Legion Scotland Today, Summer 2015

LEGION The magazine of The Royal British Legion Scotland Issue 6 Summer 2015

www.legionscotland.org.uk

SCOTLAND TODAY Sub-zero at sea HOW HAROLD O’NEILL KEPT A COOL HEAD IN WWII RUSSIA

GIRL POWER!

EXPLORE THE CHANGING ROLES OF WOMEN IN THE MILITARY AND MEET OUR FIRST FEMALE CHAIRMAN, JAN HARVEY

First class G NNIN STUOK ON I BO LIPOL GAL WWI IN

REVEALING THIS YEAR’S SCHOOLS COMPETITION CHAMPIONS

PLUS

YOUR FUNDRAISING STORIES, EVENTS, DISABLEMENT PENSIONS SERVICE, GALLIPOLI TRIP, GLENTON HOLIDAYS

Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

Life has changed over the years

...and so have we.

Our aim to help Scotland’s people enjoy a better later life, has driven our work now for more than 70 years, and although our name may have changed during this time, our commitment to older people in Scotland remains as strong today as it has always done.

However, almost half of our work would not be possible without people remembering Age Scotland in their wills. When you visit your solicitor, and you have taken care of your loved ones, please consider leaving a gift in your will to Age Scotland.

Age Scotland continues to inspire and support everyone in Scotland to make the most of later life and build communities for all ages.  We help fund, develop and mentor local groups and projects, creating places and activities that bring people together as a community. This, in turn, helps combat loneliness and isolation, and brings joy and a renewed sense of purpose into older people’s lives and support to others who need it most.

Find out more about us at www.agescotland.org.uk Age Scotland Department LST Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR Charity No: SC010100

We create vital, free information on a range of issues such as community care and benefits, to help older people make informed choices in their lives, and we also provide opportunities for older people to challenge disadvantage and unfairness - ensuring that their ideas for a better Scotland reach the ears of those who need to hear them.

Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number: SC010100 Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR.

WELCOME

Legion Scotland New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE MA National Chairman Jan Harvey Vice Chairman Charlie Brown National Treasurer John Whitelaw Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gray MM EDITOR Christie McMonagle MANAGING EDITOR Fiona McKinlay DESIGNERS Mark Davies, Alistair McGown, Katherine Pentney SUB-EDITOR Sian Campbell, Andrew Littlefield GROUP ACCOUNT MANAGER John Innes john.innes@thinkpublishing.co.uk STORIES TO SHARE? Please contact Christie McMonagle at c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk or by calling 0131 550 1549.

Submissions received by 21 August will be considered for inclusion in the next issue, but we appreciate your stories at any time and may be able to share them through other avenues such as social media. Articles are likely to be edited and inclusion is not guaranteed. Sending high-resolution images as email attachments will increase the chances of us being able to use your story.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Published on behalf of Legion Scotland by Think Publishing Ltd Red Tree Business Suites, 33 Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow G40 4LA 0141 375 0504

Your support means so much IT HAS BEEN A BUSY COUPLE OF MONTHS FOR LEGION SCOTLAND. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO CAME OUT TO JOIN US AT THE NATIONAL GALLIPOLI COMMEMORATION AT EDINBURGH CASTLE, AND AT OUR VE DAY BEATING RETREAT IN FORFAR. Many thanks also to all our branches who responded with such enthusiasm to get involved in our awareness and fundraising call to arms throughout April and May. The Give A Little For Veterans campaign was a great start to ensuring that all veterans know how Legion Scotland can help them, and though it will take a little longer to tally up the proceeds from the fundraising part of the campaign, you can be assured that it will make a massive difference to veterans in need throughout Scotland.

There was more big news at our Annual Conference, where Jan Harvey was elected as the first ever female Chairman of our organisation. Her passion and experience will be a great asset to Legion Scotland as we continue the race to keep up with a wider world that’s ever changing. It was a great shame that outgoing Chairman Robert Allan MBE couldn’t make it due to illness. I am incredibly thankful for the hard graft he has put in over the years.

In honour of Jan’s appointment, we have a feature dedicated to women in the military on pages 20-23.

Your fundraising stories and photos feature in this issue’s Branch News section, from page 10, and our schools competition winner is revealed on page 6.

On page 27, I hope you’ll take some time to read about our disablement pensions advice and advocacy service, if not for your own benefit, to remind you of what Legion Scotland can do for veterans and why your help and support is so valuable to us in enabling services like this.

MIKE WILKINSON

ADVERTISING Alison Fraser alison.fraser@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 946 8708 Copyright © Legion Scotland 2015.

All rights reserved.

Legion Scotland is a trading name of the Royal British Legion Scotland, Scottish Charity No.SC003323

Kevin Gray MM CEO Legion Scotland

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 3

John was proud to serve his country ... now Erskine is proud to care for us both

Scottish charity No, SC006609

Erskine specialise in nursing, residential, respite and dementia care for veterans. If you, or your spouse, have served as a Regular, Reservist or were in the National Service you may be eligible for care.

For information contact Care Home Admissions Department:

0141 814 4538

www.erskine.org.uk Glasgow . Edinburgh . Erskine . Bishopton

SUMMER 2015

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Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

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LEGION The magazine of The Royal British Legion Scotland Issue 6 Summer 2015

www.legionscotland.org.uk

SCOTLAND TODAY Sub-zero at sea HOW HAROLD O’NEILL KEPT A COOL HEAD IN WWII RUSSIA

GIRL POWER!

CONTENTS 06

LEGION NEWS The latest from Legion Scotland and beyond, including news from branches, the result of our Schools Competition, and a remarkable veterans trip to Russia

18

BACK TO ANZAC COVE A group travels to Turkey in a commemorative pilgrimage, as Scotland honours the Gallipoli fallen at Edinburgh Castle

EXPLORE THE CHANGING ROLES OF WOMEN IN THE MILITARY AND MEET OUR FIRST FEMALE CHAIRMAN, JAN HARVEY

First class NING ON STUN BOOKIPOLI GALLWWI IN

REVEALING THIS YEAR’S SCHOOLS COMPETITION CHAMPIONS

LADY FRANCIS BALFOUR, VICTORY DAY LONDON, EVERETT COLLECTION INC/ALAMY

PLUS

YOUR FUNDRAISING STORIES, EVENTS, DISABLEMENT PENSIONS SERVICE, GALLIPOLI TRIP, GLENTON HOLIDAYS

Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

ON THE COVER Future Queen of the United Kingdom, Princess Elizabeth in her Girl Guides uniform, circa early 1940s. Like many Girl Guides, the Princess went on to join the Auxilliary Territorial Service. She signed up in 1945 and served as a mechanic.

facebook.com/LegionScotland twitter.com/LegionScotland

THE CHANGING ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE MILITARY How ladies have made their mark on military history, including the story of Elsie Inglis (pictured)

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VOICES OF VETERANS The unlikely tale of Harold O’Neill, who served in the Arctic Convoys.

Find out more about the Men and Ice exhibition in which his story features

27

MAKE YOUR CLAIM What is our disablement pensions advice and advocacy service, and how can it help you?

28

FORCES UPDATE The latest from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force

31

COME AND SEE US A guide to Legion Scotland’s branches and clubs in Scotland and abroad

32

LAST POST Fond notes of remembrance from branches across the country

34

A BATTLE OF GREAT LOSS Remembering those who fell at Loos www.legionscotland.org.uk 5

LEGION NEWS

Keeping you up to date with Legion Scotland’s latest

IRVINE HERALD

SCHOOLS

Annick Primary School with their certificate

WINNERS CROWNED IN SCHOOLS COMPETITION WWI families remembered in primary pupils’ entries as they delve into the past LEGION SCOTLAND’S annual competition for primary schools this year asked them to explore the impact of World War One on children and capture their findings in words and pictures.

The winning entry, titled ‘A friend of age, a guide of youth’ came from Annick Primary School in Irvine.

Pupils planted trees during a service of Remembrance in November, creating a ‘World War Wood’. They also interviewed a relative of local Victoria Cross recipient, Private Ross Tollerton.

Their entry reads: “Our class have a new found respect for what our ancestors and the people of Irvine sacrificed for us to live as we do today.

They should never be forgotten.

We hope our World War Wood will help to remember them.”

6 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

They win a VIP experience at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for ten pupils.

Craighill Primary School in Tain was announced as runner-up. Veteran Secretary Keith Brown was so impressed with the high standard of entries that he

has arranged funding for pupils from the second place school to attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as well. He said: “Every single entry demonstrated how important it is for our young people to learn about World War One, to discuss, question and understand what it means for all of us, and to carry forward these lessons into adult life.”

The top ten entries will tour the country in an exhibition that can be hosted by Legion Scotland branches and clubs. To find out more about the tour, contact Christie on 0131 550 1549.

See the winner and runner-up entries in full at www.legionscotland.org.uk/ schools/ Sponsored by

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Looking to the future President reflects on recent changes

Marching bands descended on Forfar from around the country

ANNIVERSARY

VE DAY CELEBRATED OUR BEATING RETREAT in Forfar marked the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Pipe bands, dancers and a flyover by a replica Spitfire were among the event’s attractions, which welcomed crowds from around the country and a number of veteran VIPs. 1940s-inspired dance troupe The Kennedy Cupcakes performed, and a free ceilidh in Forfar branch’s clubrooms rounded off the day.

Thanks to Roslin committee for getting in touch regarding our Flying Colours article (Spring 2015 issue), in which Freddie Wood said “We’ve never won the adult one” of the National Standard Bearing Competition. While Freddie has never been involved in such a win, the Edinburgh and Lothians area did scoop the prize previously. In 1980, Iain Cameron of the Roslin branch bagged first place. Iain was the area’s standard bearing instructor for many years.

The Kennedy Cupcakes with some young fans

A ROUSING SPEECH from Legion Scotland’s President Lt Gen Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE at the Annual Conference in May addressed organisational changes.

He said, “We need to raise our profile, attract attention and thus new members, and rebuild our finances.

Why do we need to do this? Above all it is to allow us both to continue and to increase the amount of work that we do to sustain and support our veterans’ community.”

Eight proposals were voted on, including a motion to introduce a single rate of capitation fee. This was passed, along with motions to create a Youth Section and to offer one year’s free membership to HM forces leavers.

FUNDRAISING SUCCESS! Rewards reaped from spring campaign BRANCHES, CLUBS, members and supporters of Legion Scotland did a tremendous job of raising money during our Give A Little For Veterans campaign in May. Individuals who took on sponsored challenges include Hayley McInally who raised £1,341 running a marathon and Mark White (pictured left) who took on the ArranMan challenge, raising

£3,002. CEO Kevin Gray takes on the Baxters Loch Ness marathon in September.

It’s not too late to get involved – you can sign up any time to raise money for Legion Scotland at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ charities/LegionScotland or download printable forms from our website.

See page 12 for fundraising stories from branches

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 7

IN SUPPORT OF LEGION SCOTLAND

FREE HOLIDAY INSURANCE OPTION* ON ALL OUR HOLIDAYS FREE PLACES AND BENEFITS ON GROUP BOOKINGS 5% DISCOUNT ON INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS

TELEPHONE 0844 248 6105 GLENTONHOLIDAYS.COM enquiries@glentonholidays.com We can help you get advice and information on: > Housing and Homelessness > Employability and Training > Benefits > Debt > Health Issues > Financial Grants All advice is free and confidential www.glasgowshelpingheroes.org helpline

0141 276 7199

18 July – 18 September

DIARY DATES Keep an eye on the website for further event announcements

PARTNERSHIP

Glenton’s Harriet Boyle (centre) launches the partnership in Glasgow with veterans Dave Lewis and Irene White

GET AWAY WITH GLENTON Discount available on package holidays in partnership deal LEGION SCOTLAND is delighted that Glasgow-based travel firm Glenton Holidays has chosen us as its primary charity partner for 2015-16.

Glenton specialises in coach, cruise and air package holidays for the over 50s. The firm covers destinations across the UK, Ireland and continental Europe. It has many packages suitable for groups of different sizes, and runs Good Companions trips ideal for single travellers.

Legion Scotland members and their family and friends can take advantage of various deals, such as a 5% discount on holidays and free places on bookings for larger groups. Glenton has also set up a dedicated team and phone line to make it easy for Legion Scotland members to make their holiday plans.

We hope that the partnership will raise awareness and funds for Legion Scotland.

All customers will be invited to make a £1 donation when booking online with

Glenton. The company will also take collections at its booking office, on coaches and at events. Glenton will donate 2.5% to Legion Scotland for bookings made by Legion Scotland members. Bespoke trips to battlefields and places of remembrance are also to be organised, and there are a range of offers for groups.

Harriet Boyle, managing director at Glenton, said: “The importance of quality support for our ex-Service men and women goes without saying and our staff are very proud to be able to support the great work done by Legion Scotland.”

Dedicated booking line: 0844 248 6105 Discount code for Legion Scotland members, family and friends: GLLEG15 For more information see www.legionscotland.org.uk/news/ archive/glenton-holiday-new-charitypartnership-with-legion-scotland

WEDNESDAYS 22 JULY, 26 AUGUST & 23 SEPTEMBER CRAIGIEHALL, EDINBURGH Clay pigeon shooting Enjoy a cuppa and a bacon roll, followed by two hours of shooting. Starts 10.30am.

Contact Kevin Gray at k.gray@legionscotland.org.uk or on 0131 550 1583 for more details. Must be booked one week in advance.

WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER HEAD OFFICE, EDINBURGH Best Kept War Memorial presentation The winner of our annual competition is unveiled.

ANNIVERSARIES 10 JULY 75 years since the beginning of the Battle of Britain 2 AUGUST 25 years since the start of the first Gulf War 6 & 8 AUGUST 70 years since the dropping of the first atomic bombs, on Hiroshima and Nagasaki 15 AUGUST 70 years since WWII VJ Day 2 SEPTEMBER 70 years since the end of WWII 25 SEPTEMBER 100 years since the Battle of Loos

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 9

BRANCH NEWS

IRVINE STANDARD BEARING

THE BEAR NECESSITIES This year’s National Standard Bearing competition, at the Annual Conference in May, was won by Terry MacQueen from the Inverness branch. He is presently their Vice Chairman and has been standard bearing for 15 years. This is his recordbreaking 11th win.

FROM EAST TO WEST ON 1 MAY, Irvine branch held an Ayrshire veterans’ day out and travelled over to the Comradeship clay pigeon shooting event at Craigiehall in Edinburgh.

They popped to the Leith Ex-Servicemen’s Club afterwards, before heading back west. The branch used funding from the Ex-Service Community Support Fund for this trip. Contact Stephen Baird for more information 0131 550 1560.

DUMFRIES AND MAXWELLTOWN

KICKING IT WITH CADETS THE DUMFRIES and Maxwelltown branch lent their support to a cadets’ football competition at Queen of the South’s indoor stadium in April.

They supplied a shield and trophies for the winning team. Dumfries Sea Cadets beat Army and Royal Air Force cadets to scoop the prize.

Branch President Major William Turner MC (Rtd) presented the Gallipoli Shield to the winning captain.

NEW PITSLIGO

BRANCH SAYS THANKS Tom Rooney, outgoing Chairman of New Pitsligo branch, was presented with a certificate to thank him for 18 years of dedicated service.

FYVIE

BIRTHDAY BASH Grace Wilson, Senior President of Fyvie branch, celebrated her 90th birthday in the clubrooms earlier this year, with family and friends.

Instead of presents, Grace – an enthusiastic raffle organiser – held a collection which raised more than £500 for SSAFA. 10 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Veterans and families at the Comradeship event

LIVINGSTON

Gallipoli remembered MEMBERS OF the Livingston branch were instrumental in planning a Gallipoli commemoration event in West Lothian.

Taking place on Saturday 25 April in Livingston town centre, military and

veterans’ charities and organisations set up camp in and around Asda – which sponsored the event – to pay respects and share the story of the Gallipoli campaign with local visitors.

A Drumhead Service was also held.

IN BRIEF PASSCHENDAELE AND DISTRICT

WWI reburials and remembrance

IN BRIEF

ON THURSDAY 16 April, members of the Passchendaele branch attended the reburial of six British First World War soldiers whose remains had been found in the Ypres Salient. Two were identified as coming from the Lancashire Fusiliers, two from the King’s Royal Lancaster Regiment, and two were identified only as British soldiers.

The branch also took part in the ceremonies at both Roclincourt and Vimy.

At Roclincourt, they commemorated the Battle of Arras in the Highland Cemetery, where the majority of the graves are of Scottish regiments.

ARBROATH Fort William’s J Garrick and C McDonald won a double cribbage competition held at the branch.

CARNOUSTIE

ELLON George Bowman, Vice Chairman, Ellon branch, presented trophies to the winners of its annual sports competition in April.

Honouring the bravery of PO Samson

SECOND VC STONE FOR TOWN A COMMEMORATIVE Stone to Victoria Cross recipient Petty Officer George McKenzie Samson, Royal Naval Reserve, was unveiled in April at the Carnoustie championship golf course. Attendees included PO Samson’s 97-year-old son. A full naval guard of honour by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines ensured PO Samson VC was remembered, exactly 100 years to the day, for his bravery at Gallipoli. Despite not having a break for 30 hours and sustaining 19 wounds, he worked tirelessly to protect his comrades before being hit by machine gun fire.

BIKER BOOST The Riders branch attended the MCN Motorcycle Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh, in March.

During the weekend they recruited 17 new members and sold over £2,000 of merchandise.

UIST

IT STARTED WITH A QUIZ UIST BRANCH held a hotlycontested quiz night in aid of the Give A Little For Veterans campaign.

Chairman Derek Tilney said: “For a branch of fewer than 60 paid-up members, most of whom live too

far away to risk coming out for an evening’s entertainment by car, I must say that I am very proud of them all.”

Proceeds on the evening exceeded £200 – a great result.

A LITTLE BIRDIE SAID The winners of this year’s Silver Poppy Golf Competition held in St Andrews were Eddie O’Connor, National Sports Vice Chair; Gordon James, Dumfries & Galloway Area Sports Officer; and John Morton, Kelso Branch Chairman.

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 11

BRANCH NEWS S R E S I A R D N U F

TURRIFF & DISTRICT

Before

After

HAIR-RAISING EFFORT TO RAISE money for the Give A Little For Veterans campaign, Turriff branch Chairman and Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine Area President George Cruickshank MBE decided to dye his hair Electric Blue, earning him the nickname ‘Papa Smurf’.

The hair-raising stunt certainly got the attention of Legion members and friends throughout the area, and he raised an amazing £904. Thanks go to Gemma Scott for her hairdressing

skills, and to all who sponsored him.

Branch President Ishbel Addison said: “The blue is starting to fade and is gradually going back to five shades of grey.”

Turriff branch fundraising team also started their annual events with a coffee morning.

The hard-working team managed to raise £589.

They are very grateful to all who donated goods for their sales tables and to those who supported them on the day.

DUNS

Members of the Duns branch raised £322.23 at their local Co-op supermarket.

FORFAR

Forfar branch raised £360 at their coffee morning held in the Forfar club.

FORRES

SET IN STONE A CENTURY after the death of Cpl Anderson, a sandstone tablet in his honour was unveiled at the Dallas war memorial in Moray. Forres branch were among those present to lay wreaths. A commemorative paving stone was also unveiled at the Houldsworth Institute in Dallas by Lucy Logan and Sarah Macdiarmid, his greatgreat-great-grand nieces, and his greatgreat-grand nephew Jamie McKay. Forres branch presented his great niece Bunty MacMahon with a copy of the photo and plaque held in the Forres club.

DUNOON

Dunoon branch collected £252 on the Western Ferries on Saturday 11 April.

IRVINE

VARIOUS

VE DAY COMMEMORATIONS MANY BRANCHES across the country held events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day. Glenurquhart branch had a ceremony at the town memorial (right). Dunoon branch held an evening event with a special commemorative cake. Stranraer branch attended an event at the Gaillie Craig, where a VE Day beacon was lit (above). There was a good turnout for the service despite wet and windy weather.

12 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Irvine branch sent us these lovely shots of members out on the street with fundraising buckets.

They raised £996.70 over two weekends collecting.

Looking at the excellent work carried out by our branches and members

LOCAL HERO

Send your inspirational stories to c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk

Montrose club faced an urgent financial crisis earlier this year. Secretary Sadie Gillespie tells us how members have worked hard to turn things around

BRIAN SMITH

PUTTING THE FUN IN FUNDRAISING

Teams from the branch, Montrose Emergency Services Group and Montrose Academy went head to head in the Triangular Games

I

N MARCH, Montrose club called an emergency meeting. The bills they had to pay were bigger than their bank balance, and immediate action was required.

One of their first moves was to send letters out to members, asking for a £20 donation – drastic times called for drastic measures. Beyond this, the team made a quick start in planning a range of fundraising events that have helped pull the club out of the red.

Secretary Sadie Gillespie said: “In January and February we had huge bills, but over the winter we don’t generate enough money to pay them.

I think that’s where the problem arose.”

One of the fundraising events was a ‘Triangular Games’, held at the club.

Teams from Montrose Emergency Services Group, Montrose Academy and the Legion Scotland club competed in pool, dominoes and darts. Players were sponsored, raising money for their own individual causes, while takings from a raffle went to the club.

“We made £200 that night,” Sadie said, “and we actually won the games!

My husband hadn’t played pool for years and he won the singles and the triples.” A Saturday night dance brought in another £560 for the club.

On the last Sunday of every month, members put on a lunch event – £8 for

two courses – that has been growing steadily since its March inception.

“I think the lunches are the key to bringing new people into the club, including younger people. We had a few come along last month and they said they’ll be back. Two of them became members as well.”

Over the past few months, Sadie says, “at least 30” new members have signed up. The club is very much still on a mission, though, to keep bringing in money and new members and to secure its future.

“I feel we’ve pulled ourselves up.

As long as we all work together, I think we’ll get there.”

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 13

POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS SUPPORT

Helping to get Scotland’s veterans back into work POPPYSCOTLAND RESEARCH into the employment support needs of disabled and vulnerable veterans shows good progress is being made, but more still needs to be done to tackle the problem of getting veterans into work.

The new study, entitled Revisiting the Employment Support Needs of Veterans in Scotland, is built around a survey of veterans and is a followup to the ground-breaking report commissioned by the charity in 2009.

It clearly highlights that gaps in service provision are being addressed but that unemployment amongst veterans of working age, particularly those with illnesses or injuries, remains high.

Over the past six years Poppyscotland has invested more than £2 million to fund a number of employment initiatives for disabled and vulnerable veterans, including retraining grants, a mental health employability programme and a vocational assessment course, LifeWorks.

LifeWorks offers advice, guidance and practical support to veterans seeking work

14 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Poppyscotland is running a number of initiatives to assist ex-Service personnel return to the civilian workforce LifeWorks LifeWorks is a five-day course funded

by Poppyscotland and delivered by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).

Open to Service leavers, veterans and their families, the course provides advice and guidance, as well as insight into the skills required to find a job.

LifeWorks offers: l Time to explore abilities, aptitudes and career options on a one-to-one basis with a qualified professional l Activities to help develop confidence and self-esteem l Help to identify transferrable skills and to create a winning CV l Experience in researching employment options and completing application forms

l Advice on a range of interview skills and techniques The next LifeWorks course in Scotland will take place from 14-18 September in Stirling, with more frequent courses running in Aylesford in England.

Employ-Able For veterans with mental health problems, finding suitable work can be a challenge. A job can be extremely therapeutic and ease the adverse health effects of unemployment and isolation.

That’s why Poppyscotland is working with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to offer Employ-Able, which provides one-to-one support, training, workshops and practical advice to help veterans regain confidence and overcome anxieties, helping them back into the workplace.

Employment support grants Finding work after leaving the Armed Forces can be difficult but gaining the right qualifications can make it a little easier.

Low-skilled, low-paid or unemployed veterans can benefit from a Poppyscotland Employment Support Grant to help retrain or learn a specific skill for a new job.

A grant of up to £2,000 is available to undertake a course of vocational training that has a strong likelihood of leading to sustainable employment.

For further information on any of Poppyscotland’s employment services please contact Dot Pringle on 0131 550 1568 or d.pringle@ poppyscotland.org.uk

Poppyscotland Chief Executive Ian McGregor presents Legion Scotland CEO Kevin Gray with a certificate

FUNDRAISING

LEGION SCOTLAND RAISES OVER £925,000 FOR POPPY APPEAL POPPYSCOTLAND WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank members and branches of Legion Scotland for their tremendous hard work and support in organising collections for the 2014 Scottish Poppy Appeal. Your magnificent efforts have helped achieve a fantastic total of £925,387.

Poppyscotland is extremely grateful for your support which is crucial in allowing it to make a difference to the lives of Scotland’s Armed Forces community. Totals raised are detailed below.

Aberdeen £75,743 Aboyne £2,812 Alford £2,054 Alyth £632 Annan £5,950 Anstruther £1,494 Arbroath £13,281 Assynt £358 Aviemore £4,125 Badenoch (Kingussie) £1,373 Badenoch (Newtonmore) £1,280 Ballater £2,151 Banchory & District £12,100 Bathgate £9,244 Beauly £2,064 Biggar £4,676 Black Isle £4,880 Blairgowrie, Rattray & District £3,903 Bo’ness £2,604 Braco & Greenloaning £541 Brechin £2,824 Bridge of Weir £2,111 Buckie £6,503 Bucksburn £3,982 Callander £3,746

Campbeltown £2,785 Canisbay £631 Carmunnock £1,458 Carnoustie £6,150 Castle Douglas £5,744 Clackmannanshire & District £12,982 Cockenzie & Port Seton £1,713 Coldstream £2,188 Crail Women’s Section £1,450 Crieff £4,659 Crossgates £696 Cumbernauld £18,681 Cupar £6,078 Dalbeatie £3,230 Dalkeith £8,439 Dingwall £7,592 Dufftown £1,066 Dumfries £21,932 Dunbar £3,325 Dunblane £13,102 Dunfermline £49,486 Dunkeld & Birnam £4,400 Duns £3,588 Earlston Women’s Section £2,078 Easdale £1,876

East Kilbride £19,036 Ellon £10,669 Eyemouth £4,115 Forres £7,000 Fort William £7,554 Fraserburgh £6,125 Fyvie £1,409 Galashiels Women’s Section £7,614 Garnock Valley £2,239 Gatehouse of Fleet £1,595 Girvan £2,409 Glenrothes £12,988 Glenrothes Women’s Section £1,966 Glenurquhart £1,731 Golspie £1,695 Grangemouth £26,119 Hamilton £50,803 Hawick £7,612 Inveraray £779 Invergordon £1,487 Inverness £48,921 Inverurie £7,644 Irvine £12,031 Jedburgh £2,106 Keith & District £6,218 Kelso £5,689

Kennoway £550 Killin £654 Kilmarnock £21,097 Kilwinning £9,308 Kincardine O’Neil £855 Kirkconnel £641 Kirkcudbright £1,842 Kirkwall £10,429 Langholm £2,007 Latheron £704 Lerwick £4,507 Leven £4,696 Lewis £7,534 Liddesdale £1,205 Livingston £21,431 Loch Broom £1,666 Lochalsh £1,111 Lockerbie £4,669 Longside £2,100 Lossiemouth £2,350 Lumphanon £682 MacDuff £4,766 Mauchline & Catrine £611 Maybole £1,346 Methilhill Women’s Section £1,346 Methlick £509 Millport £1,061

Moffat £4,615 Montrose £8,337 Muirkirk £470 Nairn £9,775 New Deer £2,340 New Pitsligo £458 Newbattle & Gorebridge £2,560 Newburgh £1,052 Newton Stewart £3,476 North Berwick £4,924 North Skye £5,160 Oban £7,495 Oldmeldrum £2,897 Paisley Comrades £7,223 Peebles £6,935 Penicuik £6,726 Peterhead & District £9,671 Pitlochry & BlairAtholl £5,036 Portobello £12,900 Prestonpans £4,320 Roslin £1,542 Rothesay, Isle of Bute £3,660 Saltcoats Ardrossan & Stevenson £12,708 Sanday £904 Sanquhar £1,672 Scalloway £2,200 Selkirk £3,627 Stonehaven Women’s Section £8,517 Strachur & District £278 Stranraer £8,752 Strathpeffer £2,761 Strathspey £2,520 Strichen £730 Stromness £2,629 Tain £3,559 Tarves £560 Tayport £1,210 Thornhill & District £3,354 Thurso £8,138 Tomintoul & Glenlivet £477 Troon £7,470 Turriff & District £8,931 Uist £1,539 Upper Donside £456 Wick £7,772 If your branch organised a collection but is not listed here please contact Poppyscotland on 0131 550 1553

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 15

www.veterans-assist.org

Pre-paid Funeral Plans So you leave them with happy memories, not money worries

Wherever and whenever you served, you can get information, advice and guidance from our website. Whether you’re a veteran or are helping a veteran, Veterans Assist can provide you with information on Housing, Employment, Health, Support and Comradeship activities happening in your area:

(1939-1945 Star)

(Korea 1950-1953) (GSM 1962-Present) (South Atlantic1982) (Iraq 2003)

Providing a single point of contact for veterans whenever and whatever they need.

www.veterans-assist.org

Veterans Scotland New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4HR, Tel: 0131 550 1569. Veterans Scotland is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland, SC239808. Registered as a Charity in Scotland, Scottish Charity Number SC033880

It’s only natural that we want to look after our loved ones.

A Funeral Plan can help, protecting you and your family from rising funeral costs. Unlike some Funeral Plan providers our Plans are fully guaranteed, which means no matter how much funeral costs increase there will be no more to pay when the time comes*.

For a personalised Plan that’s kept safe until you need it visit your local Co-op Funeralcare or call 0800 612 7444 or find us online at www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk Proud sponsor of Legion Scotland Conference 2015 *T&Cs apply. For full details see http://www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/.

The Co-operative Funeralcare is a trading name of Funeral Services Limited. Funeral Services Limited, registered in England and Wales with number 30808R at registered office 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG. VAT registered 403 3146 04. Part of Co-operative Group Limited.

VETERANS NEWS

HEROES’ WELCOME FOR SCOTTISH VETERANS IN RUSSIA Group made commemorative trip to St Petersburg in May LEGION SCOTLAND chairman Jan Harvey and five Scottish veterans of the Arctic Convoys travelled to Russia in May to take part in 70th anniversary Victory Day commemorations.

The group attended a victory parade on Palace Square in St Petersburg and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony

at Piskaryovsky Memorial Cemetery, which commemorates lives lost in the Siege of Leningrad, most of whom were buried in mass graves.

“A group of Convoy veterans from Russia visited Scotland in December,” Jan explains, “and they asked if we would be interested in taking a delegation of British war veterans to St Petersburg. The veterans were treated so well, as a great big thank you to them for what they did during the war.

VICTORY DAY LONDON

CONVOYS

“At the parade they were given flowers… they were sitting in their wheelchairs up to the neck with carnations and roses on them!

Ordinary people in the street knew who they were and went out of their way to come and say thank you.”

Harold O’Neill was among the Scottish veterans on the trip.

Turn to page 24 to read more about his Arctic Convoy experience.

GRANTS

Funding boost for veterans projects VETERANS AND ex-service charities across Scotland are ready to receive a financial boost when money from the Scottish Veterans Fund is given out. Veterans Secretary Keith Brown has announced £120,000 of grant funding to be shared between 16 projects, including two run by Legion Scotland.

The news was revealed during a visit to the Lady

Haig Poppy Factory, which has been awarded £2,200.

Mr Brown said: “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that no member of the Armed Forces, service family member or veteran in Scotland faces disadvantage when accessing services and support.

“The majority of our 2,000 veterans leaving the Armed Forces and settling in

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Scottish Government funding plans revealed

Scotland each year integrate seamlessly. However, a small number experience difficulties in accessing some services and require additional support tailored to their needs. This money will provide even more resources

to local and national organisations working to support our veterans.”

Legion Scotland will receive £10,000 for a respite support project and a further £10,000 for comradeship activities – details to follow.

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 17

A composite picture of Gallipoli then and now

SEAN GALLUP/GETTY

TURKISH PLIGHT

Gallipoli troops honoured in commemorative trip

BACK TO ANZAC COVE A CENTURY after one of the bloodiest campaigns of the First World War, three generations have united on a pilgrimage to commemorate the Battle of Gallipoli.

In an emotional trip to Turkey during May, veterans of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) joined soldiers from its successor battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS), along with staff and pupils from Queen Victoria School (QVS), Dunblane.

The children among the 35-strong group were the sons and daughters of Service men and women.

The party spent five days seeing for themselves the

battlefields on the Turkish peninsula where soldiers of the KOSB had died, as well as visiting the graves and memorials of the fallen.

The eight-month assault on Gallipoli, fought in blistering temperatures and disease-ridden conditions, pitted the Allied Forces against the Ottoman, or Turkish, empire. The allies – British, French, Indian, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand forces – withdrew in January 1916 after failing to overcome Turkish soldiers desperate to defend their homeland. The KOSB had lost 1,727 men, with thousands more badly wounded or sick.

WIN A STUNNING HISTORY BOOK

If you would like to read more about the Gallipoli campaign, you’ll love this.

Released in honour of the centenary of the conflict, the impressive hardback book (RRP £30) gives a great and easy-to-read account of what happened, with pictures, maps, profiles of key figures and removable replica documents.

Three authors, from the UK, Australia and Turkey, describe their respective country’s roles and the impact of the campaign.

For your chance to win, send your name, address and telephone number to Gallipoli book competition, Legion Scotland, New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ, or email c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk with Gallipoli book competition in the subject line.

See www.legionscotland.org.uk/news-events for terms and conditions.

SCOTLAND COMES TOGETHER TO COMMEMORATE GALLIPOLI CENTENARY

The group visit a memorial on their trip

Andy Middlemiss in a Gallipoli trench

Lt Col (Retd) Andy Middlemiss, a former career officer in the KOSB, helped organise the trip. He said: “My grandfather, George, was a RAMC doctor on one of the many Gallipoli Hospital ships, HS Essequibo, ferrying the wounded off the beaches, so he must have seen some terrible sights.

Thankfully he came through it, otherwise I wouldn’t be here!”

Brigadier Allan Alstead, a former commanding officer, described the pilgrimage to Gallipoli. “It is important to remember that these men of the KOSB, and thousands of others on both sides, showed incredibly bravery in terrible conditions,” he said. “The conclusion of our trip was a small ceremony at the main war grave cemetery, with four pipers, prayers and readings. It was really emotional to be there, to remember, and to see what was lost in human sacrifice. This was a trip of a lifetime for all of us.”

Carol Dunn, Matron at QVS Dunblane, and herself a mother of a serving soldier in 2 SCOTS, said: “It was incredibly emotional for all of us to see where these very young men fell. I really saw this from a mum’s perspective. We mustn’t forget that it would have been horrendous for those on the homefront too.

The worst bit was probably the not knowing, and the length of time it could take to get news.”

Captain Russell Macleod, of 1 SCOTS, added: “For today’s Jocks to walk precisely in the footsteps, on the ground and rocky peninsula, of the 1915 Jocks was incredibly special. We must learn from what happened ... and, most importantly, talk about it in the future.”

Legion Scotland helped fund the trip through its WWI Commemorations Fund. To find out more about Legion Scotland grants please contact head office on 0131 550 1583.

It was incredibly emotional for all of us to see where these very young men fell

Hundreds of people congregated in Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade on Saturday 25 April to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War’s Gallipoli campaign with us.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael attended a special service held within the Scottish National War Memorial, which was broadcast live to the Castle’s Esplanade.

Wreaths were laid by Sturgeon, Carmichael and key representatives from countries affected by the campaign.

Members of the public and veterans paid their respects by laying their own wreaths on the Esplanade at the replica Stone of Remembrance.

Kevin Gray MM, our CEO, said: “Legion Scotland thanks all those who joined us for the commemoration.

No matter where we come from it is important to come together and spend a little time to show our gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by so many during this campaign and the many others that took place during WWI.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We must never forget those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice in the Gallipoli Campaign.

“This Service of Remembrance reminded us of the terrible impact the campaign had on all the nations involved.

It is made more poignant by the fact that the nations on both sides now stand together to commemorate the fallen.”

Bad weather didn’t deter attendees on the esplanade

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 19

WOMEN IN ACTION

THE CHANGING ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE MILITARY

CPOA(PHOT) THOMAS TAM MCDONALD

Angela is responsible for education and training on board

I

Lieutenant Angela Armour joined the Royal Navy eight-and-a-half years ago, and has worked in a range of training and support roles. She is currently an Education and Training Officer on HMS Queen Elizabeth in Rosyth

N JULY 2014 there were 15,780 women in the UK’s Armed Forces. In the near future it is expected that women will be allowed to take on combat roles for the first time. We look at the involvement of women in military operations over the years, talk to Angela Armour, currently serving in the Royal Navy, and introduce Legion Scotland’s first female Chair, Jan Harvey.

SHIP SHAPE What does your current role entail?

It is first and foremost meeting the educational needs of the ship’s company. It could be making sure they are educationally qualified for promotion, or any elective learning that they want to do. Offering guidance on funding routes, what’s available in service, out of service, and suchlike.

Are many of your colleagues female, and do you ever feel you’re treated di≠erently for being a woman?

I would hazard a guess that on HMS Elizabeth we’re maybe about

PRE-WWI

10-15% [women]. I guess on paper females do form the minority but it’s never been an issue in any of the jobs I’ve done. People view you for who you are and the job that you do.

WAY, WAY BACK

In 1696, women were employed in the Royal Navy for the first time, as nurses and laundresses on hospital ships. This was controversial, though, and was phased out by the beginning of the 19th century. In 1884, the Naval Nursing Service (which later became the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service) was formed and, in 1902, the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps came into being.

Did you have any family connection to the military?

My father was in the Royal Navy as a Radar Technician and served for about 10 years, way back. He passed away 10 years ago, so he wasn’t here to see me join. I’m sure he will, wherever he is, be delighted. My sister’s in the Royal Navy as well.

She’s a Naval Nurse.

What tips would you give someone considering a Royal Navy role like yours?

If you’re looking for that challenge, that variation, go for it. There’s so much to learn in the Royal Navy.

Whether you are on day one of a new job, or the last day of your last job, you’re constantly learning.

20 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

MARY EVANS, PJRSTUDIO/ALAMY

What inspired you to get involved in the military?

I think it was very much the Royal Navy Reserves. I did that for a couple of years when I was at university and really enjoyed it – the people, the variation and the challenge.

SCOTTISH WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

Elsie Inglis established the Scottish Women’s Hospital, which sent teams to France, Serbia and Russia during the First World War to provide relief to the Allied war effort. Her plan had been to set up the hospital service in Edinburgh, but after her idea was dismissed by the British Government she approached the French.

WARRIOR WOMAN

Flora Sandes was the only British woman to officially serve as a soldier in WWI. She joined the Serbian army, having originally found herself in Serbia with a St John Ambulance unit to help with the humanitarian crisis there. She was seriously wounded by a grenade in 1916. She received the highest decoration of the Serbian military, the Order of the Karadorde’s Star, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major.

Elsie Inglis

1914

1915

1916

1917

SOLDIER SMUGGLER

British nurse Edith Cavell was renowned for her devoted care of soldiers regardless of side and nationality. She helped more than 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium by smuggling them out of hospital. She was arrested by German officials and executed by firing squad in October 1915. Cavell is to be commemorated on a £5 coin this year.

1914

Elsie Knocker and Mairi Chisholm rode to Belgium on motorbikes and set up a front-line first aid post

1915

Women’s Land Army formed to take on mostly farm work while men went to war

WRENS GET OFF THE GROUND

The Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) was first formed in 1917, though it was disbanded at the end of WWI and restarted in 1939 on the commencement of WWII. The group was eventually integrated into the Royal Navy in 1993. Common roles included cooks, clerks, wireless telegraphists, radar plotters, weapons analysts, electricians and air mechanics.

1939

Women’s Voluntary Service for Civil Defence helped evacuate 1.5m people from British cities

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 21

WOMEN IN ACTION GUNS OUT

Conscription was extended to women for the first time in British history, with women being drafted into a range of roles both overseas and at home under the National Service Act. Many joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), which was formed in 1938. Searchlight operator was a common role for those in active service and, though many received full military training, women were not allowed to fire guns.

1941

COMMANDO KATE

Scottish soldier Philippa ‘Pip’ Tattersall became the first woman to earn the Royal Marines green beret. She completed the eight-week course, considered to be one of the world’s toughest, on her third attempt.

1989

ON A ROLE

Women’s Timber Corps formed

2006

CELEBRATED WITH A BANG

Women were first welcomed to become pilots for Royal Air Force combat aircraft.

The following year, they were permitted to serve on Royal Navy warships and in 1991 were deployed in combat operations for the first time since 1945, in the Gulf War.

1942

2002 Bombardier Allison Jones became the first woman appointed to fire the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle. From North Lanarkshire, she had been a member of the Territorial Army for 12 years.

1943

Black and Asian women were allowed to join the British Armed services for the first time

22 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

1949

Women were officially recognised as a permanent part of the British Armed Forces, although full combat roles were still restricted to men

At the Annual Conference in May, Jan Harvey was named the first ever female chairman of Legion Scotland. We asked her how it all started and how she hopes to make an impact

Jan with Vice Chair Charlie Brown (right) and Treasurer John Whitelaw (left)

LEADING LADY 2015 Legion Scotland appoints a female chair for the first time in its 94-year history.

Jan Harvey previously served as Vice Chair, having been involved in the Legion with the Grangemouth branch and Glasgow and Western area for many years. She was born during the Second World War, the daughter of a serving Argyll and Sutherland Highlander.

2008

Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman became the first female to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, for her actions in Iraq

CORBIS, THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES/GETTY, CPL RUPERT FRERE/CROWN COPYRIGHT, WAR ARCHIVE/ALAMY, IWM (K5926), PO(PHOT) PAUL PUNTER/CROWN COPYRIGHT, REX SHUTTERSTOCK, GORDON JACK

Can you tell me about how you got involved in Legion Scotland?

My father had been president of the branch and club in Grangemouth. A short time after he died someone asked me if I would consider standing for chairmanship, so I really jumped in at the deep end and did just that.

You have a military background of your own too, don’t you?

Yes, I was in the Women’s Royal Army Corps and served in England and Cyprus. That’s where I met my husband, who was in the RAF. I ended up working for the RAF, too.

How does it feel to be the first female chairman?

OK, so you want me to get on my soap box! Women have already proved themselves to be equal to men in most places, and Legion Scotland is no different.

That’s not to say that there isn’t still work to do.

I hope I can do a good job, and that afterwards members will say “she was a good chairman” without adding “…for a woman”!

Do you have specific aspirations for your time as chairman?

My personal ambitions are that by the time I hand over the reins to my successor, our outdated structure will have been replaced by one that suits the 21st century, and that we will have introduced a successful communication strategy so we can all work together in harmony.

I hope Legion Scotland can be recognised as the major ex-Service charity that provides the best support and practical help to all ex-Service personnel and their families living in Scotland, and that we’ll be recognised by governmental and non-governmental organisations as a strong voice on all matters concerning the needs of veterans in Scotland.

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 23

93-year-old Harold O’Neill sailed on the Arctic Convoys, and is one of 16 veterans whose story is being shared in an exhibition in Edinburgh this summer

PLAY IT COOL WORDS BY SANDRA MARWICK PHOTOGRAPH BY COLIN DICKSON

W

hen Harold O’Neill told Royal Navy officers “I’ll go anywhere it’s cold”, perhaps he did not have the Arctic in mind. Born on 13 February 1922 in Anfield Plain, Co Durham, Harold left his local grammar school at 15 years old and soon travelled to London to begin an eventful career. Seeing a notice in a grocery shop – ‘strong man wanted’ – he started work immediately carrying 12 ton sacks of goods before progressing to canvassing for custom on the outbreak of war.

From London he went to York to make pastilles for Rowntree’s, followed by a period in a hotel kitchen before setting up canteens in the south of England for the NAAFI. Further employment as a wine waiter in Tewkesbury and as a bus conductor in Leamington Spa preceded his receipt of call-up papers for the Royal Navy on 13 August 1941.

Harold underwent six weeks of training at HMS Raleigh at Torpoint, Cornwall, before being sent to HMS Drake, a training establishment at Devonport.

The prospect of higher pay lured him to the Royal Naval Patrol Service (RNPS) based at Lowestoft in a former concert hall where he was armed with a rifle and 40 rounds of ammunition. The RNPS operated

24 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Harold earned a few medals for his efforts

small auxiliary vessels such as naval trawlers engaged on anti-submarine and mine-sweeping operations around Britain and with convoys.

When issued with tropical clothing for future duties Harold protested, as he had a medical condition exacerbated by heat, so he found himself sent to Falmouth and then to Greenock to work as a steward.

When the crew heard that Russia was the destination, some deserted. Serving on board HMS Sumba Harold looked after the officers – “I had no training as a steward, I just made up the rules.” The Sumba, a whaler of the South Georgia Co Ltd (Christian Salvesen & Co, Leith) had been taken over by the Admiralty in March 1940 and at this point formed part of the escort for Convoy PQ13, along with HMS Silja and HMS Sulla and other vessels.

During the night of 24/25 March 1941, a north easterly gale scattered the vessels over a distance of 150 nautical miles and caused severe icing, making the whalers top heavy and in danger of capsizing.

The Sumba, hampered by the effect of the magnetic North Pole on naval instruments, did not have enough fuel to reach Russia, so strictly against orders broke radio silence with the result that HMS Fury came to assist.

In a “marvellous bit of seamanship” the Fury refuelled the Sumba which subsequently caught up with other ships. “Then the Germans came – I was lashed to the funnel chopping ice.” As soon as Harold had finished clearing his seven-foot stretch he had to start again as everything had iced up. Enemy machine gun fire erupted around

Y

him but, “I took no flipping notice and carried on”.

He thinks he was the last one to sight HMS Sulla which just disappeared after last being seen on the evening of 24 March. The ship’s empty deck had been covered with ice.

Further north the convoy struck ice and a Russian ship had to clear a path through. By this time food stocks had frozen, causing severe hunger, but eventually the Sumba arrived in the Kola Inlet and tied up alongside the Russian ship. Harold toured the ship and to his surprise saw a crew of men and women. He quotes Russian Admiral Golovko as saying it was “a bloody miracle how you got this ship here”, and says the admiral played and won a game of Chinese Chequers with him. Very unusually, Harold received a Russian identity card which he still proudly displays, though he never saw the rescue ship’s crew again. (HMS Sumba transferred to the Soviet Union in February 1942, being renamed T-106 and returned in 1947.) Convoy PQ13 lost five ships along with one minesweeping whaler.

A month later, Harold O’Neill found himself at Scapa, having sailed on HMS Liverpool accompanying Convoy QP10 and, although attacked by aircraft for three days, he remembers nothing of the y Fur S On board HM return journey or of other voyages to Russia. He does, however, recall a serious injury sustained when he stuck to ice which removed his skin.

He narrowly escaped losing an arm due to the resultant infection.

Harold now lives in Haddington, and is a member of Legion Scotland’s Edinburgh HQ branch. © WAR ARCH IVE/A LAM

I had no training as a steward, I just made up the rules

SHARE YOUR STORY

Voices of Veterans is a Legion Scotland campaign paying tribute to brave veterans of all ages by sharing their stories. If you have a story to share, whether you left service yesterday or 50 years ago, or know someone with a story and would like to nominate them, let us know. Please contact Christie McMonagle on 0131 550 1549 or at c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk

Learn more about Harold’s and other convoy veterans’ experiences at the exhibition, Arctic Convoys: Men and Ice, taking place in Edinburgh throughout the summer. Please turn to page 26 for details

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 25

ARCTIC EXHIBITION

A CHILLING EXPERIENCE Interested in more stories from the Arctic Convoys? This exhibition will be well worth a trip

T

he courage of British men who served in the Arctic Convoys of World War II is commemorated in an exhibition at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Central to the exhibition at St Mary’s Cathedral will be a series of tapestries by Katie Russell, a weaver from Castle Douglas, commemorating the efforts of those who delivered crucial supplies by sea to Russia. The men’s endeavours helped Soviet forces defeat the Germans on the Eastern Front.

The exhibition, Arctic Convoys: Men and Ice, will also feature interviews with 16 veterans from Edinburgh and the Lothians and wartime images of the convoys.

Embroidered banners depicting the backgrounds of many convoy Service men, will hang above the exhibition along the length of the cathedral nave.

Legion Scotland will receive a donation from the funds raised during the exhibition and will have two panels there talking about our work.

FANCY A TRIP? POP IN AND SEE US

Funding is available for comradeship activities like this through our Ex-Service Community Support Fund. See www.legionscotland.org.uk/ how-can-we-help/grants/ for more information or call Stephen Baird on 0131 550 1560 26 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES/CROWN COPYRIGHT, PLANET NEWS ARCHIVE/GETTY

Legion Scotland invites branches to consider running a joint visit to the Men and Ice exhibition and Legion Scotland Head Office.

CEO Kevin Gray would love to talk to groups from branches, to update members on the work of Legion Scotland, and to invite questions and feedback. This is open to all members – not just branch office bearers – and lunch can be provided.

If you are interested in a Head Office visit, please get in touch with Helen Henderson to book a date in advance. She can be reached on h.henderson@ legionscotland.org.uk or 0131 550 1562.

Kevin Gray hopes he will be able to meet with as many groups as possible, schedules permitting.

Branches should make their own transport arrangements after confirming a date.

Arctic Convoys: Men and Ice, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, Fringe venue no. 91, 27 Jul–31 Aug. Mon-Sat 9am–1pm, 2-5pm. Sun noon–3pm. Closed a◊ernoon of Wed 19 Aug. For further information call 0131 225 8986 or visit www.cathedral.net

DISABLEMENT PENSIONS

What is our disablement pensions advice and advocacy service, and how can it help you?

MAKE YOUR CLAIM

A

DC THOMSON

CCORDING TO a survey carried out by Poppyscotland last year, one in seven of Scotland’s veterans report having suffered a long-term illness that they attribute to their military service. Legion Scotland’s free disablement pensions advice and advocacy service is here to make sure that veterans get the help they are due.

It can help veterans and serving military personnel who may have been disabled as a result of their service, to make a claim for a disablement pension from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), or to pursue a higher claim if their condition has worsened. The service can offer everything from information and help with completing claim forms to expert representation at tribunals. It has been a core part of Legion Scotland’s work since the charity’s beginning in 1921.

Head of Advocacy Neil Robinson explains: “We get around 2,000 enquiries a year and represent veterans at around 250 tribunals. Last year we won around 40% of cases which perhaps indicates that the MOD doesn’t always get it right first time, every time. We will fight a case for a veteran even if we think that they only have a small chance of winning. Sometimes going through the process brings closure for people.”

It can be a long ride, with Neil having worked on cases that have lasted as long as seven years. Matters can be complicated, and there are different rules

KEY FACTS ABOUT CLAIMING A DISABLEMENT PENSION • Your length of service is irrelevant • The only qualification is that the claimant must have suffered a disability or condition which is shown to be attributable to, or aggravated by, his or her service • You do not need to have your medical records: these will be made available by the relevant service • Physical injuries may include those incurred during sporting activities as long as these were official games • Mental and psychological disabilities may also be claimable • Time restrictions apply depending on the disablement scheme you are applying for. Please contact us for more information before applying • You don’t need to be a member to get our help

depending on when injuries happened.

But he passionately believes that it’s worth fighting for, and his knowledge and experience are invaluable.

The cases they receive, Neil says, are “probably 40% psychological, 60% physical”. It’s important that people coming forward with a claim have a diagnosis for their condition. “The job of the tribunal is not to diagnose but to decide whether Veterans UK has made the right decision based on the evidence available.”

Even with a diagnosis, some conditions can Derek O’Rourke be tricky to make a claim on.

Neil Robinson

It’s important that people coming forward with a claim have a diagnosis for their condition Derek O’Rourke is a Royal Navy veteran who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and is nearly blind from a degenerative eye condition called Angioid Streaks. The keen painter (pictured below) found out he could apply for a disablement war pension, and after being offered the standard minimum, was able to get double the amount with the help of Neil and the team.

Derek said, “With the extra pension money that Legion Scotland has helped me to get, I can now buy the supplies I need for my painting, and keep a little warmer whilst I do it. It makes a big difference to have more money coming in every week.”

As well as working on individual cases, Neil is part of many steering groups to influence legislation that affects veterans.

He backed the recent changes to the War Widow’s (or Widower’s) Pension that allows war widow(er)s to keep their pension even if they remarry. One issue he hopes will be addressed soon is for social care payments not to be taken out of veterans’ disablement pensions.

This currently varies between different local authorities.

Legion Scotland’s disablement pensions advice and advocacy service can be reached on 0131 550 1566 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 27

FORCES UPDATE Latest news from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force

ROYAL NAVY

ROYAL NAVY

SHETLAND VISIT FOR WARSHIP MINE COUNTERMEASURES Vessel HMS Middleton became the first Royal Navy warship to visit the Shetland islands for nearly a decade in May. Groups of cadets, Army Reserves and school pupils were among almost 500 visitors able to tour HMS Middleton during its five-day stay at Lerwick.

HMS Middleton’s sailors also participated in a 100th anniversary celebration for the Voe Bakery, which was founded in 1915 to help provide bread to the 10th Cruiser Squadron based on the islands during World War One.

CHIEF PETTY Officer Thomas ‘Tam’ McDonald has scooped the main prize at this year’s Peregrine Trophy awards for photographers in the Royal Navy. The highly experienced snapper from Balloch is based at HM Naval Base Clyde and won over the judging panel with his portfolio of six shots, including this emotive image of a tearful reunion. The award ceremony was held on board HMS Ocean in London.

ARMY

FAREWELL TO FALLINGBOSTEL SOLDIERS FROM the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are packing their bags – the regiment is relocating from Bad Fallingbostel in Germany to Leuchars in Fife.

The British Army is bidding farewell to its Fallingbostel barracks after 70 years, with regiments moving to bases in Scotland and England. A parade through the town marked the soldiers’ departure, and each participating unit was presented with the Federal Fahrenband, a ribbon of honour in recognition of their service in and to Germany.

British troops liberated Prisoner of War Camp Stalag XIB, and freed the town during the Second World War. 28 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Troops march through the German town

CPOA(PHOT) THOMAS MCDONALD/CROWN COPYRIGHT, LA(PHOT) GARY WEATHERSTON/CROWN COPYRIGHT, MOD/CROWN COPYRIGHT

Top photography prize for CPO Tam

ock

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FORCES UPDATE ARMY

Light Cavalry practice on Arran

SNIY soldiers train on scenic Arran

SNIY – an Army Reserve combat unit mounted in lightly armoured Land Rover vehicles fitted with heavy weapons – is in the process of converting to the ‘Light

ROYAL AIR FORCE

Cavalry’ role. Over the past 12 months, SNIY soldiers have been involved in a variety of overseas operations and exercises, including deployments to Afghanistan,

ROYAL AIR FORCE

KINLOSS RETURN FOR RETIRED SEA KING A RETIRED RAF Sea King helicopter is to be exhibited in Kinloss, where it was based for four decades.

Local community group Morayvia secured the former search and rescue craft after running two online petitions to the Ministry of Defence.

The vehicle first began operations in the 1970s. This particular helicopter was withdrawn in April 2015, when civilian search and rescue services were placed under control of the Coastguard based at Inverness.

It is hoped that this Sea King will go on display later in the year at the Morayvia Centre, alongside a Nimrod reconnaissance aeroplane the group saved from scrap in 2010.

30 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

The training exercise prepares personnel for deployment anywhere in the world

EXERCISE AGILE EAGLE PERSONNEL FROM RAF Lossiemouth have visited the Operational Training Centre at the RAF Leeming base for a exercise designed to train them for deployment anywhere in the world.

The No 140 Expeditionary Air Wing took part in Exercise Agile Eagle in May. Wing Commander Mark Doney, Officer Commanding

the Operational Training Centre and Exercise Director, said: “We take an Expeditionary Air Wing, immerse them in a scenario and then test them with a range of injects, from minor equipment failure to international diplomatic incidents.

The Expeditionary Air Wing is encouraged to explore and exploit the opportunities to work collectively.”

CPL JAMIE PETERS RLC/CROWN COPYRIGHT, SAC ROBYN STEWART/CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014, SAC FAYE STORER/CROWN COPYRIGHT

A SQUADRON of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) undertook a training exercise called Island Wolf on the Isle of Arran in May.

Cyprus, Germany and the USA. The SNIY Executive Officer, Major Chris Majcher, said: “This is the first time that SNIY soldiers have exercised on Arran and it promises to be a rewarding training package. The involvement of HMS Gannet adds an extra dimension and I know those participating in the exercise will benefit from their time on the island.

“We are in the process of converting to the Light Cavalry role, so this weekend will enable us to operate in a relatively remote environment and test the ability of our soldiers to operate at reach from our home base, a key tenet of the Light Cavalry concept.”

While on Arran, SNIY also took time to promote and encourage recruitment at Whiting Bay Village Hall.

COME AND SEE US FIND YOUR NEAREST LEGION SCOTLAND BRANCH

LEGION SCOTLAND has nearly 170 branches across Scotland, from Kirkwall to Dumfries, and the Isle of Bute to Edinburgh.

Every branch is run by volunteers and every one is different. What they all have in common is their desire to work towards improving the circumstances of ex-service people across Scotland. When you join your local branch of Legion Scotland

ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE 01224 707 768

Aberdeen Aboyne Alford Ballater & District Banchory Buckie & District Bucksburn Dufftown Ellon Fraserburgh Fyvie Inverurie Keith & District Kincardine O’Neil Longside Lumphanan Methlick New Deer New Pitsligo Oldmachar Oldmeldrum Peterhead Stonehaven Strichen Tarves & District Turriff & District Upper Donside ANGUS & PERTHSHIRE 07530 380 545

Alyth Arbroath Blairgowrie, Rattray & District Braco & Greenloaning Brechin Callander & District Carnoustie

City Of Dundee Crieff Dunblane Dunkeld & Birnam Forfar Montrose Perth Pitlochry & Blair Atholl AYRSHIRE 01294 552 013

Ayr Cumnock & District Garnock Valley Irvine Isle of Bute Kilmarnock Kilwinning Largs Maybole Monkton & Prestwick Muirkirk Saltcoats, Ardrossan & Stevenston Troon BORDERS 01361 883 696

Coldstream Duns Eyemouth Galashiels Hawick Jedburgh Kelso Liddesdale Melrose Peebles Selkirk & Ettrick Forest St Boswells

your membership also entitles you to use any other branch across Scotland.

A separate fee may apply for using a branch with a club.

To make it easier to find the branch closest to you, we’ve split Scotland into nine areas and have listed the branches in each area in alphabetical order. Those branches listed in BLUE also have a Legion Scotland club affiliated to them.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY 07849 828 413

Annan Castle Douglas Dalbeattie Dumfries & Maxwelltown Gatehouse & District Langholm Moffat Newton Stewart Sanquhar Stranraer Thornhill EDINBURGH & THE LOTHIANS 0131 550 1590

Bathgate Bonnyrigg Cockenzie & Port Seton Dalkeith Dunbar Edinburgh Central Edinburgh HQ Linburn Livingston Longniddry Newbattle & Gorebridge Penicuik Portobello Prestonpans Roslin FIFE 07904 817 917

Anstruther Ceres & District Crail Crossgates

Cupar Dunfermline Glenrothes Kennoway Kirkcaldy Leven Markinch Newburgh St Andrews Tayport GLASGOW & WESTERN COUNTIES 01324 872 146/ 07979 006 536

Biggar & District Bridge of Weir Campbeltown Clackmannanshire & District Cumbernauld Dunoon Easdale East Kilbride Forth Glasgow HQ Grangemouth Hamilton Helensburgh Inverary Knightswood Millport Milngavie & Bearsden Newton Mearns Oban Paisley Comrades Stirling HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS 01463 233 743

Assynt

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS

ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE

ANGUS & PERTHSHIRE GLASGOW & WESTERN COUNTIES

AYRSHIRE

Aviemore & Rothiemurchus Badenoch Beauly Black Isle Canisbay & District Creich & Kincardine Dingwall Dornoch Forres Fort Augustus Fort William Glenurquhart Golspie Helmsdale Invergordon Inverness Kirkwall Latheron Lerwick Lewis Lochalsh Lochbroom Lossiemouth Nairn North Skye Rogart & Lairg Sanday Scalloway Strathpeffer Strathspey Stromness Tain Thurso Uist Wick HEADQUARTERS BRANCH 0131 550 1583

Ideal for those abroad, or with no branch nearby

FIFE EDINBURGH & THE LOTHIANS BORDERS

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

RIDERS BRANCH 07884 004890

Across the country FURTHER AFIELD 0032 (0) 57 365 152

Passchendaele, Belgium WOMEN’S SECTION 07826 104879

Arbroath Ayr & Prestwick Banchory Bridge of Weir Cockenzie & Port Seton Coldstream Crail Dingwall Dunbar Dundee Earlston Ellon Forfar Fyvie Galashiels Glenrothes Inverness Inverurie Jedburgh Larkhall Loanhead Lossiemouth Maybole Methilhill Montrose Oldmachar Oldmeldrum Paisley Peterhead Stonehaven Turriff

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 31

IN MEMORIAM

LAST POST

Paying tribute to recently departed Legion Scotland members from across the country ARBROATH

Ron Falconer

Ron had been a longserving and very active member of the Arbroath branch since the mid-1960s.

He was voted on to the general committee in December 1987 and, being a keen dancer, was appointed Wednesday night dance club rep.

He held this post for many years.

He became convener of the recruitment committee in 1992, and in five years increased membership by almost 600. Ron was also heavily involved in branch sports. He served as area sports secretary from 2010 to 2012.

DUMFRIES & MAXWELLTOWN

Jim Bell

Known to everyone as Dinger, Jim passed away on 16 March at the age of 71. He was born in Glasgow but moved to Dumfries aged two. Upon leaving school he joined the Boys Service and from there served 15 years with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, mainly in the Pipes and Drums. He later joined the Home Service in Dumfries and served as a sergeant until the unit’s disbandment.

Jim’s main interests were his family and his two small dogs. Our condolences go to his family.

Dumfries and was well known for his voice. Ian was a civil engineering draughtsman, but his first love was always singing.

When National Service called in 1947, Ian spent the next two years as a Gunner with 3rd Coastal Battery R.A. After National Service, Ian returned to his draughtsman’s job with the council.

Our condolences go to Ian’s relatives and many friends.

HAWICK

Gordon Duncan

Gordon joined Hawick Legion directly after World War Two ended.

Gordon’s brother joined King’s Own Scottish Borders and Gordon was sent to the Gordons as, at that time, having brothers in the same regiment was discouraged.

Gordon was a staunch member of the committee, and served as chairman then president of the branch and social club.

DUMFRIES & MAXWELLTOWN

Ian Blyth Hanby

Ian passed away on 2 April at the age of 85. He was born and brought up in 32 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

ISLE OF BUTE

Bill Bicker

Bill passed away on 14 May, aged 73, after a long illness. He had been vice chairman of the Isle of Bute branch for five years. He was also the manager of the branch’s museum and drop-in centre, always greeting visitors with a cheery smile. He regularly attended area meetings and was always a popular figure. His passing will leave a big hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.

Condolences to his wife, Helen, and the family.

KIRKWALL

James (Ivor) Harcus

Ivor, a fervent member of the Kirkwall branch, died suddenly but peacefully at his home on 21 April, aged 80 years. On leaving school Ivor began work at a local

SUBMITTING A LAST POST

Please submit obituaries of recently departed Legion Scotland members to c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk. We will endeavour to include these in the next issue based on the following deadlines: 21 August 2015 (autumn), 20 November 2015 (winter).

Submissions will be reviewed and edited so as to give as fitting a tribute to each and every one as we can. We recommend a length of around 100 words, but appreciate that it may be easier for you to send a longer or shorter piece. If you are able to attach a photo, we will make every effort to include this as well.

ship’s chandlery and was employed there for most of his working life, with a short break when he completed his National Service with the Royal Artillery.

When the chandlery business closed, Ivor started up his own successful business selling fishing tackle and running a key-cutting service. He was awarded Life Membership of the Royal British Legion Scotland in 1978. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

MILLPORT

John Naismith

Husband of Elsie (née Macdonald), father to the late Andrew, granddad to James and Kim, father-in-law to Claire, John passed away in Millport on 7 May. He was born in Bargeddie and was a joiner by trade. He served in Germany during his National Service between 1947 and 1949.

PEEBLES

Jack Purves

Jack died suddenly after a short heart illness on 28 March at Borders General Hospital with his son and daughter-inlaw at his side. Jack was proud to have served as a piper in the Gordon Highlanders from 1945 to 1948 and he stayed in touch with many ex-Gordons, as well as being a loyal member of the Peebles branch of Legion Scotland.

A keen fisherman in his younger days, he later became a prolific writer of pipe tunes, gifting most of these to the Regimental Museum.

Jack’s story telling and prodigious memory will be sadly missed by his many friends.

PENICUIK

John Nisbet

John joined the Penicuik branch in 1970. Over the course of 45 loyal years, he held offices including branch and area chairman.

He was also a standard bearer and organised training and interclub competitions. He was recognised by the club as their best example of Service Not Self when recommending him for the National Certificate for Meritorious Service and Life

Membership. It was not all hard work, though. John enjoyed the social life of the club, and will also be remembered for his love of a dram, dance and his good-natured banter on a Saturday night. He is greatly missed.

grandfather, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

TURRIFF & DISTRICT

Leslie D Philip

PRESTONPANS

Dan Galloway

Dan was chairman of the branch and social club in Prestonpans for 12 years and retired in January 2015 after a long illness. He will be sadly missed by his many friends inside the club.

As a long service member of the Royal Scots, Dan saw duty in many parts of the world, including in the Korean War. He also gave many years service to the committee of Edinburgh & Lothian’s area of Royal British Legion Scotland.

To his family we send our deepest sympathy. They will miss him and so will all the members of his beloved Legion.

TAIN

TURRIFF & DISTRICT

Robert (Robbie) Thomson

Robbie was born on 4 November 1924 at Keilhill near Banff. As soon as he was old enough he joined the Air Training Corps, which he enjoyed. When he was called up, he joined the RAF and was first posted to the Bahamas as an aircraft fitter. Following his demob, he returned to joinery. He married Anita and they had two children, Kathleen and Bruce. The family moved to Macduff where they ran a fish and chip shop for more than 30 years. Robbie had been ill for the past few years and sadly passed away on 18 April 2015. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Malcolm McGougan

Malcolm lost his battle with cancer on 3 January peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was the chairman of the Tain branch and was a passionate supporter of the Legion. A former Navy man, he served as a chef from 1959 until 1968.

Hailing from Campbeltown, Argyll, he settled in Tain, Ross-shire with his wife Sadie. Malcolm was generous with his time and willingness to help, especially with fundraising, and was often called upon for his inventive auctioneering skills.

He was a strong family man, and is greatly missed both by them and by the local community.

TURRIFF & DISTRICT

John A Tough

TURRIFF & DISTRICT

David (Davie) Gerrie

Leslie was born on 23 December 1946 at Netherbrae, near Turriff.

On leaving school at 16 years, he joined the Boys Service in the Royal Air Force at Cosford. He served in the RAF for 20 years, and saw service all over the world. After running a pub in Portugal for several years, he returned to the north east to work at Nairn golf course, and joined the Nairn branch. He transferred to Turriff branch when he moved there following retirement. Sadly, he died on 29 January, aged 67. He leaves a widowed mother and will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.

Davie was born on 10 March 1926 at Woodhead of Fyvie, and was the youngest of three. He spent some time down the mines in north east England as a Bevin Boy. He later joined the Royal Army Service Corps where he was a regimental policeman for five years.

Davie and his second wife Bunty spent many happy hours with their friends, playing bingo and enjoying a flutter on the horses from time to time. He passed away on 20 March 2015. Davie was a devoted husband and loving father and

A young John joined the Gordon Highlanders and did his basic training at Fort George, where he was a bandsman until he was old enough to serve. He did 12 years’ service, travelling to such places as Kenya, America, Canada and Germany. He married Irene Greig in 1972 and they had two sons, Wayne and Steven.

He was forced into early retirement in 1992 by a serious accident, but remained a very active branch member, serving for many years as our welfare officer and on our fundraising team. John sadly passed away on 13 February. He was greatly respected by all who knew him and will be sorely missed.

SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 33

REMEMBERING WWI

A BATTLE OF GREAT LOSS The Battle of Loos, which ran from 25 September until 14 October 1915, saw a simultaneous allied attack on German forces from two separate regions

UNIVERSAL HISTORY ARCHIVE/REX

Troops in gas masks at the Battle of Loos, where around 7,000 Scots lost their lives

B

RITISH FORCES launched an attack on German positions at Loos, France; the French attacked the German line at Champagne and at Vimy Ridge in the Arras district, France.

The battle was the first time British forces had used gas warfare, the idea being to bewilder the enemy and drive

them out of their trenches. They dropped 5,100 cylinders (140 tons) of chlorine gas on the German forces, but this was only a partial success. Some gas blew back onto British soldiers, and as some removed gas masks because they couldn’t see, or were having trouble breathing with them on, many were knocked out.

Around 30,000 Scots took part in

34 SUMMER 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

the Battle of Loos, with battalions from every Scottish regiment represented. Of 21,000 killed in the conflict, a third were Scottish. It is said that every town and village in the country was aected.

The Black Watch 9th Battalion lost 680 men in the first few hours, and of the 950-strong force of the 6th Cameronians, 700 were killed.

LIFT Open Market Shared Equity The Scottish Government’s LIFT Open Market Shared Equity scheme is available to armed forces personnel and recent veterans looking to purchase their own home.

Depending on your financial circumstances, you receive between 10% and 40% of the purchase price from the Scottish Government (which is then redeemed upon the sale of the property) Put down as little as a 5% deposit through many mortgage lenders The size and price of property you can purchase will depend on the size of your family and the area you want to buy in For more information call Link on 0330 303 0125 or email LIFT@linkhaltd.co.uk and we can help you take the first step onto the property ladder.

You can also apply for the scheme on our website www.linkhousing.org.uk just search for Shared Equity

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