Swift & Bold 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association

SWIFT AND BOLD

SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2011

JOURNAL 2010

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

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SWIFT AND BOLD

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JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL 2011 CONTENTS FRONT Cover COLLAGE Photograph

IN THIS ISSUE

4 5 6 7 7 8

Foreword Editor`s Notes RGJRA Association Contacts External Address List RGJRA Veteran`s Day and Oxford Reunion Timings Green Jacket and Association Events 2012-13 BRANCH REPORTS

10 Front Cover Photograph Credits The front cover collage was created with photographs from events in 2011 supplied by Andy Norris, Chris McDonald, Bob Voller, Ace McLean, Gareth Dixon, Chris Rumble Teal Photography, Ray Gerrard, Jean Mallaby, Ray Dobson, Bill Bingham,Syd Hopgood, J.D. von Merveldt, Roy Baillie, Seamus Lyons.

CONTRIBUTIONS Lt Gen Sir Christopher BQ Wallace KBE DL Maj Gen Jamie Balfour CBE DL Major Ron D Cassidy MBE Major Roy E Stanger Maj Colin Fox Capt Bill Holland Dick Gould Richard Frost MBE Chris McDonald Terry Burrows David Timms Gary Driscoll Len Dooley Malcolm Donnison Ray Gerrard Mike Marr Gordon Pilcher Lee Massey Stuart Anderson Kevin Stevens ADVERTISERS £2825 JCB - Michael Leeming Cogent Law - Nick Addyman Rifleman`s Tours - Tony Eden WCMT - Maj Gen Jamie Balfour Boden - John Boden KBR - Maj Gen Andrew Pringle The Rifles Shop - John Fritz-Domeney The RGJ (Rifles) Museum - Nick Haynes

JOURNAL 2011

Page 2 11 12 15 21 34 50 51

Australasian Aylesbury Band and Bugles London Midlands North East North West Oxford Suffolk Wiltshire Winchester Yorkshire

11 12 13 15 16 18 20 21 22 23 24

ARTICLES

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 38 41 42 44 44 45 45 46 47 48 49 50

Lt Gen Sir John Moore KB (1761-1809) Rifles of the Regiment - A Study Northern Ireland Now and Then!

The RGJRA Web Site and Internet Branch report The RGJRA Database report 4 Rifles (formerly 2RGJ) Newsletter Lt Gen Sir John Moore KB (1761-1809) The MAAS Holland 1944 The Colonels Commandant of The Royal Green Jackets The Royal Green Jackets Operational Awards The RGJ Book of Remembrance 1966-2007 In Memory of L/Cpl Mick Boswell and Rfn John Keeney,1RGJ Ground Sign Awareness is a Green Jacket Initiative The Rifles Benevolent Trust Green Jackets Close Ladies Guild A Story from the RGJ Archives - Circa 1966 The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum Lt Gen Sir John Moore KB (1761-1809) Victoria Cross Holders - Former Regiments Lt Gen Sir John Moore KB (1761-1809) Obituary List 9 January 2011 - 8 January 2012

DONATIONS £720 Jonathan Pope Alastair Maxwell Christopher Pond Phillip Pearson Rex Woolstencroft Michael Wesson Hugh Dumas

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SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

FOREWORD BY MAJOR GENERAL JAMIE BALFOUR CBE DL PRESIDENT OF THE RGJ REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

W

elcome to the Fourth edition of Swift and Bold, the annual journal of your Regimental Association, which records our key events and branch activities during 2011 and much more.

I hope the combination of the Ezines, this Journal, the RGJ Regimental Association website and updates from RHQ The Rifles on what the battalions are doing, enables you all to keep in touch with what our great Regiment is achieving, both past and present.

We all owe a huge vote of thanks to Ken Ambrose and his team for what they do on all our behalf in enabling us to do this, not least that the Journal is now produced virtually cost free, thanks to the team’s growing skills and advertising support, for which I am most grateful to those who help us in this manner.

It is now five years since the Royal Green Jackets handed over the British Army’s Rifle Regiment tradition, ethos and unique record of professional excellence and achievement to The Rifles on 1st February 2007, and it would be an understatement to say that all our hopes for the future have more than been fulfilled. The Rifles have firmly established themselves with their operational successes and professional style at the forefront of today’s Army, an achievement sadly that has not been without loss in both killed and wounded on a scale that we were lucky not to have suffered.

What I have found so heartening SWIFT AND BOLD

has been the way that members of the RGJRA have so actively associated with and supported The Rifles, and in particular the role that so many of you have played in supporting the Care for Casualties appeal, either by organising events or by donating money to this most worthy of causes. If we who went before support those that serve as Rifleman today and their families in their moment of need, then the future of our Regiment and all we stood for is secure, and I thank you all for the support you have selflessly given.

However I am equally conscious that our contribution over many years in NI and elsewhere should not be forgotten, as the RGJ were at the forefront of the prolonged NI counter terrorist campaign which, let us not forget, allowed a successful political solution and peace to be achieved.

Seeing the huge success of the visit of our Colonel in Chief Her Majesty The Queen to the Irish Republic last year was indeed a fitting moment to remember our role, but one achieved with its own intensity of operational tempo and sacrifice, the consequences of which many live with today.

I am also very aware that in the difficult economic times that we live in today, there will be Green Jacket Riflemen that need support, whether companionship, friendly advice or financial help. “Once a Rifleman, always a Rifleman” has always been a key part of our ethos, so please help those Riflemen who need support, and do not forget that The Rifles Benevolence Fund and other

4

Major General Jamie Balfour CBE, DL. President of the RGJRA

service charities such as ABF The Soldiers Charity, are there to provide exactly this type of help.

Please continue to support the Association and its branches, which continue to expand as you will see in the Journal. Come to our annual Reunion at Winchester on 14th July where you will almost certainly meet many old friends, use the website for the latest news, and visit our Museum and use its shop at Winchester or on line at www.rgjmuseum.co.uk.

Finally all of us please encourage those non members you know to join the Association. There are great benefits in being a member, and we are in the process of approaching all non members on our database to ask them to join, and in so doing both help their fellow Riflemen financially by sharing the considerable costs of running the Association and enable them to better keep in touch.

So I hope you enjoy this record of what the Association and Branches did during the last year and that you find some familiar faces within these pages.

I look forward to seeing many of you on the 14th July, and my very best wishes for 2012.

Yours sincerely Jamie Balfour President RGJ Regimental Association JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

EDITOR`S NOTES and shaped my whole life and the way that I view the people I have known generally and within the regiment.

Ken Ambrose, Editing and Design RGJRA Swift & Bold Journal

T

his year has been a good one in spite of rising costs, falling pensions, the banks, the riots and the continuing, if reduced, toll on our fellow riflemen in Afghanistan I will still remember 2011 as being a year worth being here for.

I need only to think back over the years about the people I have known who never grew old enough to get the aches and pains I am starting to experience now and yes, when I compare my lot with theirs, 2011 was well worth being around for.

I am going to try very hard to make it to the Winchester Veterans Day 2012 because for various reasons it has been a while since I did and to be honest I miss it and I miss the banter and all of you along with the feeling that I have been lucky enough to be part of something that has dominated

Back Cover

There seems to be a common factor within most of us who spent time in the regiment that when we first leave we cannot get away fast enough and initially we want nothing more to do with that part of our lives ever again but then after about ten years or so of trying to understand civilians and failing miserably and recognising the fact that we think in a totally different way to most of them, the feeling that we are missing a vital something from our lives dawns on us and we start looking for ways to get in touch with those people who we know have the same or similar values.

Its hard to believe that the period I spent with the regiment, less than fifteen years in total, can have had such a profound effect on who I am and the values I have, but I know that most of you who are reading this will feel the same to some degree! The most likely reason for this influence is that the early period in our lives we spent with the regiment was when we were still developing our outlook on life which explains why most civilians we know have a totally different attitude to dependence upon one another and the lifelong friendships that evolve in the regiment as result of that dependence.

I think that meeting up with or even perhaps talking with another ex-Green

`

A photograph taken on Remembrance Sunday, the 13th November 2011, when members of the North East, the Midlands and the Milton Keynes branches of the Association combined to march through Sunderland.

JOURNAL 2011

In early September 1963, at the ripe old age of 17, I was posted to 3 Green Jackets (RB) in Cyprus and a couple of weeks afterwards Ted Strawson was posted in. We became friends and that was over 48 years ago and although we do not communicate every week or even every month, either one of us can pick up the telephone at anytime and talk to a friend of near 50 years standing on the other end.

What is the price you are asked to pay for belonging to this very exclusive lifetime club? Well ÂŁ10 will give you this magazine every year plus reduced entry to both annual reunions and free and reduced periodic entry costs to the Museum as well as susbsidised purchases from the same and in addition free use of the database where you can find all those old friends!

I hope that your Christmas and New Year was a happy and prosperous one and I wish you all well for 2012 and all being well look forward to seeing you at the Winchester Veterans Day on KCA 14 July.

Crown Copyright

Thank you for your support

This publication contains official and personal contact information. It should therefore be treated with discretion by the recipient.

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association wish to thank the advertisers who appear in this publication for their generous support towards its publishing costs. We would also like to sincerely thank those individuals who have made private donations towards the cost of this publication.

The views expressed in the articles in this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association or the Ministry of Defence.

March Past

Jacket, on the telephone for the first time, is an enlightening experience in that in most cases both parties instantly have an understanding of one another that would take years of close contact to develop in civilian life and yet the only common bond is that both parties have served in the regiment.

No responsibility for the goods or services advertised in this journal can be accepted by the publishers, printers or the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association and all such advertisements are included in good faith.

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Journal Production Magazine Design and Editing Ken Ambrose Assistant Editor Major (retd) Ron Cassidy MBE Advertising Artwork Danny Healy SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

ROYAL GREEN JACKETS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION CONTACTS The President

Maj Gen J Balfour CBE DL

01962 828524

admin@rgjassociation.info

The Chairman

Lt Col J Poole-Warren

01962 828598

regsec@the-rifles.co.uk

The Secretary

Lt Col J-D von Merveldt

0207 4914936

london@the-rifles.co.uk

Treasurer

Mr Mike Marr

01235 548018

oxford@the-rifles.co.uk

RGJRA Webmaster

Mr Kevin Stevens

01865 452813

webmaster@rgjassociation.info

Database Manager

Mr Ken Ambrose

01296 711967

membersdatabase@royalgreenjackets.co.uk

Australian Branch

Mr Chris McDonald

(0) 408 937 165

cvmcdonald@bigpond.com

Aylesbury Branch

Mr Terry Burrows

01296 582569

t.burrows7@ntlworld.com

Band and Bugles

Mr Dave Timms

01304 820910

secretary@rgjband.com

London Branch

Mr Gary Driscoll

01708 442662

rgjldn@ntlworld.com

East Midlands Branch

Mr Martin Coates

01623 747817

martinswift and bold@yahoo.co.uk

Milton Keynes Branch

Mr G Brewer

01908 218715

g_brewer@btinternet.com

North East Branch

Mr John (Jake) Cheetham

01915 480189

rgj.nort.east@btinternet.com

N.Ireland Branch

Mr Len Cook

On application

lenny.cook@btinternet.com

North West Branch

Mr Ray Gerrard

01744 732501

ray.gerrard@talktalk.net

Shropshire Branch

Mr Tom Fairclough

01691 777172

tomfairclough@fsmail.net

Suffolk Branch

Mr Gordon Pilcher

01394 215925

gordon.pilcher@ntlworld.com

Telford Branch

Mr John Brown

01952 502362

rgjtelford@talktalk.net

Winchester Branch

Mr John Harper

01962 882481

johnh2395@fsmail.net

Wiltshire Branch

Mr Gary Byrne

01985211279

glm1114@btinternet.com

Yorkshire Branch

Mr Stuart Anderson

01757 617056

littlewood3741@hotmail.co.uk

Please note that full postal addresses for the above are available on application to the Editor or through a search on the Association database at www.royalgreenjackets.co.uk SWIFT AND BOLD

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JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

RGJR ASSOCIATION EXTERNAL ADDRESS LIST ARMY BENEVOLENT FUND Mount Barrow House, 16 - 20 Elizabeth Street, London, SWIW 9RB. T: 0845 241 4820 F: 0845 241 4821 E: enquiries@armybenfund.org ASSOCIATION BLAZERS Barrington Ayre Tailor, T: 0845 300 9014 E: info@barringtonayre.co.uk W: www.barringtonayre.co.uk MEDALS (first application) Veterans Agency (SPVA), Joint Personnel Administration Centre, MOD Medal Office, Building 250, Innsworth Station, Gloucester, GL3 1HW. T: 0141 224 360 SECRETARY KRRC ASSOCIATION Mr Richard Frost MBE, 52 - 56 Davies Street, London, W1K 5HR T: 020 7491 4935 E: krrcassn@hotmail.com

SECRETARY RB ASSOCIATION Mr Geoff Pain, 75 St Catherines Road, Winchester, SO23 0PS. T: 01962 856249 E: rba.hon.sec.g.pain@talktalk.net

THE UNION JACK CLUB 225 Union Street, London, SE1 0LR. T: 020 7633 9206 E: admin@ujclub.co.uk

SERVICE RECORDS Army Personnel Centre Secreariat, Disclosures 2, Mail Point 515, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G3 8EX. (Or complete the form at www.veterans-uk.info/service_ records/sar.pdf)

THE VETERANS AGENCY Norcross, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 3WP. T: 0800 169 2277 E: veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk

SSAFA FORCES HELP. 19 Queen Elizabeth Street, London, SE1 2LP. T: 0845 1300 975 E: info@ssafa.org.uk THE RIFLES BENEVOLENT TRUST The Secretary, RHQ The Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hants, SO23 8TS. T: 01962 828526 E: secbenev@rifles.co.uk

REPLACEMENT MEDALS Paul Symes, Medals Plus, 29 Craven Way, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 8NS, T: 01235 201 198 E: paul.symes1@ntlworld.com THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION UK Headquarters, 199 Borough Hill Street, London, SE1 1AA. T: 020 3207 2100 Contact Legionline 08457 725 725

ASSOCIATION REUNION TIMINGS In the case of the Oxford Reunion please note that for those who hold full membership, or are members of the Oxford Branch there is no entrance charge but non- Association members will be charged £5. However, at the Winchester Reunion £5 will be charged for members and a £10 entrance fee will be charged for none Association members.

THE WINCHESTER VETERAN`S DAY REUNION 14th JULY 2012 Sir John Moore Barracks, Winchester, Hants.

1400hrs 1400hrs - 1745hrs 1800hrs 1815hrs 1830hrs 1850hrs 1930hrs 0100hrs

Gates open at Sir John Moore Barracks Bar open and Static Displays Form up for Parade Parade Service (Drum Head) Chairman`s Address followed by March Past Sounding Retreat Bar and Restaurant re-open Bar Closes

THE OXFORD REUNION 10TH NOVEMBER 2012 Edward Brooks Barracks, Cholwell Road, Shippon, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6HW. 1900hrs 1945hrs 2030hrs 2100hrs 0030hrs 0100hrs JOURNAL 2011

Bars open Rifles band commences playing Public Address Curry supper on repayment Bars close TAVR Centre closes

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The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

GREEN JACKET EVENTS 2012 - 2013 Month 2012

Event

Location

Contact

HM The Queens Diamond Jubilee Year Jubilee Y

March

02 10 10 11 13-16 14 22 23

Illustrious Remnants Wiltshire Luncheon Herefordshire Officers Dinner The Rifles & RGBW All Ranks Reunion The Rifles & RGBW Reunion Back Badge Service The Cheltenham Festival The Rifle Brigade Executive Meeting Bligny Officers Club AGM and Buffet Supper Informal Back Badge Lunch on the Havengore

The Wardrobe, Salisbury Hereford The Gables Hotel, Falfield The Lord Mayors Chapel, Bristol Cheltenham Winchester Shrewsbury London

April

April

R

The Boat Race SOM LI Officers Reunion RGJRA Oxford Branch Lunch The Grand National 8th/11th DLI OCA Service & Dinner The Rifle Brigade Winchester Lunch The Rifle Brigade Annual Memorial Service 09:00 Malaya Veterans Dinner RGJ Officers Club Dinner D and D Officers Club Sandwich Lunch St Audries Bay Reunion The London Marathon SCLI/LI/Rifles Reunion Rifles Freedom Parade DCLI /Rifles Officers Club Lunch (TBC)

The River Thames, London Taunton Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool Durham Romsey Winchester Cathedral Armthorpe, Doncaster 52-56 Davies Street, London Dorchester Taunton London Taunton Barnsstaple Bodmin

07 11 12 14 14 14 14 14 19 20 21 22 28 29 Ap/Ma May 04 11 11 12 12-13 12 12 14 15 17 19 19 22-26 23 24 25 27 30-2 31

Salisbury Office, 01722 414 536 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Gloucester Office 01452 311 116 Gloucester Office 01452 311 116 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Maj K Gray 01962 828 549 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Gloucester Office 01452 311 116

Taunton Office 01823 333 434 Oxford Office 01235 548 018 Durham Office 01913 865 496 Mr. G Pain 01962 856 249 Mr. G Pain 01962 856 249 Pontefract Office 01977 703 181 London Office 0207 491 4936 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Taunton Office 01823 333 434 Taunton Office 01823 333 434 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Bodmin Office 01208 72810

Falklands War 30th Anniversary DLI/Rifles Northern Cocktail Party Malaya Reunion D and D Officers Club West Country Dinner D and D Regimental Association Reunion Ten Tours The Rifle Brigade Association AGM 17.30 The KRRC & RB Annual Reunion from18.00 Sounding Retreat 2 Rifles Medals Parade The Rifle Brigade Regimental Club Lunch C4C Open Garden at Charborough Park HM The Queen Diamond Jubilee, Services Muster RHS Chelsea Flower Show KRRC - RB 72nd Calais Memorial Service KSLI Officers Club Lunch (TBC) 59-94 DERR Officers Lunch The Rifles & RGBW Regt Assn Wiltshire Weekend Bath & West Show (TBC) LI/Rifles Lunch, Sounding Retreat

Durham Taunton Exeter Exeter Dartmoor 52-56 Davies Street, London 52-56 Davies Street, London Castle Ward, NI Ballykinler Cavalry & Guards Club Wareham Windsor/ Royal Hospital, Chelsea Calais Cavalry & Guards Club 52-56 Davies Street, London Devizes Royal Bath & West Show Royal Bath & West Show

Durham Office 01913 865 496 Taunton Office 01823 333 434 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Mr. G Pain 01962 856 249 London Office 0207 491 4936

KOYLI/LI Officers Club Lunch DLI Officers Luncheon Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant Royal Cornwall Show Colonel in Chief`s Birthday RGJRA Oxford Band Concert Rifles Regatta Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving Sounding Retreat Bligny Church Service LI Association Reunion D and D Officers Club Lunch Rifles Freedom Parade Celer et Audax Club Regimental Lunch The Farmers Boys (DERR) Golf Meeting Rifles Freedom Parade Newham Monte Cassino Dinner 5 Rifles Medals Parade Armed Forces Day

52-56 Davies Street, London London

Pontefract Office 01977 703 181 Durham Office 01913 865 496

Wadebridge

Bodmin Office 01208 72810

Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Sea View, IOW St Pauls Cathedral Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Larkhill Poole, Dorset Cavalry & Guards Club Erlestoke Sands Newham, London Newquay Paderborn, Germany National Event Plymouth

Oxford Office 01235 548 018 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536

Croydon Loeminster Royal Hospital, Chelsea Doncaster National Arboretum, Staffs

London Office 0207 491 493 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 RHQ 01962 828524 Pontefract Office 01977 703 181 Salisbury office 01722 414 536

2 Rifles Maj K Gray 01962 828 549 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 London Office 0207 491 4936 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 Taunton Office 01823 333 434 Taunton Office 01823 333 434

June TBC 01 03 7-9 10 10 11-12 12 15 16 16 16 17 21 21-22 23 23 29 30 July

30th Anniversary - Regents Park

TBC TBC 07 07 12

Rifles Homecoming Parade Rifles Homecoming Parade RGBW Officers Club Lunch Rifles Freedom & Homecoming Parade Unveiling & Dedication RGBW Regt Memorial

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Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 London Office 0207 491 4936 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 London Office 0207 491 4936 Bodmin Office 01208 72810 5 Rifles

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

GREEN JACKET EVENTS 2012 - 2013 Month July 14 14 14 15 18-23 20 20 21 21 22 22 25 27

Event

Location

Contact

Rifles Sounding Retreat and CTP Talk & Book Signing at 11.00 by Vic Gregg RGJRA Sounding Retreat and Veterans Day LI Club Lunch Salamanca Battlefield Tour 30th Anniversary of Regents Park Bomb KRRC Annual General Meeting at 14:00hrs The Rifles & RGBW Reunion, Maiwand & Dinner WO`s & Sgts Past & Present Reunion Salamanca Day - Regimental Day The Rifles & RGBW Reunion, Parade at Cenotaph Celer et Audax Regimental Dinner Olympics Opening Ceremony

Hereford The RGJ (Rifles) Museum Sir John Moore Bks, Winchester Salisbury Spain Regents Park 52-56 Davies Street, London Brock Barracks, Reading The Gables Hotel, Falfield

Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Winchester 01962 828 549 Oxford Office 01235 548 018 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 Rifles RHQ 01962 828 524 London Office 0207 491 4935 London Office 0207 491 4935 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 Gloucester Office 01452 311 116

Brock Barracks, Reading Cavalry & Guards Club London

Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 RHQ 01962 828 524

Slasher`s Golf Meeting Olympics Closing Ceremony The Rifle Brigade Regimental Birthday

Brickhampton, Gloucestershire London

Gloucester Office 01452 311 11

C4C Gala Evening Rifles Golf Meeting DLI Reunion Weekend DLI/Rifles Northern Dinner Rally Day LI/DCLI RGRA Oxford Branch Lunch 4th & 5th Bns Wiltshire Regimental Lunch Kenya Veterans Reunion The Burma Cup Golf Meeting Rifles/LI Lunch

Hereford St Enodoc Durham Durham Bodmin Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Salisbury Exeter Erlstoke Sands Bishops Palace, Wells

Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Bodmin Office 01208 72810 Durham Office 01913 865 496 Durham Office 01913 865 496 Bodmin Office 01208 72810 Oxford Office 01235 548018 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Taunton Office 01823 333 434

D & D Wives Club Lunch Rifles Cricket Club Dinner D and D Officers Club Sandwich Lunch Shropshire Autumn Dinner Rifles/LI/KOYLI Minster Service and Lunch Band & Corps of Drums (Glosters) Reunion The Rifles Regimental Golf Day LI Club Dinner The Rifle Brigade Club Dinner Rifles Musical Extravaganza The Rifle Brigade Club & Association AGM 1st & 4th D & D Lunch DERR Association Reunion Celer et Audax Club Regimental Dinner

Exeter 52-56 Davies Street, London Dorchester Shrewsbury York Barnwood, Gloucester Cavalry & Guards Club Cavalry & Guards Club Royal Albert Hall Davies St, London Exeter Malta Cavalry & Guards Club

Exeter Office 01392 492 435 London Office 0207 491 4936 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Shrewsbury Office 01742 262 425 Pontefract Office 01977 703 181 Gloucester Office 01452 311 116 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 Rifles RHQ 01962 828 524 Maj K Gray 01962 828 549 Tickets Box Office 0845 401 5034 Maj K Gray 01962 828 549 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 KRRC Hon Sec 0207 491 4935

Inkerman Dinner The Sergeants (DERR) Dinner Club VC Stone Ceremony RBL Field of Remembrance RGJ Regimental Association Oxford Reunion 4 KOYLI Dinner Remembrance Sunday KRRC Contingent Remembrance Sunday RB, RGJ, The Rifles Remembrance Sunday RGJRA Contingent D & D Officers Club Dinner The Rifle Brigade Association London Dinner

Durham Hermitage Durham Westminster Abbey, London Edward Brooks Bks, Abingdon Pontefract London Cenotaph Grosvenor Gardens Monument London Cenotaph 52-56 Davies Street, London The Union Jack Club, London

Durham Office 01913 865 496 Salisbury Office 01722 414 536 Durham Office 01913 865 496 London Office 0207 491 4936 Oxford Office 01235 548018 Pontefract Office 01977 703 181 KRRC Hon Sec 0207 491 4935 Maj K Gray 01962 828 549 London Brch Sec 01708 442 662 Exeter Office 01392 492 435 Mr. G Pain 01962 856 249

F & G Coy 7 Rifles/4RGJ Christmas Carol Service Rifles/RGJ Officers Cocktail Party King`s Royal Rifle Corps Regimental Birthday

St George`s Church, Hanover Sq 52-56 Davies Street, London

London Office 0207 491 4935 London Office 0207 491 4936

52-56 Davies Street, London

London Office 0207 491 4935

continued...........

Aug 03 12 25 Sept 01 7-8 7-9 08 08 12 20 28 28 30 Oct 02 04 05 06 06 06 08 17 17 18 18 19 20 25 Nov 02 03 04 08 10 10 11 11 11 17 24 Dec 04 06 25 2013 Jan 1

Royal Green Jackets Regimental Bithday

Feb 1 TBC

6th Anniversary of The Rifles Formation Concert by The Band & Bugles of The Rifles

JOURNAL 2011

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The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE AUSTRALASIAN BRANCH

Australian Branch Members with Branch President, Maj Gen Andrew Pringle

The Branch President chats with members

H

appy New Year from all the Australasian based Green Jackets 2011 has been a very busy year for me due to a job change with the knock on effect that branch members have received less emails and newsletters, but without assistance from Branch members, this may also unfortunately prove to be the case for 2012 as myself and Geoff Tarbin (Treasurer) can only do so much. Nonetheless Branch activities were maintained but to a lesser degree. Every effort will be taken to ensure that Branch activities and information will be passed to all members as often as possible.

On a sad note, we lost 2 of our members in late 2011, with Frank Jones and Mike Shannon both passing away in tragic circumstances. Both Frank & Mike will be remembered by those from 3RGJ and especially in New Zealand where Frank tried very hard to coordinate the activities of those ex RGJ people living there.

On the 4th December those in Perth had our “early” Christmas BBQ to coincide with a visit by Major General Andrew Pringle (Branch President) visiting Perth on business. This was the first time that Andrew Pringle had been able to attend a Branch function in 11 years! Having said that I didn’t hear anybody suggest conducting SWIFT AND BOLD

area cleaning for being late!!

However after a very successful BBQ where it became very apparent that all who met him were immediately aware how easy it was to speak to him. This has lent itself to the anticipation that our Branch President will be actively attempting to attend more functions including Anzac Day and whenever the opportunity arises. To have our contingent led by a Major General on an Anzac Day parade will be yet another significant achievement for our Branch as Andrew Pringle is the highest ranking Branch President in “A few of us are planning to attend the Winchester reunion on the second Saturday in July ..............................” the RGJ Regimental Association as well as the other units that take part in Anzac Day parades. Our President communicated to me how pleasant it was to meet some of the Branch which had included Ox & Bucks, KRRC, RB, and Green Jackets from all 3 Battalions, and was “very impressed with the standard of the Green Jacket wives and girlfriends”. Obviously at 65 he has not lost sight of the important things in life! He also got a ride in the Chairman’s newly acquired E Type Jaguar which was used to collect him from the Hotel in Perth and

10

probably wondering how on earth an ex Corporal got a concourse condition 1974 model E Type with only 20,000 miles on the clock. Oh how I wish I had that in Celle, it would have given me great delight to park it in front of the Officers Mess before walking to the Recce accommodation.

2012 will again have our Branch play a significant part in the Perth Anzac Day March, with also a fairly regular social calendar of BBQ’s and events. A few of us are planning to attend the Winchester reunion on the second Saturday in July to see a few old friends and be surrounded by all things Green Jacket.

This Branch has a current paid up membership of 45 with a steady stream of interested applicants who are considering emigrating to Australia either in retirement or just leaving the Rifles. I would advise against stealing a loaf of bread as that program doesn’t work anymore, however as Australia is probably the only country in the world not currently suffering from a recession it may be prudent to try and get here while the resources boom and job market is screaming for people.

All the best for 2012, see you in Winchester Chris McDonald – Branch Chairman

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE AYLESBURY BRANCH t has been some time since the Aylesbury Orne River and Canal (now known as Ivarying branch forwarded a report. This is due to Pegasus Bridge) on D Day. John Brown reasons. Including a shortage of transferred to the Royal Engineers and newsworthy items.

Well here goes, the branch has a firm if not prolific membership and the numbers have risen recently but not by a great deal.

It seems that whilst the town of Aylesbury and the surrounding area has always been a strong recruiting area for the Regiment, when members leave many like to break the ties. Recently though we have had an influx of ex RGJ lads having left the Regiment some time ago joining the Branch, maybe after time absence makes the heart grow fonder.

At present our two oldest Branch members are Titch Raynor (92) & John Brown (97).

Both these gentlemen were in the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry at the start of the last war. The Bucks Battalion were involved in the defence of a town called Hazebrouke enabling a great deal of British and French troops to reach Dunkirk, after the fall of Hazebrouke fortunately both of our gentlemen managed to return to the UK. When back in the UK Titch joined a Company of the Ox & Bucks under command of Major John Howard destined to take the Bridges over the

JOURNAL 2011

on D Day landed in Normandy from the sea. Both fortunately arrived back home in Aylesbury at the end of the war and we as a Branch are extremely privileged to have them as members.

Last year the Branch decided to alter the livery on our shirts etc, the signage now has from left to right The Bucks Battalion Badge followed by the Royal Green “Meetings are held at The Railway Club, Aylesbury on the 2nd Sunday Of each month” Jacket badge and finally to the left the Rifles Bugle Badge obviously this denotes the transformation of the Regiment.

Since the last report the branch has continued with social functions (not that our meetings are not socially orientated).

The main function is the Copenhagen Dinner in April this will also be held at the Railway Club on the 14th April this year. We also run a trip to the Babcock Trophy Rugby Union match Vrs the Royal Navy at Twickenham. Lastly for many years the Bucks Battalion held a reunion,

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it has been decided that the Branch will continue with this function as part of the annual calendar and it will retain the name of the Bucks Battalion reunion.

Apart from our own activities we have become more active with other ex service organisations and the Royal British Legion, for example the Branch arranged a lunch time buffet at the Railway Club following the Remembrance Sunday parade in Aylesbury. This event generated an excess income of £95 which was donated to the Poppy Appeal.

Looking forward there will be some changes in the branch, the first of which is that the President, Major General G S Smith, will be giving up the position due to the fact that he has now moved to Norfolk.

As a Branch we have been very privileged to have had the Major General as our President. The second change is that the Secretary will be retiring from work in April 2012 and be spending more time out of the country, therefore he feels he will be unable to continue in post.

Finally the branch would ask that if any reader of this article knows of persons living in our area who would like to join please point them this way.

Celer et Audax

Terry Burrows

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE BAND AND BUGLES BRANCH he Reunion this year was T held on Saturday 8 October in Winchester The reunion is ‘officially’ held between 1200 and 1800 on the Saturday, although it would now seem to start the Friday before ‘Bakers 1200’ and end Sunday ‘sometime’ The secretary opened the books at 1145 “with only a slight headache this year” and again could have been there earlier as members were already at the bar with their first pints. Other members and their guests seemed to come in hordes and by 1330 the hall, restaurant area and bar were quiet full, with 91 Members + Guest’s totalling 130.

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Members of the Band and Bugles branch together for their reunion in Winchester on the 8th October 2011

The `blow` this year was a bit of a let down as members of the TA The `Blow` Waterloo Band of the Rifles had other engagements or Specialist Battlefield Tours commitments so only a handful of Normandy and the attended along with a good Western Front gaggle of Buglers.

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A Raffle was held, £5 an envelope which included 15 tickets.

There were lots of good prizes and a final draw of £50 for the numbered envelope. This was won by S Tresadern.

We then had a few words from 12

the Secretary, followed by a toast to those who had departed since our last reunion. This was then followed by a buffet/lunch which consisted of Beef Curry, Chicken & Chips, 3 Special Meals and 2 scampi an chips + varied deserts.

Our next meeting will be on Saturday 13th Oct 2012. For details contact the secretary Dave Timms Ex 1RGJ Band at secretary@rgjband.com or call 07850 163548.

Friday 20 July 2012 sees the 30th anniversary of the Regents Park Bandstand Bombing, although there will be no official service I am sure that R Frost, F Coy (KRRC) and Gary Driscoll (London Branch RGJRA) will arrange something special for this occasion. Please attend this if you can, meet at the Café’1000/1030 for 1100 start.

Beware! The Olympics start days after so give yourselves enough time That’s it for this year I hope you all had a good Christmas and that the New Year will bring you all what you wish for, take care.

Dave Timms N.B. This reunion is open to all Ex Bandsman and Buglers from The Rifles and all former Regimental Bands & Bugles making up the Rifles Band & Bugles today.

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE LONDON BRANCH ith the closure of a full and active W year of Branch activities no sooner had we wished 2010 a fond

farewell we stepped off in 2011 full of determination to surpass the Branch’s achievements in the previous year. The calendar for 2011 was consolidated and finalised with the Committee hoping that sufficiently varied activities were arranged to cater for all the Branch Members requirements. It was also decided that we would continue to support the Rifles ‘Care for Casualties Appeal’ as our major charity and at the same time assist the KRRC Cadets Company in London with their mini bus running costs.

It was found that after the collection of the 2011 Branch Subscriptions that Branch Membership had increased and it was pleasing to welcome Riflemen who had returned to the fold after a period of being absent without leave.

On a cold and miserable January night the Branch assembled in the darkest depths of the East End in Whitechapel for a Jack the Ripper walkabout mystery tour. The Branch gathered in the White Hart Pub for a drink and a few warmers into the bank for a two-hour tour of the Ripper’s stomping grounds. As there was a good turnout of members attending, we were split into two groups. I am not sure if this was because the whole group was too large or more likely in fact because the local guides could only handle thirty East End Riflemen at one time!

After a two-hour walkabout of Ripper territory the tour finished at another pub, The Grapes, in Aldgate East where we had a few ‘for the road’ and then dispersed for home having had an extremely enjoyable evening thanks to Gary Driscoll, the Branch Secretary, who masterminded the whole event.

Once again our Ladies Dinner Night exceeded our expectation with over one hundred and fifty members and their guests attending. As General Wellington said after the Battle of Waterloo, ‘It was a near run thing’ we nearly run out of Branch tablemats. We will have to wait and see what happens next year...

We were well supported by the Waterloo Band who were at their best and provided an excellent programme of lively music.

The Buglers also performed above par and their rendition of High on the Hill had members on their feet in a standing ovation. Our thanks must also go to the Bandmaster Mr Betts who not only made the arrangements but also performed with great flair.

After dinner and a few speeches we then presented a Cheque to Al Dixon for the Regimental Charity ‘Care for Casualties’ JOURNAL 2011

Members of the RGJ contingent assembled at Horse Guards following the Cenotaph Parade on Sunday November 13th 2011.

in France with all it has to offer.

The Golf Society met for their annual golf day in June at Upchurch Valley Course.

The weather was not too kind to begin with but as the day moved on it improved. The Members enjoy playing at this club, as the course is challenging

Our Ladies Dinner Night was attended by over 150 members and guests

“Once again our Ladies Dinner Night exceeded our expectation with

over

one

hundred

and

fifty members and their guests attending.” who gave an interesting and amusing talk and thanked the Branch for their fund raising efforts. The evening finished with dancing to an excellent trio and of course a few drinks before wandering home in the early hours of the morning. A truly outstanding night and without doubt our best effort to date.

The Branch was well represented at the annual Memorial Service in Calais this year. This event is arranged by the Queen Victoria Rifles Association but always well supported by the Branch.

Although this is a day to remember those Riflemen from former associated Regiments who fought so bravely, it is also a welcome break for many of our members who take advantage of the fact they were

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The cheque presentation to The Rifles C4C Charity from the London Branch

and the management make the Members welcome also the English breakfast before they go out is essential! Two matches are played in tandem, The Rifleman’s Shield and the President’s Cup. The results were finalised by a small group of golfing experts, who seem to satisfy all those attending. Members and guests share the honours and as always it not only is a entertaining day out but it is a day when we begin our drive for collecting money for our nominated charity.

On this occasion for the first time ever the same person, one of our Honorary Members, Michael Blee, not only played exceedingly well but also proved to be a popular winner, winning both competitions.

He has been warned that his handicap will be reviewed for next year! Thanks must go SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE LONDON BRANCH continued...... to the Golf Organiser, Neal Smythe, and the Committee for all their time and effort in making arrangements for an enjoyable day.

The annual Veterans Day Lunch took place in St James’ and we were pleased to welcome General Charles Vyvyan and Col John Poole-Warren. A total of sixty-

London Branch Golf Tournament 2011

two Members sat down to a very long and extended lunch. This is a very enjoyable event with members travelling from far afield and their support is greatly appreciated.

ceremony scheduled for 2012 will take place on the Thirtieth anniversary of the tragedy and arrangements are in hand with the Band Members to mark the occasion in a more fitting manner.

Each year we state that the Remembrance Sunday Parade was larger than the previous and this year was no exception.

The total was just short of two hundred, which turned out to be the largest contingent on parade. The format for the whole day is now well established and the location of the Theodore Bullfrog to Horse Guards Parade allows the Branch to assemble and prepare for the morning. The only thing in doubt is the weather, which this year was perfect.

Coffee, breakfast and a few warmers in to the bank for a hardy few followed by the Secretary’s Parade Briefing.

Families are very welcome and are well catered for with somewhere comfortable to stay and watch live coverage on TV of the proceedings. Lunch is available providing an opportunity to stay and socialise well into the afternoon.

The after parade gathering is becoming well known where we are joined by other Associated Riflemen throughout London.

Due to the large numbers members spill out onto the Street, the City Police liaises with the President who convinces them that we are not assembling as an unlawful gathering! Like all successful gatherings a word of thanks to the Committee for all their hard work behind the scenes which goes into organising the day.

The President, George Smythe, presents the golf winners trophy to Michael Blee

A raffle took place for ‘Care for Casualties’ which raised a considerable sum towards our annual donation to the cause.

A small contingent of Members gathered at Regents Park to take part in a Branch ceremonial at the Bandstand Memorial.

This small gathering takes place on the nearest Sunday to the event. After laying a wreath and an act of remembrance the group retires to a local Pub for lunch and drinks before dispersing home. The

Gregg Sims receives a trophy from the branch President SWIFT AND BOLD

McNab and was based on his experience as hostage negotiator and the methods used in gaining recent hostages release.

This was followed by a question and answer session, which was well received.

His most recent book was available for sale, of which he kindly signed each and every copy for those who had purchased it.

Each presentation was followed by an auction of donated items. These items ranged from a regimental sword to pictures and framed cap badges all of which inspired competitive and fierce bidding. There was also a grand raffle with exceptional prizes ranging from mountain bikes to holidays and many others. The Branch Shop was operating and contributed to the success of the evening.

These evenings are a major undertaking with not only the Branch Committee heavily involved but a whole range of people ranging from IT operators, sound specialists, bar staff, ticket sellers, the presenters, people who donated prizes and items for the auctions. The list is endless but each and everyone contributed to the success of the evening. The evening raised in excess of £6, 000, and with the money raised from other events the Branch`s total donation to the Rifles will be over £ 8,400 for the year which members should be very proud of.

“The evening raised in excess of £6,000 and with the money raised from other events the Branch`s total donation to the Rifles will be over £8,400 for the year which members should be very proud of.”

During the year a number of events were re-scheduled or cancelled due to the economic climate. Branch Members still harassed the Committee for a final get together for the year 2011. It was decided that the final Black Button Club would be a day trip to Dover Castle and the newly opened Tunnels and their use during the Second World War. This proved to be a highly successful day beginning with an early start at Liverpool Street Station with pick up points on the way to Dover.

There were over fifty members and wives and after the Castle visit a pub lunch was arranged before returning to London. An excellent day and a fitting end to the year.

Our major fund raising night for the Rifles ‘Care for Casualties’ was held in West Ham Drill Hall in November. This is the pinnacle event to top off our fund raising efforts for the year and this year was no exception. Our line up included Col Mike Smith who gave a presentation on how the money is spent in support of injured Riflemen. This was a very graphic description of not only the difficulties that lie ahead but also illustrated the true spirit of those injured Riflemen and their will to move on with their lives.

During a recent visit to the USAthe President took the opportunity to visit the Washington Detachment of the Branch. Over the years including this year they have very generous contributed to our charities, it was warming to see how interested they were in the Regiment’s involvement in Afghanistan and how knowledgeable they are of the Royal Green Jackets history. The President: A J Fojt and Secretary Karen Fojt made the President and his wife Ruth very welcome and they sincerely hope to be able to return their kindness when they visit Europe.

Our second speaker was Colonel N Kitson who gave an interesting talk based on his recent tour in Afghanistan. This talk gave the audience an insight into the day-to-day hazards of life at the sharp end for Riflemen during their six-month tour. A very informative talk, which was greatly appreciated.

The final presentation was given by Andy

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This has been an extremely successful year for the Branch. Membership has increased, events have been very well supported and as ever Members and their associates have been magnificently generous with their support for our nominated charity.

We wish all Riflemen, whether serving or retired, a safe and fruitful 2012.

George Smythe JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE MIDLANDS BRANCH

Members of the Midlands Branch on parade

W

e have spent a quiet year trying to build up membership numbers and have welcomed several new members to the fold.

Winchester reunion was the first annual event we attended and a good time was had by all. On our return we took part in a parade at Sutton in Ashfield for the dedication of a new War Memorial and Garden of Remembrance.

marine who lost his leg in an explosion in Afghanistan we all said that it was a privilege and an honor to march behind this brave young man.

In the summer we once again held our annual BBQ and were joined by members of the North East Branch (Sunderland). The weather held and we all had a thoroughly good time, a big thank you to Martin who once again singlehandedly manned the cooker fed the hungry hordes, and not forgetting the wives who ran the raffle and tombola. Thank you!

November found us once again heading to Sunderland for the Remembrance Parade, we were warmly welcomed by the North East Branch, and many thanks to Jake Cheetham for all his efforts and hard work, good food, good company, good time, and hope to see everyone in the non to distant future.

Another annual event for us is our Christmas dinner, this year it will be at the Hostess Restaurant, and leaves everyone in good spirits for the coming New Year.

Next years BBQ will be held on August 11th and will consist of a lunchtime BBQ followed in the evening by a buffet supper, and we would like to extend an invitation to any other Branches members who would like to come along and join us. If you would like information to attend please contact Branch chairman Len Dooley on 01623 607117 or E-mail on lennie_max_123@ hotmail.co.uk, or our Branch secretary Martin Coates on 01623 747817 or at martinswiftandbold@yahoo.co.uk.

In September we joined the march for Mansfield’s heroes led by a young JOURNAL 2011

October found a contingent from our branch at the NMA for the annual British Legion Bikers Ride to the Wall, some 5000 + bikers took part in this event, which raises much needed funds for the NMA.

We meet on the last Sunday of each month, at The Mansfield Gas, Sports and Social Club located in Lime Tree Place, NG18 2HS. You will be made very welcome if you decide to come along and join us Lastly I would like to thank all our own Branch Members for all their efforts and endeavour’s this past year.

Swift and Bold

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Len Dooley SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE NORTH EAST BRANCH elcome once again to the W North East Branch of the RGJRA and its entry in the E-zine and the Swift and Bold annual magazine. We had a very busy schedule during the month of November leading up to and after the Remembrance weekend.

On Thursday 10th November 2011 four members and their wives attended an Army v North East Select Charity Boxing Dinner Night in aid of Care for Casualties held at the Mayfair, Hartlepool. Colonel James Ramsbotham sponsored our table and the event raised over £2,000 on the night. The Army lost 4 - 2. A great evening was had by all.

On Friday 11th November 2011, as the Country fell silent at 11am to remember those who sacrificed their lives for their country, a group of families who lost loved ones in service of the country took part in a poignant ceremony. The long-awaited ‘Brothers in Arms` War Memorial Wall in Mowbray Park, Sunderland, was officially unveiled as part of a dedication ceremony. There was a great turnout of RGJ Riflemen and a Regimental Bugler for the parade, as well as a large military presence from other Veteran Associations.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Sunderland, Mrs Norma Wright, and with the City’s religious representatives and VIPs led the actual service of Remembrance. The Two Minutes Silence was brilliantly supported across the City. It was a very emotional but fitting finale to the service.

Money was raised for the Wall by the Brothers in Arms Charity formed by relatives who have lost loved ones during conflict or training. Two years ago, the families came together with the aim of recognising the ultimate sacrifice made by Wearside servicemen and women killed in conflict or training since the end of the Second World War. They set about fund-raising and thanks to generous donors, have raised almost £150,000 to date.

The monument, next to the War Memorial in Burdon Road, has the names of lost servicemen and women inscribed on the granite plinths in everlasting tribute to their ultimate sacrifice.

Members of the East Midlands, North East and Milton Kiynes Branches parade in Sunderland on Rememberance Sunday 2011

a fallen comrade. David Mulley was killed in Northern Ireland in 1996.

After leaving the service in 2002 I settled in the Sunderland area. and with the unveiling of the Brothers in Arms commemorative Wall on Armistice Day, on which David’s name is inscribed, I considered it a great honour and privilege to lay a wreath on this wonderful monument which is a testament to our fallen heroes.

I hope the families who visit it will find some solace in this magnificent memorial for all our comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and freedom” After the dedication, the military “On the Friday evening,11th November 2011, the Brother in Arms Charity held a formal Black tie Dinner at the Stadium of Light, which was very well attended by the North East Branch.” detachment, The Brothers in Arms Charity and Veterans retired to the City Library to partake in some well earned Tiffin.

Russel Holman has asked me to include this small tribute to a fallen comrade

On the Friday evening,11th November 2011, the Brother in Arms Charity held a formal Black tie Dinner at the Stadium of Light, which was very well attended by the North East Branch.

“As a young Rifleman my first visit to the North East was to carry out the sad duty of carrying the coffin of

Our members had three tables and everyone enjoyed a three course

SWIFT AND BOLD

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meal, live entertainment, disco and dancing until the early hours. A number of local celebrities attended.

Our President Brigadier Nicholas and Amanda Prideaux travelled from Winchester and a party of five came from Dover (including Tommy Love who only answers to Bond now, Brooke Bond or James Bond, we aren’t certain).

Our third Remembrance Buffet/ Dance evening was held on Saturday Night, 12th November 2011 at the Pullman Lodge. The Evening commenced at 18.30 hours with a very smart contingent of Buglers from Durham Army Cadet Force Borneo Band Bugle Section sounding a selection of Regimental Calls. It was very well attended by 180 Riflemen and families from all over the Country and from Europe. The Trower and the Hunter families came from France.

The evening was a huge success and our President, Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux thanked all the Committee for their hard work and for the generosity and support we received.

He presented Liz Cheetham with a huge bouquet of flowers in recognition of her fundraising and organisational skills during the past year. The evening went on into the small hours before everyone dispersed.

On Sunday 13th November 2011, 85 Riflemen from our Branch augmented by those from the Milton Keynes and Midlands Branches paraded outside Sunderland Civic Centre. We were by far the largest Veteran detachment JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE NORTH EAST BRANCH continued............ to march, along with all the other Veterans Associations and the military representatives. The North East Branch laid several wreaths at the War Memorial before marching with the Rifles Bugler, past the Mayor and the visiting military VIPs, led by Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux and former WO 1 Jake Cheetham with our Branch Standard Before we were dismissed from the parade, several group photographs were taken of the RGJRA detachment and a very wide angle lens had to be used to fit us all in!

Next year we will be marching as the first Veterans Association behind serving personnel in the parade march past. Another piece of good news is that Jake is now in charge of the Veterans parade. What an honour for the Branch but the chance of getting everyone to march at 140 paces to the minute is probably out of the question!

We all then returned to the Pullman for lunch, where we were joined by the Mayor Mrs Norma Wright.

Our President presented her with an RGJ mounted plaque, inscribed from the North East Branch of the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association, which she was very grateful to receive and has promised

it will remain in the Mayor’s Parlour for all to see.

As the day drew to a close and people started to make their way home after a long, emotional and tiring weekend, our thoughts were never far from the meaning of the events and I know that a few tears were shed for the memories we all share of our fallen comrades, who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live the lives we lead today. We will remember them.

Jeff Cornell had been on his way to the Parade that morning when he was stopped by a lady. She asked if he was a member of the Royal Green Jackets? When he replied he was, she asked him if he would be kind enough to lay a wreath for her at the Cenotaph. When he said he would be honoured and asked who it was for she replied “it does`nt matter they were his family.”

After the Remembrance weekend the following letters of appreciation were received by Jake Cheetham, the North East branch Chairman.

“Can you please pass on my sincere thanks to the membership of your branch both for their hospitality to us southeners and to the immense organisation of the parade and march

past. To say I was impressed would be an understatement, it simply blew my mind.

From the moment we arrived in Sunderland we were met with nothing but kindness from everyone and the Pullman Centre do was one of the best Green Jacket events I have ever attended. Both myself and those with me enjoyed ourselves no end. I know from experience how hard these things are to organise and it is a real credit to you and the others for the hard work you all put into it.

So once again my personal thanks and now god willing I am looking forward to next year. Best wishes” Mike (paddy) Thompson Ex Rfn 1st Bn now Milton Keynes Branch “On behalf of the Midlands Branch, I would like to say a big thank you to you and your Branch for yet another great weekend. The Parade was bigger than we expected, the food, the beer and the company of old friends and new were great. We are looking forward to the next time we all get together.

Yours Swift and Bold” Len Dooley Malcolm Donnison Secretary North East Branch

“Next year we will be marching as the first Ve t e r a n s 0 A s s o c i a t i o n behind serving personnel in the parade march past.

Another piece of good news is that Jake is now in charge of the Veterans parade.”

The Brothers in Arms War’ Memorial was officially unveiled on 11th Nov 2011

Brigadier Nick Prideaux presents the Mayor, Mrs Norma Wright, with a framed regimental badge.

JOURNAL 2011

The North East Branch dinner group at the Stadium of Light venue,11th November 2011

Buglers from Durham Army Cadet Force Borneo Band sounded various calls at our Remembrance Buffet/Dance.

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The combined branches, totalling 85 members in all march through Sunderland, 13.11. 2011.

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE NORTH WEST BRANCH his year has been quiet but T nevertheless our membership remains steady at about 38 paid up members, with correspondence through mailing lists and country members coming to 56 branch members.

The annual remembrance parade in Liverpool this year was attended by more than 30 Royal Green Jackets who marched in the parade. A poppy wreath was placed on the cenotaph as well as at the Liverpool Northern Ireland memorial in St Johns Gardens. Members from other branches also attended. Fred Hawkins from Felixstowe and Ricky Tyson from Winchester are but two. Ricky Tyson was invited to lay the wreath on the Northern Ireland memorial and found himself on Granada Reports, the local news programme the next day.

The annual dinner this year attracted 37 members and guests. It was held on Saturday 26th November 2011 at the Royal Hotel, Marine Terrace, Waterloo, Liverpool. It was held in the Waterloo Suite and as the name suggests the room is themed around the Battle of Waterloo.

This is the same venue that we held it at last year and judging by the feedback we have had this year we will probably hold it there next year.

This year we did not have a guest speaker as our intention was to allow Andy Norris to say a few words about his marathon trek.

On June 4th this year Andy Norris set off on his bike ride to raise money for various military charities including Care

The North West Branch assembled on the occasion of their Chairman, Gareth Dixon reaching the ripe old age of 60

“........Andy Norris set off on his bike ride to raise money for various military charities including Care for Casualties by riding his bike from outside the Spion Kop, Liverpool FC to the Spion Kop in South Africa. His target was £6000.” for Casualties by riding his bike from outside the Spion Kop, Liverpool FC to the Spion Kop in South Africa. His target was £6000.

On the 7th November 2011, I received a

phone call from him to say he had arrived.

The following day there was a ceremony at the battle site to commemorate the war dead and to celebrate his achievement that was being attended by the local mayor and dignitaries.

Andy spoke about his adventures in brief, such as the time he had his shoes and socks stolen and when he set his sleeping bag on fire not to mention the threat of being eaten by lions and being left in the middle of the desert by his police escort in Egypt with no more than one bottle of water and an old out of date map.

Whilst at the Spion Kop Battle site Andy found the grave of a KRRC officer. This gave Andy an idea and he purchased a piece of marble that he now wants to have made into a memorial on behalf of the Royal Green Jackets and the North West Branch . Once the wording has been finalized this memorial will be placed at the battle site by friends he made there by the Spion Kop Lodge owner Raymond Heron. Andy would like to thank Mr Heron for his kindness by presenting him with a Royal Green Jacket wall plaque that the branch will purchase for him to send to South Africa.

The winner of the £25 prize for guessing the nearest to Andy’s cycled millage was a Mr Phil Pethick of Kent who guessed his millage would be 6050 miles. His actual millage was 6087 miles.

Andy Norris with branch Chairman Gareth Dixon and some of the `wives club` at the North West branch annual dinner attended by 37 members and their guests and held on 26th November 2011 at the Royal Hotel, Waterloo, Liverpool SWIFT AND BOLD

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To read about his adventure and to see all he has achieved log onto www. kop2kop.blogspot.com.

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE NORTH WEST BRANCH continued ..............

Donations for his sponsorship have come into the North West branch and to date we hold £1600 from people all around the country and money is still trickling in.

To help raise money his sister and many of her friends produced a calendar girls type of calendar for 2012. They sold over 1000 calendars through various outlets in the Midlands and through the North West Branch. We have not totaled up the exact amount yet but we feel that this has taken Andy past his target or very close to it.

One of these calendars was on auction at the London Branch auction night so thanks go Gary Driscoll and the London branch fof raising as much money as you did. Should you wish to still donate the North West Branch are still taking donations until at least the end of the year.

Andy arrived back home to the U.K. just over a week ago now. It truly Has been ‘home bitter sweet home’.

As Andy has had to get used to the cold bitter wet Manchester weather again while he wears a glowing tan that only a man travelling through Africa for the last 6 months can! All his friends and family have been overjoyed by his return, not to mention the end of such a great achievement.

Andy has expressed the love he now has for Africa and has mentioned all the many people that helped him along the way and showed him such great kindness.He feels he has grown as a person and evolved.

He has also said that his feet are itching to return to South Africa soon!

Last Saturday evening Andrew attended a RGJRA dinner, Where he was formally thanked for his great efforts in raising money for the soldiers Charities. Andy has asked me to extend a great big thank you to ALL OF YOU for all your support and donations/Sponsorship.

We are currently waiting for the return of

June 4 2011 Andy Norris sets off from Spion Kop. Liverpool to Spion Kop, South Africa

Andy reached Spion Kop, South Africa on 7th November 2011 after cycling (and walking) 6087 miles to get there.

JOURNAL 2011

the final raffle sheets in order for Andy to draw the winning number for the Royal Green Jackets Teddy Bear.

If you have Any photo’s of Andy please send them to us at spionkop2kop@ gmail.com We will be posting new photo’s and adding captions and details from Andrew himself.

November the 5th saw many old and bold descend on Liverpool to attend the 60th Birthday of our chairman Gareth Dixon. Generous as he is, Gareth did not want any presents but decided to raise money for Care for Casualties and Help for Heroes. Gareth raised £400 to be split between these 2 charities.

Here is hoping you all have a healthy and wealthy 2012

Ray Gerrard Secretary North West Branch

Andy Norris on the road to South Africa with all manner of adventures to tell sbout.

Andy Norris (centre) with Gareth Dixon (left) and Ray Gerrard at his welcome home dinner 19

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE OXFORD BRANCH

The Waterloo Band play at the 2011 Oxford Reunion on 12 November

he year started in fine style with T the first of our branch lunches on Thursday 12th April when 30 members and their partners sat down in the sumptuously appointed Officers Mess at Edward Brooks Barracks.

Dino Lemonofides, who many branch members know from his long association with the Oxf & Bucks Lt Infantry archives, gave us an excellent summary of the life of Sir John Moore, a son of Scotland, who sowed the seeds of the modern infantry in terms of ethos and training.

A first time visitor was the sprightly Johnny Johnson ex Oxf & Bucks 52nd (Airborne) who is a key figure in the Operation Varsity remembrance ceremony at Manor Park War Memorial at Sutton nr Croydon which is held on the nearest Saturday to the anniversary in March each year. (This will be at 10.30hrs on 24th March in 2012.)

On Thursday 12th May some 26 of us set forth on our first branch coach trip in recent memory to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas near Lichfield. On arrival members split into small groups to tour the site with it’s spectacular central memorial to those who have died on active service since the end of WW2.

There are many individual unit memorials dotted around the grounds a numbers set in individual “groves” as they are termed. One which stuck in my mind was the “Basra Wall” where the brass plates commemorating those killed in Iraq were brought back to the UK and fixed to a new wall.

As many of you will know the splendid Royal Green Jackets memorial stands to the left of the approach to the main memorial at the head of an avenue of trees the nearest SWIFT AND BOLD

of which commemorate the antecedent regiments the KRRC, RB and, of course, the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. On the edge of the woods at the back of the main memorial we observed the new Light Infantry memorial being completed prior to the formal unveiling in July. Several branch members subsequently attended this event and Gen Bob Pascoe laid an Oxf & Bucks Lt Infantry wreath.

Everyone was impressed with the NMA and commented on how it would be even better in years to come as the trees matured and the site developed further.

On Sunday 12th June with the kind permission of the Rifles the Waterloo Band and Bugles, who are based at Edward Brooks Barracks, gave their annual Summer concert of popular music to a modest but appreciative audience of members and friends. As the weather was inclement (to put it mildly) the concert was given indoors in the Volunteers Bar and Mess. Brigadier Nigel Mogg formally thanked the band on behalf of those present. (This will be at 11.30hrs on 10th June in 2012) 32 members and their partners enjoyed the second of our lunches on Wednesday 28th September. The sun shone, the food and company were excellent and over coffee the recently retired Welfare Officer for 7 Rifles Major Terry Roper told us about his time in the TA and how the role had changed from the Cold War scenario of his youth played out on exercises in Germany to the modern integration into regular battalions. He went on to explain the importance of the welfare role and touched on the opportunities presented by the latest political focus on increasing the role/importance of the TA. Members retired to the Volunteers Bar for further socialising well into the afternoon.

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Members regularly attend the Turning the Pages ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford where we remember the soldiers of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars who died in WW1 and WW2.

Armistice Day saw the biggest turnout yet for this bi-monthly event. It was estimated that nearly 140 veterans and their families attended the service, which followed the 2 minutes silence. The Regimental chapel was full, and seating stretched back along the aisle outside almost to the front door.

Over a glass of sherry afterwards the gathering was entertained by 94-yearold Lawrence Belcher, who served in the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars before being commissioned into the Middlesex Regiment in World War II. His memory for the poems and monologues he recites on each of these occasions is prodigious. The ceremonies are held between 10.45 and 11.30hrs at the Regimental Chapel in Christ Church, Oxford. (2012 dates are 3 Mar; 5 May; 23 June; 1 Sept and 10 Nov).

The Oxford Branch Reunion at Edward Brooks Barracks on Saturday 12 November was another well-attended event, with the blue, red and gold of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry ties predominating. Among a number of old friends we were pleased to see Brian Hill, up from Exeter, Ken Warmington with his wife Mary, over here from their home in Spain, and Karin Brown, daughter of ex-RSM Mick Brown. Karin and her fiancee David Kidd subsequently held their wedding reception at the Barracks on 30 December.

The Waterloo Band gave their usual outstanding performance and there was an exhilarating speech by Brigadier (Retd) Robin Draper, reminding us of the sacrifices made by The Rifles in Afghanistan in the past year and exhorting us all to extra efforts to support Care for Casualties, the Regiment’s own charity.

A number of members of ‘A’ Company, 7 Rifles (TA) were in attendance and were kind enough to listen to the veterans’ reminiscences and interested enough to ask questions. An excellent and adequately hot curry was served; the bar did good business; and the whole evening was a tribute to the organisation by the Oxford Branch chairman Charlie Helmn with the support of A Coy. At our branch AGM on 1st December we congratulated our Secretary Phil Evans on his Lord Lieutenants certificate, received for his services to A Company as both the caretaker but more importantly for us as the Mess Steward. The Treasurer was able to report that the branch remained in good health although numbers have dropped due to the advancing years of our large Oxf & Bucks contingent. We are still recruiting and are keen to hear from any Riflemen new or old in our area. It would be good to see you.

Mike Marr JOURNAL 2011

THE SUFFOLK BRANCH

Joe Mills, Mick Read and Gordon Pilcher Felixstowe November 13 2011

I

ts just another exciting year building up to our 25th Anniversary as an Association Branch. Where have all those years gone? Looking back at some of our earlier branch photographs and seeing us with darker hair and slimmer waist lines who’d have thought that we’d still look exactly the same after all these years!!!! Yes I know Ginger as well Joe (someone had to have a ginger one didn’t they!!)

We are pleased that our membership

Cafe Crowd: Joe Mills, Mick Read, Derek Hemsley, Frank Moss and Gordon Pilcher,

continues to grow and have welcomed Mick Bardo, Peter Bond, Bob Stevens and George Gullen as new Suffolk Branch members. If any our one regret is that Jim Hitches is no longer with us.

Remembrance Sunday had us on parade with Steven Lamb as our new Standard Bearer, Steve did a magnificent job and although a little bit windy managed to stay upright.

Unfortunately age and ailments now means that there are more Green Berets lining the pavements than on parade for the march pass. We normally march off with the standard of the RAF Regiment next to ours, but as this year it was one of the main standards accompanying the dignitaries, the standard bearer from the Merchant Navy asked if he could march with us in its place. So with the MN and RGJ standards leading off and with the contingent at the front being all able bodied Green Jobs (including Pete Warne) the pace started to pick up causing a few of the RAF guys at the back to request that we slow down a bit, the MN bearer thought we were running!! but enjoyed every minute of it. By the time we did

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JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

the eye’s right to great applause from the crowd everyone was in step and you’d of had a hard job finding a smarter body of men anywhere.

After the parade we had lunch at the Orwell Hotel and few glasses were raised to absent friends.

Christmas has now passed and our meeting in January was well attended unlike last year when yours truly and Dave Rowlands were the only ones brave enough to battle blizzards and 12” of snow (some say otherwise) Big plans are now underway for our 25th Anniversary Ladies Dinner Dance which is on Saturday the 17th of March and looks already like being one of the best attended dances ever.

We are very pleased that having gone through the new procedures of applying for a military band through the MOD we have secured the Waterloo Band 7 Rifles, pleased because we feel that the popularity and success of our dinners and the growth of our branch over the years has been as a direct result of their attendance and support in the past.

Larry Lamb will be helping out Frank Moss this year with the sale of raffle tickets and Joe Mills has volunteered his young Granddaughter Rebekah to give them a hand (selling tickets) just smile at the men Rebekah and we’ll do well.

Although The Orwell Hotel has only 1 or 2 rooms still available (at time of writing) for the weekend of the 17th March there is ample accommodation to be had within Felixstowe on a B&B basis so if you’d like to join us please let me know.

Meetings are held first Friday of every month at the RBL Mill Lane, Felixstowe starting at 20:00hrs, all visitors welcome.

Gordon Pilcher, Secretary Suffolk Branch

19/12/11 16:07:39

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SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE WILTSHIRE BRANCH

during one shoot, I think you mean Dirty Richard said Sue, (they don’t practice rhyming slang here).Anyway enough of our do’s .

The local papers The Journal & The Wilts Times seem to picture us regularly Bill Tyson probably features most, being a local football manager helps, then comes our Chairman Brian Darvill & Kev Chambers. They always manage to squeeze the RGJ cap badge in to all the pictures even if it is about their RBL work either at Wooton Bassett or the RBL Motorcycle Gang.

Even Lesley and Alan McCoy`s son Lee was in on the act featuring DSG (the old REME Workshops) work in Afghanistan.

Members of the Wiltshire branch at their Annual Dinner

he Wiltshire Branch has ended T another buoyant year with Christmas Eve drinks in the Conservative Club; December had started resoundingly with us singing the roof off the Hunters Moon, at Warminster Marshes one of our regular venues, The proprietors there wanted to do something for Help the Heroes and asked Phil and Val Ashby for any ideas, A Carol Concert was the answer, of course you don’t need to say much to Phil,

Warminster Brass Band, Carole Service Sheets, raffle prizes, posters all done in days, It is surprising how well people sing once the bar had been open for an hour or so. The band loved it, the public loved it and we of course revelled in it and took all the glory for Phil’s hard work and over £1500 for the cause.

party poppers rattling away received the comment from a very old chap in the bar next door that it sounded like a Zeppelin Raid; The Skittles Night with supper gave full involvement for all with a couple of games of Killer Skittles, If your sat near the skittles end Killer is quite exact, Richard and Jackie CZ Ciereszko who were proving to warrant marksman badges, were asked by Lee Massey where is your point of aim? – between Bob Holcome & Dave Maloney’s head with some leg spin, as Lee started to warm up with some over arm exercises Mick Slater intoned ‘using that type of style is just not cricket’.

Larkhill the school of Artillery also got the once over with a clay pigeon shoot, Dick Lettington was called Dirty Harry

We have a good show on Remembrance Sunday. it is quite a big affair here with Regimental Band & a Guard from the School of Infantry (now LWC) parading through the High Street, to the memorial, where a well attended service is held, and there is only one reserved sign in the whole area marked ‘Greenjacket Corner’ this year as we got there The Rifles, with their Secretary Bob Maddox & Jan, Capt Gary Peacock with Rosemary together with Rifles cadets courtesy of Chris Barnes had secured it for us. With bespoke RGJ covers for our hymn sheets we cannot help but be noticed. Micky Walsh sped off to grab us, as always the best seats in the club for drinks & stew.

Most events happen in Warminster but we are spread over the West with regular long range visitors Owen Davies with Pet, Kev and Karen Dolbear and Billy and Terry Hughes coming to most events etc. We are keen to welcome all visitors, Phil Ashby ensures we have plenty to look forward too, throughout the year.

Branch Secretary

Gary Byrne

One of the unusual prizes was a two man Kayak canoe. Dave Caws and Chris Herbert had their eye on it, Tom Willoughby donated it from the Oil Business he works for …..oil business!

People began to ask for 5 gallon cowboy hats. Oh do you work on a rig?’’No garden oil heating tanks, anyway are you happy with the colour, I can get it changed?’

Of course the winner was an 80 plus year old woman, who did not know what a Kayak was, confusing her even more Neil Jeeves mischievously said it was a little pigmy fellow from Sarawak, Fortunately Borneo vet Dave Smith chirped in `that’s a Dyak` before things got out of hand.

The rest of the year has also had a full programme, the highlights were; The 13th Ladies Dinner Night at the Weymouth Arms. A lively affair not only the noise of laughter but rocket balloons zooming over head, six shot SWIFT AND BOLD

Members of the RBL Motorcycle branch on the Remembrance Sunday parade 2011

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JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE WINCHESTER BRANCH s we start 2012 the Branch has A enjoyed a full programme of events since the last publication of Swift & Bold’.

Peter Andrews was busy during the year organising an Angling competition at a local venue to raise money for The Rifles C4C charity .

The event was well supported by our own team as well as those from ATR Winchester and 6 Rifles from Exeter.

The day was enjoyed by all who attended and over £800 was raised for the C4C charity.

Our membership has increased slightly since our last report, Geordie Scott, Ken West (both Greenjacket Close) plus sons of Branch Members have joined our Ranks. After the AGM our Programme of Events as organised by Committee Members has been excellent, Clay Pigeon BBQ & shoot laid on by Pat Lowe and his team are to be congratulated, we wait challenges from other Branches.

Horse Racing Night run by Sid Bunn and the Ladies Entertainment

The annual Angling Competition event was won by Winchester Branch RGJRA which raised over £800 for C4C. Seen here are the competition medal winners.

Padre involved as well, if you are in Winchester on Remembrance Sunday this year do join us at 0900hrs.

The Chairman ran the RGJRA/Rifles Golf Day at South Winchester Golf Club on November 2011. Over 60 players attended with the Farmer Boys GS (Duke of Edinburghs Regt) winning the Trophy for the first time.

Our Treasurer Peter Andrews then led the way for our Christmas Bash at the Golf Club venue with a Coco Cabana Night theme. On the

Winchester Branch members at the Menin Gate

Team was a success story, we invited Greenjacket Close for the evening with transport laid on as well, this was held as usual in the Sgts Mess. Sir John Moore Barracks our branch home.

Winchester & District Branch Committee President Vice President Chairman Secretary Treasurer & Charities Battlefield Tours Entertainments Clay Pigeon Memorial Garden Welfare Officer

Our A Team’ played a blinder once again in organising the Reception, Raffle & Admin for the RGJRA Veterans Day at Winchester, a big Thank You from the Regiment.

John Harper organised another Battlefield Tour this year to cover WW1. his son (New Member) carried out the duties as Guide for the Tour, having seen all the photographs which also covered the Parade at the Menin Gate Ceremony, this event was a roaring success. More to follow in 2012.

The Remembrance Parade at Winchester Cathedral was again very well attended by our members, with our own service and the 60th Rifles. Bugler and the ATR(W) JOURNAL 2011

The Menin Gate Monument at night.

John Fritz-Domeney Brian Scott Roy Stanger John Harper Peter Andrews Peter French Rose Lee & Pat Henshaw Pat Lowe Del Milam To be appointed at AGM

arrival of Roy Stanger dressed up in Hawaiian Style Clothing he found out he was the only person dressed for the occasion, all other 60 odd members plus other halves were dressed to the nines in Black tie etc.

Undeterred he remained dressed like that for the remainder of the night. Well done Peter and Team for an excellent well organised night.

The Winchester & District Branch have taken on the upkeep and repairs of the Light Division Garden of Remembrance because all contracts

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within the MOD for Ground Maintenance have been slashed, like most other things Military.

Del Milam has volunteered his services as OIC this task with other Branch Members in tow, so all RGJRA Members when visiting these Gardens should see a difference, this Project is supported by RHQ The Rifles.

With Christmas over the Branch Members met again in the ‘County Arms’ for the Regiments Birthday (1 Jan 2012) our thanks go out to Ian and Steff (Pub Landlord and Branch Member) for the excellent service they lay on for us. Long may it continue.

As we descend into 2012 may I take this opportunity to wish all RGJRA Members and their Families a Happy New Year and we hope we will see you all on 14 July 2012 at Sir John Moore Bks Veterans Day. Roy Stanger Chairman Winchester & District Branch SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE YORKSHIRE BRANCH

night fighter; Lance Corporal Andrew Harvey, P.O.W. Regiment of Yorkshire who died in Omagh, Northern Ireland on 31st October 2002; Trooper James Leverett, Royal Dragoon Guards, Killed in Afghanistan on 5th July 2010.

All Four had family members present at the ceremony. The RAF sent a pilot and navigator to represent their long dead comrade. Trooper Leverett was represented by men from his regiment which was based in Catterick at that time.

Some of them might well have been his comrades.

Wedding Group 21 May. Paul Haig and bride Marianne with family members.

Yorkshire Secretary Stuart Anderson is seen on the extreme left of picture.

he Yorkshire Branch was formed in T 1997 mainly by the efforts of David Bloomfield and Mark Westbrook. The

latter has moved to Winchester but David continues to soldier on, although now mainly from his wheelchair, the result of a stroke.

We meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month, save for December and January, at the T.A. Drill Hall in Wakefield, which is near to the Railway Station. In the last twelve months we have been joined

by Simon Brown who served with the R.E.M.E. and Para Engineers, and was attached to 2 RGJ in Iraq, where he was severely wounded. We have also been fortunate to acquire a Branch Padre in the shape of Rev. Meuryn Walker Finally at our last meeting of the year Ernie Blanchard, ex 3 RGJ and Bandsman, made his long delayed debut at one of our gatherings having at last retired.

Sadly two of our Associate Members died over the course of the year: Mick Perry, who was the secretary of the Engineers Association and a good friend to our Branch, suffered a fatal heart attack on Gibralter; also Maisie Corker, the wife of George (ex R.A & Engineers) passed away in the New Year at their home in Royston near Barnsley. Royston, to those who know their regimental histories, was the home of the redoubtable Rifleman A.E. Shepherd V.C. who gained his award at Cambrai in 1917. Many of the great man’s descendents still abide in the town.

On the 21st May, somewhat unusually, two of the Yorkshire Branch married. Paul Haigh who was in 2RGJ and Marianne Haigh, nee Parry, who had served with the signals. The wedding took place at Dewsbury followed by the reception at Mindon House, the old home of the K.O.Y.L.I, and now The Rifles Pontefract SWIFT AND BOLD

Office.

Amongst the guests from the Yorkshire Branch were Sue and Suzanne Conlin, Stuart and Valerie Anderson and John Lengthorn. John Lengthorn had served with Paul in 2RGJ but the two had lost touch until they met at the Branch meeting.

The Best Man was Martin Coates, who is

Col. Snagge chats with two RAF officers

the Secretary of the Midlands Branch.

On 30 June David Bloomfield and the secretary attended the ceremony at Rawmarsh, near Rotherham, to honour the four servicemen from Rawmarsh who have been killed since the end of World War Two. One of these was Bandsman Keith Powell who was a victim of the I.R.A. bomb attack in Regents Park in 1982.

We were joined by Colonel Snagge who was representing the regiment in his capacity as Chief Executive of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber. We were made very welcome and it was a beautifully organised occasion at which we were pleased and honoured to be present.

The other three servicemen to be honoured were: Flying Officer Eric Curry, RAF who was killed in 1956 taking off from RAF Driffield in a Venom

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On Saturday the 30 July members of the Branch attended the Rifles Freedom of Dewsbury & Batley Parade. and I found myself the sole RGJ forming up with the K.O.Y.L.I. Association members and the Officers� squad. One of the latter was Colonel Delaney who had served as a young officer in Greece in 1947/48.

Our squad was positioned at one end of the marchers with the 3rd Rifles Guard at the other end. We led the march on but brought up the rear when the actual circuit of the town took place.

The parade was reviewed in the street, which had been blocked off at both ends. It was a clear, sunny day and very warm. Both sides of the street were thick with spectators who had spontaneously begun to applaud as soon as the first marchers approached from behind the Town Hall. Our squad was positioned astride a zebra crossing. Those members of the public who tried to cross over, despite the presence of a constable, were repulsed unceremoniously. The band on this memorable occasion was the Waterloo Band who had travelled up from Oxford earlier in the morning. The inspecting officers and dignitaries were led by the Mayor of Kirklees, and the Leader of the Council Mehboob Kahn.

I spoke with the Councillor and Colonel Ramsbotham. The latter is ex RGJ and the son of Lord Ramsbotham who was the Chief Inspector of Prisons after his service with the Regiment!

When the Freedom March took place, we discovered that there was to be no crafty shortcut for the veterans. We tramped along at regimental speed between the lines of enthusiastic spectators lining the streets and clapping in time with the step. When we passed some of our old comrades we received a very gratifying welcome.

The reception afterwards in the main chamber of the Town Hall, to which all the marchers were invited, can only be described as handsome. The food was varied and excellent and there was a generous supply of bottles of Becks Beer on the table to supplement the resources of the bar.

Stuart Anderson Branch Secretary JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

LT GEN SIR JOHN MOORE KB (1761-1809) `Founding Father of The Regiment`

J

OHN MOORE was born on 13 November 1761 and in 1776, at the age of fourteen, was gazetted an ensign in the 51st (2nd Yorkshire West Riding) Regiment, an antecedent regiment of The Rifles.

In January 1777 he joined the 51st in Minorca stating that: ’I have got into one of the best regiments in the service; as to the officers I never knew such a number of fine, gentlemanly lads.’ A year later he transferred to the newlyraised 82nd Regiment, serving as a company commander during the American War of Independence and being placed on halfpay when the Regiment was disbanded in 1783.

In 1784 Moore became a Member of Parliament (until 1790). In LIEUTENANT GENERAL SIR JOHN MOORE KB January 1788 he was appointed a major in the 60th (Royal American) Regiment, another antecedent regiment of The Rifles, before exchanging nine months later to his original regiment, the 51st, which he commanded in Ireland and Gibraltar from 179094. Thereafter, he assumed more senior appointments on active service in Corsica, the West Indies, Ireland, the Helder (Netherlands), the Mediterranean and Egypt. It was during this period that he witnessed and started to advocate the value of Light troops. He became a colonel in 1795 and a major-general in 1798, one of his superiors observing that: ’He is in love with his profession.’

On 8 May 1801 Moore was appointed Colonel of the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment, yet another antecedent regiment of The Rifles, ensuring, two years later, that his regiment was the first to be designated Light Infantry. In 1802 he assumed brigade command in the south of England and in 1803 established a training camp for the 95th Rifles, 52nd Light Infantry and, from 1804, the 43rd Light Infantry at Shorncliffe in Kent Moore’s celebrated light brigade. He was knighted in 1804 and became a lieutenant-general in 1805. Sir John Moore left England in 1806 for further service in the Mediterranean and, in 1808, in Sweden, before commanding an army of 35,000 men in northern Spain. His army, which included the light brigade so successfully trained at Shorncliffe, advanced deep into JOURNAL 2011

Spain before retreating to Vigo and Corunna (A Coruña), where he was mortally wounded in a battle against the French on 16 January 1809. He was buried where he died.

Moore’s chief legacy was the system of light infantry training that he established at Shorncliffe, where he encouraged development of the values and soldierly skills which The Rifles most prize today. As an advocate of Light troops, and founder of the Light Infantry, there is no one more deserving of the title, which the Regiment has chosen to give him, of ’Founding Father of The Rifles’.

Lt-General Sir Christopher Wallace KBE DL

learnt by a study of our countrymen which we shall not discover from the lives of foreigners. Men such as Wolfe, John Nicholson, Herbert Edwardes or Charles Gordon, who though not renowned in the same light as the great Captains or even as Cromwell, Marlborough or the Duke of Wellington, have made our armies famous in the face of difficulties undreamt of by Alexander, Turenne or Frederick the Great; these men understood the British temperament.

They had to contend, as the soldier undoubtedly will again, till the crack of doom, with the obstructions of the politician, imbued, in his own estimation, with a Napoleonic grasp of all things military.

It is not the writer’s intention to give even a brief account of “The Life of Sir John Moore.” Books and Diaries dealing with his life in full detail are to be found in any library.

Lieutenant General Sir John Moore KB “SIR JOHN MOORE” AN APPRECIATION.

“Nevertheless if not a stone had been raised nor a line written, his work would still remain with us: for no man, not Cromwell, nor Marlborough, nor Wellington, has set so strong a mark for good upon the British Army as John Moore.”

THE HON. JOHN FORTESCUE.

Experience has proved that a study of the methods and strategy of the great Captains has always been repaid. To-day, in some quarters, the inclination tends to a study of the leaders of foreign armies to the neglect of those of our own.

It is proverbial that a prophet has no honour in his own country. But it is submitted that there is much to be

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Merely is it hoped to kindle an interest in his methods and to bring out the two aspects in which his greatness is above all challenge; firstly as one of the finest trainers of men and secondly as one of the finest characters that the British Army has ever produced. Coming from such a source, Fortescue’s praise of Moore is no light compliment. Cromwell, Marlborough and Wellington were all more successful than Moore in actual battle. But Moore had not the like opportunities and he was invariably a victim to ill fate. He never went into action without being hit. His last campaign, as was the case when he was sent to Sweden, was really a fool’s errand.

It is as a trainer and organiser of Light troops that Moore has left his mark, not as a victor of many fights.

His system was the foundation of the training and discipline of the British Army in 1914. The four and a half years of the Great War proved it superior to the machine-like discipline of our foes.

HIS CHARACTER.

Moore was a man of high character, energetic, unselfish and possessed of a strong sense of duty to the public service. In all he did he was thorough.

It is significant that the small training manual “Section Leading” ...............................continued on page 31 SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

A STUDY OF SERVICE RIFLES USED BY THE GREEN JACKET REGIMENTS Origins and Early Service of the 5th Battalion,1797—1808, from The King’s Royal Rifle Corps…the 60th Rifles. A Brief History: 1755-1965 by Lieutenant-General Sir Christopher Wallace. This book is obtainable from the Regimental Museum 01962 828549 An extract from the above book: “In 1793, Lord Amherst, the Regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief since 1758, bar a two-month interval in 1768, became Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. He was an advocate of the rifle and knew from his experience in North America of the value of equipping and training men in its use as marksmen and skirmishers; indeed, the French Revolutionary Wars soon resulted in French, German and Austrian émigré units, trained, armed and dressed as chasseurs and jäger entering the service of the British Crown. Amherst was keen that the British Army should have similar units integral to its order of battle. Initially he saw to it in 1794 that a battalion of his own Regiment should be the first to be equipped with rifles and that a rifle company should be formed in each of the Regiment’s battalions.

In 1795, however, he resigned as Commander-in-Chief to be replaced by HRH Prince Frederick, Duke of York, who also succeeded him as Colonelin-Chief of the Regiment when Amherst died on 23 August 1797.

It was left to The Duke of York, as Commander-in-Chief, to take the next step. As mentioned earlier, in December 1797 an Act of Parliament was passed to enable a fifth battalion to be formed in the Regiment. The Act, like the Act of 1756 establishing the Regiment, decreed that the Battalion was to be confined to service in North America (including the West Indies) where, ironically, it was later to spend only two of the twenty years of its existence. On 12 January 1798 an order was issued for the 5th Battalion to be armed with rifles and dressed in green.

The 5th had an interesting birth being raised in two wings and in two places from the manpower of two émigré regiments, Löwenstein’s Chasseurs in Barbados and Ferdinand von Hompesch’s Regiment, which was newly forming on the Isle of Wight.

Initially the two wings had separate identities and did not unite until 1799.

Francis, Baron de Rottenburg (Rothenburg) commanded the wing of 400 men of Hompesch’s Regiment.

Prior to service in the 5th Battalion, he had written a manual of instruction entitled Regulations for the Exercise of Riflemen and Light Infantry, covering the drill, manoeuvre and duties of light SWIFT AND BOLD

The story of the Baker rifle taken from History of The Rifle Brigade (The 95th Rifles) by

turn; the balls were 20 to the pound, and the weight of the arm was 9 1/2 pounds. It had, of course, a flint lock.

It was sighted to 100 yards, and by a folding sight to 200 yards. This rifle was loaded with some difficulty and at first small wooden mallets were supplied to the Riflemen to assist in ramming down the ball. These were found inconvenient and an incumbrance to the soldier, and were soon discontinued. The Rifle Corps originally carried a horn for powder, as well as the pouch. The Baker rifle had a brass box in the stock to contain the greased rag in which the ball was wrapped. A picker to clear the touch-hole and a brush were also carried by the Riflemen, suspended by brass chains to the waist-belt.

Francis, Baron de Rottenburg

troops and outposts in the field. This was translated into English in 1798 and was later adopted as the textbook on the subject by Sir John Moore, after he had formed the Light Brigade at Shorncliffe in 1803. In August 1805, in a letter to the commanding officer of the 52nd, Moore wrote: ‘I mean to make de Rottenburg the groundwork ...In reading over his book attentively I perceive much good in it. It only requires to be properly applied.’ Many of the bugle calls of the present day also owe their origin to the book, Sir John Moore stating in November 1805 that those used by the 52nd and 95th and, of course, the 60th - were those of de Rottenburg.

Ezekiel Baker, the inventor of this rifle, published in 1803 a book entitled `Twenty-two Years’ Practice with Rifle Guns;’ a tenth edition of which, expanded from 8 pages of the original brochure to 238, appeared in 1829.

His coloured prints of Riflemen aiming standing, kneeling, lying down on the face, and on the back, are curious, though the costume is rather fanciful. He gives diagrams showing that out of 34 shots at 100 yards with this rifle, 32 penetrated a human figure painted on a 6-ft. target; and of 24 shots at 200 yards, 22 penetrated a similar figure. Baker does not mention whether these were fired from the shoulder, or from a fixed rest.

The rifle with which the Battalion was armed was not the Baker rifle, which was first issued to the Experimental Corps of Riflemen (the 95th Rifles) in 1800.”

“A committee of field officers was directed to as¬semble at Woolwich on February 1, 1800, in order to select a rifle to be used by the Rifle Corps. The principal gun-makers in England were invited to attend; and rifles from America, France, Germany, Spain, and Holland were produced and tried. This committee reported in favour of a rifle submitted by Ezekiel Baker, a gun-maker in London, which was adopted for the Rifle Corps, and was known as the ` Baker rifle.’ This arm was 2 feet 6 inches long in the barrel; seven-grooved and rifled one quarter

26

The 6 foot figure target used by Ezekiel Baker to test the accuracy of the Baker Rifle at 100 and 200 yards.

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

To this rifle a triangular sword bayonet, 17 inches long in the blade, was affixed by a spring.

When the Rifle Corps was first formed, a few rifles were issued to it of the same bore as the musket then in use, viz. 14 balls to the pound; under the impression that there would be an advantage in the Riflemen being able to use the ammunition of soldiers of the line; but this arm was strongly objected to by Colonel Manningham and his officers, and was almost immediately done away with.

Some improvements were subsequently

made in the Baker rifle; a chamber was introduced to hold the powder, and a flat-blade sword was substituted for that originally issued. With these and some other trifling changes, the Baker rifle continued till about the year 1837 or 1838.In the year 1836 a Board was assembled at Woolwich to report on various improved rifles. Of this Board Colonel Eeles, then commanding the 1st Battalion, was a member; and Captain Walpole, with a sergeant and twelve Riflemen of that Battalion, was sent to Woolwich to try the rifles submitted to the Board. These men fired daily for some weeks; and eventually the Brunswick rifle was fixed upon for

the armament of the Rifle Brigade, and was issued to it (both Battalions being then at home) soon afterwards.”

More about the Brunswick, other rifles and their use by Green Jackets in future editions.

The Baker rifle is on display in the museum with the original issue sword and sword/bayonet, as are the two books and illustrations referred to by Ezekiel Baker.

Researched and compiled by Maj R.D Cassidy MBE.

NORTHERN IRELAND, NOW AND THEN On Thursday, 14 August, 1969, I was a young soldier of only 19 years, with little experience of this great big world and I was watching a television set in a NAAFI club at a barracks in the deep south of England. When you are a Leeds born and bred Yorkshire boy who, prior to taking a train to London to join up in early 1967, had only left the confines of God’s own county three times, then Hampshire was the deep south.

It showed scenes – in black and white, of course – of a drama being played out in Northern Ireland, a place which was to have a personal effect on my own and many other lives for almost 30 years to come. Sadly, for many, Northern Ireland was to become a name synonymous with violence, tragedy, intolerance and suffering; The changes that were won over those near 30 years of struggle with the IRA and the other paramilitaries were paid for with the lives of soldiers, policemen and for the most part innocent civilians.

Those same lives that were cut short in the Ballymurphy Estate, the Turf lodge, Twinbrook, the Ardoyne, the Creggan, the Bogside and the fields of Ulster, ultimately paved the way for freedom and the removal of fear and the ever present threat of terrorist violence which an entire new generation of Northern Irish people no longer have to face. It also cost billions of pounds in destroyed property and an emotional and psychological cost that can never be measured.

The events of that period of time JOURNAL 2011

from 1969 through to 1998 – and in some cases, beyond those arbitrary ‘parameters’ – will forever haunt the wonderful, innocent people of Northern Ireland who neither sought nor supported terrorism.

I recently revisited the province for the first time in over 30 years and I am pleased to report that, although the Black Mountain continues to dominate Belfast and will for millions more years yet to come, some things have changed. There are more cars; the houses are newer, with many of the old blackened terraces of the Lower Falls replaced by newer housing. Indeed, the slum that was the ‘Murph` is changed beyond all recognition; the gardens “.....who could have guessed, that almost 30 years later, another generation of soldiers would still be on those same streets,............” are tidier, there are no old fridges or cookers dumped in the front gardens, and no rusting Vauxhall Viva`s or Ford Anglia’s, propped up on bricks. The ubiquitous packs of stray dogs that chased our PIGs around the ‘Murph and Turf Lodge or Andersonstown now appear to have gone to that great doggie Heaven in the sky.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the separation of the Irish counties, by 1969, it clearly was not working and, whether or not the popularly held views about discrimination were fact or naively held belief, the Army had to go in. On that wonderfully hot August day in 1969, British squaddies in their shiny 27

tin helmets, denim uniforms, SLR`s with fixed bayonets at the ready, were deployed onto the streets of the Falls, the Divis, the New Lodge, the Ardoyne, the Gobnascale, the Waterside, the Bogside and the aforementioned Creggan; who could have guessed, that almost 30 years later, another generation of soldiers would still be on those same streets, still fighting by now, a second generation of terrorists? By the end of that first day’s deployment, five people had died and the following evening, the first of many soldiers was killed. After that, it never really stopped.

Over the years the IRA and INLA took their terror war further afield and military and civilian casualties alike were sustained in Belgium, Holland and Germany as well as the streets and roads of London, Deal, Derby, Litchfield, Yorkshire, Eastbourne, Northumberland, Warrington, Guildford, Birmingham and Tadcaster.

As outrage after outrage followed, the terrorists felt that they could push the British over the emotional edge and pressurise their Government into pulling out of the North.

What they forgot and the invaluable historical lesson they overlooked was the willingness of the British to stoically bear anguish. After all, a certain Austrian house painter had tried much harder than the IRA in 1939 and had, as posterity has recorded, failed spectacularly.

Most people would agree, particularly those who survived the ‘Blitz’ during those dark days of 1940 and 1941, that the Luftwaffe was a much more terrifying foe!

Ken Wharton

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE RGJR ASSOCIATION WEB SITE REPORT Incorporating the Internet Branch

B

y the time you read this we, as a regiment, will have been gone from the order of battle for 5 years. Where has the time gone? It only seems a couple of years ago I approached Ken Ambrose for advice on building my own website, I have now been a part of the website team for 14 years. I only completed 15 years in the army !!

will merge it more with the database has yet to take place however this remains an aim of both the website team and Bill Shipton who built the database but is not a priority, the guest books remain popular with the members one now heading towards 800,000 hits and 50,000 entries.

2011 has been a relatively quiet year for the website team with the summer seeing the normal slowdown in visitors to all the websites that come under the direct control of the website team which was expected. This has allowed the team to update some areas of the main website with parts being deleted and in particular a new front page being introduced.

We were pleased to announce in November the website for the North East branch going live and although there is not too much content at the moment it is hoped that we can build on this in the coming months. The problems being experienced with the North West branch website were resolved and that is now fully up and running once more. Disappointingly there were no branch updates of any kind from either the London, Winchester or Suffolk branches during the year, it may well be that these updates were still being sent to my old address and not the new one. For those unsure the correct email address for all correspondence is: admin@rgjassociation.info

Advertising Advertising has been the main focus with a wide range of events being advertised, some at very short notice, for the Rifles (wristbands, freedom parades etc.) Care for Casualties, Help4Heros and also the RGJRA with the annual reunion in Winchester.

Soldier magazine continues to be advertised including a link to the on line PDF version although this was temporarily taken off line by the magazine itself as they had run out of funding however my contact at their HQ was extremely helpful supplying me with a photograph of the hard copy front cover for a couple of months until funding was re-established and business returned to normal.

Main Website The rebuild of the main website which SWIFT AND BOLD

Branch Websites

You should be aware that I can only do web site updates in my spare time and that can be a little limited on occasions.

The Wiltshire branch decided to go independent of the website team and design their own website. The team were naturally disappointed to lose this website which was one of our earliest models but wish their webmaster the very best of luck in the future. This new website, once ready, will be listed within the independent branches alongside the Bands and Bugles website. In the meantime to avoid confusion no further updates were undertaken and the

28

Webmaster RGJ Regimental Association Kevin Stevens

website taken off line completely from our own servers.

The Oxford branch website unfortunately remains closed until someone in their branch takes on the responsibility of furnishing me with up to date content.

Hardware/ Maintenance In September my primary PC suffered a series of baffling problems which proved extremely difficult to track down however finally after a long session on the telephone with a technician at our suppliers the fault was found to lie with the motherboard, fortunately the PC was still under warranty and therefore it was returned to the suppliers and a new motherboard installed at no cost to the association, with no main PC the family and I went on holiday in the grandadmobile. During this time what updates were needed were, if time permmited, completed using my laptop.

As I finish writing this Ken Ambrose the database manager/ Swift and Bold editor/technical consultant and maker of excellent lunches has informed me he is currently trialing the all new narrow screen monitor, it was a wide screen monitor but has now developed an ever expanding vertical black bar down one side, he is now awaiting the red and green matching bars !!!. I think a new monitor may be in the offing before too long!

My best wishes to everyone for 2012.

Kevin Stevens Webmaster RGJRA

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE RGJR ASSOCIATION DATABASE REPORT 2011

T

he database has started to come into it`s own over the last few months and a lot more people seem to have now got the hang of using it to better advantage.

The only exception which comes to mind is that branches need to use the database more to get information on potential recruits who live in their catchment area. If for example you wanted to recruit for your branch in say Buckinghamshire, It would only be necessary to insert `Buckinghamshire` in the County or Country slot on the database search page to find that there are 184 database users living in the Buckinghamshire area.

Midlands based in Nottinghamshire and Chaired by Len Dooley which recruits from within the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland area. The problem is that the branch meeting venue is too far away for those members living in the Birmingham Midlands area of which there are a considerable number.

Therefore the question I need to ask you would be, `Is there anyone in the Birmingham area who would like to take on the job of forming a new branch under the title of the `West Midlands` Total No of Records

If you then discount those users you already have in your branch and those who belong to other branches in the catchment, Milton Keynes or Aylesbury Branches in this case, those that are left are potential recruits for your branch.

You can easily eliminate those who belong to other branches by contacting the Secretary of the branch concerned, see page 6 for that information and asking him to provide you with a list of his current branch members.

5917

Total No of Officer Members

533

Total No of Serving Officers

59

Total Officer Assoc Member (Full)

37

Total Officer Overseas Members

32

Total Officer Hon` Members

8

Total Officer Hon` Lady Members

40

Total Other Officer Members

2

Total Officers Lapsed Members

12

Total Officers Non-Members

660

Total Officers Deceased

66

Total No of Officers

1494

Total No of OR Full Members

1099

For the most part the list you are then left with will provide you with the contact details of your potential recruits. E-mail is obviously the cheapest option for making contact but it may be necessary in some cases to expend a little of those branch funds on postage or make the odd telephone call!

Total No of OR Life Members

133

I know from the enquiries I get that there are quite a few former Green Jackets who are not able to locate their local branch. If they are recently returned to the fold they have no way of knowing who to contact or where branches are located for meetings. It is therefore worth the occasional mailshot within your catchment area to inform them.

Total No of OR`s

4363

Total No of Others (Widows etc.)

105

Total No of Records with E-mail

3052

I also suggest that within branch committee`s you might want to appoint a member who has responsibility for recruiting. Someone who has a good working knowledge of how to use the database or is willing to take the time to learn would be ideal.

We have an active branch in the East JOURNAL 2011

Total No of Serving OR`s

10

Total No of OR Associate Members

3

Total No of OR Overseas Members

126

Total No of OR Lapsed Members

706

Total No of OR Non-Members

2109

Total No of Deceased OR`s

177

RGJRA Membership Statistics as at 31 December 2011

branch?` If there is please get in touch with me as soon as you can.

The branch would be able to recruit from the Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire area and once established would be entitled to a startup grant from central funds to help with recruiting and establishment costs.

Most will remember that the database was redesigned internally last year

29

although to a normal user there were few visible external differences this has enabled me to provide you with several additional services. One of which is that I can now set your access to the database up with the password of your choice on application.

If you already have database access and a basic knowledge of the menu system you can do this yourself using the `Change Password` facility in the internal database options but if you have had problems with access in the past contact me at membersdatabase@ royalgreenjackets.co.uk and send me your choice of password. I will not only set it up for you but also test it and ensure it is working correctly before confirming it to you!

The other addition to our arsenal of communication tools is a mass mailing programme called GroupMail which allows me to send messages out to thousands of recipients without fear of being blocked by system spam filters. Although a necessary evil these often annoying features of the Internet mailing system are triggered automatically when one message is sent to several recipients at the same time from a single address.

Groupmail gets around this and other problems associated with sending messages to a large number of recipients by not conforming to spam mail behavior patterns and allows me to easily send out messages to combinations of pre dedicated groups created from within the Association database.

KCA SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

4 RIFLES (FORMERLY 2RGJ) NEWSLETTER

4 RIFLES is a Light Role Infantry Battalion, part of 1 (Mech) Bde in 3 (UK) Division, based stationed in Bulford, near Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Prior to amalgamation in February 2007 it was 2 RGJ. The Fourth Battalion has recently returned from EX ASKARI THUNDER in Kenya and is currently half way through a 7 month commitment as the UK’s national standby battalion: The Spearhead Land Element (SLE), at 24 hrs notice to move anywhere in the world to conduct contingency operations, such as evacuating British passport holders and other eligible persons from trouble spots.

Its next planned operational tour is OP HERRICK 18 in spring 2013.

SLE aside, our current focus is PJNCO and Support Weapon Cadres after which we will have a period of BG continuation and pre-HERRICK individual course training. After SLE the priority will switch to supporting the Bde in BATUS from May–Jul 12, with the rifle coys and support weapons deploying with 1 RRF and 2 RTR BGs. In Barracks we have moved from Kiwi Barracks to Ward Barracks and we have kept up our sporting success, winning the 1X Festival of Sport (twice), reaching the finals of the Army Boxing Championship, winning the GOC’s Trophy, and in Football winning the Army West Division league and the 4 Div Major Unit Cup. On the home front we have exercised three Freedoms, and continue to support those riflemen wounded on operations as well as the families of those killed in action (6 were killed during OP HERRICK, 9 received life changing injuries, and 49 were wounded) – many of the injured have now integrated successfully back into the Battalion; for others we are SWIFT AND BOLD

Members of 4 Rifles on Exercise Askari Thunder in Kenya

fully engaged in the Army Recovery Capability.

In addition to Kenya and SLE, 2 companys have deployed to the Falkland Islands as the Falkland Islands Roulement Infantry Company (FIRIC); all coys have deployed on Battle Camps and been heavily committed with RAAT tasks; and the Bn completed our annual interplatoon competition the TARLETON TROPHY in Galloway (1-5 Nov 10).

We also entered 3 teams into the 2010 CAMBRIAN Patrol, and were delighted that the team from R Company won a “Then after summer leave in September 2012, we will start our training programme in preparation for Operations in Afghanistan from the spring of 2013 on OP HERRICK 18”.

Gold Medal. We entered 4 teams in the 2011 competition, all of which won Silver.

The SLE commitment ends in March 2012, at which point we will be rotating companies through EX PRAIRIE THUNDER in Alberta, Canada. Then after summer leave in September 2012, we will start our training programme in preparation

30

for Operations in Afghanistan from the spring of 2013 on OP HERRICK 18. The companies will each spend time away from Bulford on training exercises, in Thetford Norfolk, Lydd and Hythe in Kent, and Otterburn in the North East of England.

Riflemen will find themselves polishing old and learning new skills, e.g. language courses and learning about the culture of Afghanistan, as well as honing our warfighting skills. Driving courses will form a big part of our pre-training including on the Mastiff, Ridgeback, Jackal and the newly introduced Husky, all designed to protect us on the dusty roads. Weapon training will feature heavily too, including: the 7.62mm sharpshooter rifle, the Grenade Machine Gun (GMG), and the .50 cal Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). As the only fully Future Infantry Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) equipped Battalion in the Army, we are lucky to have much of this equipment already, along with the new variant Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) uniforms.

December 2012 will see us approaching the end of our Pre Afghan training and poised ready for Operations.

With thanks and appreciation to Maj. M.E Foster-Brown, 2i/c, 4 Rifles

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The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

LT GEN SIR JOHN MOORE KB (1761-1809) `Founding Father of The Regiment` summarises the chief qualities which go to make up character, as unselfishness, loyalty and determination. He possessed that priceless gift, a personality which inspired those under him to do their best. All who served under him, held him in devotion. It is easy to see from letters the impression he made upon even the most casual acquaintance.

“His was the fire that warmed the coldest nature, and urged all who came in contact with him onward in the path of glory along which he strode so mightily himself. No man with a spark of enthusiasm could resist the influence of Moore’s great aspirings.”

HIS KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PROFESSION.

Moore’s knowledge of his profession was profound. It was gained by assiduous study and deep thought.

He had studied the military problems and tendencies of his day. He was ahead of military thought of his time in his conception of strategy and tactics. In writing of the Corunna campaign, Lewis Butler says “His brilliant strategy, his resolution and the way in which he handled his troops stamp him as a master of the art of war and elicited the praise of Napoleon.”

He did not, however, confine his studies to military history alone. He realised that the strategy and tactics of an army are largely dictated by that army’s organization and interior economy. The work of the Light Division in the Peninsula is a striking example of the development of a new era in tactics. The man who can break away from the old, take up the new idea and pursue it with confidence must have laid the foundations of that confidence by close study of the conditions of his day.

To-day the question of the antitank defence of the Forward Troops requires development.

Armed with a mechanised light gun or heavy machine gun such duties would require the same spirit and high state of training which caused our 5th Battalion to be distributed by companies amongst the various brigades in Spain and Portugal.

Once again might the Regiment evolve a new form of tactics and so JOURNAL 2011

lead the way.

HIS INTEREST IN LIGHT INFANTRY.

As a major John Moore served for a time in the 60th Royal Americans.

There he became acquainted with those Rifle and Light Infantry tactics which formed the foundation of the system he later inaugurated at Shorncliffe. There he saw the value of disciplined individualism as inculcated by Henri Bouquet and Francis Haldimand, two of the first Commanding Officers of our Regiment.

His tour in the West Indies showed him very clearly that a new form of discipline was required in the Army as a whole. Moore felt that the drill book of Dundas, founded on the system of Frederick, was too mechanical.

He turned to “The Regulations for the exercise of Riflemen and Light Infantry.’’

This book, written by Lieut.-Colonel Baron de Rottenburg, Colonel of the 5th Battalion of the 60th, was the model upon which that Battalion and later the whole Army was trained.

Moore’s opportunity came when the camp was formed at Shorncliffe of the 43rd and 52nd Regiments and the Rifle Corps (95th).

It is interesting to note that this same de Rottenburg succeeded Moore as the trainer of Light troops at Shorncliffe in 1808.

MOORE AS A TRAINER OF MEN.

Moore realised that the principles underlying sound military training in all stages of the world’s history were identical - a sound organization and interior economy.

He saw that the whole development of war tended towards looser formations, with consequently greater demands upon the individual whether officer or man. He was the first to see that what was required was “not a new drill but a new discipline, a new spirit that should make of the whole a living organism to replace a mechanical instrument.” In the methods which he inculcated at Shorncliffe, Moore built up the foundations of our modern system of discipline and training, a foundation which has stood the test of over a century of peace and war.

31

cont` from page 25....

Briefly, these methods aimed at “encouraging to the utmost the intelligence and initiative of the individual; treating soldiers as men and not as machines.”

His training was systematic. He first of all took his officers, and after eliminating those who were quite unfitted to command, he instilled into them the three qualities which are essential to the training of menenergy, knowledge and sympathy.

He then delegated to every officer real authority, in proportion to his rank, not only to train the men under him for war, but to look after every detail of their welfare; thus he taught the men to regard their officers not only as their leaders in battle, but as their guides and helpers at all times. He showed both officers and N.C.O.’s that true discipline is not the punishment of crime but its prevention. Officers were brought up to treat their men as comrades and join in their games. A maxim of the camp, unfortunately too often forgotten in the Great War, was “It is the duty of every officer to provide for the wants of his men.”

Lastly, he took the private soldier, awakened his pride in himself, encouraged him to use his intelligence, to become what the Americans in their Civil War called a “thinking bayonet,” and finally made him as keen as his officer on the efficiency of his unit.

Thus Moore extracted the utmost from esprit de corps, which has been proved again and again the surest rock on which to build the moral of a professional army. He saw that the good soldier must not only give to his profession his body and brain, but his heart also. Today this has become a platitude.

He found the men under a discipline based entirely on fear of punishment, a discipline which made no attempt to appeal to their minds or hearts. He left them under one based on individual keenness, mutual confidence, and a spirit of comradeship between officers and men; a form of discipline which has once more, in the greatest of all wars, proved itself superior to any other. ..............................continued on page 47

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

ON THE RIVER MAAS, SOUTHERN HOLLAND, ST. NICHOLASTIDE DECEMBER 1944 A letter from Lt. R.J.Gould 8th Bn. The Rifle Brigade to his girlfriend Wren Erica Lomax. (Wren Lomax has now been Mrs Dick Gould for 65 years!)

face cream, and two bars of chocolate each for the children. All these we later put on their big dinner table after they had retired to bed.

That evening we suddenly decided to throw a St Nicholas Eve party. I myself mustered a bottle of Kummel , another of rum and one of lime juice; my Sergeants produced a bottle of whisky and another of rum – some mixture, but not bad going! At first we passed these bottles round, with lime for the children, but I could not think how to get the party really going. So my sergeants and I toasted their Queen and country. This provoked their National Anthem from them. The party never looked back!

They sang, we sang and whenever possible we all sang together. My men gave solos and comic turns, including Popeye and the Hen Song.

migrated again, leaving 20. They tidied up the released accommodation and offered it to my men. By day it became our recreation room and by night a dormitory. There were chairs and the coal fire was lit every day. Our friends came in and out frequently to listen to the wireless, especially to the Dutch news bulletins. Eventually they blew our valves, but we thought it worth it!

The singing grew ever louder and our camaraderie ever deeper when suddenly a machine gun opened up close by and we all fell silent. However it was a false alarm and off we went again, though the drink was long gone.

It was getting late and we did not want to make a noise at night, but it proved very difficult to break the party up. Auld Lang Syne went on for ages. We parted with long and heartfelt handshakes and expressions of eternal friendship and rolled into beds which, for some at least, revolved and rocked gently!

On 5th December someone reminded me that the following day would be St Nicholas Day, a feast at least as important to them as Christmas Day. So I got a list of all their names and some details about their tastes. I asked my whole Platoon to cover presents for 7 men, 6 women, 3 teenaged girls, two girls and two boys. We managed two bars of soap each for the women, tobacco, cigarettes, shaving soap and razor blades for the men. For the young ladies we found some scent and

The morning of the 6th came. As I lay in bed for those few glorious minutes before having to get up, I could hear the family moving about in the next room, chattering excitedly. I got up and put my head under the pump in the yard to dispel the effects of the night before. Everyone was in great spirits, wishing each other a Happy St Nicholas, but there were no allusions to the presents. However, when some girls came over from another farm we saw them rubbing cream on their faces

Lt Dick Gould KRRC and Rifle Brigade

Wren Erica Lomax 1944

We were hurriedly given our Platoon areas. Mine consisted of a farm with a big barn and other outhouses. One barn was impossible, the other locked.

An elderly Dutchman came up and offered to open it. We could both speak a little French to communicate.

This barn was good, and could sleep most of my men. The rest would have to sleep in very wet trenches.

The farmhouse, an air raid shelter and a hen house were crammed with about 50 local people, mostly displaced from their own homes. All fed and lived in the farmhouse by day. Nevertheless, when I asked if they had any space inside they offered me a small room piled high with furniture, clothes and sacks of this and that. This they cleared up themselves, leaving two big shallow box beds with straw mattresses and a chair or two. My three sergeants and I accepted possession, two to a bed.

Furthermore they agreed to let my men sleep in their front room, instead of outside, after they had gone to bed.

Next morning we cleared the front room and the civilians had their breakfast.

We cooked outside, but as soon as they had breakfasted they asked us to eat inside. We refused twice but they insisted.

We tried to repay their kindness by playing them our radio and by giving them soap and cigarettes. In the evening I was invited out of the cold and damp to sit in their warm parlour, and here I talked in French to my original friend. Life went on like this for a few days, with frequent little gifts to us of apples, a few eggs and hot water for shaving.

One morning over half the population SWIFT AND BOLD

Lt Richard Gould with his Anti-Tank Platoon 1944 32

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

and scattering the scent over each other in high glee.

During the morning they asked if we could join them in a party that evening.

Unfortunately we were due to move out of the area that evening. Normally this would have been good news, a release from the mud, the guard duties and night patrols, but we would willingly have put up with these to remain with them.

We had to refuse their invitation, but they approached us again and asked if we could come if they made it 3 pm.

We readily accepted. Meanwhile two of my Platoon were making a splendid cake with butter, milk and sugar, topped with whipped up sugar and concocted cream.

At 3 pm we all turned up. The table was laid with a white cloth, plates and spoons. In the middle was a large custard-like pudding topped with whipped white of egg. By it was a large jar of plums bottled in syrup. On a chair was a large wicker basket full of apples in which paper parcels were hidden. I was asked to hand these out to my men. Some got an egg, some an apple and some oddments which had been raked up as presents. I got a little brass matchbox.

One of my Sergeants, who had made himself a favourite singing solos the evening before, came in late. He jokingly complained that he had no present and started singing more songs. Suddenly they brought in a parcel marked “For Jonje”. It was wrapped in layer after layer of paper.

Finally he opened a small cardboard box. Nestled in shredded paper was a live frog. The joke was a huge success.

Singing continued and a young boy brought in an accordion. Then came a second parcel This was marked “Good”. It contained a small leather cigarette case. “Jonje” thanked for it but refused to make a speech, so we all sang “Oh, Johnnie, oh Johnnie oh!” We taught them to dance the Okey Kokey. the Conga, A-hunting we will go, Knees up Mother Brown and Boomps-a-Daisy. I presented our cake to the mistress of the house. She nearly cried and insisted on sharing it with us. Finally it was time to go. We sang both National Anthems and said goodbye.

Dick Gould

THE COLONELS COMMANDANT OF THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS Colonel-in-Chief: Her Majesty the Queen Deputy Colonel-in-Chief: HRH the Duke of Gloucester KG, KP, CGB, GCMG, GCVO, ADC (P) 1966 - 1974 Colonels Commandant are listed in the rank and with the decorations they held at the conclusion of their appointments.

FM Sir Francis Festing GCB, KBE, DSO, DL Representative Colonel Commandant 1966 - 1968 Colonel Commandant 3 RGJ 1966 - 1968

General Sir James Glover KCB, MBE Representative Colonel Commandant 1986 - 1988 Colonel Commandant 3 RGJ 1986 - 1988

Major General E A Williams CB, CBE, MC Colonel Commandant 2 RGJ 1966 - 1970

General Sir Robert Pascoe KCB,MBE,ADC (Gen) Representative Colonel Commandant 1988 - 1991 Colonel Commandant 1 RGJ 1986 - 1991

General Sir John Mogg GCB,CBE, DSO, ADC (Gen) Representative Colonel Commandant 1968 - 1973 Colonel Commandant 1 RGJ 1966 - 1970 Colonel Commandant 3RGJ 1971- 1973 Lieutenant General Sir Richard Fyffe KBE, CBE, DSO, MC Colonel Commandant 3 RGJ 1968 - 1971 General (later FM) Sir Roland Gibbs GCB,CBE, DSO, MC, ADC (Gen) Colonel Commandant 2 RGJ 1971 - 1978 General Sir Thomas Pearson KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC (Gen) Representative Colonel Commandant 1973 - 1977 Colonel Commandant 1 RGJ 1970 - 1977 Lieutenant General Sir James Wilson KBE, MC Representative Colonel Commandant 1977 - 1978 Colonel Commandant 1 RGJ 1977 - 1981 FM Sir Edwin (later Lord) Bramall GCB,OBE, MC, ADC (Gen) Representative Colonel Commandant 1979 - 1983 Colonel Commandant 3 RGJ 1973 - 1984

General Sir David (later Lord) Ramsbotham GCB, CBE, ADC (Gen) Representative Colonel Commandant 1991 - 1992 Colonel Commandant 2 RGJ 1987 - 1992 General Sir Edward Jones KCB, CBE Representative Colonel Commandant 1992 - 1994 Colonel Commandant 3 RGJ 1988 - 1992 Colonel Commandant 2 RGJ 1992 - 1994 Major General JP (later Lt Gen Sir John) Foley (later DL) KCB, CB, OBE, MC Colonel Commandant 1 RGJ 1991 - 1994 Major General CGC Vyvyan CB, CBE Colonel Commandant 1 RGJ 1994 - 2000 Lieutenant General Sir Christopher Wallace KBE (later DL) Representative Colonel Commandant 1995 - 1998 Colonel Commandant 2 RGJ 1995 - 1998 Major General ARD Pringle CB, CBE Regimental Colonel Commandant 1999 - 2001 Colonel Commandant 2 RGJ 1999 - 2001

General Sir Frank Kitson GBE, KCB, MC, ADC (Gen) Representative Colonel Commandant 1983 - 1985 Colonel Commandant 2 RGJ 1979 - 1986

Lieutenant General AMD Palmer CB CBE Regimental Colonel Commandant 2001 - 2005 Colonel Commandant 1 RGJ 1994 - 2000

General Sir Roland Guy GCB, CBE, DSO, ADC (Gen) Representative Colonel Commandant 1985 - 1986 Colonel Commandant 1 RGJ 1981 - 1986

Major General NJ Cottam CB, OBE Regimental Colonel Commandant 2005 - 2007 Colonel Commandant 2 RGJ 2005 - 2007

JOURNAL 2011

33

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The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

SWIFT AND BOLD

34

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS OPERATIONAL AWARDS 1966-2007 The honours and awards shown are those that have been published in the London Gazette in that year and not when the actual award or decoration was won. This list does not include GOCs and C in Cs commendations.

1966 Borneo MBE

MC

MID

Maj ME Carleton-Smith Maj PM Welsh Lt MJC Robertson Brig HMG Bond Lt Col ENW Bramall Maj DJ Ramsbotham Maj RA Pascoe Capt RH Kerr Lt PJW Harrison Sgt T Lloyd Rfn MF Ryves Cpl D Hunt

1971 Sultan of Muscat Commendation Maj TF Taylor Sultan of Oman’s Distinguished Medal for Gallantry. Capt SDG McKinley 1972 N.Ireland CBE

DSO

MBE

MC

DCM

MM

MID

MID

1973 N.Ireland

OBE MBE

JOURNAL 2011

Brig FE Kitson Lt Col RK Guy Capt RM Kemball Capt GF Smythe Maj ID Corden-Lloyd Maj CC Dunphie Capt FR Sainsbury 2Lt M Smith 2Lt SJ Young Cpl TW Thomson CSgt E Bright LCpl D Grant Sgt KC Ambrose Cpl DJ Barker 2Lt JA Daniell Lt ABC Dollard Rfn J McAFarrier Rfn JH Hanna Cpl TH Hansford Maj CLGG Henshaw Cpl APF Liggins Rfn MJ O’Shea Lt AMD Palmer Cpl I Parfitt 2Lt CJL Puxley

Sgt CP Slocombe

MC

DCM

MM

MID

Sultan of Muscat’s Distinguished Service Medal

Maj P Treener-Michell Capt FA Williams Capt RH Ker Cpl M Rattigan Cpl RJ Bennett Cpl GA Coney Cpl DR Grimes Capt GdeVW Hayes Lt Col CEW Jones Cpl BE Lawrence Capt NC Legh WO2 P Maher Maj SCH Marriott Sgt J Mulvaney Rfn L Murray Capt BW Rimmer LCpl A Robe Cpl DJ Shepherd Capt the Hon PR Smith Sgt EG Tuvey Capt CRM Kemball

1974 N.Ireland CBE

MBE

BEM

MM

MID

Brig JDF Mostyn WO2 PJ Layton Cpl PK Sumner Cpl RJ Tyson Lt Col JRG Evelegh Sgt W Foxton CSgt CF Heyman Cpl SL Holman Lt Col RA Pascoe LCpl DJ Rimmer Capt RJ Rimmer

1975 N.Ireland MID

MID

Cpl MJ Harris Cpl D Judge 2Lt AC Kinnear Maj PJ Lyddon Capt RCH Luscombe Sgt JF O’Shea Rfn GD Reid Lt PJF Schofield Cpl K Spence Capt RGK Williamson Cpl CS Younger

1976 Oman

Maj AR Turle Maj JP Foley

Cpl JW Sweeney

Lt Col PM Welsh Capt CHA Hawker

MC MC

35

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS OPERATIONAL AWARDS 1966-2007 continued.........

The Sultan of Oman’s Distinguished Service Medal.

The Order of Mahkota Brunei (3rd Class)

Maj RP Montgomery

WO1 M Brown

1977 GCB

KCB

CB

CBE

MBE

BEM Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal

Cpl EJ Smith

1978 N.Ireland OBE

MBE

MID

Lt Col GD Johnson WO2 LR Trower Rfn DC Bosworth Lt Col ID Corden-Lloyd Maj RH Ker Sgt JE Kerr Maj NM Prideaux Rfn PK Scannell Sjt KAP Stevens Lt Col P Treneer-Michell Cpl DC Walsh

1979 N.Ireland OBE

OBE

MBE

BEM

MM

MID

Lt Col JP Foley Lt Col P Treneer-Michell Maj PJ Lyddon C/Sgt CF Ward LCpl SB Mitchell WO2 DF Carey Rfn DV Lawrenson Capt NR Parker Maj GF Smythe Sgt SC Williams

1980 N.Ireland

Brig ME Carleton-Smith Brig DJ Ramsbotham Lt Col CJMc Harrisson Maj ARD Pringle

CBE CBE OBE MBE

Lt Gen Sir David House Lt Gen P Hudson Maj Gen GH Mills Brig DM Pontifex Maj FA Petra Maj GC Stacey Maj CBQ Wallace CSgt C Green

MID

Maj JMP Durcan

1981 N.Ireland

MBE QGM MM BEM

Maj JPO Beddard CSgt JE Kerr Rfn JW Moore Cpl DA Brittain

SWIFT AND BOLD

1982 N.Ireland QGM

MM

MID

South Atlantic OBE (Posthumous) MID

CSgt J Brum Cpl WJ Lindfield Lt MJ Austin LCpl WJ Gordon Maj GdeV W Hayes Capt PJM Hearn CSgt RJ Meeson Lt Col MJC Robertson Lt Col JM Taylor Cpl RJ Wright Lt Col AE Berry Cpl RE Armstrong

1983 N.Ireland MBE

MID

Capt RAM Constant Capt AM Coles Sgt RJ Jones Cpl M Haley Cpl MA Sheddon Cpl CE McBride LCpl AJM Crook

1984 N.Ireland MBE

MBE

BEM

MID

Maj PD Browne WO1 (BM) DG Little Capt MBD Smith WO2 BE Darvill Sgt P Bohan Sgt AD Jones Maj RP Matters CSgt PMJ O’Brian Lt Col CCLO Owen

1985 N.Ireland MID

Maj PD Browne Rfn PA Ross Col CBQ Wallace

1986 N.Ireland MID

Lt Col GdeVW Hayes Maj SR Stanford-Tuck

1987

MBE

Maj RA Churcher

1988 N.Ireland

MBE MID

Maj NJ Mangnall Lt Col RJ Rimmer

1989 N.Ireland QGM

MID

36

Sgt AR Hoare Lt Col JS Carter Lt Col SC Hearn

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS OPERATIONAL AWARDS 1966-2007 continued..........

1990 N.Ireland OBE

MID

Lt Col NJ Cottam CSgt EV Baker CSgt MJ Keating Lt Col AMD Palmer

1991 N.Ireland

Op Granby

Brig CGC Vyvyan Capt EA Butler Maj Gen JP Foley Sgt SB Mitchell Cpl WB Tyson

CBE MID CB DCM MID

1992 N.Ireland OBE

MBE

MID

Lt Col JMJ Balfour Lt Col NJ Mangnall Lt Col M Smith Maj NRG Chavasse Rfn SG Fairs Maj NR Haddock Capt NJ Hyslop Capt JL Mann Lt Col CEM Snagge Maj DM Tobey Cpl G Wilkinson

1993 N.Ireland OBE

MBE

MBE

MM

MID

Lt Col AJR Jackson Maj AEH Worsley Maj DstJ Homer LCpl MJ Fryer Capt JRD Bryson Col NJ Cottam LCpl DRW Ware

1994 N.Ireland MBE

MID

Fmr Rep of Yugoslavia

CBE

MC

Brig GdeVW Hayes Capt AMF Carleton-Smith

1995 Fmr Rep of Yugoslavia

QCVS

Maj Gen ARD Pringle

1996 OBE

MBE

Col SC Hearn Maj NP Carter Maj JH Gordon WO2 EL Jones

1997 N.Ireland

Cpl BK Brown Cpl A Moodie

MBE QCVS

1998 N.Ireland CBE Fmr Rep of Yugoslavia

QCVS

JOURNAL 2011

Maj JIS Plastow WO2 ET Wilson Cpl ME Downard Lt MA Hughes

Col M Smith Maj EA Butler Maj Gen ARD Pringle

1999 Fmr Rep of Yugoslavia

MBE

QCVS

Maj TH Emck WO2 KT Oxby Lt Col NP Carter

2000 Fmr Rep of Yugoslavia

OBE

MID

QCB

QCVS

Col NP Carter Cpl M Harris Sgt G Miller Maj S Plummer LCpl J Rooney Capt IR Moodie Maj MR Winsloe

2001 N.Ireland CBE

MBE

QCVS

Brig JMJ Balfour WO2 RE Keys Cpl JPB Becker Lt Col JIS Plastow

2002 Afghanistan CBE

MID Fmr Rep of Yugoslavia

QCVS

2003 N.Ireland

QCB QCVS QCVS

Brig NR Parker Sgt SM McNiff Brig JMJ Balfour Capt RG Streatfeild Lt Col AEH Worsley WO2 CL Nufer Col JIS Plastow Maj JCW Maciejewski

2004 Afghanistan QCVS Iraq OBE

MID Fmr Rep of Yugoslavia

MBE

QCVS

Maj RHS Shaw Rfn SP Staley

2005 Fmr Rep of Yugoslavia

OBE Sierra Leone QCVS Afghanistan DSO

Col JA Daniell Lt Col EA Butler Lt Col EA Butler

2006 Afghanistan

CBE MBE

Brig EA Butler Capt MJ Dicks

N.Ireland

CBE

Brig JH Gordon

Brig NP Carter Lt Col PNYM Sanders CSgt SM McNiff

Dem Republic of Congo

OBE

Col RP Winser

2007 Iraq

Maj ME Foster-Brown

MID

37

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE 1966-2007 The following Officers and Soldiers died whilst serving with the Royal Green Jackets between 1966 and 2007 and includes all those who have died whilst serving regardless of the circumstances or cause of death.

RANK

INITIALS

NAME

BATTALION

LOCATION

DATE

MONTH

1966 Rfn Rfn Cpl Rfn

AC RMT R JA

Kelway Webster Cross Cullen

2RGJ 2RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ

Borneo Borneo Germany Germany

31st 31st 17th 06th

January March March August

1967 Sgt Brig Cpl Col Rfn

MAA AHS PM PR AE

Cameron Mellor Patrick Hayter Brown

3RGJ RGJ 2RGJ RGJ 2RGJ

Germany England Germany Australia England

04th 26th 07th 05th 28th

April August September October October

1968 L/Cpl WO11 Sjt

DJ BJ RA

Dixon Dunwell Smith

2RGJ 2RGJ 1RGJ

England Germany England

08th 29th 13th

January October November

1969 Capt L/Cpl WO1 L/Cpl L/Cpl Rfn

RF MW TJ MJ MD JPB

Rodgers Mosley Byrne Pearce Boswell Keeney

Rifle Depot 1RGJ 2RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ

England England England N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland

02nd 22nd 14th 26th 25th 25th

March April July September October October

1970 Rfn C/Sgt Capt (QM) Rfn Rfn

A RF WH S MA

Cottriall Fry Horbury Fisher Hamblin

1RGJ 4(v) RGJ Rifle Depot Rifle Depot 3RGJ

Germany England England England England

21st 05th 05th 03rd 21st

May July July October November

1971 Rfn Rfn Cpl Rfn Rfn Maj

RP K R D JCE TEF

Hill Chavner Bankier Walker Hill Taylor

3RGJ 3RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 2RGJ 0RGJ

Cyprus Cyprus N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland Dhofar

02nd 04th 22nd 12th 16th 07th

January January May July October November

1972 Maj Cpl Sjt Rfn J/Rfn Rfn L/Cpl Cpl Rfn L/Cpl Rfn

RNH CC PJ JW RD J D IR D IR JR

Alers-Hankey Cook Martin Taylor Woodhouse Meredith Card Morrill Griffiths George Joesbury

2RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 2RGJ JR Coy 2RGJ 1RGJ 3RGJ 3RGJ 3RGJ 3RGJ

N.Ireland Germany Germany N.Ireland England N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland

30th 11th 13th 20th 11th 26th 04th 28th 30th 10th 08th

January March March March June June August August August September December

1973 Pte Rfn

RB NAB

Roberts Allen

LI/3RGJ 1RGJ

N.Ireland N.Ireland

02nd 26th

July November

1974 Rfn Rfn Bdsm Rfn Rfn

A HM MS KG ME

Mulgrew Hutton Bayliss Porter Gibson

3RGJ 2RGJ Rifle Depot 3RGJ 1RGJ

Singapore England England England N.Ireland

20th 06th 27th 15th 29th

April June September November December

SWIFT AND BOLD

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JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

RANK

INITIALS

NAME

BATTALION

LOCATION

DATE

MONTH

1975 Rfn Maj C/Sgt Rfn Rfn

DP JRC DV CJ MR

McGarry Radclyffe Dawes Radmore Sinclair

3RGJ Rifle Depot 3RGJ 1RGJ 3RGJ

Germany England England England Germany

13th 15th 04th 04th 13th

January September November December December

1976 Lt Col Rfn Sjt L/Cpl Rfn

MWM RM EE RP KJ

Tarleton Walsh Bedford McMahon Rowland

3RGJ 3RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 3RGJ

England Germany England England England

05th 04th 11th 11th 31st

February October December December December

1977 Rfn Rfn Rfn Cpl

SD R MR WJ

Lambourne Watson Thompson Smith

Rifle Depot 2RGJ 3RGJ 1RGJ

England Gibraltar England N.Ireland

13th 15th 17th 31st

July July July August

1978 Lt Col Rfn Maj J/Rfn

ID NW TB PT

Cordon-Lloyd Smith Foley Flaherty

2RGJ 2RGJ RGJ Rifle Depot

N/Ireland N/Ireland N/Ireland England

17th 04th 24th 08th

February March April November

1979 Brig Rfn

TGH PC

Jackson Fairway

HQ Lt Div Rifle Depot

England England

03rd 24th

April July

1980 WO11 Rfn Rfn Col

PJ PJ CJ JSC

Bayliss Simons Watson Simmons

3RGJ 3RGJ 3RGJ RGJ

Nigeria England N.Ireland England

21st 04th 19th 08th

March May July August

1981 L/Cpl Rfn Rfn Rfn Rfn L/Cpl L/Cpl

G ME A JW WH GT SJ

Winstone Bagshaw Gavin King Williams Dean Chappell

1RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ Rifle Depot 1RGJ 1RGJ

N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland Wales N.Ireland England

18th 19th 19th 19th 04th 16th 11th

May May May May June July August

1982 Capt Rfn Rfn Rfn Rfn Cpl Cpl Rfn WO11 Cpl Cpl Bdsm Bdsm Bdsm WO11 C/Sgt

TP DR MP AM TP RE ET MJ G RA JR GJ KJ J JP SJ

Fetherstonhaugh Holland Malakos Rapley Flint Armstrong Walpole Wood Barker Livingstone McKnight Mesure Powell Heritage Devine Walton

RGJ 2RGJ 2RGJ 2RGJ 2RGJ 1RGJ 3RGJ Rifle Depot 1RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 3RGJ 2RGJ

Germany N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland England Falkland Islands Falkland Islands England England England England England England England Germany Germany

11th 15th 25th 25th 10th 19th 19th 22nd 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 13th 08th

February March March March May May May June July July July July July July August December

1983 Rfn DA Officer Cadet DMH

Grainger Litton

1RGJ Sandhurst

N.Ireland England

10th 12th

April August

1984 Rfn Maj Gnr

Jackson Ruck-Keene Utteridge

3RGJ 3RGJ 1RHA/3RGJ

Germany England N.Ireland

05th 31st 19th

February August October

AD HL TP

JOURNAL 2011

39

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association RANK

INITIALS

NAME

BATTALION

LOCATION

DATE

MONTH

1985

NIL ENTRIES

1986 Rfn Rfn C/Sgt L/Cpl

DA ACR PJ RI

Mulley Chapman Bryant McGowan

1RGJ 3RGJ Lt Div Depot 3RGJ

N.Ireland Germany England Germany

18th 22nd 31st 16th

March April August December

1987 Col Rfn L/Cpl Rfn Cpl Cpl

P J TW RA ERP R

Treneer-Michell Milward Hewitt Sharp Jedruch Elliott

0RGJ 3RGJ 1RGJ 2RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ

England England N.Ireland England N.Ireland England

27th 01st 19th 21st 31st 29th

May July July July July September

1988-1989

NIL ENTRIES

1990 Rfn Rfn Rfn Rfn Rfn WO1 Cpl Sgt

R DW CJ PW J CJ D LS

Donkin Parfit Jackson Virgo Scott Manning Lepp Ubhi

1RGJ 1RGJ 1RGJ 2RGJ 1RGJ 2RGJ 2RGJ 3RGJ

Germany Germany Germany England USA England England Kenya

06th 06th 08th 01st 18th 27th 28th 20th

April April May July July August August December

1991 Sgt L/Cpl Rfn Cpl Sgt Cpl

TJ WJ C MC SR LD

Ross Harris Williams Maddocks Eyles Wall

1RGJ 2RGJ 2RGJ 2RGJ 3RGJ 2RGJ

N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland N.Ireland Germany N.Ireland

18th 08th 08th 14th 01st 12th

October November November November December December

1992 Rfn Rfn

JS RA

Smith Davey

1RGJ 1RGJ

N.Ireland N.Ireland

10th 29th

August October

1993 Rfn Rfn

DT PK

Fenley Ennals

1RGJ 2RGJ

N.Ireland England

17th 13th

February March

1995 WO11

KP

Theobald

2RGJ

N.Ireland

02nd

October

1996 WO1

L

Collins

3RGJ

England

06th

December

1997 Rfn

RS

Blackledge

1RGJ

Kenya

05th

November

1998 L/Cpl Rfn

A WN

Smith Beckley-Lines

1RGJ ITC Catterick

England England

24th 18th

May September

1999 Rfn Rfn

CBA P

Bird Morris

2RGJ 2RGJ

Germany England

25th 03rd

March April

2000 L/Cpl Rfn

DJ OM

Cronin Alford

2RGJ ITC Catterick

Kosovo S.Africa

14th 27th

March April

2001 Rfn Rfn

JI DR

Mackenzie McLaughlin

ITC Catterick 2RGJ

England England

09th 20th

February May

2002 Cpl Rfn

M IJ

Phillips Cornan

1RGJ 1RGJ

Sierra Leone Sierra Leone

27th 27th

January January

2003 Rfn Rfn

JA AR

Dupee Elliott

1RGJ 1RGJ

England England

19th 19th

August August

SWIFT AND BOLD

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JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

RANK

INITIALS

NAME

BATTALION

LOCATION

DATE

MONTH

2004 Rfn

VC

Windsor

2RGJ/LI

Iraq

21st

January

2005 Rfn Rfn

D LC

Hudaverdi Jamieson

1RGJ 1RGJ

England England

04th 04th

April April

IN MEMORY OF L/CPL MICK BOSWELL AND RFN JOHN KEENEY, 1RGJ On Wednesday 30th March 2011 over 40 family and friends met at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to remember the lives of Michael Boswell and John Keeney.

They were killed in a road traffic accident as we returned to Dungannon from Omagh after a successful win at Rugby on the 25th October 1969.

We began the day with a service held in the chapel with hymns, prayers, a short address, and Brian Darvill read a lesson from Johns Gospel, chapter 14 verses 1-6. We then moved to the Memorial Wall where Dennis Godley who was 2 Platoon Sgt at the time in A company read the Exhortation. Two buglers from 2 RIFLES and the Depot then sounded the Last Post and Reveille.

The day was arranged by Major Arish Turle who was our company commander.

I was 2 platoon Commander and was in the back of the truck when the accident happened. Although 42 years have gone by, the memories are as vivid now as they were then.

When we eventually got back to Dungannon after the accident we went to their empty bed spaces and kept a period of silence—words seemed little use in a situation like that. We had a quick meal and were then sent straight out on road blocks throughout the night; although we protested, we soon saw the need to keep busy and when the roads

The original members of 2 Platoon gather with the family members to remember John Keeney and Mick Boswell who died in a tragic accident on 25th October 1969.

became quieter later in the night we had a chance to talk and talk. We were a closely knit platoon; we knew and trusted one another for we had been together for some months.

John Keeney was a great character; up and down in rank as someone said, like a yoyo, he had a great wit and had only just married two weeks before in Birmingham. Mick Boswell was very able and it was talked about

OOne of the inscribed swords presented to 2 Rifles JOURNAL 2011

that we should put him forward for a commissions Board.

He was a battalion footballer and in his memory The Boswell Cup was created, both John and Mick were boy soldiers.

The name of each of them was inscribed on two 41

swords presented to the 2nd Battalion the Rifles (formerly one of the Green Jacket Battalions) and today are worn by members of the Bugle platoon.

The day finished with a reception and buffet lunch with in the background a cine film of A company back in 1969 showing the training in Canada, in the snow in Scotland, and also the tour in Northern Ireland including 2 platoon rehearsing crowd control drills using IS. Drills Malaya style, a little out of place.

Most importantly it gave us a chance to chat to the family and explain what happened, they had never been told the full story. Old friendships were renewed, we felt proud to be part of such special company and to remember 2 fine Riflemen.

A big thank you to all those who helped make this event possible, the Association, the Depot, Ken Ambrose, the web site, the RGJ band and 2 Colin Fox Rifles.

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

GROUND SIGN AWARENESS IS A “GREEN JACKET” INITIATIVE Ground Sign Awareness (GSA) is the new military buzzword; What must be noted is that the concept and introduction of GSA into military training in this current life saving skill to our soldiers in Afghanistan is all thanks to an ex member of 3 RGJ, that’s right, it’s another first for the thinking Rifleman, RGJ and today The Rifles.

The wording GSA is in fact a contradiction in terms. In short GSA is the ability to utilise selected elements of tracking in detecting activities that have occurred and are of significance to the soldier on the ground and a crucial element of force protection i.e. detecting the absence of the normal and the presence of the abnormal.

The concept and introduction is all thanks to Chris Rumble who served predominantly with 3 RGJ for sixteen years from 1976 to 1992. He left the army in 1992 and became a civilian Crime Scene Investigator. Since 2001 and 2003 respectively he has worked hard to introduce GSA into the forensic and military training modules around the UK and abroad.

Having had a keen interest in tracking whilst in the Green Jackets and having attended the Jungle Warfare Instructors Course back in the olden days, 1988, (“it was much harder and longer than it is today” so he tells me!!!!) you were only allowed one sip of water per day as well, Durch! There was also an element of tracking taught on the old course as a basic introduction to its benefits.

On commencing his career as a CSI in 1993 he was able to introduce elements of tracking into his daily work. This included major rural crime scenes such as murders or body decomposition sites. One such murder scene in 2001 highlighted the utility and capabilities of tracking to a senior investigating officer (SIO) The above mentioned SIO was so impressed with the concept of tracking and its inclusion within future forensic investigations that he authorised Chris to design, plan and conduct a two week tracking course for twelve fellow CSI’s. This later became a national run course, twice a year; his training package. This is SWIFT AND BOLD

Chris (centre) with Corporals Grater and Tolly, 2 Rifles, April 2008 at TTB

when Chris called upon the skills of his ex TTB SMI Mr Pete Stringer (ex 59 Royal Engineers and 22 SAS) and

After this murder the department head over rode the initial decision to only run one course. Up until 2003 things were going fine regarding training and crime scene work, but what was realised was that being qualified as a “JWI” might not stand up as being an expert in tracking. He had to qualify as a tracking Instructor. Through the good old RGJ network that some of you may be familiar with, he sought the resourcefulness of the one and only Shaun Mc Niff ex 3 RGJ and SAS.

Chris on the left (when he had hair) teaching CSI`s in 2001

the story of GSA was born. (He who dares) It then became an issue as to whether tracking was a science or a skill. The use of tracking at one murder scene because the CSI’s recovered a further 23 partial footwear marks that would not normally have been located. The FSS were now sold on the concept due to the recovery of this evidence.

To Chris’s objections and frustration the unit head at the time named the first and only course a “Tracking” course. The twelve students/CSI’s on completion of the course, went forth into major crime scenes spreading the gospel according to pamphlet 6.

42

Chris and with training team 2005

He had to attend and pass either the New Zealand SAS or TTB tracking Instructors Course.

A slot for Chris on the Jungle Warfare Tracking Instructors Course at TTB in September 2003 as now a fat civvie was secured. Chris met the training wing WO1 at Hereford and JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

GROUND SIGN AWARENESS IS A “GREEN JACKET” INITIATIVE day one in my work as a CSI. It took eleven years for it to be accepted as an investigative tool and it wasn’t for the lack of educating or trying to get people to see its worth.

The same may be said about the

WO1 Jimmy Shivers and Chris in Brisbane

Chris Instructing soldiers (incident site) from B Coy 2 Royal Anglian’s June 2011.

was then introduced to the SMI at TTB. The end of October saw Chris about twelve stone lighter, acting like a racing snake and now qualified as a military tracking instructor. Chris

function in all theatres of operations, particularly as the war on terrorism moves to a global scale, with terrorists getting harder to locate and convict.

Ground sign awareness and tracking can help provide that valuable evidence and intelligence to help locate and make those convictions.

In 2007 Chris gave the training officer at TTB CPN’s entire training package in GSA and now GSA training has gone from strength to strength within the UK Armed Forces as part of the Force protection package.

Chris With Rifles Students and “Wee man” from 2 Rifles

was also given an open invitation to return to TTB as a guest Instructor on all future Tracking Instructor courses.

(Networking) In 2005 OC TTB then Jungle Warfare Wing (JWW) tasked its SMI and a JWW instructor to evaluate Chris’s GSA course, an extract from the subsequent report (Post Visit Report CSIGSAC Ref JWW 327 01 June 05) is as follows; JWW will continue to focus on military tracking as they provide tracking instructors for the British Armed forces. As tracking evolves we may be able to utilise the skills taught on these courses to enhance the find JOURNAL 2011

In January 2010 whilst at TTB Chris was asked to deliver GSA serge training for payment throughout 2010. Chris realised the long-term importance of the serge training for the army and put his present employment in Iraq on hold, along with taking a hefty drop in earnings.

For the first time since 2003 he took a wage off the MOD by means of a civilian contract.

Finally a brief word from Chris himself, “Dutch” has just about covered it all, however from the onset it was an uphill struggle to get the police and forensic science side of operations to accept GSA and tracking as an integral part of crime investigation, I had in fact been utilising the skill from

43

military and as we all know, once a conflict is over it tends to let skill fade overtake current requirements and training. Hence, the army keeps re inventing the wheel. In the fifties and sixties in conflicts in the Far East all light division regiments had tracking teams, which they put to good use.

It was only as far back as the late sixties that the British military was assisting in Malaya to train US, Australian and New Zealand troops in tracking prior to being deployed to Vietnam. Pete Stringer was one of the Instructors at the time. It then took until 1992 for Major Schumacher OC TTB and Bob Shepherd SMI TTB to reclaim the course back from the NZSAS and re-introduced the five week Jungle Warfare Tracking Instructor courses at TTB.” Chris has also made a generous offer to 7 Rifles in that when he is down south training members of SOCA he will avail himself and other instructors, free of charge, to deliver a weekends worth of GSA and tracking to the Riflemen. No dates have been agreed upon at the moment due to a very busy training program but the offer is there.

Another brief word from Chris.

“To find us you have to be lucky” “To join us you have to be good“ “To beat us you have to be joking!!”

With sincere thanks to Capt Bill Holland who is the author of the original article from which this abridged version was taken.

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE RIFLES BENEVOLENT TRUST General All members of the regimental family, past or present, should be alert for cases of hardship, which need and want assistance, and take the time and trouble to bring these, in confidence, to the attention to their local Rifles Regional Office, RHQ in Winchester or appropriate Battalion Welfare Office.

Application of Income –Eligibility The income and capital of the Trust can be used to give assistance in any of the following cases: a. The relief in deserving cases of those eligible who are in distress as a result of wounds, sickness or

other causes beyond their control. b. The relief of widows and dependent children of deceased officers, riflemen or soldiers in needy circumstances. c. The maintenance, education or advancement in life of children of deceased officers and soldiers for whom no parent or relative is able to make provision. d. The granting of allowances or financial help (by way of a grant) in the cases of distress to officers, riflemen or soldiers, widows or dependent children to assist them in temporary difficulties or enable them to gain suitable employment. e. The granting of relief in cases of hardship or distress to dependants of officers, riflemen or soldiers, whether relatives or not.

Requests for assistance a. Applications from those serving should be made through the chain of command. There is an application form (Rifles Benev 1) which is passed to the Commanding Officer for his recommendation and onward to Regimental Headquarters for action by the Assistant Regimental Secretary Finance. b. Ex-Officers, Riflemen and Soldiers or Civilian Dependants.

Individuals should make applications in the first instance to the nearest office of SSAFA Forces Help or The Royal British Legion (Welfare Agencies) who will send a report to RHQ or the appropriate office.

GREEN JACKET CLOSE 1.

Green Jacket Close consists of 21 units off Stanmore Lane, Winchester. Details are:

up to 1,819 years

a.

3 x semi-detached bedroom houses, built in 1904

c.

2 x 1 bedroom flats, 2 x 2 bedroom flats, and 4 x maisonettes, built in 1966

1 x Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 5 x King’s Royal Rifle Corps 2 x Rifle Brigade 2 x Rifle Brigade/Royal Green Jackets 5 x Green Jacket Brigade/Royal Green Jackets 6 x Royal Green Jackets

2.Update of residents:

3.Eligibility

a.

Green Jacket Close accommodation will be let to:

2

b.

10 x 1 bedroom flats, built in 1904 and converted in the 1960s

Marital status

There are 25 residents consisting of: Couples Widows Widowers Divorced Separated b.

02 10 06 04 03 c.

x x x x x

4 6 5 2 4

Age groups of residents: in in in in in

50s 60s 70s 80s 90s The 25 residents’ ages add

SWIFT AND BOLD

d.

Regiments:

a.

A married couple, civil partnership or partnership (of not less than 5 years standing in the latter case) where the qualifying ex serviceman is aged 60-70 years (except in special cases), and subject in the case of the ex serviceman to service qualifications in the Rifles or one of its forming or antecedent Regiments. b.

Any individual aged 60 – 70 years (except in special cases) who has the requisite service qualification in the Rifles or one of its forming or antecedent Regiments.

44

c.

A Regimental widow, civil partner or partner aged 60-70 years (except in special cases), subject to the necessary service and marriage or partnership qualifications.

4.Application a.

It is quite acceptable to apply to be put on the waiting list before the age of 60 is reached.

Applicants should apply to the Rifles Secretary Finance, RHQ the Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8TS. b.

Applicants should bear in mind that the homes are covered by a Trust Deed, regulated by The Charity Commissioners. As such, the Rifles Benevolent Trust is required to allocate vacancies to those in need of assistance.

5.Charges Applicants should be aware that residents pay their own Council Tax and water rates, and also a maintenance charge of approximately £65 per week.

Revised by Mr Sid Bunn January 2012

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE LADIES GUILD The (Royal Green Jackets) Ladies Guild is governed by a scheme issued by the Trustees of The Rifles Benevolent Trust.

The Trustees are responsible for looking after the funds of the Ladies’ Guild. Previous support was given by The Rifleman’s Aid Society, which in due course is also becoming part of The Rifles Benevolent Trust.

Organisation and Income The Guild is composed and run by an elected, voluntary Executive Committee of wives of serving and retired officers. These ladies stand for re-election every three years.

Donations are no longer received from the Battalions but subscriptions are raised from officers and their wives. In addition it has a capital

fund which produces an income.

Alms The Guilds’ main role is the welfare of widows, children and other dependants of deceased Riflemen who are in need, hardship or distress. In addition to making grants for immediate relief in a financial crisis, the Guild specialises in the following forms of assistance: Personal visits and contact by telephone by members of the committee to any of the widows.

All Ladies’ Guild widows receive a grant at Christmas, together with a personal letter from the Chairman and a Regimental Christmas card.

Any widows over the age of 70 receive an additional fuel allowance.

Requests for Financial Assistance Most cases were referred to The Ladies’ Guild by the Trustees of The Rifles Benevolent Fund. These cases usually came through an outside agency such as SSAFA Forces Help or The Royal British Legion, who would have visited the widow, assessed the problem and written a report. With the creation of The Rifles, the Ladies’ Guild no longer accept new cases as these are now referred to the County Offices.

NB: The Ladies’ Guild originates from the Royal Green Jackets and its Antecedent Regiments. The committee are absolutely committed to looking after the RGJ widows as they have done for many years.

A STORY FROM THE RGJ ARCHIVES, CIRCA 1966 his story is basically true to the T best of my knowledge but, as is the way with such stories, it may have been enhanced to suit the teller, of which over the last forty-five years there will have been many.

For those of you who have heard this story before and there may be a few please be assured that there will be many who have not heard it. I first had it related to me soon after it is perported to have happened in the early autumn of 1966.

The battalion concerned had recently returned from a Far East tour, including six months active service in Borneo and had settled back into an old RAF barracks it called home on the east coast. On the day in question all the officers and senior NCO`s down to platoon level were away from the camp on a TEWT, Training Exercise Without Troops for those with short memories, which had been planned by the CO. This exercise was due to last until about 3pm in the afternoon when all those involved would be returning to the camp.

It was around 10am in the morning and the RSM was the most senior member of the battalion in camp. As it was likely to be a very solitary coffee break at the Sergeants Mess he had previously decided that he would take it in his office.

Shortly after 10am the telephone rang on the RSM`s desk announcing an internal call and he answered it. The voice on the other end was that of the Chief Clerk who informed him that Brigade had just tipped him off that the Brigadier was on JOURNAL 2011

his way to pay the battlion a visit and was likely to be at the front gate by around 11.30am The RSM was unconcerned and confident in the knowledge that he had ample time to stroll down to the front gate and ensure that the Guard Room and gate sentry were fully briefed as to what to do when the Brigadier arrived.

On that particular morning a brand new recruit from the Rifle Depot was due to start his two hour stint on the front gate at 11am. He had only arrived from the Depot the week before and was due to commence his battalion continuation training the following week but in the meantime he had been collared for gate duty.

At about 10.30 the RSM decided to take a walk round the camp area to make sure that there were no horrors and at the same time pay a visit to the Guard Room and gate sentry to ensure that they were briefed about the Brigadiers pending visit.

Having first spoken to the Provost staff the RSM approached the gate sentry who he briefed in detail as to how he should react when the Brigadiers staff car arrived, including checking the drivers ID, saluting and when he should lift the barrier to allow the car to enter the camp.

He finally told the gate sentry that he, the RSM, would return before 11.30 in time to greet the Brigadier when he arrived .

True to his word the RSM returned before 11.30 to await the arrival of the Brigadier.

45

11.30 came and went without any sign of the expected staff car. As did 11.45 and meanwhile the RSM, who had better things to do than stand around at the Guard Room, was showing distinct signs of impatience over the late arrival of the Brigadier.

By 12.15 there was still no sign of the Brigadier and the RSM was by now hardly able to conceal his considerable frustration over the fact that he has been waiting around for the Brigadier who was by then over 3/4 of an hour past his expected arrival time. The RSM announced his intention of waiting inside the Guard Room.

The gate sentry was very much aware of the RSM`s frustration and was also very relieved that he was not responsible for the very obvious displeasure that went with it.

At 12.45 the Brigadiers staff car stopped at the barrier and the gate sentry, remembering the instructions received from the RSM, carried them out to the letter.

As he was about to lift the barrier he hesitated and finally walked to the rear of the car and tapped the window. The Brigadier wound the window down and the gate sentry says “ Excuse me sir are you the Brigadier”? The Brigadier confirms that he was indeed and the gate sentry replies. “ Well if I was you I would get away from here as quick as you can because the RSM is after ya”!

KCA SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS (RIFLES) MUSEUM 2011 During the year the MOD Review of Army Museums mentioned in last year’s report took place and its recommendations accepted in September. The outcome in the short to mid-term is not as damaging as feared, but will result in the loss of one of the Museum’s two MOD-funded staff posts by 31 March 2014 and the cessation of all MOD funding by 2030. The loss of the MOD post should be manageable but the loss of all MOD funding by 2030 will not be easily handled without some creative thinking and repositioning of the Museum and its collections for the longer term.

is nice to be able to report that Ifort2011 was a particularly good year the Museum. Visitor numbers at 13,367 were the highest for many years, up 24% on 2010. The average number of monthly visits to the Museum website rose by 15% to 2,886. Importantly, nearly all sources of income showed an increase on 2010 with shop sales up 28%. All this is hugely encouraging, not least for the Museum’s extremely committed staff.

However, the Accounts for 2011 have yet to be prepared so it would be premature to conclude that the Museum achieved a significant excess of income over expenditure in its operating costs or that this year’s performance will be repeated next year. Indeed, a cautious view is being taken in setting a target of 12,000 visitors in 2012 to take account of competing attractions such as The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the European Football Championship and the Olympics.

The principal reason for the substantial increase in visitor numbers was the resounding success of the summer exhibition ‘The WI in Hampshire in Peace and War’. The WI played a major part in helping to publicise the exhibition nationally and among the 200 WI branches in Hampshire. An article in The Times also helped.

A contributory reason has been the completion early in the year of an Audience Development Plan focused on increasing visitor numbers. This has included making greater use of the website and e-mail to market the museum and its activities, and the publication and wide distribution of a new Museum brochure.

SWIFT AND BOLD

A number of improvements to the Museum have been made during the year, including a new display welcoming visitors as they enter the main part of the Museum. The display explains the origins of the Regiment and, in particular, why its members were called Green Jackets and what was both different and special about the Regiment. The contents of a number of display cases have been de-cluttered and a start made to reposition the 30 VCs in the Museum in groups for greater impact, with the re-labelling of the Museum’s exhibits well underway.

There is, though, much more to be done.

The Museum has a very substantial collection in Winchester of over 7,000 objects, 5,500 medals, 10,000 documents and 25,000 photographs.

During the year additional items were added thanks primarily to the generosity of donors. Only rarely does the museum acquire items by purchase. The Museum, however, did buy privately for a modest sum from

Field Marshal Lord Bramall’s baton

an individual in Switzerland a portrait of a 60th Royal American officer in the uniform of the period 1812-15 as it did not posses any other example.

The Museum also acquired privately, thanks to the donations of a small number of persons with Rifle Brigade connections, the medal group of Lieutenant-Colonel Dick Flowers, including the Military Cross he was

46

awarded for his leadership and gallantry in command of a carrier platoon during 2 RB’s heroic ‘Snipe’ action during the Battle of El Alamein in 1942.

The principal acquisition has been Field Marshal Lord Bramall’s baton which he very kindly presented to the Museum at a small ceremony on 23 July. The Museum’s Trustees are especially pleased to have the baton which, by special arrangement with the Field Marshal, will be returned to him should he need it at any point in the future to attend a major ceremonial event.

The Museum continues to be well supported by its Friends and a small number of dedicated volunteers. One now has the Museum tweeting on Twitter, while another has begun the substantial task of creating a RGJ Officers’ ‘Who’s Who’. More volunteers, however, would be welcome to take on discrete, interesting and rewarding tasks of this sort.

During the year Didy Grahame and Richard Frost have stood down as Trustees, Didy after seven years and Richard after ten years on the Board. Three new Trustees have been appointed: Brigadier Justin Maciejewski, a former Green Jacket and serving officer in The Rifles; Tom Wright, a former CEO of VisitBritain and presently Group Chief Executive of Age UK; and Steve Little, until recently Hub Director of the Museum, Libraries and Archives Council’s Renaissance South East programme and now a project manager working for Cobham plc.

Finally, this report would be incomplete without a tribute to Major-General Giles Mills and Colonel Ian McCausland who died during the year. Giles was chief architect of the creation of the Museum in 1989, Chairman until 1991 and a Trustee until 2000. Ian was a Trustee for 15 years until 2004 and handled research enquiries about The King’s Royal Rifle Corps to the time of his death. Each was a stalwart supporter of the Museum with an irreplaceable knowledge of the history of the Regiment.

STOP PRESS: Vic Gregg, a 92-year old Rifle Brigade veteran of the ‘Snipe’ action at El Alamein in 1942, will be talking about his best-selling book, Rifleman, and signing copies at the Museum in Winchester at 11 a.m. on the morning of the Reunion on Saturday 14 July. Don’t miss it.

Christopher Wallace JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

LT GEN SIR JOHN MOORE KB (1761-1809) `Founding Father of The Regiment`

cont` from page 31..

determination and hard work, rose to the top of his profession in days when it was rare to get there by merit alone. Not only did he do this, but he left upon the Army a greater “mark for good” than others who are generally accounted more famous as Generals. If we, who have to carry on the traditions of the Army and the Regiment to-day, can follow even to a small extent the fine example he set of loyalty and unselfish devotion to duty, then we can feel that his life, in spite of its many disappointments, was not lived in vain; but that it will help us, when we in our turn have something to do, to “do it worthily.”

Sir John Moore Memorial in St Paul’s Cathedral, The inscription reads:Sacred to the Memory of Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, K.B.who was born at Glasgow in 1761.He fought for his country in America, in Corsica, in the West Indies,in Holland, Egypt, and Spain:and on the 16th of January, 1809, was slain by a cannon ball.

He so fashioned the units of the Light Division “that they were found to be soldiers unsurpassable, perhaps never equalled.”

what reforms were wanted, and set steadily to work, in whatever position he found himself, to carry them through.

That his methods were successful is shown by the large number of officers trained under his supervision who rose later to high commands in the Army. His system has been too briefly outlined, but it is the foundation of the system of the British Army of today.

`The Army stands again to-day, just as it did in his time, at the crossroads. Mechanicalisation, with all its attendant problems, both moral and physical, has got to be faced. It is within the power of every officer serving to-day, whether senior or junior, regimental or staff, to do the same, and so help the Army along its new and difficult road. The second lesson is to appreciate to the full, as he did, the value of the human factor in war. There is a real danger nowadays that in thinking of the machine we may forget the man. Man has always been, and always will be, the basic element in war; and we can learn from a close study of Moore’s methods, that no sound superstructure of reform, whether in organization, training or tactics, can ever be built, unless the foundations, the regimental officers and men, stand firm and strong.

The criticism of a German general, speaking to a captured officer after the First Battle of Ypres, proves its value, “Your men all fight like N.C.O.’s.” No higher tribute to individuality could be paid by friend or foe.

In conclusion, there seems to be at least four great lessons which we can learn from a study of Sir John Moore’s life.

The first is to keep our minds supple and active throughout our service, and, like him, to look always ahead and not backwards in training for war. Moore never accepted things as he found them, nor did he wait until he became a General before he began to think about reform. Even as a junior officer, he never allowed himself to become hypnotised by tradition or routine; he looked with clear eyes into the future, saw that conditions were changing, made up his mind JOURNAL 2011

The third lesson is, like him, “to steer a straight course.” We cannot all hope to become a military genius like Napoleon, or a master of diplomacy like Marlborough, but a career like that of Sir John Moore is not beyond our powers. Here was no outstanding military genius, but a plain soldier, who nevertheless, by courage, clear thinking,

47

Lastly, “Be thorough.” Moore neglected no detail of the organization of his units either for their well being or interior economy.

No fitter praise and no more striking lesson for to-day can be given than in the order published by H.R.H. The Duke of York, Commander-inChief, on Moore’s death: “His life was spent amongst his troops.”

A. E. L. Taken from The King’s Royal Rifle Corps Chronicle 1927

A Tribute to Sir John Moore by

Marshal Nicolas-Jeean-de-Dieu Soult “You requested that I shed some light on the pursuit of General Sir John Moore on his retreat from Corunna in 1809. I need not offer any details of the operation as they must be well known, but I would seize with relish the opportunity to give an account of his leadership, which was excellent. His dispositions were always most appropriate to the circumstances and he skillfully took advantage given him by the terrain to demonstrate his talents and valour, offering an energetic and calculated resistance to me. It was thus that he met a glorious death at Corunna on a field of battle that must honour his memory.”

Whilst many generations of schoolchildren will have been familiar with the Rev’d. Charles continued on page 49..............................

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

THE VICTORIA CROSS - AWARDED TO MEMBERS OF THE FORMER REGIMENTS FOR VALOUR 59 VC`s have been awarded to members of the antecedent regiments (Regular, Service and Territorial battalions) of The Royal Green Jackets + = Posthumous

Please read left to right for date order

e = Elected by Ballot

Rfn F. Wheatley DCM SEBASTOPOL 1854 RB

Lt the Hon H.H. Clifford INKERMAN 1854 RB

Lt W.J.M. Cuninghame SEBASTOPOL 1854 RB

Lt C.T. Bourchier SEBASTOPOL 1854 RB

Rfn J. Bradshaw SEBASTOPOL 1855 RB

Rfn R. Humpston SEBASTOPOL 1855 RB

Rfn R. McGregor SEBASTOPOL 1855 RB

Lt J.S. Knox SEBASTOPOL 1855 RB

Rfn S. Turner DEHLI 1857 KRRC

Ensn E.A. Lisle Phillipps+ 1857 DEHLI KRRC

Bgr R. Hawthorne DEHLI 1857 52nd LI

C/Sgt S. Garvin DEHLI 1857 KRRC

Ensn E.A.S. Heathcote e DEHLI 1857 KRRC

C/Sgt G. Waller e DEHLI 1857 KRRC

L/Cpl H. Smith DEHLI 1857 52nd LI

Rfn W.J. Thompson e DEHLI 1857 KRRC

Rfn J. Divane (Duane) e DEHLI 1857 KRRC

Bglr W. Sutton e DEHLI 1857 KRRC

Rfn V. Bambrick INDIA 1858 KRRC

Rfn S. Shaw INDIA 1858 RB

Capt H. Wilmot LUCKNOW 1858 RB

Cpl W. Nash LUCKNOW 1858 RB

Rfn D. Hawkes LUCKNOW 1858 RB

Pte H. Addison INDIA 1859 43rd LI

Capt F.A. Smith NEW ZEALAND 1864 43rd LI

Rfn T. O`Hea CANADA 1866 RB

Bt Lt Col R.H. Buller CB ZULULAND 1879 KRRC

Rfn F. Corbett (Embleton) EGYPT 1882 KRRC

Lt P.S. Marling SUDAN 1884 KRRC

Capt W.N. Congreve SOUTH AFRICA 1899 RB

Lt the Hon. F.H.S. Roberts+ SOUTH AFRICA 1899 KRRC

Rfn A.E. Durrant SOUTH AFRICA 1900 RB

Lt L.A.E. Price-Davies DSO SOUTH AFRICA 1901 KRRC

Bt Maj J.E. Gough SOMALILAND 1903 RB

Lt J.H.S. Dimmer BELGIUM 1914 KRRC

Lt J.F.P. Butler WEST AFRICA 1914 KRRC

CSM H. Daniels FRANCE 1915 RB

A/Cpl C.R. Noble+ FRANCE 1915 RB

2/Lt G.H. Woolley BELGIUM 1915 QVR (KRRC)

L/Sgt D.W. Belcher BELGIUM 1915 LRB

Rfn W. Mariner (Wignall) FRANCE 1915 KRRC

2/Lt S.C. Woodroffe+ BELGIUM 1915 RB

Rfn G.S. Peachment+ France 1915 KRRC

Cpl A.G. Drake+ BELGIUM 1915 RB

Bt Maj W.LaT. Congreve DSO MC+ FRANCE 1916 RB

Sgt A. Gill+ FRANCE 1916 KRRC

2Lt G.E. Cates+ FRANCE 1917 RB

CSM E. Brooks FRANCE 1917 Oxf&Bucks LI

Sgt E. Cooper BELGIUM 1917 KRRC

Sgt W.F. Burman BELGIUM 1917 RB

Sgt A.J. Knight BELGIUM 1917 Post Office Rifles

Rfn A.E. Shepherd FRANCE 1917 KRRC

L/Cpl J.A. Christie PALESTINE 1917 Finsbury Rifles

L/Sgt J.E. Woodall FRANCE 1918 RB

Sgt W. Gregg DCM MM FRANCE 1918 RB

Rfn W. Beesley FRANCE 1918 RB

L/Cpl A. Wilcox FRANCE 1918 Oxf & Bucks LI

Rfn J. Beeley+ NORTH AFRICA 1941 KRRC

Lt Col V.B. Turner NORTH AFRICA 1942 RB

The ranks and decorations shown were those held at the time of the act of gallantry for which the VC was subsequently awarded.

Two VC`s have been awarded Capt H.S. Rankin+ to medical officers attached to FRANCE 1914 RAMC attd KRRC the antecedent regiments of the RGJ SWIFT AND BOLD

Lt G.A. Maling FRANCE 1915 RAMC attd RB

48

Privates in the KRRC and RB were known as Riflemen, although the rank was not formally approved until 1923.

JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

LT GEN SIR JOHN MOORE KB (1761-1809) `Founding Father of The Regiment`cont` from page 47...

Wolfe’s epic poem of 1816 “The Burial of Sir John Moore after Corunna” with its often roguish emphasis on the line “The sods with our bayonets turning” how many I wonder have given a thought to the man who conducted this famous burial service and what became of him?

The Rev’d Henry John Symons was born at Hackney in 1781 the son of Jelinger Symons, Rector of Whitburn, Co. Durham, and after education at Merchant Taylors and St. John’s College, Oxford , also took Holy Orders.

After a spell as a Curate at St, Ann’s, Holborn, he became a Chaplain to the Forces in 1805 and was appointed to the Brigade of Guards. Thus it was at the age of 28 he found himself not only campaigning in Spain, but after the battle of Corunna in 1809 summoned to General Moore’s lodgings to administer the last rites to the mortally wounded General and next morning in a south westerly gale conducting his burial service.

It was of that gale that a witness wrote “fluttered his black

Left to Right: Rfn Mcnaught, WO2 Wafer, Major Gomes, The Hon Secretary KRRC, Captain Tranham and Cpl Cook.at his Memorial in 2011 on the anniversay of Sir John Moore`s death

overlaid with a General’s cloak and lowered into Spanish soil on the long crimson sashes of four officers of his family. One of these sashes plus Moore’s own bloodstained sash can be seen at the National Army Museum, together with Symons prayer book used at the service.

Symons continued his military career until the peace of 1814, later becoming Chaplain to the Duke of Kent and the Duke of Cambridge and finally taking up the l iving of All Saints with St. Martin Hereford in 1824 and later St. Martins Hereford in 1850, dying seven years later in what would seem almost anachronistic and 21st century in a manner for a man born during the 18th century - running for a train!

He is buried at St. Martin’s Hereford. Although it is now 226 years since his birth we can in fact see the photograph of him taken late in life wearing his campaign medal which is on displ ay at the Royal Green Jackets Museum at Winchester.

The Rev`d Henry John Symonds in later life wearing his campaign medal

skirts and white bands as he undertook his sad task already threatened by the possibility of a serious attack by the enemy ”.The General’s body was dressed in full regimentals and wrapped in a soldiers blanket JOURNAL 2011

The Rev’d. Wolfe’s (also a Chaplain) poetic description of Moore’s burial by moon and lantern light inspired by artists and writers of the period to such an extent that his version became fact.

The handwritten note by Rev’d H J Symons:“From this Prayer Book I read

49

the Burial Service over the body of Lieut. Ge neral Sir John Moore KB, who received a mortal wound whilst engaged with the French Cavalry in the front of Corunna in Spain on the afternoon of 16th January, 1809.”

Thus in 1852 to set the record straight and in answer to correspondence on the accuracy of the poem the Rev’d Symons picked up his pen and wrote as follows to Notes and Queries: “It was now daylight. The enemy immediately opened fire on the ships in the harbour and the funeral service was performed without delay, as they were exposed to the fire of the enemy’s guns”.

But the poem sounds more romantic! And one wonders perhaps if similar stories exist behind other graphic and popular descriptions of events such as the much depicted Death of Nelson etc.

The Rev’d. Charles Wolfe penned his ode to the fallen General and sent it to the Newry Telegraph where it appeared anonymously as a space filler, but overnight became a word of mouth hit. In 1822 Byron declared it the finest ode in the English language but sadly however Wolfe died of consumption the following year.

Published by kind permission of the King`s Royal Rifle Corps Association.

Richard Frost MBE

SWIFT AND BOLD

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

OBITUARY NOTICES 9 JANUARY 2011 - 8 JANUARY 2012 Babins, Rodney - 2RGJ - 10 September 2011 Beck, Derek, KRRC- 2RGJ 13 July 2011 Belsham, Roy - Rifle Brigade 1939-43 - 22 July 2011 Bower Massey, Robin - 1RB Kenya 19 May 2011 Brierley, Fred-3GJ RB-3RGJ-26 April 2011 Brown, Paul (Tich) - 2RGJ - 2 October 2011 Brown, Gordon MM - 2 KRRC 1940-46 - 25 Nov 2011 Burke, James Joseph - RGJ - 10 February 2011 Clack Lt Daniel John-1 Rifles KIA Afghanistan 12 Aug 2011 Conway, Ann - Wife of Major David Conway 12 October 2011 Cracknell Major (retd) Martin - 1GJ-2RGJ - 16 December 2011 Cyster, Martin- RGJ March 2011 Davey, Capt Peter F - 2 KRRC 1944-47 - 30 November 2011 Dowden RSC (Ronnie) Lt Col DL, JP OBLI -RGJ 23 Jan 2011 Duncan, Major Don - Former RSM 2-3RGJ 7 November 2011 Edwards Fred - RB-GJ-3RGJ-1RGJ 2 February 2011 English Edmund - KRRC-22SAS 22 January 2011 Eustace L/Cpl P - 2 Rifles - KIA Afghanistan 16 Nov 2011 Fortuna Kevin C- C/Sjt 1 Rifles - KIA Afghanistan 23 May 11 Fowler, Ray, (Chick) - KRRC-GJ-2RGJ 21 October 2011 Garratt, Henry Edward, KRRC July 2011 Gault, Joseph (Jock) -3GJ RB - 3RGJ 24 May 2011 Gifford, Graem (Giff) died Steibis Bavaria - 5 June 2011 Gillespie-Hill - Anthony B Major (Retd) OBLI - 12 Jan 2011 Gordon KRRC 1961-65 10 January 2011 Grainger, Ross - 43rd&52nd -1RGJ - 18 November 2011 Grindley, Maj M - LI - Formerly RQMS 3RGJ 7 October 2011 Gyue Ken, Sjt IGJ - 1RGJ 1961- 1983 11 February 2011 Haines, Robert A (Bob) 60th Rifles 7 February 2011 Henry Major Peter, KRRC 1939-61 Aged 93, 24 June 2011 Hill, Capt PJM, 60th Rifles 1942 - 29 October 2011 Hills Ron - 2 KRRC 1943-1947 25 January 2011 Hind, Major John - RB-22SAS-3RGJ 23 February 2011 Hughes, Joseph KRRC- June 2011 Janes, Ron - 2 KRRC - 28 November 2011 Jones, Capt Frank P - Formerly RGJ R Coy - 25 Nov 2011 Kent, Roy - formerly WO2 RB & KRRC 16 November 2011 Lamb, Martin J Rfn- 1 Rifles KIA Afghanistan- 5 June 2011 Lendrum, W (Bill) RB-3GJ-3RGJ 9 Masrch 2011 Leslie, John - KRRC- 2RGJ - 23 November 2011 Ling, Tony, 3RGJ 1978-92 - 13 June 2011 Lovick, Capt TM - 52nd OBLI - 10 September 2011

Lowther, Sir John L - KCVO, CBE late KRRC 11 April 2011 Mann JL - Capt - RSM 3RGJ 29 January 2011 Mason, Alan -3RGJ MT Platoon - 6 September 2011 Massingham, Fred - KRRC-2GJ 22 October 2011 Matless TR - WW2- Rifle Brigade 8 April 2011 Maynard, Anthony Baker, Leon - 2RGJ - 3 September 2011 McCausland, Col. I.H. - KRRC-2RGJ, 15 August 2011 McCracken, Peter- Band CSM OBLI, 1RGJ 6 June 2011 Mc Farland, Tony - formerly KRRC - 19 June 2011 McKinkay, L/Cpl JJ, 1 Rifles, KIA Afghanistan 14 Sept 2011 Mills, Maj Gen. GH, CB,CVO, OBE - KRRC-RGJ 12 Sept 11 Morris, David - Rifle Brigade 1956-57 - 23 July 2011 Nantkivell, Maj EH- 52nd OBLI - 2 October 2011 O`Hanlon Joey-KRRC-2GJ-2RGJ 1964-71 9 March 2011 Overy David - 31 May 2011 Palin Cpl AM -1Rifles KIA Afghanistan 18 July 2011 Parker, Major PH JP,DL-KRRC-OBLI 1939-61 25 June 2011 Parkin, Eddie - 2RGJ-LI 9 March 2011 Pontifex, Brig David CBE- RB - RGJ 19 February 2011 Pozzoli, Frank - KRRC 1952-57 8 May 2011 Rainey, Lt HB - 1RGJ 1966-1967 - 23 September 2011 Renton, James - 1 KRRC 1943 - 47 - 15 November 2011 Riley, David 2RGJ From 1973 24 January 2011 Riley, JB RGJ 24 January 2011 Royle, Ken-10-12 Bns KRRC 19 February 2011 Sands, John A - 1GJ, 1&3 RGJ - 4 June 2011 Scott, Freddie, Major-MC 52nd LI, April 2011 Shanahan, Sean - 3RGJ - 14 September 2011 Shannon, Mike - 3RGJ - Victoria, Australia - 21 December 2011 Soulsby Peter - 4v RGJ 5th August 2011 Steel Rfn SLG - 5 Rifles - KIA Afghanistan 27 Nov 2011 Stephenson, Denys - KRRC- 22 October 2011 Stileman, Brig David- RB-KRRC-RGJ 24 June 2011 Trekilis, Peter - 4 RGJ - November 2011 Van Arkadie, Derek W -KRRC 1951-54 24 June 2011 Walsh, Micky- 2GJ-2RGJ 1960-66 8 May 2011 Watts, John - Former Officer with the OBLI 1 Nov 2011 Webb JG (Jim) OBLI 24 January 2011 Welsh, Maj Gen PM-OBE,MC- KRRC,RGJ 17 April 2011 Wheatly, Rose W/O Wo2 Frank 2RGJ- 9 June 2011 Willoughby ORW, Capt - OBLI - 22January 2011 Wright, William G - Officer OBLI April ? 2011

IMPORTANT; The brief information given above is supplemented by full Obituary entries on the Rifles Shop 1

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Jackets web site `In Memoriam` Bulletin Board at http://63196.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=63196

The Regimental Shop of The Rifles Can Provide RGJRA Members with OBLI/KRRC/RB/RGJ - Cap Badges, Cufflinks, Tie Slides, Lapel Pins, Ties, Umbrellas, Rifle Green Berets, RGJ Hat Ribbon, RGJ Plaques, Blazers, Book ‘Swift & Bold’ View & purchase online at: www.riflesdirect.com Payment by credit/debit card.

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Or by writing together with personal cheque to: Riflesdirect, RHQ The Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Winchester. SO23 8TS

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JOURNAL 2011

The Royal Green Jackets Regimental association

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MEMBERS OF THE NORTH EAST, EAST MIDLANDS AND MILTON KEYNES BRANCHES PARADE IN SUNDERLAND ON SUNDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2011

R MAJESTY THE QUEEN INSPECTS MEMBERS OF 1st BN THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS AT DOVER 1975