The Fusiliers Newsletter

Transcription

1 The Fusiliers Newsletter Catch up with the Regiment at work, rest and play Contents 1 March 2018 v The Fusilier Journal 2017 is out v Fusilier Promotions v The Fusilier 50 Commemorative Medal v 1st Fusiliers Boxing Training Spring 2018 v Y Coy 1st Fusiliers Reunion 26 Jan 18 v Ex CSgt Kevin Tester s support for veterans v Fusilier Derek Godfrey Kinne GC RNF v The M62 Bombing - Remembrance v The Royal British Legion Silent Soldier Campaign v Notices v How to contribute RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 1

2 The Fusilier Journal 2017 is out The Fusilier Journal 2017 is now published and is being distributed. It will be with you soon. It covers Regimental events in However, as it will be on prominent display on desks and in offices of our friends and supporters throughout 2018, we felt it appropriate the cover should display the Fusilier 50 logo to mark our special year. Enjoy reading what the Fusilier Family have been up to in Fusilier Promotions The Colonel of the Regiment and all Fusiliers congratulate the following on their selection for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in : Major E Sutthery, currently SO2 DGLS& E D Eqpt AD Support Life, Andover Major D R Wilson, currently SO2 at CSTTG, CAST South, Warminster On the Reserve Pink List Major S J Coatsworth, currently Bn 2IC, 5th Fusiliers Major R Fairbairn, currently OC Z Coy, 5th Fusiliers And we also congratulate Major Lucy Lamb RAMC, ex RMO 2 nd Fusiliers (and wife of CO 1st Fusiliers!) on her promotion to Lt Col RAMC. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 2

3 The Fusilier 50 Commemorative Medal To mark our Fusilier 50 year, the Regimental Council commissioned a commemorative medal and decided upon the criteria for its issue. The Council s directive is that those serving as a Regular or Reserve Fusilier on 23 April 2018 will be presented one by the Regiment. This follows similar criteria for the three Queen s Jubilee Medals. However, the Fusilier 50 medal will also be available to purchase by non-serving veteran Fusiliers. They will be available from Fusiliers Direct after 23 April as follows: Individual purchase at 20 each, boxed delivery. Please order direct from the Fusilier Direct website after 23 April/ Consolidated purchase by Association Branches. The Branch Secretary should consolidate all orders for their Branch and place the order directly to Fusiliers Direct (NOT RHQ) by ing fusiliers@regimentsdirect.co.uk. Please do not use their website for consolidated orders. Under this arrangement, the medal will cost 15 each, boxed. Advance payment to Fusilier Direct is required for all these consolidated orders from Branch Secretaries. 1st Fusiliers Boxing Training Spring st Fusiliers Boxing Team recently held training camps in the North West, linking in to amateur Boxing clubs in our principal recruiting areas such as Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Oldham and Manchester.These were a great success both for the Team and for community engagement. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 3

4 1st Fusiliers Boxing Team after a hard NW training session This was set up to improve the Team s boxing skills and knowledge gained by visiting the local boxing clubs. The three organisers were 1st Fusiliers Boxing Officer Capt Tony Benton, Bury-based RRMT WO2 Jim Kenworthy and the HQ NW Youth Engagement Officer, WO2 Dave Naylor, ex-1 RRF. In return the clubs see the opportunities that the Army offers to young people in in sports and Army Careers. Here are some of the boxing gyms and training sessions that hosted the Team. Fus Jordan Phelps getting some face time after some sparring with Amir Khan s brother down at Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club 1RRF Team & Y Coy Novices at Hamer Boxing Club in Rochdale after a hard sparring session RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 4

5 Some of the Boxing Team shared their experiences: Everything an infanteer needs to do can be replicated in a boxing ring and I wanted to prove myself Fus Aaron Delaney. I m from Bolton and I do boxing to raise my fitness levels to a good standard, I m a boxing fan so thought the 1st Fusiliers team would be a good opportunity to get into it. Fus Leighton Keegan Before 2017 I had never boxed before and I wanted to try something new and get really fit before doing my PTI course. Training three times a day really helped me lose the weight I wanted. LCpl Michael Hanifin Y Coy 1st Fusiliers Reunion 26 Jan 18 Y Coy 1st Fusiliers Champion Company Reunion took place on Saturday 26 January 2018 at the Royal British Legion club in Royston Hertfordshire. It was organised by Tony Margiotta, a former Y Coy CSM. He has produced the following report, which we publish verbatim. NB: Complaints to Tony, not the Editor... The collective recce party arrived in good order at The Green Man in Royston on Friday evening 24 hours before H-Hour. The gathered group took some time to fully recognise each other due to greying hair, belly growth and 30 years of absence, however Medals Mick Moran QGM bellowed his welcome and we all gathered for a big group hug. It was good to hug...it had been a while... Many war stories and pints of ale later we managed to invade the local 'trendy' wine bar and ordered the customary bottles of Port for a toast to friends departed. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 5

6 The evening or ealy morning came to a close and with contented smiles across our faces we made our way home in preparation for the main body arrival. Saturday night at The Royal British Legion club was a huge success with a turnout of around 80 + ex Y Company Officers/Warrant Officers and Fusiliers. Geordie, Makums, Brummies and the occasional Cockney mixed at the polished bar and the customary storytelling started. The bar staff girls giggled in glee at the cheeky Fusilier banter and also the generous tips from the paying men. John Benn, Dinger Bell, Mark Mooney, ex boxing champs and runners and football players alike sang, danced and celebrated the awesome evening of friendship and The Fusilier 50 anniversary. Speeches were made, raffle tickets were drawn and the odd tear or two were shed. The biggest take away from the reunion was the underline intent to keep in touch and gather together more often to support, encourage and continue the Fusilier spirit, banter and love we have for each other. Mention in Dispatches go to RHQ Tower of London for the money contribution that bought great statuettes, silk berets and hackles for the free raffle. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 6

7 Photos are enclosed of a great bunch of awesome men who had a fabulous time on our 50th Anniversary all Champions in their own right!! OAFAAF Ex CSgt Kevin Tester s support for veterans Kevin served 25 years as a Fusilier in C Company (now 5th Fusiliers), based in Balham and reached the rank of Colour Sergeant. He served full time on operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and eventually retired from the Reserves in He is now active with the Fusilier Association (London). Kevin wants to give something back to the Army, so has got together a team of four to compete in the Cateran Yomp for the Soldiers, supporting the the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). The Cateran Yomp is a 54 mile trek across Perthshire to be completed in 24hrs. This year it is 8-9 June. Ex CSgt Kevin Tester, a proud father at his son s Passing Out Parade before starting his career as a Fusilier. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 7

8 If anybody would like to support Kevin in this event for ABF please click on this link: Fusilier Derek Godfrey Kinne GC RNF Derek Kinne GC, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers passed away in the USA (Arizona) after a battle against cancer. He was 87 years old. Derek s George Cross citation is printed below. We make no apologies for printing it in full. As you will read, Derek displayed supreme bravery, fortitude, determination, courage and loyalty. FUSILIER KINNE GEORGE CROSS - CITATION In August, 1950, Fusilier Kinne volunteered for service in Korea. He joined the 1st Battalion The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, and was captured by Chinese Communist forces on 25th April, 1951, the last day of the Imjin River battle. From then on he had only two objects in mind: firstly to escape, and secondly by his contempt for his captors and their behaviour, and his utter disregard for the treatment meted out to him, to raise the morale of his fellow-prisoners. The treatment which he received during his period of captivity is summarized in the succeeding paragraphs. Fusilier Kinne escaped for the first time within 24 hours of capture, but was retaken a few days later while attempting to regain our own lines. Eventually he rejoined a large group of prisoners being marched north to prison camps, and despite the hardships of this march, which lasted a month, rapidly emerged as a man of outstanding leadership and very high morale. His conduct was a fine example to all his fellowprisoners. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 8

9 In July, 1952, Fusilier Kinne, who was by now well known to his captors, was accused by them of being non-co-operative and was brutally interrogated about the other P.W. who had uncooperative views. As a result of his refusal to inform on his comrades, and for striking back at a Chinese officer who assaulted him, he was twice severely beaten up and tied up for periods of 12 and 24 hours, being made to stand on tip-toe with a running noose round his neck which would throttle him if he attempted to relax in any way. He escaped on 27th July, but was recaptured two days later. He was again beaten up very severely, and placed in handcuffs (which could be and frequently were tightened so as to restrict circulation), from which he was not released until 16th October, 1952, a period of 81 days. He was accused of insincerity, a hostile attitude towards the Chinese, "sabotage" of compulsory political study, escape, and of being reactionary. From 15th to 20th August he was confined in a very small box cell, where he was made to sit to attention all day, being periodically beaten, prodded with bayonets, kicked and spat upon by the guards, and denied any washing facilities. On 20th August, 1952, he was made to stand to attention for seven hours and when he complained was beaten by the Chinese guard commander with the butt of a submachine gun, which eventually went off and killed the guard commander. For this Fusilier Kinne was beaten senseless with belts and bayonets, stripped of his clothes, and thrown into a dank ratinfested hole until 19th September. He was frequently taken out and beaten, including once (on 16th September) with pieces of planking until he was unconscious. On 16th October Fusilier Kinne was tried by a Chinese military court for escape and for being a reactionary and hostile to the Chinese, and was sentenced to twelve months' solitary confinement. This was increased to eighteen months when he complained at his trial of denial of medical attention, including that for a severe double hernia which he had sustained in June, 1952, while training to escape. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 9

10 On 5th December, 1952, he was transferred to a special penal company. His last award of solitary confinement was on 2nd June, 1953, when he was sentenced for defying Chinese orders and wearing a rosette in celebration of Coronation Day. He was eventually exchanged at Panmunjom on 10th August, As late as 8th and 9th August he was threatened with non-repatriation for demanding an interview with the International Red Cross Representatives who were visiting prisoner-of-war camps. Fusilier Kinne was during the course of his periods of solitary confinement kept in no less than seven different places of imprisonment, including a security police gaol, under conditions of the most extreme degradation and increasing brutality. Every possible method both physical and mental was employed by his captors to break his spirit, a task which proved utterly beyond their powers. Latterly he must have been fully aware that every time he flaunted his captors and showed openly his detestation of themselves and their methods he was risking his life. He was in fact several times threatened with death or non-repatriation. Nevertheless he was always determined to show that he was prepared neither to be intimidated nor cowed by brutal treatment at die hands of a barbarous enemy. His powers of resistance and his determination to oppose and fight the enemy to the maximum were beyond praise. His example was an inspiration to all ranks who came into contact with him. London Gazette, 13th April, RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 10

11 1 March 2018 The M62 Bombing - Remembrance The M62 Coach Bombing happened on 4 February 1974 on the eastbound M62 motorway in Yorkshire, when a Provisional IRA bomb exploded in a coach carrying off-duty British soldiers, airmen and their their families. 12 were killed by the bomb, hidden in the luggage locker of the coach. The coach had been commissioned to carry Army and RAF personnel and their families to and from Catterick and Darlington during a period of industrial action on the trains. The bomb exploded shortly after midnight when the bus was near Hartshead Moor services area. The blast could be heard several miles away and reduced the coach to a tangle of twisted metal. Amongst the dead were nine soldiers: two Royal Artillery, three Royal Corps of Signals, and four Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, A complete Fusilier family was killed: Cpl Clifford Houghton, his wife Linda, and sons Lee (5) and Robert (2). There was a long standing memorial in the entrance hall of the west-bound section of the Hartshead Moor service area, which was used as a first aid station. This has now been replaced by a larger memorial in a more tranquil area of the services, where each year, a service is held in remembrance of those who were murdered. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 11

12 The Royal British Legion Silent Soldier Campaign When the soldiers got back to England they were given a railway ticket and were then on their own, and would be seen across the country, walking back home to their families. Silent Soldier silhouettes will appear across the UK as the country commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The Silent Soldier will stand as a tribute to those who didn t return home from WW1 and to those whose lives would never be the same again. Following the end of the war in November 1918, the process of demobilisation and discharge took some time. When the soldiers got back to England they were given a railway ticket to their home station. From there they were on their own, and would be seen across the country, walking back home, down the roads and across the fields, returning to their families. How to get involved To join the nation in remembering our fallen heroes during 2018, companies, community groups and individuals can donate to receive a Silent Soldier to display. They can also choose to display their name on the base of the silhouette. The Silent Soldier can be placed on a roundabout, in gardens, fields, on buildings, in the countryside, in towns and cities across the nation. The Silent Soldier will stand as a tribute to those who didn t return home and to those whose lives would never be the same again. Contact your local RBL office to get further details RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 12

13 Notices Fusiliers Direct Product of the Month The new website for the Fusilier Museum (London) The Fusilier Museum (London), situated at RHQ RRF, has a new, website, with a fresh and modern feel. Have a look at You can also follow them on and Facebook The Fusilier Museum London 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. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 13

14 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. 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. 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. RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 14

15 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 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 RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 15

16 Sharjah Jun 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 Asiago Reflect Italy Jun As part of the Fusilier 50 Celebrations, members of the Fusilier Association (Warwickshire) will conduct a 4 day battlefield visit and commemorative ceremony to Asiago, Italy in June This will be the 100th Anniversary of the Battle in which members of 5 th, 6 th, 7 th and 8 th Battalions of the Royal Warwickshire Regiments were heavily involved in the fighting on the plateau during For the past 36 years the Associazione Nazionale del Fante, 143 Brigade, the parent Brigade at the time have invited Regimental Association representatives to attend the Commemorative Service on the Sunday. In addition, there is an opportunity to visit some of the battlefields in which the conflict took place and if time allows, a trip into the centre of Venice. The trip can take maximum of people, leaving on the morning of Friday 15 June from Birmingham and returning on the afternoon of Monday 18 June. The cost of the trip should not exceed 350 per person. Please note that a non refundable deposit of 150 will be required in order to book flight at the earliest opportunity Full details of the trip can be obtained from Lt Col Hill at Malchill@yahoo.co.uk RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 16

17 Fusilier 50 Holborn Charlie Charlie 23 Jun 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 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. 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) 31 March MILITARIA VALUATION DAY by David Seeney ( 1 per item to be valued) 28 April Waterloo by Major Mick Atkinson RHQ RRF, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB v v 17

18 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) w 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 18