The Fusiliers Newsletter

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1 The Fusiliers Newsletter Catch up with the Regiment at work, rest and play Contents 1 February 2018 v Fusilier 50 Gala Dinner Saturday 7 July v Memorial Service at NMA Advance Notice v Northumbria ACF success in two different activities v Fusiliers on the Marne 2017 v 5th Fusiliers, Fusilier 50 and Wallsend Boys Club v The Tod Pals pay their respects v The Warwick Poppies v Commemorating the Fallen at Ismalia and Spion Kop v Notices v How to contribute RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 1

Fusilier 50 Gala Dinner Saturday 7 July One of the main Fusilier 50 celebration events is the Beating Retreat and Gala Dinner on Sat 7 Jul at HM Tower of London The Dinner begins with a Cocktail

2 Fusilier 50 Gala Dinner Saturday 7 July One of the main Fusilier 50 celebration events is the Beating Retreat and Gala Dinner on Sat 7 Jul at HM Tower of London The Dinner begins with a Cocktail Party and Beating Retreat at 6.30 pm in the moat of the Tower of London. This is followed by a 3 Course dinner, with musical entertainment inside the Pavilion Tent. All drinks (less spirits) will be complementary throughout. Tickets will be available as either Individual (up to a maximum of 10) or as a Table of 10. As you can imagine, there is limit on numbers. We have already had a steady flow of bookings and places are filling up. Therefore, if you wish to come, please book promptly. The easiest way to book is online at The way to reach this site is shown here: The Table of Ten booking must be done be one person who will be the Point of Contact and will be responsible for making the full payment. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 2

3 If you wish to book manually, please contact RHQ for a form to be sent to you. Act now to secure your place! Memorial Service at NMA Advance Notice One of the most important Fusilier 50 events will the the Memorial Service at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) on Sat 14 Jul 18. This Service is to commemorate all those Fusiliers who lost their lives whilst serving with the Regiment since It will be led by the Chaplain General in the presence of the Colonel of the Regiment. The Service will take place at the Fusiler Memorial at the NMA, starting at It will be open to all members of the Fusilier Family. Afterwards, there will be refreshments in the Marquee. This will be an invitation-only event, where the priority guests will be the relatives of those KIA. There will be no charge for this. Full details will issued in due course, so please watch this Newsletter and the regimental website. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 3

Northumbria ACF success in two different activities Monkseaton Detachment (Z Company) recently competed in the National ACF Cadet 100 Shooting Competition.

Monkseaton Detachment scoop the Fusilier Cadet 100 shooting trophy Meanwhile, narrowly pipped Bellingham Detachment (W Company) came runners-up in the Royal Artillery Competition.

4 Northumbria ACF success in two different activities Monkseaton Detachment (Z Company) recently competed in the National ACF Cadet 100 Shooting Competition. They scooped 1st prize amongst UK Fusilier capbadged detachments. taking the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Cup home to Northumbria. Well done Monkseaton! Monkseaton Detachment scoop the Fusilier Cadet 100 shooting trophy Meanwhile, narrowly pipped Bellingham Detachment (W Company) came runners-up in the Royal Artillery Competition. A fabulous result for a small Detachment with Northumbria s top shot, Cadet Sgt Hannah Murray, who came 10th overall out of 600+ participants. Well done to all shooters who took part. The top 200 UK cadets now go forward to shoot in Round 2, which this year includes 18 Northumbrians. Ponteland Det raising funds in their local community. Officer headress regulations are obviously more relaxed in the North East Our cadets spend a lot of time out and about in their communities and only a couple of days before Christmas, they were still raising money for local charities. Well done to Ponteland Detachment, whose Christmas Eve bag pack at Waitrose raised over 1,000, whilst Hexham s efforts at their local Tesco raised a similar sum for the Tynedale Hospice. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 4

5 Our cadets and volunteers are looking forward to another packed programme of events and activities during 2018, so watch this space. Fusiliers on the Marne 2017 In early September 2017, many members from the London, Bury and Sunderland Branches of the Fusilier Association took part in the annual Association pilgrimage commemorating the first Battle of the Marne in A full coach, including wives, travelled to our base near Epernay in the glorious Champagne Region of France to attend French organised ceremonies, whilst leaving plenty of time for Fusilier comradeship and renewing friendships. Glorious weather throughout with beer and champagne flowing! The party at La Ferte sous Jouarre War Memorial which bear the names of the 3700 who fell at Mons, Marne and Aisne and who have no known grave Being part of the 1914 British Expeditionary Force, all the Fusiliers antecedent regiments took part in the battle. Their distinction resulted in the Battle of the Marne becoming a Fusilier Battle Honour. The 2018 weekend is now open for bookings, the dates being 30 Aug 3 Sep. A charming private hotel is used and the overall cost is modest. To express interest and reserve a place, contact Richard Adams at richardadams5@hotmail.com RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 5

5th Fusiliers, Fusilier 50 and Wallsend Boys Club The new Fusilier 50 shirt worn by Wallsend Boys Club U13 s captain, Luke Marr, with his father Stephen Marr, Capt Hall and CSgt Collins 5th Fusiliers

6 5th Fusiliers, Fusilier 50 and Wallsend Boys Club The new Fusilier 50 shirt worn by Wallsend Boys Club U13 s captain, Luke Marr, with his father Stephen Marr, Capt Hall and CSgt Collins 5th Fusiliers are sponsoring Wallsend Boys Club U13s football team. Their new shirt shows the Fusiliers 50 logo which will be worn for the next two seasons, this season will be a yellow top, next season will be a green one. The shirt will be worn in Ypres in July for EX FALLEN FUSILIER- CHRISTMAS TRUCE TOURNAMENT, when the Fusiliers and WBC take part in a joint venture. Together, they conduct a Battlefield study of the WW1 locations in Ypres and Passchendaele, and play football at the iconic Crack Stadion Picanollaan (The Christmas Truce Location which is funded by the Premier League). The football matches will be against opposition from Belgium, France and Germany. The Tod Pals pay their respects On a clear and sunny Remembrance Day last year, the Todmorden Branch of the Fusiliers Association (Lanacashire) paraded through the streets north of Bury, with the Peel Monument in the distance. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 6

1 February 2018 Stoodley Pike and the former King's Bakery shop are long-standing landmarks that would have been well known to those who died in the Great War and other

The Warwick Poppies The Regimental Chapel of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment is in St Mary's Church Warwick.

As part of the project, a display has been set up in the Church.

7 1 February 2018 Stoodley Pike and the former King's Bakery shop are long-standing landmarks that would have been well known to those who died in the Great War and other conflicts since. WO2 Jim Kenworthy of the NW Regimental Recruiting Mentoring Team (RRMT) was the Parade Marshal. The Warwick Poppies The Regimental Chapel of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment is in St Mary's Church Warwick. They have a project to make 11,610 poppies by 11 November 2018, one for each Royal Warwickshire who did return from WW1. As part of the project, a display has been set up in the Church. The Royal Warwicks and the Christmas Truce 1914 has been especially created by local historians Alan Reed and Sir Andrew Hamilton. It will be on show at least until the end of the year, and is well worth a visit. Full details of the Church s project can be seen on and completed Poppies can be sent to Col Bob Carruthers at St John's House, Warwick CV34 4NF. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 7

Commemorating the Fallen at Ismalia and Spion Kop On the 24th January 2018 The Fusilier Association (Lancashire) and a contingent from 5th Fusiliers took part in ceremonies in Bury to commemorate the

The Ismalia ceremony took place at 1045hrs in Gallipoli Garden outside the Fusilier Musuem (Bury). A citation was read by the Chairman John Jones and a bugler played Last Post & Reveille.

8 Commemorating the Fallen at Ismalia and Spion Kop On the 24th January 2018 The Fusilier Association (Lancashire) and a contingent from 5th Fusiliers took part in ceremonies in Bury to commemorate the Fallen at Ismalia in Egypt in 1952 and Spion Kop in South Africa in Also on Parade were the Union Standard, The Fusilier Association (Lancashire) Standard and The Lancashire Fusilier Standard. The Ismalia ceremony took place at 1045hrs in Gallipoli Garden outside the Fusilier Musuem (Bury). A citation was read by the Chairman John Jones and a bugler played Last Post & Reveille. Mr Tim Kelly, a veteran of the Ismalia attack whilst serving with the 1st Lancashire Fusiliers then laid a wreath. The Spion Kop ceremony followed at 1100hrs at the Shouting Fusilier: in the Whitehead Gardens, where once again a citation was read by our Chairman, and Last Post & Reveille played by the bugler. A wreath was laid by a senior member of the Association. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 8

Notices Fusiliers Direct Product of the Month The Fusiliers Officers Club (Warwickshire) Annual Dinner - 2 Mar This dinner will take place on Fri 2 Mar 18 at the Officers Mess, 30 Signal Regiment,

9 Notices Fusiliers Direct Product of the Month The Fusiliers Officers Club (Warwickshire) Annual Dinner - 2 Mar This dinner will take place on Fri 2 Mar 18 at the Officers Mess, 30 Signal Regiment, Gamecock Barracks, Nuneaton CV11 6QN. There will be a reception in the foyer commencing at 7.00pm. The cost for those that subscribe to the dinner club remains at 40 plus 10 accommodation and breakfast. Guests may be invited at a subsidised rate of 50. Accommodation in the Officers Mess is not plentiful, so alternate arrangements have been made within the barracks. A continental breakfast will be available in the Officers Mess with brunch provided from This year we celebrate Fusilier 50 and it will also be the 70 th anniversary of the Past & Present Dinner when the officers of the 7th Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment held their first dinner at the Queen Victoria Road Drill Hall Coventry in RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 9

10 For more details and booking form, please Maj John Turquand at Fusiliers Memorial Garden of Rememberance at Palace Barracks, NI The Northern Ireland Branch of the Regimental Association is raising funds for the installation of a memorial to honour every member of the Regiment that lost their lives during or because of OP BANNER. We have chosen Palace Barracks as the most suitable location for the memorial not only as it is in a secure location but because of its historic links with the Regiment. The Memorial Garden is located opposite what used to be known as the wriggly tin and close to Sandy s. We have estimated that we need to raise between 3,000-4,000. Our aim is to hold an unveiling ceremony in October 2018 as part of our contribution to Fusilier 50. We intend to invite known relatives of those on the roll of honour, as well as the Fusilier community at large. Our Branch was formed in 1997 and was the first exclusively RRF Branch formed. Living here in the Province means that OP BANNER is still extremely pertinent and we can think of no better tribute to our Regiment than to record the names for posterity of those Fusiliers who gave their lives here. To this end we hope you can give us your support. Despite the changes here fund raising for any military cause is sadly still not that easy, so we are hoping for as much help from our Fusilier family across the water. There are two ways you can donate for the memorial. Through the Fusiliers Aid Society s Just Giving site by following this link: It is important that you write for N.I. Memorial in the comments box or we won t receive your donation. It is also important that you tick gift aid as well, we will then receive 1.25 for every pound pledged. If you prefer, you can donate by cheque, made payable to the Fusiliers Association Northern Ireland Branch and marked N.I. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 10

Memorial on the rear. You can send the cheque to the below address: Stephen Humphries 36 Irvine Park BANGOR Co Down BT19 7XR. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

11 Memorial on the rear. You can send the cheque to the below address: Stephen Humphries 36 Irvine Park BANGOR Co Down BT19 7XR. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. We will keep you updated regarding our progress and details of how to attend the unveiling in Palace Barracks. Running for Warwick 4 Mar To mark 50 years of The Fusiliers (and his own 65 years!) Major (Retd) Robin Jéquier will run the Warwick Half Marathon on Sunday 4 March 2018, in aid of the Fusiliers Museum, Warwick. The funds are needed to preserve and maintain archives, exhibits and displays that tell the story of The Fusiliers and the antecedent regiments in Warwickshire. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 11

During his 18 years service Robin held appointments in our reserve and regular battalions. He commented, I had a great time in the Fusiliers and now want to give something back.

12 During his 18 years service Robin held appointments in our reserve and regular battalions. He commented, I had a great time in the Fusiliers and now want to give something back. Warwickshire is where I first enlisted in He has begun training and hopes to match his previous best of 2hrs 8mins. If others would like to join me on 4th March, do get in touch via my Facebook page, he said. Please support him and help sustain the Fusilier footprint in Warwickshire a key part of the county's military heritage. You can donate to Robin s run at Please give as generously as you can. Thank you! The Fusiliers Association (Lancashire) Dinner 28 Apr The Fusiliers Association (Lancashire) will be holding a Dinner on Saturday 28 th of April 2018 to celebrate both Gallipoli Day and Fusilier 50. It will be held in the Castle Armoury in Bury. It is a four course meal, with wine. The Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) will play during dinner, followed by a disco. The price is 25 per person and to book, please contact Steven Fitt on or errolfitt476@btinternet.com RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 12

13 Imperial War Museum (IWM) Oral History Project The IWM has been charged with interviewing serving and former soldiers in order to collect their oral history for future reference. The Regiment is working closely with the oral historian (Mr Peter Hart) and a good number of former Fusiliers have already been interviewed. Peter is a well-known author who has written numerous books covering the Great War. Peter is very keen to continue to interview former Fusiliers and has asked RHQ to ask for volunteers who are prepared to be interviewed. Having gone through the process myself, the process is not arduous and can be cathartic. These interviews normally take place over a number of hours (depending on how long the individual served and their experiences) but in 2 hour periods. Potential volunteers should note that the interview material is embargoed until the interviewee is 120 years old. This ensures that anything said cannot be quoted or used whilst the interviewee is still alive. Peter is happy to travel to conduct the interviews, but ideally potential interviewees need to be close to a main line railway station. He can also conduct interviews at RHQ. If Regimental members would like to capture their experiences down for posterity (you will eventually get a copy of your interview) and for future historical use then I would be grateful if you would RHQ with the following details: Name, Address, Tel No, Address, Brief career history (including years served), Battalion(s) served in, and any operational tours. Please title your IWM Interview And send to: rhq@thefusiliers.org. These details will be forwarded to Peter Hart who will make direct contact. I can thoroughly recommend the experience and importantly, it has raised the profile of the Regiment amongst both the military historian community and the IWM. Col James Denny Regt Sec RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 13

14 Fusilier 50 Images please help Your responses will really contribute to the success of Fusilier 50, so please dig out those photos and send them on To commemorate our 50th Anniversary Fusilier 50, we are planning several activities that require images of people and experiences since the formation of the Regiment. In particular for two artists and for the new RRF gallery in Bury. The images should be meaningful, unique, characterful, serious, amusing, of individuals or groups. The best format would be as high resolution scanned images of your originals but we will accept original photographs, negatives, drawings, paintings and the like. In terms of themes we would like subjects of all types: operations, training, ceremonial, sport, social, homecomings, family or any special event. An indication of the names of individuals and the date and location of each image would be helpful. Should you wish to send scanned or electronic image please send them to If you have hard copies they should be sent to: Fusilier 50 Images Fusilier Museum Moss Street Bury BL9 0DF Fusilier 50 Video help also needed here We are also working with an external company to make a documentary / film about the Regiment, focusing on events since The documentary / film will be showed at key Fusilier 50 events next year and will celebrate the 50 years of our Regiment. Do you have any video footage and /or photographs from the last 50 years of Fusiliers on tour, in training or at events? Would you be happy for them to be part of a documentary about the Fusiliers? If so please contact Sarah de Courcy sj.decourcy.is@gmail.com. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 14

15 Walking with the Wounded May In 2017, Capt Mick Straker of X Company 5th Fusiliers led a team in Walking with the Wounded and came first in their category out of 67 teams over the Tough 24Km Route Mick and the team are doing it again in May 2018, once more to raise money to support another wounded veteran into work and independence. Their challenge: raise 2,000. Mick would be really pleased if the Fusilier Family could help raise this sum by donating directly to their fundraising page: Straker?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_cont ent=michael-straker&utm_campaign=pfp- &utm_term=z4n3rzg2k. Just Giving will send your donation straight to Walking With The Wounded and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more. Please help if you can every 1is gratefully received. Fusiliers Evening Stockton on Tees 19 May There will be a Fusiliers Evening in the Don War Memorial Bar, Calverts Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1SX on Saturday 19 May, starting at The Don Bar is a huge supporter of veterans and associated charities, and this event is specifically aimed at The Fusiliers. Further details can be found at Saturday Fund-raising talks at the Fusilier Museum (Warwick) To be held at St John s House, Warwick, CV34 4NF at 1400 each Saturday listed. The entry charge will be 5 for the Talks and 1 per item to be valued on Valuation Day (except for Friends and Volunteers of the Museum) RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 15

16 24 February The Wreck of the Birkenhead 1852 by David Seeney (Chairman of the Friends of the Museum) 31 March MILITARIA VALUATION DAY by David Seeney ( 1 per item to be valued) 28 April Waterloo by Major Mick Atkinson 26 May Gallantry at Sea (Royal Warwickshire Regiment) by David Seeney 30 June Bomb Disposal by Major Mick Atkinson (late RAOC) 28 July Military Research ( presentation and questions) by David Seeney 29 September The Warwickshire Yeomanry in World War One by Philip Wilson (Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum) 27 October The Battle of the Somme by David Seeney 24 November The Warwicks and the Xmas Truce by Alan Reed (Military Guide and Author) 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, 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. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 16

17 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 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. 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. Please note that the Editor and RHQ make every effort to ensure factual accuracy and whilst we might edit articles for reasons of space, we do not censor them. Any mistakes are purely accidental and no harm or slander is ever intended. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 17

The Fusiliers Newsletter

The Fusiliers Newsletter Catch up with the Regiment at work, rest and play Contents 1 May 2018...and a special Fusilier 50 Newsletter will follow on 8 May... v Warwickshire ACF s eventful April v Northumbria