ROYAL GREEN JACKETS ASSOCIATION LONDON BRANCH NEWSLETTER 2006 This has been a turbulent and unsettling year for the Branch with the details of the long term future of the Association still not finalised remaining in the background. Even so, the Branch has managed to fulfill a full calendar throughout the year with many events being over subscribed. With the impending formation of the The Rifles the Branch Committee has been concentrating on two main points, the first is recruiting and the second, Branch finances. Recruiting has been steady and the membership of the Branch has increased, but there remains a great deal to be done to ensure we capture many members of the regiment who remain outside the family. It is important that the details of all former Green Jackets are retained and made available to RGJ Associations Branches for future use. The Branch has continued to consolidate its financial position and has attained a degree of success. Our sponsors have continued to be very generous and the Branch Members have continued to dig deep into their pockets and contribute to all fund raising events with open wallets. This, coupled with an extremely efficient Treasurer, means that the Branch remains financially independently sound. During the year there have been a number of changes to the Committee. We have said goodbye to Tony Beach, who due to other employment related activities has had to stand down, and Steve Smith who had difficulty fulfilling Committee commitments. We thank them for their efforts during their period of time in office. We bid welcome to Norman Morrison who has filled the spot of Entertainment Member. The Branch had been informed that Davies Street would not be available for outside functions during the year due to training commitments. The Committee has had to put a great deal of personal time and effort into finding other venues for branch activities and to date the alternatives have proved to be well worth the effort. Regimental Activities The branch has represented and supported the Regiment on a number of occasions throughout the year. Some of these are annual events and take place in London which allows Branch members the opportunity to attend without taking time off from work and with very little travel involved. The service at Regents Park, which is in remembrance of the members of the band who were murdered on the bandstand, was well represented. The Branch took the opportunity to gather at a local hostelry for lunch, which was a satisfying way to end the day. The Branch Secretary, once again, provided the behind the scenes administration to the Westminster Square Remembrance Ceremony. The Branch also provided a large contingent in support to the QVR Calais service. The arrangements for this annual pilgrimage will have to be reviewed in the near future if it is to continue, owing to the dwindling numbers of the veterans involved. Our commitment to the KRRC ACF continues, and our sponsorship to their mini bus remains in place. They, in return, provide Cadets at functions where they are in the public eye and their support is much appreciated by Members. Their turnout and willingness to assist is a credit to their unit and long may it continue. We also made a grant to Joe Schembri, who is a junior member of the British Legion Band, to offset the individual costs of the band s forthcoming tour of America, at which they will play at the Whitehouse.
Ladies Dinner Night The Ladies Dinner Night took place in the Victory Services Club, which was a first for the Branch and a move away from Davies Street. The main reasons for moving the location of the event was the fact that due to the event becoming increasingly popular, and with that the numbers increasing, a larger venue was needed. Also, as overnight accommodation is also available in the Club it has become the more favourable option. Although the back drop of Ladies Dinner Night at the Victory Services Club regimental trimmings was missing, this was more than made up for by the presentation and service provided. It was decided by popular demand that it would be a Black Tie event again, as many members had purchased a dinner suit for last years dinner! The evening began with drinks in a very spacious reception room where every one assembled before the dinner call was sounded. The dining room was entered by a high sweeping staircase to a lower floor where the tables were laid with regimental accruements. The dinner was excellent and the wine seemed to flow endlessly whilst our very contented group of diners settled down to listen to the speeches. The Branch Secretary opened the batting with some introductory remarks and then handed over to the President. The President introduced the guest speaker, Major Ron Cassidy MBE, a person who he had served with over a considerable number of years. He explained that our guest was in many ways a very senior statesman of the Regiment, and that over the years they had collided not only on the sports pitch but in regimental matters on occasions! His contribution to the future of the association on the formation of the The Rifles has been considerable, and has laid the foundations for the future. He entertained those present on a number of subjects and left them feeling very satisfied in their involvement with the regiment. He closed his speech by recommending his recently published book, and I am happy to report that members must have taken heed to his words as a large number of members made an instant purchase! The evening was young and the dancing and dining went on to the early hours of the morning. The diehards saw the sun rise in Hyde Park, and as no one was arrested they all must have been on their best behaviour! This evening turned out to be our best effort to date, and we certainly will return to the VS Club next year. A few minor adjustments which are within the Committee s grasp will complete the fine tuning. A word of thanks to all those Committee Members and those members who worked extremely hard to make the evening a success, in particular the Branch Secretary, who put in a great deal of time and effort and who without his contribution the success of the evening would have been in doubt.
The Freedom of Westminster A total of forty five Branch Members attended the Freedom of Westminster service and the parade held in Westminster Abbey, followed by a march past on Horse Guards Parade in July. The Branch retired to the Theodore Bullfrog for lunch and few warmers in the bank to round the day off before departing. The Branch was also represented at the Freedom of Winchester Parade by the Secretary and a number of other members before moving on to the annual Reunion. Colonel in Chief s Farewell At the Colonel in Chief s Farewell Reception held at St James s Palace, the Branch was extremely fortunate to be granted a number of extra places by courtesy of John Pool Warren and Roy Stanger. It was decided by those attending that as many were staying in London overnight, and that as they were all suited and booted, that the Branch would make a night of the occasion, so a dinner was arranged. The Secretary booked a dining room in the East India Company Club which is a stones throw from St James s Palace. This was the icing on the cake for us: we said goodbye to our Commander in Chief in grand Col & Mrs Smythe being presented to HM the Queen settings; and finished the evening in great style. Both the President and the Secretary and their wives were introduced to Her Majesty, at which time the Secretary inquired that as she was no longer going to be the Regimental Colonel would she consider donating her regimental brooch to the London Branch for the next Ladies Dinner Night star raffle prize? Although she did not reply with a defined no the charming smile relayed a not on your life answer! Founders Day Parade In June, the President, Secretary and their wives were invited to the Founders Day Parade at the Royal Military Hospital Chelsea. The Queen took the salute at a ceremony (which has not changed over many years) which was very moving and satisfying, and was a privilege to be part of. Our host, In Pensioner WO1, John Selby, (ex-rgj), entertained us to lunch at a family table on the Hospital Green which was not only very generous but very entertaining.
Golf Society Our forecast of events planned for two matches to be played, but owing to circumstances beyond Branch control the Spring Rifleman s Shield competition had to be postponed. A very disappointed Golf Member was consoled when it was decided to run both matches on the day of the President s Cup in September. It was decided to return to the Upchurch Valley Course where last years President s Cup was played, and although those playing were aware that the two matches would be played simultaneously, they only knew the terms and conditions of the President s Cup. There was a good turn out with over twenty players and a number of officials to keep the players on the straight and narrow. There were a number of new players and friends which was nice to see, unfortunately the defending President s Cup winner, of two years standing, was not able to attend, or was wary of the challenge awaiting him (!) which opened the door for last years runners up. A welcome addition was a foursome from the Royal Military Hospital who not only won the nearest the pin competition but also stole the top prize in the raffle! The now traditional coffee and bacon butties in the Club house was taken with pairing and tee times being finalised. A majority of members had played the course last year and so a great deal of tactical discussion took place, but high on the priority list was the provision of trolleys as high in the memories of last year was the Brecon terrain and the effects on older frames! The club groundsman warned the Branch that due to the dry weather certain remedial work was in hand on the greens. This was to become a deciding factor in the final results and as those who ignored the advice found out to their peril! The Branch made the tee times and Norman Morrison and the Secretary s son, Gareth, took on the challenge of the Colour Sergeant s duties, the President and Secretary adjudicated on any dodgy dealings during the day! The weather was kind and every one agreed that once again it was a great day out with friends and companions. The winners (amidst cries of fix and keeping it in the family ) were: The Rifleman s Shield; Charles Smythe, and the Presidents Cup; Neal Smythe. The day was complete with dinner and prize giving in the club and continued until late. The whole day is about meeting old friends with an excuse to play golf. For those members who missed the day for one reason or the other we hope to see you next year. The Golf Member once again came up trumps and organised a faultless day. For those past players who missed the day mark you diaries for next year please! Winners Neal & Charles Smythe Clay Pigeon Shoot The Boggy Marsh Trophy This was the second year that this competition had taken place and we returned to the Essex School of Shooting for a day of clay pigeon shooting. It was decided to make the competition more difficult than last year and shoot one practice discipline and four disciplines to count. There was a good turnout, an increase on last year of Branch Members which included a number of new faces. The whole match was fiercely contested and although a great deal of friendly barter took place, there was a good healthy Rifleman undertone in the background, willing participants to miss and allow them to gain added points towards the final score. On the completion of a morning shooting three people remained all square and went into the shoot off, one of whom was the President. The first to fall was the President (!) and the final two went head to head for over ten draws, and the final winner was Barry Chiltern. The day proved to be tremendous fun and was rounded off with an excellent lunch at a local pub with many comments on the one that got away! Boggy presenting the trophy to winner Barry Chiltern
Black Button Club Two Black Button Clubs were held this year, both at the Chelsea Military Hospital which has excellent facilities in very grand settings. The first was very well attended with over forty members and wives attending, many of whom made a night of it. The Pensioners made the Branch very welcome and joined in the activities. In Pensioner WO1 John Selby, ensured that we did not stray out of bounds with regards the traditions and regulations! The second was also a success and was also well attended. We will at some stage in the future return to the Hospital and it will be interesting to see what our new Entertainment Member arranges in the New Year for this event. Battlefield Tour By popular demand we returned to Normandy to concentrate on the D-Day Landings. It was decided that the tour would be more structured this year, and that by highlighting a number of individual sights, a more detailed insight could be gained into activities surrounding the landings. With the departure of Tony Beach, the President took on the task of arranging the tour and, in particular, the detailed site reccees of the locations to be visited. Using the excuse of a visit to France with members of the family (!) a weekend was spent driving the sights and obtaining the necessary information to complete an interesting weekend. It was decided to base the tour on the city of Caen, with a hotel in the city centre to allow the all important access to local restaurants and the local night life. The Branch assembled at Liverpool Street Station on Friday the 15 th September and departed for Caen by the Dover ferry. The coach provided was very luxurious (which was a blessing in disguise as the tour was fully booked, and in anyone s language was a long way to drive!) However, fortunately, the monotony was broken up by a very knowledgeable pair of drivers and a game of regimental bingo and a pit stop! Arriving fairly late, but in high Battlefield Tour 2006 spirits, a quick wash and brush up was the order of the day before members bombs burst to find places to enjoy the remainder of the evening. Day two was an early breakfast, coupled with a very prompt early start with a threat from the President that those who were late would be left behind! The intention was to drive the coastal road stopping at selected points of interest én-route. The first stop was at the German High Command Grand Bunker at Ouistreham. Arrangements had been made for the bunker to be opened early for us, and it proved to be an extremely interesting visit. The bunker was a key communication centre and also the location where the coastal artillery was controlled, from which it covered the British and Canadian forces landings. The bunker was bypassed on D-Day and not taken until day three of the invasion. Next stop was Arromanches Centre, following a drive along the beaches of Gold, Juno and Sword where during which a commentary was provided when we passed points of interest. We made the allocated slot for the Arromanches tour centre and watched an extremely interesting film on a 360º screen which proved to very realistic. Time was then allowed for a slow walk from the high ground into Arromanches Town. After a lengthy lunch break we moved on to the USA beaches where we visited Omaha Beach. A visit to the cemetery and the actual landing beaches really drove home how difficult a task that the soldiers must have had on the day. In a more sombre mood we moved on to Point Le Hoc, which has been retained in conditions similar to those encountered on the morning of the landings. Following the long return trip back to the hotel which
completed the day, there was time to have pre-dinner drink, from which groups disappeared off to the restaurants which had been visited the night before. Sunday morning was an early start with the added difficulty of the members having to check out as we would not be returning to the hotel. Although we departed on time, there was a pause when the President was invited to settle the invoice for the whole group before departing. His response has not been made public but needless to say no money changed hands! It was then onto Pegasus Bridge and a full morning s programme. A Branch wreath was laid and a short ceremony took place at the landing site. Bugler Terry McCann sounded last post and Joe Schembri played Abide With Me before we moved onto the Pegasus Pegasus Memorial Museum Memorial Museum, which had recently been renovated to include a mock up of a Horsa Glider. We were extremely fortunate to obtain the services of an excellent guide at the museum. His knowledge and style was outstanding, and although lengthy, rounded off an excellent morning. After a light lunch it was then time to return to Calais, and the car ferry. One more pit stop was made, and a tired and weary, but contented, group made their way home. Andy McNab Night. As part of our fund raising efforts last year we organised a hugely successful An Audience with Andy McNab night. This year the Branch was approached by his publishers to see if we could do the same again as his new book was coming out, and obviously as quick as a flash we agreed. The venue was set for the Blind Beggar Pub in the East End of London. This is a famous Pub with a reputation based on the notorious gangsters, the Kray twins, who controlled the area in the sixties. The evening was a complete sellout with all 170 tickets being sold within a very short time. The landlord, Dave Dobson, kindly agreed that the Branch could retain the entrance money. He had also organised an excellent female jazz singer to complement the evening, and even our own Secretary rose to the occasion and sang a few numbers! Andy McNab was, as on his previous visit, outstanding, and kept the audience spellbound with his stories and detailed account of his career from joining the regiment to retirement, including a very graphic description of his capture and treatment in the first Gulf War. The question and answer time had to be curtailed in the end to allow him time to personally autograph books which members had Dave Dobson (the real landlord!), Al Murray, purchased. The evening went on until very late and Andy McNab, Gary Driscoll & Gary Allport only finished when a very late time was called by Dave the Landlord. The Branch had been donated two very generous raffle prizes for the event. The first was a flight in the London Hospital Air Ambulance taking off from the roof of the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, and the second was two VIP tickets for the Al Murray TV show. The winner also had an invitation to visit the famous television green room for drinks with the stars of the show before watching the show as VIP guest. Comedian Al Murray is a very keen military historian and was over the moon when we sent him an invitation to attend. He volunteered to help with the raffle draw and entertained us at the same time.
It was a highly successful fund raising event for the Branch which was well supported by the branch members. A special thanks to the committee members who preformed many tasks throughout the evening behind the scenes which ensured the evening went smoothly, and to Trevor French, our sound engineer, and for his contact with comedian Al Murray, and in particular to Dave Dobson, the landlord of the Blind Beggar. Remembrance Sunday The application for security passes for the Remembrance Sunday Parade on Whitehall surpassed all other numbers in the past. A total of 157 London Branch Members were on parade, including members from the West Midlands Branch, making the Royal Green Jackets one of the largest single regiments on parade. The West Midlands contingent departed home very early and participated in the whole day s activities which was much appreciated by London Branch Members who were able to renew contact with many old friends. The members assembled, as in the past, in the Theodore Bullfrog pub for coffee and for the very brave a short burst of drinks into the butts, before moving off to Horse Guards Parade for the Renny, Dave, Dennis and friends form up. The contingent conformed to the very sedate marching pace of the parade, but as always, tried a short burst of regimental pace on returning to the parade square. Time takes its toll on a number of members who quietly take their leave of the parade at this stage. We returned to the Theodore Bullfrog for lunch and a few drinks where many stories were exchanged. Later, many weary riflemen departed for the Blind Beggar pub in the East End, where Dave the Landlord handed them a microphone, encouraging them to sing some of the old wartime songs, during which time our friends from the Midlands departed for their long trip home. Once again the President s son Charles, came up trumps and obtained the necessary licenses to allow the Theodore Bullfrog to open on a Sunday. This was our best effort to date for this event. It will be interesting to monitor the impact of the formation of The Rifles on this event in the future. The London Branch welcomes all RGJ individuals and branches to participate in this parade in the future if they wish to join the day s activities.
Remembrance Parade 2006 RGJ Contingent Summary A great deal has taken place during the final year of the Regiment which leaves a degree of uncertainty for Branches in the future. Before the departure from the order of battle of the Royal Green Jackets in February, a great many regimental details required to be finalised. This will ensure we do not repeat the mistakes made on the formation of the Royal Green Jackets, and which the former regiments have had to contend with over the years. The London Branch wishes The The Rifles every success in the future. We are confident that they will maintain the high standards and traditions of the former regiments and all those who have gone before them.