand without having to contend with the problems of the remainder of the Battalion settling into a new barracks. Sixty Riflemen started the cadre with twenty-six passing tlie course, (including Cpl Wooley, who did his second NCOs Cadre March Off - filling in without notice as Right Marker!). The Recce Platoon were also confronted with the task of re-roling at this time. To their credit they managed to complete all their annual mandatory tests and pass their field firing at a Lulworth concentration having had to borrow a large amount of kit from other local units just to get to the range! Tlie other support weapons cadres then temporarily swallowed the vast majority of Riflemen from tlie Rife Companies in line with tlie need to convert to a Mechanised Battalion's manning requirement. (With I(Sp) Coy and I RGJ now seeming to be one and the same could be forgiven for thinking that the Rille Companies' hierarchies were having a swan!) The respectable inoved to Otterburn in March for a week's field firing only to find that "fog stopped play". Conseqi~entlytlie MG/Bugles and Mortar Platoons immediately drove all the way back to Salisbury Plain to "show again', whist the Milan Platoon and the Snipers made the best of the situation in Otterburn.

On completion of the cadres platoons were allowed to settle down to a somewhat frantic 'norm' as they started to learn about their new vehicles in time for the main exercises in the summer. Gradually the i~niversalsuspicion of the Saxon wore off as everyone came to realise its strengths and weaknesses in a conventional warfare setting. Drivers went through a crash course (literally, in the case of Rfii Diamond, who decided to redesign a bridge which had stood quite happily on its own for many years without his help!) of driving both day and night on and off road. Full credit must go to tlie platoon for mastering their much-loved (Durch) Saxons in time for TESEX. At this time we were also confronted with the problem of how to solve the under-manning in the Battalion with regard to the impending 'Op Resolute' operational tour to Bosnia. Several solutions were proposed to cover the shortfall, however the end result was the arrival of B Squadron QDG roled as an HQ element and two platoons. A Company would be disbanded prior to deployment to Bosnia witli its two platoons going to C Company and B Squadron respectively.

In April the Battalion was also given the task of organising the 3 and I Division Skill-at-Arms Meeting.

The event was deemed an outstanding success witli tlie Battalion team winning all the ma.jor competitions. With our strongest opposition now no longer in Bosnia, (1 QLR R: 1 WFR), we will have a harder task ahead of us in 1997! Meanwhile B Company had been conducting a KAPE (Keep the Army in the Public Eye) Tour to Milton Keynes in alliance with E Company SRGJ. Soon the good burgers of Milton Keynes were being addressed with loud hailers from passing cars and given an avalanche of recruiting literature by any Rifleman in sight. The net result was that the Battalion was able to sign up 72 new recruits - a performance we hope to repeat next year.

The undoubted highlight of our training in 1996 was our participation in TESEX in May. TESEX is a series of progressive blank-firing, exercises using lasers to simulate both 'kills' and 'hit' to both men and vehicles. For the first time all ranks were able to see concrete evidence oftheir plans as people lay dead and wounded around them. Specific wounds were decided by opening the casualty card carried by each soldier, covering all forms of injuries from severely bruised testicles to other more gory afflictions! The enemy were provided by B Company 2 RGJ, whose participation gave added poignancy to the Battalion's performance; suffice to say that we are still on speaking terms. In an exercise full of incident the most memorable incidents must be B Company's lighting clearance of Imber - Saxons being used to break through an anti-personnel minefield and serving as scaling ladders to get in through first floor windows, and C Company's capture of a Cliallenger tank from 1 RTR by Sgt Owen, much to the OPFOR commander's eternal surprise. TESEX could not have had a better endorsement wlien it was felt by the Battalion to be the best exercise we had been on any subsequent dry training could only seem rather tame. 1997 will see us being the first Battle Group to have completed tlie exercise twice, so it is hoped that we can remember the lessons after 6 months away from conventional warfare training.

The Bramall Trophy was nln in tlie second week in June. Altliough only one day, tlie inter-platoon competition produced the normal amount of first night nerves. Tlie emphasise was on simplicity - a March and Shoot preceded by a pal-ticularlyunpleasant inspection nln by tlie RQMS. The Recce Platoon were the outright winners, although they came in for a lot of stick having been seen furtively practising beforehand. At the end oftlie month tlie Companies -carried out an aclditional period of field firing on Dartmoor and Otterburn as part of our mandato~ypre-Bosnia training.

At tlie beginning of July it was heads down to pre-deployment trailling, similar to that nln for No~thern11.eland.This consisted of a comnianders' cadre and a Rattle Group Trainer, culminating in a 10 day training package based at Copehill Down FIBUA complex. Eacli Company was given a sector in tlie village in which to establish a SF base. Training involved a series of stands which concentrated on specific aspects relevant to Bosnia, followed by a 48 hour exercise. The highlight of the training was undoubtedly our efforts at trying to learn Serbo-Croat in 45 minutes. Altliougli none could claim to have progressed far, our attention was ~~ndividedly witli tlie teacher, owing to her delightful vital statistics.

l

I

l

l

l I l

l

l

il

1

On 10 and 19 August the Pre-Advance and Advance Parties dcployed to theatre Landing in Split on the Croatian coast. caused some t/c)jnIIII as it looked remarkably like returning to our old haunts in Cyprus. Even at this early stage we were warned off by the Commanding Officer that we may well bc short-toured. This was hardly a surprise as the IFOR mandate agreed in Dayton, Ohio ran out on 20 December 1996. Throughout our tour we had no longer than 10 days committed to any one plan before it was duly changed in favour of a more recent 'Rumour Control' amendment. Tlie Battle Group was deployed in the Lasva and VI-basvalleys which nin through central Bosnia and tlie Domaroc Alps Battle Group HQ, B Company and B Squadron were based in the Tom and Precision Factory camps in Gornji Vakuf and C Conlpany was based in the Nova Bila Scliool camp near Vite Eacli Company was augmented by a platoon from I(S1)) Coy; MG/Bugles to B Squadron, Milan to B Company and Mortars, to C Company, with Recce Platoon being held as the Rattle Group reserve deployi~igtwo sections to Vitez.

The Battle Group area was dominated by high ground overlooking tlie two valleys in which most people lived. The main towns in our area were Bugojno, Gornji Vakuf, Prozor, Busovaca and Vitez. Tlie whole area was contained in the MuslimJCroat Federation part of the country, so we had no direct dealings with the Bosnian Serbs. Tlie area was strategically important to both sides and fighting liad flared here first in the 1993 conflict Gornji Vakuf remains a divided town and still bears the prominent scars of very fierce fighting throughout the town. This reflected the increased polarisation of both communities throughout the area. Although peace is being enforced there is still much unfinished business between the local communities Our area is likely to be in the thick of any fi~turefighting Our primary role was to ensure that all the former warring factions were coml)lying with the Dayton Peace Agreement, which required regular checks of all tlieir eq11il)mentand weapons in tlieir camps and section-level foot and vehicle patrolling throughout each Company area. This was not always as easy as it sounds, as C Company found out. On finding unauthorised armed guards at a n armaments factory C Company followed the 'letter of tlie law' ancl immediately denlanded the handover of the 2 0 AK47s to their safe keeping. Good-natured Croat reluctance led to CpI PI-ice'ssection being joined by C111 Bold's. With still no success Lt Moodie was rapidly promoted to hIajor in order to try and solve tlie problem. Shortly the Company Second-in-Command, Capt Barber was on the scene, as a furtlier escalation seemed imminent, (causing much Rosnian confi~sionas hIaj Moodie was demotedl). With much sabre-rattling and the phase "Right, that's it.. " tlie area resembled a war zone - helmets, Body Armour, fire positions and three Recce Platoon Scimitar CVR(T)s (Cl11 Stacks: "Boss, we're on your command to load and fire the 30mm!") all very much in evidence.

"'Right, we want your weapons now "Nope, No way!"

"Right, that's bloody it. Get the Colonel down here Rfii Brock (signaller)" Suitably attired, Maj Worsely appeared in order to see if a non-textbook solution coi~ldbe produced from this comedy of errors. Common sense prevailed and tlie textbook enjoyed its first i~nmannedflight out of the window. The armaments factory was allowed to maintain tlie integrity of its security by keeping its now registered and, therefore authorised weapons.

B Company suffered similar problem as Cpl Ware soon showed \vhen, on patrol without an interpreter,

liis section came across a local carrying an AK47. AAer at least tliree hour negotiation, during which he seems to liave tried to bribe tlie owner with most items Her Mi~jesty'sGovernment's clothing in his section's possession, he was finally successfi~lin securing tlie offending article. Sadly this calmness does not seem to have reached Company headquarters which, on having, not disconnected its antennaes during a lightning storm, enjoyed a dramatic bang when the innards of all the radios gave up the ghost Captain Liardet, W02 Cochrane and CISgt Fozzard were all found taking cover under the same table believing they were under bombardment.

Meanwhile, B Squadron had been enjoying tlie dramatic views of the mountains east of Gornji Valiuf.

Whilst out patrolling tlie more hair-raising parts of the patch Rfn Brute's Saxon suffered from the road collapsing beneath it. The vehicle came to rest 'parked' at the top of a 300 foot drop with only a thin tree to prevent its fall. LCpl Verity's cool and calm reporting of tlie problem was however somewlint marred by his getting the grid reference a little confi~sed- "in the door and then up the stairs", not the other way round! r t Organisation for Security and For the period of the 15 September elections, we were to s ~ ~ p p othe Cooperation in Europe. The elections turned out to be a non-event, altliougli in preparation one coi~ld have been forgiven for thinking that a second invasion in Normandy was imminent! Aside from this brief excitement the daily routine was occasionally broken by the Adjutant living out liis Spaghetti Western fantasies by drawing his 9m pistol and nonchalantly shooting a critically i~ijureddog. Cpl Wlieddon was believed to have matched this with his own Pest Control Programme in C Company's camp in Vitez.

The Padre's exci~rsionsaround the country were guaranteed to keep all on their toes in expectation of his arriving at yet another car accident - a regular occurrence due to the locals approach to safe driving being that ofbbsomeF***ing nobber", as the Commanding Officer's statement read of his own Land Rover's accident.

In addition to all the above, all Companies found themselves heavily involved in Community Aid projects to rebuild the local infrastnlcti~reand platoon training. Whilst all was quiet niany platoons managed to get away to Dobmja, in the Serb area, to conduct some field firing for three days. This was brought to a shuddering halt by the news that, as part of the theatre drawdown prior to 20 December, we were to be back in the UK in November with only 20 days notice. Once confirmed this produced an undeniable boost to morale, ensuring that we were both 'gonged-up' and still going to get back to have Christmas with the family, and so we were!

Signal received on 12 November 1996 by IRGJ on their return from Bosnia For CO and all ranks from D Inf. As you return to B1.11fordand take some well earned leave, I congratulate you all on your performance in Bosnia. Your soi~ndprofessionalism and impartiality will have won you many friends in the difficult circumstances under which you have been required to operate. I also pay tribute to the fortitude and resilience of your fc~~nilies and members of yoi~rrear party for whom the last few months will liave passed all too slowly. You have acquitted yourselves with great

credit and added a proud chapter to the history of your forebears. Well done all 1997 promises to be eqi~allybusy with Battalion and Brigade exercises on Salisbury Plain, another TESEX, a 5 month Joint Rapid Deployment Force commitment and a six week exercise to Kenya. No rest for the wicked!

2nd BATTALION LETTER

Tlie mood of our tour in Northern Ireland changed clr~amaticallyin February, with the exl)losion at Caiiary Wharf shattering the hopes that Army deployments to the Province might soon be a thing of ~llc past and causing a degree of saciness and disappointment throughout the Battalion. Despite P l R A irlitially holding back from direct violence here in Ulster, the tempo of our training was immediately stepped up and we found ourselves working even harder to make sure that our skills were up to thc mark. The new year also saw a change of Commanding Officer from Lt Col Nick Parker to Lt Col Jamie Gordon and the renaming of C Company to R Company.

Whilst the Battalion was geared to provide up to 3 companies on a variety of different tasks we were routinely organized with a company on operations, a company training, a company guarding Palace Barracks, and a company on leave, adventure training, or 'Out of Province' training.

The operations company's main focus was preparing to deploy forward into Belfast to assist the Belfast Roulement Battalion. In addition to this the company had to be ready for a number of other options and carried out routine escort and limited familiarization patrols in West Belfast. Early in the New Year we were looking at options to take over the North Belfast TAOR and a number of CPXs were run to practise this. In the event the GRB was eventually deployed and was to remain in place for the remainder of our tour. Easter brought the first signs of trouble and our first operational deployment as B Company were positioned forward ready to assist the RUC should the Marches develop into serious public disorder. The whole battalion stood by for a tense few hours but military support was not required. On two occasions, both whilst R Company was on the operations part of the cycle, the company has deployed into South Armagh. More recently it has been permanently based forward in Belfast.

In June, R Company was involved in a 2 day operation to help secure an area in South Armagh wllilst the RUC searched a suspect farmhouse in connection with the Canary Wharf bombing. Tlie operation lasted 2 days with excellent weather and 'more helicopters than a Vietnam film' and was a welconie change to the operational routine in Holywood. CSM Carolan managed to shred his trousers in a blackthorn hedge only 5 minutes into the operation and Rfn 'Psycho' Carey discovered that some fences hit back - with 240 Volts. R Company deployed again in September (with Rfn Foster actilally bringing his own cam-stick), this time for a longer operation to refhrbish water pipelines wliicli fully tested the company's rural skills. Amongst these was the digging of trenches - something not practised mucll in Belfast - but successhlly carried out by R Company in the first hours of the operation. Trench construction provided the scene for this deployment's drama when the Sapper trench machine lost control and crashed through a hedge very nearly taking out company headquarters.

Tlie events surrounding Drumcree in July marked the Battalion's busiest operational deployment of the year. Mounting tension at Dn~mcreeled to sporadic outbreaks of loyalist violence across the Province.

All 4 companies were deployed at various times throughout the week mostly under command 7 and 9 R IRISH. In the initial stages there was widespread disn~ptionvery close to the barracks. The Second in Command arrived back from leave to be driven at speed down a deserted motorway through one of the company check points and B Company commander was most surprised when his Saxon was petrol bombed in the normally sleepy environs of I-Iolywood, close to the Barracks. For most of tlle

-.

deployment B Company found themselves working in the Short Strand, initially trying to keep loyalist trouble makers away from the Rel~ublicancommunity After tlie loyalists were allowed to march at Dn~mcreethe company, in classic Province style, found themselves looking both ways as they became the focus for both community's anger. They endured a very difficult night with widespread disorder and several challenges to tlie integrity of their baseline. Baton rounds were fired but thankfully no injuries sustained by either side. R Company found themselves on the Ormeall bridge with tlie unenviable task of helping to keep the Ormeau residents clear of the road to allow the Apprentices to pass The operation went well until an earlier than planned RUC extraction left one of the 4 tonners - which liad been used as a screen - ~~nguardcd.

An observant team noticed a rather young driver in the cab who managed to escape with the vehicle keys. Tlle REME liad solved the problem 30 niinutes later but R Company still had to live with the embarrassment Support Company under Maj Patrick Sanders found themselves first in Lame, then at a roi~ndabouton the approach to Aldergrove where they successfi~lly dispersed a large crowd and opened up the road, and then for the remainder of the period in Belfast The claustrophobia ofthe Northern Ireland chain of command was firnily brought home to tlie Company commander when he noticed CO 9 R IRISH and the Brigade Commander had now formed part of his fire team! The initiative of low level commanders was amply displayed when LCpl Mizon offered to 'hot wire' an articulated lorry that the protesters had used to block the road. The RUC did not take LCpI Mizon up on his offer. A Company, under Mark Adams, became the Brigade Reserve and ended up at a number of venues across Belfast. Sgt Logan appeared on the front of the Irish Times running into action though Sgt 'Golden Gonads' Thatcher still seemed to have all the best war stories The Sitrep as at 102359 Jul96 was ' STREETS ALL QUET - CALLSIGN OA NOW ON THIRD RADIO - 33A (CSM Bob Ham) REQUESTS 200 MORE BENSON AND HEDGES - CQMS BUYING SHARES IN PG TIPS - OUT' For 3 days a 2 RGJ TAOR was carved out in Belfast consisting of tlie Markets, City Centre, and Short Strand. With a 7 R IRISH company under command even Battalion Tac deployed and managed to sniff the fumes of a few petrol bombs. Whilst all this was going on Headquarter Company were left to guard the camp. This is an evtensive commitment which ties down a large number of people - in Headquarter Company's case it led to the deployment of a mobile security patrol comprised entirely of sergeants!

The Thiepval bomb in October was a considerable surprise not least because it posed a real threat to families. It also led to the almost full time deployment of tlie operations company into West Belfast.

This was a welcome development from an operational viewpoint as it allowed us to get back some vital patrolling experience. The deployments were not without incident. Teams from Sp Company were involved in the arrest of suspects following an armed robbery - Rfn Dolding personally apprehended a suspect armed with a replica handgun.

The Battalion's Close Observation Platoon was commanded initially by Capt Nick Kitson and, since July,

by Capt Dick Ovey. The Platoon had had a very successfbl tour. We hear little of their work but silence on such matters in Northern Ireland is golden.

Whilst Holywood is some distance from the more difficult areas in the Province, community relations still played an important part in the Battalion's operational plan. Throughout the year we became involved in numerous activities with local people ranging from lending tents and use of the assault course through to assisting in the building of a local playground. The Band of The Liglit Division came over for a week in June and played outside Belfast City Hall and in the main street in Bangor. As usual its distinctive style was a real crowd puller and both venues were very successfbl. We used the Band visit as the occasion to have our one and only formal battalion muster parade of tlie year. This was followed by a battalion photograph taken from the same spot and in the same formation as the 1 st Battalion the Rifle Brigade were photographed in Palace Barracks in 1906 - the ~)hotograplishave been mounted together and are available through the PR1 shop. We also got the Band to perform a selection of the most important regimental tunes complete with explanations. This 'internal' PR was essential as

the Battalion can only expect to see its own Band once a year and many of tlie Riflemen get li[llc practice at recognising Regimental tunes.

i

l

f

!

l

I l

f

One of our most significant community relations achievements was a successful Open Day wlien we allowed members of the public in to the top half of Palace Barracks. This was the first sucli event in Palace Barracks since the beginning of the troubles. The Open Day coincided will1 the IRA bombing of Manchester an irony which was not lost on those who came. WC laid on a wide range of fairground style stands and equipment displays as well as some 'action' stands - landrover rides, small arms traincr, climbing wall, mini-assault course, air rifles, hovercrafts (courtesy of tlie Engineers) - wliere the public were able to take part. On 3 occasions dul.i~igtlie day we laid 011 an arena disl~layinvolving the bugles and dog section and culminating in a demonstration attack by 2 Platoon A Company. The attacli scenario was deliberately neutral and involved Mr Blobby - played by Rfn Wriglit - bcing rescuctl from the Ni~ijaTurtles ; it was a big Iiit with tlie crowds. We managed to get over 2500 people tlirougli the gates in 6 hours and whilst few were from West Belfast there was a genuine approval fiom those that attended most of whom liad not been inside Palace Barracks since tlie troubles started. We even managed to chip away at the prejudices ofthe local Mayor, a member of tlie Democratic Unionist Party, who was most surprised to hear a broad Dublin accent from the first soldier she was introduced to LCpl McMahon (R Company). We also raised ÂŁ1 000 for two local special needs scliools both of wliicli looked after children of soldiers in the Battalion.

The Battalion also managed a number of appearances on UTV taking part in short clips to introduce [lie television series Soldier Soldier and then Sharpe's Rifles when they were shown in the Province. The Sharpe's Rifles clip was put together with only 24 hours notice but proved to be well wortli~vliile. Tlie one minute slot was shown at the end of the 6 o'clock news and clearly linked the Battalion to the soldier's of Sharpe's day. Three notable community relations visits during the year were the Tim Parry Scholarship Trust - an awareness group set up by Ti~nParry's father after his son's nii~rderin the Warrington bomb, the Children for Peace Movement - a cross commi~nitygrouping, and Children of Chernobyl - children suffering tlie after effects of the nuclear accident. All were escorted by tlie Community Relations Officer, Lt Sean McEvoy, whose considerable enthusiasm ancl understanding of local issues contributed significantly to the excellent standing tlie Battalion liad with tlie local co~nmunity by the end of the tour.

Internal security training has continued throughout the tour and we have used the considerable area 01' Palace Barracks to revise our multiple patrolling and incident response skills. Once again we owe a dcbt of gratitude to our wives and families who have put up with a level of patrolling and incidents wliicli has probably been higher than that endured by the residents of West Belfast this year. Tliankfi~llyour most significant contribution to training was done not at Palace Barracks but at the Maze where A Company put the Battalion, then the Brigade, and then key people from other Brigades through a very realistic riot training package. This involved arrest techniques from Sgt Thatcher, Cpl Williams, and Rfii Marsh; baton gun firing with Cpls Fryer and Jackson, and a demonstration of minor aggro fiom CSgt Clements recently arrived from NJTAT (CSgt Clements is now the Families SNCO where his skills at defusing angry locals continue to be useful!) The second half of the day featured a company demonstration followed by an escalating series of riots leading to a full blow company riot at the end of tlie day. Tlie training was extremely realistic and innovative and was very favourably received in the Province. We will probably never know how the training went town with the Maze inmates but there were no attempts to escape during the period!

We were able to get all the companies away for training out of Province during tlie year. A company started the year off with dismounted exercise in Gareloclilieatl in February wit11 assistance froni Commachio Boat Troop Royal Marines. The weather was appalling and tlie exercisc was disrupted by the Canary Wharf bomb and by Lt Ja~nesI,e Mesurier deliberately inllaling Sgt Barnes' life jacket during

a covert insertion by rigid raider. Tlie Bomb and the weather also disrupted the Support Weapons Cadres but this didn't stop the Milan Platoon hitting the target witli all but 2 of its 12 niissiles (one niisfire) and the Bugles still managed a respectable 4th place in Match 83. 3 Platoon A company organized some adventure training in Cornwall in April They climbed, abseiled, moi~ntainbiked and canoed with Rfn Marsh perfecting Iiis own ' trying to eat yoilr way out ofthe canoe whilst still under water' capsize drill technique. Lt Charles Collins also took Riflemen sailing on Strangford Lough. May saw B company on Salisbury Plain acting as OPFOR for 1 RGJ in their preparations for Rosnia. The TESEX simulation equipment proved to be an excellent way to practise individual skills and tlie Riflemen found the whole exercise tlioroi~glilyrewarding. It was also good to have tlie chance to 'get one over' on the other battalion although the 1 RGJ letter will no doubt tell a diffcrent story! June to Augi~stsaw limited Out of Provi~icetraining as the emphasise s\vitclied to preparing for civil disorder and formation Saxon driving and base line drills on the square I11 September, A Company spent a week on a little known training area near tJocli Ewe on the NW coast of Scotland Their euercise involvetl RN and RAF support witli tlie local midges doing their utmost to harass tlie company B Company elected for adventure training in Newquay in October and once more Green Jackets were to be found riding the surf on the south coast - this time wave of the week went to Rfn Loftus witli Sgt Hodgson and R h Clay following close behind. Other activities included an exciting 60m abseil into Hoblin's Cove and mountain biking led by CSgt Cross taking a break from running the Officers Mess. The week was rounded off by all terrain Quad bike racing, a no holds barred affair, with Rfn Butlin's team eventi~ally claiming the honours. Sp Company ran some offshore sailing at about this time led by tlieir company commander. Six unlucky Riflemen found the forecast Force 6 turning to Severe Gale 9 on tlieir first day as they were half way across the Irish Sea to Portpatrick! The strong winds remained with tlieni for the week as did brilliant sunshine and all bar one embraced sailing enthusiastically - Rfii Ball never overcame the tendency when hel~ningto simply let go of the wheel and grab a handhold when the boat heeled to a gust of wind with predictably cliaotic results. Despite operational commitments in Oct ancl Nov we pressed on with a small JNCOs Cadre to carry 11sthrough our first year as Armoured Infantry.

After a pre-selection in the Summer, Maj Simon Plummer started tlie Cadre with 30 Riflemen. Four weeks and a final exercise in Scotland later numbers had reduced to ji~st16 with Rfii (now L.Cp1) l-Iallani passing off the square with tlie Bankier Cane. The cane was presented by Col Mikc Smitli who was serving with the First Battalion when LCpl Bankier was killed and was able to remind. in vivid ternis, what leadership is all about. Other notable training achievements included Support Company winning tlie Brigade Skill at Arms Meeting with minimal preparation.

Turning to more exotic pursuits in January Lt Alex Price and 3 Riflemen escaped the slush of Belfast for the rather warmer climate ofNew Zealand to rekindle the Regiments affiliation with the Royal New Zealand lnfantry Regiment and to research the battles of the 43rd Light lnfantry at Gate Pah and Te Ranga. Maj Mark Adams managed to mount 3 stalking expeditions for soldiers in Scotland. Tliis has proved to be an excellent vehicle for practising use of the Sniper Rifle. Stags were shot by Sergeant Thatcher, Lance-Corporal Short and Rifleman Le-Couilliard. 2L.t Tom de La Rue took S soldiers to Zimbabwe where they spent the best part of 3 weeks trekking in the Veld, tracking black Rhino and other game, and white water rafting. Tliis was a fantastic opporti~nityto learn about tlie wildlife in Soilthem Africa as well as experiencing the different culture and customs of its people. The expedition was made possible by generoils donations from the Trustees and Tom's contacts in Zi~iibabwe,and it was very much enjoyed by the Riflemen that took part. Rfn Price parted not only witli his wallet but with his shirt, socks and shoes to secure some particularly attractive local carvings. In early September Lt Giles Andrews took a team of 9 diving in Cyprus. They succeeded in their aim to qualify 2 of tlie expedition to dive leader standard with tlie remainder achieving sports diver.

Tlie Battalion's operational cycle ef'fectively precluded any serious team co~npctitionsaltliougli tlie squash team - Capt Sean McEvoy, Capt Nick Kitson, W02 Carolan, CSgt Cross, anti Sgt Roivlantls managed to win tlie Northern Ireland Sqilasli Championsliip. We also hacl a nuniber of excellent

Reflections fronz - 5 Plrrtoon 13 Conipcrnj?

Tlie first thing to say is that apart from our annual 3 month skiing holiday in Norge we had it very easy in Dover and the guards were buck-sliee! Now we know a thing or two about guard dilties over here, we've done our fair share, and we'd just like to take this opportunity to say: Palace Pad Prowler, we know who you are! Anyway, i ~ puntil Christmas we did tlie ever changing Ops Cycle: We did some guards, some Port Training, some Validation, some call-outslkit checks, a march and shoot and we watched a bit ofboxing - Danny Casey co~lld'vebeen a contender ! Oh, and someone reckons we had some leave but we reckon lie's thinking of A Company ! We all cursed Mr Price and Cpl Rider for swanning off to New Zealand for Christmas as we were on stag and being snowed on, however we cursed Mr Price even more when lie came back and had us patrolling around tlie perimeter, inside of camp ( by this time the Ceasefire had broken, obviously!).

Our next memories are of Garelocliead, some people remember their first ride in a rigid raider, others have more interesting memories, such as Mr De La Rue's niglit navex. Tomo remenibers sheep menacing his lovingly laid trip flares, Cpl Rider remenibers a rising tide drowning one of his! LCpl 'sick Colonial Kiwi' Boyle and LCpl Illsley will probably never forget their skinny-dipping in tlie freezing loch! None of us, however, will ever forget Mr Price's last nightlleaving do which finished up with him throwing up his ring and visiting a Navy hick !!

In May we did a TESEX on Salisbury Plain with IRGJ. The three B Company platoons took on a Company each, in three different scenarios, and 'mullalied them!'. 'A change is as good as a rest' was often quoted at the time ! Meanwhile A Coy did their adventure training in Newcluay, we all hope that they didn't over do it !

July saw the arrival of the marching season and 5 Platoon were at the front, first in, last out, shock! On tlie Monday night 5 Platoon's blocking positions were in the Markets area, the higliliglit of that niglit was actually coming back to camp, having to crash the Saxons through a barricade to get back ! From Tuesday onwards we were based in the Short Strand and by the end of the week we could have claimed squatters' rights in the area ! Anyway people remember the flying Saxons on the Wednesday night and the CO of 7 RlRISH saying 'unleash the Baton Gunners !' That didn't actually happen until Friday niglit.

Tlie opportunity arose...and the scores on the doors: Rfn Thomas fired 2, hit 1 and Rfii McKay fired 1 , missed 1. Good shots - Durch ! Even better, practically tlie whole Platoon charged off as tlie snatcli squad ! Can we just say 'cheers' to Cpl Walcott at this point, for the battery replen, probably the only man outside of B Coy to see tlie front line !

5 Platoon has had some good results over the last year, we have done well at shooting and football, 4 blokes passed their motorbike test and 10 blokes passed their Novice Diving 1 and 2, Sgt Swift got married and Fids and Tony Mannix are getting married in December. We're all now looking forward to Germany and Acht biers bitter ! Lt Smith, who knows wliat the hture holds in store for you and ilsl 4th BATTALION LETTER

1996 has seen the first positive signs in the recruiting figures for the Battalion for some time witli 47 new recruits through ITC Catterick in 1996 compared to only 1 in 1995! Enquiries at the TA Centres are on the increase and we currently have 27 recruits due to attend ITC at the end of Jan 97, and 35 currently being processed and due to start the next recruit cycle also at the end of January. Recruiting is our main effort at the moment with each Company working on its own strategy Iiell~edby a Battalion poster campaign on selected stations on London Underground.

Training has been challenging and varied with success in the LDIST Coiirage Trophy and annual caliil) at SENTA being the highlights. Indit.idi~alsfrom the Battalion represented TAVRA in a sllooti~ig

competition in the USA and others completed operational tours with regular Battalions in Bosnia and Northern Ireland. The Battalion has given a great deal of support to its affiliated Cadets and, as well as inviting them to attend any out of camp training, we laid on a special week end exercise for them a t Longmoor. Such was tlie success of this venture that it will be repeated in 1997. A Company also organised an excellent Army Day at West Ham which was designed to improve our historical links will1 the East End of London.

Personalities have changed during the year with Mike Smith taking over command from Tom HamiltonBaillie in October and Tony Uyl arriving as QM. In January 1997 David Day took over as Trainins Major from Mike Gleeson.

A plaque to commemorate tlie Battalion's close ties with St George's, Hanover Square lias been commissioned and will hopefully be unveiled on Remembrance Sunday 1997. Colin Fox is in charge ofthe project helped by generous grants from both sets of Tn~stees The programme for 1997 promises varied and challenging training and starts with the deployment of 90 members of tlie Battalion to Belize for jungle training. Ex Native Trail was a regular army exercise but due to operational commitments was passed to the TA, the first time this has occurred. In September A Company will form the nucleus for a company group of 120 Riflemen who will exercise for two weeks in France but more will be known about the exercise after the recce in January. Camp will be held from the 1 lth-27th July in Leek, where we will conduct adventure training, and at STANTA where we will carry out live firing and a Battalion exercise. Other notable events will be the Battalion's participation in the Nijmegan Marches, the Cambrian Patrol Competition, the LDIST Courage Trophy and TASAM at Bisley.

-

Green J,rcliet Terriers yzrt irp strong opposition in Warrior Training for the London based soldiers of the 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets, on their annual camp was aimed primarily at taking part in Tesex. It was the first time a complete Territorial Army battalion had been involved on the battlefield with the Army's new Tactical Engagement Simulator (TES) equipment. Sponsored by 1 Mechanised Brigade, the Tesex on Salisbury I'lain was the 1st Battalion, the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters' battle group exercise. The Woofers operated as Blue Force.

Involved in 4RGJ1sdeployment as Opposing Forces battle group were TAC/Main HQ, commanded hy Lt Col Tom Hamilton-Baillie; CA3 Coy mounted in Wamor and commanded by Maj Tim Mattliews; SP Coy, tasked with an infiltration role, commanded by Major Richard Lawrence; an echelon com~nantlctl

by Maj Tony Marvin; B Sqn, 9112th L supported with Challenger tanks; l PWO Recce Platoon in Scimitar; and A Coy 4RGJ (V), commanded by Maj Charles MacDowell, deployed in Warrior to the 1 WFR battle group.

Field training began once 4RGJ, based at Rollestone Camp, had fitted and tested the simulation equipment and gained confidence in its use. Adapting to Warrior and the chance to operate with taliks and other armoured vehicles was a fascinating training experience for 4RGJ. Starting on foot, they progressed to Warrior, finally incorporating tanks and Scimitars as a build-up to the main battle. Using the simulation equipment meant the volunteers were able to witness the results of accurate shooting and gain a realistic appreciation of survival rates on a battlefield.

"Individual fieldcraft skills and marksn~anshipreally do get tested with this equipment," said an RGJ officer. "Those soldiers and officers (and even commanding officers) who fail to reach the required standard get shot and end up with their personal pride dented".

5th BATTALION LETTER

199G started with a degree of urgency and excitement in the knowledge that this year was to be dedicated to training in our new role as a "Fire Support Battalion", one of only four established and unique to the Territorial Army. The Battalion is due to be "Fit For Role" by April 1997, providing two Anti-tank Platoons, two Mortar Platoons and two Machine-gun Platoons in addition to a Battalion Company to the ACE Rapid Reaction Corps.

Headquarters and Headq~~arter No matter how exciting our new role was, we had not to lose sight of our other responsibilities of being "riflemen", and therefore to start the year, we lield a "Bounty Skills" weekend at Ash Ranges dirring a weekend in mid January and aimed to allow most members of the Battalion to coml~letethose annual tests required to qualify for their annual training bounty.

Training continued in Febn~arywhich saw a bitterly cold weekend on Salisbury Plain but it was a good opportunity to get on with support weapon training in preparation for the Battalion live firing exercise which was to be held later that month. All Platoons were put through their places by their own Platoon Commanders and PSIS and a very worthwhile weekend emerged from the hard efforts the Commanders had put in at the planning stage.

Tlie next weekend in February saw a major Battalion event in the form of the Battalion Live Firing Exercise. With months of preparatory work the weekend, named "Exercise Sharpe's Support", was the Battalion's major chance to live fire all its support weapons together. The atmosphere and tactical scenario were added to greatly by the provision of a Wessex Helicopter by the Royal Air Force and also two Saxon Armoured Vehicles which were kindly provided by the l st Battalion. In appallingly wet conditions the Battalion took part in a tactical airlift from an assembly area having been warned to oppose the advance of an eneniy armoured threat. Mortar Fire Controllers were deployed to observation posts overlooking the target area and Command Post Operators were flown into recce map selected mortar lines. While mortar lines were being recced teams of Milan sections and Machines gun detachments were flown to an armoured vehicle RV. Mortar sections were then flown in and once close effective mortar fire was provided, the Milan and machine gun teams were driven to near their firing points in Saxons. Once they had debussed they made the final rapid approach on foot and then engaged a variety of static and moving targets, before withdrawing again under cover of mortar fire.

In April the Adjutant's handed over. One of the new Adjutant's first tasks was the Commanding Officer's Bugle Competition, held at Kiwi Barracks with the l st Battalion. A hard fought contest was eventually won by LCpl Webb who now take on the ceremonial responsibility of the Commanding Officer's Bugler for the year.

The 3 Divisiod4 Division Skill at arms meeting was hosted by IRGJ at Bulford and o ~ l shooting r teani pleasantly surprised us all by qualifLing for Bisley. This was a great achievement, as shooting has had to take a lower priority than normal due to the Support Weapon training we have been committed to.

With Bisley falling at the same time as our annual camp and the HQ LAND Milan concentration, we were faced with a difficult decision as to whether to take up our entry for Bisley. Keen that the Green Jacket cap badge should be seen at Bisley, we decided to go ahead and enter a team that was drawn from a small proportion of the Battalion. In spite of limited training on ranges up and down the country, with organised by Major James Moberly and W 0 2 Friend, the team equipped itself most successf~~lly, Craftswoman Donnelly winning the Queen's Westminster Cup for the top female TA lady shot.

I.,t Alex Tomczyk was selected to run an exercise for the Machine Gun platoons on Ascension Island and this took place in May under the exercise title of "Exercise Turtle Reef'. Much live firing was undertaken along with a tactical exercise based on the unusual terrain of the Island. The exercise also

included a period involved will1 the protection of tlie green turtles on tlie Island.

Training continued with "Exercise Sharpe's Revenge" on tlie weekend 18/19 May. Tlie Battalion deployed on a very wet and windy weekend to Salisbury Plain. The 'A' Company Mortars had a very exposed time doing a proofing shoot in the most awful conditions.

In June "Exercise Ham and Jam" finally came off after a year's planning and preparation. when tlie Battalion deployed on a very successful battle field tour. Tliis consisted of a return to Pegasus Britlge where Colonels Tod Sweeney and John Tillett talked throi~glitlie actions of 5 2 years ago supporting a well researched programmed taking tlie Battalion fiom Pegasus Bridge through Merville Battery, Breville and Chateau St Come battlefields.

A wreath laying took place at Ranville cemetery and then tlie Battalion then marclled over Pegasus Blidye led by the Waterloo Band. After another visit to the landing beaches at Arromarches Sounding Retreat was held at Pegasus Bridge by the Waterloo Band, concluding what had been a thought provoking and highly successful trip.

June saw the start of Annual Camp. This year based at Otterburn Training Camp in Nortliumberlantl.

We had a somewhat depleted Battalion due to the many specialist courses that had been attended by tlie Battalion members, the Machine-gun Platoon exercise on Ascension Island and the Milan Concentration. which ran concurrent to tlie Battalion camp. The camp concentrated on 'Back to basics' witli all ranks revising and practising their Infantry sills. Tlie 2 week programme allowed every Rifleman to have at least 6 days on the excellent live firing ranges at Otterburn, taking part in a selection of slioots froni individual to team battle firing. Additionally they were able to throw grenades and fire tlie 94mm Anti Tank rocket. Support weapon training was not forgotten with tlie annual allocation of mortar ammunition enhanced by 560 rounds obtained through an 'old friend' of tlie Training Major wliicli allowed for a series of day and night firing cirlminating in a live shoot in support of our 2 hllilan platoons on tlieir final exercise during the Milan concentration. Every man took part in a day's adventure training based at Kielder Water and the traditional rest day saw a concerted effort at Wliitley Day. As far as tlic small arms ranges were concerned, the highlight was a series of section attacks including overhead fire. flanking mortar fire and the posting of grenades. Both our Milan Platoons attended the Milan concentration. We were the only Fire Support Battalion to take part with complete platoons wliicli was a compliment to the training that our Platoons had conducted and succeeded in since the re-roling. They had a very successfhl concentration despite having started with a M kill with a Land Rover against tlie RAF in an Astra on Day 2. Captain Greg Truman the E Company Milan Officer commenting on the one acknowledge weakness ofthe platoon's recognition, was heard to remark "our or theirs? Who cares."

For the second time tlie Battalion entered a team for the Swiss Patrol Competition in Zurich over a weekend at the end of August. Tlie competition comprises a patrol around a number of stands. In general these consist of recognised niilitary activities such as obstacle crossing, and tlie like. One stand, however, caused some puzzlement. Tliis was tlie recognition stand when, after models of vehicles and aircraft were shown teams were asked to identiq models of ships. Based on a team fi.om E Company, tlie riflemen gave a good showing even one who joined a multinational team comprising an Italian, a German and a Dane. None of this teams members were able to converse witli each other which was quite a hindrance at the target indication stand. They still managed to be placed 35th out of some 100 teams.

October saw the change of command and the Battalion said farewell to Lt Col Robert Martin who lclt to attend the Joint Services Language School to learn Arabic before going to the Oman as S01 training to the Omani Forces. We welcomed Lt Col Greg Smith, who is tlie Battalion's first TA Co~nmanding Ot'ficer.

A cold weekend in October saw tlie new CO's first exercise. This was a joint exercise with 2RGBW on the Porton Down Battle Run. While ZRGBW, supported by our A Company and an additional Machine Gun platoon actually ilndertook the battle run, the Battalion ran its own exercise in tandem.

It was a busy exercise especially for Battalion Main, which with our new establishment consists of the Battalion ZIC, Adjutant, Signals Officer and the Signals Sergeant, a small but very elite team. The exercise was, as intended, extremely good in revising our NBC drills especially when the staff from DNBCC were let loose with their CS spray's.

Remembrance weekend saw the i~sual43rd & 52nd and RGJ Associations reunion at Slade Park followed on Sunday by l~aradesattended by the Battalion in all the Country towns with a TA centre.

In the time old tradition these were then followed by curry lunches at each of the Training Centres. l st December s'aw the 10th anniversary of the Battalion. To celebrate this a coffee mug was com~ssionedand was given to all members of the Battalion who attended the final exercise of the year and a joint ChristmasIAnniverSary card was produced and given to every member of the Battalion as well as old friends and retired members.

The Battalion Machine Gun platoons participated in the GPMG Match 9 Competitions and against stiff competition produced excellent results with the A Coy team achieving first place and the E Coy team coming fourth.

The final exercise of the year, the Battalion patrols competition organised by OC E Coy, Major Simon Wilkinson took place in early December and was a demanding navigational exercise with various stands of a military nature for the Riflemen to undertake. One stand on Media Ops nln by the RAP consisted of the defence of a UN Aid post somewhere overseas, this was attacked by a demented mother and father looking for their son. The realism being so good, the mother, our medical Corporal was forced to the ground hitting her head on a vehicle exhaust pipe on the way which caused a minor injury. But all was well as the vehicle was the RAP ambulance. That was finished with a hearty Christmas breakfast on the Sunday served by the Officers and was accompanied by the Band and Bugles.

The Battalion has worked hard over the past 12 months to achieve the goals it was set and to become an operationally effective Fire Support Battalion by April 1997. We have all worked hard but while stretched we have all had find and the Battalion continues to be in fine form and looking forward to the cllallenges of 1997 and our new role.

ARMY TRAINING REGIMENT WINCHESTER The Army Training Regiment at Winchester is undergoing its fair share of changes which seem to be a common fact of Army life in tlie 90s. On the training side, we have seen the introduction of a sche~ne called the Army Foundation Scheme (AFS) which has entailed the setting up of a new Company here through which all recruits go, spending at least a week and possibly up to a month. This has come at the same time as the lengthening of the course by a week to eleven weeks. AFS is designed to hold recruits until such time as they are deemed ready to start training with a reasonable chance of success.

This will have effect of reducing the number of injuries and will assist those who currently find the adjustment to army life difficult. The hope is that the wastage rate under training will reduce significantly and so increase the flow of recruits to the battalions via the Combat Infantryman's course at Catterick. On the horizon, too, is the reintrod1.1ction of the Junior Entry, wllicli may be sited at I-Jarrogatein Yorkshire, and will provide training for juniors in the lnfantry RA and RAC. Wait out!

On the manning side there have also been many changes. Our Quartermaster, Major Ken Gray has Icft us on posting to SRGJ, but W02 Steve Carolan has joined 11sfrom 3,RGJ. Also in 1he WOs and Sgts

all present was so encouraging that this will be on the forecast each year. The ambition of the branch is to hold it in the drill hall in the fi~tureto cater for the anticipated increase in numbers.

In conclusion the Aylesbury branch remains active and enthusiastic but would still like to see more members. Do contact the Secretary Mr T Burrows on 01 296-330.554.

I*bi.cca~l of lh~erils5th April 9th August TBA 8t h November

1997 Copenhagen night disco and social Annual Cricket Match - BBQ and disco Annual Dinner Firework party - supper

hilr AR Grant, Chairman

hJilton Key nes Branch President Branch Chairman Branch Secretary Branch Treasurer Committee Members

-

-

Brig MR Koe, OBE Maj RE Stanger MI. D Johnson Mr A Iles Mr C Errington, Mr J Mallet

The Branch has now been running for just over 18 months and our numbers on the books are 68 members. Meetings are held ever 1st Thursday in the month, wives and girlfriends are also invited. 0111~1ments:branch members have served in the following Re&' 43rd & 52nd 1 GJ 2GJ KRRC RB 3 GJ QVR LONDON RB

1 RGJ 4RGJ 2RGJ SRGJ 3 RGJ 4 OXF BUCKS

So we are a complete cross section of the "Mafia".

Since the last newsletter the branch, through its successful entertainments committee, have enjoyed the following:Families Lunch Games Night v E Coy SRGJ Christmas Party and Draw Caribbean B-B-Q l st Anniversary Dinner Functions planned for 1997 include:Annual Dinner Summer B-B-Q

5 Apr 97 21 Jun 97

Fancy Dress Party Christmas Party & Draw

20 Sept 97 6 Dec 97

In Aug 1996 one of our members John Guest (ex 3 RGJ) brought to a meeting a George Saunders (ex S P J l 1) aged 82, who was captured at Calais, since then \ye have made him an honorary life member of our branch. At our October meeting Fred Petts (ex 1 KRRC) brought Alf Styles (ex 1 QVR). It transpired that Alf was also captured at Calais. He was introduced to George Sai~nders,both were in the same POW camp (Stalag VIIIB in Polsen) and had not seen each other for over 40 years althoi~gh they live just 2 miles apart in Milton Keynes.

A large contingent of members attended tlic annual reilciion in \\'inchester in July ant1 liatl n great time niccting oltl liicnds from near and far. 3 of o i ~ mcmbcrs r altcndcd the "l-lam C% .lam" hattlcfiel(l tour a1 Pcgasus n~.itlgeon 3 1 May 96. Tlicy accliiiliicd it as a n cuccllcnt \vecl.tend.

Tlic SecretaryITreasurer and 3 otlicr ~iiembcrsaritl llicir Ii~tlicsattcndcd llie Sufl'olli branch Rcgimenlal ni1.11idaydinner in Aug and hacl a fantastic iimc. Wc licar l31-ianPcppcr still wcars mcss kit!!

Il'you are in llie area call in, or ring tlie chairman (01 908-2 1 I 155) 0111 best

wishes to all other branches o1'1Iic RGS !\ssociation

Ci)f ~r 1~)1(l Ilr(111c1t Dcar.ing in ~nindthat a signilicant proportion ol'llic mcliil~crsscr.\rctl in World War 11, il is Iical-tenins 1lia1 n numbcr of new menibers Iia\,ejoincd in tlic S\\i~itlonarcs Ilianl,s to tlic stc~.lingcllbrt of Sliaric S~iiiili(ex 1 st Bn, Hong Kong). Tlie Brancli once agai~ihat1 ~licil-skiltles evening against tlie local branch ofthe Grenadiers Association. and for a second year licld a summer party at tlie "Natirre in Arts Centre", Aldsworth Hall, near Gloucester. Tlie Watcl-loo nand sountled tlie Retreat will1 their usual verve and enthusiasm. Tlie final event was tlie 25tli Anniversary licld at tlie Municil)al Buildings, Clicltenham, where its first meeting liad been held Major General Vyvyan and Mrs 1,iz Vyvyan were cliief guests at the luncheon follo\\/ingtlie AGM. At llie AGhl tlie President, Miljor Nick War~ysaid lie would no longer be about to irndcrtake tlie same amount of work as lie liatl ill the past.

1.t Col David Stanley, who was standing down as Cliail-man. tli;rtikcd Nick Warry for all Iic liad tlonc over tlie year in founding and sustaining tlie Bra~icli.The Secretary and T~.easurer,Major Erie Ri~sscllBrown had resigned due to pressure of work. Tlie Branch are dcliglited that hlajol- John Beerman, Reginiental Adniin Officer at the 5th Battalion, Royal Green Jackets is taking on tlie role as Chairman and Secretary and Major Sti~artSymington as Treasurer.

E.~sc-r Brrr nclt

For the Essex Branch of tlie Association 1996 was our formation year, and from a start sis membel.s usecl the Corporal's Mess of Tlie I .iglit Infantry, \viili kind ~,crniissionof'tlic Cornmantling OlXcer arid RSh4. We now have 39 menibers on file, a regular attenda~iceof 15 to 20 menibcrs eacli month and ourown venue in tlie Gas and Social Cllib, Colchester.

Wc ended tlie year with our first ollicial fi~nctionat \vliicli I,t Col Gcorge and Elizabeth Elliott were oilr ettests of honour. The filnction was excellently organised by Da\:id Taylor and his team and Jolln " l,a\vlor what can only be described as a superb buffet, that was enjoyed by all. for 1997 includes invites to serving menibers of tlic I .iglit Infantry, a cricket lnatcli against tlic Suffolk Branch and the normal games niglits and monthly meeting. We are also planning a name change to the North Essex Branch. Tliis is due to tlic size of Ilie Coi~ntyant1 llle understantlal)le reluctance of those living in south Essex to niakc tlie trip to Colclicster eacli month. Nevcrtlieless \vc arc now firmly on the map.

0111plans

IF'inc1tcstc.r & District Ilrnnclt It would seem that by our normal standard we liatl a fairly quict year in terms of events and fi~nctions priniarily because of a number of changes wliicli have occurrcd wi~liinour branch appoilitnien~s.

I lo\vever on reflection that lias proved not to be Ilie case.

Our year really started with tlie end of 1995 (\ve are a11 Irisli down lierc you know!) wlie~i\ve liatl 0111.

Annual Cliristmas Dinner at Sir 501111 Moore nnrracks \ v i t l i 1.1 Col Drinn Scott atid his clinrniing wik

Ronnie as our special gi~ests.This was q11iclilyhllowed in tlic Ncw Ycar with a number of indoor liorse racing evenings against the Sergeants Mess, and tlic local hrancli of tlic Royal Britisli I-cgion. Great fi~n was had at tliese events, and a nicc little 'earner' was inst;illcd in tlie brancli fi~ndsas a resillt of tlie hard work put into it by our entertainments team. The niiddle of llie year was of course taken LIPwith si~pportingtlie Association and tlie Annual Reunion Iicld at SJhl ATR in July. '171ic brancli becomes licavily involved in tliis event, I ~ u gets t much ~>lcasurcfi-0111 doing so. Who ~~oi11~111'~ be, after all !lie Anni~alRellnion is fast ti~rninginto the Associations preniic~.evcnt fi-on1wliicli liiany ~iicnibersfrom all over tlie country get a great dci~lofc~i~ioynicnt.

I .ong Inny it conti~i~~c to grow and ~>~-osl)elTli~*oi~glioi~ t tlic r.emainder of tlie year and i~itcrsl~crscd nniongst tlicsc key ~ \ ~ c n\\/c t s liavc still ~nnnagctlto lind time to play cricket. go fisliing, and \,isit otlier 1)ranclics. 1 supl>osetlicrcli)re tliat we Iiavcn'~been so itllc al'tcr all!

On tlie personality front there Iia\,c been many cliangcs. 1 lo\\~ever\\>cIiave managcd to sun~ivetlicsc evcnts without too much disri~ptionto tlie contini~iljlof ~ l i cbrancli wliicli intlicates tlie depth commitment the majority of our hrancli ell-joys. It is \\it11 this c~itliusiasniand purpose tliat we now licad into 1997 and beyond.

Tlic final word of course must bc in tlie form of an advert, and it goes like tliis. If any ex member of tlie rcgi~iientone day in the future ~nagicallylays liis hand on a copy of tlie Ne\vslettcr whilst wailing in a doctors silrgery orjob centre (they do get into some of tlie oddest places you know) then sive 11sa call or visit. We can be found every 3rd Tlii~rsdayin our fi~nctionroom above tlie NAAFI at SJM ATR. On tliat note and from all of tlie Winchester branch may we take this opportunity to \visli all Riflemen wlicrever they may be, a healthy and wealtliy 1997.

A lctter was received fi-om Padre Da\.id Coates to RI-igadierClinton 1 lc~islia\v,P~-esidc~it of tlie Rrancli, on liis sad departure from Sir Jolin Moore Barl-ackson Ica\:ing tlie Aniiy: Dcar Brigadier, I am writing to thank you - and all the menibers of tlie Association very nii~cliindeed Sor tlic fine crystal decanter witli wliich I was presented after tlie annual Thanksgiving Service at tlic I.iglit Division Cliapel on the 14th July. It was delivered to me today, beai~tifirllyengraved witli tlie Royal Green Jackets' badge and a touching insc~iption,by a small deputation including tlic Treasurer, tlie Secretary ancl Keitli K~icller.Thank you all for giving me such a lovely present \vliicli lvill serve as a constant reminder OS niy connection with the Regiment, going back to tliat brief but licctic tour with tlielii in Belfast dill-in2 tlie summer of 1971. As I Iiave often said, it was tliat four-niontli tour wit11 tlic lirst Battalion \vliicli built up my self-confidence and sense of purpose as a Cllaplain ancl I;~icl down tlie foundation5 for tlie rest of my time in the Army. In vicw of tliis, it lias been a particular pleasure to Iiave spent my filial tliree years in the Service in charge of tlie Liglit Division Cliapel ill \C'ilicliester. I sliall never forget niy time here and the kindness and support \vliicli I liave enjoycd from niy friends in [lie Regiment.

I am now well into my last week in tlie Army. Last niglit I was dined out by tlie ATR, and tliis aflernoon my successor lias arrived to begin our Iiantloverltakeover. On Sunday I sliall drive out of [lie Barracks, past tlie statue of sir Jolin Moore for tlie last liliie as incu~nbentCliaplaili; and 1 sliall do so u~irlia heavy lieart, but with tlie consoling tliouglit tlia~1 may be aldc from tinie to ti~iicto re-visit !lie scene of lvliat has been a fi~lfillingand Iiappy final lour of di~ty.

hlay I once again thank you, and all the menibers of [lie Associa~ionvery mucli for this lo\lely gift ancl for all yoilr kindness during niy ti~iiein Wincliester.

Yours sincerely, David Coates

Kcnt Brnnclr A ~ L ~hership ?I Our membership is steady but unspectacular. We moved from 37 last year to 46 this but then sadly lost CA Stephens within a fortnight of his having joined 11sand we remain therefore on 45. We are happy to report however that among LIS are two members from Essex, one from East Sussex, one fi-0111 Hertfordshire and one from Kings Lynn, at the remotest extreme of Norfolk from Kent. All are welcome.

The reduction of the subscription at our April AGM from ÂŁ10.00 to ÂŁ5.00 did not produce the ilnstemmable flood of applications ilpon which we gambled and we have to report that some of our 45 have still not paid, leaving us technically unsure of exactly how many we really are. It rnight well be argued from this that the more trivial the subscription the less it is considered worth paying. "If that's all they need they must be doing well. They can do without my fiver"!

Some Branches may not have heard of the "Service Pals" section on Channel 4 Teletext, Page 676 has 32 sub-pages of about 6 items each of "Where are you now?" messages. We put in an entry just before our AGM to try to drum up members and received about 10 telephone calls from ex-Riflemen or friends in reply. We cannot claim to have won more than possibly one new member but it did help to make us known. Incidentally it calls for strong nerves; those who set up the captions are zealous to silnplify and correct what they receive and if one's entry ends up with a "King's Royal Rifle Brigade Regiment" or an "Oxford and Berks Light Information" forgive them, for they know not what they do; but tlic sirbmissions are free of charge and make interesting reading, errors notwithstanding.

,

Social E~jet?fs Our adopted home is now the Warrant Officers' and Serseants' Mess at Shorncliffe Garrison and we meet there on the first Thursday in March, June, September and Dccember. Our AGM also takes place on the nearest Thursday after l April. An evening meal is provided on all these occasions at minimal or nil charge as finds allow. Lady guests are welcome, as would be any RGJA member from elsewhere who happened to be in the area at the right time. We rate ourselves indeed fortunate at Shorncliffe, to which we turned when an earlier choice failed the Basil Fawlty Proficiency Diploma. We have been made to feel most welcome by GSM Charles Brown RA and the Staff. Not only was Shorncliffe thc original home of the Experimental Corps or Riflemen in 1800 but it is soon to be the home of oulGhurkha cousins. Most fortunate of all, however, was that two successive Commanders of 2 Brigade happened to be Green Jackets, Brig Vere Hayes and Brig David Godsal. We ilnderstand that this coincidence has not happened for about 60 years.

Meanwhile we held our Annual Dinner at Shorncliffe on 3 October, to which Vere and David were guests ofhonour together with GSM and Mrs Charles Brown. Our total attendance of 39 members and guests was reasonable in a membership of 45.

,Yf~.rtcfzne While there is probably more Green Jacket relevance in South-East Kent than anywhere else in the Country we still remain conscious of the need to pursue and promote County-wide interest. We have therefore notionally sub-divided the County into three parts ancl taken on to the Cornniittee one extra local member specifically to represent Bromley and West Kent and one for Maidstone and Mid-Kent; the main Committee continues to be responsible for an area roughly south and east of Ashford.

OfherAcfivifies Attempts to promote a trip to Calais and a coach to the Winchester Reunion is July lacked support and were abandoned, which with present limited membership must occasionally be expected.

A notable Anniversary that we did support lio\vever was tlie 80111 of llie July 1916 Battle of the Somme About 15 veterans of tliat ghastly experience, tlieir ages ranging between 97 and 102, attended a Commemoration Service in Dover on 28 June on their way to the main ceremonials in France and Flanders.

I+hrcca.~t of E\~etltsTli~rrs6 March Tliurs 3 April Thurs 5 June Tlii~rs4 Sept Tliurs 2 Oct Thurs 4 Dec

I99 7 Social Evening - Shorncliffe 8pm AGM and Social Evening - Shorncliffe 8pm Social Evening - Sliorncliffe 8pm Social Evening - Shorncliffe 8pm Annual Dinner - Shorncliffe 8pm - Shorncliffe 8pm Social Evening

Above events take place in WO's and Sergeants' Mess Shorncliffe Garrison by kind permission of GSM. Dress: Social Evenings and AGM - Tie and Jacket.

- Tie and Jacket or Dinner Jacket. Miniatures optional.

Annual Dinner DR Gillate, Chairman

1,nntion Brnnclz Greater London is an awesomely big place. About a qi~arterof a11 the popi~lationof the UK live 01. work here. It is bigger in population terms than all the Scandinavian countries combined - and apart from the lack of reindeer has a lot more going on. Surprisingly, only about 28-30% of RGJ recruits come from London or those part of Herts, Essex, Kent. Surrey and Middlesex whicli to all extent and pilrposes have become London. Even so tliat means that in theory there must be at least SS00 fornier Greenjackets, not to mention their families, who live there. Rut when I attended the first meeting of [lie London Branch after I got here, 38 former Greenjackets ti~rnedup. and not one was under 45.

So what has happened to all the rest? Do we know? Do we care? Of course we do! A Regiment like ours is not somett~ingyou join, serve and leave after your time. Once a Rifleman, always a Rifleman and that has always been the case. Apart from any other reason like keeping up witli the best bunch of mates you ever had, the RGJ exists to help and support all Riflemen, whether witli welfare for them or their families when they fall on liard times, witli helping to find jobs and helping to keep tlie present generation of potential Riflemen in touch with a way of life tliat we all enjoyed and recommend.

So the London Branch was re-born to offer the largest centre of Riflemen no longer serving witli a Battalion, a home from home. Like all these things it takes effort and goodwill. Tlie seed planted in early 1996 with the appointment of a Committee, chaired by one of oilr most distinguished Riflemen, Colonel George Smythe OBE, and with people 'like CSgt Ted Fox, W 0 2 Fox and CSgt Gary Driscoll to help push things along, has made a good start. By all accounts tlie May Cup filial night Reunion was a success largely because of their efforts. nut nothing comes from nothing. Tlie priority is for tliose who know of the new 1,ondon Branch to get tlie word out. This Newsletter is part of that effort. The main message is: GO FORTH AND hKrLTIPLY. The more people join, the more events can be organised, the more good we can do for tliose in need and the better we can support t!~eRegiment as a wliole. But no Reindeer please ..... . .

The main social event for the London Branc?~ is as always: Clip Fitrc~lNight Re~it~ioti - I,otlc/otl B~-crrlchI((;,/ Associcriiotl Dtrle: 17 Mqy 1997 ROYAI. GIZIC1:l:'N .JACKl:'7'ALSSO('1A 77ON A.ll-;A1HI:'IZSHIPON/.Y

The "regimental system", \vliich li~iksunits to a pa~tici~lar recn~itingarea, means tliat any given regiment has a disproportionate me~nbersliipof men fronl a particular county or region. What i~sedto be tri~e only of the infantry's co~~nty regiments now applies also to the artillery and armoured corps. It was the "Highland Gunners", 19 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, that fired on Serb positions in Sarajevo fi-om Mount Igman last year.

Recruiting cannot, however, be eqi~allyterritorial, because some areas produce few volunteers. others a silrplus. The North is a better recruiting ground than the south, cities more so than the count~ysitle.

Tlle martial tradition is particularly strong i n Northumbria, Yo~.ksllire,the North-West. the Blacl; Country and Glasgow. Regiments such as tlie Light Infantry, wliich has historic roots in Di~rhamant1 Yorkshire as well as the West Country, profit by their old associations. So, too, do the small county regiments from a compact area. It is the bigger regiments, with vagiler territorial associations, wliicll Ilave to accept recruits from outside their ho~nelands.

Because of the regimental system, soldiers are more likely to be related by family than members of any other large national organisation. Traditionally, the newly commissioned officer has gone into his filther's regiment, and that tradition persists. Both of the sons of 1.t-Col "M" Jones, who died winning the VC in the Falklands, are officers in his original regiment, tlie Devon and Dorsets.

I t is less well known that the tradition persists in the lower ranks. The writer Tim Heald, son ol'a Dorset Regiment officer. conducted a survey of its membership in 19S3. In a strength of 608, he fountl that 42 per cent had some family connection with it. A third of those were sons, a third were brothel-S, and a third otherwise related.

One of the sergeants was the son of a regimental father, with two brothers in the regiment and two sisters married to two soldiers. The Devon and Dorsets are known in tlie Army as a particularly "fimily" regiment, and while the extent of its blood ties may be unusual, they are not exceptional. The Army likes the family connection and tries hard to be a family business.

Tliat is why the minority organisations have found it so antilxitlietic to their values. The Army cannot, by its own values, be multiculti~ral. It has its own culture and niakes every effort to ensure that ils intake accepts and abides by it. At its worst, that has led to billlying, of whicll there was a nasty epidemic in the late Eighties. At its best it leads to strong "male bonding", the ailtomatic con~radesl~il~ of tlie small group which is the individual's best guarantee of sunfival in combat. Much social research suggests that the presence of the female in such a male group threatens its integrity. The fenlale becomes an object of over-protectiveness, when such protectiveness should be spread eqnally. The same argument is used to explain soldiers' hostility to the adnlission of lio~nosexuals.either because tliev form special relationships or attract undue dislike. Neither ary1n1ent applies to niernbers of raciill niinorities, which have a record of military acliievenient. Most senior soldiers say tliat a unit in wl~ic'l~ 1)lack soldiers suffer persecution is either badly run or contains some rotten apples \vho should he discharged.

Bad soldiers are often the least well qualified for entrance. Tliere is a general perception that the Army recruits from the less well qualified. Tliat has some truth. In tlie past the Army regarded a rise in unemployment as a boon, because that brought into the recruiting pool men of a quality who would otherwise have found a civilian job. Today, with more than two nlillion i~nemployed,tlie Army is seeking 13,000 recruits. Why the difficulty?

Tliere is no difficulty in finding applicants for the brandies which teach a trade and qi~alifya soldier for a good civilian job - Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, tlie Royal Electrical and Meclianical Engineers Oft cn they demand educational qiralifications tliat tit the national average. It is the "sold icring branches"

- the artillery, the armoured corps, above all tlie infantry - which lack applicants and liave to take young men who do not do well at school. The effort then is to turn tliern into eficient and entlii~siastic servicemen.

The success rate is remarkable - "we really exist on a credentials deficit," a senior officer explained. He meant that tlie Army's selection process tries to identify individuals wlio have under-performed. Tlieis units then work to bring out their latent qualities.

Yet the product, ~ i v e nall the din'erences implanted by the intensity of military culture, remains ulti~liatelynot unlike liis civilian contemporary. When tlie large nuniber wlio serve only three years is excli~ded,the longer-service soldier has mucli the same liopes and habits as the young civilian. He will be married by his middle twenties. He will not be wor~yingahout a mortgage, because tlie Arliiy provides a subsidised house, but he will be worrying about saving tlie deposit for his own Iiouse when he leaves. Ministry of Defence efforts to turn liis rent into a mortgage credit liave not yet succeedctl.

He is very mucli hoping for promotion. If he can jump the barrier from private to corporal his pay will average about E1 5,000 a year and he has good hopes of becoming a sergeant. A sergeant, on ÂŁ20,000plus, is a man of standing. The sergeants' mess is not only a well appointed club but believes it runs the regiment, which it largely does.

There may be an undercurrent of trouble at home. A successful soldier's wife has often left a good job to marry and resents the constant moves which prevent her holding down another. Soldiers wlio have bettered themselves often marry women of superior education. On the other hand, sergeants often take advantage of the Army's payment of a proportion of boarding school fees to secure a better education for their children than comprehensives offer. That is a perk that Army wives see as compensation for lack of stability.

A general sense of insecurity may today afflict both the career soldier and liis wife. The "peace dividend" brought by the end ofthe Cold War has been no windfall for soldiers: 40,000 have been made redundant, promotion has dried up, there is a niggling fear that more cuts are in tlie pipeline. Notliing coi~ldbe firther fiom the truth. The Army is genuinely short of men in the fighting arms and is kicking itself for having cut too much too quickly. It is the damage caused to the family image that deters recruits. For those who can accept tlie Army's unique culture - many blacks happily do, more women want to than the combat role can allow - the door is open.

GOODBYE PICCADIL1,Y Eighty years ago in July 1916, the Battle of the Somme began. Returning to the battlefield, on 1 July 1996 reflections on the 'pals and chums' wlio fell on the worst day in British military history.

The happiest nations, said George Eliot, have no history. Perhaps she meant no liistory wit11 dates.

Dates mean misery. Nations which commemorate dates have usually had a violent past. Dates stand for revolutions, coups d'etat, martyrdoms, heroic defeats. Serbia's history is fill1 of dates and so is that of Ireland (Easter Monday), France (Bastille Day), and Russia, where October means the Bolshevik Revolution. Britain has only November 5, which means jolly firework parties. We do not remember gunpowder, treason and plot. The British do not remember dates at all.

Except perhaps July 1 . To a whole generation July 1 meant the first day of the Battle of the Somme, of which the 80th anniversary falls on Monrlay (1 July 1996). July 1 , 19 16, was the worst day in Brit is11 niilitary history. It opened wit11 the hope of a decisive victory over the Germans on the Western Front.

It ended with 20,000 young soldiers dead. The First World War, until tlie first day of tlie Somme, hat1 been a great national entleavour. After J~lly1, 1916, it became a national tragedy.

I saw why when I visited the battlefield a few weeks ago. 1 liad been before, but some friends asked me to guide them round, so I went again. 1 wish, in a way, I hadn't. I was younger on my first visit and not a father, so lighter-hearted, less open to tlie sense of what tlie loss of young men nieans to families.

I went then as an apprentice military liistorian, keen to see the ground, keen to tell my own father that 1 Iiad seen tlie places he spoke of fiom his service in the First World War. After my second visit I took to my bed for a day, sunk in depression, overcolne by inconipreliension of how an event so alien to our own world could have occurred within tlie lifetime of people still alive.

It is the cemeteries that cast the chill. Tliey run in a line froin tlie northern end of tlie battlefield at Gommecourt, 12 miles soutli to Mametz, a cemetery every quarter of a mile, beautifi~las all British war cemeteries are, mown, gardened, bedded with roses. There are other cenietcries to tlie east, on thc narrow ground captured after July 1 , and there is the vast Thiepval memorial to the missing, in tlie niiddle of the battlefield. On it are inscribed tlie names of the 70,000 Britisli lost between July and November, whose bodies were never recovered. Among them I found a namesake, Private John Keegan, aged 19, a private in tlie 24th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, part of tlie Tyneside Irish Brigade.

But Thiepval, terrible as it is, lacks tlie relentless repetition of the little cemeteries on the front line of thc first day. There, on headstone after headstone, row on row, thousand upon thousand, runs the date July 1, July 1, July 1, July 1 , 1916. It is as awful as any date in European history, a true holocaust ancl as inexplicable as Auschwitz.

Yet the Somme had a purpose. It was intended to be the battle tliat would bring the filll weight of tlie British Empire to bear on tlie German line in France and drive the invader back to the Rhine. Tlie British and French had planned the battle together. Then, in February, the Germans liad attacked at Verdun and drawn every spare French soldier into the maelstrom. Tlie Somme, instead of being an Anglo-French offensive, would have to be mounted by the British with the barest French help.

Tlie British believed they could make the attack succeed. For the lirst time since tlie war liad begun in August, 1914, they had a large army to throw against the enemy. Tlie regular army, of "01~1 Contemptibles", had been largely destroyed in the first autumn. In 1915 the Territorials liad filled tlie gap. By 1916 Kitchener, the minister of war, had a new army, all volunteers wlio had joined up in hundreds of thousands in the first flush of enthusiasm.

Many formed "Chums" or "Pals" battalions. Kitchener had promised tliat "those wlio joined together would serve together" and so came into being dozens ofunits from tlie same town or occi~pation.Tliey gave themselves titles like Glasgow Tramways, North-East Railway, 1st Football, Cliilrcli Lads, A ~ t s and Crafts, Bankers, Forest of Dean Pioneers, Miners. In Liverpool. the clerks of tlie Cunard and White Star Lines, cotton exchange and insurance companies formed four battalions of Liverpool Pals. The Tyieside shipyards raised Scottish and Irish Brigades and the Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce the Newcastle Commercials from tlieir shop assistants. J.B Priestley volunteered for tlie Bradford Pals, mainly weavers and wool sorters. Cotton spinners appeared as the Accrington Pals, fisliermen as the Grimsby Chums and there were Chums and Pals battalions froni Shoreditcli, Islington, West Ham and dozens of other places.

None had any wit of what soldiering meant. Tipped out of trains in groups of a thousand, to stand in fi-ont oftwo or three oficers, they were often asked if men wlio liad been foremen would volunteer as corporals. Sometimes tlie oficers would send them off in huddles to choose tlieir own leaders. Tlieqe

i'

were strange encounters that were to change British social lire rorever. 1-Ionie counties ~ ~ i ~ b l i c sclioolboys found themselves suddenly pitched into intimacy wit11 tlie working class of the great industrial cities. Neither side had ever met the like of the other before.

To the Pals and Chums the public school oficers might have been being from a strange country. To tlie oficers the masses suddenly became individuals, for whose well being they had acquired a terrible responsibility. Siegried Sassoon recorded tlie expression of total trust in tlie faces of liis Welsli soldiers as they looked up at him at foot inspection after an early route ~narcli. Steplien tIowett, a secontllic~~tenant in the Warwickshire Regiment, Downside and Balliol, wrote after censoring liis platoon's Iclters: "What a lesson it is to read tlie thoughts of men, often as refined and sensitive as we have been made by the advantages of birth and education". Clement Attlee, a Haileyburyian, I-Iarold Macniilli~~. an Etonian, and dozens of other young oficers took that lesson into tlieir political lives.

Tliis was the army that waited on the start line on the Somme on July 1. Tliere liad been a week or bombardment, when a million shells had fallen on the German front line. At 7.30 on a brilliant sunny morning the barrage lifted and the Kitchener battalions went forward. Across no man's land, three or four hundred yards away, young German soldiers cowering in their dugouts lieard the barrage move from their trenches and n~shedi ~ pto the parapets to fight for tlieir lives. One heard "the shout of tlie sentry, 'They are coming!' Helmet, belt, rifle and up the steps ... in tlie trench a headless body. The sentry had lost his life by a last shell. We rushed to the firestep, there they come, tlie khaki-yellows, tlicy are not more than 20 metres in front of the trench. They advance slowly, fully equipped ... machine-gun fire tears holes in their ranks".

The Pals and Chums advanced slowly because the generals thought them too undertrained to be launched into a charge. They were to walk, under the supervision of their inexperienced officers. For the first few yards the lines held straight in the bright sunshine. Then tlie German fire caught them. in fiont of barbed wire the bombardment had scarcely cut. A sergeant of the Tyneside Irish saw "away, to my left and right, long lines of men. Then 1 heard tlie 'patter, patter' of machine guns in the distance.

By the time I'd gone another ten yards there seemed to be only a few men left aroi~ndme; by the time I had gone twenty yards, I seemed to be on my own. Then 1 was hit myself'.

Sixty thousand were hit, out of about 160,000 men advancing that morning. Of the 40,000 wounded who were recovered, many lay untended for several days, though the Germans held tlieir fire from the stretcher-bearers. The 20,000 dead included hundreds who expired slowly while waiting to be found.

Almost all the casualties died in no-man's-land. The Pals and Chums had scarcely anywhere crossed the German front line.

So the first day of the Somme was a failure as well as a tragedy. The beautifi~llandscape, chalk downland, trim beechwoods, would not tell one so today. It has returned to peace and gentle farming.

The French farmer we met ploughing the battlefield often finds bodies nonetlieless. "I always stop work", he said. "I have respect for your dead. There are so many. That battle has left a strong memory with you British. You come all the time". He gestured up the road to one of tlie little cemeteries, where a car with British number plates liad stopped at the gate.

The memory is strong and the British come all tlie time, to leave tlieir names in the cemetery visitor's books, to lay wreaths, sometimes to place photographs of Pals and Chums. Young faces stare at tlic visitor above khaki serge collars. Families have pinned poppies to the prints, and a few lines of inscription - "In memory of a father. grandfather and great-grandfather".

It is not something the French seem to do in their own cemeteries or the Germans in theirs, though tlicil(lead lie millions thick hereabouts. But then their soldiers were conscripts, not Pals and Cliums. It was

the dreadfill end July 1 brought to those short friendships that made tlie Somme so tragic to the British and makes it tragic still. ./oh11K e e p 1

THE BATTLE-HARDENED PRlSON GENERAL WHO HAS OUT TUMTMED TUMTM General Sir David Ramsbotham KCB, CBE The battle reflex was there. He was instantly alert. "What's happened now?" asked the 61 year old veteran of an IRA assassination attempt and the Falklands; and he tensed as I flashed that day's splash tabloid headline beneath his nose. It seemed that Iron Mike Howard, the Home Secretary, was at it again. He was planning to put bugs in prison cells to catch crooks blabbing on tlieir chums. The civil libertarians were in tumult. The Right was thrilled.

"I honestly haven't seen that," said General Sir David Ramsbotham, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, flipping the paper on to the table between us in his Home Office room. But I could see his eyes flickering surreptitiously over the story as he went on to say that he would of course be asking questions about the wheeze, which, he said, could threaten the "very important staff-prisoner relationships".

You might think it rum that the Chief Inspector should be thus informed of a scheme cooked up just down the corridor. You might take it as more evidence of tension. On the face of it, you would be right. Since taking up his post last year, the general has mounted a virtual campaign of provocation Ile staged a walk out of Holloway, in protest at the filth. He said that Mr Howard's beloved "boot camps" are "not my style". The tall Old Haileyburian has deployed maximum bolsliiness against cuts in educational programmes. There may be someone in Michael Howard's ofice who thought "Rambo" Ramsbotham would be a no-nonsense, military antidote to the Garrick-tied sofiyis~nof Judge Stephen Tumim. If so, he must be feeling a bit of an idiot today. Rambo, once seen as the best brain in the A~my,has out Tumimed Tumim. In liis passionate insistence that prisoners must be educated not to reoffend, he is - in Howard's book - as pink as liis weather-beaten cheeks. If you want to understand why Britain has more prisoners per capita than any other EU country, he said, you've also got to look at where they come from.

1; ' 1

J

I

"For example, 75 per cent of people coming into prison are unemployed. The sad tliing is, and this, is what I found in Belfast, that not only are they unemployed, but their fathers were unemployed, and their grandfathers. You're getting to the third generation of unemployment, and so there's a complete lack of work ethic. Prison has got to use the time to the best possible advantage, to make good the ravages of what they have missed before they came in."

Rut. hang on, don't some criniinals look forward to their duvets and satellite television3 "Yes, and I think it's very sad. I've seen people and asked them", 'Are you likely to re-offend', and they say, 'Yes, I've got nothing to go to, I've got no hope, I've got no job, I've got no family, I've got nothing, and here I'm looked after'.

I

"For all too many, that is increasiugly true. For many of these young men coming into prisons, the Prison Officer represents the first example of a responsible male role model he has ever seen. The parent tends to be the women. Ifthey go to school, an increasing majority of teachers tend to be female Those who end up in prison are at an advantage, in a way. A cliild from a settled home has a one in 7,000 chance of coming in contact with the police. A child from an unsettled home has a one in 10 chance. That says something to me about tlie importance of a settled home, and things you and I were fortunate enough to grow up with - a home, a school, some standards, and the possibility of work."

Flmmm, I said, but suppose Mr Ilo\vard llad given tlie Tory troops this kind of stuff in Rournen~outli.

It ~vouldnot have gone down well. What the public wanted, 1 suggested, was punisliment.

"Dl~tif in prison you recreate the conditions from which they've come, the chaotic bullying and all that, well then what's new? I would ask those people in Bournemoutli whether they want anything done to try to prevent that person from re-offending. Now I can't prove by statistics that tackling a sex ofi'cnder's behaviour is going to prevent him from offending again. Rut I do know from sheer common sense that doing nothing is more likcly to encourage re-of'fending than doing something.

"Tliere are anger management courses to try to control anger. Tlicre are courses to deal with different kinds ofburglary. It's horrifjing ho\v many people can't read or write. They can't read enough to tcll where the bus is going. They have no parenting skills. I have discovered that a third of young offenders are already fathers, sometimes Inany times over. What is this doing for tomorrow's country?"

In Rambo's view, punisllment was the loss of liberty, and fiirther chastisement pointless. "Time spent banged up in your cell is totally counter-prod~rctive."That was why he was so alarmed by the cuts. He described how one warder had told him that what was needed was time, the ability of staff to spend "30 minutes sitting on the bed with one of these young people, talking to him and giving him an example of \vliat being a responsible male means".

And since 80 per cent ofcosts are staff salaries, that was precisely the kind of education that was being cut, he said. Rambo said he had never had any party allegiance, but listening to him one wondered again why Howard 'had appointed him. One possibility is that tliis is all political theatre. To sharpen his profile as Iron Mike, Howard needs to battle the liberal establishment, to be surrounded by softies ant1 wetties in the Home Ofice and the Prisons Insectorate. The other possibility is that Rambo is part of tlie doublethink we apply to prisons.

It may be that away from the roar of the Rournemouth crowd, and tlie honest lust of tlie Riglit for revenge, Michael Howard, the old Row Grouper, may secretly think there is a lot of sense in what Ranibo says. r301*isJoht~sot~

AFFILIATIONS RGI Cndets Shooting S~rccesses 1.

More good news on the Competition shooting front, tliis time from the KRRC Cadets (232 (Westminster) Cadet Detachment RGJ) who are based at Davies Street. The Detachment fi~ll-bore shooting team swept the board at the London District Cadet Rifle Meeting 1996.

Tlie Detachment is Comnianded by Adult Under Officer (AUO) Game1 Kanili who lives at 1 131: Rowley Way Abbey Road London NW8 OSW. The team, lead by Cadet CSM Kirby, won the S~~tlierland Bowl and the Young Soldiers' Cup for team shooting. Cadet CSM Kirby is the London District Champion Cadet Shot, the runner up was L/Cpl Marin and third Rfn Reilly all of 233, Detachment. Kirby and Reilly won gold and silver in the Lowe Goblet (Rapid) and Rfn Reilly won tlie Top 20 shoot. Frank Cox tells me that not a single medal or cup was not won by the Detachment.

Tliere were 23 other Detachments from all across Greater London Competing. It is an impressive efforl

2.

Rqlvrl Grrk h([ Rifles Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Tlie Royal Gurkha Rifles have made their final appearance on Public Ditties in Idondon in Sep 96 before the battalion was disbanded in November 96.

On July 1 , 1994 the 10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles was retitled as 3 RGR on tlie formation of Tlie Royal Gurkha Riiles. I n Noveniber, its soldiers will be made redundant, transferred to tlie I st or 2nd Battalions of The Royal Gurkha Rifles, or sent to tlie Gurkha Reinforcement Companies being attached to the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, tlie Royal Scots and The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. At the same time, 1 RGR transferred from Hong Kong to Church Crookham to take over 3 RGR's role with 5 Airborne Brigade.

2nd llrrttcrlion The Frontier Force Regirnent ((hii(1e.s) Tlie Corps of Guides celebrated tlie Reginlent's 150th anniversary of its formation on 14 December l S46 on 23-24 April 1996.

Special celebrations to mark tlie anniversary will also be held on 26/27 Febn~ary1997 to which affiliated Rcgi~nentsrepresentatives were invited. fIh%Y Sonzcrset Re-srtrf(rce.s Talking of tradition, with the near completion of a Type 23 anti-submarine warfare fiigate at Yarrow Shipbuilders on the Clyde, the Navy is re-introducing Somerset as a warship name for the first time in more than 200 years. HMS Somerset takes her name not so much from the county, with which she lias already established close links, as from the Duke of Somerset. Slie is also formally affiliated to tlie Royal Green Jackets. At Devonport, appropriately in the West Country, slie will spend tlie year undertaking sea trials of weapon and sensor systems under Commander Martin Westwood, whose s1iil)'s company will include 17 officers. The ship was commissioned on 20 Sep 96.

Present at Louisburg 1758 and Quebec 1759, HMS Somerset shared Battle Honours with the Re&' ~i~nent

NEWSLTNE Ilritish is Ijcst, Scrys Frcnclr Pre.si(lent President Jacqi~esChirac, announcing a shake-up of France's military establisliment, said, "Like the best annies in the world, like tlie DI-itisli,tlie Frencli Army will be able to deploy quickly and efficiently. WC are currently a long way from the qi~alityof the British Army. In six years' time we will have an army \vhicli is at least as capable as the British."

Top Job 'Will Go to A rnzy ' Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill Norton accused the Government of "sea blindness" over tlie appointment of an Army general as Chief of the Defence Staff. The post is to go to Gen Sir Charles Gutlirie, Chief of tlie General Staff. The Royal Navy has failed to secure the top job for nearly ten years. - 'Jjn1c.v.

F(rlltlrrn~lIsltrntls Falliland Islands residents and British Forces serving tliere are being warned to gi~ardagainst ski11cancerbecause the Antarctic ozone liole has spread to cover the area. - J / r ~ l q ~ e t r t lo~i~l tSIIIIIJC!)~. i/ Rtissirrn Arntetl Forces The Crisis in the Russian Armed forces is one of the biggest threats not only to Russia itself, but to its neighbours and the stability of Europe. What was once a trained. capable and disciplined force is now little more than a rabble - impoverished, corrupt and surly. - Times.

-

.Ycrntles Centre B u ~ o r t l Field Marshal Lord Bramall opened a new recreational facility - tlie Sandes Centre - for soldiers and their families at Bulford Camp. Located within the Beacon club wliicli houses the Army wives club, it has a restaurant, games room, quict room and TV area.

Wctrl)onsA Eqrlil)nient Tlic Royal Artillery has taken delivery (Oct 96) ol'ihc latest and lilost sophisticated version of Rapier. it's low level anti-aircraft missile.

Challenger 2 will come into service with the British Army in June 1998.

Qrr ccn Al)/)rovesEuro1)ctrn hfetltrl.fir Ijosnitr 1)rr nritish troops who served in or sul,portetl \Vcstcr11Et~l.opcan(Inion operations in former Yi~goslnvia \bill be eligible to receive the WEtI hlission SCI-vice h4cdi1l ivitli llic clasp "Formel. Yugoslavia 1992" (17

Q11:rlifyingpe~.iodsare 30 days' continuous or acci~n~i~latcd servicc ill tlie theatre of' WEIJ ol,erations since July 22, 1992, or 90 days' conlini~oi~s or acctlniillatctl service ill thc area oroperations outsitle tlie fol-mer Yi~~oslavia or the Atlriatic - I-lungary or Romania - since July 1 , 1992.

Few British Service personnel are expected to receive tlie nletlal because they are eligible for only one fiom the UNPROFOR Medal. the U N Special Service hledal, the N:ITO Medal or tlie WEl.l ~ / s s i o n Service Medal for the same periotl of operational service.

Permission for more than one medal will be granted only when there is a clear difference between each period of qilaliQing service.

The medal ribbon is in WEU blue and yellow-gold.

flerrrlqutrrtcrs Lnntl Conrnmntl, Wilton, Nr Strli.vhrrry There are three panels at the entrance to the ofices of the Hcadqital-ters. These list Commanders-inChief from the beginning of World War J J when it was not I.and Comn~andbut I lome Forces.

C i n CS of the Royal Green Jackets and former regiments are listed.

(1)

Gcneral Sir Bcrnard C.T. PAGET.

25- 12- 104 1 TO 28-7- 1041

KCR. DSO. MC

(1)

Lieut-General Sir Gerald W LATHBURY,

(2)

General Sir Roland GIBBS,

KCR, DSO. bll3l:

KC'I3. C'l3li. I)SO. MC

(2)

General Sir Edwin RRAMAI>L, KC'l3, 0 1 3 l < . h4C

6- 1 - 1960 TO 29- 1 1 - 196 1

(3)

General Sir Frank KJTSON, (;Cl{, KC'I3. MC. All(' ((h)

(3)

Note: 1 2 3

General Sir James GLOVER, K m ,MBE 43rd Sr 52nd KRRC and RC;J RB and RCJ

Arlllj) .'$l)recrc/sits WeA Wick!

Tlie Roycrl Green Jc~cltetsis on tlre Net The Britisli Army has launched itself on the Tnternet witli tlie creation of its own Web site where ~lsel-S can surfthrough 200 pages of information. It offers anyone on tlie Jnternet an opporti~nityto find 0111 more about the British Army, and to take part in the Army World Challenge, a game based on operation scenarios.

Challenge is designed for the 16-34 age group, target of the Army's recruiters. Each game begins witli a mission brief, before players are invited to make a military decision from a choice of three.

The careers section offers gi~idanceon joining up, and encoilrages "visitors" to ask for an information pack. Army organisation is explained in depth and there is a glossary of military terms and abbreviations. The Army's roles and functions have been explained, Regiments anti Corps have contributed brief histories and details of their main recri~itingareas. More quality and quantity of illformation is expected as they become aware of the potential of tlie Web. Photographs and information on weapons, vehicles and equipment can be accessed. Adventurous training and sport have a section which will include reports on Army-led expeditions.

Click on the "Army World" button and maps and information on tleployments world-wide will be available. Photographs will be high resolution images. The site will also offer latest news on what the Army is up to, including details of events such as the Edinburgh Tattoo and Royal Tournament. Press releases issued by Army Public Information Ofices worldwide will eventually be on site.

Soldier readers connected to the Tnternet need not feel left out. Tt is planned to launch an electronic version of the magazine with stories and pictures from every issue.

To connect to the British Army Web site, use the Uniform Resource Locator. ktt')://~lvllvlv.

Arnly.mod.it kLstrrrctirre/infc)rndgreen/nly.crin.

11tm WELFARE

and Airmen's Families Association

ssAFA/FHs

I

HELPS

I

Service and ex-Service Men, Women, their families and dependants offering practical help and advice to those in genuine need.

I

If you or your loved ones were ever in the Forces - Regular of National Service - SSAFAIFHS is here to help.

Even in the problem that is worrying you now has nothing to do wit11 time spent in uniform, you can call on SSAFAIFHS. On the other hand, you might wish to help SSAFA's work by offering some of your time or a financial contribution.

Your local representative can be reached through the local telephone book or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

If you have trouble finding your local SSAFNFF-IS please telephone

0171 -4038783 or 962 9696 (24hr answering service)

RESETTLEMENT Regular Forces Employment Association Our task is to assist all ex-regular servicemen and women who did not hold commissioned rank to fincl employment, provided they served with good character for a mi~limumof three years, (or less if discharged on medical grounds). We take a long term interest and can, as a registered charity, offer oilr free counselling service to them througlloi~ttheir working lives.

Tlie RFEA works together wit11 the Tri-Service Rese.t.tlenientOrganization, the Services Employme111 NetworkISkillBank, the Officers' Association and the Employment Service, as part of the Forces resettlement service.

011Employment 1-

Officersmaintain close contact with local employers, also offering them a free servicc. fiom our 39 Branches spread throughout the United Kingdom. Tlleir addresses and teleplione n~~ml>e~-s can be obtained from Resettlement Officers, Corps and R~it-ment.31 AssociationJJobc~ntres. Yellow Pages and local telephone directories.

Sadly, only halfofthose eligible to register with the Association do so. Why not contact 11sand see Ilo~v we can help you.

A free life time job finding service. Do take action today if you need help or advice.

FUTILITY by Wilfred Owen Move him into the sun Gently its touch awoke him once, At home, whispering of fields unsown.

Always it woke him, even in France.

Until this morning and this snow.

If anything might rouse him now The kind old sun will know.

Think how it wakes the seeds Woke, once, the clays of a cold star.

Are limbs so dear-achieved, are sides Full-nerved - still warm, - too hard to stir?

Was it for this the clay grew tall?

- 0 what made fatuous sunbeams toil To break earth's sleep at all?

LOST TRA I [,S l i ~ nReid seeks Pte Hatley, Ex Oxf& Bucks L1 who joined 1st Bn Somerset L1 on troopship lIi/~r~n~.l.cl to Malaya 1950. Returned to UK on the I)c~1on.v/1ir~.

Write 22 Robinsons Meadow, Ledbury, Herefordshire.

6th Oxf & Bucks Lt 111fi111try Signal Sectioi~50th reunion on 1 1 May at Wycombe March RRL. High Wycombe, Bucks. Other companies welcome. Contact Ron~iiePetcli, 56 Gifford Gardens, Hanwell, 1,ondon W7 3AN; Tel 01 8 1 93300 13 Rifle Brigade. Looking for Ticli Elliott, Compo Compton, Clial-lie May, Ken IJigginbotIiam, Ron L.eggo, Little George, Ron Nciglibour, Jig Lee, Ginger Goltlenbogg, Dcl Milsom, Doc Doclierty, Ecldic Davis (bugler), George (PTI). Contact Geoff Pain 01 962 866674 ASSOClATlON MEMBERS - ADDRESSES IJNKNOFVN The RGJ Newsletter '96 was sent to the following members and were returned. An updated address would be appreciated.

1<1) Allan 'l' Annslrong l' l3:1ilcy l<'l'( i l3:1ilcy Al. I 3on-elt 'I'1:l l3amett SI< I3:ntlett \<VI3a1wisc S I3chon N I3cll (i I 3cllinger (;.I I 3cnnett .l l3ild~y SI . I3inficld MA I3oston M ( i I 3oyton 'I7( ;S I <rooks l'(; I3rown AM l3iaton SI. Vain 1' (';III. AJ ('lark .I Clarke SN C'olien S Cloombes I .I) Coster

m.

I<(; C ' u m i n g s l)ilil~io S I:gan ItSl< l-;\~ans I) I::~irhurst I' I:cn\vick \)'l' l:i~in WhlC Fmnciose M ].'rape NI I:rith l)l< l'rowen (;K1 (i~~ffiicy

Gone away Gone a\vny Gone a\Iiay Addrcsscc unkno\vn Gonc a\\!ay Addrcsscc u~ikiio\vn Gone a\vav Gone a w y r Gone a\iray Gone a\vay Gone aw:iy Gone aw:iy Gone a\vny Gone n\\,a!

Gone a\j1ay Gone a\\,o!; Addresscc unkno\vn Addresscc unkno\vn Addresscc unkiio\vn Addrcsscc tinkno\\~ii Addressee unkno\vn Gone a\vay Address in:icccssihlc Gone o\\:ay Gone away Gone a\vay Gone a\viiy Gone a\vay Gone a\\,ay AdJwsscc un!ino\\n Gone away Gone a\Irnq Gone o\lray Gone away Addresscc ta~kno\\;n Gone :~\v:iy Addrcsscc I I I ~ ~ I ~ O \ \ . I ~ Returned no cx~~lanalion Adtlrcssce un!ino\v~i

1,S (;car !<K (icorge AI: (icraghl!, ASI< Gill I'M (iirtila (<l: Gl:itln~on I'P (;lctlliill MS (iootlm:~n V (io~gh I1 ( i ~ i l l t l h ~ ~ l l 1% (io\\.cr Cl; (;r:~nt 1)V (;ray M (irq MW (;re!

M (;rillill1 1'1' (;riiiics AS l lnll M D I lall IA II;irncr S 1I a ~ ~ c r M I lamis WY 1 Ia\~thorn W l lcnnon DI' I lopkir~s A l lo~ne I<M I luglics 24364873 .lCook AS Scnkins I<]. Jo~ics lt.4 S~ikcs SM Killonc l',lT l .atltl AS I .arkin M I.:I\\;cI~ (i I ,a\vtlicr MA I .a!,lon SIII I .ccson Csl:l : l .c\\,is

Gone a\v;ly Gone away Gone away Gone n\v:iy <;one n\v:iy Gone a\\,ay Gone n\voy Gone a\\~ay At1~11.csscctulkno\vn Atltlrcsscc ~ ~ n k ~ i o \ v n Acltlrcssec unkno\\.n No st~cliaddress Acldrcsscc unk~io\vn I<clt~~nctl 111) cxpl:i~i:~~io~l (;one a\va\ Rcliirnctl adtlrcss ~n:~cccsihlc.

Gone a\\.ay Wl~crcahou~s ~~nkno\vn Addrcsscc o~~kncnvn Rclii~iicdno csl~I:in:i~io~l Gone : I \ ~ : I \ Gone :~\\,a!.

Gone away Reported tlccc:~scd Gone a\\.:~y Gonc way Incoml~lctcatldrcss Rcporlcd tleccascd (ione a\\l:iy Atlclrcssce ~~nkno\\;n Atldrcsscc unkno\v~i Adrlrcsscc unk~io\vn (;one away Adtlrcsscr u~iho\vn <;one a\v:~!.

Gone ay Gone a\\!ay Gone a\\,a\ Gone a\viiv

Tlie Ministry of Defence has only itself to blame for the present situation, but under tlie dynamic ne1.v Adjutant General, Gen Sir Micliael Rose, it now has a chance to alleviate tlie situation, providing i t receives the full backing of tlie Government.

It is not easy to persuade young men and women to commit the~nselvesto an organisation which, for some years, has invariably been portrayed as being cut and cut again. The "feel-good factor" is as important here as in any other field of activity.

What is now needed is a clear cut announcement tliat, in the light of "changed circumstances", tlie British Army's planned strength will be increased by the 3,000-4,000 that is so badly needed.

Not only would these extra places give an enormous boost to recruiting; they woulcl also ensure tliat front line establishments could be set at realistic levels. Tliis, in t~rrn,would enable combat units to deploy rapidly without recourse to last niinute reinforcement by otlier units and cap badges, and allo\:, those willing to stay on to do so without any bureaucratic embargo being imposed rnerely because an i~nrealisticmanpower ceiling niiglit, in theory, be exceeded.

Tliis particularly applies to tlie Gurkhas, who, in the short term, can do ~nuclito alleviate tlie sIiortSal1, but they can never substitute for the best possible British recruiting.

We can continue to have the best and most respected professional army in tlie worltl only if it is fi~lly manned and strong enough to handle tlie commitments imposed on it.

Fic.111 Marslrcrl 1,orrl /IRA M,4 1.L I.otrrlon, SW1

The Cournge Trophy From: Lt Col TR Hamilton-Baillie Commanding 4RGJ To: Col IH McCausland Regili~entalSecretary You may think we are sounding our own bugles rather too often, but tliis time tliere really is good reason. Not since 1983, when tlie then I,t Timmy Matthews. nor Major commanding C company led tlie winning team, have we come anywhere near the honours in the London District TA Military Skill Competition known as the Courage Trophy. Yesterday at Longnioor at the end of 30 hours of almost continuous activity, our B Company Team (Fulliam) led by Lt Stel~lienLowe IiRed tlie Trophy. Tlie C Company Team collected tlie Runners-up medals.

Tlie competition is hotly contested. There were 24 teams from all the London District TA units, ~Iment. including teams for our chief rivals, 10th Bn The Parachute Regiment and Tlie London Re&' Some, like the Londons and ourselves, put in 5 teams; one from each Company. Others entered fewer. possibly packed teams. In any event it availed them all nought.

Though not part ofthe scored competition, there was a "falling plates" shooting match at the ntl of ~lic day. Our Teams from A Company and Support Company met in tlie final, with Si~pportCompany winning by a fraction of a second.

The Courage Shield Competition for mixed teams carried out exactly the same competition as the allmale Trophy Teams. Our Shield Team from HQ Company, led by Lt Catherine Spong, scored tlie highest marks in the Shield but lost to 2 others teams aller age penalties had been deducted.

All the Battalion's teams therefore had something to celebrate. The GOC London District at his prizegiving speech said it had been tlie Greenjacket's day. I think you will agree tliat it justifies tliis little blast.

Yours ever T.f-I-B 25 March '96

,4 Riflern(rti irr E.stonicr M r Danny ICrepka - late 2RGJ writes li-om Estonia asking tl~athis address be published in the Newsletter

for the benefit of his many pals.

Danny's address:

4B Treppoy Tee, Laulasmaa Sige Tee Harjumaakond Estonia EE3072 Tcl: 743-273

A R [ f l e m ~ in n Oz Mr & Mrs Jackson emigrated to Australia in Marcli 1997 - Ray sc~vedin the K R R C and 2RGJ and became a loyal supporter of the Association. First contact address c10 90 Sexton Street, Tarrarintli, Brisbane 41 21, Queensland Australia 0061 7-384839 15

W I y Not A nritislz Regiment For Siklts?

With the recent increase of Sikhs and other Indian personnel in the British Forces may 1 suggest that thc MOD create new regiments consisting entirely of Tndian minority groups?

Apart from producing units with high morale this idea would also benefit recri~iting.

Sikhs and others tend to be raised strictly and may be able to accept Forces discipline better than the average British teenager.

Some serving officers and old campaigners may disagree with my views, but I would respond by quoting the success of the Gurkhas - FTuw M Y o i ~ d(4RGJ, 1982-85), Wheatley, Oxon)

Mwch of T11eDny From: Colonel 1.H McCausland, Regimental Secretary To: M. Read Esq, Classic FM, PO Box 829, Slough, Berks H~.enkfns,M m h T listen to Classic FM over breakfast each morning and I much enjoy hearing the March of the Day. However, having been a Rifleman all my life with our much brisker marching pace (l40 to tlle minute rather than the slower march of the "heavy" infantry) T rather wonder whether you could play some marches by the Band ofthe Light Division as well as by those played by the Bands of the Foot Guards and Royal Marines, which at present feature regularly on your programme.

The Band of the Light Division was formed 18 months ago from two regimental Bands of the Royal Green Jackets and two from the 1,ight Infantry. It is 50 strong, the same size as the Bands of the Foot Guards, and should you play some of their music, you would have the benefit of 16 top-class Buglers accompanying the Band. The Band has recently made a CD under the direction of Captain R.J. Owen. its Director of Music, and his address is Band of the Light Division, Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester, Hants S022 6NQ.

I enclose a cassette of regimental mi~sicto give you an idea of what good Bugle Marches sound like.

I hope you will agree that our faster pace woi~ldadd something to yoi~rBreakfast music and, perhaps, help to wake up those who are still half asleep!!

!!

27 Ringlet Way, Turnpike Do\vn, Winnall, Winchester S023 8SY

Dear Sir I am writing to thank you for a very well organised Reunion on Satilrday 13th July. The Rand beirig extremely good.

As an Instructor at Peninsula Barracks, when David Stileman was in Command. l'lie Junior Rifemen then at 15%-16 years of age in the Band, Bugles and Riflemen, \yere Iny pigeon. At tlie Reunion on tlie Sat~lrday,I met quite a few 'oltl bovs' nearly 32 years on!! A great Reunion.

Thank you and all your liard workers Si~icerely John Collins Alias 'Judo Jack' - Not to be forgotten!

Climbing, LI~-armed combat, Regimental Display Team, etc

Fur0 vell A pl~recintions From: Mr S Telford, 24 Sookholme Drive, Warsop, Nr Mansfield NG20 ODN To: Divisional Colonel & Men~bersof Headquarters I-ight Division May I first of all apologise for not having written to you all before now, but it was not until I visited tlic Depot a short while ago, I learned who had so generously contributed towards my retirement present, and it is with heart felt gratitude that I write to say thank you to all of yoil. The Ri~gleI received will always be a reminder of every one I came to know. Also those kind people I never met becat~seapart froin your Headquarters, tliere was tlic Depot S ~ q Mess s plus tlie four regular battalions, and one never realises just how much people appreciate what you've done until you are due to leave. Whether its another posting, another line of work, or in my case retirement, and its liard for me to express niy sincere thanks, but from the bottom of my heart I thank you all.

While I was visiting the Depot during Green Jacket weekend, I was asked if I missed working? Well to be honest the time had come for me to call it a day! 1 can't say I miss the work. but certainly all thc fi-iends I made, and tliese I sliall never forget. Also the help and support I was given, as without these my job would have been that mucli harder.

Every time I look at the Bugle it will remind me not only of working in the Mess, but also my 23!i years in both The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and Royal Green Jackets.

Please once again pass on my sincere thanks to every one concerned in giving towards my farewell present. I shall always be gratefill to you all and may 1 wish the Regiment every success in the li~tiire.

Yours sincerely Stanley Telford

To: Major TM Hartley, MBE I-IQ 1,igIit Division From: Ian Posgate, 12 Reynolds Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks I-IP9 2NJ - 4th Septe~iiber I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for arranging sucli a wonderfill year for me. I t is not u n t i l now when 1 reflect upon what I have seen and done that I realize liow fortunate 1 liave been. 1 remember riglit at the start of tlie year i n your ofice. when you were calling tlie CO of ?RC[<and lie said that 'once you are witli the Gi~~.kIias you never want to leave'. Well he was almost rig1i1'l

Tlie six months wliicli I spent wit11 I RGJ were fantastic. The ~)rofcssionalismant1 tlie \way tliat they went about their work was like no other Regiment tliat 1 encounterctl this year. Another point tliat has sti~ckwitli me all year was a story of yours about \when you asked a clever cliap liow lie would descril)~ Rilleman and lie replied very conservative. To bc Iionest 1 still am not al~leto describe tliem ollier tlinn to say that underneatli the liard image almost all of them Iiad 11iclieart to welcolne and 1001; after an SSIX officer. l'liank you very much for all you liave done and perhaps with 1RGJ again.

ill

four years I will be lucky enougli to serve

Yours sincerely Ian Posgate 2/Lt

BOOK REVIEW

l d

{

1 j I

l

Death to the Frencli by CS Forester TIIe British Hero 1v11ois telling it to t11eAf(~rine.s He was alone, lost behind enemy lines. But Rifleman Matthew Dodd knew his duty. And it drove lii~ii to carry on fighting in the dark days of the Spanish Peninsular War more than 180 years ago Tlie British soldier teamed 111)with local guerillas, became their leader and harassed and delayed tliousantls ofNapoleonic troops witli sniper fire from mountain hideouts In the end he slipped back to rejoin Iiis regiment, never telling his superior officers of his extraordinary operations.

L

Rifleman Dodd existed only in tlie mind ofnovelist C.S. Forester, who created Iiim in 1942 for the book "Death to the French" Today, however, lie is the inspiration for thousands of US Marines waiting to be sent in to Bosnia. In every backpack, on tlie order of commanding officer General Cliarles Krulak, is the story of Rifleman Dodd. The General told the 2,000 strong IJS evpeditionary unit in tlie Atlriatic 'Read this book and you will see the kind of grit, resourcefulness and unboastful courage \ye espect from Marines ' In a newsletter, lie also underlined Forester's observation that, in Dodd's day, 'tlie only reward for the doing of his duty, would be the knowledge that duty was being done'

I

i

General Krulak persuaded a publishing company in Baltimore to print 3,500 copies of tlie book.

Eventually he wants all 174,722 Marines to have one. The British adventure story joins tlie list oi' required reading for a Marine, wliicli includes tlie memoirs of Patton and Eisenhower alongside ~~rofilcs of Rommel and Mao Tse Ti~ng.

SOLDIER IN THE CIRCIJS E(llvnr(1IAj7nze f h l v to Sunfive Five Yel~rs (1s (I Prisoner of Wl~r When the Second World War began in 1939, Edward 1,yme joined the Kings Royal Rifle Corps at Winchester, but soon transferred to Queen Victoria's Rifles During the defence of Calais in 1940, lie was capti~redaflerjust two days of active service, and lie spent tlic next five years as a prisoner of war,

eventually reaching England after his third escape attempt just six weeks before tlie end of tlie war in 1945.

Laced with humour and sense of comradesliip that sustained so many POWs during the dark days of World War Two, Soldier in the Circus is the story of a Rifleman's survival - Price E l 5.

THE BOOK GUILD LTD Temple House, 25-6 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LU Telephone: 01 273 472534 Distributed through: Vine House Distribution, Waldenbury, Nortli Common, Cliailey, East Sussex BN8 4DR Tel: 01 825 723398 Fax: 01 825 7241 88

The Final Word: Are you a "thinlting" Rifleman?

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS MUSEUM Grenadier: The 43rd Regiment of Foot, The Royal Green Jackets - A Brief History .41mals o f KRRC - V 0 1 6

The Museum \\-as opened by Her Mqjesh- Quecn Elizabeth 11; Colonel-in-Chic.f of the Regiment. in Dccenmber 1989. Situated in die his[o~-icsite 01' Peninsula I3nll-acks. tllis M w u m is ackno\vledged as possibly the h e s t regimental museum in the counln. 11 lells the fascinating story of its famous regiments fiom 1741 to the present day, graphically and entertainingly.

T-shirts & Sweatshirts (All items listed below bear the RGJ badge)

All lisitors are welcome to the M m u m and there is good provision for disabled visitors. 11-ith all areas able to accommodate nrheelchairs, a stair lift to the first floor and special toilet.

Small T-shirt Large white T-shirt Estra large white T-shirt Large green siveatshirt Extra large grcen sveatshirt

Engraved glass, crystalware & tankards (All items below are engraved with the RGJIPeninsula Barracks motif. Designs may vary. All items marked * on this page are presented in a silk-lined box) China bcll Trimigular Ashtray Mini tankard Mancunian half-pint tankard Paris \\-ine glass Paris s h c m . glass Pcnlcr goblct C'laudia 3 o z s h c m glass blancunian Pint Tankard* 5'' liexagonal ashtray Ronton \vhisL?. tumbler Ro\\ton Tuscany sherry glass (pair)* C n s t a l Cut Vase Pair of brandy glasses 6 Ron-ton n.hisk!. glasses Ro\\-ton Io\.ing c u p Ronton \\hisL?. tumbler R o n l o n C n s t a l tankard (Stein) Ro\\lon small beer tankard Rowton sliem glass

Opening Times The Museum is open at the follou lng t ~ m e sth-oughtout the !ear c\wpt for t n o \\ecAs o\'cr Chnstlnas and New Year.

Monday to Saturday (inclusive) IOaln- l pm - 2pni-jpm: Sunday l? noc~n-Jpm

1

There is ample parking space dose by.

,

Enquiries are most 11clcome to: The Royal Green lachcts Museum, Peninsula U a ~ ~ a c kKomsey s.

Road. Winchester I Iants SO23 81's Telephone: (0 1962) 863836

HOW TO ORDER 'I'o puschase any ofthe listed p x d s please complete the 01-dcrF o ~ mand send it, 11ith your pa!ment, to the address helo~v: The Curatca The Royal Green Jackets Museum Peninsula Ban-acks Romsey Road Winchester Methods c)fpa!mcnt ase Iisted on the ordu- Ibnii, please make cheques payable to The Royal GI-een Jackets Museum Trading C'o 1.td. Include an additional i?to co\.er postable and packaging iilr the lJK (U fbr o\.c'rseas). Allo\~up to 1 J d a ~ i\lr s deli\.c~?(UK).

13efOlr~ r d e ~ j it~ is i gad\-isableto tclq>honeand check the a\.ailahilit!- and details 01'itelns 35 all are suhject to change.

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS NEWSLETTER

"A Rifleman's Recollections" Number: ........................... .Rank:..................N

A PAGE OF MEMORIES

'1

I served in(Batta1ioii)...........................................

(Company) .........................................................

(Platoon).............................................................

(Section)..............

Recollections are attached. (Article to include details of close friends, favourite places and incidents. Photographs too p1en.c.e.)

Ell l i sted

on.........................................................

Date of Discharge..............................................

RGJ Association Branch ..................................

Signed......................................................

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

Post Code ...................Tel No. ..................

74