The Fusiliers Newsletter

Transcription

1 The Fusiliers Newsletter Catch up with the Regiment at work, rest and play Contents 1 September 2017 v Welcome back to the Regiment! v - have you really seen it? v First Fusiliers speak at Passchendaele Remembrance v Honouring our Dunkirk Veterans v Northern Ireland legacy cases v Warwickshire ACF s Annual Camp v News from Northumberland Area v Regimental Marketing an update v Out and About... v 10th Anniversary of the Manchester Minden Day Madness (MMDM) 2017 v Notices v Two Months Forecast of Events v How to contribute RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 1

2 Welcome back to the Regiment! F ollowing the Army 2020 Refine decisions announced earlier this year the Colonel of the Regiment, Major General PAE Nanson CBE and all Fusiliers today welcome back under the command of the Fifth Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers the following: A (Fusilier) Company based in Sheldon, Birmingham, formerly under command 4 th Battalion, The Mercian Regiment C (City of London Fusiliers) Company based in Balham, formerly under command of the London Regiment The Machine Gun Platoon based in Bury, formerly under command of the 4 th Battalion the Duke of Lancaster s Regiment. With effect from 1st October 2017 the Fifth Battalion will be paired with the First Battalion providing individual and formed reinforcements in the Armoured Infantry role and will also be resubordinated to 1 st Armoured Infantry Brigade. Importantly the Regiment has now re-established a Regimental command structure across the antecedent Fusilier areas which is fantastic news and further strengthens the Regiment. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 2

3 - have you really seen it? You may think you have seen our Regimental website. But you might be thinking of another one from the past. The modern RHQ Regimental website home page is shown above. If you don t recognise this page, you haven t seen the site. It s now 18 months old and holds a lot of information for all the Fusilier family, such as: News of the Regiment and the Fusilier family Fusilier 50 news this will be increasingly busy as we move into 2018 The Colonel s Blog see General Nanson s thoughts on today s challenges There are pages about the Association, Resettlement, the Fusilier Aid Society, Fusiliers Direct and even pages about our Regimental Days and Marches. It s all there... So click to double check you have seen the up to date Regimental site. And then bookmark it. And visit it often to keep up to date. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 3

4 First Fusiliers speak at Passchendaele Remembrance In case you missed them on the BBC in early August, LCpl Lashmore-Searson and Fusilier McLorie of 1 st Fusiliers spoke at the Passchendaele Centenary Ceremony of Remembrance. 1 September 2017 Fusilier McLorie read an account by Private Ferns, of the Lancashire Fusiliers who fought bravely in the battle: "I staggered up the hill and then dropped over the slope into a sort of gully. It was here that I froze and became very frightened because a big shell had just burst... I just stood there. It was still and misty, and I could taste their blood in the air." Honouring our Dunkirk Veterans The Fusilier Museum (Bury) were most pleased to host two Dunkirk Veterans. Col Brian Gorski led a Guard of Honour from the Fusilier Association (Lancashire) and the NW RST to welcome 98 year old Norman Prior from Dunkirk Veterans Norman Prior and Edward Morrison visiting Bury Middleton; and our oldest Lancashire Fusilier (we think), 99 year old Edward Morrison from Liverpool. Both were on the beach at Dunkirk. They had never met before as Norman was 1 st / 5 th LF and Edward 1 st / 6 th LF. Both their Battalions became 108 and 109 Regts, Royal RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 4

5 Armoured Corps, although keeping the Lancashire Fusiliers name in the title, Both continued to wear the LF cap badge after they had left Dunkirk. After lunch (courtesy of RHQ), Norman and Edward were interviewed by the BBC online which can be seen on this link 7/ After the interview, they toured the Museum. Although we know they had a great day, ours was more rewarding, hearing their first hand stories of Dunkirk and the rest of the war. Northern Ireland legacy cases Those who served in the NI Troubles will be aware that there is continuing political pressure to investigate all incidents where the Army was involved. It has been difficult to define in simple terms the context around these NI legacy cases and RHQ know that this may be a cause of concern for many. Below is a note that provides generic context on the background. NORTHERN IRELAND LEGACY CASES REQUESTS FOR WITNESS ASSISTANCE Since 2006, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of those killed during the Troubles in Northern Ireland have been reviewed, sometimes several times. This has resulted in, among other things, a decision by the Northern Ireland Attorney General to hold a number of new inquests. It should be noted that these inquests are not confined to deaths involving the Armed Forces, but encompass those involving the RUC and others. Where they do involve or were witnessed by members of the Armed Forces, the Coroner is seeking assistance from those RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 5

6 Servicemen and women who were serving in Northern Ireland at the time and who witnessed the events in order to hear their evidence. It is important to highlight that the purpose of an inquest is to establish the facts surrounding the death; it is not to apportion blame nor is it a trial. The MOD has an obligation to support these inquests. As part of this, letters are being sent by the Ministry of Defence s Defence Inquest Unit (DIU) to those who might have been witnesses and who it believes may be able to assist. If you receive a letter it will ask if you recall any details about an incident. It is recognised that this took place a long time ago and that receiving a letter out of the blue may well cause concern. However, any assistance you may be able to offer would be invaluable in helping to establish what happened and, critically, in providing the Coroner with further information adding to that put forward by other parties involved in the inquest process. The letter provides contact details in case you have information or want more advice. For those concerned by this or in receipt of a letter, support is available. The DIU is a specialist team set up to manage the Ministry of Defence s engagement with Coroners and to support those serving personnel and veterans involved in the inquest process. The Army and the Regiment are also ready to provide any additional support that is required, hence this general . You should feel free to ring RHQ for our help. Of note, for confidentiality and data protection reasons, RHQs have not provided contact details of any Association members. Warwickshire ACF s Annual Camp After the excitement and success of each Annual Camp at the beginning of every August, the rest of the month is usually quiet with cadets (and adults!) taking a wellearned break. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 6

7 However 2017 was different. The Annual Camp at Warcop started with the annual County Drill Competition. As well as the usual trophy and medal for the winning team, there was the chance to be selected to participate in November s Remembrance Day ceremonies. These include the Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall and the Remembrance Sunday Ceremony at the Cenotaph. This is because the 1 September 2017 County has been chosen to represent the ACF for 2017, a great honour for us. After the excitement of the battlefield tour to the Ypres area last year, training and activities were more familiar with motorbike, archery tag, mountain biking, shotgun, paintball, in addition to the normal range work and field craft. Two happy cadets share a memory after Archery Tag. (are Camps allowed to be this much fun?) The RSM casts a critical eye over one of the drill teams, looking for Remembrance Day candidates The more senior cadets took part in a longer field-based exercise run by the CTT, developing more advanced Fieldcraft and Leadership skills. There was also a visit to Queens Div Coy at nearby Catterick for a tour of the facilities and to watch the next generation of Fusiliers (amongst others) pass out from initial training. Thanks to OC Maj Matt King and WO2 (CSM) Gaz Bowen for hosting us at ITC. And thanks also to the four Fusiliers from A (Fus) Coy and the Midlands RST for supporting the Camp. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 7

8 1 September 2017 News from Northumberland Area CSgt Ronnie Collins and Fifth Fusiliers have a close relationship with Wallsend Boys Club and they ran a successful battlefield tour and football tournament over the weekend July. The boys won the tournament against older opposition from Belgium and Paderborn and Fifth Fusiliers narrowly lost to their Belgian opposition. There were a lot of 'life lessons' as well as historical ones over the weekend and Wallsend Boys Club now want to make this an annual event. The Football teams gather at the location of the Christmas truce football match in 1914 The Northumberland area of the Association were invited by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to attend the Mansion House to celebrate the anniversary of the USA's entry into WW1. America s tribute to Britain Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace, has been on display at Newcastle Central station throughout July and the Charge D Affaires of the United States Embassy praised the long standing links between the City and the US RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 8

9 Regimental Marketing an update Tasked by the Colonel to improve the marketing of the Regiment, Col John Matthews and his team are close to launching the four Foundation building blocks of the Regiment s marketing kit. These are: The updated logo (above). This will gradually be used across our written corresepondence. Four new straplines to support Once a Fusilier, Always a Fusilier. Many members of the Fusiier family helped develop these, which will help us get our message over to our target audiences. A set of mandatory hashtags for use on Regimental social media sites. The Regimental Marketing Handbook which will guide all our marketing communication and branding, especially to our external audiences. These will be fomally launched in September, with guidelines on how and where to use them. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 9

10 Out and About... Col John Matthews as Head of the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Branch rode in support of the FELIX FUND at the Ride London 100 mile sportive in August. He raised over 2,500 for this worthy charity. And he s still looking fresh... During her visit to Warwickshire ACF s Annual Camp, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham discusses fieldcraft with Col Peter Stitt (Area Col Warwickshire & Midlands), Col James Denny (Regt Sec) and Lt Col Richard Gale (Dep Comdt Warwickshire ACF). Col Stitt is confident he has won the debate. 10th Anniversary of the Manchester Minden Day Madness (MMDM) 2017 By Howard Lycett Preparation Friday 28th July 2017 was the chosen date for MMDM Due to the demise of the last Forward Operating Base (FOB) RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 10

11 Situation Ground Mission Execution 1 September 2017 Camp Grapes being destroyed following last year s contact a new FOB was required. Recce parties were dispatched and the Rain Bar on Bridgewater Street was chosen to host MMDM 2017 Further operational intelligence had been received from HQ that the main effort for the North West celebrations for FUSILIER 50 in 2018 would be the Minden Weekend. It was therefore imperative that this year s venue could be tried and tested. As previously stated The Rain Bar (an apt name for a Manchester summer time venue) was chosen because of its large outdoor space, although the space was not fully used due to adverse weather conditions. To bring comrades together again and nobody to be thrown into the canal. Phase 1 Move to the RV The Commander s intent was to get everyone settled into the RV before doormen arrived on the door in order to dissuade any locals from gate crashing the event. Co-ordinating Instructions had been issued to the bar staff and it was good to see extra staff drawn in and extra barrels ready to be brought into action. Phase 2 Actions on reaching the RV Formations By 18:00 the bar was rocking with close to 175 attendees to MMDM. The situation was helped by the prompt service at the bar and constant flow of people from one conversation group to another. Jack Walker provided photographic evidence of the night s event, which was promptly uploaded to Social Media to promote and maintain the desire to attend future events. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 11

12 Many people had travelled from long distances: Scotland, Northern Ireland, Newcastle, Midlands and London. Roger Daughtry had flown in from Spain and Dominic Ostrowski from the Middle East. This year s collections were made to help the NI Branch buy and inscribe a Fusilier plaque for the memorial garden at Palace Barracks. 270 was raised thanks to the generosity of the Fusiliers family. The memorial plaque at Fusilier Meadow, Whitefield was another worthy cause which was generously supported. This year also welcomed Fathers of Fusiliers and Children of Fusiliers adding to our strong Wives Club group. It was also pleasing to see that the numbers of former 3 RRF are growing, dispelling the myth that MMDM is a 2 RRF event. If you wore the hackle, you will be welcome. Morale was high and we did manage to get a few officers in attendance: Lt Col Mike McDonald, Major John Collicut, Major Bill Blinco and Major Bill Niven. We had apologies from Major Charlie Jenkins and Lt Col Martin Travers both longstanding attendees. Phase 3 Withdrawal in an orderly fashion The withdrawal took a little time but eventually the bar was emptied to give the bar manager a chance to count the record bar takings. Sgt Mark Whoosh Tennant led the crowd in a chorus of He s one of our own in reference to former 2RRF PTI Tony Davis. Tony was the man who valiantly tried to save the life of PC Keith Palmer on the 22 March whilst visiting the House of Commons. The Future Intentions is to return to The Rain Bar to celebrate Fusilier 50. It proved a suitable and sizeable venue and we will endeavour to make Fusilier 50 the best MMDM ever. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 12

13 Notices Fusilier 50 Images please help To commemorate our 50th Anniversary Fusilier 50, we are planning several activities that require images of people and experiences since the formation of the Regiment. In particular for two artists and for the new RRF gallery in Bury. The images should be meaningful, unique, characterful, serious, amusing, of individuals or groups. The best format would be as high resolution scanned images of your originals but we will accept original photographs, negatives, drawings, paintings and the like. In terms of themes we would like subjects of all types: operations, training, ceremonial, sport, social, homecomings, family or any special event. An indication of the names of individuals and the date and location of each image would be helpful. Should you wish to send scanned or electronic image please send them to If you have hard copies they should be sent to: Fusilier 50 Images Fusilier Museum Moss Street Bury BL9 0DF Fusilier 50 Video help also needed here We are also working with an external company to make a documentary / film about the Regiment, focusing on events since The documentary / film will be showed at key Fusilier 50 events next year and will celebrate the 50 years of our Regiment. Do you have any video footage and /or photographs from the last 50 years of Fusiliers on tour, in training or at events? Would you be happy for them to be part of a documentary about the Fusiliers? If so please contact Sarah de Courcy sj.decourcy.is@gmail.com. Making the Association Card worthwhile having As part of the Regimental Offer and bringing meaning to the new Association Card and the tag line Once a Fusilier, Always a Fusilier RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 13

14 RHQ has brokered a number of deals that are available to members of the Regiment. Here is the first in the series of offers. JUST MOVE IN REGIMENTAL OFFER Just Move In is a service which helps people move-in and out of a property, when they re moving home. They take care of all of the tedious administration, from notifying the council and water companies, through to setting up energy suppliers and arranging removals. They're offering their service to all army personnel and veterans, beginning with the Fusiliers (regular and reserve Fusiliers and Fusilier veterans), for just 30 (usual price 290). They will also give 10% of that fee to the Fusiliers Aid Society (FAS). So the Regiment will benefit as well. Just register your details at and they'll send you the discount code to access the 30 price. Here is a list of the services they can help you with. Notifying the local council, Notifying the water & sewerage companies, Notifying the gas & electricity companies, Switching you to a new 100% renewable energy provider (saving you on average 250 per year on your bills), Moving you to a new broadband, TV & phone provider, Organising and booking a low-cost removals company rated 5* on TrustPilot, to manage your move, Introducing you to a low-cost, innovative storage company, Finding you a local trusted, reliable cleaning service in your area, Getting you a quote for contents/buildings/car insurance from an award-winning broker. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 14

15 Register your details today at: Central Branch Battlefield Tour Sep Last Call Central Branch are sponsoring and organising the 2017 Battlefield Tour to Ypres (WW1) and Dunkirk (WW2). The guide will be Lt Col Keith Kiddie. The programme will be: Mon 18 Sep. Coach to Bruges and Hotel for the Ypres visit. Stop en-route at Ashford Station to collect attendees from London etc. Tue 19 Sep Battlefield Tour 1st/2nd Ypres. Wed 20 Sep Messines Ridge, 3rd Ypres (Passchendael). Evening: Menin Gate Ceremony. Thu 21 Sep Battle of Comines Canal (WW2): 7th/8th RWR action prior to Dunkirk. Fri 22 Sep Visit Wormhout Memorial and return to UK. A cheque for 30 payable to RRF Central Branch Operating Account is required to secure a place. The address for payments is: SSAFA c/o P. Fazakerly (BFT 2017) Westfield House ARC Swillington Road Coventry CV6 3HL DRAGON - Awareness of Veteran Mental Health Issues RHQ has been approached by Mr Bob Jeffrey, who is a local North Tyneside playwright. Bob has written and is producing a play called Dragon. The play s title comes from the sign that A Company Group, 2 nd Fusiliers put up at Now Zad in 2006: RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 15

16 Welcome to the Dragon s Lair, Home of Fire Support Group Second Fusiliers. The play is a fictitious drama about a veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life because of mental health issues caused by the military experiences of combat. The aim of the play is to raise awareness about veterans mental health issues. It will be opening at the Newcastle Arts Centre, Westgate Road in October 2017 (exact dates tbc). Dragon is non-profit making project and supported by Newcastle s Live Theatre, The Royal British Legion, Forward-Assist, Changing- Lives (formerly the Cyrenians), and Northumbria University s Veteran s Hub Unit. Bob is a former police officer but has since worked in teaching, and social work, specialising in teenage careers work. He has also worked with people with mental illness. Bob has asked the Regiment to help him in the production of the play in the following ways: He would like to speak to any serving members or veterans of the Regiment who were at Now Zad in 2006 to ensure accuracy and realism in the play. Invite members of the Regiment to attend the performance of the play He is looking for an adviser with Afghanistan experience to sit in on a script reading and rehearsals and provide advice on technical issues for about half a day. If serving or former Fusiliers wish to assist Bob, then could they please contact RHQ at: rhq@fusiliers.org Service at the Fusilier Memorial, NMA 12 Nov Note some changes to the event David Lloyd is holding a Service at 1400 on Sunday 12th November at the Fusilier Memorial Wall, National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas. Those attending should arrive by RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 16

17 Depending on numbers, a curry lunch may be arranged in nearby Yoxall. Please confirm attendance by 1 Sep 17 to David Lloyd on or David.lloyd12@live.co.uk. Sharjah Jun 2018 There will be a lunch at the Tower on Thursday 14 June 2018 for those Officers who served in Sharjah with 1RF/3RRF in This includes those since commissioned. If you are interested please Maurice French, giving your rank when you retired. Maurice is at Mauricemfrench@mauricemfrench.plus.com. Cyber Security Videos The Metropolitan Police have produced some videos in support of the National Cyber Security Centre s Cyber Security Strategy. There are 5 videos lasting approx. 2 mins each, titled: a. The little guide to passwords. b. The little guide to computer updates. c. The little guide to phishing. d. The little guide to safe Wi-Fi. e. The little guide to protecting your online identity. The videos can be viewed on the Get Safe Online website at RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 17

18 Fusiliers Direct Product of the Month Two Months Forecast of Events Date 2017 Title Sponsor Location Thursday, 7 September 2017 London Pub Lunch HM Tower of London London AHQ London Saturday, 9 September 2017 Unveiling of Plaque to Birmingham Pals Battalions W&M AHQ Birmingham Thursday, 14 September 2017 City of London HQ Vintage Lunch HM Tower of London London AHQ London Saturday, 16 September 2017 Central Branch Annual Dinner W&M AHQ Coventry Monday, 18 September 2017 Central Branch Battlefield Tour W&M AHQ France Wednesday, 4 October 2017 Cpl Hutt VC Memorial Stone unveiled (date tbc) W&M AHQ Coventry Thursday, 5 October 2017 London Pub Lunch HM Tower of London London AHQ London Saturday, 7 October 2017 Fusiliers Unite 17 W&M AHQ Coventry Sunday, 8 October 2017 Fusiliers Association (Warwickshire) Church Parade W&M AHQ Warwick Friday, 13 October RF/ RRF Branch reunion HM Tower of London London AHQ London Thursday, 19 October 2017 Fusiliers Officers Club (Lon) Lunch HM Tower of London London AHQ London Friday, 27 October 2017 C of L / RRF Branch Branch Meeting, HM Tower of London London AHQ London All events can be seen at How to contribute Contributions are welcome from anywhere in the Fusilier Family. Articles should be no more than 150 words, RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 18

19 ideally with a good photo and caption. Get them to midsec@thefusiliers.org by the 25 th of each month. 1 September 2017 Archive copies are held in the Regiment s Dropbox account. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 19