The Fusiliers Newsletter

Transcription

1 The Fusiliers Newsletter Catch up with the Regiment at work, rest and play Contents v Queen s Birthday Honours 2017 v Army Awards for Fusiliers v Four more new Fusiliers for X Coy v The Northumberland Tank v 5 th Fusiliers Walking with the Wounded v Fusilier 50 logo for the Wallsend Boys Club v Fifth Fusiliers June Commemorations v RNF and Aden s infamous Crater Incident v The North West RST working with Bury College v Fusilier 50 update and polo shirts v Warwickshire ACF in the run up to Annual Camp v Farewell to Helen Smith, GM of Fusilier Museum (Bury) v Fusilier Golf Society s Derek Modral Memorial Match at Bicester Golf Club v Out and About... v Notices v Two Months Forecast of Events v How to contribute RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 1

2 Queen s Birthday Honours 2017 The Colonel of the Regiment and all Fusiliers send warm congratulations to Col Mike Butterwick on the award of his CBE in the 2017 Queen s Birthday Honours List. Col MR Butterwick CBE Col Butterwick s award recognised not only his high performance as Deputy Commander 4 Infantry Brigade, but also his sterling efforts to successfully engage with the Muslim community during his time in the North East. Army Awards for Fusiliers Published alongside the Queen s Birthday Honours are the Army Awards for meritorious service. The Colonel of the Regiment and all Fusiliers congratulate the following on their recognition of excellent service to the Army: Chief of the General Staff Commendation Sergeant C J Boyd, WISMIS SNCO 1 RRF Lance Corporal C A Halsall Regt Shepherd, 1 ITB Lance Corporal R J Timbrell, Sniper Pair Comd, 1 RRF, Commander Field Army Commendation WO2 C Dodds ROSWO, 5 RRF Lance Corporal C S Campbell, Anti-Tank Det Comd, 1 RRF Commander Home Command Commendation Colour Sergeant S N E Davidson, CQMS AFC(H) ITG STOP PRESS. The Colonel of the Regiment and all Fusiliers congratulate Colonel J Swift OBE on his promotion to Brigadier. Brigadier Jon will be the Commander 38 (IRISH) Brigade based at Lisburn, Northern Ireland with effect from August 2017 RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 2

3 Four more new Fusiliers for X Coy New Fusilers Millar, Maker, Turner, and Fay leaving ITC for X Coy, First Fusiliers Every two weeks at 1 Infantry Training Battalion, Catterick, there is a Passing Out Parade. At almost every one, there are new Fusiliers ready to join the Regiment. And every time that happens, their new First Fusilier Platoon Commander, CSM or Platoon Sergeant is there to watch the Parade, shake their hands and welcome them. They are briefed on what to expect on arrival in Tidworth, their families are met and their questions answered it s a proper transition from training into service. Fusilier Association (Newcastle) also attend, to show how real our motto is: Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier. CO 1 ITB said: The way the Fusiliers welcome their new soldiers into the Regiment sets an impressive benchmark and other Regiments are rightly envious of what you do. The Northumberland Tank If you thought we were just great infantry soldiers, time for a rethink. In 1938, as war were looming, 6 RNF were converted into a tank regiment, becoming 43 RTR. They converted back to infantry in 1956 as 6 (City) Bn RNF. At this point the officers of the 43 RTR presented a Silver Tank to the officers of 6 RNF. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 3

4 The 6 th (City) Bn RNF were removed from the TA ORBAT in 1967 and all the Battalion Silver, including the Tank, was lodged with Newcastle Corporation for safe keeping. In 2016, five former officers of 6 RNF agreed the Tank could be presented to the Army & Navy Club on a long term loan. On 7 December, four of them presented the Tank to Major Hobrough, Chairman of the House Committee and Major Skelton-Stroud of the Army & Navy Club. The four officers who attended the presentation were Richard Mullens, one of the last surviving officers of 43 RTR, and John Kirkup, Charles Wilkinson and Geoffrey Ridley all formerly 6 RNF. RNF were truly an All Arms Regiment. Presenting the RNF Silver Tank to the Army & Navy Club 5 th Fusiliers Walking with the Wounded On 13 May, the team of three Late Entry Officers, Majors Pete Adams, Gary Jones and Capt Mick Straker, joined by Rob Straker and Andy Melville, all took part for the second year in the Walking with the Wounded charity event in the Lake District. They attempted the Tough Route of 23Km over Hellvelyn and the Langdale Pikes, aiming to pass the finishing line as the first Over 50s - they came 2nd in They were up against 61 teams overall. They set off at 0830 in treacherous rain, thunder and lighting and not Capt Mick Straker, Major Pete Adams, Major Gary Jones they look irritatingly fresh... RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 4

5 particularly looking forward to the hours ahead. The route was very hard going in places with rain reducing visibility to a few metres and it proved better to munch on the march and keep moving. Have a look at this After 7hrs and 21 mins, they crossed the finish line and after a long few hours eating and re hydrating they were finally positioned 10 th out of the 61 teams but most importantly 1 st in the over 50s Category, raising over 2,000 for charity. That night the team gorged on fish, chips, chocolate and beer (five a day), already discussing retaining the trophy in next year s event Many thanks to all those members of X Company and 5 th Fusiliers and the very generous donation from Family and Friends and the Sir Francis Festing Fund. All proceeds will go towards raising funds to retrain and re-skill our wounded and support them in finding new careers outside the Military. Fusilier 50 logo for the Wallsend Boys Club The Fifth Fusiliers have sponsored a football team from Wallsend Boys Club for the last two years and will continue this in 2018, by adding the Fusilier 50 logo to the boys shirts 5 RRF have now cemented brilliant links with the Club not only through football, but also through local community engagement projects in the North East. The most recent one was over the weekend of May, when Fifth Fusiliers ran the Christmas Truce Tournament, covered by BBC Match of The Day and BBC Look North. This included a Game of Truce with The Fusiliers playing Wallsend Boys Club in 1914 football kit. Steve Dale, Club Chairman wrote: Wallsend Boys Club has produced over 70 professional footballers RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 5

6 From the commemoration of The Wall and Memorial Garden on the Friday evening, to the Climbing Wall, Rifle Shooting and Exhibition stands, through to assisting with the scoring and administration, the Fusiliers were exemplary in supporting the initiative over the whole weekend. This was our inaugural Christmas Truce Tournament and we intend it to be an annual event so that are youngsters never forget why millions of brave men and women sacrificed their lives so that future generations could live in a free country. The Fusiliers are pivotal in that education process. Fifth Fusiliers June Commemorations And see below for details of a letter received from our Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Aden 50 tjh Anniversary. On Tue 20 Jun ex RNF Fusiliers and others who served and died in Aden 50 years ago were remembered at church services by The Lord Lieutenant, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Lord Mayor and the Aden Veterans and Fusiliers Association (Northumberland) alongside CO 5 RRF. A commemoration was also held at the National Memorial Arboretum. These were followed by a wreath laying at the Civic centre Castleford Blue Plaque to Thomas Bryan VC. On Sat 17 Jun, the Association paraded at the unveiling of a Blue Plaque commemorating Thomas Bryan VC who won his award at the Battle of Arras in We were joined by members of the Tyneside Irish Brigade Association. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 6

7 Lancashire Landing Fund Raising. Sgt Norris joined 5RRF from ITC Catterick and accompanied our chairman Major Chester Potts in a fly in fund raiser for the Fusiliers. (Chester always concentrates hard when flying...) Funeral of 102 Year Old Mr Robert Hogg. We were saddened to hear of the death of our 102 tear old RNF veteran, Mr Bob Hogg but joined the family in a celebration of his life on Wed 23 Jun. RNF and Aden s infamous Crater Incident On 20 June 1967, 24 British soldiers, mostly from the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers were killed as they struggled to secure Aden from a nationalist inspired insurgency. This became known as The Crater Incident RHQ has received the following letter: RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 7

8 Regimental Secretary The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers 20 June 2017 SILENT VALLEY CEMETERY ADEN 50 TH ANNIVERSARY Sir, I am writing to inform you that my Defence Attaché, the United Kingdom Defence Attaché to the United Arab Emirates, Colonel Tim Kingsberry, met with the UAE Presidential Guard Commander, Major General Mike Hindmarsh, earlier today where he was presented with two framed pictures of the Silent Valley Cemetery in Aden, Yemen. We believe that The Northumberland Fusiliers, which General Hindmarsh s letter is about, were amalgamated into The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The United Arab Emirates Presidential Guards are currently deployed on Operations in Aden and took it upon themselves to check the status of the cemetery. Enclosed is a letter which accompanied the framed pictures that were presented to Colonel Kingsberry, the final paragraph of which concludes: In light of the obvious historical significance to Great Britain and given the approaching 50 th anniversary of the incident [the Crater incident], the Presidential Guard took it upon itself to check the status of the cemetery. We can confirm that the cemetery is still intact and in good condition. Moreover, whilst it is within our power to do so, we will do everything possible to ensure it is preserved. The original copy of the enclosed letter will be framed and hung up on the wall of the Defence Section of the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi along with the two framed pictures. Colonel Kingsberry was keen to bring this to your attention. Yours sincerely, Charles Manawalala Staff Sergeant Assistant to the Defence Attaché RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 8

9 The North West RST working with Bury College WO2 Kenworthy and the NW RST are running a programme of events with Bury College, introducing their students to aspects of Army life. Held at Bury Army Reserve Centre over two days, Cpl Wilde, and LCpl Cunningham of the RST, together with Cpl Philips of MG Pl, take the students through PT, AirSoft shooting in the 25 meter range and infantry weapons familiarisation. There are other team building activities and taken together, they lead into an activity day or a 2 day residential stay at Holcombe Moor Training Camp. There, students take part in the paintball CQB lane, clay pigeon shotgun shooting and the assault course. This successful programme has built good links with Bury College. WO2 Kenworthy is planning to run the same programme for Bolton College, Hopwood Hall in Middleton and Salford Oldham College. & Fusilier 50 update and polo shirts Here s the link to the Fusilier 50 Facebook site The Fusilier 50 Facebook page was launched on 15 June and is already attracting likes from across the Fusilier Family. Here s the link for you to do the same You can also now order Fusilier 50 Polo shirts see Fusilier Direct s Product of the Month below. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 9

10 Warwickshire ACF in the run up to Annual Camp Past years have always been busy in the run up to Annual Camp and 2017 is no exception, with events every weekend. The County Training Centre is in full use, not only for Company training but also for Adult training. This included a Familiarisation and Assessment weekend for new adults in mid June. The Commandant enrolled 13 new Adult Volunteers and a further 7 completed the first stage of their training, with further comprehensive training in the forthcoming Annual Camp programme. The month ended with support to Armed Forces Day events in Coventry and Warwick. Here is a First Aid stand, cunningly disguised as a rest stop. NB: The ACF is always looking for adult instructors, so if you have have left the Army and missing the Green, consider the ACF your experience will be invaluable. Farewell to Helen Smith, GM of Fusilier Museum (Bury) After 7 most successful years at the Fusilier Museum (Bury), the General Manager Helen Smith is moving on to be the Deputy Director of the Tank Museum, Bovington. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 10

11 Helen will be much missed and this was evident from the number of people who turned up at her Lunching Out at the Museum on Fri 16 Jun. They heard Col Brian Gorski, Col Heritage, talk about her successes at the Museum and the Awards they have won under her management. Helen and her dog, Bertie You can see all the photos of the event here We all wish Helen the very best for the next stage in her career. Fusilier Golf Society s Derek Modral Memorial Match at Bicester Golf Club A Memorial Match for Derek Modral was held on 20 June 2017 at his former club, Bicester Golf Club. Derek served with 3RRF; he was a very popular man, a well liked soldier and a fine athlete Sadly, after prolonged illness, Derek Modral died last year on 30 August. Derek was a long- term member of The Fusilier Golfing Society and represented the Fusiliers team at the Army Officers Golf Society s competitions. The Memorial Match was therefore a fitting tribute. Derek s widow, Eileen, saw the golfers tee off, including Derek s son David who played on the Fusiliers team. Home advantage resulted in a win for the Bicester players. After the match was a splendid meal and we were joined by Derek and Eileen s daughter Susan. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 11

12 1 July 2017* Eileen presented the Bicester Captain with a specially dedicated trophy; The DEREK MODRAL MEMORIAL TROPHY bearing the words The Nearly Man. This was Derek s nickname as, after every event or match, he would say, I nearly won today. Henceforth, it will be awarded to the Nearly Won runner-up of the annual FGS Competition. Many thanks to Bicester Golf and Country Club for hosting this event and for giving the Fusiliers the courtesy of the course. And to every one who came to remember Derek. Out and About... Sheldon Branch on their Fortress Europe Battlefield Tour in May. They included a wreath laying at the Wormhoudt memorial to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment soldiers murdered by the Waffen SS. RHQ staff and guests at the Royal Hospital Chelsea Founders Day Parade on Thursday 8 June. The gentleman in the top hat is not the local chimney sweep, but Capt Andy Warren, ex-3 RRF and an active supporter of the Regiment. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 12

13 1 July 2017* Chester Potts of Fusilier Association (Northumberland) was sent this photo of 1RNF in Aden in 1967, guarding British children on their school bus. One of the children (now a micropilot) recognised the hackle on Chester s Facebook page. John Hunt presenting the trophy to Brian D Arcy (Tower of London Warders Golf Society) on 14 June at the Middlesex Golf Club following their victory over the Fusilier Golf Society in a close fought match. If serving or former Fusiliers wish to join the Fusilier Golf Society then they should contact the Chairman of the FGS, Stewart Almond, through RHQ Former 3 RRF officers at Helen Smith s Lunching Out at the Fusilier Musuem Bury. Andrew Chapman, Andy Harris, Algy Cole, James Denny and David Cook are displaying the typical 3 RRF disregard for any form of dress code RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 13

14 1 July 2017* Mon 19 Jun saw Rugby Borough Council s Armed Forces Flag Raising Day. Representing the Fusiliers were (L-R) John Turquand, David Blencowe ex 2RRF, Harry Wiles ex 5RRF and David Butlin ex 4RRF (a pretty exclusive club now) and 2RRF...and Nuneaton Branch also showing a strong Fusilier presence at their Armed Forces Day Flag Raising on Sat 17 Jun. Murray Richards in pole position... 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. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 14

15 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 A Day at the Races 2 Sep There will be a Fusilier Association (London) Day at the Races at Sandown Park, on Sat 2 Sep. Anyone who wants to come along will be able to meet up with some Fusilier friends. Dress is casual, and families are encouragedto this Sandown Park "Family Fun Day". Racing will take place all afternoon. Meet up at 1.00pm, at one of the bar areas in the Grandstand Enclosure. Sandown Park is very close to Esher railway station, with a 15 minute stroll across the grass of the Racecourse to the Grandstands. There is an entrance fee. All Fusiliers, family and friends, regardless of Association, are welcome. Comrades from the London Regiment Associations have also been notified of this event. Central Branch Battlefield Tour Sep 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 provisional 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. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 15

16 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 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. Message from the RF/RRF City of London Association Branch Chairman Major (Retd) Alec Ferguson TD RRF writes: RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 16

17 The City of London Branch of the Fusilier Association holds reunion meetings at RHQ RRF in June, October, December, and April. We also have a Curry Lunch at Balham on the last Sunday of February. Our Branch is a real mixture of members. We all have the Fusiliers in common, but have served in different ways. Some are ex-regular, some are Army Reserve (past or present), all have a great variety of experiences under the beret and hackle. Because of the mixture, we are quite a lively crowd, and the reunion meetings are well worth coming along to. I also offer an open invitation to all Fusilier Cadet Force Adult Instructors to join us for our reunions, the details of which will be published in this Newsletter. The dress for reunions held at RHQ RRF is blazer/jacket/lounge suit and tie for gentlemen, with a equivalent for ladies. Partners are always welcome, and there is a buffet supper as well as the bar. Fusiliers Direct Product of the Month RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 17

18 Two Months Forecast of Events Date 2017 Title Sponsor Location Saturday, 1 July 2017 Rochdale Remembers Passchendaele Lancs AHQ Rochdale Thursday, 6 July 2017 London Pub Lunch HM Tower of London London AHQ London Thursday, 13 July 2017 Fusiliers Officers Club (Lon) Lunch HM Tower of London London AHQ London Thursday, 27 July 2017 Korean Vets Church Service (St Sepulchre's) and lunch at Tower London AHQ London Friday, 28 July 2017 Minden Weekend - 'Madness', Dinner and Drunmhead Service Lancs AHQ Manchester Saturday, 29 July 2017 C of L / RRF Branch Minden Drinks, Union Jack Club London AHQ London Monday, 31 July 2017 Best Dunkley VC Commemoration Lancs AHQ York Thursday, 3 August 2017 London Pub Lunch HM Tower of London London AHQ London Thursday, 3 August 2017 Warwickshire ACF Annual Camp Visitors' Day W&M AHQ Warcop Wednesday, 16 August 2017 GMACF Annual Camp Visitors' Day Lancs AHQ Crowborough 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, 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 18