FUSILIER NEWS RHQ/RRF/1363. Message From The Colonel of The Regiment.

Transcription

1 FUSILIER NEWS Regimental Headquarters The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers HM Tower of London London EC3N 4AB Tel: Fax: th August 2010 RHQ/RRF/1363 Message From The Colonel of The Regiment. The Colonel of the Regiment, on behalf of all Fusiliers sends best wishes and good luck to 2 RRF on their arrival in Celle, Germany on 23 August The Battalion will spend 2 years in Celle as a Light Role Battalion under Command of 7 Armd Bde. Hackles Over Helmand. The Second Battalion have produced a written and pictorial history of their tour in Afghanistan last year called Hackles Over Helmand. A limited number of copies are available through RHQ at a cost of 5. RHQ will keep a hard back copy as part of the Regimental history at The Tower. 1 RRF The month of Jul was spent mainly on the plain for the majority of the Battalion. 16 Air Assault Brigade had been on the plain for 3 weeks conducting their last exercise prior to deploying to Afghanistan in September. Role playing as a civilian population and insurgents is slightly different to a normal exercise, however the Companies all performed exceptionally well to produce a very challenging exercise for the Brigade. Congratulations must go to Captain Matt Clarke who completed his first exercise on the plain, after a full year in the Land Warfare Centre Battlegroup. He even managed to lead an airborne assault with a platoon of Polish soldiers on to the Y Company settlement! Spot the Fusiler! The Corps of Drums and several members of Z Company travelled to Fromelles in France, for the opening of a Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. It was a great honour for the members of the Battalion who took part in the ceremony, where the last of the unnamed soldiers from the Great War were laid to rest. 1

2 The moving ceremony was attend by HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwell, HRH the Duke of Kent and General Sir David Richards were amongst other VIPs. The opening of the cemetery was widely reported on and shown live on Sky News and BBC 1 as well as making most of the national newspapers. The hackle was to the fore with the Commanding Officer appearing in the Daily Telegraph and other lesser publications. The CO s challenge 2010 was held in Jul. This year it was a Battle PT event, run on the cross-country driver training area on Salisbury Plain. The event was a best effort race with teams of 44 from each Company. HQ Company was the first to set off with the other Companies off at 3 minute intervals. After approximately 1 mile each team received their first burden, a 1 tonne trailer! Over the next 3 miles teams received three additional burdens including: a SV tyre, a log and finally a stretcher with a full jerry can. Despite Fus Barlow being sick at the half way point X Company chased down the competition and put in a tremendous performance, finishing nearly a minute ahead of W Company who made it home in second place. Hot on their heels were Y and HQ companies with Z company coming in a close 5th. Although the event did not go towards the Champion Company Competition, everyone who participated agreed that it was cheeky way to start the last week before leave. The CO s Challenge in full swing And the fun continued for Y Coy! 2

3 It has been a very successful year for the men of X Company in the champion company competition. With high expectations X Company fielded their football team for the first event, unfortunately they could only manage 3rd position but they did not allow this to deter their focus from the next event; orienteering. Here, the men of X Company faired better and were just beaten into 2nd place. The difference between 1st and 2nd was only 2 check points! Growing in confidence and getter better all the time, the heavy weight members (2IC Capt Dan Kennedy!) of X Company, under the direction of the CQMS, CSgt Gary Tarbuck, took part in the Tug of War competition. It was not long before they had established themselves as the outright winners, only losing one pull on their journey to victory. Some of X (Champion) Coy relaxing on the Plain With a solid win to X Company s name, the Company boxers gained confidence and trained with extra ferocity to ensure that they would win the Harts medal boxing competition. All the training paid off as the boxers of X Company took on what the rest of the Battalion could throw at them. It was evident to see that not one boxer flinched and all gave as much as they possibly could, resulting in another victory for the men of X Company. With 2 wins under their belts the company focused its attention on the next challenge, the PFT. After every member in X Company had completed the PFT, the company had achieved a high average score of 282 points which enabled the Company to win yet another challenge. The continuous level of effort and professionalism shown by all members of X Company resulted in the Commanding Officer announcing that X Company had become the Champion Company 2010! The men of X look forward to defending the Champion Company title next year. Motor Transport Warrant Officer WO2 Jim Kenworthy arranged a safe skilled off road driving event. It took the form of two days on the driver training area, supervised by several instructors from the Battalion and two civilian off road driving experts. With over 100 members of the Battalion receiving training during the two days it should hopefully improve driving skills and reduce the number of accidents on the plain. The event was supported by the local Land Rover dealer; Ottens and attracted media attention form several newspapers and BFBS radio. Driver Training on the Plain Mt Pl at the Safe Driving Training 3

4 Following a successful season the Battalion football team conducted a tour in the last week of Jul to the North East. The squad based themselves in St George s Barracks for the week in between the fixtures that had been arranged. They played games against Benfield, Wallsend Boys Club and Whitley Bay. There was also some culture added to the event by including visits to Alnwick Castle and St James Park. The team under the management of Sergeant Major Ronnie Collins hope to have another successful season after reaching the final of the Infantry Cup this season, they should go one better next season. The Battalion Football Team During Jul there were considerable postings within and out of the Battalion. Major Alex Beart departed after 2 years as Battalion 2IC, OC Z Company, Major Duncan Wilson started a new posting in the ARRC and Capt Bella Mayo and Capt Paddy Baines are off to Staff College. Y Company welcomed their new OC Major Ed Sutthery and said good bye to; Company 2IC Capt Tom Akbar Atkinson who is taking over as OC Mortars, CSgt Kev Brunskill who is moving on to be CSM Z Company and Capt Luke Rowbottom is off to Afghanistan to work in the Afghan version of the Infantry Battle School, which has been modelled on Brecon with better weather (Ed: clearly the author has not been to Kabul in the winter!). The 3 leaving Y Coy; Capt Rowbottom, Capt Atkinson, Csgt Brunskill On 3 Jul, the Battalion staged the Annual Officers Regimental Dinner in the form of a summer ball at Tedworth House. It was an awesome evening which started with a champagne reception and the Regimental Drummers beating victory on a beautiful summers evening. Drummer Foster also demonstrated a particular liking for a glass or 2 of bubbly! A truly fantastic meal followed and the Minden Band provided excellent live music. Officers were then able to pit their shooting skills against their civilian guests on the laser clay shoot, on several occasions the fact that the weapon systems were not zeroed correctly were blamed for the disappointing scores! The dodgems provided a chance to prove driving ability and make up for the poor shooting, but inevitably turned into some form of destruction derby. The hours soon passed, and the survivors breakfast saw significantly more faces than initially 4

5 expected. It was a brilliant night and all who attended also contributed to the Fusilier Aid Society to make it a success for the charity also (Ed: for those who did not attend they missed the best Officers Regimental Dinner since the evening at Dover Castle several years ago. Over 300 officers attended!). Members of the Battalion are currently on adventurous training in Italy and Gibraltar. Lt Matt Selby has taken a trip to the Dolomites in Italy to conduct a week of climbing ranging from novice to challenging climbs. Capt Paul Copper is currently topping up his tan in Gibraltar during a two week scuba diving expedition. 2 RRF The main focus for July has been preparation for the unit move to Celle in Germany. The Battalion, however, was working up to the last minute with a Recce Cadre running well into July and Battalion staff being trained on the BOWMAN Staff Users Course until the final working day in the UK. By the time the Newsletter is published the Battalion will be on leave and in the process of relocating and getting ready to start work in Celle. The Celle advance party started work on 9 August and is busy preparing for the Battalions first working day in Trenchard Barracks on 23 August. Recce Platoon along with the remainder of Fire Support (FSP) Company received an increase in manpower as part of the build up to taking on the role of Small Scale Contingency Battlegroup. The Commanding Officer directed that the Companies only provide top third Fusiliers for his Recce Platoon and they did not disappoint providing real quality! This was supplemented by an upload of the latest operational kit and Equipment like the SOPHIE Thermal Imager, Viper 2, LUCIE 2 & the SIG pistol, plus the usual compliment of excellent accessories. Some gentle exercise Practising CASEVAC The cadre was run from Garelochhead Camp, utilising the training and field firing areas for the full four weeks. The Recce Platoon started with 2 weeks of build up training, followed by final dry and live exercises. Garelochhead proved to be a bit of an eye opener; on day one of the course the Platoon undertook an 8 mile assessment on the flattest part of the area. This still had a gross climb of 600m! It was a little cheeky. The Platoon, however, did well and all came in with respectable times. The Cadre was progressive, starting hard and getting harder (exactly what you would expect of a Fusilier Recce Cadre). Over the first two weeks the Platoon completed OP, CTR, Contact Drills and ACQB phases as well as rigorous PT and Navigation training. The final two weeks were the Platoon s test phase. This took the form of an intense final exercise and a superb live firing package up to section level. 5

6 GPMG firing from other positions This phase was based upon the drills and procedures taught the previous two weeks. All concerned proved their worth and all passed the Cadre. There is one element of training in Scotland that should not be overlooked and that is the addition of possibly the most irritating creature ever; the Scottish Midge! One of the most robust creatures on earth and relentlessly annoying, the Midge turns a hard exercise into an unbearable one. Throughout the period, the Cadre failed to identify any product (and all were tried), that actually repelled them. The issue mossie cream seemed to act as an attractant. Taking a break on a windswept hillside The Battalions adventure training package was based around Warcop Training Camp, Cumbria. Each company took it in turns to have a short break from Cavalry Barracks. The weather for the AT package was, on the whole, glorious. The activities included rock climbing, kayaking, gorge walking, and mountain biking. The Kayaking proved popular with all of the single lads as the weather was ideal for playing around in the lake (I think the pretty female instructor may have had something to do with it as well!). This took place on the lake situated on the training area and introduced all participants to the sport, and given the small group sizes allowed, those who took to it naturally, the opportunity to progress to some more technical challenges. The Mountain Biking was ably led by Sgt Metcalfe and Cpl Waddell, who both enjoyed exercising their new instructor qualifications at the same time as comparing their over-priced bikes! The day- long routes encompassed some purpose built tracks in the Lake Districts Northern Fells. 6

7 Capt Smith stops for a drink as LCpl Valensoro cracks on to the top! These routes proved particularly challenging and produced some excellent opportunities for cyclists to descend through the woodland tracks much faster than their technical capability roll on the stories about spectacular falls (thankfully with no major injuries). Gorge Walking and Climbing were run concurrently with a lunch time swap over, and both operated in the foothills of the mountains overlooking Derwent Water. The Gorge Walking proved very popular after the troops realised that they had to take part and, like it or not, everyone was going to get very wet! The concept was pretty simple; the team pushed a couple of kilometres up a path running up the side of a gorge, jumped into the river and slip-slided their way back to the start by clambering over boulders and plunging into freezing pools. The Climbing was headed up by CSgt Eaves who introduced all participants to single pitch ascents with a variety of different systems put in place to practice Top and Bottom Rope Belaying. Climbing, as ever, proved to be the test that put many out of their comfort zone before they had even started. Some took to it like pros and others showed great strength of character to overcome their initial concerns. The whole package proved a massive success, many thanks to the team who made it possible, including all the instructors and not least Capt John Gammon who planned it, before heading off to the Recce Cadre and not benefiting from his own hard work. Fus Mathews smiles all the way to the top LCpl Burke not smiling at all! Whilst in Hounslow 2 RRF has been well supported over the past two years, by the Local Council, the local community and London District. The posting to Cavalry Barracks has seen the Battalion move from Public Duties to war fighting and back again. The Battalion has been granted the freedom of the borough 7

8 and the Soldiers have benefited from being in one of the busiest city s in the world whilst being back in the UK mainland for the first time since The Battalion is looking forward to the move to Celle. The new role of SSC BG has the potential to provide various challenges for the near future which will be met in true Fusilier fashion. The old sweats are enjoying telling stories from last time round and the new soldiers are looking forward to their first overseas posting. Trips to Hamburg are already being planned. 5 RRF The months of July and August are traditionally very quiet for 5RRF due mainly to the school summer holidays, and partially that Annual Camp has just taken place. The main training event of Jul was the X, Z, and HQ Company Adventure Training Exercises which took place across the North-East and Cumbria. The full details of these exercises are described below by the respective exercise leaders. Lt Col Ian Banks TD has assumed command of 5 RRF with effect from the 1 Aug 10. His first act as CO was to visit 3 PWRR undergoing their annual camp at Warcop. With the Training Major in tow the aim of the visit was to see what he could learn from the PWRR training as they also prepare for Op HERRICK 15. The PWRR has a head start on 5 RRF as they have known about their operational commitment for quite some time and are the test unit for implementing the Directive Infantry Employment (DIE) initiative (mentioned in last months foreword). This was a useful visit and is helping to shape the art of the possible for the Battalions training and preparation for Op HERRICK 15. X Coy EX LANGDALE PIKE Lt Chris Evans On 23 Jul 10 a group of X Company came together for EX LANGDALE PIKE. After the Friday night spent in St George s TAC an early start awaited for a two and a half hour journey to the Lake District. Originally planning to complete the famous walk over the Langdale Pikes, it was decided due to certain weather reports to head up just one, the Pavey Ark climb. Getting up to the magnificent Stickle Tarn the group decided to split, half attempting Jack s Rake scramble with the rest opting for a less vertical option. After the days challenges the Coy headed to Ambleside YHA for a well deserved Spaghetti Bolognese courtesy of Cpl Currey. To finish proceedings on Sunday there was a great open kayaking trip around Lake Windermere. Mention must go to Sgt Birtles and Fus Brown for the entertainment of trying to find more and more interesting ways to dive off rocks into the lake, even if it was only ten feet high. A BBQ on the lakeside finished off a great AT weekend enjoyed by all. A big thank you is given to Capt Mick Straker for a well organised and structured trip. The Coy plans to build on this and looks forward to more of this type of activity. X Coy soldiers attempt a scramble at Langdale Pike Z Coy Adventure Training Weekend 30 Jul - 01 Aug 10 Lt John Marcon 8

9 Z Company s adventure training weekend took place over the weekend 30 Jul 01 Aug 10 at Pooley Bridge, utilising the tented accommodation of the Army Youth Team. On Saturday morning the Company moved to Glenridding and headed towards the Striding Edge route to Helvellyn summit, the third highest peak in the Lake District at approximately 950 metres (3,117 ft) above sea level. The route varied between walking, scrambling and climbing and unfortunately the weather hadn t been kind as earlier rain and some light showers had left the route dangerously slippery in places. Additionally, low lying clouds had masked the summit and limited the view to a few metres. Despite this, Z Company members had clearly enjoyed the ascent, particularly the last few hundred metres where some climbing was required. Looking along Striding Edge The weather deteriorated slightly on the descent with some showers, but held off sufficiently to avoid dampening any spirits. The walk took the majority of the day, with Z Company returning to the camp site late afternoon to conduct some potted sports before sampling the public houses of Pooley Bridge. On Sunday the Company conducted a number of command tasks designed to develop teamwork and leadership skills. This was followed by a volleyball competition before finally returning to the TAC. OC Z Coy Maj John Hunter balanced precariously on a boulder during the ascent of Helvellyn 9

10 HQ Coy EX BORDER CHALLENGE WO2 Waddell HQ Company 5 RRF deployed on EX BORDER CHALLENGE which was a 2 day AT Package in Berwick upon Tweed headed up by the QM(V) Maj Pat Scullion during the period 30 Jul - 01 Aug 10. All participants and instructors arrived at Durham on the evening of the 30 Jul 10 and were transported to a local TA Centre in Berwick to be (unexpectedly) met by a number of old and bold Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders celebrating their Minden weekend, which was dually celebrated in the margins by the group during the weekend. An early start with a hearty breakfast which was provided by Cpl Kit Currie began the days activities, with the group being split between the two activities which included, canoeing led by Capt Chris Hall, hill walking led by SSgt Gaz Hughes and the CSM WO2 Stuart. After a number of safety briefs the groups dispersed to their two activity locations with a Coy RV for task completion being located at a local pub. The hill walking group found the going underfoot firm and dry, however the terrain was something else bearing in mind they were in the Cheviot Hills (as reported by the CSM). The group completed the route in good time with the weather holding until their return to the mini buses, which was then followed by a torrential down pour. This could not be said for the canoe party who took to the water like ducks. Capt Hall reported that the group worked extremely well as submariners and they could make proficient divers, which coming form a former Royal Navy Officer was a complement. However, towards the end of the paddle the time spent upright improved and the group completed their activity without incident. Post paddle activity included humorous remarks on the water content of mobile phones and cameras, with the moral of the story being if you re offered a water proof option for said items by the Instructor Don t turn it down. The remainder of the evening was spent reminiscing on the days activities with a well earned BBQ headed again by Cpl Currie, which was followed with an evening of sightseeing and celebrating Minden Day. Sunday involved a trip back South to County Durham to Beamish to take part in some clay pigeon shooting organised by LCpl McKimm. The activity was a success with most of the group enjoying the sport for the first time. Overall the Company weekend was a success owing to the hard work of the planners, instructors as well as the enthusiasm of all participants. Training The Battalion has the following soldiers in training and attending promotion courses: Phase 1: Awaiting CIC TA: Applicants: Attending SCBC: Attending PSBC: Operations The Bn currently has the following personnel deployed on Operations: Op HERRICK 12 1 LANCS BG Rfn Mathew Fairhurst Rfn Jason Peacock Rfn Berrick Fletcher Anzio Coy Anzio Coy Anzio Coy 10

11 Rfn Garth Restell Anzio Coy Undergoing rehabilitation in the UK Cpl Christopher Unwin Rfn Michael Hobson Op TOSCA CSgt Richard Redpath Pte Amy Pearsons Op HERRICK 13 (to deploy around Oct 10) 5 RRF has five soldiers currently mobilised and attached to 3 PARA. They are currently on pre-tour leave, with the first elements likely to deploy in mid Sep 10, with the main body due to deploy in early Oct 10. These soldiers are listed below: Fus Gary Yeoman Fus David Berry Fus Daniel Nicholson Fus Martin Hanley Rfn Christopher Hitchens Op HERRICK 15 5RRF has been tasked to provide 50 soldiers for Op HERRICK. Fifteen will deploy in October 2011 with 20 Bde. This is a commitment the Battalion has only recently been made aware of so is in the early stages of planning the training and trawling for volunteers. This deployment will differ slightly compared to previous large cohort deployments in that all of the soldiers and officers will backfill various Infantry Battalions within the Bde. A (Fusilier Coy) 4 MERCIAN During Jul the focus for both Tuesday drill nights and weekend training was Operating in a Built Up Area (OBUA). Some of the training was held at Whinny Hill in Catterick with A Fusilier Company the lead Company for the rest of 4 MERCIAN. The Company Second in Command (Captain Carpenter-Balmer) ran the Operations Room which co-ordinated the training and dealt with casualties amongst which was one Fusilier who reported that his foot was hurting after the insertion march, which he thought was probably due to him having broken his foot 3 weeks beforehand! A description of the weekend by O/Cdt Charles Fadipe follows: The FIBUA training weekend at Whinny Hill was one of the best training weekends I have been on in recent times. The purpose of this weekend was to practice key skills that we would need on operations and from the outset all the soldiers were raring to go. Upon arrival, we were given orders based on the scenario that the Taliban had infiltrated Lashkar gah and we had to reinforce ISAF forces. At 0400 on Saturday we began the exercise with a 4 hour insertion tab which was immediately followed by a Strike Op exercise that took up most of the day. This exercise was particularly interesting as we had the chance to go through key OBUA skills before putting them into practice. The exercise itself was fast-paced and quite fluid in its execution; furthermore, it showed how flexible and adaptable soldiers have to be whilst carrying out these types of operations. The Strike Op exercise was followed by Section in defence where we were given a tutorial of how to turn a building into a fortress that could be easily protected. We were then tasked with occupying a building and using the knowledge we had just acquired to make it defendable for the rest of the night and into the early hours of Sunday morning. The final exercise began at 0500 hrs and involved assaulting and clearing several buildings and culminated in the clearance of a block of flats. By this time we were all very 11

12 tired due to a lack of sleep but we worked hard to put all the techniques we learned from the Strike Ops training into practice. This was the best executed exercise as our teamwork had improved over the course of the weekend and the assaults and clearances were much more fluid. It was also the most enjoyable because the action was continuous. Overall I enjoyed this weekend because the soldiers came in with great enthusiasm and the balance between learning and practice was very good. The OC debriefs the Coy after the exercise The exercise was also supported by some of senior cadets from the local Army Cadet Force who are capbadged as Fusiliers and operated in the role of enemy and did a great job. Hopefully some of them will sign up as Regulars or Territorials in the near future. The Officers and Warrant Officers Summer Balls were also held in Jul and both were highly successful evenings. Finally congratulations to Fusilier Burden who has recently married and Fusilier (Shrek) Reynolds and Clare who became parents. AREA HQ NORTHUMBERLAND Jul started on a good note with the Dedication of the Regimental Bench at Newcastle Station which was reported in last months Newsletter. Indeed, many of the Association members have taken the time to see the excellent workmanship themselves and once again our thanks go to Mr Ron Cowen for his generosity and support in providing the bench. Lt Col Steve Hopper handed over command of 5 RRF to Lt Col Ian Banks. Area Headquarters would like to thank Colonel Steve for his support for the various Freedom Parades, Welcome Home Parades and other events that have made the last two years a very busy time for the Regimental family here in the North East. The Regimental Recruiting Team continues to work at full speed and with much success with another week s Look at Life taking place at Otterburn for potential recruits. The team were very heavily involved with the Sunderland Air Show over the weekend of 24/25 Jul where, without the vast resources available to the Artillery and other large Corps, they made an excellent impression on the thousands of people who attended and are now on a well deserved period of leave before continuing with the summer season of shows and displays here in the North East. A presentation of Elizabeth Crosses took place in the Library of Alnwick Castle on Thursday 29 July. The Lord Lieutenant, Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland made the presentations to the families of six Fusiliers who lost their lives in the service of their country. The soldiers who died were: 12

13 Sgt Kenneth Smith, Z Company 1RNF who died as a result of his wounds received leading his platoon during the attack on an entrenched enemy position on Point 217 in October His widow, Mrs Peggy Clarke, still has the letter of condolence from the Company Commander, Major R Wilson, stating how the Fusiliers respected her late husband and how he was always considered a staunch Fusilier. WO2 Peter Hoare, Y Company 1RNF who died in an ambush in Aden as a result of the Police Mutiny in June 1967 just before the Battalion returned to Kirton Lindsey. Lt Colonel Guy Moncur was present at the ceremony as Colonel Northumberland and, his late father, Major John Moncur was the Company Commander who died in the same ambush. Also present was Lt Colonel Ken Dalby who was the RQMS during the tour, (and Peter s best man at his wedding in Hong Kong) and Mr Norman Ward who was Peter s CQMS during the Aden Tour. Cpl Thomas Agar, 1RRF who died as a result of booby trap bomb in May 1984 whilst taking part in a fishing competition on Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. Fusiliers Richard Gillespie, Kevin Leech and Lee Thompson all of whom died on the 26 Feb 91 when the 3 RRF Battle Group crossed into Kuwait from Saudi Arabia to free the country from the occupation of Iraqi Armed Forces. An American A10 Tank Buster mistook the Warrior armoured vehicles for Iraqi forces and attacked them. During this friendly fire attack two Warrior vehicles were destroyed. The CO of 3RRF at that time, Lt Col Andrew Larpent was present with his wife Anne to once again meet the families of the three Fusiliers who died in that tragic accident. The 1RRF Football team recently visited the North East with 3 games in 5 days against Newcastle Benfield (a semi-professional team), Wallsend Boys and, Whitley Bay Youth Team (who are sponsored by this Headquarters). These were all hard fixtures with no success but the squad would have benefited from the experience and it once again reinforced the link between the Regiment and the North East. 57 members of the Association of Northumberland are looking forward to the Fusilier Gathering that will take place in Coventry and Warwick in September and whilst it was hoped that there would be more attending from Hadrian s Wall, the Area Secretary Warwick can rest assured that Fusilier Geordie will enjoy the weekend. Finally, the Regimental family here in the North East would like to welcome Colonel Simon Marr back from his tour in Kabul and hope that he, Susan and family enjoy a good leave. Best wishes also go to Lt Colonel Guy Moncur as he prepares to take on the responsibility of Commander Regional Recruiting, Scotland. The recruiting for the Pictish Clans will need a firm hand as the Royal Regiment of Scotland is now largely dependant on the English and overseas recruits to keep them afloat! AREA HQ LANCASHIRE Joey Etchells Memorial Walk. An enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including 350 walkers descended on Micklehurst Cricket Club near Mossley on Saturday 24 July. They were there to take part in a special event to commemorate the anniversary of the tragic death of Joey Etchells in Afghanistan last year and to raise funds for the Fusilier Aid Society. The event was organised and run by Darrell and Sarah Hynds, Joey Etchells parents, ably assisted by Major David Cook and the Fusiliers from the Army Recruiting Team and Recruiting Support Team in the North West. The highlight of the day was a 10 mile sponsored walk. The carefully planned route took everyone along the edge of the Peak District to Dove Stones Reservoir and past Joey s commemorative tree planted in the Life for a Life Forest. 13

14 Some of the walkers that supported the Joey Etchells Sponsored Walk at the Micklehurst Cricket Club organised by his parents The event attracted considerable local support. Sainsbury s did their bit, Tameside Radio provided an all day disco, Speedwell Buses had organised a collection on their buses prior to the event and provided transport on the day. In addition, a number of local businesses donated everything from burgers to balloons. It was a great event which brought together local community and Regimental family generating thousands of pounds for the Fusilier Aid Society. Darrell and Sarah continue to show enormous energy and support to the Regiment and sincere thanks are due to them all those who took part in the sponsored walk. Humphrey Booth Commemoration Sevice. Forging links with the community is an important function of any Area Headquarters and on Sunday 25 July the Area Secretary represented the Regiment at a service held in the Church of the Sacred Trinity in Salford. The service was to honour the memory of Humphrey Booth, a wealthy land owner who in the 17th Century formed a charity to help the poor of Salford and built the church. The Booth Charity is very active today and provided financial support for the Museum Project. The funding was provided to enable the museum to tell Salford s part of the regimental story and to eventually develop a joint education programme with the Salford Museum. The Church of the Sacred Trinity is also of interest for another reason in that it is also a Regimental Chapel. Hanging in the church are the Colours of the 7th and 8th (Territorial) Battalions of the Lancashire Fusiliers as well as a memorial to the 15th, 16th, 19th, 20th and 21st (Service) Battalions. This memorial is now showing its age and is in need of a little tender loving care and has attracted the attention of the Lancashire Memorials Committee. 14

15 Rochdale Minden Ball. L to R: Karen Danczuk, Simon Danczuk MP for Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali Mayor of Rochdale, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Davidson and Mrs Elizabeth Glover Rochdale Minden Ball. The Rochdale Branch of the Association held their Annual Minden Ball at the Masonic Hall in Rochdale on Saturday 31 July. The Guests included Donald Gibbs from Broughton House, the new Mayor of Bury Councillor Zulfiqar Ali and the new Member of Parliament for Rochdale Simon Danczuk. Money raised during the evening was donated to Broughton House, a home for former servicemen in Salford. Minden Sunday Drum Head Service and Presentation of the Elizabeth Cross. Traditionally, the Battle of Minden is celebrated by the Association in Bury on the Sunday nearest to the 1 August. This year 1 August fell on a Sunday. When the Fusilier Monument resided on Bolton road the Minden Commemoration took the form of a brief wreath laying ceremony followed by a gathering in the Association Club. With the move of the Museum/Headquarters to Moss Street the Association suggested that the commemoration should become a little more formal. Therefore, this year a short Drum Head Service took place in Gallipoli Garden. Brig Bill Aldridge with the Association Last Post Minden Day The Association, under command of Captain John O Grady, paraded in hollow-square and Alan Noble acted as parade marshal. Brigadier Bill Aldred CBE represented the Colonel of the Regiment with the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Mr Warren Smith JP in attendance. The service was taken by the Reverend Doctor John Findon the Regimental Padre from the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin. The service was particularly poignant as it was attended by the families of six Fusiliers who had died on operations with the Regiment: Cpl Derek Napier Cpl Clifford Haughton LCpl Bob Huggins LCpl Peter Gallimore Fus Conrad Cole Fus Tony Simmons 15

16 Presentation of Elizabeth Crosses by Mr Warren Smith JP, the Lord Lt Earlier that day the next of kin had been awarded the Elizabeth Cross by the Lord Lieutenant in a moving ceremony which brought home the sacrifices made by Fusiliers throughout the years and, indeed, their families. Brigadier Aldridge represented the Colonel of the Regiment. Following the parade the families were entertained to lunch in the Museum. Minden Weekend Deansgate Celebration. The Minden Weekend celebrations started in the Deansgate Public House in Manchester city centre on Friday 30 July. The third annual Regimental Reunion organised by Howard SAS Lycett attracted over 180 enthusiastic loyal supporters. The evening was a great success and everyone is looking forward to next year. Other Events. There were several other events worthy of mention during the month. The Area Secretary was invited to talk on the Regiment to Ramsbottom Rotary Club during the evening of 27 Jul. The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren Smith, paid an informal visit to the Museum and Area Headquarters on 29 Jul. Although he had already attended a number of events at Moss Street he had never had the time look around. He stayed for two hours and was most impressed. This was followed on the Saturday night by the Minden Ball in Rochdale and a Minden Dinner in the Gallipoli Room of the Headquarters organised by Capt Joe Eastwood. TA Fusiliers with 1 LANCS in Afghanistan. It should not forget that since 2RRF returned from Afghanistan in November last year Fusiliers have continued to serve in Theatre. At present six Fusiliers from the Castle Armoury in Bury are on active service with 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster s Regiment. We wish them all the best and they will no doubt wear the hackle with pride and professionalism. Look Ahead. North of England Military Curators Conference - Thursday 19 August. Curators and museum professionals with responsibility for military heritage in the North of England will gather in Bury on Thursday 19th August. The event is being organised by the Fusilier Museum and those attending are coming from, Lancashire (note Merseyside and Greater Manchester are still part of the County Palatine of Lancashire), Cheshire, Yorkshire, Northumberland and County Durham. Museum Company Board Meeting - Monday 23 August. The next meeting of the Board of the Museum company will take place on Monday 23rd August amongst other issues the development of the top floor will be discussed. 16

17 Unveiling of Memorial Board to Sgt Lister VC in Willow groce Cemetary, Reddish - Saturday 29 August. As part of the refurbishment of the Willow Grove Cemetery an interpretation board detailing the exploits of Sergeant Joseph Lister VC of the 1st Battalion the Lancashire Fusiliers will be unveiled and the Area Secretary will be there to represent the Regiment. Minden Club Dinner and Annual General Meeting at the Army and Navy - Thursday 2 September. The Annual Dinner of the Minden Club will take place at the Army and Navy on Thursday 2 September. The guest of Honour will be the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Jim Landon MBE. The dinner will be preceded by a short Annual General meeting commencing at 7.00pm in the St James s Room Inkerman Dinner. Friday 12 November. Planning will commence shortly for the Inkerman Dinner. It will be held at Moss Street on Friday 12th November. Reception will be at 7.30pm in the Normandy Room followed by dinner in the Gallipoli Room at 8.00pm. AREA HQ WARWICKSHIRE David Owen at St John s House with Monty s double Regimental Association News. The Severn Valley Railway 40 s Weekend is proving a popular venue for the Royal Leamington Spa and Sheldon Branches of the Association, around 30 members from the two branches enjoyed the 40 s atmosphere, music and military vehicles on the weekend 26/27 June. Bert Page entered a 4 man team for the Annual Fund Raising Golf Tournament for the Museum, their team finished close on the heals of the team ably captained by Lieutenant Colonel John Hunt. Normandy Day was celebrated by the Warwick Branch by way of an excellent lunch in the Montgomery Arms. Central Branch had a very busy time over the weekend of 25/26 July with around 40 families enjoying a selection of water sports at Kingsbury Water Park master minded by Kevin Rose, who also produced an excellent Barbeque and camp site. Whilst the families improved their water sports skills, Lee Bott, Carol Valentine, Kevin Bowman and John Lam attended the Warwick Folk Festival which attracted around 10,000 folk followers. Amazingly, the team raised 1500 for the Fusilier Aid Society and sold 700 of Fallen Fusilier merchandise. 17

18 Carol Valentine presents HACKLES Across Helmand Carol Valentine presented John Tams, folk singer and perhaps better known as an actor in Sharpe s Rifles, with a copy of Hackles across Helmand. Steve Hussey who served as a Company Commander in 5 RRF had a rush of enthusiasm and successfully cycled 350 miles from Toulouse to Barcelona via the Pyranees raising 1000 for the FAS, well done Steve! Sheldon Branch have also been busy fund raising for some local good causes which included; The Outer Circle Run, The Race for Life and The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum (Royal Warwickshire). Members of the Birmingham Branch attended the Annual Somme Sunday Service and Parade at Aston Church on 4 July, always good to see such events well supported by the Association and of course Fusilier Cadets from the ACF. Sheldon Branch have been giving some attention to the Fusilier plaques at the National Memorial Arboretum and through the generosity of John Cahill one of the plaques of the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers has been replaced due to an inaccuracy, we are most grateful. As I am writing this report Nuneaton Branch is running the Annual Association Bowls competition, report and results in the next edition of Fusilier News. Fromelles. On 19 July a Dedication and Burial Service was held at the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery at Fromelles. Readers will be aware that bodies of 250 soldiers of the first War were discovered in unmarked graves at Fromelles in Northern France. On this day 94 years ago at Fromelles, the men of the 5 Australian Division and 61 South Midland Division saw their first major offensive action of the First World War. The casualties totalled 5,553 killed, wounded and missing, the British reported 1,547 killed, wounded and missing. No tactical advantage resulted from this action. Two Battalions of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment namely 2/6th and 2/7th took part in the attack. Their casualties were 288 killed or missing and 612 wounded. Other British units included the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. As part of a joint Honour Guard Fusiliers march at Fromelles 18

19 The event was attended by HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duke of Kent, The Governor General of Australia and the French Minister of State for Defence. On the military side General Sir David Richards, Lieutenant General Sir Nick Parker, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie of the Australian Army and Lieutenant Colonel Jim Landon CO 1RRF attended. Both the Bearer Parties and Firing Parties were formed by members of the The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, The Rifles and the Australian Army. The Minden Band played during the ceremony and the Drums Platoon of the First Fusiliers was prominent throughout the event and certainly made a fine impression on the all those present. The Collect of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was read by Lieutenant Colonel Jim Landon, this was followed by the collect of the Rifles read by Lieutenant General Sir Nick Parker as Colonel Commandant The Rifles. This was an excellent ceremony and it was good to see the Royal Warwickshire Regiment being so well represented by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and First Fusiliers Corps of Drums so prominent in their scarlets and seal skins. Fund Raising for the Museum. On 8 July the annual fund raising event for the Warwick museum took place at the Deer Park Golf Course. Some 22 teams entered the event which included two all Fusilier teams, it was good to see Colonels Richard Cariss, John Hunt, Keith Whiteman, Tim Merritt, Major Richard Mills, Albert Page, Del Webster, Tony Yapp and Neil Gregory. The Second Fusiliers provided excellent support to the event by way of a weapons display and music from 3 drummers as an introduction to the dinner. The auction and raffle raised some 5,500 thanks to John Hall s auctioneering skills! A big thank you to Polly Lazenby for organising another most successful and enjoyable golf tournament. Antelope Day. The Friends of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Royal Warwickshire) Museum held a commemorative Barbeque in the gardens of St John s House on Saturday 7 July. The Barbeque was well attended by around 100 guests. The event included World War 2 Royal Warwickshire Regiment re-enactors, Montgomery s double, who was certainly a fair likeness, gave an excellent speech in true Monty style! A most informative talk on the origins of the Antelope was given by Major David Seeney, Chairman of the Friends of the Museum. The Warwickshire Band provided their usual high standard of music throughout the day. The Warwickshire Band At Antelope Day Some of the re-enactors The Fusilier Gathering 2010 (FG 10). Tickets for the Fusilier Gathering o at the Royal Court Hotel and for the luncheon on the following day at the Guy Nelson Hall at Warwick School on Saturday 18 September are selling fast. To date there have been applications for in excess of 280 tickets for the dinner and the vent is fast approaching full capacity of 300 for the luncheon. Those attending the dinner are reminded that the Beating Retreat starts at 1830 hrs. The Minden Band will continue to entertain during the dinner as will the First Fusilier Corps of Drums. The Annual Service will be held at St Mary s Church in Warwick, doors open at 1000hrs, the service commences at 1045hrs. After the service the congregation is requested to move to the Market Square for 19

20 the Parade and inspection of the Regimental Association by the Colonel of the Regiment and Area Colonels. Lunch at the Guy Nelson Hall Warwick School follows the march past. Tickets to both events are currently being distributed by Area HQ. Futher details from Area HQ Warwick or Freedom of Nuneaton & Bedworth 12 September. Once again Fusiliers will be seen marching in Warwickshire! The next occasion will be the award of the Freedom of Entry by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council to the Regiment on Sunday 12 September. On this occasion the First Fusiliers will be parading and will be receiving the Freedom Scroll on behalf of the Regiment. By all reports a strong turnout is anticipated from the people of Nuneaton and Bedworth. Those wishing to witness this parade should be in the vicinity of the Town Hall by 1130hrs. The award ceremony commences at midday prompt. Why not take a trip to North Warwickshire and support the Fusiliers on this very memorable occasion? Area HQ Office. As soon as the Marching Season is over there will be some time hopefully to consolidate, take stock, start getting accounts ready for audit and working on some projects on the horizon, which includes a new Museum Website and converting one of the museum galleries into a temporary exhibition on Op Herrick. Plans are advanced for a luncheon at St John s House for the civic community on Wednesday 13 October hosted by Colonel Peter Merriman, these lunches have always proved to be beneficial as it maintains the strong Regimental image that has been established in Warwickshire and the West Midlands and reinforces the success of the Welcome Home and Freedom Parades during the last two years. The Fusilier Aid Society continues to be one of our priorities in that The Mayor of Warwick, Lt Col Michael Kinson OBE, a former Quartermaster of 5RRF, has kindly agreed to fund raise for the FAS during his tenure of office. Already, plans are in hand for a charity concert with the Warwickshire Band at Warwick School and a fund raising Victorian Street Party which will include a collection for the FAS and a stand selling Fallen Fusilier merchandise. Major John Turquand is back in training and will be taking part in the Birmingham Half Marathon in October hoping to improve on his Coventry Half Marathon time last year and of course raising funds for the FAS. Accompanying the Area Secretary will be Martyn Smith a prominent local businessman and honorary member of the Regimental Association who has successfully completed three full marathons, raising money for the Motor Neurone Decease Charity (MND). On this occasion Martyn will be raising money for the FAS. Birmingham Branch on Somme Sunday Leamington Spa Association on a day out Ian Lappin is busy sending out the tickets to all those who are attending FG10, the seating and table plan is the next task, that will be interesting! Ian continues to coordinate the applications for Charitable Funds on behalf of former members and dependants of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers and a small grants committee of three assesses each application, makes recommendations and forwards to Captain John Davis at RHQ to disperse the money from the FAS. Visitors to Area HQ have included WO1 (RSM) Robinson and his CSMs from 1RRF whilst carrying out their confirmatory recce for the Freedom of Nuneaton and FG10, Major Jahan Zeh Khan late of 12th Baluch (Jacob s Rifles), Pakistan 20

21 Army. Major Khan was very impressed with our Museum and was delighted to inform me that his Regiment also has an Antelope as a Regimental Mascot! AHQ were delighted to receive a cheque for 280 for the FAS raised by Maureen Davies and Soya Sadowski who manage the Rock Café in Warwick. Lastly, AHQ received a surprise visit from Mr Ray Shorthouse DCM, MM who served in the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Ray was awarded his DCM with the Second Fusiliers in Belfast in the early seventies. Dates to remember in Warwickshire and the West Midlands 18 August -Warwick Branch visit National Memorial Arboretum 12 September- Freedom of Nuneaton & Bedworth 18/19 September- Fusilier Gathering 26 September- H4H Fund Raising Event at Coventry Airport (TBC) 10 October- Warwick Branch Annual Lunch 16 October Sheldon Branch Annual Dinner I R Liles OBE Brigadier (Retd) Regimental Secretary 21