Legion Scotland Today, Summer 2014

LEGION The magazine of Legion Scotland Issue 2 Summer 2014

www.legionscotland.org.uk

SCOTLAND TODAY

CHILDREN OF THE SEA WINNERS OF THE LEGION’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS WAR MEMORIAL COMPETITION EMBARK ON THEIR PRIZE TRIP TO HMS BELFAST PLUS

BRANCH NEWS, VOICES OF VETERANS, ARMED FORCES DAY & OUR NEW WEBSTORE

At the heart of the Scottish veterans community

Royal British Legion Scotland At the heart of the Scottish veterans community

Let’s make Scotland a place where we all love later life.

w: www.agescotland.org.uk e: fundraising@agescotland.org.uk p: 0845 833 0200

As we grow older we all want to keep doing the things we love, remain independent and have a fulfilling life.

However, as we age we may face new challenges perhaps even loneliness, isolation, discrimination or poverty.

That’s why Age Scotland is here. We are dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. We support local groups where older people can come together and be part of a community. We improve the quality of life for thousands of older people every year by providing life-changing information and advice.

Where we find disadvantage and unfairness we stand up and speak for those who need us.

With your help, we can make Scotland a place where we all love later life. When you visit your solicitor, and you have taken care of your loved ones, please remember Age Scotland in your will - even a small gift can make a massive difference.

Age Scotland Department SLN Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR Charity No: SC010100 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

At the heart of the Scottish veterans community

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 Robert Allan Vice Chairman Jan Harvey National Treasurer Colin Neil Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gray MM EDITOR Christie McMonagle MANAGING EDITOR Fiona McKinlay DESIGNERS Mark Davies, Katherine Pentney SUB-EDITORS 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 22 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 highresolution 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

A summer of great events WITH SO MANY IMPORTANT ANNIVERSARIES TO COMMEMORATE, THIS SUMMER WILL BE A BUSY ONE. It was great to see so many of you out celebrating our servicemen and women, past and present, at the many Armed Forces day events held so far. The National event in Stirling was quite spectacular and a fitting tribute to the Armed Forces community.

The summer continues with World War One Commemorations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the Forces in the Field weekend at Culzean Castle on 30 and 31 August. We hope that you and your families will join us for a weekend of fun.

In this issue, we are delighted to report on the Primary Schools War Memorial competition trip to HMS Belfast in London.

We also hear the inspiring story of Lewis Montague, as part of our Voices of Veterans campaign. The 32-year-old turned his life around after a horrendous accident and now works as a mentor and DJ. The military provides an excellent basis for a fulfilling career, but the transition back to civilian life can have challenges for some. This is why our new wellbeing service caters for our younger members and their families as well as the older ones.

We are pleased to announce that David Cruickshanks has been appointed as Comradeship and Events Officer. He will have much more to tell you about this in our next issue.

Many thanks are due to everyone who attended our Annual Conference in May. The Legion would be nothing without its loyal, hardworking and dedicated members, and we hope that your support will continue as we embark on new projects in the coming months and years that will enhance the standing of Legion Scotland at the heart of the Scottish veterans community. Thank you once again for your support.

ADVERTISING Sophie Conway sophie.conway@thinkpublishing.co.uk 020 3181 0943 Copyright Š Legion Scotland 2014.

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

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for Supported Independent Living

At Abbeyfield Scotland we provide safe, secure quality accommodation where older people can maintain their independence but benefit from a little help and enjoy companionship and company - when they want it.

Our residents and their families place a high value on what an Abbeyfield house offers – prestigious locations, shared spaces for dining and entertaining, good food and an active social life.

You’ll also have the daily support of our in-house staff and 24 hour telecare on hand for peace of mind.

Tel: 0131 225 7801 Fax: 0131 225 7606 Website: www.abbeyfield-scotland.com

Abbeyfield Scotland is a “not-for-profit” organisation, a registered social landlord and a Scottish Charity.

We welcome enquiries about accommodation and employment from all sections of the community.

Scottish Charity No: SC012549.

www.veterans-assist.org

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

Veterans Assist_SLN_Summer14.indd 1

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SUMMER 2014

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SGT STUART FENWICK/CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

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CONTENTS 06 LEGION NEWS

The latest stories from Legion Scotland head office and beyond, including Founders Day and Armed Forces Day celebrations, news from Poppyscotland and more

ON THE COVER Winners of Legion Scotland’s War Memorial Primary Schools Competition embark on their prize trip to HMS Belfast

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ALL HANDS ON DECK Pupils from Fair Isle and St Andrews Primary Schools visit London

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STEP OUT IN STYLE Launching our new range of Legion Scotland merchandise

20 A TO Z OF LEGION SCOTLAND facebook.com/LegionScotland Facebook “f ” Logo

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Facebook “f ” Logo

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twitter.com/LegionScotland

Taking a closer look at Legion Scotland and its services, traditions, events, patrons, and most of all its people

24 VOICES OF VETERANS:

POSITIVE THINKING Veterans Lewis Montague and Alan Brown share their important and inspirational stories

27 FORCES UPDATE

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

30 COME AND SEE US

A guide to Legion Scotland’s branches and clubs

32 LAST POST

Fond notes of remembrance from branches across the country

34 TAKING FLIGHT

6 Squadron leaves RAF Leuchars

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LEGION NEWS

Keeping you up to date with the Legion’s latest

Honouring Haig Almost 300 people attended this year’s Legion Scotland Founders Day at Dryburgh Abbey THE WEATHER was warm and bright, and

HAVE WE GOT A FUND FOR YOU? Five Legion Scotland grants with access to funds of more than £83,000 are available WE LAUNCHED three new funding programmes earlier this year, in response to 32% of enquiries from veterans asking for financial assistance.

These grants – the Legion Veterans Fund, the World War One Commemorations Fund and the Branch Assistance Fund – offer financial support for a variety of veterans and service personnel, and their families’ needs.

Dealing with issues around general hardship, commemoration and the starting of new branches to enable stronger links between ex-servicemen and women, these funds each have a pot of £10,000 to be spent on worthy cases.

This is in addition to Legion Scotland’s other, continuing funds - TravelAid and the War Graves Visits Fund.

TravelAid has £47,800 to be spent on helping military families visit loved ones injured in service who are being treated at hospitals away from home.

The War Graves Visit Fund has £5,600 to be spent on relatives’ trips to war graves abroad.

National Wellbeing Coordinator Stephen Baird said, “Legion Scotland is launching a new programme of grants to give something back to veterans.

We have found an increase in the number of ex servicemen and women coming to us for financial support. Whether it’s paying their rent, travelling to visit a loved one who is injured, or going to pay respects at the grave of a loved one overseas, we hope these new grants will help meet the needs of veterans and their families around Scotland.”

More information about all of our grants can be found online at www.legionscotland.org.uk/ how-can-we-help/grants/ Alternatively, contact details for each grant are detailed on page 21.

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there were 39 standards on parade at the memorial for Legion founder Earl Haig.

The eulogy was delivered by broadcaster and military historian Trevor Royle, and the wreath-laying ceremony was led by Lord Astor of Hever, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Haig family. Borders Area Chaplain Michael Scouler led the service with Sheila Moir of St Boswell’s Church.

The day coincided with the 80th birthday of Parade Marshal Adam Carruthers, who was presented with a ceremonial pace-stick.

EVENT

A great gathering THIS YEAR’S Annual Conference was a huge success and, as ever, was a great opportunity to get together, put faces to names and share ideas.

We launched our new trading name, branding, magazine and wellbeing service, and were delighted to receive so much positive feedback and great comments.

Each area received their own Legion Scotland branded event kit at the conference.

We hope these will help members to proudly promote the work of the Legion and our services to the ex-service community.

Scotland for 50 years, has been at the forefront of many a ceremonial event and won the National Colour Bearing competition on countless occasions. Adam is also a Drill Instructor and Trainer to the Tri Service Cadet Community and has developed for them a 10 week programme for young cadets.

Frank ‘Donny’ Dayman, a member of Glenurquhart branch since 1965, joined his branch’s committee in 1967 as the Sports Convener.

In the 1970s, alongside Major McDonald Haig, Frank oversaw the upkeep of WWI, WWII and Crimea war graves in the local cemeteries. He also took over as the area’s Poppy Convenor.

He later became the Vice President of the Glenurquart branch and a National Delegate in 1976. In 1980 he received a Gold Badge and in the early 90s Life Membership. Frank will retire as Poppy Convener at the end of this year.

Legion heroes Two members receive BEMs from the Queen WE ARE pleased to announce that two of our members have been awarded British Empire Medals (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Adam Carruthers BEM

(above), from Edinburgh and Lothians, and Frank ‘Donny’ Dayman BEM (right), from the Highlands and Islands, have been recognised for their longstanding commitment to the Legion.

Adam, a former Scots Guardsman and a member and Colour Bearer for Legion

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS

ONLINE

TECHNOLOGY

The World War Web

APPSOLUTELY FABULOUS

IMPERIAL WAR Museums (IWM) have launched a new website that aims to create a vast online memorial to the soldiers of the First World War. The website, Lives of the First World War (www.livesofthefirstworldwar.org), provides an opportunity for the public to share their family’s stories and experiences in order to document the lives of those who served. Anyone can upload a picture of, or information on, a family member who fought or served in World War One, putting stories to the names so they are never forgotten.

The website currently contains records of over 4.5 million men and 40,000 women who served in the British Army overseas during the First World War.

War-related travel mobile applications launched THREE APPS have been launched for mobile phones that offer an interactive experience for travellers to key locations from the First and Second World Wars.

Great War Battlefields of the Western Front covers 170 locations with 700 photographs, including battlefields from Diksmuide in Flanders to Cantigny in the Somme.

Normandy D-Day 1944 features 100 locations around Normandy, while Scottish Battles and Castles looks at 220 sites closer to home.

The apps can be used to assist in navigation, or as an information resource, offering an in-depth exploration of each site’s history.

The apps are available now for iOS and Android devices.

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LEGION NEWS

ARMED FORCES DAY On Saturday 28 June, thousands of people across the UK celebrated the men and women of the Armed Forces community

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CPL RICH DENTON, CPL JAMIE PETERS, BDR MURRAY KERR RA/MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

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VENTS took place across the country marking the sixth annual Armed Forces Day. Hundreds of Legion Scotland members took part in the parade that kicked off the day’s national event including the Riders branch.

HRH The Princess Royal, Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond were also in attendance as more than 400 service personnel, 1,200 veterans and 200 cadets marched from the Esplanade of Stirling Castle through the streets of the historic city and into the event sitting in the shadow of the castle.

Following the parade, which included Legion Scotland standard bearers and pipe bands from across the country, a Drumhead Service was held. This provided an opportunity for reflection and thanksgiving. The outstanding contribution made by the men and women of the Armed Forces past and present, including reservists, veterans and cadets, families and friends, was recognised and remembered. Legion Scotland had a stall in the Veterans Village and saw a steady stream of traffic all day, with some new members joining up too!

The national event concluded with a flypast of old and new military aircraft including the legendary Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the world famous Red Arrows Aerobatic Team.

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

LOCAL HERO

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

Dunblane War Memorial

ALAN FINDLAY

Keith Brown MSP, Edward Campbell (author) and Ian Ballance (Chairman RBLS Dunblane branch) at the launch of the book

REMEMBERING DUNBLANE’S FALLEN Legion Scotland member publishes book on Dunblane servicemen lost in World War One and World War Two

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OLLOWING RESTORATION work on the Dunblane War Memorial in 2010, Edward Campbell from the Dunblane branch of Legion Scotland embarked on a huge research project to find out about those individuals whose names are inscribed on the memorial.

When the rank and names of those

who served and died in World War One and World War Two were revealed by the restoration, it reminded Edward that war is not just fought by millions of soldiers en masse, but by individuals with lives and hopes for their futures.

He walked past the memorial on a daily basis and became intrigued by the untold stories behind each name.

Edward set out to find family details, where they lived in Dunblane, where they were educated or worked, and any information that could give a greater understanding of them as people. He wanted to establish a detailed record of the fallen so that, in the future, the people of Dunblane would have the necessary information by which to remember them.

The book gives the history of the memorial and also highlights its importance and significance to the community. Also included are details of the horrific casualty figures incurred

by Scotland, and the contribution of the people of Dunblane in both world wars, including some outstanding acts of heroism and sacrifice. The book took approximately three years to complete, and pupils from the Queen Victoria School participated in the early stages of the research.

Edward has created a lasting testimony to remember those from Dunblane who sacrificed so much during World War One and World War Two. His book has already been very well received and appreciated within the community, and will be of wider interest to Legion Scotland members across the country who have links to Dunblane or its people. Other local communities may be interested or inspired to embark on similar research projects.

Dunblane War Memorial: Remembering Dunblane’s Fallen can be obtained from Dunblane Museum, Dunblane Library, or direct from Edward Campbell via email: edwardcampbell@hotmail.com RRP £12.99, P&P £2.00

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BRANCH NEWS IN BRIEF

CARNOUSTIE BRANCH has proudly donated £1,724 to Erskine Hospital, raised from fundraising activities throughout the year.

SCOTTISH SECRETARY Alistair Carmichael visited the Grangemouth branch to meet veterans, before viewing the Spitfire memorial.

THE HOY COMMUNITY, including members of the Kirkwall branch, welcomed visitors from around the globe on a memorial trip in honour of allied service personnel who sailed from Scapa Flow during World War Two. LIVINGSTON

FRIENDLY FORCES A NEW GROUP, Friendly Forces, started in West Lothian in March 2014 and is growing in numbers week on week.

It is a non-membership group, established for veterans to get together and enjoy some banter over a cup of tea with like-minded people.

Activities include indoor bowls, quizzes, board games and card games. Numbers attending have averaged around 14 so far.

West Lothian Friendly Forces meet every Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm at Braid House, Labrador Avenue, Howden, Livingston.

For more information, call Ozzy on 01506 446 527 or 07795 200 271

PASSCHENDAELE

Branching out to Belgium LEGION SCOTLAND’S first branch abroad held its inaugural meeting on Monday 9 June.

The Passchendaele & District sub-branch has been set up by John Sutherland, a former RAF serviceman originally from Kirkintilloch. He helped set up the Scottish War Memorial near Ypres in 2007, and moved over to Belgium shortly after.

Two of John’s great uncles were killed during the war, and he feels very

passionately about making sure lessons have been learned from the conflict.

The first branch meeting in Passendale took place in the Passchendaele Pub and was attended by 11 members. The Standard Bearer of the Belgian 1st Infantry Brigade (Brigade Piron) and his wife also attended.

The Mayor of Zonnebeke welcomed them to the district, which homes the Scottish memorial and the new Black Watch Memorial.

ARBROATH

Prize piper A 20-YEAR-OLD piper from Arbroath Legion Scotland Pipe Band has won a Young Scot Award.

Craig Weir scooped the Arts Award at this year’s Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards, which took place at the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow.

As well as playing for the pipe band, Craig has a contemporary Celtic rock band called Gleadhraich. He has also been invited to play pipes at the MOBO Awards, welcoming stars to the red

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carpet. He has played for the Queen, Alex Salmond and Gordon Brown, and composed a piece for a visit from the Dalai Lama.

Joan Parr from Award sponsor Creative Scotland

said: “Craig’s dedication is amazing and because of all the inspiration and wonderfully positive young people here tonight, I’m so proud to be involved with this awards ceremony.”

INVERARY

A Fyne celebration World War Two veterans return to plant tree at wartime base

KIRKWALL/STROMNESS

For your information ON SATURDAY 31 May, a contingent of veterans from both Kirkwall and Stromness branches, as well as members of the Royal Naval Association, attended the unveiling of new Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) information panels within the Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery on the island of Hoy in Orkney.

The interactive panels have QR codes that allow smartphone users to download information about the cemetery’s historical and military background.

A PAIR of World War Two veterans returned to their wartime base to celebrate their 90th birthdays and 67th wedding anniversary. The former Loch Fyne Combined Operations shore base (HMS Quebec) is now home to Argyll Caravan Park.

Ron and Ruth Barnwell met on New Year’s Eve 1943 while they were both stationed at the base.

The caravan park hosts a memorial to those who trained at HMS Quebec, and during their visit Ron and Ruth helped plant a Canadian Acer tree donated by Argyll Caravan Park to commemorate their comrades.

Colin Kerr and Deirdre Mills from the CWGC attended the ceremony, along with the ViceConvenor of the Orkney Islands Council, Jim Foubister, and Captain Chris Smith, the Royal Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A lament was played by Pipe Major Mark Wemyss of the Stromness Royal British Legion Pipe Band, while James Burgon played the Last Post. Bryan Taylor, President of the Kirkwall Branch, recited Binyon’s poem, For the Fallen.

The date marks the 98th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland.

SCALLOWAY

Life begins at 40 SCALLOWAY BRANCH and club has been celebrating its 40th anniversary. A ruby anniversary social evening was held in its newly refurbished clubhouse. The only remaining original member, Roddy Anderson, was honoured too with an Area Certificate of Merit by the Highlands & Islands area Chairman, Malcolm Johnston.

The event included many a shared tale taken from old meeting notes and members’ own recollections.

A committee was formed in 1971 of ex-servicemen who wanted to start a club in the village.

After much planning, a location was secured and the branch’s premises were built ahead of the opening on 31 May 1974.

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POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS CHARITY

Donation to RCET helps Forces children POPPYSCOTLAND IS continuing its support of the Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET), with its latest donation bringing the total contributions to the Armed Forces children’s charity since 2007 to £50,000.

RCET provides more than 300 individual grants a year to help children from Armed Forces families in Scotland experiencing financial hardship or affected by illness or disability following

active service. The money will be used to help RCET provide grants to pay for school clothing, books

ASAP

and computers, as well as support with after-school activities such as swimming and football, for children of

serving men and women, as well as veterans, who are unable to fund these things themselves.

SCHOOLS

Pupils enjoy sculpture workshop

Police Scotland and ASAP join forces THE LARGELY Poppyscotland-funded Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) has teamed up with Police Scotland to provide more support for vulnerable veterans.

Police Scotland will now refer vulnerable veterans to ASAP to get the support they need, whether they are victims of crime or find themselves involved in the judicial system. Pictured at the launch are the Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Rose Fitzpatrick, with representatives from Poppyscotland and ASAP. 12 SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk

PRIMARY 7 pupils at St John’s Primary in Port Glasgow enjoyed an art workshop as part of a prize after classmate Chloe Duncan won Poppyscotland's Scotlandwide schools poster competition.

Chloe’s class spent two days with Clydebank-based artist Greer Pester and together made three model elephants.

The poster competition aimed to encourage young people to think about the importance of Remembrance and the elephant was chosen because, according to the adage, it never forgets.

Poppyscotland would like to take this opportunity to thank the many Legion Scotland members who voted in the competition.

Would you like to host Tea & Toast?

VOLUNTEERS

Thank you POPPYSCOTLAND EXTENDS its warmest thanks to readers who attended its recent Volunteer Gathering in Glasgow. Legion Scotland branches and members raised 35% of the 2013 Scottish Poppy Appeal total of £2,643,821.

Poppyscotland heartily encourages Legion Poppy Appeal volunteers to get involved in its work and to come to next year’s Gathering in Stirling on 9 May. EMPLOYMENT

LifeWorks proves a hit FUNDRAISING

POPPYSCOTLAND IS delighted to launch ‘Tea & Toast’, a fun summer fundraising initiative to help Scotland’s veterans.

The charity invites families, friends and workmates to get together for a morning fundraiser or a light bite in the evening to show their support and to raise funds for members of the Armed Forces community.

Poppyscotland Events Fundraiser Marianne Craig said: “Poppyscotland needs to raise money all year round and we strive to find new ways for

Gardening Scotland A STUNNING show garden to commemorate the centenary of World War One has won the prestigious ‘I Dig It’ People’s Choice Award at Gardening Scotland 2014. The Lost Gardeners of the Great War was developed for Scotland’s national gardening show in association with Poppyscotland – the charity partner of the 2014 event – and Erskine.

people to get involved. We hope that Tea & Toast will capture people’s imaginations as a really simple but fun way to show support for the men and women in the military.”

Tea & Toast Host packs are available and include posters to advertise the event, an invitation template, a thank you certificate and two poppy toast presses.

To sign up or to find out more contact Marianne on 0131 550 1578 or email m.craig@poppyscotland.org.uk

A POPPYSCOTLAND-FUNDED vocational assessment and employability course for veterans took place in Stirling recently.

Ten members of the Armed Forces community participated in Lifeworks, including, for the first time in Scotland, female veterans and retired officers.

A further course will take place in Stirling on 8-12 September.

Other dates and locations are also available. To secure a place contact Dot Pringle on 0131 550 1568 or email d.pringle@ poppyscotland.org.uk SUPPORT

Inverness success THANKS TO support from Poppyscotland, veterans in the Inverness area have been able to take part in a peer-support programme run by the Thistle Foundation, previously only available in Edinburgh. The fiveweek course provides practical support and advice to help veterans deal with issues such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.

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Join us Legion Scotland looks after the interests of Scottish ex-service men and women and their families, both practically by providing comradeship and support as well as by fundraising for veteran causes and perpetuating remembrance.

Anyone who supports these aims can become a member.

Why join?

■ To show your support for veterans of all ages ■ To access around 170 branches and 70

associated well-equipped branch clubs What we do ■ Offer comradeship through branches and clubs

and a programme of sporting and music events ■ Advise veterans through our wellbeing

signposting service ■ Offer a befriending service for veterans ■ Provide a disablement pensions advice service ■ Organise remembrance events around Scotland ■ Raise money for veteran charities including the

Scottish Poppy Appeal ■ Provide a range of grants for ex-service

personnel ■ Campaign for better conditions for veterans

At the heart of the Scottish veterans community

For more information or to request a membership form, call 0131 550 1583, visit www.legionscotland.org.uk, email info@legionscotland.org.uk, or write to Legion Scotland, New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ

VETERANS NEWS

QUEEN’S BATON RELAY

HONOURS

Honour for Ballantyne

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

VISUALLY IMPAIRED veteran Steven Waterston (pictured) was nominated

by Scottish War Blinded to run in the Queen’s Baton Relay as it made its way through Midlothian in June en route to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Steven, 42, is a former Army chef. Brain surgery in 2009 left him with a complete loss of vision in his left visual field and limited sight in the right.

Richard Vallis, a facilitator from a recent Legion Scotland comradeship event, also ran with the baton in Penicuik. Richard leads an archery group for veterans in the area.

The relay travelled the length and breadth of Scotland in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with almost 4,000 baton bearers taking part.

MASCOT

(Not a) one trick pony

FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR), Lieutenant Colonel Ian Ballantyne (pictured below), was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Ian retired in December after 16 years leading SVR. He is also a Legion Scotland member and on the committee of our Arbroath branch.

While at SVR, he oversaw huge change in the organisation, including the building of general needs flats at Gilmerton and significant progress of the Bellrock Close project in Glasgow.

CRUACHAN III the Shetland pony, former mascot for the Royal Regiment of Scotland, has been honoured with his very own veterans badge.

After serving for 19 years in military parades, at fairs and at the Highland Games, the diminutive hero, who stands just 90cm tall, was awarded his badge by Major Oliver Dobson, Officer Commanding Balaklava Company 5 SCOTS (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), in a ceremony at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.

Despite being retired, Cruachan III, a fond favourite of the Queen, hasn’t left regimental life behind, becoming firm friends with his successor, Cruachan IV. RYDER CUP

Hole in one VETERANS ARE among the people that First Minister Alex Salmond has singled out to receive the Scottish Government’s allocation of tickets for this year’s Ryder Cup. Tickets will also be made available to promising young golfers, inspirational

Scots and those recognised for promoting the sport in Scotland.

Mr Salmond said, “These tickets will be given as a huge thank you to those who make Scotland a brilliant place to live – such as veterans who have served their country and sporting champions.”

An estimated 250,000 spectators will attend the golfing event at Gleneagles in September.

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LEGION TIMELINE

ALL HANDS

ON DECK Legion Scotland travelled to London with 14 primary school children for a unique experience – the chance to stay overnight on HMS Belfast

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HE PUPILS from St Andrews Primary School in Dumfries and the Fair Isle Primary School won our War Memorial Primary Schools competition earlier this year.

Arriving at Legion Scotland Head Office in Edinburgh, their magnificent adventure prize started with a tour around Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. As well as making their own poppy, the children were given a presentation on the factory and its history.

Along with a teacher from each of the schools, Freddie Wood, Edinburgh and Lothians Area Secretary, and Christie McMonagle, Legion Scotland’s Marketing and Communications Officer, the children caught a train to London and headed to HMS Belfast.

After a large order of takeaway pizza delivered to the boat and a quiz, the group spent the evening exploring the South Bank, taking a wander over Tower Bridge and admiring the boats in St Katharine Marina.

The group spent the night on the floating war museum moored on the River Thames, each with their own bunk bed in the original sleeping quarters of the ship.

The morning started with a photo shoot on deck, where the competition winners received their awards (pictured right). Every pupil was given a medal and each school a trophy.

The children presented the War Memorial Recording Forms, which had been filled in as part of the competition, to the Imperial War Museum. These forms will be used to catalogue war memorials across Scotland.

The children then had the chance to look around the ship, learn about its

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Winners of the Legion’s War Memorial Primary Schools competition have fun exploring HMS Belfast

nine decks and discover more about what life was like on board.

After exploring from the boiler room up to the gun turret, the group headed to Westminster to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, before having lunch in St James’s Park.

Nick Lucas, Head Teacher at Fair Isle Primary School, said: “The pupils had a fantastic time and it was great to see them rewarded for all their hard work.”

Legion Scotland received a thank you letter from the Dumfries Primary School after their trip, which said: “We had a wonderful time staying on HMS Belfast.

One of our many favourite parts was when we went around the ship to see how the sailors would have lived. We also liked seeing all the sights in London such as Big Ben, Downing Street, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. We also loved it when we went into St James’s Park to have lunch.”

Kevin Gray, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, added: “We are delighted that the winning pupils enjoyed their prize and their visit to an iconic warship. The school children’s research was fantastic and it is great that it will be used to help preserve a local war memorial for generations to come.”

MAKING MEMORIES One of Legion Scotland’s core beliefs is that educating children and young people about war memorials, and the history of past conflicts, is a vital part of their heritage. Our members and volunteers work with schools and young people year round to help make sure they are motivated and inspired to conserve memorials and memories for future generations.

of the start of World War One, we launched the Primary Schools War Memorial competition.

Pupils who took part from schools across Scotland went on a special journey to uncover real-life stories of war veterans, discovered facts about their local war memorial, and interacted with their local community in a way some of them had not before.

PRIZE OF A LIFETIME As part of our campaign to commemorate the centenary

To view the winning films, visit www.legionscotland.org. uk/schools

SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk 17

At the heart of the Scottish veterans community

25p

Help us claim

extra for every £1 you donate

Got Gift Aid? ✃ ATTENTION EXISTING MEMBERS!

If you are a member of Legion Scotland (Royal British Legion Scotland) and have paid a membership subscription for any of the last four years, either to Legion head office or through your local branch, these subscriptions can be treated as a donation and qualify for Gift Aid which enables Legion Scotland to claim back 25p for every £1 you have paid, provided you are a UK taxpayer.

This costs you nothing but this money helps Legion Scotland to do so much more for veterans and their families. However, we require a signed declaration from you in order to claim this. ✓ Please tick appropriate boxes ❑ Please treat my membership subscriptions and all future

subscriptions or donations that I make from the date of this Declaration as Gift Aid donations.

I have been a member for the last (please circle as appropriate)

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years

Please notify Legion Scotland if you: - Wish to cancel this declaration - Change your name or home address - No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains

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Payment Please make cheque payable to Legion Scotland or with: ❑ Visa ❑ Maestro ❑ MasterCard ❑ CAF Card ❑ Amex Card number

❑ Ordinary Member (ex-service) ❑ Associate/Family Member (non ex-service)

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Home address Please return the completed form to: Legion Scotland, New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ

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You can also complete this form online at www.legionscotland.org.uk/join For more information call 0131 550 1548

Please note that your information may be stored on a database, and we may contact you with information about Legion Scotland in the future. This information will not be shared with any other organisation, but may be shared within the Legion Scotland group. If you do not wish to be contacted please tick here ❑

Legion Scotland is a trading name of the Royal British Legion Scotland, Scottish Charity No.003323

LEGION MERCHANDISE LEGION SCOTLAND SIDE PRINT T-SHIRT £14.00

LEGION SCOTLAND LOGO TOTE BAG £6.00

LEGION SCOTLAND LOGO MUG £6.00

POPPY CHINA SALT & PEPPER SET £7.00

RED COOK’S APRON £15.00

POPPY CHARM £1.00

LEGION SCOTLAND HEART LADIES LONGSLEEVE TOP £16.00

LEGION SCOTLAND BEAR IN LOGO T-SHIRT £10.00

STEP OUT IN STYLE Legion Scotland has just launched its new store, with a wide range of products including t-shirts, aprons, jackets, soft toys, china, jewellery and kitchenware

B

uying merchandise is a great way to support the work that we do. Legion Scotland benefits from any products purchased with a merchandising commission. This allows us to continue helping ex-service men and women in Scotland to adapt to civilian life after service by providing community, friendship and practical advice.

It’s not all about the money, though – by wearing a Legion Scotland t-shirt, serving your friends coffee in Legion Scotland mugs or giving a Legion

Scotland apron as a birthday gift, you’re helping to spread the word.

There are many ways to buy, but the easiest way to view our full range is online at www.legionscotlandstore. org.uk. The website holds all the branded Legion Scotland items as well as the retail part of the previous Royal British Legion Scotland. Alternatively, you can call the Legion Scotland Store on 0333 323 8979 (Freephone). We expect to have printed catalogues available soon.

Please note that you can no longer buy retail products at Head Office. www.legionscotland.org.uk SUMMER 2014 19

AZ At the heart of the Scottish veterans community

to

OF LEGION SCOTLAND Taking a closer look at the Legion and everything we do

POA(PHOT) JULIAN MERRILL CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

20 SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk

The World War One Commemorations Fund encourages innovative ideas for commemorative projects and events

A B C

ARMED FORCES Service and ex-service men and women from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force make up our core membership.

BRANCHES Legion Scotland has almost 170 branches around Scotland.

Our first branch abroad has just started in Passchendaele, Belgium.

CLUBS Many branches of the Legion have club premises that act as community hubs for our members. While each one is different, common activities held in our clubs include bingo, dancing, snooker and darts. Last year, our club in Forfar was granted a full licence, making it easier for the branch to hire out the space and raise more money for the Legion.

F

FUNDRAISING Legion Scotland, its branches and its members raise an incredible amount of money for veterans’ charities and work closely with many to ensure we serve those in need.

G

GRANTS We are pleased to offer funding to veterans and their families with specific needs.

The Legion Veterans Fund For members who have served in the Armed Forces and have an immediate financial need which, if not satisfied, may cause hardship or distress to the applicant and his or her family.

For more information, contact your local Welfare or Wellbeing Coordinator, or Stephen Baird at Head Office on 0131 550 1560 or stephen.baird@ legionscotland.org.uk The World War One Commemorations Fund Any members with innovative ideas for commemorative projects and events related to the First World War from Legion Scotland branches and areas can apply for this funding through their local branch.

Contact Helen Henderson at Head Office on 0131 550 1562 or helen.henderson@ legionscotland.org.uk War Graves Visits Fund For trips to graves of family members killed in action overseas.

Contact Stephen Baird at Head Office on 0131 550 1560 or stephen.baird@ legionscotland.org.uk

D

DISABLEMENT PENSIONS ADVICE We can help veterans find out whether they are eligible for a War Disablement Pension or whether they can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

Every year we represent around 200 ex-service personnel at war pensions tribunals and give advice to thousands more.

E

EVENTS Forces in the Field is an annual family fun day at Culzean Castle, taking place this year on 30-31 August. This is just one of many events throughout the year in which Legion Scotland is involved.

SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk 21

AN A TO Z OF LEGION SCOTLAND TravelAid Funding for visits to injured or ill service personnel who are being treated in military hospital units.

Contact Stephen Baird at Head Office on 0131 550 1560 or stephen.baird@ legionscotland.org.uk The Branch Assistance Fund Help to start up a branch. Applications will also be considered from existing branches in need.

For more information, contact Helen Henderson at Head Office on 0131 550 1562 or helen.henderson@ legionscotland.org.uk

H I J K

HAIG Our founder, Field Marshal Earl Haig (pictured below), was Commander in Chief of the British Expeditionary Force for most of World War One. IMPACT We are constantly working to make an impact on the lives of veterans in need.

JOURNEYS Our TravelAid fund can help you make important trips to visit loved ones in hospital.

KINDRED SPIRIT Our wellbeing and comradeship programmes help those in need find support from people who know exactly what they are going through.

L

LEGION SCOTLAND TODAY Legion Scotland Today is the only official magazine of Legion Scotland and revenue from advertising supports our work with Scottish veterans.

SCOTLAND

LEGION The magazine of Legion Scotland

M

MUSIC The Legion has many pipe bands that take part in events across the country, bringing military music to the masses.

Issue 151 Spring 2014

A VIP NIGHT AT THE EDINBURGH TATTOO

Here for you

PLUS

Royal British Legion Scotland

At the heart of the Scottish veterans

LS 00 Cover.indd 1

NEW LOOK This year we have modernised our image.

What do you think?

ORDINARY MEMBERS A motion was passed at this year’s Annual Conference to open up Ordinary

Anyone who is serving or has served for at least one year with the police, fire brigade, ambulance or lifeboat service can now become an Ordinary Member

www.legionscotland.org.uk

FORMER STAFF SERGEANT MICKY YULE PREPARES FOR GLASGOW 2014

LAUNCHING OUR NEW WELLBEING CAMPAIGN

BRANCH NEWS, FATHER’S NAVY DIARIES REVEALED, PETER MYERS ON D-DAY & OUR FIRST 10 DECADES

N O

22 SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Membership to the emergency services – police, fire, ambulance and lifeboat personnel. Gus Mackay, Vice Chairman of the Highlands & Islands area, put forward the idea, stating that their service to the community makes them deserving TODAY and worthy. These groups could, of course, already become Associate Members of the WAR GAMES Legion, and a great many are; but this change will allow those members to transfer across and play a more meaningful role in Legion Scotland activities.

Anyone who is serving or has served for at least one year with the police, fire brigade, ambulance or lifeboat service is eligible to apply.

They are not the only people who qualify for Ordinary Membership without having served in the Armed Forces. Other eligible groups are: members of the Home Guard, members of the Royal Observer Corps and community

01/05/2014 18:37

members of HM Coastguard who have served no less than six months; men and women who have served no less than six months in the Merchant Navy; war widows who are members of the War Widows’ Association; women who have served no less than six months in the Women’s Land Army or the Women’s Timber Corps; Bevin Boys; those over the age of 18 who have served no less than one year as adult cadet instructors (they must have completed one period, minimum 14 days, of continuous training at annual camp); those who have served in the Armed Forces of an Allied Nation for a minimum of seven days during hostilities.

The Legion continues to welcome anyone who supports its aims and objectives to join as a Family or Associate Member.

P

POPPIES We work closely with Poppyscotland and, in fact, our head office shares premises with them and the Lady Haig Poppy Factory.

Q

QUEEN Her Majesty The Queen is our Patron.

R S T U V

REMEMBRANCE November is one of our busiest times of the year, holding or attending Remembrance services and events around the country.

SERVICE NOT SELF Our motto is key in everything we do!

TRADITION We may have recently launched a rebrand, but Legion Scotland will never forget the importance of tradition.

UNIFORM At any of our events, you are sure to meet a fair few men and women in uniform.

VOICES OF VETERANS Our Voices of Veterans campaign started earlier this year and allows us to share inspiring and thought-provoking stories that may otherwise go untold.

W

WOMEN’S SECTION Legion Scotland Women’s Section celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.

Formed in 1924, they came together from a selection of groups and individuals with the interests of wives, widows and children of servicemen at their heart.

There are currently 33 branches of the Women’s Section, many having a close relationship with a local branch of Legion Scotland.

Certain roles have become traditionally associated with the Women’s Section,

including fundraising for the Scottish Poppy Appeal and providing catering for veterans’ events. But many have gone much further.

In 1993, Uryth Mathers was awarded an OBE for her efforts. Ann Robertson from Glenrothes received an MBE in 2004 for her work with the Women’s Section.

Yvonne Marr, the Women’s Section’s General Secretary and Treasurer, was awarded an MBE in 2012, as well as the Poppyscotland President’s Award.

Six members attended a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace last summer on the invitation of the Women’s Section’s Patron, HRH Princess Alexandra.

The group included former Chairman Annie Ogilvie, who was named Arbroath Citizen of the Year in 2012 for her outstanding contribution to the local community. These incredible women are just some of many.

X Y Z

EX-SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN The ex-service community is at the heart of everything we do.

YOUNG PEOPLE We take an active role in engaging young people in service history, so that important lessons can be learned.

ZOOM! The sound of the Riders Branch, which was formed in 2010 and boasts many of our most active members.

VOICES OF VETERANS

POSITIVE

THINKING Iraq War Veteran Lewis used his military-learned determination to overcome terrible adversity and rebuild his life

L

EWIS MONTAGUE, 32, served at the frontline of the Gulf War and experienced some close calls. The incident that brought his time in service to an end, though, happened when he was home on leave.

As he struggled to come to terms with what he had witnessed in Iraq, Lewis was involved in a near fatal accident.

His head was crushed by the weight of another car. The incident put him in a coma for two weeks and in a hospital bed for a year.

He said, “My family were told to get the house ready for me being a vegetable. It took a while for me to take it in. But I think the Army gives you so much life experience and in a way it makes you grow up fast.”

Lewis signed up to the Army at 19 and served with the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Before he knew it he was coming face to face with the terrors of the battlefield.

He served in Kosovo for four months and went on training exercises in Germany, Poland and Canada.

Lewis Montague (lef t) stationed in Iraq during the Gulf War

The Army gives you so much life experience and in a way it makes you grow up fast

24 SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Lewis said: “I was a new soldier and it was tough going but I loved it. I was in Iraq in 2003 during the Gulf War and serving at the frontline. Then I was back in 2004 for about six months. It was so scary at times. I lost a few friends. That affected me a lot. I will have to live with that for the rest of my life.”

Just before the car crash his mum battled cancer, then while Lewis was in rehabilitation his Dad was diagnosed with cancer. He died two months later.

Lewis said, “It was a really testing time. My family were going through a lot. And then they were told I wouldn’t walk again. That was so hard to get my head around. I used to be a typical young soldier and I was a bit of a party animal!”

After Lewis was told that he would never walk again he refused to accept it.

He was determined to get back on his feet and back to active duty. Against all odds – and after five years in rehab – he learned to talk and walk again, but had to accept he couldn’t serve again.

“The whole process of getting back to walking took a while. My attitude at the time was that I wanted to get back to

CPL RUPERT FRERE RLC CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

Army life has inspired a new memoir from Dundee’s Alan Brown

BOY SOLDIER

Lewis enjoying life after service as a popular nightclub DJ

SHARE YOUR STORY

Voices of Veterans is a Legion Scotland campaign paying tribute to brave veterans of all ages who have served in past and present conflicts by sharing their stories. If you have a story to share, whether you left service yesterday or 50 years ago, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Christie McMonagle on 0131 550 1549 or at c.mcmonagle@ legionscotland.org.uk

duty. I tried to be positive, but I also had to be realistic. After I was discharged I needed to focus on starting to rebuild my life,” he said.

Lewis taught himself how to DJ and now appears regularly at dance events across Scotland.

He has also worked with the Prince’s Trust, helping young people who have left school to develop essential employability skills and preparing them for work, and has trained with Skillsforce as part of a Military to Mentors scheme.

Now Lewis feels his life is finally getting back on track. He has started a new job as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities. He is proving a big hit on the DJ scene and is planning to get married later this year in Italy.

Dundee-born Alan Brown served in Germany and Ireland as an Air Gunner/Pilot with 655 Army Aviation Squadron. He left home at 15 to join the Junior Leaders Regiment and became a tank gunner with The Royal Scots Greys at 18.

Now aged 67, Alan is an active member of Legion Scotland’s Dundee branch, and has recently brought out a book about his experiences of life in the Army. He also suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Alan said, “I was suffering from depression which began to affect me badly around 10 years ago. I went for help and realised that it was actually PTSD. So many men and women who come out of service are affected by mental health issues and just don’t know how to cope.

“You miss the camaraderie.

Because you are all in it together it becomes very tight knit. You share a sense of humour because of what you are experiencing. For me it was something I really missed. I did think about going back in many times. Legion Scotland provides the opportunity for that sort of comradeship in the civilian world.

Opening up to tell your story can really help you come to terms with your experiences.”

Boy Soldier and Beyond is available now as an e-book.

Alan Brown (right) launches Legion Scotland’s new wellbeing service for ex-service people

SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk 25

SWB ad 122 x185

14/7/14

12:02 pm

Page 1

We provide free support and assistance to veterans of the armed forces who have a visual impairment sustained in conflicts or subsequent to their service.

You might be a doctor, nurse, optometrist, dentist, social worker, neighbour, friend or relative…

Please ask anyone with a serious visual impairment if they have served in the Armed Forces or did National Service.

Anyone who has done so is eligible to join Scottish War Blinded, irrespective of the cause of their visual impairment.

guidethem

Can you guide them to us?

0800 035 6409

Expanding Horizons guidethem.org Scottish Charity Number: SCO 02652

Opening 2014: Bellrock Close, Glasgow 51 new flats for let to Armed Forces veterans

 21 one and two bedroom independent

properties

 30 one bedroom flats with transitional

support provided

 Wheelchair adapted flats available  Gym, café, Wi-Fi and landscaped gardens

For more details see www.svronline.org SVR is a registered Charity No. SC015260 Email: info@svronline.org Phone:0131 556 0091

Scot Legion_QUART VERT.indd 1

02/05/2014 11:19

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

ROYAL NAVY

An American tale

LA(PHOT) WILL HAIGH/CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

A JOINT capability exercise recently took place on Loch Long, between the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Ministry of Defence Police, with the US Coastguard present to observe.

The exercise was the second leg of an exchange arrangement that saw UK personnel travel to the US Naval Base in Kings Bay, Georgia in January to witness their counterparts in training.

The force protection exercise involved a number of different scenarios, showing how the forces work together to protect high-value shipping from a range of threats.

While in Kings Bay, UK personnel also saw the US Coastguard’s ‘synthetic training’ – a giant computer-based simulator that enables them to practise scenarios on dry land.

LA(PHOT) DAVE JENKINS CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

ROYAL NAVY

Picture this

POA(PHOT) MEZ MERRILL CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

Navy photographers win awards in annual competition

THE ROYAL Navy’s annual photographic competition winners have been revealed. Fifteen professional categories and three amateur categories were judged by a panel of experts.

Commando Helicopter Force’s Petty Officer Mez Merrill won the prestigious Peregrine Trophy with a stunning set of photographs (left).

Leading Airman Dave Jenkins’ photograph (above) won the Media Operations award for the “best single image that is judged to create the most impact as a news photograph”.

More information and winners photos can be viewed at: www.royalnavy.mod. uk/news-and-latest-activity/features/ peregrine-trophy

SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk 27

FORCES UPDATE ARMY

BACK AND FOURTH

Making a move

THE ROYAL Scots Borderers, 1st Batallion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) are preparing to move base, from Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh to Palace Barracks in Belfast, later this summer.

The Regiment was formed in 2006, and troops have been deployed in operational tours to the Balkans, Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan. 1 SCOTS have expressed a great deal of gratitude to the local community for all their support.

ARMY

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Munro, said: “1 SCOTS has hugely enjoyed its time based in Edinburgh. Throughout our eight years here, we have maintained an incredibly challenging pace of operations.

“Right at this moment, A Company are on a training exercise in Bosnia as part of the UK’s long term contribution to the EU mission to contribute to a safe and secure environment in that country.”

CPL DANIEL WIEPEN RLC/CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

MARK OWENS/CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

THE LAST Scottish battalion to serve in a

combat role in Afghanistan is returning home after their final operational tour.

The 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS), also known as the Highlanders, handed over command of the multi-national Manoeuvre Battlegroup to 5th Battalion The Rifles in Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province.

The battlegroup supported the Afghan National Security Forces and protected coalition operations. The Highlanders in particular worked recently to ensure safe closure of US and UK forward bases.

The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel James Roddis, said: “It is an honour to have commanded such a diverse cross-coalition and capable organisation, able to draw on much collective experience and be involved in the transfer and closure of the final US and UK bases outside of Bastion in Central Helmand.”

ROYAL AIR FORCE

ALL FORCES

D-DAY B-DAY

On the box

A D-DAY veteran was given a special birthday treat at RAF Leuchars.

William ‘Willie’ Taylor celebrated his 100th birthday with a VIP tour of 6 Squadron’s aircraft and facilities.

Flight Lieutenant Si Cook – a Eurofighter Typhoon pilot – was Willie’s guide for the day, though many air and ground crew were pleased to meet him and chat about their experiences.

Willie volunteered for signals work with the RAF during World War Two: “Although it was very complex, our job was essentially to jam enemy

A TV channel about the

aircraft signals and prevent the German bombers hitting their intended locations. It was very top secret at the time.”

He was later posted to 175 Squadron where he serviced Hawker Typhoons in preparation for the Normandy invasion. The visit was of particular significance as 6 Squadron are also celebrating their 100th year.

28 SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Flight Lieutenant Si Cook said: “It was a pleasure to host Mr Taylor and to celebrate both his and 6 Squadron’s centenaries. His sharp memory gave us a great insight into Hawker Typhoon operations during World War Two and we were glad to discuss the capabilities of the modern Typhoon and show him around an aircraft.”

Armed Forces has launched in the UK. The channel, called Forces TV, goes out on Sky (channel 299), Virgin Media (244) and Freesat (652). Its programming will consist of news, live events, features and documentaries, and will cover every aspect of Armed Forces life.

Pre-paid Funeral Plans By being prepared today you will help your loved ones tomorrow A Pre-paid Funeral Plan allows you to plan and pay for your funeral in advance and ensure that your funeral will be carried out as you want it to be.

For more information call 0800 088 4852 or visit www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk Proud to support Legion Scotland

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17/07/2014 11:44

SAILINGS IN THE TROSSACHS

Pay tribute and plant a flag for this

MERCHANT NAVY DAY

From walking to running, sailing to cycling, we have it all - so come along and explore, eat, relax and enjoy

7th SEPTEMBER 2014

Merchant seafarers keep the world turning, transporting 90% of our goods.

They face treacherous sea, harsh working environments and, in times of conflict, danger beyond reckoning.

2014 is the centenary of WW1 - this year Sailors’ Society will be paying tribute to the vital role merchant seafarers play in all our lives, by creating a Sea of Remembrance.

Hundreds of red ensign flags bearing heartwarming messages will be planted in Trinity Gardens, London this Merchant Navy Day.

• Classic Steamship Cruises on Sir Walter Scott • Panoramic Cruises on Lady of the Lake • Lochside Dining in The Brenachoile Café - Restaurant - Bar • Katrine Gifts - Souvenirs & Scottish Crafts • Katrine Kiosk - Snacks, drinks & sandwiches to take away • Cycle hire with Katrinewheelz - For all the family • On-site professional photography from Borg Grech Photography

Contact us now for your Red Ensign pack so that your flag can be planted with others, in tribute to loved ones, and seafarers past and present.

E fundraising@sailors-society.org T +44 (0)23 8051 5950.

Steamship Sir Walter Scott

www.lochkatrine.com Email:

Sailor Society_SLN_Summer14.indd 1

10/07/2014 Loch 14:58 Katrine_Legion_Summer14.indd 1

Tel: 01877 376315/6 enquiries@lochkatrine.com

17/07/2014 15:50

COME AND SEE US FIND YOUR NEAREST LEGION SCOTLAND BRANCH

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

Every branch is run by volunteers and every one of them 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 your membership also entitles you to make use of any other branch across Scotland (a separate fee may apply for making use of a branch with a club).

To make it easier to find the branch closest to you, we’ve split Scotland into nine different areas and have listed the branches in each area in alphabetical order.

Those branches listed in BLUE also have a legion club affiliated to them.

Oldmachar Oldmeldrum Peterhead Stonehaven Strichen Tarves & District Turriff & District Upper Donside ANGUS & PERTHSHIRE 01241 873 964 Alyth Arbroath Blairgowrie, Rattray & District Braco & Greenloaning Brechin

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 30 SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Callander & District Carnoustie City Of Dundee Crieff Dunblane Dunkeld & Birnam Forfar Montrose Pitlochry & Blair Atholl

Isle Of Bute Kilmarnock Kilwinning Largs Maybole Monkton & Prestwick Muirkirk Saltcoats, Ardrossan & Stevenston Troon

AYRSHIRE 01294 552 013 Ayr Cumnock & District Garnock Valley Girvan Irvine

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS

ABERDEEN BANFF & KINCARDINE

ANGUS & PERTHSHIRE FIFE

GLASGOW & WESTERN COUNTIES

EDINBURGH & THE LOTHIANS BORDERS

AYRSHIRE DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

BORDERS 01361 883 696 Coldstream Duns Eyemouth Galashiels Hawick Jedburgh Kelso Liddesdale Melrose Peebles Selkirk & Ettrick Forest St Boswells DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY 01683 221 295 Annan Castle Douglas Dalbeattie Dumfries & Maxwelltown Gatehouse & District Kirkcudbright Langholm Lockerbie 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 North Berwick Penicuik Portobello Prestonpans Roslin

FIFE 01592 568 601 Anstruther Ceres & District Crail Crossgates Cupar Dunfermline Glenrothes Kennoway Kirkcaldy Leven Markinch Newburgh St Andrews Tayport GLASGOW & WESTERN COUNTIES 0141 276 9755/ 07979 006 536 Biggar Bridge of Weir Campbeltown Clackmannanshire & District Cumbernauld 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 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 FURTHER AFIELD 0032 (0) 57 365 152 Passchendaele, Belgium

HEADQUARTERS BRANCH 0131 550 1583 Ideal for those abroad, or with no branch nearby RIDERS BRANCH 07884 004890 WOMEN’S SECTION 07826 104879 Arbroath Ayr & Prestwick Banchory Blairgowrie & Rattray 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 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk 31

LAST POST Paying tribute to recently departed Legion members from across the country FORT WILLIAM

Raymond Hervo

Raymond was born in Locmine, a small village in north west France. He joined the French Navy at the age of 17. When war broke out, and with the collapse of France, his Captain sailed for Portsmouth and joined the British war effort as part of the Free French Forces.

He later underwent rigorous Commando training at Fort William.

On D-Day, Raymond returned to French soil at Sword Beach. He and his

fellow Commandos went on to help in the liberation of Belgium and Holland, taking part in fierce fighting in Walcheren and Flushing.

Raymond had met and married his sweetheart Jean in Glasgow in 1942.

After the war, they settled in Fort William and raised a family. It was during this time that he became a member of the Fort William branch.

Raymond died peacefully in Cradlehall care home and his ashes were scattered at the Commando Memorial

LEGION SCOTLAND

Gavin Pullar

Gavin was a gregarious, outgoing and sociable man who played a significant role in the community, serving as Chairman of the North Berwick branch for 20 years.

He later became Edinburgh Area President and a Trustee to the Legion in 2010.

Gavin did his National Service with the Royal Navy.

He married wife Jennifer in 1959 and was a hands-on dad to five sons, Gavin, David, Paul, Mark and Richard.

Jennifer passed away in 2009.

Gavin loved rugby and dogs, and was known too for his legendary New Year parties. He remained busy, active and dedicated to his family and to the Legion community to the end.

For the last few years he’d had a lot of trouble with his knees, but didn’t let it hold him back. He was still driving until a few weeks before his passing.

He was taken into the Edington Cottage Hospital for a bit of a rest, when they decided to send him up to the Western for some tests. There his condition deteriorated and he died quite suddenly.

Gavin will be dearly missed by all.

Garden, Spean Bridge near Fort William.

HELENSBURGH AND DISTRICT

John Simpson Croy

It is with sadness that Helensburgh and District branch has lost one of its

stalwart members, John Simpson Croy, at only 67 years old. He was branch photographer and DJ, and supplied its dance tickets.

Many branch members and submariners attended John’s funeral in Park Church on Friday 2 May. There was a collection after the funeral and 50% of all the monies raised went to Legion Scotland. Our sympathies go to his family.

MONKTON AND PRESTWICK

Murdoch (Murdo) Stewart

Monkton & Prestwick branch has lost a loyal servant.

Born in Maryhill, Glasgow, Murdo joined the Cameronians at the outbreak of World War Two. He saw service all over Europe, mainly

32 SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk

IN MEMORIAM in Holland, and was wounded in action.

When he was demobbed, he spent most of his working life as a riveter at Scottish Aviation.

Murdo joined the Legion in 1945 and held many positions in the branch such as Chairman and President, all carried out with grace and diligence. He helped at many a fundraising event and was always there, quietly getting on with the task in hand. Along with Jim McDonald, Ted Murchar and Danny Donnelly, Murdo was the last of four stalwarts of the branch who are now sadly no longer with us. The branch and the Legion owe a huge debt of gratitude to Murdo.

With his big heart, Murdo was someone who made friends and colleagues feel the better for knowing him.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

PASSCHENDAELE

Herwig Van Durme

One of the first Belgian members of Legion Scotland, Herwig Van Durme has sadly passed away at the age of only 60. Herwig’s true affinity for Scotland may have stemmed from the fact that his home town of Dadizele was liberated in 1944 by the 9th Scottish Division. He is survived by his wife Marleen.

STRANRAER

John Meredith

John enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps in 1942 as a driver/mechanic and served largely in north west

Europe, taking part in the D-Day landings at Normandy.

He retrained as a psychiatric nurse after the war, met his partner Anna and settled down in Stranraer, where he joined the Legion branch in 1980. He was a staunch supporter for the remainder of his life.

He became well known in town as a warm and friendly poppy salesman and, at different times, Chairman and Treasurer of the branch.

John’s presence and cheery disposition is greatly missed by all his branch colleagues and friends. Our sincere condolences go to all his family, but especially to Anna, who remains an Associate Member of the branch and still takes a full and active part in support of all its activities.

STRICHEN

Alex (Sandy) Thain

It is with deepest regret that Strichen branch announces the passing of our long-serving Chairman, Alex (Sandy) Thain.

Sandy was a very sociable person involved in a lot of activities. He started with the ACF Cadets and ended up in charge of the Strichen platoon. He also joined the Fraserburgh branch of the Territorial Army, moving on to his National Service with the Gordon Highlanders, where his experience won him a stint with the military police.

On completing National Service, he returned to farming and digger driving with a local contractor, before joining the Scottish Hydro

Electric Board. He also found time to act as store man in his son’s plumbing business.

Sandy was involved in building the Strichen branch/ club premises, and was always willing to help. He will be greatly missed by the local community. Our thoughts are with his wife Mary, daughter Elaine and son Alan and their families.

STROMNESS

Fred Johnson

It is with great sadness that Stromness branch announces the passing of our past President, Captain Alfred William Johnson.

Fred joined the Royal Navy aged 17. He was posted to HMS Submarines following training, and in the course of his 22-year service achieved the rank

of Chief Petty Officer. He later worked as a ship master for P&O. In 1954, Fred met Elizabeth Sinclair. Five years later they were married. Fred’s own sons followed their father into a maritime career and he witnessed their success and progress with pride.

Fred was an active member of the Stromness branch.

Throughout his time on the Legion Committee and as President, he devoted much of his energy to its smooth running.

He took great delight in regaling his grandchildren with stories of the high seas; he was an accomplished ballroom dancer and a man of strong faith. Members all have happy memories of the time they spent in Fred’s company.

WOMEN’S SECTION

Flo Beedie

Flo Beedie joined the ATS Royal Signals in the early part of World War Two. She was stationed across England and volunteered to go abroad, ending up in Cairo. She was sent to the Sergeant after returning to the barracks late one night.

An RAF navigator called Frank, that Sergeant would later become her husband.

They moved to Tarves after the war, and in 1948 Flo would become a founder member of the Women’s Section there.

She went on to become National Chairman of the Women’s Section in Scotland from 1977 to 1980. She was Life Vice President, and the first person after the Queen Mother to receive the Golden Award.

Flo and Frank had four children together – Frank, Helen, Eddie and Maggie.

Always involved in a great deal of fundraising for the Armed Forces and veterans, Flo was a remarkable lady with a love of life and a keen sense of humour.

She was diagnosed with cancer just four weeks before her passing, and was nursed by family with the help of District and Marie Curie nurses in her final days.

SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk 33

FAREWELL TO RAF LEUCHARS of Royal Air Force Leuchars in March 1920 and many have fond memories of the base.

In July 2011, it was announced that RAF Leuchars will close, with squadrons relocated and its land handed over to the Army in 2015.

6 Squadron and their jets have already begun the process of relocation to RAF Lossiemouth. A farewell parade celebrating the airmen and women of RAF Leuchars took place in St Andrews in May.

Leuchars has been used for aviation since 1911, when a Royal Engineers balloon squadron trained there

A pilot from 6 Squadron of the Royal Air Force exits the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 at RAF Leuchars

TAKING FLIGHT 34 SUMMER 2014 www.legionscotland.org.uk

PIC: SAC HELEN RIMMER/CROWN COPYRIGHT 2014

T

HE ROYAL AIR FORCE’S 6 Squadron formed a century ago, on 31 January 1914.

The squadron served in World War One. Two of its earliest pilots were Louis Strange and Lanoe Hawker, who were renowned for their incredible skill and pioneering ideas.

The Eurofighter Typhoon went into development in the 1980s. Its maiden flight was on 27 March 1994, 20 years ago.

Leuchars has been used for aviation since 1911, when a Royal Engineers balloon squadron trained there. It adopted the name

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