Swift & Bold 2018

SWIFT AND BOLD

JOURNAL 2018

The Royal Green Jackets Association The Royal Green Jackets Association

Swift and Bold 2018 Contents Foreword by Colonel Carron Snagge OBE DL, Chairman of the RGJA

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Editorial by Kevin Stevens

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The Light Division and Rifles at the NIVA Service of Remembrance 2019

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Royal Green Jackets Association Contacts

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Royal Green Jackets Veterans Reunion 2019

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Regimental Museum report

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Band and Bugles Reunion report

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Central England Branch report

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London Branch report

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Oxford Branch report

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Wiltshire Branch report

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Winchester Branch report

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Yorkshire Branch report

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Regents Park Memorial Service 2018

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RGJA Reunion report 2018

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Apartments to be named after former RGJ and SAS soldier

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D Day Soldiers of sacrifice sculpture

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Cpl Alfred Wilcox VC 2/4Ox and Bucks LI remembered

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RBL One Hundred Days Ceremony at Menin Gate Ypres

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A Crimean Veteran Returns Home to his Medals and his Family

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Turning Of The Pages Christchurch Cathedral Oxford March 2018

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Are Polo mints really made in Poland?

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PSPA Golf Day at New Zealand Golf course

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In Memoriam 2018

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Swift and Bold Journal

admin@rgjassociation.info

Production team:

Mr Kevin PM Stevens Major Ron Cassidy MBE Major Michael Leeming Mr Seamus P Lyons Mr Mark Adams Trevor Anderson Major Mike Gleeson

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

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 Association or the Ministry of Defence.

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

Printed By

The Print Guru Front cover Field Marshal Lord Bramall KG, GCB, OBE, MC, JP, DL former Chief of the Defence Staff and General Sir Nicholas Carter, KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen the current Chief of the Defence Staff Swift & Bold Journal 2018 2018 Swift & Bold Journal

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The Royal Green Jackets Association The Royal Green Jackets Association

Foreword by Colonel Carron Snagge OBE DL Chairman, Royal Green Jackets Association I would like to start by thanking Kevin Stevens for all the hard work that he has put into editing and producing this magazine; it takes an enormous amount of time, energy and skill. In the past he has been helped by Seamus Lyons who did most of the production. Very sadly Seamus has had to retire from this job (but remains involved in other ways) and Kevin has willingly shouldered the full responsibility. In addition Kevin does a host of other things in the background to support our Association; mainly at the centre of a web of information, acting as a source of knowledge who can signpost queries from members to the relevant experts. So thank you Kevin your continuing hard work on our behalf and thank you Seamus for your fantastic contribution.

We are of course blessed with a host of other volunteers who contribute to the running of our Association. Not least the Presidents and Committee Members at the national and branch levels and but in addition the large number of other volunteers who give up their time and energy to keep the Association running so cost effectively and efficiently. Thank you all.

In parallel with our own Association the Rifles Association is steadily gaining momentum and in particular, in the Rifles RHQ, a new Assistant Regimental Secretary has been established to develop the Rifles Association further. The post is also the point of contact in RHQ for all the Former Regiment Associations, like ours, and will be a useful point of coordination. It is inevitable, as the number of Rifles veterans increases that the Rifles Association will continue to develop. There will be much that we can do to together, to our mutual advantage, so I welcome this development.

Another new development in RHQ is “Swift�, an on-line, GDPR compliant system for exchanging information. It is open for all Rifles and Former Regiment veterans to register with and I have found it a useful source of information, in addition to our own website. And, of course, the more people who register and use it, the more useful it will become.

Very recently the MoD announced that Sir John Moore Barracks will close in 2024. So far, our reunion has been living somewhat hand to mouth, not knowing when and if the barracks might close suddenly.

So it is good to know, if we wish to continue doing so, that SJMB should be available to us for another 4-5 years. This year, because of the training programme in the barracks, we have brought forward the date of our reunion by one week; I hope you all have 6 July firmly in your dairies. I would also commend to you the Northern Ireland Veterans Association Gathering at the National Arboretum on 14 September; where there will be a strong RGJ and LI presence, General Bob Pascoe will be taking the salute and the Lt Div Bugles will be very much in evidence. It will be a good day out with lots of friends and lunch afterwards courtesy of our Central England Branch!

Finally, I would like to pay homage to Lt Col Jan-Dirk von Merveldt, who has been at the centre of our Association (and RHQ) since well before the formation of the Rifles. He is retiring this Summer and we will find a way of thanking him properly but it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge publicly the huge contribution he has made to the Royal Green Jackets Association over an extended period of time.

Thank you, Jan-Dirk.

In the meantime Happy Easter. I look forward to seeing you in Winchester on 6 July.

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Editorial Welcome to your Journal for 2018 and my apologies for the slight delay in you receiving this.

As is always the case there is a wide variety of articles covering many topics in addition to the normal branch reports which always make for interesting reading.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Op Banner there is, on the 14 September, a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) for the Light Division and The Rifles, details of which are contained on the next page of this journal, I would encourage as many Riflemen of all ranks who can attend to do so. Following the commemorations at the NMA, lunch will be provided by the Central England Branch for all (no charge) at Lichfield Rugby Football Club (WS14 9JE). Of course, there will be a cash bar and the Buglers of the Light Division and the Rifles Association will be on hand to entertain Our Chairman has already mentioned that Seamus Lyons has had to step down from the production team of Swift and Bold. This is a massive loss to the team but I fully understand why he has made this decision.

I would like to thank Seamus for all the hard work he has put in over the years into the journal for me and the other projects he has undertaken especially the photo archive of which there is no equal. I am also indebted to the rest of the team who help bring this journal to you each year: Major Ron Cassidy MBE, Major Michael Leeming, Mark Adams, Roy Baillie, and Hugh Goudge and also welcome two new proof readers, Trevor Anderson and Major Mike Gleeson Finally I would like to thank all those who have once again contributed so generously towards the costs of production of Swift and Bold this year,

Corporate Advertising: Andy Hayes Solid Sheds Personal Donations: Robin Thorne

Mark Scrase-Dickins

Bob Wright

Sidney Jacobs

Robert Simons

Christopher Kemball

Billy Makepeace

Rod le Couilliard

Ken Smith

Roy Brown

L S Thacker

Ted Strawson

Julian Marks

Peter Casson-Crook

Chris Pond

Christopher Hunt

John Coleman

Patrick Dalby

Ken Gillingham

Carol Gurney

Gary Miller

Alex Price

David C Pitman

Denis P Waters

J W Mason

Phil (Ginge) Abrahams

London Branch RGJA

John Short

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The Royal Green Jackets Association

The Royal Green Jackets Association The Royal Green Jackets Association

President

Maj Gen James Gordon CB CBE

01962 828524

admin@rgjassociation.info

Chairman

Col Carron Snagge OBE DL

01962 828524

admin@rgjassociation.info

Vice Chairman

Lt Simon Booth-Mason

01962 828524

admin@rgjassociation.info

Secretary

Lt Col J-D von Merveldt

02074 924936

london@the-rifles.co.uk

Treasurer

Maj Michael Leeming

07803 341929

michaelleeming@hotmail.com

Membership Secretary

Mr Hugh Goudge

01924 849020

oldsweat@yahoo.co.uk

RGJA Webmaster

Capt William Shipton

01256 895719

bill.shipton@btinternet.com

Editor

Mr Kevin Stevens

01865 452813

admin@rgjassociation.info

Photo History & Branch Sites

Mr Seamus P Lyons

01279 723908

seamus.lyons@rgjassociation.info

In Memoriam Board Manager

Mr Mark Adams

01442 380713

mark.adams@rgjassociation.info

Database Manager

Mr Roy Baillie

01488 658681

rgjadatabase@btinternet.com

Deputy Database Manager

Mr Tony Williamson

07891 367429

rgjadepdatabasemanager@gmail.com

Aylesbury

Mr Alan Grant .

Mr Alan Grant

01296 426765 alanrgrant@aol.com

Band and Bugles

Mr David Timms

Mr David Timms

01304 820910 secretary@rgjband.com

Central England

Maj Michael Leeming

Mr Peter Page

01922 694733 petepage71@hotmail.com

East Midlands

Mr Martin Coates

Mr Martin Coates

01623 239299 martincoates53@yahoo.co.uk

London

Col GF Smythe OBE

Mr Gary Driscoll

01708 442662 rgjldn@ntlworld.com

Milton Keynes

Brig MR Koe OBE

Mr Gary Brewer

01908 218715 g_brewer@btinternet.com

North East

Capt James Ramsbotham DL

Mr Keith Wilson

01915 528716 keith.wilson951@gmail.com

North West

Brig David Innes

Mr Mark Lydiat

01512 830391 marklydiat@yahoo.com

Oxfordshire

Brig Robin Draper CVO OBE DL Maj Andrew Bowes

07773 200085 rgja.oxford@gmail.com

South East Kent

Lt Col R Gray OBE TD

Mr Glenn Ternent

01843 297069 geordie_t@btinternet.com

Wiltshire

Brig G d-v W Hayes CBE

Mr Gary Byrne

07545 966826 gasa102@gmail.com (Mike Walsh)

Winchester

Brig Nicholas Prideaux

Capt John Fritz-Domeney

07801 386461 or 02380 465829 johnfd2@sky.com

Yorkshire

Capt ABC Dollard

Mr Stuart Anderson

01757 618081 valerieanderson41@outlook.com

The Rifles (London Office), 1A Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London, W8 6TN London Office Telephone:0207 414 5422 Mobile: 07801 523 128 E-mail: london@the–rifles.co.uk Winchester Office: 01962 828 504; ATN: 94271 5104

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The Royal Green Jackets Association

The Royal Green Jackets Veterans Reunion 2019

Saturday 6th July Sir John Moore Barracks Winchester

Programme of Events Friday 5th July 1400hrs onwards Car and caravan camping can commence. Parking at Own Risk.

1400hrs

Gates open

1500-1520hrs

Service of Thanksgiving by Senior Chaplain ATR

1530-1600hrs

The Buglers Association of The Light Division

1630-1700hrs

Marching Riflemen fall in by Battalions.

Address and Salute taken by Maj Gen Jamie Gordon CB CBE, President of RGJA

1715-1745hrs

Sounding Retreat with The Rifles B & B and The Buglers Association of The Light Division. National Anthem + Flag Lowering

1830-2030hrs

Evening entertainment to include Melodic Belles and raffle results

Static stand to commemorate 50th Anniversary of Operation Banner Dress – Please be aware the ATR is a military establishment and to dress accordingly. If you intend to march the RGJA expect you to dress accordingly for a Parade Square i.e. beret/blazer or jacket/medals optional/tie, white shirt, grey flannels.

Entrance Costs Members of RGJA – no charge. Production of current membership card would assist.

Members of RGJ Association Branches, who are not members of the national RGJA - £5.

Royal GreenJackets Jackets Association Association TheThe Royal Green

MUSEUM REPORT 2018 Your Museum was closed for the first two weeks of January 2018 to allow the staff to catch up on some much needed ‘housekeeping’, the first programmed opportunity since the changes to displays in 2015 for the ‘Road to Waterloo’ exhibition to check, and where necessary update, the documentation of objects that had been moved or put into the ‘on site’ reserve collection; as a result there was a small drop in the expected number of visitors from 13,500 to 13,200. However, despite the slight drop in visitor numbers income was up thanks to slightly increased admission charges from January (£5 for an adult, £4.50p for a senior citizen) and the income from Joint Tickets, of which more later. Total shop sales income was down but on-line shop sales increased significantly reflecting the wider retail market trend; however, whilst this higher volume of on-line sales is welcome it takes a lot of staff time to pack, label and dispatch the goods purchased and the possibility of employing a ‘Shop Manager’ is being considered.

Accreditation The most significant and welcome news of the year came in early autumn when the Arts Council confirmed the renewal of the Museums’ Accreditation. This is a significant achievement and Mrs Christine Pullen, our Curator, deserves praise and thanks for the way she manages the Museum and carries out her duties as Curator. For those who are not familiar with ‘Accreditation’ the Arts Council website explains the Museum Accreditation scheme as ‘the UK industry standard for museums and galleries; it tells everyone involved with a museum that they’re doing the right things to help people to engage with collections and protect them for the future, and it does so by making sure museums manage their collections properly, engage with visitors, and are governed appropriately.’ It is not, however, the Curator alone whose efforts are recognised by the renewal of accreditation, it is a team effort; Ms Elspeth McPhee as Museum Assistant and Major Ken Gray as Archivist both put in an enormous amount of work and deserve the thanks of us all.

Publicity An aim in 2018 was to raise the profile of the Museum on Social Media by making regular posts on ‘Facebook’ and ‘Twitter’; please follow us if you are on social media, not only does it raise the Museum profile but it also keeps you abreast of developments - and the greater the number of ‘likes’ you post in response to what is put out the better!

On ‘Trip Advisor’ at the start of the year the Museum was registered as ninth out of seventy ‘most popular’ attractions in Winchester’. Thanks to our front of house volunteers encouraging visitors to give Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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the Museum a write up on Trip Advisor we have now overtaken the iconic statue of King Alfred as the top, and most popular, attraction in Winchester. But we cannot be complacent, and need to keep getting complimentary reports to maintain our standing, so if you visit, and enjoy it, do post a report; it all helps to promote the Museum to a wider audience and encourage others to come along.

New Displays -Snipe Gallantry Awards In 2017 readers will recall that the medal group of Major Tom Bird was donated to the Museum; it is now court mounted and on display in the ‘Snipe Case’ alongside other individual medal groups from that action. One of the latter is the MM and campaign medals of Sergeant Fulton; his medals have been displayed for a number of years but a picture of him had never been found. A new search was made and an article dated 19 June 1943 was discovered in the Newcastle Journal archives that reported the award of his MM and included a slightly grainy image of Sergeant Fulton. An enhanced copy of the photograph was made and added to his medal group; there is now a picture accompanying each medal group in the Snipe display

Royal American Colour Previously screened by a curtain to conserve it from UV light the 4th/60th Colour, hanging in the stairwell, is a remarkable artefact dating from the American War of Independence. Visitors seldom opened the curtain so it has been replaced by a full sized graphic representation of the Colour on a roller blind enabling visitors to ‘see’ the Colour whilst ensuring that the original remains protected. The graphic enhances the approach to the first floor and gives a vivid impression of the size of the Colours that were carried into battle.

World War 1 Victoria Crosses To mark the centenary of the end of the First World War a special exhibition over the summer months recounted the acts of gallantry that led to the award of the Victoria Cross to individuals serving in the antecedent Regiments of The Royal Green Jackets. During the 1914 – 1918 war 510 Victoria Crosses were awarded; 23 of this total were won by men serving in The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, The Kings Royal Rifle Corps, and The Rifle Brigade. The individual citations and details of these 23 VCs were the subject of the exhibition that was divided into the 12 VCs held in the Museum Collection and the 11 VCs held elsewhere.

Among these 23 are two that are ‘unique’: Brevet Major W La T Congreve Rifle Brigade, was the first of 23 officers in the First World War to be awarded a VC, DSO and MC, remarkably in his case all were awarded whilst he was serving as a staff officer. His father, General Sir Walter Congreve, had won a VC as a Captain at Colenso in the Second Boer War. The Congreves are one of only three pairs of fathers and sons to be awarded VCs and the only pair to have served in the same regiment.

Sergeant W Gregg, Rifle Brigade, was the first of eight soldiers in the First World War to be awarded a VC, DCM and MM. 88

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The citations and details of the lives of all 23 VC winners are held by the Museum on ‘power point’ slides.

If any reader would like a copy of them contact the Curator curator@rgjmuseum.co.uk and it can be emailed to you.

Lt Gen ‘Strafer’ Gott Some years ago a book was published on the life of Lieutenant General ‘Strafer’ Gott, the former KRRC officer who was selected by Winston Churchill to take command of the 8th Army in 1942 after General Auchinleck. Lt Gen Gott had been fighting in the desert from 1940 rising rapidly from battalion to corps command before selection to take over Eighth Army. Tragically the aircraft in which he was flying back to Cairo to assume command was shot down and he was killed; research into previously unavailable documents has shown that his aircraft was targeted following interception of an insecure radio transmission delaying its departure until ‘the General arrived’. A flight of Messerschmitts was scrambled to intercept the aircraft; it was shot down and machine gunned several times on the ground, bursting into flames and killing all save three on board. ‘Strafer’ Gott’s death was a deliberate ‘assassination’ and no chance act of war. The story is told in a new panel in the museum desert war displays.

Looking ahead Costs restricted the work that could be completed on the planned Band and Bugles case and the interactive bugle calls display; these will not now be completed until the end of 2019. Further work to enhance the outer and inner entrance areas of the museum will be scoped and integrated into an overall ground floor development plan covering the years 1914 – 2007. Developing the ground floor displays will be a lengthy process, and subject to securing the necessary funding through grants, but it is hoped the entrance areas can be funded and completed in 2019. A major part of the overall ground floor development will be enlarging the area devoted to the history of The Royal Green Jackets. In preparation for this, and to mark the start of Op Banner in 1969 that ran for all bar three of the 41 year RGJ history, a temporary exhibition is planned in 2019 covering operations in Northern Ireland from 1969 - 2007. The intention is to have the exhibition opened in time for the Annual Reunion in July.

Supporting Your Museum A delayed study into the future of military museums is now expected to be completed, for consideration

by The Army Board, by the end of 2019. Whilst there is no imminent threat to your Museum the potential loss of MoD funding should not be ignored; keeping the Museum fresh, attracting more visitors and building up contingency funds is important. Please support your Museum in any way you can, for example: Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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Sign up ‘on line’ as a ‘Friend’ by using the Museum website - on the Home Page scroll down to ‘Information’ and ‘Supporting the Museum’; then scroll down to ‘Becoming a Friend’.

Buy from the shop Or - as we all get older - consider leaving a small sum to the Museum Trust Fund in your will; every little bit helps!

Finally, do call in The Museum if you are in Winchester, you will always get a warm welcome. We look forward to seeing you.

Brigadier G. de V. W. Hayes CBE Chairman RGJ (Rifles) Museum Trustees Swift & Bold Journal 2018

REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION EMAIL ADDRESSES We currently have “rgjassociation.info” email addresses available for any member who would like one. Full details on the imap/pop and smtp settings will be supplied with your email address.

If you would like an association email address please write to:

admin@rgjassociation.info with your preferred username and password.

Kevin Stevens 10 10

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Summary Of The Annual Reunion For Ex-Members Of The Bands And Bugles Of The Royal Green Jackets And It’s Former Regiments (Ox & Bucks, KRRC, RB’s)

Held On Saturday 13th October 2018 The following is a quick outline of the day’s events.

The secretary arrived at The Winchester Club at approximately 11:00 hours to set up in readiness for the bands arrival, and to get ready for checking in members and their guests, at the same time Tony Dowd arrived to set up for the annual raffle.

The “annual blow” very nearly never happened this year. Having been assured last year that we were having the Rifles band, a few months before the reunion date I was informed that the Rifles band and bugles had an engagement in Belgium. So after many phone calls a new request for a band (Waterloo) and a lot more calls we ended up (to my great delight) with a bit of a ragtag and cobwebbed, but excellent band. So a very big thank you goes to all you rusty and toothless members who blew, and a bigger thanks to all those members of the Waterloo band for their help. THANK YOU.

gave his annual few words, which follows:

The blow ended at approximately 14:45 in readiness for the lunch. This kicked off with a bit of a hiccup but soon got sorted and back to normal. After the meal had ended the secretary

“Good afternoon to you all and thank you for attending this year’s reunion. I would like to thank all that have taken part in this year’s blow especially those from the Waterloo Band and Bugles & 8 Rifles. Also a very big thanks to the entire bar staff, caterers and Tony for sorting the raffle. I’m not sure if you are all aware, but there is now an Association of Army Musicians, this started about 18 months ago; I will find out more and publish it in the next reunion report. Lastly, may I ask you to be upstanding for a toast to all those members that have departed from us this year and before.

Brian Craven. Mike Sanger. Darryl Sheil.

Ken Jameson. Ian Lynch.

TO ABSENT FRIENDS” Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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Now to the important bit….

I purposely didn’t mention this at the reunion this year as I felt it needed to be put on paper rather than keep repeating myself to all individual members and honorary members.

Approximately a year ago, myself and Tony Dowd had a long discussion about the future of the RGJ Band & Bugles reunion, along with our roles in its organising and running, we both decided that it was time for us to call it a day and give a younger, or other member, the opportunity to take over where we leave off, thus giving us the opportunity to join in the merriments of the occasion.

The 2018 Newsletter, printed earlier this year, gave notice to you all of our intentions – please see “Changing Of The Guards” article - thus giving someone the opportunity to step forward and take over the helm Unfortunately as I write this, no one has come forward and volunteered to take over the position of secretary and/or Webmaster.

Therefore, it is with much sadness and regret that I have to inform you all that unless we have a volunteer step forward the following will happen…. a.

April 2019 – we will close down the RGJ BAND WEBSITE (this incurs an annual cost). The RGJ Band & Bugle Facebook group will continue - but may not be policed.

b.

I will keep the database active for an additional six months until October 2019.

c.

I will dissolve the Band & Bugle Branch of the RGJ Association in October 2019.

d.

Any remaining funds will be donated to Care 4 Casualties (Rifleman’s Aid).

I SHALL NOT, as suggested to/by some, organise the function room and the Band/music for this year - 2019, as by doing so would mean I would be sorting out funds etc. to pay for this - and this is not what I want.

I sincerely hope that a member comes forward to take on this very popular event.

Thank you all for taking part over the past years - take care.

D Timms Honorary Secretary RGJ Band & Bugles Reunion

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CENTRAL ENGLAND BRANCH Greetings and welcome to the Central England Branch annual write up of events and activities covering 2018. Following rather ‘harsh’ editing from the production team last year, we have decided to concentrate this years' offering to four main features touching slightly on the remainder in the hope that most, if not all, will be included verbatim including pictures? Therefore, we shall kick off this segment of activity with what was our first ‘get together’ for our Members.

Location, newly refurbished ‘City Tavern’ Birmingham Saturday 12th April. A venue no stranger to our presence. After all, we have utilised this watering-hole on previous occasions but on this day in particular, it was extra special: Firstly, we got to wear in public, our new Branch Rugby Shirt which we all think is awesome. However, the side were let down by the author of this entry whom was the only attendee not to be donning the latest Branch apparel opting for a Polo Shirt!! Bugler Pete Noble having been on official Lt Div Bugle Assn engagement, was excused.

Secondly, the presence of charismatic, socialite now Wiltshire based Veteran ‘Mr John Hennessey’ who many of us ex Handbags knew from our old Minden/Warminster days was something of a pleasant surprise having not seen him after so long. The funeral of a Cpl Lawrence Wall back in 1992 in fact. John also attended Greenstock in August, more of that later.

The third reason that made this event great was the atmosphere, very reminiscent of days spent at ‘Red Fred’s’ aka the Salvation Army Club in Minden, singing and chanting as you do on such occasions, aided by copious pints of Hophouse 13 no doubt!! It was a great day and enjoyed by all.

So much so, it will feature on the FoE for 2019 I’m sure!!

The venue itself is situated just off Broad Street in the Ladywood district of Birmingham. For those that may be interested, it has been L—R Gibbo, John Hennessey, Scotty Brown, Colin Fleming, Guy refurbished but it displays many old antique Mynett, Dave Savage, Daz Roberts, Leon Bailey, Frank Hone, John items that were from the 1920s and 1930s and Kells, Mark Picken, Iain Grant, Gary Creswell, Pete Page, Paul Daley and Pete Noble (present not on photograph: John Culkin, John Jones also the internal windows have Peaky Blinder silhouettes. The pub itself is very much themed as Peaky Blinders with items originating from the Garrison pub the original pub and HQ of the PBs back in the day. Great ambiance and reasonably priced for a City Centre establishment.

A couple of Ad-hoc small events followed between April and July including a Golf Day in May which is always good for a giggle, especially with only a small number of members whom can actually play the game!! That aside, it is the meeting up and joviality which makes for good craic. Plus a small group that held an impromptu meeting in May at yet another of our old venues ‘The Top Star’. This was mainly to visit ‘Ray Gaffney’ share a beer and chew the fat with our old pal.

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The end of June culminated with Armed Forces Day. This year we opted not to support the central gathering which was moved from Centenary Square, Birmingham to Weoley Castle an urban estate some 4.5 miles away. A number of members did support it and reports suggest it was a decent ‘village’ fete type affair. Myself and half a dozen others frequented the Boathouse pub in Rushall and enjoyed a sunny day supping ale and listening to live music from a Beatles tribute band. A decent day was had by all to be fair In order to avoid any repetition, we have not included anything from Veterans Day 2018. The Winchester Branch will have no doubt covered this section in great detail.

GREENSTOCK 2018 August is always an exciting time for the Central England Branch, due mainly because of the anticipated return of our flagship event ‘Greenstock Festival’ this year the theme being ‘Sharpe’s Colours’ a play on words and topics relevant to our regimental heritage.

The entertainment area decked out in Black, Green and Red throughout is the perfect theatre for bands/singers and patrons.

An extremely relaxed, laid back affair and in keeping with true Green Jacket philosophy ‘everything that is necessary and all that’ ensures a fabulous weekend is had by all. The event for the organisers starts in January with planning meetings, brainstorming and recces etc. Upton Barn Farm, the venue for the past two events, is a busy family run campsite and club and we make numerous visits to our hosts to determine any changes. We were pleasantly surprised at the changes made to improve the structure of the Barn (Joey’s Bar) itself with stable doors inserted for improved ventilation, space saving and overall ambiance directly outside the venue. With expected numbers increasing last year, we had to ensure that we were able to accommodate firstly those that pre-pay but also the ‘day trippers and ‘last minute’ attendees which makes up a third of those arriving.

We expected between 450 and 500 which again suggests an increase on the previous years’ events and as it turns out, we had approx. 555. Thursday is ‘organisers’ day. Following initial establishment and set up, admin etc. the evening starts off as a meet and greet but generally ends up being a late affair resulting with all present looking and feeling very worse for wear come Friday morning!!

It is always a great occasion and last year 99% of the preparation was complete by close of play Thursday, leaving Friday morning free to square away arrival procedure. Friday is always a busy affair when most attendees tend to spend the afternoon bedding in and sorting their camping requirements with the official start of Greenstock kicking in around 1900hrs Saturday is always the best day and proceedings kicked off with a formal service of remembrance as usual for RGJ veterans. Last year we were extremely fortunate to have the Reverend Kelvin Price (4 Rifles) conduct the service. Kelvin is also Rector for Ludlow and Market Drayton. He was very well received by all and aided by the Light Division Bugle Association ensured that the service was both fitting but really

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set the scene for the days’ entertainment. We have asked Kelvin to be our Branch Padre which he has agreed to do. This surely must be a first amongst the Association? We are extremely honoured to have him on board for all our spiritual needs. He was very reminiscent of Padre David in the Australian cult film ‘The Odd Angry Shot’. Great sense of humour and not afraid to use Rifleman’s language like that which rhymes with German Tank - Durch!! A raucous cheer and laughter echoed around the music hall on that line.

Saturday afternoon and evening came and went rather too quickly with live music coming from the Lt Div Bugle Assoc, Phil Kavanagh (son of ex RGJ veteran ‘Barrie’), Roadhouse (ex RGJ veteran John Lloyd) and the 58’s Blues Band (CEBRGJ favourites) with guest guitarist ‘yours truly’ making an appearance. The entire weekend was blessed with some rather pleasant weather (probably the work of the Rev Kelvin Price) which made for a fantastic weekend. Although there was a down side to it. Unfortunately, a senior veteran suffered a heart attack and concussion resultant from a fall which only came to light because of his dog barking frantically within the campsite. Event medic Dave ‘Doc’ Savage and paramedic veteran ‘Doc’ Holliday swiftly entered the fray and following First Aid and CASEVAC to hospital undoubtedly saved his life. Swift action and fervent language with the medical authorities ensured that he was dealt with in good time.

Many people were involved with the post event admin and welfare which ensured both the dog and individual were looked after. Big well done to Dave and Doc for their decisive and swift response to such a tense situation.

At this juncture; we wish to also thank Association Deputy Chairman Simon Booth-Mason for again attending, Sarah and Martin Gibbons for the merchandise stall and her time creating such lovely gifts. Gavin Britain for driving and labour he put in and more importantly, the Greenstock Ladies Committee for their tireless charity work and lastly, you the patrons for making our event majestic with your presence.

Please note that despite the rising popularity of Greenstock, there will be a hiatus in 2019 in order for the organisers to take a break and do other things. Rest assured, it will be back in 2020 (all things being hunky dory of course).

For those not privy to the CEB ‘huddle’, above is it in its full splendour during the Bugle Assoc 2 nd set with High on the Hill:

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NIVA PARADE September is strictly reserved for the Northern Ireland Veterans Association (NIVA) Parade at NMA Alrewas. Something we within the Central England Branch take as our most important formal event.

2018 was an extremely exciting and memorable occasion for the branch due mainly to the number of very special and senior Officers in attendance and there were plenty of them too. The only let down of the day was the weather. Although it could have been worse though the rain held of for the most part.

The event itself is organised and run by the NIVA but looking at numbers you would have thought it was an RGJ affair. We attached ourselves to it some 5 years ago and have since become integral to it. It was important for us to get large numbers in this year in order that we can canvas even better support for the 2019 event which is a very significant occasion. 50 years Anniversary of Op BANNER to be precise.

Therefore, we are expecting it to be an over attended occasion. NIVA are parading in Lisburn therefore, it will be very much driven and directed by the Light Division. The date for your diary is Saturday 14 th September 2019, NMA Alrewas just off the A38 near Lichfield. The parade will be followed by a social gathering afterwards (details tbc).

Officers in attendance 2018 were: General Sir Robert Pascoe KCB MBE, Major General James Gordon CB CBE Major General Jamie Balfour CBE DL Major General Nick Cottam CB OBE, Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux Brigadier Hugh Willing CBE Brigadier Mike Smith CBE MC, Colonel Carron Snagge OBE DL Colonel Robert Martin OBE DL Major Michael Leeming Captain Alex Van Straubenzee Lieutenant Simon Booth-Mason . “Matched only by the heads of the families meeting in the Apalachin hills circa 1957�!!

Remembrance Sunday November was Remembrance Sunday, a repeat of last year in that we decided to rotate the venue due in part to Birmingham Centenary square remaining under construction and members opting to support other parades a group from the Branch paraded at Rubbery southwest of the City.

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This picture illustrates the juvenile mind-set of CEB members. In the absence of 1 RGJ veterans, we came across this old tractor and could not resist the opportunity for a picture!! Enough said really, although accompanied by some Wurzels it would have been even funnier!!

Editors note: As a former 1 RGJ person myself this nearly didn’t make the final cut but on reflection I decided that it was only jealousy they never served with 1 RGJ that prompted their rude remarks. Obviously they were waiting for their cosmetic and preventative care which they clearly need - see the shop windows !! ‌ KS

CEB members, Mr Dave Parry and Major General Nicholas Cottam CB OBE Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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CHRISTMAS BALL 2018 The highlight of every Central England Branch year is the Christmas Ball. 2018 was no exception and arguably the best yet. Themed ‘Peaky Blinders’ which stemmed from the first gathering at the City Tavern back in April.

Well over 90 people attended this fancy dress extravaganza and it was obvious the amount of effort put in by all. There were only a couple that did not attend in costume but donning a flat cap/baker boy hat on entry adhering to orders I guess?

Music was provided by the 58’s Blues Band and Disco, the food was hot and tasty, the beer was cold, well priced, what more could you ask? Three decent prices on the money tree with £70, £150 and £235 which were won by Levi Gibbons (daughter of Martin and Sarah), Colin Fleming got second prize and top prize going to Michael Masnuick. The Rifleman of the Year Award which is something we do annually this year went to Dave Savage not only for his actions at Greenstock but because he gives up his time to facilitate our functions with medical cover and dealing with his partners illness at this difficult time despite his own health concerns. Well done Dave fully deserved and long overdue!!

Finally, we say our prayers and bid a final farewell to Members: Jason Olds from Redditch whom had just joined the Branch when he died suddenly following a heart attack. He was young and with a family. So too did our old friend and long serving member Alan Hurst also passed away in 2018 following a long-term illness – “RIP brothers”.

That concludes the 2018 write up from the Central England Branch

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LONDON BRANCH NEWS LETTER 2018 Having completed a full and varied programme of events in 2017 in comparison to previous years 2018 was a slow start except for the Secretary Gary Driscoll, Mac McDonald and Ian Weatherley representing the Royal Green Jackets Association in St Paul’s Cathedral at the memorial service for Sir John Moore. It was to mark the 209th anniversary, of the death of Sir John Moore (Nov 1761- Jan 1809) at the Battle of Corunna, Northern Spain, and commemorated on 18 th January. It took place after Evensong, at the Sir John Moore memorial in St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Soldiers from 4 Rifles carried out a wreath laying ceremony and buglers from the Buglers Association of the Light Division sounded the Last Post and Reveille.

Anyone who has never been to Evensong in St Paul’s should make the effort as it is quite a memorable experience. All serving and former Riflemen, Regimental Association members, their families and friends are all welcome to attend Evensong. The St Paul’s authorities normally reserve special seats in the nave for the Rifles party. Ten members of the London Branch attended and it is hoped that more will attend next year.

February began with our first function a Black Button Club at Chelsea Hospital, not only was it a gathering for members but also an opportunity to re-establish contact with our members who reside at the Hospital after their Christmas break.

We also welcomed a recently joined member, Fred Boomer-Hawkins, who has settled in and is very active. The evening was a great success with a large turnout of members and wives who mingled not only with our own Pensioners but a great many other’s present.

The next event of the year was the Branch’s Ladies Dinner Night, there had been a great many changes imposed on the arrangements because of ongoing renovations to the Victory Services Club that impacted on the evening. Even after so some very active action behind the scenes by the Committee a seamless transformation took places that produced once again an outstanding evening. Each year we assume that we have max out attendance but once again this year we exceeded last year’s attendance with over one hundred members attending. At the last moment, we thought the weather would impact on the evening but members from Devon and Norfolk braved the storms and all that had reserved a place were catered for and on parade.

The pre-reception drinks and warm up session took place in the Trafalgar Rooms until the dinner call was sounded. After an excellent meal with plenty of wine we sat back and listened to the Bugles sound regimental marches finishing with High on the Hill. In the opinion of those present it was a resounding success and the two buglers Mr P Tresadern and Mr S Vaughen must be congratulated. It is without doubt that we will book them again in future. This year we did not seek the services of a Regimental band but used a selection of musical CD’s of former regimental bands as background music accompanied by a screen film show of the Branches activities throughout the year that everyone could view.

The formal part of the evening was completed with a short thank you speech by the Secretary to all those who had assisted in the preparation for the evening. The President then followed with his “State of the Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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Nation” address stating that he was pleased to say the Branch was in good health with an increase in membership and that we remained financial sound, he stated that even with an increase of functions there had been an increase in those taking part for which he thanked them for their continued support.

The annual Pilgrimage in support of the QVR/KRRC/RB Memorial Service held at Calais in May was well attended, not only was there a substantial number who travelled on the coach provided but also a small party who made their own way under private arrangements. The numbers attending had increased this year with many relatives and a very welcomed presence from 4 and 7 Rifles with Buglers swelling the numbers. A long day with early departure from London and a late Ferry trip home but well worth the effort.

It will be interesting to see what the future brings with regards to this annual event with the demise of the last few remaining Riflemen who fought at Calais The annual Veterans Lunch held at Mark Masons Hall, St James was once again very well attended and proved to be very popular with Members. There were a few new recently joined new Members who attended and several other guests who were made most welcomed.

Members congregated in the bar for pre - lunch drinks and had time to renew friendships from the past.

An excellent buffet carvery was provided with an abundance of choices helped on its way with liberal amounts of alcohol. The Secretary reminded those present of forthcoming events and mentioned that one of our members would be appearing on the television “Pointless” in the near future, with a rider that if he is successful the Branch would receive a percentage of the winnings.

The President addressed those present and thanked them for attending he also mentioned that there was still places available for members to attended the 100 years’ anniversary ceremony at Menin Gate, Ypres.

This is an RBL event and the London Branch has been invited to lay wreaths for the Royal Green Jackets Association The lunch was concluded with a raffle that raised money for the Branch’s Charity which proved to be very generously supported by those present. Some retired to the Union Jack Club to continue the movement but the majority made their way home after a very satisfying lunch.

The London Branch annual wreath laying ceremony for The Regimental Band Memorial at Regents Park, took place on Sunday 22nd July. It was extremely well attended. This event is now firmly established in the Branch’s calendar even though the format changes each year. The gathering was blessed with buglers from the Buglers Association and Jim Page who is a Royal British Legion Standard Bearer from the Romford Legion as well as a member of the London Branch.

The ceremony attracted many spectators including the very special lady who attends each year and who was there when the dreadful act took place. On completion, the Branch Members retired to a local retreat for lunch and a few drinks.

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This year’s Parade commemorated the 35th Anniversary of the terrorist bombing which happened on the 20th July 1982 at the Regents Park bandstand. While the regimental band of the 1 st Battalion Royal Green Jackets, were playing a lunch time concert for the public, the following bandsmen were killed…

Warrant Officer II Graham Barker, Serjeant Robert ‘Doc’ Livingstone, Corporal John McKnight, Bandsman John Heritage, Bandsman George Mesure, Bandsman Keith Powell, and Bandsman Larry Smith.

The Branch was invited by the Royal British Legion to participate in the 100-year Ceremony at Menin Gate Ypres to Commemorate end of the Great War. It was unfortunate that this clashed with many members who were already committed to other arrangements which were involved with the event and their local RBL Branches. Even so a small number managed to attend and represent the Branch and laid wreathes for the QVR. 43rd/52 LI, KRRC and the RB. The President and Peter Layton laid the wreaths for the RB and the KRRC. Major J Cohen OBE who was participating and performing with the Tunbridge Wells Male Voice Choir laid the Royal Green Jackets and the Branch managed to ensure all were remembered on the day.

This was truly a very special day and the Branch was privileged to attend and represent our former Regiments.

Since Members of the Branch were heavily committed to other events connected with the 100-year ceremony the Branch did not organise a Battlefield Tour. Members should have no fear the Committee has the matter in hand and the 2019 tour details are in hand as we go to press.

Each November the Royal British Legion establishes a Field of Remembrance in the grounds of Westminster Abbey. The field is a sea of remembrance crosses with scarlet poppies - a symbol of remembrance and a tribute to the memory of ex-Service men and women.

A small number of Members attended the Westminster Memorial Service , numbers are limited but it is a high-profile event, The Branch Secretary ensures that the RGJ Association Roll of Honour is in place and the small RBL Crosses are positioned correctly. If Association member’s wishes to have a family cross placed they should send the cross to the London Branch Secretary in early November.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex opened the Royal British Legion's 90th Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 8th November 2018.

His Royal Highness arrived at the Field of Remembrance, on the Abbey's North Green, shortly before 11.00am and was greeted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall. Prayers were led by the Dean, who said, “For the 90th time at the Field of Remembrance we meet again to remember those who gave their lives in the conflicts of our time that we might enjoy freedom and peace.”

Mrs Sara Jones, President of the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, invited The Duke of Sussex to lay a cross of remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the Graves of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars.

Last Post was sounded from the parapet of St Margaret's Church by a bandsman of the Scots Guards.

After the observance of two minutes silence, His Royal Highness toured the plots of poppy crosses meeting veterans, representatives of organisations involved in conflict, and members of the public, who had planted a cross in memory of their fallen comrades and loved ones.

After the tour His Royal Highness was welcomed to St Margaret's Church by the Rector, the Reverend Jane Sinclair, and the Dean, who invited him to sign the Distinguished Visitors' Book.

A number attended the Rifles Band Concert and Choir Service in St George’s Church that proved to be very popular. Attendance will grow and be supported by the Branch in future years.

The annual Ladies Christmas Lunch took place at St James, as always this event is well attended and this year was no exception, many members combine the day with Christmas shopping prior to lunch. The Swift & Bold Journal 2018

Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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setting for this lunch is particularly pleasant as the dining room looks out over St James Palace and can be seen through large windows when seated. Pre-Lunch drinks got the party off to a very warm start and at which a Christmas draw took place that raised a considerable sum of money for the Branch’s charities. A word of thanks to all those who donated prises and Norman who managed to collect money from those present. Major General C Vyvyan joined the gathering for drinks and re-established contact with Riflemen from the past.

An excellent Christmas Lunch was served with a great deal of alcohol to accompany the meal.

Christmas pudding was then served that was a fitting dessert for the occasion topped off with port that was donated by Members.

The Secretary thanked all those Members who made the day such a success and distributed next year’s Forecast of Events cards. The President closed the formal part of the lunch by thanking all those present for making the day a huge success and worthy of a Ladies Lunch. He stated that due to the success of the day the branch had nearly maxed out the numbers that can be seated in the dining room which could pose a problem in the future. He closed by Wishing all those present a Very Happy Christmas and safe journey home.

Many members were aware that the President was aiming to stand down after the Ladies Dinner Night. After some serious lobbying a compromise was arrived at and it was agreed that he would continue for a period as Honorary President to allow the newly enlarged Committee that has been formed to receive his support.

To those serving with the Rifles and deploying on operations and overseas tours in harm’s way take care and our thoughts are with you.

The long and the short of it or a rose between two thorns

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Oxford Branch Report Since the last edition of Swift & Bold the period has been full of mixed emotions and events. The sadness felt by us of the passing of several of our WW2 Veterans from the 43rd & 52nd who were members off the branch. In particular Vernon Jones, Sam Langford, Albert Quainton and Henry Harris. All will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with their families.

We have enjoyed our well attended Spring and Autumn lunches with our wives and partners at Edward Brookes Barracks, Abingdon ably organised by Andrea Isham and Phil Evans swelling our funds by running a raffle. Our thanks to them both and also to A Coy 7 Rifles who allow us the use of their facilities.The Vets lunch in May attracted 62 attendees who paid homage to our dwindling Band of WW2 Veterans.

In July we had two separate visits to the BMW Mini Plant and were given a guided tour to see this iconic car being assembled. Those who attended were well looked after and could only be impressed by the German efficiency. BREXIT? No change at Cowley! It's ironic that the factory was where Spitfires were repaired during WW2.

Branch members and guests again mustered at Major John Howard’s grave to remember those from the 52nd who took part in Pegasus Bridge on June 6th 1944. On 9th June a service was held at former RAF Harwell, now a science campus, the departure point of those who were among the first to land on D Day. wreaths were laid on a memorial stone.

Several members of the branch made the pilgrimage to Winchester for the annual reunion to meet old friends and fellow Riflemen. I must say the Bakers Arms is getting a bit pricey! But a good day was had by all.

The Turning of The Pages ceremonies in the Military Chapel in Christ Church Cathedral continue to attract many ex service men and women as well as families of those remembered and the general public. The November 11th service was incorporated into the Cathedrals Evensong and centred on the Armistice in 1918. The Cathedral was packed with representatives from the Military, Army Cadet Force, USAF Croughton and many members of the public. It was a very moving experience. Names were read from November 1914 and 1915 Cadet Cpl Sionainne Holiday from November 1916 and 1917

by Cpl Dave Phillips A Coy 7 Rifles and from November 1918 by 95 year old Reg Charles OBLI. Reg was awarded the Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur that he wore with pride along with his campaign medals. Reg read the names with passion and clarity giving the feeling he knew these young men who fell as he remembered his own experiences in WW2. After the service Cadet Sinead Holiday laid a wreath in the Chapel for The Rifles County Colonel Mike Montague. The 239 College members who died in WW1 were also remembered. As were those from the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars.

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This brings me on to the Roll of Honour to The Royal Green Jackets and The Rifles that are recorded in a new book housed for safekeeping in the Chapel. The credit for this must go to our President, Brigadier Robin Draper whose dedication, tenacity and attention to detail has made this possible with I must add no financial support from the two Regiments. The hope is that those from the County Regiments who gave their lives post WW2 wil be remembered in the future and the book maintained..

The branch reunion held on November 10th was well attended and again the Oxfordshire ACF Band entertained us to a high standard. The AGM was also held in November with much discussion on how the branch should progress. The feeling is that at this moment in time we are still RGJ Association but acknowledge that in the future we will become and embrace The Rifles as our successors.

Our good wishes to all our fellow branches Terry

REG CHARLES’ TRIP TO HOLLAND - SEPTEMBER 2018 On the afternoon of Saturday September 15th my daughter Sheila and I arrived at Amsterdam Schipol airport and were soon on our way to the Van Der Valk Hotel in Uden to join the rest of the 20 liberators of the Netherlands for a nine day visit to Holland. This visit was to commemorate, to remember to celebrate and to pass on 74 years peace and freedom in the Netherlands.

It was a very full programme and each day we were taken by coach to various towns, memorials and places of interest which had been liberated in 1944.

On Thursday September 20th we visited the Cemetery at the Reichswald Forest and I had the honour of reciting the Exhortation during a very moving service conducted by Marcus Vanken, a Dutch Roman Catholic Priest.

This was my first visit to the Reichswald since February 1945 and it brought back memories of the many casualties suffered at that time. I was in A Coy, 1st BN OBLI and with Major Percy Hardman DSO when he was mortally wounded, I treasure many memories of a superb army officer who was a true English Christian Gentleman.

On Thursday September18th we shared dinner with members of the Fire Brigade at Oirschot and I met two of their firefighters who had spent time training at the Fire Service Training College in Moreton-inMarch, Glos: I was a part time member of the AFS during 1941 and I visited the Moreton College about 25 years ago and was made most welcome.

Other visits in the Netherlands included the Royal Military Academy in Breda, a boat trip through Rotterdam Harbour, a morning with 600 children from the city of Meierijstad answering questions in small groups of 20 at a time, a visit to the Museum ‘Wings of Liberation’ at Best, a large Liberation parade 24 24

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of many different organisations at Eindhoven followed by a reception with the Eindhoven Mayor.

On Saturday September 20th all the veterans, seated in a 1940’s bus led the ‘Race to the Arnhem Bridge’ parade, we drove around the streets of the city waving to the crowds who lined the streets – needless to say our arms ached afterwards! Towards the end of our week myself and another 53rd Welsh Veteran were taken on a trip to the s’hertogenbosch area and city, we visited the 53rd Welsh Memorial and whilst there we were presented with a specially commissioned medal to commemorate our part in the liberation of that area.

On our last day myself and another liberated of the Leudal area were taken on a jeep ride around the town and again presented with specially commissioned gifts by the Mayor.

We returned home on Monday September 24th with many memories of our visit to Holland and I am grateful to have had the opportunity of sharing in this well organised programme and I hope to return to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Holland in September 2019.

RUN PEGASUS (75th ANNIVERSARY OF D DAY) in Support of the Veterans Charity On 4th Jun 2019 around 186 volunteer runners will set off from Tarrant Rushton Airfield in Dorset and run 62 miles to Portsmouth. There they will board a ferry to Normandy and run the final 3 miles along the Caen Canal towpath to arrive on the legendary Pegasus Bridge precisely 75 years since the original Assault. On the afternoon of 6 th June 2019, the Charity will be unveiling a memorial plaque dedicated to the men of 22 Platoon whose glider landed 10 miles away near Varaville forcing them to battle for almost 24 hours to re unite with their comrades. Immediately after the unveiling the group will recreate the arduous journey that 22 nd Platoon faced by marching on back to Pegasus Bridge - a further 10 miles.

Around 8 Reserve personnel from A, F and G Company in 7 Rifles are taking part in this event to honour Major John Howard and the incredible achievement of those men who served in 2 nd Battalion Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and furthermore raise funds for Armed Forces veterans in crisis today.

Each runner must raise a minimum of £1000 for The Veterans Charity. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/7RiflesRuntoPegasus

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Wiltshire Branch Report Greetings from the Wiltshire branch. Well 2018 was quite an eventful year as we commemorated the 100 years since the end of the 1st World War. The branch was involved in a number of events for this and it was great to see the support given by the local population for this great occasion. We have a number of set engagements with the local community each year and these help to keep the badge in the public eye.

We started off the year by attending the Warminster Council Civic Service. This is a church service in the Minster church and is attended by a number of local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire and our local MP along with a good number of organisations both civilian and military. It’s amazing the amount of people that come up to us and say things like “I remember you bloody lot in Celle/Minden/ Munster/Osnabruck” to which we all feign innocence and say “I was on leave when that happened” The next event was with the RBL support to the Forces March which was held in May. This is a distance of 137 miles and it follows the route of the legendary ww2 training march from Ilfracombe to Bulford over 5 days by Major Howard and his company from the 2nd Bn Ox and Bucks, later immortalised for his commanding the glider force which attacked and captured the Caen canal bridge, later renamed Pegasus bridge. This march/ marathon is open to all and is the equivalent of 5 marathons in as many days. We take no part in this strenuous exercise mainly on doctors orders, however we do man the vitally important water stop outside the Red Lion pub in Heytesbury. After the last runner/group has passed through we then refresh ourselves in the said pub and sit down to a lovely Sunday dinner.

The County Armed Forces Weekend was a great success and whilst we didn’t have a stand ourselves we were there as spectators or assisting the RBL with their display. A number of us attended the annual church service for the Armed Forces day in the Chapel of Saint Lawrence in Warminster. This year the main national event is taking place in Salisbury so it should be good day.

The annual Veterans Day at SJM Bks was attended by many in the branch and whilst it was never going to outdo the previous year it was enjoyed by all that attended.

August was a busy month. On the 6th Mike Walsh the chairman departed for France and Belgium to take part in the RBL Great Pilgrimage 90. This was a massive event and thousands of members and representatives helped The Royal British Legion recreate the 26

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1928 Battlefields Pilgrimage to mark the centenary of the launch of the ‘Hundred Days Offensive’. A decade after the end of WW1, the British Legion (as it was then known) organised for 11,000 veterans and war widows to visit the battlefields of the Somme and Ypres before marching to the Menin Gate in Ypres on 8 August 1928. In 2018, exactly 90 years on, Great Pilgrimage 90 saw 1,150 branches and thousands of members and representatives from the UK and abroad help The Royal British Legion recreate their original pilgrimage. It was a truly humbling experience to be part of it and to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate in memory of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This year it was the turn of the chairman to host the annual branch BBQ and this was held on the 11th and a good time was had by all those that were there. The weather wasn’t the best but the wet weather programme worked well. The theme was dead celebrities and there were some “incredible likenesses”.

Greenstock was supported by the branch with many members and their partners/wives having a great time. Credit to Pete and his team from CEBRGJA for a great and well organised do, see you in 2020.

September saw the NIVA meeting at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. A long journey up there but well worth it. There was a tremendous turnout from the Light Div yet again and with 4 Generals on parade including General Pascoe who is President of the Association it can only get better. Yet again Pete and his boys from the CEBRGJA had it well organised and a good buffet was provided at a local pub with entertainment provided by the Lt Div Buglers Association, well done.

October the 6th was the dinner night organised by the Treasurer Bill Tyson.

(The post of Entertainment member being still vacant). The venue was the George at Longbridge Deverill and whilst we are not a big branch over 32 sat down for a good meal and entertainment which included the Wiltshire Toastmasters Mark Wilding and Roger Unsworth who ensured the evening went with humour and without a hitch. We also had a serving Bugler perform for us in the form of Rfn/Bgr Elliott Hayward from 4 Rifles who did the honours in full regalia. It was good to hear the bugle calls again and the RSM’s old favourite “Stand for your Regimental March!!” We also held a raffle, the proceeds of which, together with funds produced by other default activities throughout the evening were presented to Jan Maddocks in support of her “Trek the Rockies” 50 mile challenge in memory of Bob who had always promised to take her there one day.

November saw us collecting in Waitrose in support of the Poppy appeal. We Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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raised about £1200 over the 2 days, down on previous years but the RBL have got their act together and have more collection points in the popular places so whilst we are down the overall total looks to be up on previous years. Thank you to all those that came and “stagged on” The branch was invited to take part in the Annual RBL dinner in November and this was held in the Warrant Officers and Sgts Mess in Waterloo Lines, better know as the School of Infantry to some of you old sweats. It was a good night, and whilst the wine was free flowing, sadly the same could not be said about the beer.

The year ended with our, now traditional Christmas Eve meet up at the Conservative club having a few drinks, eating the sausage rolls and swapping Christmas cards.

We look forward to 2019 with maybe a little bit more trepidation than previous years but hopefully all will be fine.

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Are we ‘IN’ or ‘OUT’ yet?

(Winchester Branch Report) I guess by the time you read this - Brexit (in whatever form) may well have happened and the country is either up to its eyeballs in shedloads of new deals it has finally arranged with the rest of the world and all is well, or alternatively Jeremy Corbyn is now the UK’s new Prime Minister together with his sidekick Diane Abbott as the Foreign Secretary and unsurprisingly civil disorder has broken out across the country and I am living in a mud hut in Outer Mongolia. Nah! That couldn’t happen could it?

Anyway I only mention this in passing because as I sit here in early January 2019 struggling to come up with some ideas for our branch article for the S&B magazine I can hear on the radio playing in the background yet another political pundit waffling on about “BREXIT blah de blah, LEAVE blah de blah, REMAIN blah de blah, BACKSTOP blah de blah”, and funnily enough it reminds me of how similar and appropriate these words are to my current ‘writers block’. In other Words BREXIT - what should be the theme of the article? LEAVE - put it off for another day and go and have a coffee (always a good option).

REMAIN - stick with it and at least get something down on paper. BACKSTOP- publishing deadline end of March!

And then it comes to me. Put all that rubbish aside and simply concentrate on all the good and varied things we as a branch have organised and carried out throughout 2018.

So what has the branch been up to throughout the year? Well in addition to our alternate monthly formal and social meetings, plus supporting the monthly Turning of the Pages in Winchester Cathedral, the first of our activities for the year kicked off in early February as it usually does with our branch AGM under the beady eye of our Chairman Roy Stanger. Now I am not sure how other branches are run but we in Winchester have what we call a ‘Management Board’ responsible for all administration and general running of the branch. It consists as most do of a President, Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. To ensure a stable continuity of the branch over the years, each member of the board only holds their appointment for a period of 2 years with overlapping elections for two of the appointments every 12 months for anyone who would like to give it a go. This year being no different saw a few changes with John Harper our Secretary for the last 6 years finally give up on mastering his Spellchecker and hand over the secretarial reins to John Fritz-Domeney who relinquished his role of President to Brig Nicholas Prideaux. The latter exchange as Nick pointed out in his Presidents address was a little bit of branch history as he and John had been exchanging this particular appointment for more years than they care to remember!

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description of our Activities Member Tiny Adams who despite running a very busy and successful chauffer company together with his wife Janet, still found the time to look into something that was still very close to his heart; which was to try and mark the 40th anniversary on the 17th February of the death his old CO Lt Col Iain Cordon Lloyd who had died in a helicopter crash in NI. After a little bit of bullying – no let’s call it persuasion of Winchester’s civic authorities including having to personally remind the Lord Mayor that he had publically promised to honour the regiment in any way he could at the previous year’s Freedom of Winchester Parade, he finally and successfully obtained all the necessary authority to hold the ceremony in Morn Hill Cemetery at Iain’s graveside. Although only originally organised for Col Iain’s immediate family the power of the Internet quickly took over, and the small ceremony suddenly turned into something quite larger as a number of Iain’s fellow Riflemen appeared from nowhere (one even from the USA) to mark the occasion. However rather than distract from what was originally intended to be a ‘quiet family gathering’ it once again pleasingly reminded those family members who attended of the great respect and affection held for Iain by his fellow Riflemen.

Also in February we sadly lost Brian Craven one of the longest serving members of the branch. Brian had been a member since its inception in 1987 and despite a few years spent away in Yorkshire (his county of birth) he couldn’t resist the lure of his adoptive city of Winchester for too long and returned to Hampshire to spend the last years of his life living in Green Jacket Close. Brian was a real character and staunch supporter of the regiment and the Winchester branch who will be sadly missed How often do you turn on the television and there at the latest West End show, celebrity gathering or football match do you see them in their distinctive scarlet coats and tricorn hats? I am of course referring to our wonderful band of Chelsea Pensioners whose iconic image is as synonymous with the British Army as Yeoman Guards are to the Tower of London. Of course we all Major General James Gordon CB CBE know that they live in that famous landmark building in Chelsea President RGJA called The Royal Hospital and we might have known of someone who had been a pensioner there. But other than that very little else!

With this in mind therefore and knowing we now had at least half a dozen ex members of the regiment living there as In Pensioners it was finally decided that it was about time we found out a little more; which actually was surprisingly easy to do because all it took was a quick email and before we knew it we had been invited to visit as a branch and participate in one of the Governor’s Parades. So early on Sunday 13 th May with the weather giving a hint it was going to be a wonderful day we set off and arrived in leafy Chelsea at about 10.00ish. What more needs to be said other than the visit was a great success and enjoyed by all who went. The weather was superb throughout the day, the journey up to Chelsea problem free, our regimental guides for the day Pat Cody and Fred Boomer-Hawkins were absolute perfect hosts, our participation in the Governor’s Parade with all the other In Pensioners was truly moving and memorable, and the service held in the Wren Chapel very British and uplifting (we even got a named welcome on the Order of Service). All in all a fantastic and informative day which we hope to repeat again.

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Slipping into July the branch as ever was heavily committed with organising and generally assisting in the running of the Regimental Reunion on the 14 th July, and as always under the ever watchful eye of Roy ‘Mr Reunion’ Stanger. Although only a one day event it does in addition actually take a further 6 days to set up and take down so we are ever grateful to every member of the branch who willingly gave up their time to make it happen.

On the 5th August we had our Families Fun Day BBQ on the field behind the WO’s & Sgts Mess in SJM Barracks and despite it turning into the hottest and sunniest day of the year (thank goodness for selferecting gazebos) everyone had a brilliant and relaxing day together. Peter Andrews once again organised it for our families and friends and pulled out all the stops with a superb BBQ and array of family games for every age and ability. No one went home that day without a winner’s medal, full stomach and quite a bit of sunburn.

Like all of our branches in the Association I guess, we too received a letter in May from the CEB inviting us to attend the Northern Ireland Veterans Association (NIVA) Service of Remembrance on the 8 th September at the National Memorial Arboretum. Despite very few of us being members of this particular organisation we settled on a small delegation to go and represent the branch and what an incredible and moving day it turned out to be. Despite the membership of the NIVA being ‘All Arms’ there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that the predominant regiments there were from the Light Division as displayed by the 3 to 1 sea of green blazers. If that didn’t convince anyone of our dominance at the gathering then the audible reminder from a superb marching contingent of buglers from the Light Division Buglers Association certainly did! Also in attendance was the President of the NIVA General Bob Pascoe, plus Generals Jamie Gordon, Jamie Balfour, and Nick Cottam – what other regiment could put together a lineup like that? Much credit however must go to the Central England Branch who did a fantastic job of coordinating the Light Division attendance and hosting the gathering afterwards. Before we departed the message from General Bob was a simple one “2019 marks the 50th anniversary of British troops deployment to NI in an IS role, it really would be appreciated if as many members of the RGJA attended to support it”. We as a branch certainly propose to do so.

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of the ending of the 1st WW) it naturally followed that the branch would get very heavily involved in all matters relating to Remembrance. In fact ‘heavily involved’ doesn’t quite cut it as our Remembrance Day turned into a whole weekend encompassing both the Saturday and Sunday. I will explain…..

Earlier in the year we were honoured to have a very distinguished member of the Regiment join our branch. Many of you would know him as General Garry Johnson who despite being retired was heavily involved in the archaeological research being carried out by Winchester University on the old (and no longer used) West Hill Cemetery behind Peninsula Barracks. The research in particular concentrated on the military war graves in the cemetery where it surprisingly identified over 100 British and Commonwealth graves including a VC. The University decided that as the research period was going to conclude by November it would be appropriate and respectful to dedicate an additional Service of Remembrance followed by a power point presentation in the university on every one of the military personnel buried in the graveyard. This was arranged for Saturday 10th November to which a large number of dignitaries would be invited. We as a branch were invited too although we originally suspected it was more to do with adding numbers and colour to the event rather than any association with those buried there. How wrong we were when it became apparent that despite the university’s expertise in just about everything the one area they had no knowledge of was how to pull this sort of event together. Clearly they needed a bit of help so before anyone could say “we are gathered here today” we were organising the whole thing – other than running the power point presentation and dishing out the tea and biscuits afterwards that is! An unusual day to say the least but very satisfying and pleasing to see so many non-military people (university students and staff) being involved and treating the subject matter with the greatest respect and decorum.

Like everyone else across the country on Remembrance Sunday our day started really early with a 9am service in the open air in front of the KRRC Memorial just outside the main entrance of the cathedral. This little service always amazes us because each and every year there must be at least 300 to 400 people braving the icy cold or rain to support it. This was followed at 10.30am by the main service in the cathedral after which a number of our contingent dashed off to SJM Barracks to support the Drum Head service being held there. Following the various parades and services everyone then made a beeline for the South Winchester Golf Club for a warming drink and to see how many faces they could recognise on the television at the Cenotaph Parade in London, and finally to finish a memorable day off - a superb 3 course lunch. Although I have said it many times before I always find it funny to note the admiring but intrigued looks from all the golfers at the number of green blazers on display as we walk in. I would like to think they were admiring our regimental dress although I suspect anyone who has the unthinking temerity of playing golf on a Remembrance Sunday morning probably thinks we are all winners of the US Masters come to pay the place a visit!!

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I suspect as time goes by, the city of Winchester and our association with it, can often appear to take on less regimental relevance than it once did. This is only natural of course as the Army and its new logistical needs evolve into something completely different to what we were used to, and everything regimental we held dear appears to be disappearing into the ether around us. However fear not because we in the Winchester Branch consider it our duty to maintain and uphold our regimental presence for as long, and in any way we can. Just a couple of the ways we do this is to nurture a good relationship with the Cathedral via our monthly ‘Turning of the Pages’ Ceremony and constantly building on the good will we have with the landlords of Sir John Moore Barracks. Indeed the latter is one area where we have generated considerable ‘brownie points’ through the efforts of a small and dedicated band of workers consisting of Derek Randall, John Harper, Geordie Scott, and Pat and May Low. All of which together with others from the branch have worked throughout the whole year (and for many years previously) cleaning and maintaining the display vehicles and general memorials throughout the whole site, and not forgetting of course the Light Division Memorial Garden itself. The relationship has now developed to the point where Derek, John and Geordie Scott have now become Honorary Members of the WO’s & Sgts Mess. I am even told they have invested in Honorary Members Mess kits – whatever that is I am sure it is a sight to behold!

As the year drew to a close in December and with Christmas just around the corner we once again held our annual Christmas Dinner and Dance at the South Winchester Golf Club. I am pleased to say that 65 very happy individuals still sat down to a truly enjoyable evening of delicious food and superb wines plus plenty of port to raise a toast to the Regiment and Absent Riflemen. Although the club doesn’t have quite the same military look and ambience as a regimental mess it certainly matches it in warmth, décor and privacy which made it the perfect venue to end our year on. We also took the occasion to have as our special guests John and Sue Poole-Warren as John had recently retired as Regimental Secretary The Rifles and formally of course the Regimental Secretary of the RGJA.

Footnote to The Reunion These two gentlemen were seen blowing/ squeezing/strangling - I am not sure what the expression is – their bagpipes for all they were worth at the entrance to the reunion, and a fine job they were making of it too. To the best of my knowledge we have never had a corps of bagpipes in the Green Jackets, I know the Ghurkhas have some so the question was often asked of John Fritz-Domeney “Why are they here?”. John’s answer was typically Green Jacket in Style and Thought. “Because they were FREE!!”. Our thanks to Phil Garrod and Jim Stanley who gave up their time to entertain us with their fine playing.

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Yorkshire Branch We continue to meet at the TA Centre in Wakefield on the fourth Tuesday in the month from March to October inclusively. The branch officers are: President: Capt ABC (Kit) Dollard 3RGJ Chairman: Thomas (Charles) Conlin 1RGJ Treasurer: John Woods KRRC Secretary: Stuart Anderson RB The Branch is financially secure despite the dwindling numbers.

We have seventeen members remaining who served in the RGJ or its antecedent regiments. We also have honorary members and associate members. About half of our veteran members find it difficult to attend our meetings due to declining health and mobility. Contact is kept with everyone mainly through Minutes which also serve as news letters.

This year 2018 we have lost three members and gained one. Brian Craven KRRC died early in the year shortly after his 80th birthday; Joyce Williams died in the spring and her husband Fred followed her in the in the early summer. Fred Williams RB served in Berlin at the time of the Berlin Air lift and had been our Chairman since he helped form the Branch in 1997. Tom Conlin was unanimously voted to succeed Fred.

He and his wife Sue are also members of the North East Branch.

Since the spring meeting of the Association, members of the Branch attended the annual lunch at Woolley Park Golf Club, which is situation close to Barnsley. Shortly after this event some of our members attended the unveiling of a memorial in honour of those in the KOYLI/LI who served in Malaya.

It takes the form of a rifleman carrying a Bren gun and is placed in a pleasant garden within one of the Doncaster parks close to the KOYLI museum. The memorial was unveiled on the first of August, a date dear to the Yorkshire regiment, as it is Minden Day. A white rose adorned every breast including those of the RGJ. The secretary attended the annual commemoration of the battle of Kohima. This took place in the garden of York Minster where the Kohima Memorial is located. Afterwards at the lunch held at Imphal Barracks the secretary was in the company of a Japanese lady who upon hearing a discussion of the fall of Singapore said that if the roles were reversed in that battle the Japanese would not have surrendered.

"They lived by a different code," she added.

Those who were able attended the gathering of the veterans of the Northern Ireland campaign at the Arboretum. Hugh Goudge gave an exuberant report to the membership at the following meeting and commented on the number of Generals on parade. He said that the bulk of those present were either from the RGJ or from the KOYLI/LI. One of our members, Ernie Blanchard, has the honour of serving in both regiments. Hugh and the Secretary, reinforced by Hugh's wife Julia and daughter, attended Remembrance Day parades at Nostell Priory and Wakefield on consecutive weekends. The one at the Priory is always held the week before the official day. The same stalwarts paraded with the Veterans Guard at the Rifles Freedom of Wakefield event in September where the Secretary was unexpectedly 34

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kissed by one of the inspecting dignitaries. At the conclusion of the parade the Rifles contingent was transported to Leeds for an afternoon repeat of the ceremony.

In October the secretary received a call from the Rifles office at Pontefract with information about the funeral in Hull of an ex-member of 2RGJ, Ian (Tiny) Lynch who had been a bandsman present by misadventure at the Regent's park bombing. The Rifles secretary (Yorkshire) was anxious to drum up support as he thought that old soldiers might be a bit thin on the ground on the day. In the event only the secretary of the Yorkshire Branch was able to be present.

There was an avenue of trees leading towards the crematorium chapel. Halfway along was a lone piper waiting to lead the funeral procession when it appeared. I drew up along side him and he informed me that I’d find the rest of my mates at the car park. He was a genuine "Jock" in full regalia. The relatives and other mourners were by the entrance to the chapel, a good number of them. There was also a group of standard bearers and a surprising number of Green Jackets, easily the most I've ever seen in Hull and not in the least what I'd expected. They had come from far and wide but mainly from the Midlands. Tiny Lynch must have been a well-liked soldier.

We heard the skirling of the pipes and quickly formed up into a guard of honour with the other veterans and the standard bearers. When the cortege had passed through and everyone else had entered the chapel we found that there was standing room only. An usher emerged to announce that there was a place at the front for the infirm. He looked directly at me so I followed him in limping ostentatiously and found myself on the end of the family mourners next to a young woman who wept quietly throughout.

Immediately in front of me, in touching distance, was a standard bearer, a fellow Green Jacket. To my surprise he sported a Rifle Brigade tie. The Bugler, provided by the Rifles office at Pontefract, was Craig Rosser who had also been on duty at the Arboretum. When we got outside at the conclusion of the ceremony I recognised the standard bearer as Len Dooley of the Midlands Branch. He and I have met on several occasions during committee meetings at Winchester. He explained that when he had served with 3RGJ all NCOs wore Rifle Brigade ties.

Stuart Anderson Hon.Sec.

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REGENTS PARK MEMORIAL SERVICE 2018 This year saw the 36th memorial and wreath laying service held on Friday 20th July. Meeting at the Garden Café in the inner circle at 10:30 ready to wander down to the Bandstand for the 11:30 start.

We were honored to have Corporal Jake Pugsley (2 Rifles) sounding the calls and “Our Norman” (ex 1RGJ Band) The Rev Dr. Norman H Dennis, officiating the Service. Although well versed in long speeches’ we gave him 5 minutes to lead us into the service.

Words and prayers where followed by the laying of wreaths, the Eulogy, then the sounding of the Last Post followed by a minutes silence and Reveille, and finally the Regimental Collect. The Bugler then ended the service with No More Parades.

This was followed by a leisurely lunch that seemed to lack solids; we left the Volunteer at approximately 17:30hrs (no idea really)

The Secretary thanking Ms. Silvia Meek for her attendance – Sylvia was sat in the audience on “the day” and has attended the service annually ever since.

Next years Service will take place on Saturday 20th July, similar format as above - I hope to see you there.

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RGJA REUNION AT WINCHESTER SATURDAY 14TH JULY 2018 We are all familiar with the military maxim ‘poor planning leads to a poor outcome’ or similar words to that effect.

So when Roy Stanger asked the Reunion Sub Committee if we were all free on the 22nd August 2017 to hold our ‘wash-up’ meeting for the Regimental Reunion held the previous month, and to lay down the foundations for the 2018 Reunion, I don’t think anyone can accuse us of not spending enough time on planning!

As I write this article in the late Autumn of 2018 with the central heating keeping me warm, that early meeting the previous year seems such an awful long time ago. However thinking about it now, it also reminds me of how much personal time, effort, and planning goes into organising this particular event on behalf of the Regiment with much of it falling on the shoulders of our Winchester Branch to whom we all give our grateful thanks.

So how did that wash-up meeting go? Well, as always, we looked closely at the income and expenditure for arranging this Reunion. In general terms the overall outgoing costs were £46k less gate and bar takings of £9k and a £25k grant, with the shortfall being met by a further generous grant from the Association. This was followed by a performance analysis of the various supporting companies and other external organisations responsible for providing the marquees, toilets, brewery, food, refreshments, waste disposal, entertainments, PA systems and sideshows. And not forgetting, of course, a number of our own admin teams of ‘in-house movers and shakers’, especially in terms of how efficient or problematic their tasks proved to be, and whether anything can be improved on for future years. This was followed closely by an in depth look at all the boring bits and pieces of general administration which make the day happen efficiently. You know the sort of thing – but if you don’t know here are a number to give you some idea: event policing and security, OOB areas, positioning and layout of all the catering and restaurant facilities including static stands, what merchandise can or cannot be sold, grass cutting and facilities for the camping areas, signage outside and inside the barracks, first aid, toilet positioning, traffic control and car parking etc and last but not least the good old Risk Assessment which has to be carried out before anyone can walk through the gates - the list goes on as you can imagine.

Again I will not bore you with the detail of this initial meeting and the many more planning meetings that subsequently followed other than to say all these subjects and many more together with any constructive feedback (which is welcomed) were all debated at length and several times over. So once again I sincerely thank the Winchester Branch for their advice, knowledge and expertise in pulling all of this together for us. In summary and to mishmash Winston Churchill’s famous quote ‘a few do an awful amount of work for the many’.

So how did the actual day itself go? Well discounting those that were still travelling to Winchester from the 4 corners of the UK and for the large number of early campers who had arrived the day before and were still snoozing in their sleeping bags or luxury camper vans – For us organising the event it was a 06.30 start to put the final touches to everything we had worked on over the previous 5 days. Also throughout the remainder of the morning P-F Productions arrived to set up their complex but very professional PA system around the complete site including the ‘Command PA Tent’ manned for the occasion by Nicholas ‘the voice’ Prideaux. Final photographic touches were added to, the walls of the main marquee by Chris ‘Rocky’ Gates and a weapons display laid out and manned by Riflemen from 4 Rifles – including the heaviest and most armoured plated civilian 4x4 we had ever seen (a normal vehicle used by the military in Afghanistan these days it would seem). In amongst this busy hive of activity wafted the inviting smell of bacon and burgers being prepared by the on-site caterers which as you can imagine threatened (and did) slow down our final preparations a bit.

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By mid-day with the sun giving a strong indication it was going to be a scorcher of a day. The last bits and pieces were eventually in place. With a last walk around the whole site Roy Stanger was finally able to complete and submit his Risk Assessment and once that was done we had the green light for go for a 2pm start!

And what a start it was. As people began to walk to the main gates from the camping areas or the external car parks they were welcomed by the unmistakeable stirring and yet beguiling sounds of bagpipes being played by Phil Garrod and Jim Stanley (civilian friends of John F-D) who were standing in the hot sun by the display helicopter in their smart ‘Spirit of Scotland’ kilts and regalia. On approaching the reception team one fella was heard to remark “What the effing hell have Scottish bagpipes got to do with the Regiment?” to which he was given the curt reply “Call yourself a Green Jacket – they’re playing for FREE! The steady flow of visitors were greeted by the smiling faces of our Reception Team consisting of Jan-Dirk von Merveldt and our new Membership Secretary Hugh Goudge. Once any necessary membership details were updated or fees paid it was then through the gate and into the main barracks itself. And what a splendid sight it was in the glorious sunshine. All the grass on the lawns had been cut to perfection and the various armoured display vehicles dotted around the area stood in gleaming tip top condition through the efforts of Derek Randall and others in the Winchester Branch. Walking up the hill towards the main activity and static site area you couldn’t help but notice the Memorial Garden which stood serene and immaculate beside the chapel and fully prepared for the Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance later in the afternoon.

Arriving at the marquee and static display site on the all-weather pitch everyone was welcomed by the aroma of bacon butties and other delicious food on offer from the fast food catering tent and including on offer for the very first time – ice cream which was a perfect antidote for such a hot day. If that didn’t stop people, then it was immediately off to have a nose around the museum shop and other static displays, or better still to dive into the relative cool of the main refreshment marquee for a beer or glass of wine or prosecco. Once a nice cool drink was in hand then a walk around the tent to have a look at all the photographs on display along the walls was a must. All covered the Royal Green Jacket period 1976 – 1986 so there was a good chance someone might have found their face on one of them. A peep into the restaurant tent was a must too for no other reason than to see how a canvas tent can be magically changed with a little bit of chandelier lighting, carpeting and wall drapes into a very up-market eating establishment. Not to be outdone by the décor the food and service later that evening was quite superb too, and all for a staggering good price of £5 per head.

It is true to say that our annual Reunions are in the main fairly similar from year to year and although we try desperately to add something a little different every year we are bound by a fairly tight budget. Sadly long gone are the days when the public purse paid for the White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team, 38

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various parachute displays (including our own) and all the other military showbiz razzmatazz that drew thousands of attendees each year. Having said that the feedback we get from Branches is that, in the main, most attendees simply want to meet up and renew old friendships with their pals, tell tall and improbable stories over a few (?) beers and listen to the bugles and regimental marches. All of which of course is what a Reunion is all about.

Anyway back to the day itself where the first event of the afternoon at 3pm was a Service of Thanksgiving at the Light Division Memorial Garden, which as I said previously was in immaculate condition thanks to Pat and May Low of the Winchester Branch. The Service was undertaken by the Senior Winchester Garrison Padre Norman McDowell, accompanied by the Winchester Military Wives Choir, a supporting quintet of musicians from The Rifles B&B’s and of course buglers from the superb The Light Division Buglers Association.

The focus then moved to the Main Square where we were entertained in unique fun style by the Romsey Old Cadet Band dressed this year as leprechauns. They had a good and enthusiastic audience from which to choose certain lucky people to dance with them on the Square. This was popular with the children and also some potential ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ hopefuls?

Next on the schedule of events was the main Battalion Parade on the Square and one of the highlights of the day. Once everyone had fallen in to the satisfaction of the Parade RSM Gary Driscoll the Parade was called to attention for a short address by the Association President Maj Gen Jamie Gordon, he informed us that the Association was in good order and finished by thanking all those involved in organising and supporting the Reunion The Parade RSM then gave the order ‘ Bugle Major- Sound the Advance’ and off we went in battalion order and led by the Deputy Chairman (me) who managed with a little bit of help from his old Battalion 1 RGJ to keep in step. As we marched round the square in bright sunshine and despite the heat old bones straightened up and faces were creased with smiles as we turned to salute our President on our final run past the dias. The only sad note on this happy occasion was our Chairman Col Carron Snagge was unable to be with us due to family issues in Australia.

Once the command ‘Battalions Fall Out!’ had been given we all took our seats to watch and listen to ‘Sounding Retreat’ by The Rifles Band and Bugles and accompanied by The Light Division Buglers Association – a splendid and rousing way to bring the formal activities of the day to an end. Finally this was followed by the National Anthem and Sunset at the end of which the Regimental flag for some mysterious reason refused to come down? Did anyone spot that?

After a short break and refreshed by a beer or 2, it was into the marquee to listen to those 3 wonderful ladies The Melodic Belles who have entertained us so brilliantly over recent years They were terrific and had 2 x 30 minute sessions which had people dancing in front of their stand. They will be back for 2019.

After that is was back to the bar and the continuation of even taller stories until lights out at about midnight.

It’s worth mentioning at this point that formal letters of thanks were sent out to everyone and every civilian company or organisation that assisted or participated in our Reunion. The most notable on the military side being the CO of the ATR Lt Col Nick MacKenzie together with the DOM Major J Griffiths and Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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Senior Bugle Major CSjt S Topp of The Rifles Band and Bugles, and finally the ACF 60th Cadets London under Major Janet Collect.

As always when commenting on exceptionally large events such as our Reunion there are inevitably a whole host of sometimes anonymous background staff who work long hours and tirelessly (often in their own time and at their own expense) to make it happen and yet never get a mention. However on this occasion I will attempt to do so. My sincere thanks therefore go to: The 10 Riflemen from 4 Rifles led by LCpls Stantan and Delport who worked tirelessly all of the previous week setting things up and lugging things hither and dither -including of course packing everything up after the event on the Sunday and cleaning every inch of the site of general litter.

Steve Alcock, late of Worthy Down, who produced the very professional event programme for the Reunion.

PC Lee Gristwood of MOD Police at SJMB and Colour Sjt Spalding of Worthy Down who made all the signage.

Terry Young of the Winchester Branch who sat in the hot sun all day selling raffle tickets.

WO2 Lee Jolly who set up and managed the bar and its staff throughout the day and evening.

And finally to all of those who helped in whatever capacity that I haven’t mentioned by name or task as well as to the Reunion Sub-Committee members.

We are hoping that future Reunions will continued to be held at SJMB up to 2020. The next Reunion will be held on Saturday 6th July 2019.

To sum up I have to ask you the reader “Was it a good a day and did we achieve all that we set out to do’’? I certainly hope so and if we didn’t, I am sure you will let me know.

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Chairman RGJA Reunion Sub Committee October 2018

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APARTMENTS TO BE NAMED AFTER FORMER GREEN JACKET AND SAS SOLDIER

A former pub which is being developed into new homes is going to be named after an SAS legend.

The Ship Inn in Ross Road was knocked down to make way for a Herefordshire Housing development of 35 one and two-bedroom apartments, which will be affordable rent. Once completed next spring, the site will be named Brummie Stokes Court after a Facebook competition was launched asking for residents to make suggestions.

Brummie Stokes was one of the most famous members of the SAS and scaled the heights of Everest three times. He died in January 2016, age 70. In Credenhill in 1991 he started The Taste of Adventure with his wife, Lynn, and they helped under-privileged children take part in outdoor activities such as climbing and abseiling. His wife, Lynn, said: "I think it is wonderful. Brum would be so humbled to think they were going to do that. He would be over the moon."

Lynn grew up near to the Ship Inn and her father, Cecil Knight, and uncle, Arthur Knight, ran social clubs at the pub including a thrift club. They also ran Christmas parties for children. She said: "It was a massive part of my family's life, really because of dad and Uncle Arthur. They were well known in the community of Hinton and Putson. That is where everyone went to - The Ship Inn. "It was a massive part of community life for that area."

Her brother saw the competition to name the flats and nominated Brummie. Lynn added: "When Brummie came to Hereford - he said it was the pub they went into first on Thursday night. The landlord at the time had a colour TV and they would watch Pan's People on Top of the Pops." She used to work at Boots Chemist with her cousin and Boots would provide presents for the Christmas children's parties. Her dad's community work inspired her and during her life she has carried on reaching out to the community through Taste of Adventure and she also provides hot lunches for the elderly.

Taste of Adventure has relocated from Credenhill and the family now run the Boulder Barn at Holmer Trading Estate.

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D-DAY SOLDIERS OF SACRIFICE SCULPTURE TO MARK 75th ANNIVERSARY YEAR

By Paddy Proctor

Knife Angel creator Alfie Bradley was commissioned by the D-Day Museum in Portsmouth to immortalise servicemen who lost their lves on D Day. The sculpture represents Ll Den Brotheridge of the Ox & Bucks LI who is widely believed to be the first allied soldier to be killed on D-Day and is surrounded by 4413 bullets representing all those who fell in battle on the first day.

The soldier’s form is kneeling as if to throw a grenade but instead he is releasing aa dove symbolising peace and acknowledging that these soldier’s deaths were not in vain.

This National Lottery Heritage funded sculpture was on tour after being unveiled in Manchester on 4th March then went on to Liverpool for a day. The next step was Villa Park home of Aston Villa FC where Lt Brothridge was an up and coming footballer before the war. This was followed by visits to Waterloo Station, Bletchley Park home of the code breakers then on to Portsmouth and Normandy and finally back to the D-Day Museum in Portsmouth where it will remain. I took the opportunity of going to see the sculpture when it cam to Bletchley Park and I was very impressed. It pleased me to see so many people, old and young, and school parties all interested in what it represented.

In the past I have visited Pegasus Bridge on several occasions some of them with Major Howard DSO and have met many of the veterans of the Coup De Main operation who captured the two bridges.

Lt Brotheridge was killed whilst leading his platoon over the Caen Canal bridge, later to be renamed Pegasus Bridge, and is buried in the quiet churchyard in Ranville.

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Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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CPL ALFRED WILCOX VC 2/4th OX & BUCKS LI On the 12 September veteran Riflemen from the Oxford, Milton Keynes and the London Branches of the Association travelled to Aston outside Birmingham, to pay tribute to Corporal Alfred Wilcox 2/4th Battalion The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. This unique gathering marked the 100th anniversary of Cpl Wilcox’s gallant action at Lavantie in France, that led to his Victoria Cross. It was also good of Mike Marr to join us from his retirement.

The service was particularly evocative with the wreath laid by Col Patrick Lawrence and individual crosses planted successively by veterans to recognise the sacrifice of each of the 13 soldiers from the 2/4th who lost their lives in action on 12 September 1918. For the first time since 2006, it was a great opportunity to honour the second VC from 2/4th Ox & Bucks, who is relatively unknown in comparison with CSM Edward Brooks VC whose gallantry is regularly highlighted in the county and who the A Coy 7 Rifles Army Reserve Centre in Abingdon is named after The Service was well covered by West Midlands BBC TV. It was led by Revd Philip Nott the Vicar of Aston Parish Church, and he and his congregation made us very welcome.

Brigadier Robin Draper, read the citation.

the regimental call, the Last Post, Reveille and No More Parades.

Once again the Buglers Association played a key role in underpinning a particularly moving ceremony, as the bugles echoed amongst the trees surrounding the grave. Our thanks to Former Bugle Major John Plumbridge who travelled from Shrewsbury to play

Cpl Wilcox's conspicuous gallantry is best summarised in his citation, which reads: � For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack when his company was held up by heavy and persistent machine-gun fire at close range.

On his own initiative, with four men he rushed ahead to the nearest enemy gun, bombed it, killed the gunner, and put the gun out of action. Being then attacked by an enemy bombing party, Cpl. Wilcox picked up enemy bombs and led his party against the next gun, finally capturing and destroying it.

Although left with only one man, he continued bombing and captured a third gun. He again bombed up the trench, captured a fourth gun, and then re-joined his platoon. Cpl Wilcox displayed in this series of successful individual enterprises exceptional valour, judgment, and initiative"

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Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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The Royal Green Jackets Association

Unfortunately, the identity of the 4 men in Cpl Wilcox's section does not seem to have been recorded.

The planting of individual crosses for them, however, did ensure that in the spirit of the 100 th anniversary ‘Everyone Remembered’ campaign, they were not forgotten.

The soldiers who lost their lives on that day were: Private L/Copl

SYDNEY HAROLD JOHN

BEUNEY CLARIDGE

Private Private L/Cpl Private Sjt L/Cpl Private Private Private Private Private

EDGAR ARNOLD FNU EMRYS MORGAN STEPHEN GEORGE GEORGE JAMES BILLING JOSEPH TOM REGINALD WILLIAM ALFRED ROBERT ARTHUR SIDNEY

DIXON DRAKE EVANS EVANS FOWLER MM GOLLEY HARTLEY TAKLE TAYLOR THORNBER WILLIAMS

19 19 23 34 25 18 39 19 30 19

Interestingly as a result of the BBC coverage, Pte Drake's family contacted the branch seeking more details of his service, which while sparse were gladly given, thanks to Ingram Murray and Dino Lemonofides

Finally, it was also gratifying that Cpl Wilcox’s gallantry was highlighted again by fellow Riflemen for future generations in Aston, Oxfordshire and The Rifles and that branch members from 3 branches travelled so far to ensure it was.

Heroes obviously run in the family as Charles Wilcox, a nephew of Alfred, won the George Cross for helping to rescue a man who had become trapped high up on a building in Birmingham in 1949.

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Swift & Bold Journal 2018

The Royal Green Jackets Association The Royal Green Jackets Association

Royal British Legion – One Hundred Days Ceremony at the Menin Gate, Ypres Michael Leeming – Central England Branch

The Royal British Legion (RBL) ‘One Hundred Days’ ceremony took place on Wednesday 8th August 2018 and formed part of the RBL Great Pilgrimage 90. Commencing on 8 August 1918 at Amiens, the series of assaults delivered by the British, Commonwealth, French and American forces, co-ordinated by General Foch, the Supreme Commander on the Western Front, brought the Allies to victory over Germany. This became known as ‘the 100 days to victory’.

This, together with The British Legion’s 1928 Battlefield Pilgrimage, was commemorated at last year’s August 8th muster and Service of Remembrance at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

Representing the RGJ Association on behalf of the President and Chairman, Simon Booth-Mason and Michael Leeming set out to catch the 0645 Eurostar train from London St. Pancras International to Lille in northern France. Despite the early start, we caught the train which speedily swept through the orchards of Kent and delivered us, via the Channel tunnel, to Flanders in under 3 hours. The RBL provided a coach transfer for the one hour journey north to Ypres, complete with police outriders once we were in Belgium. Following a midmorning reception in the Cloth Hall, the contingent of RBL guests made their way through the famous market square and on up Menenstraat to the Menin Gate for the 13.00 Service. Dignitaries included Ambassadors, Archbishops, Peers, Ministers, Parliamentarians and Generals; as well as the many veterans and ordinary folk who had made their way from the UK, and beyond, to attend. Over 1000 RBL Branch standards marched in a formidable display of both remembrance and comradery through the Menin gate. Speeches and readings aplenty from the ‘great and the good’ - both friends and allies, and together with former foe, stood shoulder to shoulder in reverence and respect, as the 250,000 red petals fell silently upon to the cobble stones of the Menin memorial; where the names of over 54,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers without graves bears witness to the horrors that were the Ypres Salient in WW1.

Over 1000 RBL branch standards on parade

Swift & Bold Journal 2018

Swift & Bold Journal 2018

Some of the 1150 wreaths laid

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After this poignant ceremony, we walked around the Menin gate, pausing to find the panels dedicated to the fallen of the 43rd & 52nd, 60th and the 95th. We then picked our way back through the crowds to catch up with fellow Riflemen who were gathering in the Market Square.

We met up with Steve Knight, Kev Severn and Tobias Ellwood - ex 1RGJ and now MP and Minister at the MoD. Simon Booth-Mason, Kev Severn and & Michael Leeming There were a few others on parade Market Square in Ypres with The Cloth Hall in the Background either as RBL Standard bearers or laying wreaths on behalf of their RBL Branch. These included Mike Walsh (Warminster Branch) and others whose names, I regret, I was unable to discover.

Overall a very worthwhile effort to remember the fallen, despite the very early start and late return back to London on the same day! Well done, indeed, to all those who made the trip on this 100th anniversary year of the Armistice

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Swift & Bold Journal 2018

The Royal Green Jackets Association

The Royal Green Jackets Association

A Crimean Veteran Returns Home to his Medals and his Family

By Keith Smith Being very much an amateur collector and researcher, I have thought myself lucky at times to be able to re-unite historic family items with the current descendants of those originally involved. I once owned a Military General Service Medal of a 13th Light Dragoon, who had served in the Peninsular War and Waterloo. David Westall was born in rural Oxfordshire but after meeting a girl on Tyneside (during a recruiting drive after Waterloo) he left the army (without a pension) and moved to North Shields with his new wife. Here he became a successful coal merchant, although I do wonder about the undoubted clash of regional accents! He lived to the age of 87 and made the news in the local press on his death in 1873.

My research led to the discovery that one of his Great Grandchildren (Robert Westall) in the 1970’s had become a very successful children’s author. Sadly he had died in 1993 and his only child had been killed earlier in a motorcycle accident. There is at least one street in the area named after him. It looked as if my investigations had come to an end. I wanted to know if his Waterloo medal still existed somewhere.

Then out of the blue I was contacted by a direct descendant, who knew less about the old veteran than I did. What was clear was that it was not known how or when the MGS medal went out of the family and the same with the Waterloo award, which has never been located. He asked if he could have it back for the family. In these circumstances I was happy to return it to its rightful home.

Detail of painting of Frederick Charles Evelegh and the despatch rolled up and hidden in quill

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Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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Anyway on to subjects Crimean. You will probably recall the Sir George de Lacy Evans saga. Basically I purchased, from a south coast auction house, an oil painting described as ‘Officer of Victorian School’.

My main interest in the sale was a portrait miniature; I only by chance came across the portrait we now refer to. I didn’t see either before the sale but left bids on the book. I was top bidder on both, and rather unexpectedly the oil painting was mine as well, even though my bid was lower than I expected the piece to have achieved. Something when looking at the internet picture from the saleroom rang a bell with me. My wife was not too pleased when we picked the items up, as the larger painting was somewhat distressed. I did some research and it was confirmed on the BBC Antiques Roadshow as being by Richard Buckner and was of Sir George de Lacy Evans in 1855. To save it being exported after total disinterest from our own national institutions, historian and author Hugh Small stepped in and bought it.

The old saying “you wait forever for a bus, then two arrive together” comes to mind, as a few weeks after buying the Evans painting, I spotted another similar item in another southern salesroom.

This time the illustration on the internet gave me the impression of a better painting in much better condition than the last. It was framed and the subject looked splendid in uniform and medals. Again described as simply of the Victorian School, it was obvious again that the vendors and auction house had no idea who the officer was. Live bidding at this sale from my home laptop, I was lucky to get it at a sensible price. I planned to keep it myself on a wall space in the dining room. Even my wife liked the painting. Much to my joy, clues were everywhere on the canvas. On the top left hand corner was painted a small badge of the Twentieth Foot Regiment, I think this regiment was reinforced with similar numbers on the uniform buttons. The splendid row of medals gave me the other clue to confirm the identity of the officer. Looking at the awards the combination could only point at Frederick Evelegh. The internet has made research so much quicker than even a few years back, and I was able to make contact with a current day family member. Ted Evelegh very helpfully assisted with my research questions. He was able to confirm that the painting was indeed his ancestor Frederick. Interestingly he knew it existed at one time, from the family archives, an old Victorian photograph of the painting then on a wall of a house. He again had no idea of why or when the painting disappeared from their family.

Frederick Charles Evelegh was born in Cork on 9th February 1819, or so he records himself on the WO76 officers service records at the PRO. The family tree however gives a date of 19th January 1818. Now - there The late Lt. Colonel Robin Evelegh when C.O. of the 3rd RGJ in Northern Ireland is an interesting anomaly for Ted and family to resolve. His father was Henry Evelegh, officer commanding C Battery RHA on the retreat to Corunna campaign.

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The family still have his Military General Service medal with the rare single clasp (to the Artillery in particular) for the action at Benevente. He died as a Lt General aged 86 in 1859. Another relative was John Evelegh of the Royal Engineers, and he found fame as a leading figure in the Defence of Gibraltar in 1779-83. It is almost certain that Captain John did not receive one of the two privately produced unofficial medals issued at this time. Luckily the family still own many artefacts pertaining to John and the siege. These items are currently on loan to the Rock of Gibraltar Museum and happily on view to visitors.

John went on to live into his 81st year. Frederick joined (at the age of 17 years, which tallies with the 1819 birthdate) the 4th Foot as an Ensign by purchase in July 1836. By purchase again he advanced in the 4th to Lieutenant in November 1837. He exchanged with the same rank into the 20th Foot in January 1839. In 1841 he moved forward again by purchase to Captain, and Major in December 1853. Lt. Colonel (un-attached) in 1853 and Lt. Colonel of the 20th Foot in May 1855, he became a Brigadier (2nd Class) Feb 1858 and Colonel May 1858 without purchase. He retired from the army by sale of commission on 28th October 1859. He died in Wimbledon in 1897 at the age of 78. With the 20th Regiment, Frederick served throughout the Crimean campaign. He was present at the Alma, Balaclava and Inkerman, both attacks on the Redan (noted as wounded on 18th June 1855 on officers services records).

He was ever present on every duty session in the trenches. He was at the Capture of Kinburn. Off next with the 20th to the Indian Mutiny where he was involved in numerous actions. He was mentioned in the region of 15 times in official despatches. His medals splendidly displayed on the painting comprise: Crimea with 4 clasps, Turkish medal, Legion of Honour, Order of the Medjidie, Indian Mutiny medal with clasp for Myself on the left, Frederick in centre, and Ted on the right with the collection Lucknow and a CB. Again the family are proudly in possession of these medals. They also have a despatch written by Frederick cunningly hidden wrapped tight in the inside of a quill pen. It is concerning actions in the Mutiny but even the British Library have struggled to read it clearly. The family also have the Queen’s South Africa Medal with 3 bars, awarded to Frederick’s son, Lt. Colonel F. Evelegh of the old 52nd Oxfordshire Light Infantry, and finally the Sultan’s Medal for Egypt to a cousin Lewis Evelegh of the 2nd Queen’s Regiment. Robin’s father Major E.N. Evelegh won the MC serving in the Royal Engineers and his uncle Captain R.C. Evelegh was KIA with the Oxford and Bucks L.I. in 1914.

Ted Evelegh was extremely helpful in answering my questions on the soldiers involved, and although he didn’t ask, my wife thought it would be good to be able to return the painting to its true home. I offered it to Ted and he was very happy to accept. Ted and his family kindly invited Linda and myself down to the family home for a “handover ceremony”. We were most warmly received by Ted and his wife and a number of other excited relatives. Over refreshments we discussed the fine history of military service of the Evelegh family. In the very late 1960’s and early 70’s. I had the honour of serving as a Rifleman in the Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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4th (V) Battalion of the Royal Green Jackets based in Oxford.

Sadly Ted’s father Robin had died a couple of years before the painting’s discovery. Lt. Colonel Robin Evelegh had been the CO of the newly formed 3rd Battalion of the RGJ and its first mission in peace keeping in Northern Ireland. Colonel Evelegh led from the front in this nasty dangerous theatre of hate. It is difficult now to think how dangerous patrolling hostile streets was. I know Robin was very much admired and respected by his men and he was mentioned in despatches. His own medal awards are certainly worthy of note: G.S.M. 1918 bar Brunei, G.S.M. 1962 2 bars Northern Ireland and Borneo with a Mentioned in Despatches Oak Leaf, U.N. medal for Cyprus and Queen Elizabeth II Coronation medal. After retirement, drawing from his experiences in Northern Ireland, he published a highly acclaimed book on civil unrest, and more effective ways of dealing with it.

It was a pleasure to meet Robin’s wife and we talked of the old Slade Park Barrack complex in Oxford. Ted himself had served for a while in the 3rd RGJ (attaining the rank of Captain) before joining Robin and a number of other retired officers who had formed a successful transport company. It’s a great pity that Robin never had the chance of seeing the return of the painting to his family. The meeting was one which Linda and I will never forget, being able to handle the medals and the quill despatch. It was good to see one of the younger members of the Evelegh family as well taking great interest in what was being said and asking questions. Ted and his mother were guests of honour a little while back at the official opening of the new Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock. Robin Evelegh, who was one of the leading figures in driving the museum concept forward, is now remembered by a gallery of the museum named in his honour. We travelled home that evening absolutely delighted that the portrait was back where it should be. The ever affable Ted Evelegh tells me even now, he still draws inspiration from the expression on Frederick’s face looking down from the wall above his desk. The medal roll of the Evelegh family continues to expand in an understated and modest way. Ted received his GSM for service in Northern Ireland as ADC to General Bob Pascoe. I also learnt that Ted’s brother, George, who had earlier served as a Rifleman in the 4(V) RGJ in Oxford, was awarded his GSM for service in the Royal Navy on HMS Scylla in the Arabian Gulf. A rare but not unique excursion to a life on the ocean waves as the Evelegh family history tree reveals.

The portrait is I think superbly executed. The detail of the character face being almost mesmerising. Sadly it appears that the artist never signed the work, so he must remain a mystery. Anyone would surely be happy to have it hanging on their wall, but we are delighted that it is back where it should be – with the Evelegh family My thanks go to Ted and members of the Evelegh family for generously sharing their family history with us all. …………………………………………………………….

Sources used/consulted: WO/76/141 WO/76/138 Harts Army List 1860. Evelegh Family Archives. The N.I. photograph is produced with the kind permission of Dr Piers Reinhold. This article was originally published in The War Correspondent, Journal of the Crimean War Research Society (2014), in Volume 35, Number 3, April 2018 50

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Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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The Royal Green Jackets Association

Turning of the Pages Christchurch Cathedral Oxford March 2018 OXFORD commemorated fallen soldiers who have died in conflicts around the world at a special Turning the Pages ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral yesterday.

The ceremonies, in which the names of the servicemen are read aloud, pay tribute to soldiers from the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and The Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars who died in the two world wars.

However, Saturday’s poignant occasion marked the first time names were also read out of servicemen from the Royal Green Jackets and the Rifles who had died in more recent conflicts such as Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

A new book was created to include the regiments and was formally handed over to the cathedral for safe keeping, and the names will be read out at future Turning the Pages ceremonies.

Brigadier Robin Draper who oversaw the creation of the new book said: “It’s important that we remember not just those who gave their lives in the 2 wars but also those who have died in the secondary regiments of the Ox and Bucks - The Royal Green Jackets and The Rifles, in places such as Borneo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The Green Jackets were formed in the 60s when the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, which had existed since 1881, was merged with a number of other regiments. Then in 2007 the Green Jackets were themselves amalgamated with a number of other regiments to form The Rifles.

General Sir Robert Pascoe KCB MBE, who served with the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry in the 1950s, said: “It’s very special - there is now that continuity from the Ox and Bucks right the way through. “Every year we say we will remember them and this is one way of doing it.”

The special service saw family, former and current servicemen and members of the public pay their respects to the fallen soldiers in what many said was one of the best turn outs they had seen.

The tradition of Turning the Pages was first started by Colonel Richard Hill, a former officer with the Royal Green Jackets, before it was passed to Colonel Mike Vince MBE. It has since become a regular occasion and sees representatives from serving members of the Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion attend.

Article and photographs courtesy of the Oxford Mail

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Swift & Bold Journal 2018

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Are Polo Mints really made in Poland?

The last day of 2018 started for me at 3.30am when the bleeding alarm clock goes off. I hate it to bits because it’s still so early but without it I would never be able to ‘fire up’ the old Viano again and today it needs to be on the ball because I have a lot to cram in. After a quick run through the 3 S’s I fire the old girl up and we are off to take a family to Heathrow Airport. Roads are empty which is nice so back home in deepest Hampshire by 8am – a blessing. Is my day over? Not a snowballs chance because surprise surprise my wife and I had decided we would take a short New Year’s break starting that day, so once we are ready, me with a toilet bag sized suitcase and her with a ‘steamer trunk’ I get one of my chauffeurs to take us back to Terminal 5 at Heathrow for our flight to Krakow Poland - and no it’s not pronounced KRAKOFF – that’s something completely different!

A few hours later it’s touchdown in Krakow and we take a short taxi ride to the Sheraton Hotel in the city centre. Bags dumped we then start to plan what we were going to do and see the following day. This didn’t last too long because were so cream-crackered and fell asleep. Some New Year’s Eve for us – we missed it all!

The following morning, New Year’s Day, we grab a swanky breakfast and then walk outside to get our bearings. A brief recce around the neighbourhood is followed by a Krakow Costa which as you know does weird things to the digestion so it was a quick dive back into the hotel again for a short ‘comfort break’. Feeling better we venture outside again where we find an old battered taxi with an equally old battered driver (he must have been at least 75). Anyway he seemed to know his way about and even better than that he was cheap! A bonus made even better when he agreed to stay with us while we did ‘our thing’ throughout the day.

Our first stop was the Krakow Rakowiki Cemetery where there are 482 Commonwealth War Graves from the 2nd WW of which 26 were those who had served in our former regiments of the OBLI, KRRC and RB. The war grave map must have been commissioned by an officer because it took us everywhere but to the war 52

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The Royal Green Jackets Association

graves! Anyway being a typical Rifleman I kicked it into touch and used my near perfect sense of direction instead and it didn’t let me down.

Like all other war graves sites I have visited in Europe this one was well kept with every grave in neat rows with the Cross of Sacrifice on each. It would appear that they have very few (if any) visitors from family as there were no personal touches anywhere such as a posy of flowers or even a card. We therefore make a point in visiting every grave belonging to a member of our former regiments and laying a single poppy on each. We quickly discover that most of the graves are originally from the large POW Camp at Lamsdorf Stalag VIIIB later known as Stalag 344 where there was a hospital for Commonwealth prisoners. There were also a lot of airmen buried there who had lost their lives whilst dropping supplies and bombing the factories and railways in and around the area.

As always there are the graves of the ‘Unknown Soldier’ with the inscription ‘A British Soldier of the 19391945 War - Known Only unto God’. This was of course a CWG cemetery and there were also many graves of our allies including Polish and even Indian (there has to be an interesting story there). A really nice additional touch we discovered were two graves of British gardeners who had dedicated their lives to looking after the cemetery .

A quick dash back through the cemetery found that as sure as eggs are eggs our driver was still patiently waiting for us. I thought his patience was simply down to good customer service until I realised I hadn’t paid him yet!

Later that evening we went for a meal in a place called the Piano Bar. Now if you are anything like me I immediately associate places with names like that as being a bit ‘iffy’ if you get my drift. Anyway by the time we left and despite the grub being excellent I was absolutely convinced by its dark red flock wallpaper that it doubled up as a house of ill repute! Not that I would ever know anything about such places after all as I was only a Rifleman.

At the crack of dawn on day 2 the alarm goes off (notice the missed joke there?) and it’s off down to the restaurant for some Polish breakfast. Looking out of the hotel window we see that it’s snowing heavily and a Polar Bear trudges passed with a sack of coal and looking for 3 brass monkeys. Yes readers its b***dy cold!

Today we decide we are going to do something a little different and so jump on a bus and head off to the Wieliczka Salt Mines not far from the city. It was unusual to say the least because we spend the day 135m underground where we are invited to lick salt off the walls! Now I may be a window licker and at times a crayon muncher but licking walls in a mine where everyone else’s grotty taste buds have scraped is a little too far even for me. The mine dates back about 700 years and has over 600 steps and 57 flights of stairs to get down to the 90m level and a good deal more to get

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to the 135m level. As you can imagine we got down at a good speed but far from the 140 paces to the minute to get back up again! You know the funniest thing of the day was seeing a manikin dummy dressed as 700 year old mine slave who just so happened to be a dead ringer for Roy Stanger – I kid you not! Anyway not much more you can say about salt mines really unless you like lots of the stuff on your chips and so it was back on the bus again and back to the hotel for a wet and light snack before going out again. Listen there is going out and going out right such as a night out with the lads but remember folks I have my wife with me and so it was decided a little bit of local ‘culture’ should be included in our break.

As a consequence we head off to a traditional Polish restaurant with a ‘Folk Show’ where we were entertained by some guy dressed as horse (reminded me of the Piano Bar), a woman on a fiddle (yes she could have been on benefits), another fella shouting every few seconds, and some young girl running around in circles! Give me the old hokey cokey any day of the week – at least I know when to put it in and take it out again (see what that Piano Bar has done to me). And so to bed once I have got this salt out of my ear-ole!

Woke on day 3 to snow once again falling very heavily.

Why is it that their buses and trains don’t come to a grinding halt when it snows? Anyway a quick breakfast and then it was on the tour bus for a 7 hour visit to the Concentration Camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau.

We knew it was going to be a bleak day but in truth nothing really prepared us for what was to come and I apologise if my words are not as they should be. First we had a 90 minute bus ride to Auschwitz & Auschwitz 11 better known as Birkenau. It was all a bit unreal as we left Krakow behind and made our way through small snow bound villages not really knowing what we were about to see. Eventually the bus stops in a large car park from which we can just about see the entrance of the camp which don’t look too bad or as threatening as you see in the films. A quick coffee follows in the main museum itself and after that we pick up our guide and the tour starts by going through the main entrance.

The inscription above the gate reads Arbeit Macht Frei (Work will set you free). Although as we all know that didn’t happen no matter how hard you worked. Before the start of the war the camp had originally been a Polish Army barracks consisting of rows of 2 story accommodation blocks built to house approximately 100 soldiers. However as a concentration camp between 700 and 1000 prisoners were housed in each of these blocks with no sanitation to speak of and straw for beds - all whilst under the daily and constant fear of death in the gas chambers. We hear from our guide all the horrific things that went on in this terrible place from the mass killing of people of all ages in the gas chambers to the unlawful and terrible medical experiments that were carried out, but what brings the horror home even more is to see the piles of shoes and an even bigger pile of human hair that was weaved and used to make cloth.

The Commandant and Governor of this camp was a Rudolf Hoss (not Hess) who was found guilty of War Crimes on the 14th April 1947 and hanged by a short drop gallows constructed between his house in the camp and the gas chambers. Kinda fitting I think!

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The Royal Green Jackets Association

We eventually leave this dark place and get on the bus again for the short journey to Auschwitz 11 (Birkenhau). This is the camp which has appeared in many films and documentaries and is the one with the railway line running through the main gate – known as the Gate of Death. It was here they were sorted and marked out as workers or for death.

The snow on the ground is absolutely freezing solid with a wind chill of -10 and I am wrapped up like the proverbial Michelin Man, but still cold. The thought that so many poor souls had to endure similar or even worse freezing temperatures with little or no clothing horrifies me. I am in a bit of shock in truth particularly when I see the remains of the rows of wooden huts still with their chimneys starkly reaching for the sky, the barbed wire still in evidence and a restored railway cattle carriage that brought the prisoners to the camp.

As the war was coming to an end and the SS received word it was no longer going their way they tried to remove all evidence of their activity by blowing up the gas chambers (which no longer exist) and disposing of the tons of human ash in the nearby river. The most poignant moment for me however was seeing the lasting monument at the bottom of the camp which lists the numbers that died in this horrible place. In all 1.1M Jews, 150K Poles, 23K Gypsies from all over Europe, 15K Soviets, and over 10K from other countries. In January 1945 Red Army soldiers liberated the camp and the 7,000 prisoners who had remained there, simply because they were too sick, or because they had nowhere else to go.

There is so much more to say about these horrible places but it would simply take up so much time.

However I would say that if you ever get the chance to visit - please do so. The terrible suffering these poor souls went through puts everything you will ever do into perspective, so when the Amazon delivery doesn’t happen when you expect it to, and the Man Flu hangs around a little longer, just think on those poor souls, and it kinda doesn’t matter anymore. As you can imagine our mood on the return journey back to Krakow was a lot sombre than on the way out and continued into the last evening of our stay.

One thing is for sure this is one experience that will be remembered by us forever.

Our last day in the country that possibly makes the mint with the hole. Dawn breaks with yet more snow and biting winds of -10 degrees. But who cares I am on holiday! We quickly pack, grab another healthy Polish breakfast – which by the way is supposedly the same a “Full English” except it isn’t as the sausages are rubbish and you get no toast! We leave our suitcases with the hotel concierge and dive off into town for another – yes Costa. For our final few hours in this lovely city we decide to go all OBLI and get a horse drawn carriage for a tour round the old part of the city. Our journey takes us about half an hour or so and is a great way to see Swift && Bold Journal 20182018 Swift Bold Journal

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the sights of the old Krakow. A few horse ‘comfort stops’ later and with the smell of fresh horse manure clinging to our clothes we jump into a taxi for the short ride to see Schindler’s Factory. This is the factory where Oskar Schindler (a German) helped to save over 1,200 Jews from certain death by buying them from their German captivity. His reason for doing so and despite becoming a wealthy man due to the war he just didn’t like or agree with what his countrymen were doing to their fellow human beings. He died poor and penniless in 1974. If you ever get the chance have a look at the film Schindler’s List starring Liam Neeson please do so.

Oskar Schindler

Although our visit to Krakow was tinged with both pleasure and sadness it was a trip I will never forget or want to, particularly for the sadder part. As I said earlier, although I am not good with words the experience nevertheless moved me more than I could ever imagine and I just had to put something down on paper to share. As a rough tough ex-soldier who fully expected and accepted if captured to be humiliated, abused, tortured and even killed still finds it hard to understand mankind’s inhumanity to the defenceless.

Fire-Up the Viano Driver I am coming home

A blast from the past !

A photograph sent to me and featuring some well known 1 RGJ faces of the Bn rugby team.

Spot our chairman !

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PSPA Golf Day at New Zealand Golf Course October 2018 PSP Association (started by Lt Col Michael Koe) holds its’ major fund raising event each year at New Zealand Golf Club near Woking in Surrey.

PSP is a most unpleasant disease, being a horrible variant on Motor-Neurone, Parkinson and Alzheimer.

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is an uncommon brain disorder that affects movement, control of walking (gait) and balance, speech, swallowing, vision, mood and behaviour, and thinking. The disease results from damage to nerve cells in the brain For more information, please look up PSP on The Internet.

In former years Hugh Dumas usually raised 5 teams consisting of 4 people per team but this year proved slightly more difficult with only 4 teams raised. The teams were: 1.

Campbell Paget (a Rifleman) from Brenchley in Kent who raised a team from his parishioners, 2.

Garry Mackay who also raised a team from his clients at St James ’ Place.

3.

Robin Roe captained a team raised by Hugh called “Elf on safe tee” which included Michael Pugh a National Service Officer in the Shropshire Light Infantry.

4.

Dumas’ team which had three Riflemen in it, General Anthony Palmer, Hugh Dumas and Simon Booth -Mason. The fourth person was Jeremy Glyn.

New Zealand Golf Course was in perfect condition with the greens being especially good and, in between the weather systems , a lovely day’s golf was had by one and all. I say “lovely” but this was only the case if one could stay out of the rough!

The day’s format was played off boggy which is relaxed and fun with the 2 best scores of the team counting on all holes except for the short par 3’s where 3 scores counted. New Zealand GS gave everyone a day to remember.

The Dumas team, after many years of trying unsuccessfully ,and with contributions from everyone, were the eventual winners with a score of 107 stableford points, beating the runners up by three points. Anthony Palmers skilful putting, Simon BoothMason’s straight driving and contributions from Hugh and Jeremy, when required, proved sufficient to carry the day. Well done Hugh in being in the winners and we hope he wears a better hat next year!!!

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In Memoriam 2018 “They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them.”

Name

Regiment or Battalion

Capt David T Peers

KRRC and RF

3 January

Cpl David Hart

4RGJ

5 January

2Lt Anthony Lacey Askew

Ox and Bucks LI

5 January

Gordon J Newbold

Ox and Bucks LI

5 January

Major George Slater BEM

KRRC

9 January

Maj Nigel Viney

R.Berks and Ox and Bucks LI

9 January

Lt Alexander Michael Grant

KRRC

9 January

Sgt Robert Merivale John “Taffy” Pugh

4 (V) RGJ 1 RGJ

12 January 16 January

Major Michael Tippett

RB, GJ, RGJ and Kenya Army Rifles

18 January

Cpl Brian Craven

KRRC and GJ

27 January

Sgt Terry Rumble

3 RGJ

31 January

Rfn Eric Youlton

RB and LRB

5 February

Capt Dean Sprouting

AGC and RGJ

7 February

Sjt Alfred Hester

Ox and Bucks LI

9 February

WO1 Robert Riglar

KRRC, GJ and 2 RGJ

15 February

Cpl Andrew Carr

Ox and Bucks LI

19 February

Pte Fred Pudwell

Ox and Bucks LI

25 February

Pte George H Whitby

Ox and Bucks LI

26 February

Lt Richard Hume-Rothery

1 GJ (43rd & 52nd) and RUR

27 February

Peter Preston

1 RGJ

Lady Diana Mostyn

Wife of Gen Sir David Mostyn KCB CBE

7 March

Sjt Neil Riddiford

1 RGJ, 4 (V) RGJ and 5(V) RGJ

9 March

Rfn Martin Wyness

2 RGJ

Date unknown

Lcpl Reginald Barleycorn

1 RGJ

16 March

Maj Gerry Coveney

KRRC and 4(V) RGJ

21 March

William Horace Rhymes

Ox and Bucks LI and R.Sig

23 March

Alexander Brigstoke DL

KRRC

23 March

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Died

Date unknown

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Pte Vernon Jones

Ox and Bucks LI and Beds and Herts Regt

1 April

Major Andrew Shelley

KRRC and RGJ

3 April

Alastair Rellie CMG

RB, London Rifle Bde Rangers and FCO

10 April

Capt Trevor Whitaker MC

RB

12 April

Cpl Henry Harris

Ox and Bucks LI

14 April

Alan Carter

KRRC, QVR, QRR and 4 (V) RGJ

27 April

Rfn Allan Viggers

3 GJ and 3 RGJ

Christopher Symes WO2 (ORQMS) James Sullivan Michael Sanger

3 RGJ and 5 (V) RGJ KRRC, 2 GJ and RGJ 3 GJ and RGJ Band

2 May 9 May 19 May

Sgt Robert Stokes

4 (V) RGJ

19 May

Pte Frank Bourlet

Ox and Bucks LI

28 May

Cpl Michael Dunne

5 Queens and 4 (V) RGJ

Pte Sam Langford

R.Berks and Ox and Bucks LI

16 June

Sgt Alan Jackson

2 RGJ

29 June

Jim Wilson

KRRC

Date unknown

Lt Rodney Whitworth Alan Hurst

3 RGJ KRRC, 2 GJ and 2 RGJ

David Doig

2GJ and 2 RGJ

Pte Albert Quainton

Ox and Bucks LI

17 July

Cpl Jack Perry

2GJ and 2 RGJ

20 July

Capt Michael Howard

RB

WO2 John McCarthy

RGJ

Date unknown

Sjt Darryl Sheil

1 RGJ (band)

14 September

Lady Cecilia Margaret Mogg

Wife of Gen Sir John Mogg GCB, CBE, DSO & Bar

20 September

Cpl Kenneth Jameson

3 RGJ

22 September

Ian Lynch

1 RGJ (band)

26 September

Cpl Harold Kinsley

GJ and 1 RGJ

4 October

Rfn William Basset

3 RGJ

10 October

Capt Richard Amis CBE

KRRC and LRBR

27 October

Alan Gibbs

KRRC and 2 GJ

3 November

Alfred (Stevo) Stephenson

Ox and Bucks LI, Para Regt, 1 GJ and 1 RGJ.

9 November

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Swift & Bold Journal 2018

2 May

1 June

4 July 8 July Date unknown

16 August

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Cpl William Smith

2 RGJ

18 November

Dougie Owens

RGJ

Date unknown

Jimmy Cullen

RGJ

Date unknown

Lady Ann Hudson

Wife of Lt Gen Sir Peter Hudson KCB CBE DL

Capt Simon Horn

RB and LRB

30 November 8 December

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am that swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

Mary Frye, 1932

All details of rank, awards, regiments or battalions served and date deceased are those that have been posted on the regimental association website “In Memoriam” board. Where a deceased date has not been advised then “Date unknown” has been used.

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