The Fusiliers Newsletter

Transcription

1 The Fusiliers Newsletter Catch up with the Regiment at work, rest and play Contents 1 October 2017 v 2 RRF Memorial Dedication at St Oswald s Church, Coventry v Honours & Awards 14 September 2018 v 1 st Fusiliers Y Coy in Canada supporting RTR v Royal Fusiliers then and now v Preventing Suicide - helping ourselves, helping each other v Warwick Poppies 2018 v Camp News from Northumbria ACF with a sad farewell also v Unveiling the Birmingham Pals Battalions Memorial Plaque v Sgt Pauline Palmer, 74 (Tulse Hill) Detachment RRF v Warwickshire ACF sweep the board at Shooting v Memorial Dedication Service to Royal Warwickshire Regiment fatalities v Newcastle College Fusiliers Military Academy v Fusiliers Association Newcastle Branch commemorate two brave Fusiliers v People and Places v Notices v Two Months Forecast of Events v How to contribute RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 1

2 2 RRF Memorial Dedication at St Oswald s Church, Coventry O n Sunday 3rd September 2017, The Bishop of Coventry dedicated a newly found memorial to those members of 2 nd Fusiliers who died as a result of enemy action since October 2017 The event took place at St Oswald s Church, Tile Hill, Coventry in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Coventry, the Deputy Chaplain General, who gave the homily, and Colonel George Marsh TD DL, Deputy Lieutenant for The West Midlands (Coventry). The Memorial does anyone know who made it? In addition to the usual Sunday congregation, the event was attended by the Assistant Area Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Gale, and Major John Lam, a small number of families of departed Fusiliers, a party from Warwickshire ACF and members of the Fusiliers Association (Warwickshire). The day turned out to be moving and very special for all who turned up The origins of the memorial are unclear and if the reader can shed any light, please contact the Area Secretary at midsec@thefusiliers.org It was found in a local ACF storeroom and handed to Father Nick Leggett who is Parish priest at St Oswald s and is an ACF Chaplain. He undertook to restore it and obtained a Faculty to have it placed in St Oswald s. Warwickshire ACF Cadets flank the 2 RRF Memorial The memorial contains the names of one officer and 17 Other Ranks who died in Northern Ireland (9), Iraq (2) and Afghanistan (7). RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 2

3 Honours & Awards 14 September 2018 T 1 October 2017 he Colonel of the Regiment and all Fusiliers congratulate the following on their awards: Major (whilst serving as Acting Lieutenant Colonel) A J Mills - Medaille de la Defense Nationale (Echelon Bronze). This was conferred by the President of the French Republic for his achievements during operations and on exchange duties (Mali) Colonel J Landon MBE - NATO Meritorious Service Medal. This was conferred by the Secretary General of NATO for service whilst in Afghanistan. HM The Queen has graciously pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of these awards. 1 st Fusiliers Y Coy in Canada supporting RTR Y Coy 1 RRF are currently in Canada, as the infantry element of the Royal Tank Regiment battlegroup at BATUS. Here are a couple of stunning photos from the plains of Suffield. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 3

4 1 October 2017 These photos bring back many happy memories to this Newsletter Author who spent six months there as the Mortar Safety Officer in the mid 80s. Lt Col Jez Lamb, CO 1st Fusiliers, assures us that prairie fires are still the norm, having spent eight hours on firefighting duties during his recent 36 hour visit to Y Coy... Royal Fusiliers then and now Maj (Retd) Maurice French sent us these two photos of Royal Fusiliers then and now. Can you spot any differences?* Sharja 1968 Maj Maurice French 2IC 1RF on the right, and Capt John Rigby, Adjutant 1RF, on the left. 45 years later, Maj (Retd) Maurice French on the left this time, with Col (retd) John Rigby on the right * Maurice isn t wearing any binoculars in the right hand picture... RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 4

5 Preventing Suicide - helping ourselves, helping each other Sadly, suicide amongst veterans of armed forces across the world is too common. The British Army is not immune and neither is the Regiment, as several tragic events this year have proved. But saying we are not immune to suicides is not good enough for us. So the Colonel and RHQ are doing something to help prevent suicides in our Fusilier Family. We will arrange training to raise awareness and education, so that as many veterans as possible are trained to look out for and support each other. We're prioritising the sharp end of suicide and want to develop a model of good practice, so that with proper training the same 'buddy-buddy' system can be maintained in civilian life as in military life, and so that no one feels isolated. A former 2 nd Fusilier and now a priest, Rev Andrew Rawding has offered to help us. He is civilian trainer for safetalk, which trains people to be alert for the signs of potential suicide alertness trg. safetalk is briefly described below, but RHQ is planning the following: A number of 3 hour training sessions for the Regiment, across the four Areas and the Battalions Probably taking place midweek in Newcastle, Bury, Sheldon, RHQ and Tidworth, and probably in the evening Group size can be between 10 and 30. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 5

6 RHQ will fund all training costs, including the formal accreditation. 1 October 2017 I am very keen that as many people as possible receive the training; I will ensure I do mine with 1 st Fusiliers. We need to be able to look after one another - this is as important as Battlefield Medical Training and, as we recently saw in Northumberland, it can genuinely save lives. Gen Nanson, Col of the Regt Attendees can come from all parts of the Fusilier Family, including wives, partners and friends of the Regiment who want to offer their support. Details of how to express your interest will soon be passed out to the Association Branches. Suicide is complex, but the professionals emphasise that suicidal people feel disconnected ( I don't belong ) and that they are a burden ( people would be better off without me ). We already have a most powerful and effective resource to combat suicide the Fusilier Family network. This can offer 24 hour connections with a fellow veteran who is available through social media; who has also been a soldier; who cares enough to listen; who can reinforce belonging to the Family; and who can remove any feelings of shame about being suicidal. All we need now is professional training We rightly pride ourselves of being a strong family and that Once a Fusilier. Always a Fusilier really does mean something. This lies right at the heart of suicide awareness and prevention training. So watch out for more announcements from RHQ via the Associations. What is safetalk? safetalk is a half-day alertness training that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they often invite help to stay alive. safetalk-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as professional caregivers. Since its development in 2006, safetalk has been used in over 20 countries around the world. Over the course of their training, safetalk participants will learn to: Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts might be present RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 6

7 Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide Apply the TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe Know community resources and how to connect someone with thoughts of suicide to them for further help. Warwick Poppies 2018 S peaking from the lectern which was used at the recent Passchendaele Memorial commemoration, The Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Mr Timothy Cox, launched Warwick Poppies 2018 at The Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick on the evening of 5th September Inspired by the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red art installation at HM Tower of London in 2014, a group of parishioners from St Mary s decided to mark the end of The First World War with a temporary display during October and November 2018 of hand knitted and crafted poppies donated by members of the congregation and beyond. With sufficient quantity, they will be displayed flowing from the Regimental Chapel and out into and around the Church. In his speech, the Lord Lieutenant encouraged all sections of the community to involve themselves and suggested an initial target of 11,610 poppies this being the number of men from The Royal Warwickshire Regiment who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War 1. More details can be found at and donations may be left at Fusiliers Museum at St John s House in Warwick. In addition, the Museum will also be holding a free Poppy Making event on Saturday 7 October 1100 to It is open to everybody of all ages and abilities to make poppies for the St Mary's Church project from a variety of materials. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 7

8 Camp News from Northumbria ACF with a sad farewell also Blessed with fine weather, over 300 Northumbria ACF cadets spent two summer weeks at Wathgill on Annual Camp. A varied and excellent programme made use of local military training areas, whilst adventurous training locations were visited across the Yorkshire Dales and County Durham. Gorge walking, caving, abseiling and kayaking provided opportunities for youngsters to accept a challenge and to take them out of their comfort zone. A memorable experience to bring the school holidays to a close. Many thanks go to the members of 5 th We are not sure if this is gorge walking or kayaking gone a bit wrong Fusiliers who assisted with the training groups and provided MT support. Meanwhile Cassino Band have said farewell to Cadet Bandmaster Benny Coxon who now 18, has left to join the Royal Marine Band Service. Benny has used his musical skill and theory to refresh the Band s repertoire, adding new music and building up the musical strength with both cadets and adults. His energy in arranging music in his own time showed his dedication not only to the band, but to music as a whole. Much of the success of the Cassino Band in the past few years can be credited to Benny s work. All at Northumbria ACF wish him well and thank him for his service. We will follow his progress with interest he will be missed. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 8

9 Unveiling the Birmingham Pals Battalions Memorial Plaque The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Anne Underwood, and Lt Col Richard Gale unveil the Birmingham Pals Battalion Plaque, watched by a Warwickshire Cadet and Maj Sylvia Parkin Deputy Lieutenant In 2015, Birmingham City Council (BCC) honoured the WW1 Royal Warwickshire Regiment Pals Battalions that were drawn from Birmingham, with a Memorial Plaque. This was unveiled on 21 Nov 15 in the Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham. Since then, it has been waiting for its final location to be clear of construction work. Earlier this year, the site on the rear wall of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Great Charles Street, was ready The final unveiling took place at a short ceremony on Sat 9 Sep 17 and Birmingham City Council again invited the Regiment to play a role. Lt Col Richard Gale, Assistant Area Colonel led our representation. Members of Birmingham and Sheldon Branches of the Fusilier Association (Warwickshire) and Cadets from Warwickshire ACF took part in a short but moving ceremony. Afterwards, all were hosted by the Council at a reception in the Town Hall, the Cadets particularly enjoying the cakes and a tour of the Lord Mayor s Robing Room. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 9

10 Sgt Pauline Palmer, 74 (Tulse Hill) Detachment RRF AUO Maria Katehis the Detachment Commander at 74 (Tulse Hill) Detachment RRF ACF has an inspiring Fusiliers Cadet Force Adult Volunteer story to tell. Sgt Pauline Palmer from 74 Det RRF is currently on leave as she has cancer. Myself and Capt Konstantinious have been supporting her throughout her diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Sgt Palmer has faced her situation with astonishing dignity, strength and resolve. As a nurse, she is completely aware of her prognosis and is undergoing an aggressive treatment plan, she is entirely determined to be well. Prior to her diagnosis, Sgt Palmer signed up for a Half Marathon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care. The sad irony is that she is now a recipient of their care. During her last chemotherapy session Sgt Palmer stated that the amount of sponsorship pledged was so high that she was determined to complete the event. Having spoken with Macmillan and the Event Director, Capt Konstantinious and I have been granted permission to walk side by side with Sgt Palmer to support her as she is unwavering in her resolve to participate. Subject to final approval; we are hoping to do this in uniform, which will be really special and a surprise to Sgt Palmer. Sgt Palmer has chosen to adopt her fight as a Fusilier, this seems to have been a great source of comfort and strength. As a nurse and someone whose cancer was initially missed, Sgt Palmer has this message: Listen to your body. Know your body and do not be afraid to have anything suspicious checked. Find it, Check it, RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 10

11 Fight it! I understand the relentless stream of sponsorship requests. On this occasion, I hope you do not mind me sharing the link in the hope that we can bolster support of this amazing cause. Sgt Palmer is the finest of Fusiliers, a dedicated CFAV and a shining example of the values and standards of the ACF. Palmer2 Maria Katehis AUO Warwickshire ACF sweep the board at Shooting After a quieter period in August following Annual Camp, September has been a busy month for Warwickshire ACF. Apart from providing a uniformed presence at the unveiling of the Memorial to the Birmingham Pals Battalions early in the month (see the article above), training and preparation for the Brigade SAAM over the weekend September continued apace. The results speak for themselves: out of 14 teams taking part, the County s C Coy took first place and B Coy second in the ACF Competition, second and third in the Pairs shooting and third place in the individual competition. L/Cpl Gawlikowski, C/Sgt Anderton, L/Cpl Gregory, Cpl Walczak, the winning falling plate team, make their way back to the rest of the victorious shooting squad. Very happy... To top it, B Coy then won the falling plate competition. Prizes were presented by the new commander of 11 Sig & Reg Bde, Brigadier Richard Carter, who some of the older readers may RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 11

12 remember from the early 90 s as an officer in 5 RRF (V). He took a keen interest in Warwickshire ACF and we will look to build that relationship. Memorial Dedication Service to Royal Warwickshire Regiment fatalities On the 24th of August 2017, Blyth Town Council hosted a Memorial Dedication Service to remember nine Royal Warwickshire Regiment soldiers from the 5th Reserve Battalion who were sadly drowned on 24 of August 1917, whilst swimming in the sea after a long route march. The service was a very well organised day, and gave the opportunity for the Fusilier Associations of Warwickshire and Northumberland to meet again, and indeed make new friends with 5 RRF. Major Graeme Heron hosted Colonel Bob Carruthers, Captain Harry Morton, Murray Richards, Dave Caswell and many other Warwickshire Lads who made a special trip up from Warwickshire for the day RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 12

13 Newcastle College Fusiliers Military Academy In partnership with Newcastle College, HQ Coy, Fifth Fusiliers have set up and are now running a Military Academy. It is a course for students who aspire to serve in the Armed Forces and is the first of its kind in the country. Based at Anzio House in Newcastle, students are taking part in a wide variety of activities and lessons designed to build confidence, improve communication skills and most of all, gain an understanding of military life. The idea was a joint one, from John Gibson of Newcastle College, Head of Uniform and Public Services Courses and Major Chris Hall, OC HQ Coy. John said This course not only builds the student ready for life, but, gives them a real insight and thus a realistic chance of joining the Military. Not only that, but, it s run by Reservists who can take them through fitness assessment s and prepare them for what s coming, once they join The Academy has taken on 60 students who are now taking part in climbing, abseiling, First Aid training and team building activities. Major Chris Hall said Whilst the Academy has a strong Fusilier theme, it covers all aspects of the British Military. The important point is that if eligible, the students can join 5 th Fusiliers and can be paid when they are here at the Academy. The Academy has been running for two weeks and so far, six Academy students have applied to join 5 th Fusiliers. Have a look at this Forces TV documentary to give you an excellent flavour of the Academy. The Fusiliers Academy opens its doors RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 13

14 Fusiliers Association Newcastle Branch commemorate two brave Fusiliers 1 October 2017 Fusilier Kenneth Canham (KIA 14th July 1972) Kenneth was shot with an armour-piercing round during operations in Northern Ireland while sitting with his Section in their Humber APC. He died of his wounds and was buried in Heaton Cemetery Newcastle. Over the summer Branch members organised by Allen Donothey, tidied up the grave and organised the refurbishment of the headstone. This month a small service was held at the graveside to remember Kenneth in the presence of members of his family. After the service the family were presented with a commemorative plaque by Branch Chairman John Hewitson. WO2 (CSM) John Weldon DCM Newcastle Branch members took part in a ceremony organised by local history groups to remember WO2 (CSM) John Weldon DCM John served with the "Newcastle Commercials" (16 NF) one of Kitchener's Pals Battalions. The commemoration marked the centenary of his death on 23 September 1917 during a bombing raid on the base hospital in Belgium where he was a patient. John had been awarded the DCM for his actions on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 14

15 Following his death, his medal had been presented to his daughter on the Newcastle Quayside, so it was fitting that this year s ceremony was held underneath the Tyne Bridge where two benches commemorate the raising of the Newcastle Commercials. Branch members played a central role in the Ceremony despite the early hour. Both BBC and ITN covered the event, ITN News including an interview with Branch President Patrick Smyth People and Places The Fusiler AssociationCentral Branch held their annual dinner in style on the 16 September at the Village Hotel in Coventry, welcoming Col Peter Stitt, Area Colonel Warwickshire & Midlands. He received yet another large donation to the Fusiliers Aid Society, this time 10,000. The guests from Canada were made honoury members of the branch and were presented with framed certificates to record the fact. Ken Daykin from Sunderland Branch of the Fusilier Association (Northumberland) at Veterans Day at Eden Camp, North Yorkshire RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 15

16 Fusilier veterans and guests at the annual 'Fog on the Tyne' event at Newcastle upon Tyne. Did they book the right weather? On the ranges at STANTA during 5 th Fusiliers Annual Camp, Lt Col Jez Dodd CO, Maj Gen Paul Nanson, Colonel and Maj Dickie Fairbairn A/2IC listen dutifully to the Regt Sec s shaggy dog story. Maj Fairbairn is surreptitiously trying to put his ear defenders back on... 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 brian.gorski@fusiliermuseum.com, If you have hard copies they should be sent to: RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 16

17 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. Fusilier Association(Warwickshire) Annual Service The Fusilier Association (Warwickshire) Church Service & Parade Sunday 8 October 2017 Warwick 1230 Lunch at Alderson House 1500 Service at St Mary s Church 1600 Parade All applications to Col RJ Carruthers OBE TD at bobjcarruthers@gmail.com RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 17

18 WebRoots Democracy panel discussion - 10 Oct WebRoots Democracy is hosting a panel discussion in Parliament on Tuesday 10th October to discuss the findings of our latest report, Military Voting: Enhancing access to elections for the armed forces abroad. The report found that many British military personnel posted abroad face huge barriers to participating in the democratic process, despite risking their own lives to defend democracy itself. The panel will feature speakers from the political, military, and online voting sectors. We hope for the audience to share their own experiences and leave with an understanding of the issues voters in the military face, as well as actionable ideas for how we can overcome these barriers in the future. The event will take place on Tue10 Oct in Committee Room 17, House of Commons. It is free to attend, and tickets as well as further details can be found at this website link here. Binnie in Birmingham 15 Oct Ian Binnie has been a volunteer at The Fusilier Museum Warwick (FMW) for one year. He is also Secretary to The Friends of the Museum. One of his hobbies is running and having completed a number of half marathons, he has signed up to run the 26 mile Birmingham International Marathon on 15 October 2017, proudly wearing his museum T shirt which he designed for his participation in The Warwick Half Marathon last year. Ian seeks sponsorship to raise funds for FMW. Donations can be mailed to Fusiliers Museum Warwick, St John s House, Warwick, CV34 4NF or via the donate button on the museum website RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 18

19 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 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. Fusilier 50 Holborn Charlie Charlie 23 Jun 2018 As part of the Fusilier 50 celebrations in 2018, there will be a Fusiliers London Area Pub Gathering in central London on 23 rd June The event will be known as the Fusiliers Holborn Charlie Charlie because we are making an all stations call to Fusiliers old and new to attend this event. The venue will be the Penderel s Oak (Whetherspoons) Pub in Holborn We will have exclusive use of their very nice Cellar Bar. It comfortably accommodates 250, with scope for overspill in the main upstairs bar and small beer garden. The Pub is approximately 300m from the Fusilier Memorial in Holborn, midway between Holborn and Chancery Lane Tube RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 19

20 Stations. The location has great transport links and is close to many West End attractions for those who would like to sample the tourist and shopping experience, or London Theatreland and the West End nightlife. There is a much detail to confirm but we expect to have the Cellar Bar from 1600 until closing time. Detailed information will be issued in early Until then please put a marker in your diary. Fusiliers Direct Product of the Month Two Months Forecast of Events Date 2017 Title Sponsor Location 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 Thursday, 2 November 2017 London Pub Lunch HM Tower of London London AHQ London Saturday, 11 November 2017 Armistice Day Service W&M AHQ Bedworth All events can be seen at RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 20

21 How to contribute 1 October 2017 Contributions are welcome from anywhere in the Fusilier Family. Articles should be no more than 150 words, ideally with a good photo and caption. Get them to midsec@thefusiliers.org by the 25 th of each month. Archive copies are held in the Regiment s Dropbox account. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 21