EDITORIAL COMMENT - CAPT DAVID G HOYLE (RET'D)
A big thank you to all the contributors who have added their reports, stories and poetry to this edition. Remember that you may be the only person who can write a particular story so please put it on paper and share it.
Are you doing your bit to help fellow ex-fusiliers who may have problems? The stress of military service may affect some people badly, either while they are serving or a long time afterwards. Most people have no idea of how some aspects of an infantryman's job can affect them. Most soldiers can cope, but those who have problems may be asking for help by getting on the front page of the paper for killing a rabbit. Keep your eyes and ears open in case you can help someone in need.
Capt. (Ret'd) D.G.Hoyle - david_g_hoyle@hotmail.co.uk

THE FUSILIERS' ASSOCIATION LANCASHIRE
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
It is good to write to you all once again and be able to report that the first part of 2011 has been a very successful one for the Association Lancashire. Our numbers are very stable - we are almost six hundred strong and this is down to the hard work of the Branch Secretaries. I am pleased to also report that all aspects of the Regimental Club at Wellington Barracks are now closed and all remaining monies transferred to the Association Accounts. The total amount transferred was £4,000, and my sincere thanks go to Mr Alan Noble and his committee for getting this project to closure. Once the books have been returned from HMRC they will be stored in the archives at the Museum.

Gallipoli Weekend
Gallipoli weekend was a great success. The Dinner was a sell out once again, and thanks to Jack Horner, Steve Fitt and Nobby Noble. It was a very fitting occasion to say goodbye to Colonel Brian Gorski and his wife Jenny, and on that note say a very warm welcome to our new Colonel Lancashire Brigadier Paul Nanson MBE. It was also a great pleasure to have the Regimental Secretary and his wife, Brigadier and Mrs Liles, as our main guests. It should also be noted that the Council of Bury not only donated £2500 to the Memorial Fund but its members who were present also donated a further £2000 to make the total donation £4500. I have written to all concerned on your behalf expressing our thanks. Mrs Cath Noble and her team raised a staggering £1040 from the raffle - where would we be without these people? To them all my sincere thanks.
Bury Football Club did not live up to every member's expectations for the Gallipoli Sunday and the committee are now in the process of seeking a new location for 2012. You will also note from the website that Minden Day this year will be held in the Normandy Room at the Museum after the Drum Head Service where I hope to see a good turn out from you all.
Click here for Photos of the Gallipoli Dinner
Click here for photos of Gallipoli Parade

Association Website
You will all by now be aware of the new Association Website created by Dennis Laverick. It is a credit to him and the Regimental Association, I am certain, throughout the country will benefit greatly from his outstanding efforts - another first for Lancashire.
Click here to go to the web site http://www.fusiliers-association.co.uk

Shooting Competition Warwickshire
Shiny D's performance at the shooting competition in Warwick is to be congratulated and their team captain Mr Stanley Howe's winning of the silver medal. We hope to send more teams to this event next year, as from all accounts a very enjoyable day was had by all.

At this time of reporting, I am very happy with the state of affairs within the Association - the accounts are in good order, the membership is on the increase and I am very privileged to have on board a first class group of helpers who make the Association what it is today.

John O'Grady Chairman

HONORARY SECRETARY'S REPORT

Once again another 6 months have gone by, and many thanks to those who turned up for Gallipoli Sunday. Although I think numbers were down a little this year, it is good to see ex RRF personnel on parade. The dinner on Saturday was another success but it would be nice to see a few more branch members attending. Spud Taylor (Bury Branch) managed to get over 70 people there - thanks Spud. It was nice to see, for the first time, members from the Fusilier Machine Gun Platoon in Bury.
Once again Ron Owen (our data co-ordinator) has worked hard in trying to keep records correct, ie people who have moved and not informed us. So please let us know if you move in between newsletters as we do not get to know people have moved until a newsletter is returned.
A few people think that there is life membership - this was discontinued in 2002 by HM Tower of London. I have also received requests saying that people have forgotten to pay their membership and could I send them a newsletter and they will pay when they receive it. The answer is simple - if your membership is out of date at the time of the newsletter, you will not receive a copy - I do not send freebies.
In September there is a trip to France to commemorate the Battle of Marne 1914 (on the Regimental Colours). If anyone is interested they should contact Richard Adams, telephone 01608 662328; the dates are 1-5 September.
June and July are looking to be busy months and we need people to help collecting in supermarkets. I already have 2 dates in late July for the Asda in Bury and I know Salford & Shiny D are also planning to go into supermarkets in their area. Please don't leave it to the same people to do all the work, so please give a couple of hours to help your branches - all money raised will go to the Fusiliers' do.
Best wishes to all

Steven Fitt Association Secretary

FUSILIER MUSEUM LANCASHIRE
FALLEN FUSILIERS
The centenary of the First World War will soon be upon us and the staff at the Lancashire Headquarters Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (LHQ RRF) and the Fusilier Museum, are already considering plans for commemoration including temporary exhibitions, a publication programme and more specifically how to commemorate the Gallipoli Landing. I would actually like to go out to Gallipoli in 2015 but fear that it will be covered with Australians looking for Mel Gibson. Although it is at the forefront of our minds, it would be fair to comment that for the vast majority of the public the First World War is little more than an obscure period in history involving something to do with Germans, trenches and railway timetables. For the staff here in Bury the reality is somewhat different and that the consequences of the First World War are very much part of our daily business.
One of the key roles of a regimental secretary is to provide support to local families of serving Fusiliers who have been killed or injured. Sadly, you will recall that the Second Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) during their 2009 operational tour of Afghanistan suffered seven dead. Two came from the North West and this Headquarters was fully involved in assisting the families and remains engaged to this day.
This role is not just confined to contemporary casualties in areas of operations such as Afghanistan. It covers a wider context including casualties from the First World War. In 2007 I was involved in the organisation of a full regimental funeral for Private Richard Lancaster of the Second Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers (2LF) who was killed on operations on 11th November 1914. The fact that Richard Lancaster had died some 90 years ago did not detract from the seriousness that the MoD and the Regiment treated the funeral and the impact that it had on his family.
It was therefore with some interest that in November last year an email was received from a French archaeologist, Emmanuel Brill, stating that during a recent excavation in Belgium his team had discovered the remains of six British soldiers of the First World War. Emmanuel Brill had previously worked on the excavation of Richard Lancaster and Harry Wilkinson also from 2LF and was therefore well known to the Regiment. He had therefore developed considerable knowledge on the activity of 2LF in the period 1914-15 and had focussed his excavations in an area to the south of Ypres including Ploegsteert and Le Touquet.
In August 1914 2LF found itself stationed in Dover as part of 4th Division. They were able to celebrate Minden Day (1 August) in the usual style little realising that in a few days time they would be preparing for war. On the outbreak of war 2LF deployed to Norfolk to counter a possible German invasion and cover the move of the BEF to the continent. The battalion moved a few weeks later and on 22 August disembarked in Boulogne. By October the Battalion found itself committed to the First Battle of Ypres operating around Le Touquet to the South of Ploegsteert. The Battalion remained there till April 1915.
Using his knowledge of the Lancashire Fusiliers and their operations in the Le Touquet area Emmanuel carried out a targeted excavation in 2009/2010. He chose a specific location on the old railway line which used to run south west/to the north east of Le Touquet. Six bodies were located and based on cap badges and other insignia found on the bodies, two were identified as being Lancashire Fusiliers, two King's Own Royal Lancaster and two unknown. A search through the Lancashire Fusilier Annual for that period held in the Fusilier Museum Archive in Bury revealed that on 17 October the German Army had advanced as far as Frelinghien on the border with Belgium and was likely to affect a river crossing and take Le Touquet. 2LF formed part of a brigade operation, 2LF on the left and King's Own on the right, to take and hold Le Touquet.
The action lasted till the evening of 22 October when the battalion was relieved. During four days of incessant fighting the battalion lost 30 killed, 69 wounded and seven missing. Of the 30 killed, three are recorded as:
"Believed lying under the culvert on Railway N E of Le Touquet Station."
The three were named as:
1412, Sergeant Edgar Matthew Parkinson, of Rusholme Manchester
1596, Private Henry Pulford, of Bradford Manchester
9054, Private James Rowan, of Wigan Lancashire
All three were recorded as having been killed on 20 October 1914. Unusually the regimental diary also has a specific entry relating to Sgt Parkinson and Pte Pulford:
"Our machine gun, worked by Sergeant Parkinson, Pte Pulford, Private Lynn and Private Yates , did wonders. The two first named were unfortunately sniped by two consecutive shots during the action. Both had done splendid work from 25 August till the moment they fell."
It is worth noting that Private John Lynn would be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and later in May 1915 the Victoria Cross (VC) for using his machine gun to stop a German advance during a gas attack. Lynn would die the following day from the effects of the gas.
At present the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) are working with the MoD's Joint Compassionate and Casualty Centre (JCCC) to try to identify the bodies using existing records. If this fails it may be possible to identify the bodies using DNA from living descendents and to this effect an appeal was made in the local media to identify relatives of Parkinson, Pulford and Rowan. So far the response has been very encouraging and to date relatives of both Sergeant Parkinson and Private Pulford have been identified. Research has shown that Private Rowan was an Irish immigrant who never married. It would also appear that Private Rowan's family later returned to Ireland consequently the trail has gone cold.
It will be several months before CWGC and JCCC complete their enquiries and DNA tests possibly called for. It is my hope that at least one of the bodies can be identified and buried with a name rather than as an unknown. There is considerably more work to do with the ultimate goal of a full regimental funeral to honour the dead of our antecedent regiment.

Mike Glover Fusilier Museum

REGIMENTAL JOTTINGS
News from HM Tower of London

RHQ
New Memorial at the National Arboretum
At the Council Meeting in March, the Council agreed on the basic design for the new Fusilier Memorial at the National Arboretum. Donations for the Memorial should be sent to RHQ and made payable to the Fusilier Fund.

Change of Appointments

The Commanding Officers of 1 and 2 RRF changed in April 2011. Lt Col Jim Landon has moved on to a staff appointment in Afghanistan and Lt Col Charlie Calder will be a DS at JSCSC (The Joint Staff College). Lt Col Jon Swift now commands 1 RRF and Lt Col Mike Butterwick 2 RRF. Colonel Brian Gorski has handed over his duties as Area Col Lancashire to Brig Paul Nanson. Col Gorski has assumed a new Regimental position as Col Heritage and Museums.

Assistant Regimental Secretary

After several attempts Capt John Davis has finally retired as Assistant Regimental Secretary and has been replaced by Capt Andy Harris. The Colonel of the Regiment sends the thanks and best wishes of all Fusiliers to John for the huge contribution he has made to the Regiment and wishes Andy good luck in his new appointment.

Commissioning of HMS DIAMOND
A new RN ship, HMS DIAMOND, affiliated to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was commissioned at a ceremony at Portsmouth in May. The Regimental Secretary and Maj Craig Taylor (Bn 2ic, 1 RRF) represented the Regiment.

FUSILIER GATHERING 2011
Due to a very poor take up for attendance at the Fusilier Gathering 2011 a decision has been reluctantly taken to cancel the event at Tidworth as guests of 1 RRF. From across the Association no more than 70 Fusiliers, including wives had indicated an interest in attending. This number was not cost effective and would have resulted in the price per person being prohibitively high. If there is a desire for a centralised Gathering to continue, then Areas and Branches must support by attending. Presidents of Associations are to seek an opinion from their Branches and inform RHQ of the outcome. In the meantime the intention will be for RHQ to support Area and Branch events and encourage interaction Regimentally across the 4 Areas. A message concerning this is on the new Association Web site.

1 RRF
The Battalion had a good Christmas leave and went almost straight onto Ex PASHTUN DAGGER on Salisbury Plain 26 January-11 February. Elements of 7 Armd Bde were also involved in the Ex with their new commander Brig Nanson, RRF deployed forward.

Albuhera Day

On 16 May, 1 RRF remembered Albuhera. 200 years after the event, weary from Exercise LION's STRIKE, with battle planning and procedure fresh in their minds, the Battalion gathered at Imber Village for a Drumhead service. In amongst prayers, remembrance and some traditional hymns, which the Fusiliers sang loudly, the RSM and Padre spoke of the events of that day. The Padre (Revd Tracey Bateson) drew parallels from the story of David and Goliath, where the Israelites had been outnumbered by the Philistines, just as the British were in Spain. And yet, just as David did the unlikely and defeated Goliath, so the Fusiliers defeated Napolean's forces at Albuhera. Even though involved for less than an hour, the intervention by the Fusiliers was decisive. Keeping the parallels with King David, the Fusiliers were encouraged to use skills they had acquired before joining the Army, to train hard to be the best soldiers they can be and to be patient for the operational tour in 2013!

Commemoration of D Day
At 0830 hours on Monday 6 June members of the 1st Battalion came together to celebrate and remember the actions of the servicemen and women involved in the D-Day landings, 67 years ago. The Battalion gathered to listen to a presentation from Lt Alex Gay which focused on the involvement of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on D-Day, and the ensuing battle for Normandy. In 1946 the Colonel of the Regiment, Field Marshal Montgomery, Viscount of Alamein ordered the observance of the 6 June by the Royal Warwickshire Regiment as Normandy Day to celebrate the Regiment's involvement in liberating Nazi occupied Europe.
In 1963 the Royal Warwickshire Regiment re-titled to become the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, and in 1968 amalgamated with the 3 other Fusilier Regiments of England to become the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Following the presentation Padre Bateson gave a short service of remembrance, followed by the National Anthem. The morning gave a stark reminder to the Officers and Fusiliers alike, of the bravery and courage shown by our predecessors, and what it means to be a Fusilier.
The final LION STRIKE exercise of the Battalion's time as the Land Warfare Centre Battlegroup took place in May, and X Company enjoyed their role as enemy once again. As ever, they managed to successfully fend off the Light role Companies as they fought their way into Imber Village.
The return of those men deployed on HERRICK 13 as Battle Casualty Replacements with 16 Brigade meant that May was a month for reorganisation. Having enjoyed anything up to 4 weeks off on Post Operational Tour Leave, the men had a good break and have now rejoined their respective platoons, and begun to share their experience of being in Afghanistan with the remainder of the Company as they start to prepare for deployment as a Battalion in 2013.

The Wilhelmstahl Colour
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers has the unique honour of possessing three Colours. In addition to the Regimental and Queens' Colour, the Regiment also possesses the Wilhelmstahl Colour. The Wilhelmstahl Colour had been in a bad state of repair for some time, but a new Colour was commissioned and will be paraded by both 1 and 2 RRF in April 11. It is a striking 'gosling green', and depicts St George killing the Dragon, and the regimental motto of the 5th Foot. This Colour commemorates the valour of the 5th Foot (later to become the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) at the Battle of Wilhelmstahl on 24th June 1762 during the Seven Years War. The Regiment played a central role in the defeat of a French Army that day, and also succeeded in forcing the surrender of twice their number in French Grenadiers and captured a French standard.
The Wilhelmstahl Colour has been carried by the youngest drummer of the Regiment since that battle, leading to its alternative name; The Drummer's Colour. The Colour was not officially sanctioned by the King, and when the original Colour was destroyed in a fire in 1834 William IV refused to authorise its replacement. However, the 5th had a replacement made anyway, and 70 years later Edward VII accepted the Colour's existence on condition that it was flown just once a year, when the Regiment celebrates St George's Day - a tradition that has continued to this day.

2 RRF

Lance Corporals' Visit to Bergen Belsen
It was Winston Churchill who, slightly misquoting somebody else, said,"those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it". This was part of the thought behind a tour of Bergen Belsen Concentration Camp, which took place during the 2RRF L/Cpl Cadre on 21 January.
The visit began with a brief look at how Bergen Belsen came into existence. Originally a camp for the workers who built the new Army camp just down the road at Hohne, it then became a Concentration Camp. Some prisoners arrived in 1940, though the first major group to arrive were Russian prisoners in July 1941, and Bergen Belsen was officially designated as Stalag 311. Of the 20,000 who arrived in July, 18,000 were dead by the following February. They were not victims of gas chambers but died of starvation and the freezing winter cold.
After the opening brief, the visit moved to the area of Belsen itself. The scale model made the distinction of the different camps within a camp even clearer. By the time Belsen was liberated by the 11th Armoured Division on 15 April 1945 the camp system had broken down and the remaining inmates had been ravaged by hunger and disease. All paused at the replica of the first memorial to the dead, a huge cross blessed during Mass by a priest who had been an inmate of the camp, before moving to the main wall with its messages of remembrance. In all, a sobering and thoughtful visit with a brutal reminder from history of what happens when humanity is devalued and ultimately denied.

Ex PASHTUN DAGGER (3 Cdo & 7 Armd Bde FTX for HERRICK 14)

In January and February 14 Officers and SNCOs from 2 RRF were tasked to act as Observer Controllers for 3 Cdo and 7 Armd Bde Final Training Exercise (FTX), a mere five weeks before they deployed on OP HERRICK 14. 2RRF personnel were in a unique position to provide assistance and advice as well as drawing on their own experiences in Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 10. The 2RRF staff who deployed on Ex Pashtun Dagger also observed how other units approached their own training; a useful learning process.

Visit of Duke of Kent, the Colonel in Chief

During March, the Second Battalion focused on three main events. First, was the visit of the Colonel in Chief, HRH The Duke of Kent who visited the battalion on 9 March. Following soon after, the Battalion had a number of inspections in the form of a Combined Inspection Week (CIW). At the same time the Battalion was preparing for, and conducting, a major live firing exercise. Exercise ACTIVE RHINO was a Small Scale Contingency Battlegroup (SSCBG) readiness exercise, which at relatively short notice saw a sizeable proportion of the BG deploy to Bergen-Hohne ranges for a comprehensive live firing range package; culminating in two Company Group attacks over a 6 km range.

Change of Commanding Officer and St George's Day

April was a month of change for the Second Battalion. Lt Col Charlie Calder OBE was pulled out of Trenchard Barracks on 7 April and was succeeded by Lt Col Mike Butterwick. This year also offered the Battalion its first opportunity in a long time to really celebrate St George's Day and Gallipoli Day. For various reasons, over the last few years the Second Battalion has not been able to celebrate St George's Day nor Gallipoli Day in the traditional manner. This year, however, the opportunity to change this was taken fully. With planning commencing several months out, the intent was to have a day whereby the whole Battalion and its extended family could truly celebrate our Regiment's anniversary (albeit not on the 23 April as the date fell during well-earned leave).
The traditions of the day were merged with a family friendly fun-day and an all ranks evening function. St George's Day 2011 was planned to foster a feeling of family, not just for the serving soldiers but for all dependents, particularly the children, as well. Under the direction of Maj Ged Murphy, Officer in Charge St George's Day, 2 RRF held the largest party the Battalion has delivered in recent history.
The day started traditionally with "gun fire" and a breakfast bap. The Battalion then formed up for a formal parade including members of the Fusilier Associations and the Wilhelmstahl Colour, carried as tradition requires, by the youngest drummer on parade. Maj Pete Harty led the parade as Lt Col Mike Butterwick took the salute on the dais with the Burgermeister (Mayor of Celle). Immediately following the parade, there was a children's fancy dress competition.
Entertainment for the day included numerous bouncy castles and inflatable games, pony rides, a carousel, several food stalls, a children's area and of course the Company tents. The First Battalion's football team were flown in to make sure it was not solely a Second Fusiliers event. The match was well contested, though the result did not adhere to the Battalion's (or QMs) plan; 3-0 to 1RRF. There was also an intercompany chariot race comprising two laps of a course which included a water obstacle. While the horses changed over between laps, St George had to complete an obstacle course. Each company had designated ambush points where dragon slayers were poised with water, flour and shaving foam bombs to try to improve the chances of their own team.
The Battalion, whilst maintaining its high readiness capability as the Small Scale Contingency Battlegroup, is now firmly looking forward to Ex ASKARI THUNDER in Kenya later this year. As part of the build up there has been a large amount of work going in to improving the vehicle driving standard of the Battalion. The CIS Platoon has also been working hard to improve the Battalion's communications during the Regimental Signaller Part 1 course in Trenchard Barracks.

Exercise ACTIVE RHINO
The SSC BG requires the Battalion to be at 30 days' notice to move (NTM). In order to confirm the continued readiness for this task the BG was informed, within its NTM that elements would deploy on a rehearsal deployment to Bergen-Hohne ranges and conduct a Combined Arms Live Firing Exercise (CALFEX). The BG deployed with two rifle company groups consisting of three platoons, a troop of Scimitars provided by the excellent A Squadron, Household Cavalry, a Fire Support Group (FSG) mounted in RWIMIK(+) support vehicles, a recce section and snipers. In addition to this, BG Headquarters deployed to provide a control function whilst the Regimental Aid Post was tested fully in its ability to provide both exercise and real-time medical support, as part of its operational evaluation. These elements together created a sizeable and potent force.

Exercise FLANDERS
In June a large contingent of the Battalion took part in Ex FLANDERS. The exercise was a high level joint command exercise with the French military and included the command element of the Battalion attending as LOCONs. The exercise was visited by several high ranking British and French officers as well as President Sarkozi.

I R Liles OBE Brigadier (Retd) Regimental Secretary

NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH

Meetings - 1st Friday of month 2000 hrs

After a good Christmas and New Year we started with a 'Talk on the Fusiliers' in Ireland' by Steve Humphries. It proved to be a most interesting night and was well supported.

We then had our AGM in March, followed by our St George's/Gallipoli celebrations, which were well attended and proved yet again to be a most successful evening and which turned into a late night.

In June will be the Veteran's Day Parade in Bangor, and we hope to have a night out for Minden. We look forward to the rest of the year, although membership may still be small, we have a good time and support one another. This concludes our notes for the first half of the year 2011.

Sending you all good wishes from the Northern Ireland Branch Fusiliers' Association.

Ian Scholes Secretary Northern Ireland Branch

OLDHAM BRANCH
The branch extends best regards to all. As the branch comes from all over the country, we thank our committee, Popeye and Tony for the effort on the membership side. The musical extravaganza planned for July was recently postponed owing to the fact that there were only 60 takers for the event -and it was deemed none viable. However the disappointment behind us, we bash on.
Dennis and Alf - The Chelsea Pensioners As Alf has arrived at 90 years young, he has decided to curtail his public activities, and a new Pensioner will accompany Dennis Shields. His name is Richard Knowles - a younger version? We have trouble keeping pace with them as it is. Alf sends best regards to all and intends 1 more trip to Lancashire in the near future. We have recently had members from the branch in London for Founders' Day which was a three day event.
Day 1 included a visit to Portcullis House which allowed Nobby to talk to an MP of particular standing with regard to obtaining funds from councils to improve the security of Oldham's bronze First World War plaques. As we are aware the First World War memorial items were never insured at that time. Anyway the visit had positive results for Oldham.
Day 2 was a complete day at the Founders' Day parade, with a good time had by all. In the afternoon the wives enjoyed the Prince Harry and Alan Titchmarsh introductions, and Prince Harry gave an excellent speech at the completion of the parade. Mr Harrop certainly enjoyed himself as the belly dancers would not leave him alone, him being the only single man in the party (photos can be seen on the website). Kath Noble's first photo of Mr Titchmarch did not turn out particularly well owing to her excitement, so Mr Titchmarch's photograph will be replaced on the website very shortly.
Day 3 was a trip round the Tower, a gun salute for the Duke of Edinburgh, and a return to Chelsea for lunch with the pensioners in the Great Hall. Mind you the pensioners were serving the wine, and we were surprised that we got out in good order when we did or we would have had to write the rest of the day off. Owing to the refurbishment of the Pensioners' Club we visited their temporary premises where the beer was just as good. Once we had completed a guided tour of the House of Commons, we finished the day in the bar at the Union Jack Club.
Click here for photos of the Founders day event
Day 4 was our return day but we managed to squeeze in Trooping the Colour. A great three days and we managed to raise £270 for CLIC Sargent along the way.

On the Oldham front we continue to flash the hackle, despite being low on numbers, at funerals, and all town events have been attended, even most charity events. The Festival of Remembrance is looming which this year will fall on Friday 11 November at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, and also the Saddleworth War Weekend which will be held on the weekend 16 August. All the funds raised will go to the RBL 90th Anniversary.

Welfare continues at a steady pace for all regts and corps. However it is noticeable that ex-Fusiliers with problems have not spoken to a Fusilier since leaving the Regiment. They believe they are members, as they are when they leave, but have never managed to get involved in a branch since - what we call, none active, none paid-up members. It is on the cards to do something for the Diamond Jubilee next year which will require all local Fusiliers and ex-Fusiliers to turn out, but details are not yet known. Alan Wood ex LF has reached 80 years, and still parades regularly on town events and is delivered for Gallipoli and Minden.
We must thank our standard bearers, and Fusilier queen Andrea Wray, for the efforts over the past year, and look forward to seeing the likes of Titch Carberry, Tony Ludden and Jud Laker at the Christmas Dinner. Please book early as this event has proved to be a cracker - we look forward to anyone trying it for the first time, but you must be quick on booking, or Ronnie will draw a line as it can get too big. Anyone who would like details should get on to Ronnie Owen. We also thank John O'Grady for efforts in Bury - it's very frustrating for us all these days, trying to plan functions in this economic climate. The Gathering is a good example. Oldham has also had to cancel its local St George's Parade this year owing to the April reshuffle.
Well that's enough from us apart from the M62 memorial service will be held on 5 February 2012 starting at 1100 hrs. A buffet will follow the Service down off the hill - location will be confirmed. From the whole committee we wish you all well and hope to see you soon
Nobby and Ron Once a Fusilier always a Fusilier

MEMORIES OF 5LF/5RRF

In the late 60s some bright spark had the idea of D Coy wearing with combat kit a blue cravat. The combat kit of that time was not DP, it was the old grey green stuff. The CSgt has a sample of the cravat which he duly shows to the men. The company would be expected to buy them next week at the cost of ten shillings each. This amount was more than we got for a drill night, so the lads thought it was not a very good idea.
In the Yellow Hackle Bar after parade all kinds of ideas were mooted, but none was for buying a cravat. One of the lads on parade noticed that the cravat was the same colour as the cotton £5 penny bags used by banks, and as he worked for a bank knew of a nice supply of new bags. A number of these bags were obtained. When the seams were unpicked the bags measured 2ft by 10 inches the same size as the CSgt's example. Next week on parade all the lads wore a blue cravat much to the disgust of the CSgt, who had about 75 to sell. For most of the troops it was impossible to tell that the cravats were not the official ones, except for the odd Fusilier who had folded it the wrong way and had Lloyds Bank in bold white lettering showing. I wonder if they still have the unsold cravats on a shelf in the store. The blue cravat craze died a death after about four weeks.
As the Company was returning to Bury after a weekend in Leek, the convoy of about 8 vehicles was nearing Stockport when the leading vehicle, a Lanny, was cut up badly by a coloured gentleman. The sergeant said to the driver, "Shout abuse at that civvy". The Lanny window was slid back and the driver shouted "Abuse, abuse, abuse" and then turned to the sergeant and said "What does it mean sergeant?" I am unable to print his reply in this newsletter.
CHARLIE FOXTROT

SHINY D

(This article should have been included in January's Newletter but has only just made it!)

Four members of Shiny D decided to have a look at Altcar Ranges to see if they had changed and have a beer and sandwich at the Club. We could not get in, security
barrier and three civvy staff on duty. "Sorry Sirs total security now, no admittance". It made no difference when I handed them a live round I had found outside their office - so much for total security. It was up to Southport, fish and chips on the pier and a ride to the end on the train. Here we met an elderly lady and convinced her that when the tide is out at Southport you can walk to the Isle of Man. She said that it was too far for her to walk anyway.
Our second trip some weeks later was to Fulwood Barracks' Museum. Here you have to book in and wear an ID badge. The Museum is most excellent and well worth a visit and the medal display is second to none. We spoke to one of the helpers, an ex Loyals chap, who told us that they do not have a NAAFI anymore, but they have The Hub and it does not sell any alcohol. It would appear the soldiers are not to be trusted with drink, but may be sent to Afghanistan to fight for their country. Does the Sgts' and Officers' Mess sell drink, I wonder? The Museum by the way is free.
Quite a few of D Coy went to Salford Branch for their 60s night which was brilliant. Doddy won the raffle again. Salford Branch came over to Middleton for our Race Night which was very well attended by Fusiliers and the locals. We collected quite a few donations from the regulars in the Joiners for which we thank them.
A trip to Jersey was organised by our resident Thomas Cook, otherwise known as Jim Worrall. We set off from Manchester at 0100 hrs for Weymouth, caught the 1000 hrs Condor fast craft to be in our Jersey hotel by 1400 hrs. The boat is fast - it goes about 50 mph in open water. After a snack and some drinks we paid a visit to a local park which has a small cemetery of about 50 crosses all bearing the names of British and American servicemen killed in the last war. After paying our respects it was back to the hotel for dinner and drinks. Our deal included a free bar - that is for most of us, but Tony Tootill drinks cider and you have to pay for that - as much beer and spirits you can drink but cider had to be paid for! Tough Tony!! A trip out on Saturday was to the underground caves which the Germans made POWs dig out. They are very impressive and well worth a visit.
Everything closes on Sunday except the tourist attractions and there are not very many of those. We stopped at a small complex of gardens, theatre, bar, shop and restaurant. It was in the restaurant that we met a group of islanders plus four Chelsea Pensioners - one of them we knew from a visit to the hospital last year. We were duly invited to take part in a small ceremony they have at special occasions - a toast with calvados 'la reine et le duc'. This is of course to the Queen, a similar one to the old one of long ago when it was just 'The Duke of Lancaster'. The Queen was added later because of complaints from London but not by the Monarchy of the time. Jersey ice cream was tasted and found to be very good. Jersey black butter was also tasted but found not to be as good as the ice cream.
Jersey is very much like England 50 years ago, not a lot of traffic, very polite people, no litter, winding roads, weights and measures in pounds and feet and inches and they are sensible - not in the EU. They have a dual carriageway in St. Hellier which is about 500 yards long and the maximum speed limit is 40 mph. Astons, Mercs and Jags by the dozens. I fully expected to see a car advert "For Sale - Aston Martin, 4 years old, 25000 miles on the clock, perfect except for noisy 1st gear, other 5 not used".
On our return the Condor was unable to sail due to bad weather so we had to wait until night to get the regular ferry. This suited us because it meant we could have a look around town and do some shopping and of course sample the local brew, Mary Ann, quite strong and very good. A walk around the inside market laid out more like a French one, bags of cheeses, fruits and fish. Just outside the main entrance is a very small cenotaph with two small lawns about the size of a small billiard table. On the lawn was a cross with a LF Badge on, next to it a RNF cross with a badge on. All the other crosses had names etc written on them, but these two had printed badges on them. I have no idea who could have done it or how to get hold of one.
We left for Portsmouth at 2200 hrs, the sea was very, very rough, and a trip to the duty free shop was like going over an assault course. We arrived at Portsmouth 0900 hrs and Manchester 1630 hrs. Thanks Jim it was a good do, but no big waves next time.
We have borrowed some plaques from Steve Fitt at HQ to brighten up our corner in the Joiners Arms. Thanks Steve.
About 9 of D Coy took up the invitation from the Drill Hall to their Dinner and what a well organised event this was. The meal was tops, bags of wine. It was at this dinner we asked their CSM to present a glass goat (RWF Mascot) to Stan Howes in appreciation of his work in organising the design and manufacture of our two plates. The sale of these has enabled us to have a credit balance on our account.
Our next trip will probably be with 2 cars to Normandy in the spring, but nothing has been finalised yet.
All the best to everyone, best wishes for the New Year from SHINY D.

OMNIA AUDAX COLIN FLETCHER

OPERATION OVERLORD + 67 YEARS

The original idea was to go to the Gathering in Germany but it was deemed too far to travel in a coach. I was tasked to find 'somewhere nice' for Shiny D to go. The Association Website came to my rescue. A small article headed Normandy Vacations was opened, and low and behold the answer to all my problems - a rentable property with sleeping accommodation for up to ten at Carentan on the Cherbourg peninsular, about 25 miles from the port.
I sent an email to the address, and a reply was received almost immediately from Sarah Somers who owns the property together with her husband Peter. More emails back and forth and it got better and better. Peter was an officer in RRF and because we also were RRF we qualified for a reduction in the cost, also Sarah has a magic number and when quoted to Brittany Ferries reduces the cost of the crossing by 20%. The next step was to have a look at Google Earth and see what the property looked like. Across the road from La Grange was a patisserie/boulangerie (that to non mortar personnel is a cake and bread shop). Just down the street was a tabac, which served beer until 8 pm and a 5 minute walk took you to the supermarket, in a word 'ideal'. Costings were done and the total cost for the 7 of us would be £200 per head, and this included everything. I was then told to book, which I did. Sarah sent maps, directions and all kind of info re what extra equipment and documents were needed regarding driving the cars in France - very useful.
At midnight Sunday 13 March our cars set off for France. One with 4 in from Middleton, and the other, with one person in, would pick up Colin Needham from Stockport then go on to Keele Services to pick up Joe Dean and meet up with Middleton car. Everyone had been asked to bring small cases as boot space was limited. All complied except Martin Mason - his was the size of a tea chest. What does anyone want with 3 extra pairs of trousers and shoes plus enough T shirts to fill a market stall for a 5 day visit? Only Martin knows the answer. We arrived at Poole at about 7 am and boarded the ferry shortly after - a 4-berth cabin had been reserved for the tired ones to get their heads down.
After a calm crossing we were off into France, where our first stop was St Mere Eglise. This is the place where the American Paras landed and one got his chute caught on the church tower - they still have a dummy para and chute hanging off the church. A visit to the nearby museum which, unlike the others we visited, did not give a discount to ex servicemen and it was expensive compared to the others. In the museum Tony Tootill bought a clicker as used by the troops on the invasion as an identification noise in the dark, like the ones in the film The Longest Day. He clicked it for 4 days as did Martin the last time we went in 2008. They are still very effective and just like last time we did not get shot at.
After the museum it was into the cars and away to find our property - La Grange. Colin Needham, who was map reading and had Sarah's detailed map, brought us right to the property. You have to enter from the rear up a narrow alley. We stopped at the electric gates. Sarah came out and greeted us warmly followed shortly after by Peter wearing a heavy wool jersey (I think he had been issued it as a recruit many years ago). We were shown around the property, which was much better than we anticipated as everything had been provided - towels, bedding, fridge, freezer, washing machine etc - in a word 'brilliant'. The supermarket was checked out for vital supplies as was the tabac. Four of us went to an American style eating place just across the supermarket car park. The beer was good, food ok - 2 steak and chips, one kangaroo and chips, and a burger. After half the burger had been eaten the diner asked what does 'cheval' mean. When he was told it was horse meat he said "Well it tastes very nice" and of course finished the rest. It was then back to La Grange for drinks, tall stories, then to bed.
DAY 2 After a French breakfast - croissants, baguettes, Normandy butter and apricot jam (the French do not do bacon, much to Stan Howes disgust), it was into the cars and away to Juno Beach. Martin Mason had brought along 4 plastic containers all different colours, the ones you put ketchup, mustard in etc. These colour coded containers would be filled with sand from the various beaches (how sad). He was filling one up when one wag said "Look at that rare bird". Everyone looked on the beach "Where?" was the group reply. Mason was pointed out "a sand Martin".
We had obtained through the good auspices of Eric Davidson a few of the RBL crosses. One of these was suitably inscribed and placed on a small monument to Canadian sailors. A group of Canadians who had seen us place the cross came over to thank us, shake our hands and take our photographs. We then went into the nearby Canadian Museum - ex soldiers half price and the attendants, all girls, could not do enough for us. One of them gave me a handful of small Canadian poppy badges to give to the lads. On leaving the museum we met again our new friends from the Canadian Memorial. They were very impressed when they saw us wearing the poppy badges with the maple leaf on, and wanted to know where we had got them from. We told them and as I had one over I passed it to one of the ladies and we left.
On then to Arromanches to revisit the Port Winston Centre with its film shows, artefacts, models and shop. We had all been before but it's always worth revisiting. We crossed over the road for a good meal and a final look round at the Mulberry Harbour. One of the lads spotted two ladies accosting Joe Dean. It appeared he had worked with them years earlier. Anyway they insisted on kissing him and we have photographic evidence of this.
It was then back to La Grange. Anyone who knows Jim Worrall knows one of his hobbies is counting Danger Deer signs - hard lines Jim they do not have them in this part of France. Tony Tootill on the other hand takes photos of fire hydrants and is quite an authority on them. He had noticed near to La Grange a pair of newly painted Lagrass-Tournisson WWII cast iron ones numbered 2 and 3, so he tried every day to find No 1 but failed. We broke out the beer and spirits to have a few drinks but Jim had disappeared. A good while later he came in. He had, it transpired, been behind the supermarket to look at the French signalling system. Jim is an expert on our signals and will explain in detail the 3 and 4 aspect colour light system on BR. He said that he could not understand the French as a train had stopped at a green light whilst another went through when the signal was at red - all very confusing he said.
DAY 3 Breakfast as usual. Stan yesterday had tried a croissant and loved it and remarked that they were much better than you got in our supermarkets, absolutely brilliant was his assessment of them, extra ones had to be bought for him. The poor lad's teeth are still not right, so a baguette, unless it is pre-chewed by one of us, is out of the question. The day was very cold so on arriving at Ouistreham it was a case of just driving around and a quick visit to Tourist Info for directions to Pegasus Bridge. This we found but as everything was shut and still freezing cold, after a few photographs we departed up the coast road towards Arromanches. We stopped at Courseulles-sur-Mer for food. The first place we looked at, the cheapest meal was over £40, so that place was a no-no. A bit farther up the prom was a car park where we stopped. Colin Needham was despatched to recce a couple of restaurants. On his return he said the prices looked OK but could not understand the meals on the board as 'they were in French and joined up writing'. This is not the attitude one expects from the Chief Navigator.

Meanwhile the main body had gone into a snack bar overlooking the beach. If they thought they would see girls in swimsuits, they were sadly mistaken - it was too cold for polar bears. I have not found out who took us into this bar, but it has to be the worst in France. The food was, as Dave Williams would put it 'bobbins'. They must have found some of the acorn coffee as used in France during the war, I know I drank some. At the exit to the car park was a big display of flags and a large notice to the effect that De Gaulle had liberated the town on 26 June. This, of course, was weeks after the invasion, and there are similar ones up and down the coast. I dread to think what the lads who landed on day one would think of these things.
Back to La Grange to get dolled up. We would be having a formal dinner at a restaurant just about 600yds away. Sarah kindly volunteered to run the lot of us in her car. Everyone had Fusilier badges on their blazers except Stan who had bought a new blazer and was wearing a Malayan Veteran's badge on it as he is entitled to do. He was quite chuffed until someone asked him if it was an Alfa Romeo badge - his reply is unprintable. The menu was a typical French one, steaks, fish, oysters - in fact you were spoiled for choice. The wine was first class and the owner spoke perfect English as she had lived in Warrington, Lancashire for years and the waitress came from Scotland - it could not have been better. Joe did a remarkable job as Mr. Vice. After the meal Sarah picked the crippled ones up whilst the fit ones walked back. Jim kept looking out of the upstairs windows to see if he could see the signals. The rest of the party had a few drinks and into bed.
DAY 4 After breakfast we set off for Port-en-Bessin, a small port liberated by the Royal Marines at great cost. At the start of the week Colin and myself had said that if the driver and navigator had to stay awake so should the passenger. Colin would give me the nod and I would run over the rumble strip at the side of the road. I wonder if Jim's wife knows he can swear for ages without repeating himself.
The Port is very small yet tons of supplies were landed here from small boats about as big as trawlers. We went into a small restaurant, where Jim and myself had tripes au Caen and the others had grilled sea bass or steaks, beer or coffee for under £10 a head. We left the port after a quick look around the shops for our next stop which was Pointe du Hoc - the gun emplacement at top of very high and steep cliffs. The area had been heavily bombed prior to the invasion as the big guns could hit the beaches easily. The massive bomb craters can still be seen, dozens of them, but the guns had not been silenced. It was up to an American Ranger Battalion to attack up the cliffs and silence the guns. This they did at a terrible cost. What a brave and professional bunch of lads they were.
We left to go to the US Cemetery near Utah beach, where there are thousands upon thousands of white crosses. On a few we placed some of our RBL crosses, one on an American unknown soldier grave and two more on graves with surnames similar to ones in our party, all suitably inscribed. From the cemetery you can overlook part of Utah beach, and here we met some Americans who did not have a clue as to what had happened here. Stan explained about attacking up the heavily defended very steep hills, and how the terrain had helped to cause such a great loss of life. They accompanied us back through the cemetery and one of them said "Christian crosses, where are the Muslim graves?" It was explained to him that very few of the attackers would have been Muslim in 1944.
We left this very sad place to go back to La Grange where we had been invited for drinks by Peter and Sarah. On arriving at their house, which is just across the courtyard from ours, the door was opened by the dog, paw on the latch, nose on the window and the door swung open - magic. We bought two bunches of flowers for Sarah to say thank you for all her help - roses in the Regimental Colours, rose and primrose. These were graciously accepted. We had a pleasant couple of hours and on leaving Joe arrived back. He had not been with us but went hiking around the area -was it to meet the Arrowmanches birds we asked ourselves? Jim went off to see his signal, Tony to see if he could find No 1 hydrant and Martin was despatched to the supermarket bins - three trips to get rid of three bin bags of beer bottles.
DAY 5 We set off for home at about 11 am and had a look around Carentan for some shopping, then the rains came. A slow trip then to the port stopping at a massive supermarket for presents and food, then on to the fast ferry to Portsmouth and an uneventful trip home.
Thank you Colin Needham - you may not be very good with French menus with joined up writing, but you can navigate for me anytime, (course he was mortars). We have had about ten trips to various places over the years but this everyone agreed was by far the best. You had the facility of using your own car as opposed to being in a coach, and you could please yourself where you went and at what time and it was half the price of the coach trip.
La Grange is situated in St. Hillair-Petitville about ½ a mile outside Carentan. It is ideally situated for all the beaches, and you also have everything nearby bread, bar, supermarket and restaurants. You also have Sarah who is a fount of local information. I would like on behalf of the D Coy lads to thank Peter and Sarah for their hospitality and friendship. Should any Branch want to go to the Invasion areas La Grange is the ideal place. Phone me if you want any more information.

COLIN FLETCHER

MEMORIES OF A NATIONAL SERVICE SECOND LIEUTENANT

It was June 1957; I had just passed out from Eaton Hall Officer Cadet School and was honoured to be offered a Commission with the Lancashire Fusiliers. I reported to the depot at Bury, along with fellow Second Lieutenants Andrew Brown and Konrad Schieman.
The regiment had gone out to Cyprus several months before; (this was the time of the EOKA terrorists trying to get union with Greece, and their activities necessitated quite a large British military presence on the island). When the regiment departed to Cyprus, a number of Fusiliers had sworn they would never leave England and thus had spent some time in detention. As the eldest of the three new subalterns, I was given the task of ensuring that these two dozen hard cases should join the regiment in Cyprus. A daunting task for a young, 19 year old, newly commissioned officer.
From Bury by 3 tonner to Manchester station. By train to London, then across London by 3 tonner to Victoria Station for the troop train to Southampton. Here more responsibility was heaped on my young shoulders. I was appointed officer in charge of the troop train to Southampton carrying a Royal Artillery regiment and innumerable wives and children joining their fathers in Cyprus. I was given a book detailing my duties. By the time we reached Southampton, I had still not read every page, but discovered that amongst other duties I should have provided hot milk for mothers with babies!!!
We arrived at Southampton and the SS Dilwara was awaiting us and all 24 Fusiliers were on board. I breathed a sigh of relief - I had made it. Nothing could go wrong now .... or could it!
The ship made one stop on the voyage - it called in at Algiers to take on fresh supplies. Nobody was allowed to leave the ship. The ship left Algiers and some 45 minutes later an announcement came over the ship's loudspeakers, "Would Second Lieutenant Mills please report to the Captain's cabin?" "How many Fusiliers do you have on board?" the Captain asked. "24" I proudly replied. "No you don't, there are only 23. I have just been notified by the authorities in Algiers that a Fusilier has been found drunk, with a broken leg outside a first floor brothel."
How he managed to get off the ship when it was moored in Algiers with MPs on the gangway, nobody knows. However, some weeks later he did arrive in Cyprus.

Second Lieutenant Mills

THE MONDEMENT PILGRIMAGE NEEDS YOU

For some ten years a party of retired Fusiliers, plus some wives and friends, have been attending events commemorating the decisive victory gained by the allies in WW1 at the 1st Battle of the Marne in 1914.
The Regiment is invited by the French to join the celebration as they truly value the role played by the British Expeditionary Force fighting with them in this battle which effectively saved France and turned the tide of the war. Nobody seems to remember the Marne these days, although we bear the battle honour on our colours, preferring to recall only later more costly and indecisive battles and trench warfare.
Make no mistake, all the former Regiments of the RRF were part of the BEF and played a significant role. We should never forget the achievement and sacrifice of our former comrades.
To date those attending have come mainly from the London area but to boost numbers, which is needed, it is hoped that ex RNF, R Warwick's and LF might also wish to come together with younger ex Fusiliers of RRF vintage. Serving Fusiliers are also most welcome.
This is a cracking and inexpensive trip to the lovely Champagne region of France in early September, involving a four night stay in beautiful Epernay. Apart from the events there is plenty of free time in which to enjoy the countryside and excellent food and wine.
To sum up, this Pilgrimage "ticks all the boxes". It is enjoyable, meaningful both personally and Regimentally and we act as ambassadors for the Regiment, the Army and our country. You will be proud to visit the ground where our former comrades, after the long and morale sapping retreat from Mons, were at last able to turn, stand and fight. Standing shoulder to shoulder with our French allies the enemy were driven back to the Aisne. A great military achievement.
Please contact the Mondement co-ordinator, details below, soonest if you would like to join the trip this year from 1 to 5 September 2011, or would like more information.

Richard Adams richardadams5@hotmail.com
01608 662328
07961452182

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Standing engagements
Salford 1st Monday of month 2000 hrs
Trieste 1st Monday of month 2000 hrs
Oldham 1st Monday of month 2000 hrs
Shiny D 1st Tuesday of month 2000 hrs
Rochdale 1st Tuesday of month 2015 hrs
Droylsden 1st Thursday of month 1230 hrs
Bury Last Tuesday of month 2000 hrs
Northern Ireland 1st Friday of month 2000 hrs

2011

November

Fri 11 Remembrance weekend
Memorial in Gallipoli Gardens 1100 hrs
Sun 13 Assemble at Town Hall 1020 hrs

POETS' CORNER

A SOLDIER

There is discipline in a Soldier you can see it when he walks
There is honour in a Soldier, you can hear it when he talks
There is courage in a Soldier, you can see it in his eyes
There is loyalty in a Soldier that he will not compromise
There is something in a Soldier which makes him stand apart
There is strength in a Soldier that beats from his heart.

A Soldier isn't a title any man can be hired to do
A Soldier is the soul of the man buried deep inside of you.
A Soldier's job isn't finished after an 8 hour day or a 40 hour week
A Soldier is always a Soldier even while he sleeps.
A Soldier serves his country first, his life is left behind,
A Soldier has to sacrifice what comes first in a civilian's mind.

If you are a civilian - I am saying this to you ....
Next time you see a Soldier remember what they do.
A Soldier is the reason our land is 'Home of the Free'
If you are a Soldier - I am saying this to you ....
Thank God for EVERY SOLDIER. Thank God for what you do.

Author unknown

This poem was read out at the funeral of Eric Jordan as an Epitaph. It was an excellent tribute to the men who served then, and who are still carrying out duties on behalf of us all.

A TRIBUTE TO FRED LEONARD

Ode to Fred
When e're I go to RAMMY Town, it ain't the same no more
There is no grinning, beaming FRED to meet me at the door.
He took us in and sat us down and made us feel all right,
Sometimes it got to such a state we'd wanna stay all night.
There ain't no drills or orders now, we're standing all at ease,
Just suppin ale and talking daft and eatin pie and peas.
The Army days have long since passed, at times you feel so sad
But think about the times you had with FRED THE RAMMY LAD.

Our Old Pal
We thought our Fred was here to stay
But the Happy Wanderer's gone away.
The Army pals that knew him well
So close to Fred - no words can tell.
But with his banter and his smile
We'll let him rest a little while.
And in the Legion way up there
Our Fred will save us all a chair.

Our Pal Fred
We met this man some years ago
When in the Army we did go.
He made Sergeant did our Fred
It never did go to his head.
He treated everyone the same
And never seemed to pass the blame.
He made us welcome at his club
With pie and peas, our favourite grub.
Now our mate has left the Clan
We'll really miss this gradely man.
So if we meet him one and all
We'll join him there and have a ball.

By Steve McNally -
TRIESTE BRANCH B COMPANY 2ND BATTALION LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
MUSEUM EXHIBITION
The Fusilier Museum in Bury is to stage a temporary exhibition, beginning in September 2011, on the history of the bands, drums and regimental music of the Lancashire Fusiliers. If anyone has any items (bandsmen's/drummers' uniform items and kit, photos, band programmes, musical instruments, music copies etc) they would like to donate or loan to the museum for display in the exhibition, would they contact Museum Officer, Philip Mather at: philip.mather@fusiliermuseum.com or by phone on 0161 763 8950.

Editorial Comment – Capt.David G.Hoyle (Ret'd)
A very Happy New Year to all Fusiliers. The lamp swinging stories are sadly only trickling in. Your memories are the history of our Regiment, please pick up your pens or hit your keyboards and give me the problem of trying to fit all the stories into the next edition.
Capt (Ret'd) D G Hoyle -- david_g_hoyle@hotmail.co.uk
The Fusiliers' Association Lancashire Chairman's Report.
Capt. John O'Grady (Ret'd)

It is that time of year once again where we all sit and think and ask where has that year gone? Time seems to go more quickly as we advance in years. However it has been a very busy 2010 for the Association Lancashire with many events taking place. The closing of the Regimental Club, Gallipoli Weekend in our new location at Bury Football Club, the Gallipoli Dinner evening at the Radcliffe Civic Centre, the Association Visit to the National Arboretum in Staffordshire resulting in a plan being put forward and being accepted by the Council of Colonels to replace the existing one that has been there for many years, the very pleasant Minden Dinner organised by Joe Eastwood at the Museum and Minden Day at the Museum Memorial in Bury, the Fusiliers’ reunion in Manchester, and the two very successful Dinner evenings one at the Drill Hall in Bury, the Oldham’s Branch Christmas Dinner at the Britannia Hotel Stockport, and the Association’s Children’s Christmas Party at the Museum and Christmas Dinner also at the Museum.
Remembrance Sunday was very well attended in each of our local areas plus the excellent display of Standards at the Bury Football Club home match against Stockport Country. Colonel Brian Gorski was in attendance and the event was organised by Mr Steve Fitt Association Secretary. In all I think you will agree a very busy time and I am very much aware that these things just don’t happen on their own. We have a very hard working and dedicated group of members who give up a lot of their time to ensure that The Association Lancashire is up there with the best of them and to all of them I send my heartfelt sincere thanks.
Membership of the Association
Membership is the next area that I would like to focus on and am delighted to report that the numbers have increased greatly over the past year. Bury branch has risen from 17 to 75, Oldham now stands at 189 and that all members old and new are paying the one fee of £10 membership. Ron Owen and Steve Fitt have done sterling work in this area and we all owe them a gratitude of thanks for this achievement.
2011 is going to be an even busier year then 2010 and most plans are now in place for the Osnabruck/Fusilier reunion in February, the Gallipoli Weekend 16/17 April, Minden Dinner Club and Minden Day Service 30/31 July, Remembrance Weekend in November so please look at the Website and get these dates in your diaries.
Visit to Celle in Germany 2011
The 2nd Battalion have invited the Association Lancashire to Celle, Germany to celebrate St George’s Day weekend over the period 30 April 2011. The response from Branch Secretaries seems to be good and you will all be contacted by them shortly. I will await your response before confirming our commitment - should the response be good then a committee will be set up to organise this trip.
The Fusilier Gathering 2011
The Gathering next year will be in Tidworth and laid on by the 1st Battalion. It will be a weekend in September, and once we get notice, the details will appear on the website and in the Newsletters, as I said another busy year.
Regimental Memorial in the National Arboretum Staffordshire
There is to be a new Regimental Memorial placed in the National Arboretum in Staffordshire to replace the old one and to take the Regiment on into the next one hundred years. I have being tasked with raising the money for this project and in the New Year I shall be writing to you all to ask you to subscribe whatever you can afford. The money will be raised by all of our Regimental Areas and our two Regular Battalions and the Machine Platoon in Bury. The cost will be in excess of £100K and as it was Lancashire’s idea in the first place I feel it is a little price to pay to remember our very brave members of the Regiment who have given their lives for the cause, so I hope, with all of your help, to unveil the memorial in June of 2013 and do it in the form of a Fusilier Gathering at the Arboretum.
In concluding, may I take this opportunity to thank you all for the continued backing you give me each year and to wish you all and your families and loved ones a very happy, holy and peaceful Christmas and New Year and to ask you to say a prayer and spare a thought for the members of the Regiment who will be away this Christmas and for the less fortunate of those amongst us.
John O’Grady Chairman.

Honorary Secretary’s Report
The last 6 months have been very busy. First of all many thanks to everyone who turned up on Minden Day at Bury Football Club for the get together, one of the bar staff made a comment “these blokes can drink”. The Regiment and Association has made a good rapport with Bury FC and on Saturday 13 November, prior to the match Bury versus Stockport, there was a minute’s silence with the last post, reveille, played by 2 buglers from the band and five standards did the dip. This is believed to be the first time that this has been done at a football ground and Bury FC have requested this to be done every year when they are at home on Remembrance weekend.
This year it would be great to have some association members on parade. Membership is rising - Bury branch have more than doubled its membership this year - so there are ex-fusiliers out there, both Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Regiment so Branch Secretary’s please take note. Planning is well on the way for the Gallipoli weekend, but PLEASE NOTE the change of date 16/17 April - this is due to Easter Sunday falling on the 25 April.
Most of you will know by now that in December an appeal was launched for a Royal Regiment of Fusiliers’ monument to be built at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. As the idea for this monument originated in Lancashire we would ask you to please help all you can. Thanks to Ron Owen in helping out with membership, also to the Rochdale Branch in helping to get some information on an ex-fusilier who had asked SSAFA for help. For those that don’t know Ron Owen organises a Christmas dinner every year - if you have not attended yet put your name down for this year. Can I thank the people who have attended funerals all over the country, at times it has not been possible for the standard to attend but at least the Regiment has had some representation there.
Steven Fitt Association Secretary

AREA HEADQUARTERS LANCASHIRE
In August the Lancashire Headquarters hosted an important meeting of museum curators from all over the North of England. The curators represented infantry, cavalry and artillery collections from Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire, Northumberland, Yorkshire and County Durham. Most of those attending were employed by the MoD but a considerable number represented collections in the care of local authorities. The aim of the meeting was to discuss key museum issues at the tactical level leaving issues at the operational/strategic level to the Annual Regimental Museum Conference in Whitehall run by the Army Museum Ogilby Trust. Brigadier Colin Siburn from the Army Museum Ogilby Trust gave a presentation on current issues affecting the museum world. There were also presentations on recent developments at the Border Regiment museum at Carlisle, the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment Museum at Fulwood, Preston and the Museum Of Lancashire also in Preston.

The Bury Lions Carnival took place in Aug. This is an annual event and includes the biggest non military parade to take place in Bury. It is very much a fund raising affair and the Regiment in Lancashire assists where it can. The Fusilier Band and Corps of Drums took a prominent part in the parade, while the Careers Office through the 1st Battalion provided a Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle. The Museum was not left out and ran children’s workshops. The Carnival raised a considerable amount of money which the Lions traditionally recycle into local worthy causes. This year at a special event in the Town Hall, the Mayor Councillor John Byrne presented cheques to the Fusilier Band and to service charities.

The Area Sec was recently invited to attend a ceremony at the Willow Grove Cemetery in Reddish near Stockport south of Manchester. The cemetery had benefited from a Community Spaces Grant which had enabled the Friends of the Cemetery to complete some much need renovation work. The cemetery is also the last resting place of Sgt Lister VC one of the 18 awarded to the Lancashire Fusiliers in the First World War. To assist the Friends the Museum provided information and images that were used in an interpretation board installed by his grave. We often take the Regimental VCs for granted so just as a reminder Sgt Listers citation is as follows:

No 8133, Sergeant Joseph Lister 1st Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers
For most conspicuous bravery in attack during a violent thunderstorm at Passchendale Ridge, Belgium, on 9 October 1917, during the 3rd Battle of Ypres, when advancing to the first objective, his company came under machine-gun fire from the direction of two “pill-boxes.” Seeing that the galling fire would hold up our advance and prevent our troops keeping up with the barrage, 8133 Sergeant Lister dashed ahead of his men and found a machine-gun firing from a shell –hole in front of the pill-box. He shot two of the enemy gunners and the remainder surrendered to him. He then went to the pill-box and shouted to the occupants to surrender. They did so with the exception of one man. Whom Sergeant Lister shot dead, whereupon about a hundred of the enemy emerged from a shell-hole further to the rear and surrendered. This non-commissioned officer’s prompt act of courage enabled our line to advance with hardly a check and to keep up with the barrage, the loss of which might have jeopardised the whole course of the local battle.

The Gallipoli Room at the Lancashire Headquarters is now being used on a regular basis for attestations. The room provides a suitable environment for this important occasion and although it is probably lost on the recruits attempting to recite the oath of allegiance it certainly impresses the parents.

The Minden Club Annual General Meeting and Dinner took place in the Army and Navy Club on Thursday 2 September. The Dinner was well attended with some 21 former Lancashire Fusilier officers and guests sitting down to dinner. The guest of honour was Lieutenant Colonel Jim Landon MBE, commanding officer of 1RRF. For those members of the Minden Dinner Club who were unable to attend, it was agreed at the AGM to hold the dinner in BURY next year. The 2011 Minden Dinner will therefore take place on Thursday 1 September in the Gallipoli Room at the Fusilier Museum.
TA Fusiliers with 1 LANCS in Afghanistan. It should be remembered that although our Regular Battalions are not currently serving in Afghanistan it is a rare occasion when we do not have Fusiliers serving in Theatre. Fusiliers from the Castle Armoury in Bury have been on active service with 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. We wish them all the best and they no doubt wear the hackle with pride and professionalism.

M J GLOVER

Lt Col (Retd) Regimental Secretary Lancashire

REGIMENTAL JOTTINGS

News from RHQ HM Tower of London

1 RRF
The Battalion has fairly heavy exercise commitments and companies are conducting low level training as a build up to future formation training.
In the summer time the majority of the Battalion were on the Salisbury Plain providing enemy for 16 Air Assault Brigade who were on their last exercise prior to deploying to Afghanistan in September. Role playing as a civilian population and insurgents is slightly different to a normal exercise, however the Companies all performed exceptionally well to produce a very challenging exercise for the Brigade. Congratulations must go to Captain Matt Clarke who completed his first exercise on the plain, after a full year in the Land Warfare Centre Battlegroup. He even managed to lead an airborne assault with a platoon of Polish soldiers on to the Y Company settlement!

The Corps of Drums and several members of Z Company travelled to Fromelles in France, for the opening of a Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. It was a great honour for the members of the Battalion who took part in the ceremony, where the last of the unnamed soldiers from the Great War were laid to rest.
The moving ceremony was attend by HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwell, HRH the Duke of Kent and General Sir David Richards were amongst other VIPs. The opening of the cemetery was widely reported on and shown live on Sky News and BBC 1 as well as making most of the national newspapers. The hackle was to the fore with the Commanding Officer appearing in the Daily Telegraph and other lesser publications.

2 RRF
Since the last edition of Fusilier News the Second Fusiliers have successfully completed the unit move from Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow to Trenchard Barracks, Celle. The Battalion will spend 2 years in Celle as a Light Role Battalion under Command of 7 Armd Bde.
The majority of Fusiliers finished their last working day in London on 23 Jul 10 after a rewarding, busy and varied two years. Following a Flag Day of 20 August, the first working day in Celle was 23 August. Although a month between leaving London and starting work in Celle may seem like a long time, this was quickly eaten up by mandatory administration, such as opening bank accounts (not quite as simple as in the UK by any stretch) and re-registering vehicles (a particularly convoluted process). Over the Summer nearly 150 families were moved as well as all the single serving soldiers. This was a huge task which was completed with minimum disruption.
From the minute the Battalion arrived in Celle, the Second Fusiliers have hit the ground running. During the first week the Battalion completed a work place induction package (WIP), covering the information that the Battalion needed to know about living and working in Germany.
Brig N Welch OBE, Commander 7 Armoured Brigade visited the Battalion on 25 August as they settled in to the new environment in Celle. Following lunch in the Officers’ Mess, the Brigadier spoke to the Battalion on parade. It was a massive improvement from any parade held in Hounslow as at no point was it interrupted by the customary low flying 747! The Commander presented a number of awards to individuals in the battalion.

The Second Battalion have produced a written and pictorial history of their tour in Afghanistan last year called ‘Hackles Over Helmand’. A limited number of copies are available through RHQ at a cost of £5. RHQ will keep a hard back copy as part of the Regimental history at The Tower.

5 RRF
Operational Casualties
On 20 Aug 10 Rifleman Garth Restall, 5 RRF was shot in the arm by an enemy sniper in Nadi Ali Afghanistan. He was CASEVAC’d to the UK where he is making a good recovery after several operations. The Colonel of the Regiment on behalf of all Fusiliers wishes Rifleman Restall a speedy recovery.
5RRF has been tasked to provide 50 soldiers for Op HERRICK. Fifteen will deploy in October 2011 with 20 Bde. This is a commitment the Battalion has only recently been made aware of so is in the early stages of planning the training and trawling for volunteers. This deployment will differ slightly compared to previous large cohort deployments in that all of the soldiers and officers will backfill various Infantry Battalions within the Bde.

I R Liles OBE
Brigadier (Retd) Regimental Secretary
BRANCH NOTES

BURY BRANCH NOTES
Meetings – last Tues of the month 2000 hrs
Old White Lion Hotel, 6 Bolton Street Bury BL9 OLQ
The Bury Branch has supported most functions in and around Lancashire and I don’t think there has been a function where a Bury Branch member has not attended. We would like to thank the organisers of these events (mostly advertised on Facebook) and the photos which have drawn so many ex and serving Fusiliers back together and out of the closet.
With losing the Club we are holding our monthly meetings at the Old White Lion Hotel, 6 Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0LQ every last Tuesday of each month.
It is with great sadness to report the loss of Capt Paul George who passed over on 14 September 2010 in Cumbria another sad loss to the Bury Branch.
Numbers in the Bury Branch is steadily rising, we currently have 70 members.
We would like to thank all 4 Fusilier Battalions and the Machine Gun Platoon (Bury) for all their support over the last year.
Michael Rae Branch Chairman 15 Battersby Street, Bury BL9 7SG
Email raemichaelr2006@aol.com Tel 07932 372213

DROYLSDEN BRANCH NOTES
Meetings – 1st Thurs of the month at 1230 hrs
With the rate of public houses closing down, we at the Droylsden Branch have fallen foul of this trend, and for the second year running have had to move our headquarters’ venue. Manchester Road has been having a major revamp to accommodate the Metrolink and the upheaval has been, to say the least, chaotic.
The Royal Oak has fallen within the realms of change having been closed and not included in the new scheme of things. Maybe we are fortunate as Mr Rigby had the offer of revamped premises called the Buxton and we had our inaugural meeting there on 16 December 2010. We entertained members of Broughton House to a buffet lunch and a few optics of the merry-making liquids imbibed on the premises together with a few to take back for their Christmas lunch (should it survive until then is no longer of our concern!!).
We are delighted to welcome Eric Bond as a new member, and hope that a prospective member, who also visited on the day and showed an interest, might join us for the January meeting.
G Peak Secretary

NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH
Meetings – 1st Friday of month 2000 hrs
After a great "Gathering" at Warwick our next event was Remembrance, when we had a good turnout with plenty of photos in the local newspaper of Fusiliers on parade.
In December we will have had our annual Christmas Dinner which we hope to follow in the New Year with a quiz night. In April we shall be holding our St George/Gallipoli event which proved to be very successful last year and we hope that some of you will be able to attend. It will be held in Bangor on Saturday 23 April 2011 [details can be obtained from Steve Fitt] and tickets priced £10.00 per head. Other events will be ongoing throughout the year.
We hope you all have a great Christmas and a peaceful New Year
Ian Scholes Secretary Northern Ireland Branch

OLDHAM BRANCH
Meetings – 1st Mon in the month 2000 hrs
Well since the last issue, which we as a branch missed, (the first in 14 years!) we must remind all that 95% of the branch is still of working age, and therefore on occasions, our work commitments must take priority. So here are our one and only annual newsletter notes. Our year has been very busy - we always start the year with the Branch Christmas Party on the first Saturday in December which was held at Stockport. Last year’s was very successful and as in years gone past, it will always be a hit not only with members, but also our branch members from all over the country. 2010, saw a turn up for books with the audience managing to travel in bad weather, however our band and drums were unable to turn up owing to the weather in Bury. The show had to go on, and it did with Ronnie even taking bookings for next year. It is a great function, and we thank our raffle prize sponsors and our committee for making it a great night out, and our logistic support provided by Arthur Marshall.
This then leads us up to Christmas with the Branch donating a Christmas tree along with the OLEXA, RBL and RAF, local businesses, Police, emergency services, schools, and funnily enough all our local undertakers, into Oldham Church. All the trees are dressed and lights placed on them. Our fusilier theme this year was a fully dressed tree with gold stars containing the names and families of Fusiliers who have fallen in the line of duty in every conflict since WW2. The whole thing, along with seventy other trees, looked magnificent in particular the Ex Services. The display runs for a fortnight and raises money for local charity. Next year our collection box will be aimed for the National Arboretum Fusilier Memorial Fund. We now have two reps involved with this on a full-time basis - Tony Harrop and Popeye, with the intention of full support from the committee and branch when we can. A date for your diary is the 9 June 2011, which is a musical night with buffet to raise funds for the project.
February has now been dedicated to the M62 memorial at Hartshead which always has a Fusilier presence. 2011,will be no exception - it will take place at 1100 hrs on 6 February, and also the Osnabruck reunion at Gigg Lane in Bury. Last February saw the branch involved, with a joint effort with the OLEXA, to produce a new M62 plaque on the poppy walk at Oldham Cenotaph, also a new memorial to cover every conflict and campaign since WW2, as well as refurbished colours framed and placed on the inside wall of the church. This was attended by Rochdale Branch on the day, along with the Bishop of Manchester and Lord Lieutenant of Gtr Manchester. The
Colours belonged to the church and were originally owned by the 24th Btn The Manchester Regiment 1914-18 but were on the verge of turning to dust.
We continue as a branch attending everything in the town, including the Mayor’s Ball, Mayor-making, Saddleworth War Weekend, FEPOW, and Remembrance Sunday. We also thank our recruiting officer C/Sgt-Andy for the Fusilier wreath-laying on behalf of the Regiment. We continue providing assistance on the welfare front in liaison with all our agencies - SSAFA/RBL/ABF. We also thank our standard bearers, fusilier queen, committee and our members, for all they do in making the branch the success it is today. We wish all Fusiliers, past and present, a very happy New Year.
At the time of writing we are 179 strong - is this the new Fusilier Association -yes and it’s a good time to start educating our younger serving members that we are here. As the Colonel of the Regiment said in one of his inspiring Welfare speeches, ‘It’s not the ex-Fusilier you see from time to time it’s the ones we don’t see or hear from.’ We also thank our Regimental club committee that we have had right up to close down - they did a magnificent job under the circumstances of closure. All the best to all.
The whole team Oldham Branch

ROCHDALE BRANCH
Meetings – 1st Wed in the month at 2000 hrs,
Rochdale Transport Club, Baron Street, Rochdale
Minden Celebrations, 31 August 2010
Here in Rochdale we celebrated Minden Day with the usual gusto, by holding the Minden Ball at the Masonic Buildings, Rochdale. Martin and his staff looked after us very well, and all who attended commented on the excellent buffet, which took an Asian theme this year to accommodate our Mayor Cllr Zulfiqar Ali.
The disco was Russel The Wolf Man who catered for all tastes of music ranging from a waltz to break dancing, you name it he had it. As for the ceremony of eating the roses the Branch had to rely on two of our associate members to take up the honour. Well done to John Rogers Snr (Dad), Royal Artillery and Gordon (Goffer), Wharton Royal Air Force, you took up this honour without faltering, and are now well and truly members of Rochdale Branch of the Fusilier Association.
If you fancy taking up this honour then come along and enjoy yourself with Rochdale Branch at the next Minden Celebrations, you are guaranteed a great reception.
Fusilier Gathering 18/19 September 2010
Although as a Branch we did not attend the gathering in force (so close to our annual pilgrimage), one or two of our members did attend under their own steam, and by all reports it was a very good gathering and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Hopefully one day the dates won’t clash and we will be on parade in force representing the Association and Rochdale Branch - something we do well.
The Pilgrimage 2-8 October 2010
After a lot of planning and logistics the time had arrived for our annual pilgrimage to begin. At about 2000hrs on 2 October 2010 Truly set off in the mini-bus we had hired for the week, to pick up the lads. Cleggie was one of the first on the list and when Truly arrived outside Cleggie’s home, up went the cry ‘Have you got the right passport?’ Cleggie was not going to be allowed to make the same mistake he made in 2009. After double-checking that he had the right passport the pilgrimage was on the roll for 2010 - Clegg & Thorpe Battlefield Tours was on the road, not to say Cleggie was reminded by everyone we picked up even Little Dave (Cleggie’s brother) who we pick up in Crewe on our way down the country repeated the cry ‘Have you got the right passport our kid?’
We stopped off at Watford Gap for refreshments, the site of the fatal mistake and Cleggie was still getting reminded, check and double-check is the motto. On we went through the night, MI, M25 even the Dartford Toll Bridge was not a problem. Apparently it is free on a Sunday (4 am). We arrived in Dover in plenty of time for the 6 am ferry. After a smooth crossing and a good breakfast we were across the channel in Calais - only another three hundred kilometres to go, (the bus was governed to 60 mph). Most of the time the lads slept, tossing and turning to get as comfortable as possible, getting out to stretch their legs when Cleggie and Truly changed drivers.
We arrived in Caen at about dinner, after some skillful driving by Truly who at one of the toll booths drove through one of the booths meant for cars. We were in a bus so as we proceeded the curtain of spikes hanging down to stop larger vehicles going through clattered all along the top of the bus, what a rude awakening for those still asleep. It was some time before we could check it, to see if it had left any lasting damage, and when we did check, everything was intact. Truly laughs at it now but at the time all manner of excuses was going through his head.
After settling into our hotel, De Hotel Mercure, some of us set off to discover the surrounding area. One thing we found out was that the hotel was set its own grounds amongst some industrial sites, universities, and shopping malls along with a good tram service into Caen. A group of us explored an establishment called the Hungry Bison, which we had clocked on the way in, we found it cheap, served a good steak, and washed down with plenty of red!! It soon became our favourite watering hole, only it became nick named The Hungry Heifer.
Monday morning we set off to explore Caen, and what an experience the tram system was. If you can imagine, twelve of us on a tram stop trying to make head or tails of the instructions on how to pay the fare. At every tram stop there is a machine where you feed the right change in euros to gain access to a ticket 1x12. This was a bit baffling at first until a couple of French students gave us a demonstration on how to work the machines. Our first try and we got on the wrong side of the track, going two stops in the wrong direction we ended up in one of the universities, end of the line in university 4. Well we pleaded ignorance ‘non comprender’ and stayed on the tram till it turned round and was heading in the direction we wanted, Caen. The tram system is a good system once you have worked it out and got your bearings.
Well we finally arrived in Caen and decided to check out the sights. The Castle of Normandie was first on our list. This is an interesting sight but we found part of it under construction and alterations taking place here and there. We took a walk along the city walls and took in the views of the city and its many spires. The battlements were a bit of a climb but like all good squaddies we stuck together and helped the tailend charlies.
In the afternoon we made our way down to the port side taking in the sights, Caen Old Cathedral, the gold statue of Joan of Arc, the old city battlements. Along our way we noticed through the catholic areas that most of the pubs and bars were Irish. After a quick tactical manoeuvre around the city centre we found ourselves over by the old Cathedral, where we quickly settled into a French Bistro with food on the mind. Gordon went Greek and had an argument with a couple of plates. After his food he showed his appreciation by having a smashing time, but the proprietor was very understanding
Tuesday we set off to conquer the beaches, Sword, Juno and Gold. It is here that whilst the rest of us plodded on along the beach road taking in the vast expanse of the beach and dunes, that the brothers Clegg, Peter and Little Dave peeled off to take time to be together and reflect on times gone by whilst they scattered their Uncle Bill’s ashes, which they had brought over from England, this being one of his
last requests. This done we again boarded the mini-bus to find a café for brew time - the wind was a bit biting and everyone needed a warm up.
After spending the day on the beaches it was back to the hotel and time to find an eating establishment for the evening meal. We decided to try Caen and found a nice French restaurant called the Boeuf & Cow that served a four course meal for about 25 euro. After a very satisfying meal we asked the owner if he would accommodate us the next night for our Regimental Dinner (we always fly our colours). So it was left down to one of the logistics team, Craig (Wheeler Dealer) Grice, to strike up a deal. Yes we would be eating at his establishment the next night, best bib and tucker, medals if you had brought them. The deal struck we took in the city centre and ended up in an Irish bar, (Warm Kilkenny) and Guinness. Must say the bars were busy with students, and like the world over, Caen as its fair share of the ones that can’t hold their liquor, as we found out when we took the tram back to the hotel. Always thought the students were overpaid.
By Wednesday, we now had our bearings and decided that we would visit the site of the world famous Pegasus Bridge made famous by the British 6th Airborne Division on the 5/6 June 1944. The tour of the museum was very informative, and the tour of the grounds outside the museum also caught one’s imagination. This is where the original bridge still stands and alongside there is a glider reconstructed for the museum. This is to give the visitor some insight as to the actual size of the gliders used in the raid on the bridge. Also in air conditioned units was part of one of the original gliders, used in the raid on the bridge which had been well shot up. This was one well deserved visit.
After taking in all the museum has to offer, you find yourself being drawn across the bridge that stretches the canal today to the small café that nestles on the far bank alongside the bridge. This is the world famous Café Gondree, home of the Gondree family since 1865. This was the first house and family to be liberated by the British 6th Airborne Division back on that fatal day. The café was renamed by the Gondree family in 1944, to ‘The Pegasus Bridge Café Gondree’ after the insignia of the Airborne Forces. The house, not a café in those days, became a field hospital with the front room being set up as an operation’s theatre. The café today is run by Arlette Gondree who was only four when the house/aid station/café was liberated and she can still recall the happenings of that day, when the house was liberated. This was well worth a visit.
After grabbing a quick lunch in the café we headed for Omaha Beach stopping off on the way to take in the sights at Arromanches of the remains of the old Mullberry Harbours, a poignant reminder of what went on nearly seventy years ago when the D-Day landings took place. On this site the French have built a Cinema Circulaire, a
360 degrees cinema screen showing you films of the action that went on on those fatal days of the landings - this is some experience.
Further along the cliff tops there is a site called the Batterie Allemande de Longues sur Mer. This is a fierce some looking place where you can wander around the old German gun emplacements. These are part of the Atlantic Wall defences built by the Germans to defend their side of the Channel in 1944. Each one concealed a 150mm piece of artillery. These lie around in disarray today but back then on that day the 6 June 1944 they covered the Channel and the beaches that had to be taken and the guns silenced, some job if you can let your imagination run wild. This site is definitely worth a visit.
After taking in all the sites we could it was time to return to the hotel and get changed for dinner. Best Bib and tucker and off down into Caen to the Boeuf & Cow restaurant for the Regimental Dinner. The manager did us proud, giving us the best seats in the house with a view of the old cathedral, which stood there in all its splendour, bathed in the orange glow of the city lights and the strategically placed spotlights around the grounds. The meal was splendid and after four courses washed down with a bottle of red, it was time for a stroll round the city centre and a few bevvies - this time we chose an English bar called the London Bar.
Thursday we stayed local and visited The Normandie Museum. This is a very impressive sight and has everything under one roof for the WWII enthusiasts. From the time you enter where you are greeted with the sight of the old spitfire bearing down on you to the time you leave with the sculpture of the Peace Gun pointing you in the direction of the car parks, you are entertained from WWII to the present day, a great day out.
Friday and the trip home, with a good sized early breakfast inside us, we set off at about 0800hrs to catch the 1300hrs ferry at Calais, and much to our surprise we made good time even though we did stop for refreshment breaks. Truly managed to hit the right toll booths and made sure that Cleggie was driving when we hit the ‘stairway to heaven’ bridge. This bridge is on the A13 and crosses the river Rouen. It’s similar to most suspension bridges only this one goes up one side and down the other (Blackpool springs to mind), no sign of the other side. Truly did not like this one. Anyhow after a smooth crossing it was back to Blighty and the usual mess around customs. It’s harder for an English man to get back into his own country than it is any of these asylum seekers.
Well we got back into the Manchester area about eight after dropping Little (Dave) Brother off in Crewe. The long drag of dropping everyone off started, and the lads
finished going up to eleven so Truly had to take the bus back the following morning, (still worrying about the roof).
All I can say from the lads is, it was a great six days and thanks to the two drivers Cleggie and Truly for their safe driving. Well done Lads.
Remembrance Week 8 November to Sunday 14 November.
All week we manned the Fusilier Poppy Stall in the Wheatsheaf Centre, Rochdale selling poppies to the good people of Rochdale on behalf of the Royal British Legion.
It never ceases to amaze me, how much people are willing to pay for their poppy, some sidle up and put notes in and some rattle about in the bottom of the purse, but it all goes to a very worthy cause and you meet people from all walks of life. I’d like to thank all those members who helped man the Fusilier stall and look forward to seeing you next year.
As I sit here it’s blowing a right old snow storm outside and it looks very much like we might get a white Christmas after all, and I think it’s time to wish you all the best from Rochdale Branch Members for Christmas and the New Year 2011.
Have a safe one.
OMINIA AUDAX Elwin Pickup Secretary Rochdale Branch

SALFORD BRANCH
Meetings – 1st Mon in the month 2000 hrs
Pendleton Royal British Legion
Raising funds for the branch has been our main focus in 2010 and has kept The Salford Pals busy all year. Thanks to all who have given donations and for their support.
Thanks must go to the following individuals, Tony Barker, Shelly Hardy and her workmates as well as to Shiny D who have attended all of our functions and also to Rochdale Branch. Thanks to all these people we are now in a position to pay for our standard which will be on parade sometime next year. Happy New Year to all.

P Flannery Chairman Salford Branch
9 Pl 1LF Guard Nicosia Central Prison 1959
During the EOKA Trouble in Cyprus, prisoners were housed in Central Prison and the Army provided a perimeter guard force of one platoon.
I cannot remember when exactly 9Pl took on the role but, as the troubles ended in March 1959, I know it was before then.
The guard force was self-contained and we had a cook attached. The accommodation including the kitchen and toilets were, to say the least, pretty basic. The attached cook was Stan Abbott, at that time still a Regimental cook. We had a Turkish Cypriot trustee prisoner called Osman, who was dumb, though able to make loud grunting noises. He was a general dogsbody and would do all the dirty work including clearing the drains which blocked regularly. It was a fairly common sight to see Osman clearing the drains with his bare arm deep in the mire! As he also helped in the kitchen, I’m glad to say that Stan Abbott kept an eye on cleanliness!
On one memorable day Stan told Osman to fetch something from the fridge. The fridge was full height with double doors and was across the yard from the kitchen. When Osman did not return immediately, Stan noticed that he was at the fridge doors grunting loudly. Stan bellowed at him to hurry up. Osman continued grunting. Stan bellowed again. Now before joining up Stan had sold The Manchester Evening News at a stand out side Manchester Piccadilly station and had developed a very deep voice. The noise can therefore be imagined!
Eventually Stan marched over and grabbed Osman by the arm only to join Osman in grunting and shaking. The fridge had short-circuited and both were being electrocuted. It was quite a sight and caused much amusement. Luckily neither suffered any injury but Osman was always reluctant to use the fridge again
Major Phillip Manvell (Ret’d)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Standing engagements
BRANCH MEETINGS
Salford 1st Monday of month 2000 hrs
Trieste 1st Monday of month 2000 hrs
Oldham 1st Monday of month 2000 hrs
Rochdale 1st Tuesday of month 2015 hrs
Droylsden 1st Thursday of month 1230 hrs
Bury Last Tuesday of month 2000 hrs
Northern Ireland 1st Friday of month 2000 hrs

FEBRUARY
Sunday 6th February
M62 Commemoration wreath-laying Hartshead Moor Service Area 1100 hrs

Friday 11th February
Osnabruck/Hong Kong reunion at Bury FC Social Club 1900 hrs

APRIL
Saturday 16th April. Gallipoli Day,
17th Castle Armoury Bury
followed by church service, march past, buffet lunch, followed by social gathering at Bury FC Social Club Please note change of date due to Easter period 1030 hrs onwards

JUNE
Saturday 25th June - Armed Forces Day

JULY
Saturday 9th July - Military Band Extravaganza, Britannia Hotel, Stockport 1930 hrs

Friday 22nd - Monday 25th July - Berlin Reunion (in Berlin)

Sunday 31st July Minden Day Drum Head Service and afterwards at Bury FC Social Club (to be confirmed) 1100 hrs

POETS CORNER
Shall it be?
1 5
How will my time on earth reach its end Shall it be the gripping clutching pain
when work and play are all done? Of myocardial infarction?
When body's pains Or a bad dose of flu
and material gains With food poisoning too
have fled away with the setting sun. To give me eternal redemption?
2 6
Shall it be a fall on a steep rocky climb, Shall it be the kiss of a bright steel blade?
Or an avalanche thundering down? Or the water’s sweet caress?
Or a fall from a horse? Or the jerk of a rope
My own fault of course, to complete that hope ,
To give me my heavenly crown. Of a time without quarrels and stress.
3 7
Shall it be a crashing motor car Shall it be a ship to a foreign land?
when some fool jumps the lights? Across the rolling sea.
Or a head on collision With a pack on my back,
To force His decision And the open track
To take me to heavenly heights. To really set me free.
4 8
Shall it be a blast and a shower of nails Shall it be in a dream on a peaceful night,
Or a flaming petrol bomb? With the duvet under my chin
Or a shot to the head With a bunch of good mates
from behind a shed We’ll knock on the gates
To send my soul back home. And Peter will welcome us in.
© David G. Hoyle 2009

President: Col B M Gorski Chairman: Capt J O’Grady
Secretary: Mr S Fitt Treasurer: Major J Hindshaw TD DL

Editorial Comment – Capt.David G.Hoyle (Ret'd)
The Second Fusiliers in Afghanistan must have been in all Fusiliers' thoughts since the last edition. The battalion's monthly email news has been sent to people on the RHQ email list but so that those not on the list may read about some real soldiering, extracts from “MUSA QAL'EH MAIL” replace “Regimental Jottings” in this edition. The extracts give a flavour of the campaign in Afghanistan fought by our Fusiliers. Homecoming parades welcomed 2RRF back from Afghanistan in Rochdale, Bury, Salford and Swinton on 30th November and 1st December.

Capt (Ret'd) D G Hoyle --- david_g_hoyle@hotmail.co.uk

Chairman's Report – Capt. John O'Grady (Ret'd)
The Association in Lancashire has had a very busy year. I am pleased to report that the targets I set out for my committee have now almost been reached - we now have a complete updated list of members, most of whom are now paying their subscriptions by direct debit which allows far better financial forecasts to be produced and records maintained far more efficiently. We have, as a team, a little way to go yet but by March of 2010 we should be there.
The Memorial Service of the M62 families took place in February at the Hartshead Service Station, and it was a wonderful occasion for the families and the fantastic turnout by all Fusiliers rounded off a very memorable day. Brigade Commander 42 Bde Brigadier Bill Aldridge CBE was in attendance and many thanks must go to Mr Alan Noble for his organization and to the Sheldon Branch for taking the trouble to travel to Lancashire. Thirty-nine Standards were present, and how smart they looked in the snow,and the families of all those connected with that dreadful day appreciated the support given by the Regiment during their time of grief.

http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/parades/M62_WEB/index.htm
Gallipoli Weekend was to follow, and what a cracker it turned out to be, beginning with an excellent Sunday morning Church service followed by the best turn out of Association members that has been seen in Bury for many a year, where the salute was taken by the Colonel Lancashire Colonel B.M Gorski MBE.

http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/parades/Gallipli_Parade_2009_1/index.htm

On 24 July there was a very full Regimental Clubhouse for the Annual Osnabruck reunion, leading us very nicely into August for our Minden Weekend. This began on the Saturday evening, 1 August with an excellent Minden Dinner at the new Museum and thanks to Captain Joe Eastwood and his organisation for what turned out to be a lovely evening. It was good to see Lt-Col Tony Coutts-Britton Ex LF RRF present as a guest.
Sunday 2 August began with an excellent presentation of the Battle of Minden by Lt-Col Tony Coutts-Britton and judging from the appreciation given to him by all members, they enjoyed it very much. We hope to see him back next year speaking on the Battle of Spion Kop. In the afternoon the Association Members formed up in the courtyard to formally march out of the Old Regimental Headquarters for the last time. Colonel Lancashire laid a wreath and took the salute but due to illness Colonel Lloyd-Jones OBE (last CO of the Depot Lancashire Fusiliers) could not be with us to share in this very sad moment in time. We then boarded a double-decker bus to Bury Town Centre for the Drum Head Service to celebrate the landing of the Regimental Headquarters in its new location within the Museum. The service was taken by The Rev Hugh Bearn, and his 10 year old son Freddie played the bagpipes, a perfect end to a marvelous weekend.

http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/reunions/Minden1.htm

Between 7-9 August there was a big presence to celebrate the Saddleworth War Weekend, and on 12 August the standards were on parade for the Far East Prisoners of War Service.
September was going to be Lancashire’s busiest time of the year and it got off to a flying start with a good turnout for the 10th year celebration of the “Life for a Life”, which was held at Manchester Grammar School. In attendance were the Band and Drums of the Association Lancashire.
The tragedies that were to be bestowed upon our 2nd Battalion followed next and the saddest moment, we have, as a family, suffered for many a year. However, regardless of the bad news, every member of the Association and Regiment who made the effort to attend the respective services should feel very proud of themselves - you are all a credit to your cap badge. Well done.
The biggest event to be held in Lancashire was the Gathering of the Fusilier Family. It would appear that all of the members who attended had a very good weekend. There was an excellent atmosphere at the Dinner and the parade on the Sunday saw a good number of Fusiliers on Parade from all of our Regimental Areas. The Colonel of the Regiment took the salute accompanied by all of the Area Colonels and, as always, good to see Brigadier Bill Aldridge Commander 42 Brigade North West District.
It was a great pleasure to be able to welcome to Lancashire our affiliated Regiment The Lorne Scots and its Regimental band of the Pipes and Drums. I cannot remember, at any time, whereby we have had under one roof so many of the Regiment (32 in all) and in conjunction with our excellent Association Band, they brought a lot to the party with their rendering of that famous piece of music - The Highland Cathedral - which will be remembered by all those present at the Dinner.
To be surrounded by a first eleven as I have in Lancashire, it is a privilege to serve alongside such people and as Chairman I cannot speak too highly of them all. My sincere congratulations go to Mr Alan Noble and Mr Ron Owen on their awards of the Regimental Certificates and Medals for outstanding work within the Association;

http://www.fusiliers-association-lancs.co.uk/Gathering/Gathering.htm
to Major Brian Bath for his outstanding help in putting the Fusilier Gathering together; Mr Dennis Laverick for his continued excellent work on the Association Lancashire Website; Mr Phil Horner our new Welfare Officer for Lancashire ex WO2 from 2RRF; Mr Steve Fitt our Association Secretary for all of his commitment of three days a week at the Association Office; last but not least to all of the Branch Secretaries who do a great deal of hard work for me and the Association. We are in good order, long may it last, and to all of them and their families may I wish them all a very happy, holy and a peaceful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
John O’Grady, Chairman, RRF Regimental Association, Lancashire.

Extracts from MUSA QAL'EH MAIL –
Newspaper of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
OP Herrick 10 (April to October 2009)
Editor: Colour Sergeant Mark Duckett, 2RRF

Extract from Issue 5 - August edition
Commanding Officer’s Introduction
Since the last edition of this Newsletter one 24 hour period on 15-16 August has overshadowed everything else. It was a bitter blow to lose so many fine soldiers in such a short period of time. The heartfelt condolences of all in the Battalion go to the families of Sgt Valentine, LCpl Fullarton, Fus Annis and Fus Carter. On the same day we also heard in Musa Qal?eh the tragic news that Pte Hunt of A Coy 2 R WELSH had also died of wounds. It was then another set back a few days later to learn that Fus Bush had not been able to survive the severe wounds that he had sustained. The only piece of good news is that Fus James has regained consciousness in Selly Oak and has retained his sight. Rest assured that everyone out here is working hard to the end of the tour to give some meaning to the heavy price that has been paid.
Life in Musa Qal?eh has been busy throughout August. The main achievement was the successful conclusion of Op MAR LEWE 2 which placed ISAF and ANSF on much better ground in the South of the AO. Whilst relatively little enemy activity took place on the day of the operation, we were nonetheless fortunate not to sustain any casualties to some very close indirect fire. In addition in the days following the operation the new patrol bases were put under significant pressure from insurgent attacks. This only came to a halt following a very successful ANSF led, and ISAF supported, operation which cut off the enemy's escape routes and led to a number of enemy fighters being either killed or arrested.
The election proved to be particularly busy in Musa Qal?eh with the insurgents making an all out attempt to disrupt the process. This involved significant intimidation of the population and the use of a large amount of indirect and direct fire on the Election Day. Most of the fire was directed at ISAF locations. Whilst this made for a particularly uncomfortable time for some, particularly those at Roshan Tower, the centre of Musa Qal?eh remained relatively secure. The proof in the pudding was that over 9000 votes were cast in Musa Qal?eh, albeit there is considerable evidence that this figure is higher than the actual number of votes cast. A Coy in Nolay have also achieved some notable successes in the last month. Particular highlights have been the clearance by them of 31 IEDs in one day which has to be a record in the history of the British Army. In addition the insurgents have had it far from their own way as A Coy have identified on a number of occasions enemy forces laying IEDs which has led to engagements with a variety of
weapon systems. Perhaps the biggest achievement for A Coy this month has been the establishment of a new joint ANA/ISAF patrol base on a critical choke point leading into the Green Zone.
As I write Helmand in general has quietened down, largely on account of the onset of Ramadan. Those who are fasting are finding the experience particularly difficult given that Ramadan has started this year before the end of Summer. Much planning activity is now focussing on the end of tour but everyone is more than aware of the difference that one 24 hour period can make between now and leaving theatre.

Extracts from Issue 6 - September edition
Commanding Officer’s Introduction
Generally Helmand has been fairly quiet over the last few weeks due to Ramadan. However, there has still been a fair amount of activity in Musa Qal?eh. B Company in the North have had a couple of fairly fierce contacts with the insurgents, either as a meeting engagement on patrol, or attacks on the base itself. In addition they were also able to conduct a cordon and search of a group of compounds to their front which provoked a rapid and ferocious response from the enemy. Luckily in all these engagements B Company have come off much the better and have inflicted serious casualties on the enemy with no friendly forces wounded, less an ANA soldier who managed to shoot himself in the thigh. In the South A Company 2 R WELSH have been busy conducting a number of search operations but have also been able to observe the enemy either moving into position or laying IEDs. This has enabled them to engage the insurgents to good effect with both direct and indirect fire.
A Company have again had a busy time of it. Of particular note they have been involved in 2 air assault operations. The first of which went spectacularly wrong from the start when the Chinook crashed on landing. A Company found themselves unexpectedly left in charge of a very expensive helicopter which subsequently had to be denied after becoming the focus of the enemy?s attention. The Company were also the recipient of a donkey borne IED which detonated just outside their new Patrol Base. This has obviously prompted a spate of black soldier humour, but actually the incident highlighted the ingenuity and brazen opportunism of the insurgents.
Across Helmand the festival of Eid passed off extremely quietly, unlike previous years. This was a great relief to the population as Eid is their equivalent of Christmas, which takes place at the end of the fasting of the month of Ramadan. It was a great sight to see the population all clearly enjoying themselves, dressed up in new clothes and relishing the festive mood. As a small token of goodwill we distributed food parcels to the needy people of Musa Qal?eh and also to the locals who work in the camp.
As I write the Relief in Place is in full swing with many of our successors now arriving ready for the handover. Whilst thoughts inevitably start to turn to home we are all determined to ensure that those arriving in our place are given the best possible start, so that they can continue the good work done during Herrick 10. Only once we are all back in Hounslow will we be able to reflect on the successes and also the darker moments of the tour.

A Company Group (FOB Nolay, Sangin)
This month has also seen our first donkey-borne IED (children look away now). In what can only be a measure of increasing desperation, the insurgents attempted to utilize a stolen donkey as a bomb carrier during an attack against PB Hanjar. Fortunately for us,
although less so for the animal itself, the deadly cargo fell off well short of the intended target and got tangled up in its legs, whereupon the poor creature sat down on the device. The resulting explosion rattled the doors at FOB Nolay, some 900 metres away, and reduced the status of the four-legged fiend from ?just add hay? to “home assembly required?. While outwardly amusing, the incident serves as a useful reminder that we face an inventive enemy, and we have taken a number of steps to prevent another attack on similar lines during the last weeks of the tour. Having seen off Eeyore, the troops are now watching out for exploding owls, kangaroos, piglets (unlikely, but you never know) and yellow bears dangling under balloons.

B Company Group (Woqab)
Election Day in Musa Qal'eh was a very important and very busy day for all. WOQAB saw enemy efforts to use mortars to attack the local nationals and ourselves. 7 Platoon established a VCP close to 1 of the Polling Stations throughout a very hot day and heard reports from locals of enemy intimidation to attempt to prevent voting. Despite this brave voters did make their way from the frontline area down to vote as well as those from the safer areas in the centre.
Ramadan has been an interesting cultural experience for all and a constraint to our operations. With the ANA, ANP, and our interpreters all unable to drink or eat during daylight hours we ran shorter patrols and sought to dominate our local area in the dense maize which is now generally over 6 feet high and much is 8ft. There are also large fields of marijuana plants which has led to many cries of 'show me your pockets' by NCOs. Once Ramadan ended we were treated to sharing Eid with the locals. Eid is essentially a 3 day holiday similar to Christmas with presents and sparkling hand made clothes for children and celebrations. Our ANA and ANP respectfully requested permission to fire their weapons in celebration from their compound roof. With some careful constraints they were allowed to but we had not necessarily expected them to fire quite as much ammo as they did! The local children have been very happy with gifts from their families, we offered Dates to Mosques during Ramadan but didn't quite fit in with our camouflage during Eid – the locals had sparkle everywhere including on ANP AK47s. I suspect that the CSM might have at least raised an eyebrow if that had been attempted by members of B Coy Gp!

C Company Group (Influence Group)
This has been another busy month for C Company. The Afghan Elections on 20th August were followed by Ramadan which, although a relatively quiet period for the locals and the Afghan National Security Forces, saw no let up in the pace of life for us. The patrol programme has been, if anything, more intense and has included some fairly large scale Company excursions. 10 Platoon also enjoyed a short „holiday? at HIMAL OP (see separate article by OC 10 Platoon, Lt Nick Beavitt). As I write, the festival of Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan is drawing to a close. Time will tell, but I suspect that once the Afghans have got over their Christmas and Boxing Day equivalent, we may see some acceleration in enemy activity.
Election Day in Musa Qal?eh was certainly livelier than many of us had anticipated. In what amounts to a childish and petulant temper tantrum, the enemy spent the day hurling as much direct and indirect fire as they could in the general direction of ISAF and ANSF Patrol Bases, especially ROSHAN Tower and WOQAB, and the DC itself. Thankfully, despite their best efforts and some close calls, there were no serious injuries; at least not
on our side! Voter turnout was reasonable, given the circumstances, and compared very favourably with the other districts in Helmand Province. C Company spent much of the day escorting the Battle Group?s two International Observers to and from Polling Stations, and liaising with the ANP over the developing security situation.

Ramadan brought its own challenges, with the ANSF unable to contribute meaningfully to any activity between 1000hrs and 2000hrs. This proved rather limiting in terms of joint patrolling but, thanks to some careful planning, didn?t reduce the frequency or intensity of patrols. We have deployed as a Company several times this month, including a major Cordon and Search operation in a large village on the edge of a route that is regularly sown with IEDs. The operation got off to a shaky start, when the attached ANP went slightly rogue. However, once they had been netted and tranquilised, the search went like clockwork. Sadly, the anticipated IED store was not found, but the population of DZO (Deh Zohr Olya - the village in question) win the Afghan Collective Liars award for claiming vociferously that they know nothing about the enemy, or IEDs. This was proved conclusively to be rubbish when, a couple of hours after we left the village, one of the „innocent? population accidentally set off the IED he was laying on the track that we had just used.

Op MAR CHICHEL 3 saw the majority of the Company forward mount to Camp BASTION, then launch a dawn air assault operation to insert a number of vehicle checkpoints around Musa Qal?eh. This proved universally popular. Firstly, the Chinook crews were delighted to be doing something other than providing their usual taxi service. Secondly, from a Company perspective, not only was it something operationally different, but it meant a chance to carbo-load in the BASTION Cookhouse! In the event, the Op was far more successful than had been anticipated. The use of helicopters greatly added to the element of surprise, and by pushing rapidly into areas far outside the Musa Qal?eh Patrol Base ?ring? we significantly unhinged the enemy, and left them in no doubt about our ability to project force at will. We also came back with a suspected insurgent detainee who, as I write, is being processed by the ANP.

There will be no let up in tempo at the tail end of the tour; if anything life is likely to become even busier. There are still some operations on the cards, and plenty of ground to cover, but C Company is more than rising to the challenge. Things are changing in Musa Qal?eh. C Squadron, The Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) have already taken over from 206 Pioneer Squadron as the MASTIFF Group, and D Coy 3 SCOTS (The Black Watch) have handed over the Operational Mentoring and Liaison (OMLT) role to 2 YORKS. Thankfully, the HCR seem to be holding off until we have left before they paint every inanimate object blue-red-blue.

BG (NW) FSG (PB Roshan Tower)
2RRF inherited ROSHAN TOWER as a part of the Battle Group (North West) (BG(NW)) lay down from 2RGR in late March 09. The Tower had been a pivotal location during the Gurkha?s tenure, and it proved to be an extremely busy one during the Fusiliers?.
ROSHAN is a Fire Support Group (FSG) location in the northern sector of BG(NW), which itself centres around the sizable Helmand town of Musa Qal'eh. ROSHAN is positioned level with B Coy Gp?s Patrol Base (PB) WOQAB, and together they form the two most northern bases in the 2RRF Area of Operations (AO). Built to house a mobile
phone mast, ROSHAN was created by the Arab telecommunications network of the same name. Much of the original infrastructure remains in place as seized by the PWRR during HERRICK 8. It has held a dominant position over the Musa Qal'eh Wadi ever since, and is a natural and extremely effective fire support and surveillance location because of its elevation and superb fields of view.

ROSHAN was extremely well equipped in terms of firepower, the manning taken from by soldiers from Fire Support Company, and bolstered by some extremely talented attachments from both 19 and 40 Regt Royal Artillery. The tower boasted the full spectrum of infantry fire support weapons; Javelin, 50 CAL HMG, GMG, 81mm mortars, GPMG (SF) and snipers. Perhaps its most unusual weapon system was the „DRAGON?, a 105mm Light Gun, used in the direct role. Its ability to place a 105mm shell on target is remarkable, and surprised insurgents on a number of occasions, cementing its position as the army?s most violent sniping weapon. Each and every support system proved its worth, by matching a particular requirement or situation. It was a remarkable experience for the Fire Support Company gunners, mortar men and operators. For example, a conservative estimate at the time of writing would value the Javelin missiles fired by the anti-tank section at ?1.75m.

The enemy forces in the northern AO proved unpredictable throughout the tour. The first six weeks did not yield a single contact, a result of the de facto ceasefire set up by local farmers and observed by the Taliban in order to allow the opium harvest to be conducted without interference. The harvest benefited both parties, and once the funds that derive from the narcotics sales arrived in late May the insurgents began to step up their activity against ROSHAN, PB WOQAB and surrounding outstations. The fates of those two key northern AO locations proved inextricably tied, with ROSHAN being able to influence enemy attacks on WOQAB therefore both were often attacked concurrently, and B Coy?s dominance of the ground determining both how close the insurgents were able to get, and shaping the level of enemy activity.

Throughout the tour the Fusiliers at ROSHAN experienced a range of enemy attacks, most frequently IEDs targeting our resupply routes and small arms fire and RPG attacks on the command post and sangars. In the peak of the summer fighting, ROSHAN also received sustained attacks, with the enemy using multiple prestige weapons.
We were privileged enough to be on the receiving end of several unpleasant former Soviet block weapons, RPGs the most numerous, anti-aircraft heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers the most memorable. There have been many remarkable contacts, but a ROSHAN favourite unravelled when in the small hours, a large group of insurgents mounted an attack on the Tower from multiple firing points. Unfortunately for the insurgents, they had unwisely chosen to use tracer ammunition, a distinct advantage to the HMG and SF gunners. More importantly the attack coincided to the minute with the chance over flight of a fully armed and fuelled USMC Apache gunship, flown by a gifted pilot and crewed by an accurate and highly enthusiastic gunner. With ROSHAN?s anti-tank gunners giving a target indication (“watch my Javelin”!) it was a fairly one sided engagement, and the last night attack we saw for a considerable time.

The tour held several challenges. The first being the austere conditions, with food produced exclusively from ration packs, and no organic water source meaning infrequent showering and laundering of clothes. This aspect of the tour was in some ways quite enjoyable, by some more than others! ROSHAN was also not a little claustrophobic, with
numerous soldiers having spent the vast majority of their six (seven?) months on the same 70m x 40m of terrain, with the same faces for company. Most importantly ROSHAN had a high profile with local Afghans as an ISAF location, and as a result the ramifications of an error during a contact would have been enormous. Delivering the accurate engagement of insurgents and fire support to friendly troops, whilst ensuring that there were no civilian casualties or collateral structural, was a demanding reality.

The tour was an astonishing and unique experience. Immensely rewarding for the vast majority of the deployment, engagements usually ended with tangible results which are often so scarce on operations. That the majority of the work was in support of friends and fellow Fusiliers in a neighbouring patrol base added an element of passion to proceedings too. There were lucky escapes, with several men now able to swing the lantern and regale tales of every kind, and numerous „Hollywood moments? where Fusiliers and Gunners dived for the cover of the hardened accommodation followed closely by fragmentation.

Equally it has contained periods of enormous frustration, boredom and hard work that are to be expected in any military situation. The disappointment of being unable to positively identify insurgents with weapon systems due to obscuration, enemy guile or surveillance systems at their limit, or indeed being unable to safely engage due to local national presence always grated, and is well known to most fighting troops in Helmand. Mostly though, it was notable for the incredible performances of experienced NCOs and young Fusiliers alike, showing determination, bravery and an ability to prevail at every turn.

An enormous number of lessons were learned whilst soldiering at ROSHAN. From the vast tracts of experience that were gained in the employment of fire support weapon systems, to ways around the difficulties of identifying enemy firing points. The importance of ensuring that all that can be done to protect against enemy attack of every possible kind was re-enforced again and again. It was made clear that no enemy activity will permanently damage or limit the Fusilier?s capacity for humour; several commanders at ROSHAN will not forget running to the command post, passing the dust billowing from accommodation as a result of mortar and AGS-17 strikes, and hearing the hysterical laughter from within.

In Helmand's Fields:- In Helmand's fields the poppies grow,
Beside the rivers which sluggish flow,
That quench the dust, and feed this land
For which brave Tommy gives a hand.
With stoutest heart, and seldom low
Though progress oft seems so dreadful slow
He will defeat all Afghans' foe.
So they may play, work or stand
- In Helmand's fields.
It is for you, who watch the soldiers go
That we recount the story that all must know,
Of the service of your faithful band,
Who take up the fight in Afghan sand.
Our daily duty, the seeds we sow
- In Helmand's fields.
After John McRea?s In Flanders Fields

LANCASHIRE AREA HEADQUARTERS
Lancashire HQ RRF, Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DF Telephone number: 0161 763 8969

email addresses: fusilierslancshq@btinternet.com

New email address for Lt Col M J Glover TD Area Secretary Lancs.: colonel.glover@fusiliermuseum.com

Tony Sprason, Research Officer: anthonysprason@btinternet.com

In September the formal opening of the Fusilier Museum after a period of excessive work load was intensely satisfying. The Museum was officially opened by The Colonel in Chief who was accompanied by the Colonel of The Regiment. Some 250 invited guests were present at this splendid occasion which was admirably orchestrated by Edmund Gartside. AHQ is now looking forward to the work of the Headquarters and Museum settling down to something a little less like crisis management and more like a normal job.

Fusilier Monument.
On Sunday 27 September, the restored Fusilier Monument, which now sits outside the museum, was unveiled by Viscount Ridley, the grandson of Lutyens the architect. A considerable amount of time and effort has gone into the restoration including 300 hours of work with gold leaf. The Monument now looks magnificent and it is fair to say that it has not been seen in this state since1922 when it was first unveiled. All those who saw the Monument over the Fusilier Gathering Weekend agreed that the conservation work is outstanding and its place in the Gallipoli Garden is entirely appropriate.

Fusilier Gathering.
The Fusilier Gathering held in Lancashire was well attended with some 270 sitting down to the Association Dinner at the Village Hotel in Bury on the Saturday night. The inclusion of a party from the Lorne Scots including their Pipes added a great deal to the occasion and gave the weekend an international flavour. As is usual, the march through Bury after the Sunday Church Service received terrific support from the people of the town. This was a truly excellent weekend and thanks go to John O’Grady and Brian Bath for organizing such a memorable event.

The Fusilier Museum Bury

The Fusilier Museum is now operational and has attracted over 6,000 visitors since the soft opening at the end of June. This is equivalent to the combined visitor figures at Wellington Barracks from 2005 to 2007 inclusive. Even the Fusilier Monument is now in a position where it can be admired by the young and old of Bury on a daily basis. The future for the museum includes developing access to the Research Collection and providing a service to the Regiment by building up the RRF Collection.
New material continues to arrive. A particularly interesting recent donation has been a large decorated memorial board from Rochdale. The memorial was originally located in the Two Ships Hotel, Queen Street, Rochdale and commemorated all those who used to frequent the pub and went on to serve. It also records those who gave their lives. The memorial remained in the Two Ships from the end of the First World War till 2003 when the pub closed and was in danger of becoming derelict. The memorial was saved by Captain the Lord Havering who purchased the pub in order to secure the future of this
impressive memorial. In the short term there was nowhere to display it in Rochdale and it consequently went into storage in Yorkshire! The board will now be displayed in the Normandy Room adjacent to the Rochdale Honours Board
Exhibition on 2RRF in Afghanistan. It is the intention of the Museum curator to open a temporary exhibition based on 2RRF‘s tour in Afghanistan. The opening date is 22 March 2010 and will rely mainly on 2 RRF personnel providing most of the exhibits.
Friends of the Museum. A Friends group has reformed to reflect the new museum. This is an important non-Regimental group who have an interest in supporting the heritage of the Lancashire Fusiliers, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the building. Looking to the future all those members of the regiment, past and present, who are interested in preserving their heritage should seriously think about supporting the Friends.
Community Spaces. The effort to raise funds does not stop and the Friends in collaboration with the Council have received a Stage 1 Pass from Community Spaces for a grant to develop a small patch of ground that is to be incorporated into the Gallipoli Garden. The intention is to landscape the ground and incorporate an outdoor education area to enable school groups to benefit from the garden and the Fusilier Monument.

Past Personalities of XX The Lancashire Fusiliers

Lt Col Stanley (Kitna ) Price OBE. ED NOTE:Stanley Price was RSM of 1LF in India 1946/7. Legend says that amongst many other tales he charged an RAF pilot for low flying over a Battalion Parade. He ordered the Assault Pioneers to uproot the Flagpole on the Residency at Lucknow where the Union Flag had flown continuously since the 1857 Mutiny. I was there in 2000 and I saw the hole where the flag pole was! His last Official contact with the Battalion was as CO of the Transit Camp at Devizes when 1LF flew to Cyprus in 1966. I saw a living legend!
At 1000 hrs on the 7th September 2009, a group of Lancashire Fusiliers and the daughter of a decorated Lancashire Fusilier came together at a tiny cemetery in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. It had taken the web site team almost 2 years to track down the last resting place of Kitna Price and to organize the renovation of his gravestone,culminating in a visit to pay their personal respects and to convey the respectful sentiments of LFs from around the world.

The party of John McCormick,Geoff Pycroft and Joe Eastwood had spent the night at the White Hart in Sturminster Newton, where they had been joined the night before by Mrs Esmee Walsh (widow of Brian Walsh LF ) and by Alan and Pauline Gunn (Warwicks and 2 RRF). Also attending the Saturday night's convivialities were Mr Trevor Legg, Secretary of the local RBL and his ex service colleague David.

On the Sunday morning, they were pleased to meet at the churchyard Barbara Parker (daughter of John “Mucky” Mason DCM of 2LF and Cassino fame. Barbara has kindly agreed to place Minden Roses on the grave on 1st August each year. Also arriving unannounced having travelled from Devon was John Griffiths (LF) who we had last seen at the Veterans weekend in Blackpool.

The group were welcomed by Mr Nigel Pope, an ex Warrant Officer from the Dorset Regiment who in civilian life is the local Undertaker. It was Nigel who had officiated at the funeral for Kitna in 1982, the cremation having taken place in Yeovil and the urn of ashes interred at Sturminster Newton.

For the past 27 years Nigel has retained and kept safe the cap badge worn by Kitna which had been placed upon the coffin before cremation. He has promised to send it to Joe Eastwood for presenting to the Gallipoli Garden Museum.

Following a brief service which included a eulogy followed by a short silence and the lowering of the LF standard, Minden Roses and a Poppy were carefully placed at the head of the gravestone. Nigel gave the group information which led to Geoff, John McCormick and Joe being able to locate and to visit the very house where Kitna had died.
The current owners were away, but a charming couple who lived next door agreed to give us what they knew about the events of 1982, including the latest address they had in the USA for Mrs Billy Price who had remarried. The team will now try and communicate with her. We feel that Kitna has had the proper send off he should have been accorded in 1982 and that our duty to him has been carried out.

Mrs Linda Lemmon, Kitna's daughter has sent her thanks and appreciation for the restoration work on the grave stone. Linda said that her mother Billy (Kitna'swidow) is now 95 years old and living with Linda and her husband John in Southampton.

Frank Jefferson VC
In 1948 a group of Lancashire Fusilier Officers and Francis (Frank) Jefferson VC went to Jefferson's old school in Ulverston, Cumbria, and presented a silver cup suitably engraved with his details.
Joe Eastwood contacted the school, now known as the UVHS and discovered that although the cup was still presented annually, it was badly in need of refurbishment. A fund raising appeal was launched and due to the generosity of the LF web site supporters and members of the extended Jefferson family, the target was quickly reached.
The cup was refurbished and on the 11th of March 2009, Joe Eastwood, Dennis Laverick and Geoff Pycroft , together with a large number of the Jefferson family attended the presentation of The Jefferson VC trophy to this years winner, a fine young man named Simon Collins.
An Aunt of Frank Jefferson who used to baby sit him recalled how one day she tipped him out of his pram by accident into the local canal, so we almost did not have our only WW2 VC winner !
As a bonus to the special day,the school had been given a picture of the very first presentation in 1948, which clearly showed that the cup once had a lid. The school initiated a search in the archives and found it !

Alastair Greenway, one of the masters, has expressed an interest in continuing the link between the LF web site and the school, which can only be good for the Regiment.
Use this link: http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/feature/jefferson/Frankjeffersonvc.htm
where it is fully reported (speakers on,there is a personal account of how he won the VC in Frank's own words)

Voluntary donations towards the cost of running the site are welcome. Please make payable to "The LF Web Site Fund" and post to:- Captain J Eastwood BEM CQSW, Cherry Tree Cottage, 7 Duxford Road, Whittlesford, Cambs. CB22 4NQ

Omnia Audax
Joe Eastwood.

MEMORIES OF D COY 5LF/5RRF

Last issue I wrote about a fusilier who had an adverse effect on explosives - they did not perform as they should do. I don’t know why. My mother couldn’t wear a wristwatch - it would always stop after a few minutes and she said it was the electricity in her body.
Perhaps this was why Inergas, 3.5” rocket launchers and 36 grenades failed to work properly when Fus Boulton handled them.

On the other hand we had a Major who had the opposite effect. He was not originally a fusilier but had been seconded to us from a corps, RE’s I think. By looking at explosives he seemed to be able to double their effect. One year he was instructed to load and fire the model silver cannon to signal the port to be passed around at a Mess dinner. This he did to great effect - the cannon was fired, the barrel split, the Colonel nearly had a fit, officers near the cannon were peppered with black soot and wine glasses were broken by the blast. I do not think the end result met with the full approval of the CO.

At the Officers’ Mess dinner next year the CO said the cannon must not be used as it had just been repaired at great expense, so therefore another method would have to be used. Again our OC was given the task (do people never learn?) At the appointed time for the port a CSgt approached the CO with a bell push on a silver tray. The CO looked at our OC through narrowed eyes, the OC smiled and nodded to him, the Colonel then pressed the button. Nothing happened. Thinking he had been the victim of a practical joke, the Colonel turned, smiling, to our Major. The next second outside was a large flash and bang. Some of the Officers’ Mess windows were broken by flying debris from the lawn, sods, stones and soil had all been sent through the window by the blast.

Meanwhile in the Sgts’ Mess the explosion was thought to be the work of terrorists, some senior ranks went to the Arms Cote to draw weapons and ammunition whilst others went to investigate. What they saw was a large hole in the beautifully kept lawn, someone said it was a beehive charge. It must have been a very big bee!! Our OC was never tasked with the job of signaling the port again. Some people cannot take a joke.

At the same camp Carnoustie, a Sgt was approached by the Major and told “Be a good chap and get a couple of chappies and fill in the small hole I’ve made in the track in the woods”. This small hole was about 6ft in diameter and about 4ft deep. The spoil from the hole had been deposited over a large area. It was filled in with twigs and leaves etc. I hope a Pl Commander leading his men down the track did not fall into it. I wish!
At the same camp, we had an RSM who was a bit of a martinet - no that’s not strictly true, he was a lot of a martinet and pompous with it. It was the last day of the exercise and everyone was clearing up. At the top of a field was a canvas windbreak surrounding a thunderbox which needed to be taken down. The RSM had seen this and shouted out “Cpl Noon dismantle the toilet and take it away”. Cpl Noon replied “But Sir” only to be cut short with the words “Don’t ‘but Sir’ me, just get it done”. “Yes Sir right away” was the reply. After briefing his men in whispers they quietly approached the canvas screen, picked it up at one go and ran down the hill with it. A loud bellow made the RSM turn around, to his horror he saw the Colonel sitting on the box, pants around the ankles. As Cpl Noon passed the RSM he said “That’s what I was trying to tell you Sir, the CO was having a crap”.

CHARLIE FOXTROT
BRANCH NOTES

D COY 5LF/5RRF BRANCH
Editor'sNote D Company 5LF Branch is welcomed as a fully paid up Branch of the Association to be known as Shiney D

Gallipoli
Some of D Coy went over to Gallipoli this year to lay a wreath on the Memorial and also to visit ‘W Beach’. Jim Worrall was the organizer and Tony Tootill took many photographs, some of which may be seen on the D Coy Website.

Edinburgh Tattoo
Five of D Coy went to the Tattoo and again this was organized by Jim. The hotel was situated 65 miles away from the Tattoo in Kilmarnock - I think the person at Ledger Travel must have failed miserably in their geography exams. Well worth a visit and much better than the TV version. The RAF Regt’s little cameo of extracting a casualty under fire went very well, that is until they were doing the unload off the arena. Oh dear accidental discharge, thankfully only blanks. I wonder what the punishment is for that these days?

Leeds Armoury
Three of D Coy took a trip to Leeds Armoury. Very interesting and well worth a visit, it takes nearly all day to see in detail, and unlike our own museum in Bury it’s FREE.

Lancashire
I do not know if you are aware but should you buy a box of Lancashire Teabags, the manufacturers make a donation to SSAFA.

Whilst I am on about Lancashire, do you know the county boundary has not changed? It’s still Lancashire from the Mersey in Stockport to the Yorkshire border to the east and Lancashire all the way up the coast to Barrow, except for a small break near Grange. The fact that we have had a couple of admin areas dropped upon us, ie Greater Manchester and Merseyside, Manchester and Liverpool are still in Lancashire, in fact the post office tell me it’s incorrect to put Greater Manchester on an address. In Lancashire and only in Lancashire the Loyal Toast is:- THE QUEEN, DUKE OF LANCASTER. Perhaps at the next Fusilier Gathering to be held in Lancashire, somebody will inform the person proposing the toast of this fact. It did not happen at the Fusilier Gathering Dinner this year.

Race Night
D Coy travelled to the RBL Club, Pendleton to support Salford Branch in their effort to raise funds for the newly reformed branch. A good time was had by all and a few winners as well. It was noted that we were the only fusiliers outside the Salford lads to support the event. Well done Shiny D.

Cap Badges
When I was in the army in the 50s onward, all English and Welsh Regiments wore their cap badges 1” above the left eye, except of course the LFs who wore their patch and hackle over the left temple. Can anyone inform me why various regiments including our own have started to wear their badges over the left temple. At the Fusilier Gathering, the Association members on parade all wore theirs over the left eye. Why and when the changes?
Colin Fletcher

OLDHAM BRANCH

Meetings –
1st Tuesday in the month, Chadderton Reform Club, Middleton Road, Oldham

Since the last issue we have been involved in almost everything from the 2 RRF funerals of Cpl Etchells and Fus Annis as well as RMP Cpl Oakland who came from our patch in New Moston. We wish the families our best wishes and hope to see them in the future. The correct respect and dignity was evident throughout and we thank our standard bearers Les Berry, John Ulrich, Spud Heywood, Mick Fowles and Steve Fitt. When we have such a good relationship with olexa we can more often than not expect up to 30 standards. Well done to all standard bearers who have supported whatever project we have been involved with, namely all civic parades within the town and the local funerals of all regiments.

Saddleworth War Weekend at Uppermill saw a good turnout. We sighted Carol and Clacky Rees (3RRF) in one of the bars who were immediately signed up for the Oldham party. This should see another 200 this year at our 14th Annual Dinner at Stockport. Over the last 6 months we have had representation at all area activities. The Gathering proved to be popular and thanks to the committee for the weekend. We also paid tribute to Life for a Life Project, which is now ten years old, with events at Manchester Grammar School and Strinesdale Warriors Rest. Life for a Life is paying tribute to the Regiment.

A date should be available soon for the opening of a new Fusilier Meadow at Whitfield in March/April 2010 – work has been going on at the site.

Oldham branch congratulate Nobby and Ronnie on receipt of the Regimental Medals in respect of Association work over the past 15 years (mind you, the wives should have got them!).
We wish a happy Christmas and new year to all our members.
Thank you – once a fusilier, always a fusilier.

ROCHDALE BRANCH

Meetings –
1st Wed in the month at 2000 hrs, Rochdale Transport Club, Baron Street, Rochdale

Secretary – Mr E Pickup, 44 Mountain Ashes, Rooley Moor, Rochdale, OL12 7JE

Firstly I should like to apologize to all our regular readers of the Newsletter, Rochdale Branch has not invented another Regimental Celebration, one that has been kept on the secrets’ list by chance, one you missed out on. No, I refer to the last bulletin when it was reported that we were holding a Bets’ Night. No this should have read our annual Vets’ Night. (Never mind Ed – the ‘v’ and ‘b’ keys are next door to each other.) Sorry all.

Well just to bring you up-to-date – our Vets’ Night went down very well on 26 June. Thirty members sat down to an evening meal at the Royal Toby Hotel in Rochdale, and this time there was no mix up with the menus and the evening went very smoothly.
Our Minden Ball held on 25 July 2009 at the Masonic Buildings, Rochdale, was also a great success, where everyone enjoyed themselves, listening and dancing to the Eddie Hilton Quartet. Major Garside (the Gaffer) commented that it was nice to see Eddie back
in Rochdale after so long - he had not seen him since the old Carlton days. Who’s showing their age then now? (Back to the late Fifties). Sorry Sir.

The Fusilier Gathering came and went, and by all the reports it was an event not to be missed. Rochdale Branch was well represented, but I was unable to attend due to ill health, but through the magic of the internet and our website, I was able to catch up. Well done, Dennis.

The Road to Arras and Cleggie’s costly mistake
In most circles of the Association, it is well know that Rochdale Branch has an annual pilgrimage (jolly) to France and Belgium visiting the WW1 cemeteries. Well this year we decided to stay in Arras and visit the famous tunnels. Everything was organised for 11 October using Clegg and Thorpe Battlefield Tours. We were to travel overnight down to Dover and catch an early morning ferry - everything went to plan although the pick-up times went a bit out of sync. As everyone was picked up, up went the cry ‘have you got your passport?’ I distinctly remember Cleggie shouting to the OC in the middle of the street, ‘has he got his passport and has he got his money?’

As I said everything was going like clockwork – although I don’t know whose clock - Cleggie’s or Truely’s! We hit the motorway and it was plain cruising (not much traffic). We sailed along to the smell of cheese and onion butties, just like being back in the army, wherever you went for packed lunches to be ordered, the famous cheese and onion, come spam butties, would be on the menu (ALWAYS). We even picked up Dave Clegg (little brother) at Crewe, not far off the main motorway and up went the cry ‘have you got your passport?’ ‘Yes – I’ve got my passport.’ On we went.

Watford Gap was our 2nd port of call where we all de-bussed to stretch the old legs, calls of nature, food (most had sandwiches) smoke breaks and whatever a bunch of ex-squaddies’ needs may be. As we were all huddled in a bunch at the side of the bus, some enjoying the last of their sarnies, some enjoying a quick puff on a cigarette, it was decided we should collect passports in order to save time at the dockside.

Everyone scrambled through their pockets and bags, as once again the cry went up ‘have you got your passports?’ ‘B!!!!! B!!!!!!!’ went the cry as Cleggie fell to one side ‘I’ve picked up the B!!!!y wife’s. (Hillary is the Secretary). Now, this is four in the morning – what do we do? Hillary is at home tucked up in bed and Cleggie’s on the Watford Gap Services with her passport. Decision-time – do we leave Cleggie at Watford and carry on – no that’s out of the question as he is one of the drivers on the insurance – do we phone home and ask her if she can meet us halfway? Well you can imagine Hillary’s reply to that Y!! C!! S!! O!!. Yes we returned to Rochdale with Cleggie getting stick all the way – he will not live it down in a while.

Rochdale to Crewe 54 miles
Crewe to Watford Gap 92 miles
Back to Rochdale 142 miles
Rochdale to Dover 301 miles
COST IN DIESEL £59

The new Peter Glegg.

A costly mistake, remember this Cleggie. It’s pink for girls and blue/black for us boys (that’s passport covers) or in this day and age whatever you fancy, as long as you pick up the RIGHT passport.
Well we arrived in Arras at about 1800 hrs on Sunday 12 October, having taken a later ferry. This was just in time to drop the suitcases off in the hotel rooms, get a quick wash and a scrape and do a quick recce of the town centre to find an eating and watering hole – remember this was a Sunday evening. I cannot remember the bar where we ate, but I do know that everything came with French fries. The bar we settle in that night was Paddy’s Bar ( tricolours and all) – trust the Fusiliers, if you get my drift, it was like being back in Armagh. I don’t know if it was the traveling or the warm Killkenny, but I think we all slept well that night.

The next day we were up for breakfast, which was a typical French continental breakfast, plenty of lukewarm, black coffee, French sticks, honey, jam and fruit - the take-it or leave-it variety type of breakfast if you know what I mean (bring on the full English). After we had all eaten breakfast, we decided to visit the tunnels in Arras. We set off in an orderly manner, but after some time we were strung out, as no-one had said that it was about ? mile away, and it was all uphill to the site. Once there we were ushered through as there were several school trips planned for that day and they did not want us getting mixed up!

We entered the tunnels by lift and were transported 150 metres down below the earth’s surface. We traveled along the tunnels, making sure that we stayed in the middle of walkways to various chambers where our guide explained what had gone on all those years ago. You just could not imagine the numbers of men involved in the digging of these tunnels. Men were stationed in these tunnels awaiting their time to go into battle by attacking the enemy from the rear. Tunnels to the surface were excavated along with steps and this was the last thing some of the poor souls saw before breaking out of the dark of the tunnels into the light on the surface and being shot dead. These men and officers needed living quarters and massive chambers were dug to accommodate them, even a chapel was dug out of the rock. It was amazing and well worth the visit. That afternoon we visited several more sights but the tunnels at Arras were the most impressive.

Vimy Ridge was a most impressive sight too with those two gigantic columns stretching skywards, and the figures clinging to the heights with arms outstretched to the heavens. This glorious monument to the Canadian Troops and attached units who took this ridge all those years ago was a feat in itself. We also visited the tunnels on this site. They were not as impressive as the ones in Arras, but when you imagine the fighting that went on, everyone has its own story. These tunnels were as near to the front line as you could get and the craters just outside were huge – some 20-30 feet across. These days they are covered in grass but as you can imagine in those days they were full of stinking mud and water – one slip and you were in for eternity – what a way to go weighted down with all your kit and ammo and anything else you may be carrying. If you ever visit Vimy Ridge and the famous tunnels, look out for the new residents that live there – they come out at night and fly around the open spaces near to the monument and tunnels, but during the day take up residence in the tunnels. Yes there is a colony of bats. LADIES BEWARE.

Yes we visited several sites – Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel, the Ulster Tower, Albert, the Famous TOMMIES, and Ypres (for the chocolate!). These are just some of the larger sites but we also visited lots of the smaller ones like the Christmas Truce and the site of the famous Football Match marked by a simple wooden cross – hard to believe today as you watch the French farmer gathering his crops of maize there now. On Wednesday
night, after a long day’s travel up and down the byways of France, it was decided by the powers that be that we should hold a regimental dinner after all. The venue was the Eurostar Bar-cum-caf?(a French McDonalds). Just across the way from the hotel, this had become the local watering hole. The bar made its money that week as night after night it was kept open by the troops wanting ‘after time’. It showed, as the bar ran out of several brands of ale. The dinner went down well and the bar staff did us proud. The chef really knew how to cook the steaks, no-one complained (I don’t think they dared as he was one BIG Frenchman), and all this washed down with a good French wine. A good night was had by all, even the resident bar flies, that Ralph became a dab-hand at swatting (‘Ten with One Blow’ came to mind by Hans Christian Anderson).

On Friday we set off at a reasonable time to catch the midday ferry. It’s as well we did, as no sooner had we boarded and set sail the French stevedores called a strike and blocked the port of Calais. Well once again it was an experience traveling with Clegg and Thorpe’s Battlefield Tours, but one thing that baffles me and the others is Truely’s obsession with roundabouts. Even with a sat-nav he would still go round a couple of times and end up having an argument with a machine. All said and done Clutchie and Truely did the driving and well done lads for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Remembrance Sunday 8 November 2009 went off very well. The weather stayed off and we got away with it again. The only thing that let me down was a bout of angina – the old puffer bottle was out and I missed yet another parade. I think someone is trying to tell me something. But marching with the cadets I have 3 grandsons so if I am not there in person, I’m there in name and spirit – 2 Marine Cadets and 1 Fusilier Cadet is not bad, and there’s more in the making.

After the parade we all retired to our HQ, the Transport Club. There we delved in a few sherbets and a good helping of potato pie. We were visited by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift and Sue Etchells, our MP, Paul Rowen, Wing Commander David Forbes, President of the Royal British Legion, our President, Major E T Garside (the Gaffer), and a Naval Commander. All members of the Mayor’s party made a speech and at several points they were very rousing. It made you feel like signing up again and following the pipes and drums, Queen’s Shilling included (do they still do that these days? A good day was had by all apart from the angina – looks like I’m sidelined.
At the present time, as a Branch, we are awaiting the 2nd Battalion’s homecoming march through Rochdale on 30 November. WELCOME HOME LADS from all the members of Rochdale Branch. God bless and God keep you all safe always.

Another event we are all looking forward to is our Christmas Celebrations at the Masonic Buildings in Rochdale. It’s a good night to catch up with friends, old and new. I will report on that in 2010.

When you read these notes it will be 2010 so I hope you all had a very good Christmas, and I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Omnia Audax

Elwin Pickup, Secretary, Rochdale Branch

NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH
Secretary – Ian Scholes

During 2009 our membership numbers have maintained and the outlook is positive. Although a small branch we continue to enjoy our monthly meetings and have had another successful year with a full and varied calendar of events. We have held a couple of Quiz Nights which were well supported and a Clay Pigeon Shoot outing which proved to be very popular and enjoyed by all who attended.

We celebrated Gallipoli and St George’s Day at our local club, and were pleased to have put in place a headstone for a former member, Paddy Lennon. Minden Day was celebrated and followed by a memorable weekend in Bury for the Gathering – great to catch up with old faces. The Association was proud to be on Parade at both the Veterans’ Day Parade and Remembrance Day Parade.

Finally we shall end the year with our Association Christmas Dinner and a few drinks at ‘the club’ afterwards. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. All the best from the Northern Ireland Branch and hope to see you all at the Gathering 2010.

Ian Scholes, Secretary, Northern Ireland Branch

POET'S CORNER

A Soldier:- A soldier stood before his God,as must always come to pass,
He hoped his boots were shining,just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now you soldier,how shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true? “

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,”No Lord I guess I aint,
cause those of us who carry guns, can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough,
and at times, I have been violent cause the world is awfully rough.
But I never took a penny Lord, that wasn't mine to keep,
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep,
and I never passed a cry for help, though at times, I shook with fear,
and at times God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here Lord, it needn't be so grand.
In life I didn't expect too much, so if you don't, I understand.”

There was silence all around the throne,where the saints had often trod,
as the soldier waited quietly for the judgement of his God.
“Step forward now brave soldier, you've borne your burden well
walk peacefully in heavens streets ,you've served your time in hell.”

Submitted by Alan Noble
They haven't a clue:- They haven't a clue
What it is to do
Your duty for Her Shilling,
They don't know why
A man will die
With a smile and still be willing,
To fight to the end
To help his friend,
While the Westminster pigs are swilling
Cash from the trough
With a diffident cough,
While the soldiers brave are dying.
? David G. Hoyle 2009

(LANCASHIRE)

President: Col B M Gorski

Chairman: Capt J O’Grady

Secretary: Mr S Fitt

Treasurer: Major J Hindshaw TD DL

Events Secretary:

Editorial Comment – Capt.David G.Hoyle (Ret'd)

The fortieth year of the Royal regiment of Fusiliers (5th , 6th , 7th & XX) has passed during which we have seen the formal end of Operation Banner, and our Fusiliers have been seeing serious active service in Asia. It would be interesting to compare the the number of rounds fired on active service by the average Fusilier since the Third Fusiliers went to War in 1991 with the number of rounds fired on active service by the average member of our four antecedent Regiments in their combined 1,151 years of history. If 1914-18 and 1939-45 were excluded I'll bet a tenner that the Fusiliers of 1RRF, 2RRF & 3RRF would well ahead, will anyone take up the challenge with some research and report back?

Thanks to Joe Warden for writing his story, there must be a few more of us with something to add to our history please put pen to paper or rather finger to keyboard and send in your story.

I am sure that everyone will join with the Chairman in thanking John Scotson for the work that he has done for the Regimental Association in Lancashire during the past eight years and wish him well as he redirects his voluntary work for the Regiment by helping in the Museum.

Thanks to Dennis Laverick for his website work, do use the links below:-

http://www.fusiliers-association-lancs.co.uk

http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk

Letter from the Chairman – Capt. John O'Grady (Ret'd)

Since taking the chair in May of this year our main emphasis has been to get as many members as possible linked to the website, which has been superbly set up by our website manager Mr Dennis Laverick, ably assisted by Mr Ron Owen secretary of the Oldham Branch, it has links to all of our Regimental areas. It is also hope that by the end of this year all of our members will be paying their subscriptions by direct debit, allowing the Treasurer to project more accurate financial forecasts.

I have also tasked all of the Branch Secretaries to try their best to increase branch numbers by 10-15% by Jan 2009. I am also very pleased to announce that major (Rtd) Brian Bath has decided to join our executive committee along with Warrant Officer (Rtd) Ian Hilton with whom their vast experience in Regimental matters will benefit the Association Lancashire greatly.

The long journey South for the Fusilier Gathering was much enjoyed by all who attended and a big thank you must go to Major Bowes-Crick and Captain John Davies for all of their hard work over that weekend. The choral singers during the church service on the Sunday morning were outstanding and after a hearty lunch all arrived back in Manchester on the Sunday evening. Lancashire is very pleased to be hosting the 2009 Gathering and will take great pleasure in welcoming you all, to what will be, we hope, a very enjoyable weekend. With a very busy year ahead for Lancashire in mind, may I take this opportunity to thank all of my very hard working committee and branch secretaries, for all that they do in keeping alive the Association in their areas, and wish them and their families and all members of the Regimental Association a very happy, holy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Association Secretary’s Notes

In October 2008 I had to send out a letter to all members of a local branch to try and stop the branch from folding, (the branch needed a new Chairman & Secretary) normally this HQ does not interfere in the running of branches, but I felt something had to be done as this particular branch has over thirty members on the books. I had the feeling that nobody could be bothered and the attitude was it’s ok someone else will do it, and that was the feeling I had when I attended the meeting at the end of the month. Gentlemen this is not the attitude to take, as luck would have it someone came forward (thank you to that person) but the situation should not have been allowed to get so far. We have lost several members this year, but there are new members out there, when you meet someone and they say they were a Fusilier get them to join the Association. So far this year I have passed on details of 10 people to branches.

Steven Fitt

Association Secretary.

E-Mail Addresses

The e-mail addresses for the Lancashire Headquarters of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers are as follows:

Lt Col M J Glover TD Area Secretary Lancs: colonelglover@btinternet.com

Linsay Walsh Chief Clerk: fusilierslancshq@btinternet.com

Tony Sprason Research Officer anthonysprason@btinternet.com

General Enquiries same as Chief Clerk

Capt D G Hoyle Editor News Sheet: david_g_hoyle@hotmail.co.uk

Anything you wish to go on the association web site

Association Web Master: webmaster@fusiliers-association-lancs.co.uk

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Display of the Fusiliers in Northern Ireland in our new Museum
Helen Castle, the curator for the new RRF Museum in Bury, is now actively seeking papers, documents, maps, op orders and display artefacts which she can use for the first of our featured display areas within the new museum, due to open on 25 April. Such items might be loaned or gifted to the Museum, but the search is now on to receive whatever might be available.
Please either send documents to Lt Col Mike Glover, AHQ RRF Lancashire, Wellington Barracks, Bury, BL8 2PL,
or, Phone him on 0161764 2208 to arrange for someone to collect what you might have to offeor fax or email to 0161763 9512 or colonelglover@btinternet.com to indicate what you might have.

REGIMENTAL JOTTINGS

News from RHQ HM Tower of London

First Fusiliers

In October, the Colonel-in-Chief and the Colonel of the Regiment, Brig Trevor Minter, together visited 1RRF in Basra.
What follows is an extract from Birmingham's Sunday Mercury newspaper which gives a good insight into the situation in Basra and the job done by the Fusiliers of 1RRF Battlegroup.

Heartache and hope in Basra
Oct 18 2008 by Tony Larner, Sunday Mercury
HELL on earth is how some have come to know Basra but for hundreds of Midlands soldiers it has been home for the last four months.

Surviving in tiny coffin beds, surrounded by breeze blocks and Kevlar, British troops have little privacy as they cram into a network of tents.

Insurgent rocket attacks are still a constant threat and every member of personnel in the huge Contingency Operating Base is required to have full body armour and helmet to hand whenever they move from their living space.

But this isn’t the Basra that was ravaged by murders, kidnappings, suicide bombs and mortars just eight months ago.
Things have changed dramatically since the Iraqi-led ‘‘Charge of the Knights’’ campaign saw Moqtada-al-Sadr’s militia driven out of the city.

Dozens of insurgents were eliminated, killed by American and Iraqi battlegroups. Hundreds more fled to Iran with the remainder going to the north of the country, where military sources say they have now been wiped out as well.

Supporting this operation were hundreds of British troops working on logistics to help capture known insurgents in the city.

But there is still plenty of work to be done here and Midlands soldiers in the First Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, are at the heart of all that is going on.

Each fusilier works on a nine day cycle within the 7th Armoured Brigade – the Desert Rats.
For one cycle they are put on 15 minutes notice to be sent out into contact with the enemy.
And for up to six hours at a time the soldiers must be prepared for any eventuality from supporting a military unit who have come under fire in downtown Basra, to helping a vehicle that has broken down in the desert. Rarely are they needed, such is the improved security and stability in southern Iraq now.

But nearly a month ago the troops had to deal with every soldier’s worst nightmare.
An American Chinook helicopter crashed not far from their base after a mechanical failure. It was obvious this was a serious incident that would involve heavy casualties.

The Fusiliers supported rescue units as they rushed to the scene, providing much needed back-up to deal with any possible attacks amid the destruction.

Unfortunately seven Americans were killed. But for the Midlands troops it is part of the reality of war that they have come to know all too well.

Stuart Thorne, 32 and from Sheldon, Birmingham, said: “We see a lot of awful stuff while on tour but this time round it’s not quite so bad.

“I was in Basra when we entered the country and took over the city.
“Back then we were living out of our Warrior vehicles, sleeping rough, and having to dodge bullets left right and centre.

“This tour has been much better – much quieter.
“We haven’t been in any firefights in four months and there are very few rockets fired at the base now.”
The change is testament to the work of the First Fusiliers. One of their main duties is patrolling the marshland around the base so that insurgents cannot fire rockets aimed at their living quarters.

Now, when soldiers go into the villages they are greeted by smiling children.
Snipers, who patrol the area frequently, become familiar faces to the locals who are often pleased to see the Fusiliers, as they have come to represent security and safety from the once strong militias.But it is not all smiles and happiness.
Fus Thorne, married with a seven-year-old daughter, added: “You still see children struggling to survive and desperate for water and food. It’s heartbreaking, especially as a father myself.

“But there is not much we can do as individual soldiers.
“We are not supposed to give them anything because we are supposed to be helping them stand on their own two feet.
“If we keep giving them hand-outs then they will just come to rely on us.
“We just have to try and remember the bigger picture and the way the Iraqi government is trying to support its people.”
Watch the Basra video diaries of Birmingham Mail reporter Paul Bradley by visiting www.birminghammail.net

First Fusiliers handed over command of the Strike Battle Group in Basra to 5 RIFLES BG on Monday 1 December. The CO and Adjt should be back in their rather colder North Germany offices in Lumsden Barracks on Thursday. Thursday is also the day that the last Fusilier from 1RRF should be clear of Iraq.

1RRF Medals Parade
The Colonel of the Regiment and the Regimental Secretary were privileged to present the Iraq Campaign Medals to some 150 members of First Fusiliers Strike Battle Group in a parade in Lumsden Barracks, Fallingbostel on the return from Iraq. It was quite an emotional occasion as it coincided with Lt Col Paul Nanson’s handing over of command after 3 years. It was also the first time that a Brigade, in this case 7 Armoured Brigade, had completed a 6 month TELIC tour of duty in Iraq without a fatality. The Battalion is now on 6 weeks of well-deserved leave and will reform at the end of January under command of Lt Col Jim Landon.

Second Fusiliers

The Second Fusiliers have completed a highly credit worthy period of Public Duties carrying out some 50 Guard Mounts in addition to the State Opening of Parliament and Freedom Parades in London and Birmingham. Needless to say their operational fitness has in no way suffered as serious exercises on the Salisbury Plain and Stanford Training Area have honed their military skills.

2RRF Operational Tour
Second Fusiliers who were expecting a tour in Iraq next year have now been officially stood to for a 6 month tour in Afghanistan, deploying in March.

Regimental Secretary
I hand over as Regimental Secretary to Brig (Retd) Ian Liles at the end of the year so, after Christmas leave, when we (you!) reform on Monday 5 January he will be in the chair. This is therefore my last Fusilier News and I take the opportunity to record just what a pleasure it has been to serve in this post, seeking to help the Regiment over the last 12 years. The position allows one access to so many people connected to the Regiment, young and old, serving and retired, cadets and Long Service List. It is a privilege to be able to link in with so many.

Jolyon Willans
MSF C1
Regimental Secretary
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir

This is an unbelievable story that happens to be true. During the campaign in Sicily, 2nd Batt D Coy LF had the job of clearing the town of Bronte. It was a night attack with no moon and not a lot of opposition as I think our noisy neighbours were more intent on pulling back to the coast to get to Italy. We got to the other side of the town and took the steep hill in the dark, suffering a few casualties.

When daylight came, the Buffs took over from us and we returned down the hill to the side of Bronte not in the town centre. All the time Jerry was using their six barrelled mortars (the "Moaning Minis"). The road out of Bronte went through a tunnel under the hill we had taken. The tunnel was being used as a dressing station by the medics, as a shelter by the civilians. We were on a narrow path on the side of the hill. Then it happened – one of those things that hit you the most! A little lad was running to the tunnel when a mortar landed near him. I won't go into details, but there was nothing we could do for him.

Afterwards we went back up the hill and we were told to dig slit trenches as we were in reserve. I had just finished my slit and put some hay at the bottom from a nearby stack when a runner came from HQ Coy to tell me to report to HQ.

When I got there two other members of the company were already there. Bear in mind, we had been up all night! I thought it was a joke, but far from it. We were told nobody knew where the American front line was and we had to go and find the Yanks and get the griff. All we were told was "somewhere in that direction". So Corporal Archie Horton, Fusilier Bemrose and me, Lance Corporal Warden, went off to find the Yanks at 10.00 am. After quite some time, trying to look like hump back peasants, we came across a copse of trees and we were in a dried up culvert. We saw movement. As Coy HQ hadn't given us any field glasses, we had to get closer, but we were lucky – the culvert went towards the copse. It turned out to be a German supply dump which meant we were behind their front line! So back we went the way we came, not very happy by this time. We were in doubt whether we would find the Yanks.

Well into the afternoon we were wondering which way to go when by chance in the distance we saw a truck. Yanks' trucks had a big white star on the side but being so far away and with no field glasses, we couldn’t tell so we took a chance, got to the road and went the same way as the truck. We seemed to be on a wild goose chase and then Jerry did us a favour. They started shelling in front of us – a long way in front but coming towards us. With expectations high, we went toward the shelling and lucky us, we came to a dried up culvert which went under the road. We heard voices coming from down there. Bemrose and I got grenades out of our pouches, him on one side, me on the other. I looked over the side and a Yank shouted me to come down! I can honestly say I have never been treated better – they treated us like long lost brothers when we said we were 8th Army!

They were engineers and took us to their officer, a Major who carried on the welcome. Archie told him what we were here for. He said he'd take us to their HQ, but before that he asked if we'd like a drink. He asked for our water bottles and told a GI to fill them with wine. Finally, we got in a flat-back Jeep, me and Bemrose in the back, Archie in the front with the Major. On the floor of the Jeep there were two big green apples and a load of almond nuts. We finally got to their HQ and Archie went with the Major into a tent, Bemrose and I leant against an olive tree. As we had not eaten any food since the night before we decided to have one of the apples when the Major came out and said "Enjoyed the apples boys?", smiling thank God.

We went back to the engineers camp and still got the same treatment as before. Archie wanted to start on the way back with the Griff, but the Major talked him into having a meal which was far superior than what we were used to. After the meal, it was starting to get dark. The Major said why not wait till morning, to which Bemrose and I said "Yes!". So it was agreed. The lent us razors and towels so we could look something like. We had left our small packs in the slits we had dug that morning! They gave us sleeping bags – sheer luxury. As soon as I hit the sack I was asleep. Next morning, they fed us breakfast – 5 star treatment. When we were ready to set off back, the major said "Why not stay with us, we are three men short". It was very tempting, but we obviously said thanks but no. The Yanks were fantastic, they wished us good luck and a safe return to our unit.

They say a good soldier never looks back. Don’t believe it – looking back at different objects got us back to the same hill where we dug our slit trenches. We recovered our small packs, but there was no company. But there was a battery of 25 pounders who were there to support out battalion who were attacking the town of Randazo that night - Oh lucky us. We found the company after a while and reported to HQ. The first person we saw was CSM Danny O'Connell. He said "F'ing hell, I never expected to see you three again!". If he only knew how nearly right he was – but not for the reasons he thought!

By the time we got back we had missed our big packs with the clean clobber as they had been sent back as we were not there. Danny said he would see we got a mention, but it never happened. Incidentally, the Canadians cut across our front and took Randazo.

Corporal Archie Horton was later killed in Italy, I don't know about Bemrose.

But I am here to tell the tale.

Joe Warden - Omnia Audax

THE LONDON TRIP MK 11

Monday

As we had such a good time in London last year, it was decided to repeat it.

`D` Coy old and wrinkled met up at Piccadilly station Manchester, 7 regular travellers plus 4 new ones. Colin Needham, Trevor Noone and John Deakin, who has now recovered enough from his illness to travel with us, and John`s batman Tim Kelly “Top Cat”. Tim is an ex L.F. plus ex R.M.P Redcap over 60 are considered house trained so he was very welcome.

Jim has now given up train spotting, so we all embarked to the train as a group, seats had not been reserved so we would not all be sitting together. This arrangement does have distinct advantages as 4 of us were going to find out. The train left on time and was soon doing 100mph. (Jim said so as he had counted the mile posts!)

A lady sitting diagonally opposite to myself and 3 others got up and walked down the carriage. About 5 minutes later she returned and looked across at the 4 of us with a rather peculiar look on her face – half grin half smirk. When I later visited Stan`s table at the other end of the coach I was told (not by Stan) that the lady had gone into the toilet and found it occupied by Stan, who was sitting on the throne. She promptly gave him a lecture on toilet etiquette. `One does not use the bog without closing and locking the door, this my good man switches the occupancy light from green to red`. The lady gave him the lecture with the door wide open. Exit Stan some minutes later red faced and to cheers of the fellow travelers. The door was firmly closed and locked on the return journey.

We arrived in London on time. I still cannot believe that you can get to London and return for £23, and without any trouble. It has got to be the bargain of the year.

From Euston a taxi into the Union Jack Club, a few beers, dinner and more beers. The topic of conversation was, of course, the correct way to use various facilities on a train! Stan refused to enter into any conversation. That was a first for old sun-burned tongue.

Tuesday

After breakfast we had arranged to go to the Chelsea Hospital to see our old friends again, but this time not for the tour of the hospital, just meet some of our old friends from last year in their mess.

We saw a few of our old friends from last year and also a member of staff ex RRF from Newcastle who was a friend of Jack Spencer. Jack had been a P.S.I. at Bury and this chap was going to a reunion up north, so we asked him to give our best wishes to Jackie.

From the hospital we went to the Imperial War Museum. This is some museum and you really need a full day to see everything. The walking proved too much for some of our members so the visit was cut short. One of the exhibits in the basement on Aden shows a R.N.F. arresting a terrorist. The arresting fusilier was Tony Lofthouse, another of `D` Coy P.S.I.`s now unfortunately deceased.

Back to the Union Jack Club for dinner. The dinner was delayed for some 4 of us, we had to wait for Jim. He had lost his false teeth. They were found later that day under his bed. Stan`s teeth are still not right, anything harder than rice pudding is a problem.

Observations so far

The Gurkha has not shown up, obviously this is because Ronnie Wilkinson was not with us. The Gurkha is obviously his bearer.

We did again make representation to Buckingham Palace for his LS & GCM, but as it was a no show for a second time by him, the message came out “no cucumber sandwiches and no medals that`s final”, but as a gesture of good will they sent out a season ticket for Bury. Now they are rarer than LS & GCM`s

Wednesday

Nothing had been planned in advance so a few us said a trip on the river would be good. A boat trip to Greenwich was decided upon. Up the river passed many interesting sights. The oldest one way street in the world – Traitor`s Gate into the tower was one, passed the Prospect of Whitby pub, and Canary Wharf and on to Greenwich for a look around and a snack. On the boat we were adopted by a young lady, she obviously thought she had stumbled upon the cast of “Last of the Summer Wine”. Her knowledge about the river and area was extensive. She explained how the area had changed in the last 10 years, in all a very nice and knowledgeable person. We did not have time for a visit to the Maritime Museum, that was put on the back burner until a later date.

We returned to the Union Jack Club via a boat and taxi. On arrival a few of the crew decided to have a stroll around the back streets. We came across a very quaint pub, nice and quiet with good beer. A word of warning – do not say to barmaids in London “and yours”. They do not take 20p as in Lancashire, it`s £3 minimum. Martin made this mistake, but to make matters worse he was paying with my money!

At about 5 pm this quiet pub was invaded by the local business people. Within 5 minutes from 10 people being in the pub, it was over 100, all Hurray Henries and Henriettas. We beat a hasty retreat. On the pavement outside were another 50, all drinking and blocking the road like bees around a honey pot.

After dinner 6 of us went into the bar, Martin was already in, his immediate words were “I`ll have a pint as I`ve already bought a round.” How can you buy a round of drinks for one person?

Observations on the day

Always go to the bar yourself, do not entrust your money to others – it will cost you. Beware of people who buy rounds of drinks for themselves. Also Martin always takes home souvenirs, shovels, bits of tanks from France, and an Iron Cross from London last year. What had he got this time? Nothing was reported missing from the museum, and the boat still had its propeller. Maybe we will find out one day.

Thursday

The last day. After breakfast pack up and meet in the foyer. When all present and correct taxi’s would be ordered. All assembled but taxis could not be ordered as Leslie Welch the Memory Man, had mislaid his camera and glasses. These he eventually found, probably under the bed next to his teeth. Old habits die hard with Jim. Taxi’s to Euston and onto the train. Stan did use the toilet and managed to lock it. No embarrassment his trip.

The next trip is Gallipoli I am told, Anyone wanting to go contact Jim Worrall. Stan is not going as he has an appointment at Chester Zoo, they are making him a new set of teeth.

GALLIPOLI PLATE

Shortly after the London trip we had word from the potter that our plate was ready for collection. Stan, Jim and myself went down to Stoke to pick up the plates. These we took into the club on Gallipoli Sunday to distribute to the Fusiliers who had ordered them. 45 plates were sold that day. An elderly lady approached our table and asked if she could buy a plate. She was told she could and then to our astonishment said she was the niece of Capt Grimshaw V.C. It was very satisfying to know that one of our plates had gone to the Grimshaw family. Plate number XX was auctioned and realized £150. The profit from the plates goes into the website fund which at present is looking quite healthy. I do not think Stan has any of the Gallipoli plates left, but he has got two Minden plates at £25 each if anyone is interested.

FUSILIER SPEAK

On Exchange Station in Manchester some years ago, `D` Coy was being moved by train to Newcastle as part of an exercise. A Cpl shouted to a Fusilier “Hey Smith here`s ten bob go and get me ten Woodbines and a Mirror from the KISOX on the other platform.” The Fusilier with a slight grin on his face said “Where have I got to get them from Cpl?” “The KISOX, the KISOX on the other platform!”

“Oh right” said the grinning Fusilier “the KISOX!”

On entering Bellerby Camp one Fusilier said to another “Did you know the roof repairs at this camp are done by the same person who does Sennybridge?” “How do you know?” was the reply “Look at the sign it tells you”. The sign read “Use Crawling Boards for all roof repairs”. I wonder what rank he thought Crawling Boards was?

Two Fusiliers talking before a parade “Smith won`t be on parade”. “Why?” said his made “He`s on sick parade was the reply. “I`m not surprised” said the second Fusilier “he`s a bloody HYCOPONDRIAC”.

Two soldiers, one Fusilier and one from Yorks & Lancs, leaving the NAFFI at Warminster. A soldier going into the NAFFI said “What time is it Jack?”

“How did you know my name was Jack?” said the Y & L. “I guessed it”said the squaddie. “Well guess the bloody time then smarty!” came the reply.

The memory of those who fell at Minden

The Battle of MINDEN was fought on 1st August 1759, during the Seven Year’s War. In this battle the Lancashire Fusiliers, then the XX Regiment, lost 321 Officers and men, killed and wounded. In recognition of its gallant services at this battle a laurel wreath was ordered to be worn on the Colours and appointments of the Regiment.

The battle was fought through some rose gardens near the town, the men plucked the blossoms and placed them in their hats, hence the custom, ever since observed, of wearing roses in the head-dress on the anniversary of this battle.

The Dear Little Shamrock

There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle,

“Twas St. Patrick himself, sure, that set it,

And the sun on his labour with pleasure did smile,

And the dew from his eyes often wet it,

It thrives through the bog, through the brake and the mire-land,

And he called it the dear little shamrock of Ireland.

The sweet little Shamrock, the dear little Shamrock,

The dear little, sweet little, shamrock of Ireland.

The dear little plant still grows in our isle,

Fresh and fair as the daughters of Erin,

Whose smile can bewitch, and whose air can command,

In each climate they ever appear in;

For they shine through the bog, through the break and the mire-land,

Just like their own little shamrock of Ireland.

The dear little plant that springs from our soil,

When its three little leaves are extended,

Denotes from one stalk we together should toil,

And ourselves by ourselves be befriended,

And still through the bog, through the brake and the mire-land,

From one root should branch, like the shamrock of Ireland.

BRAVO THE MINDEN BOYS

Here’s to the Fusilier

Here’s to the Lancashire lad,

Here’s to the lass who shed a tear

Here’s to his dear old Dad.

Here’s to his dear old Mother

Here’s to the glory he’s won,

Here’s to his King and Country

God Bless This Mothers Son.

Found by archivist Roy Woods

Operation Banner

On 22nd November 1975 the 3rd Btn R.R.F lost 3 young Fusiliers on the afternoon, they were Fusiliers M J Simpson, Fus J D Duncan, Fus P L McDonald a few days after their death the following appeared in a Irish Newspaper.

It was on a lonely hillside, in a place near Crossmaglen

Three young British Soldiers were murdered by a gang of outlawed men,

Dusk was just descending on that dull November day,

When this gang of murderers descended on their prey.

Far from home and parents, these young boys had to die,

With not a friend to comfort them, nor bid a last goodbye.

Brave heroic boys they were, not like their murderers who run and hide,

Noble was the cause, they fought for and the cause for which they died.

Long live the British Army, and to God on high we pray,

That soon they’ll bring to justice those cowardly thugs for their dreadful deed that day.

Anon

But gentlemen lets not forget the other 29 deaths including the families of the 1974 M62 coach bombing, the Regiment did 37 tours in the province.

Submitted by Steve Fitt.

Report on Veterans Day Blackpool 27th June 2008

Events began at 0800hrs and continued through to end at 2215hrs, but I will only cover the main events.

1120hrs Veterans Challenge, a Parachute Regiment veteran abseiled down Blackpool Tower.

1125hrs Introduction to Veterans day at the Cenotaph.

1140hrs 12th Regiment Royal Artillery Freedom of the Borough march past.

1150hrs Spitfire fly past.

1155hrs National Veterans day service at the Cenotaph (with Standards) in the presence of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

1400hrs 100 Standards led the Veterans through a Royal Artillery guard of honour to receive their badges. The oldest veteran present was 112.

1900hrs BBC Radio 2 did a music night broadcast from the Tower Ballroom.

2200hrs Illuminated night time parachute drop by the Red Devils on to the beach.

2215hrs Grand fireworks finale on the Central Promenade.

A discount book available for all veterans gave free parking in certain car parks, discount in some restaurants and bars, new suits from Burtons. Veterans wearing their badge had free taxi rides. In one place they even gave us tea and coffee free. The only thing that spoiled the day was the weather, from about lunch time it rained and everyone was very damp for the march past. As usual when the band struck up the Fusiliers' shoulders went back and heads were held high and the old young man's swagger returned.

STEVE FITT

BRANCH NOTES

Northern Ireland Branch

Secretary Mr Ian Scholes, 17 Coastguard Lane, Orlock, Groomsport, Bangor,

Co Down, Northern Ireland, BT19 6LR Tel: 07718586853.

Over the past year we have been running fund raising events to enable us to purchase a headstone for one of our past members Paddy Lennon, who sadly passed away in 2007. We have nearly reached our target and have been overwhelmed by the support from our members, etc to enable us to pay a fitting tribute to Paddy. Once again in August we celebrated Minden Day with an Association Dinner, which was enjoyed by all. A couple of members attended the Gathering in Balham and enjoyed the weekend. We will be closing the year with a Christmas Dinner for members and wives and no doubt shall enjoy the evening.. We may be a small band of members but we have a big heart and look to the future with enthusiasm to meet the challenges ahead.

Rochdale Branch

Secretary Mr E Pickup, 44 Mountain Ash, Rooley Moor, Rochdale, OL12 7JE.

Meetings the first Wednesday in the month at the Rochdale Transport Club, Baron St Rochdale.

Where on earth does the time go it does not seem like five minutes ago I was sat in the same spot bringing you up to date on what was happening down here in Rochdale.

Well I can report Cleggie finally got his Association Medal of Merit and he wear’s it with his pride along side our own medal of merit, we could do to see more of these presented here in Lancashire as I am sure that one or two deserve them.

27th June 2008 Veterans day we held our veterans dinner at the Royal Toby Hotel and what a night, there was thirty two of us attending the dinner. On arrival we found out that the Toby Hotel and what a night, there was thirty two attending the dinner. On arrival we found out that the Toby management had changed the menu and instead of the fixed menu of three course’s we had to choose between a special menu of steak, chicken or fish along with a bottle of wine for two, after running about explaining what was going on, seventeen bottles of wine appeared on the table, this kind of soften the blow a bit, it was not long before everyone was enjoying the evening. It was nice to see that when at the beginning of the meal, we as a branch always stand and the chairman Mr Tom Bailey recites the branch prayer, as Tom started I and several others happened to look up and glance around the room and woo and behold several other tables in the room containing civilians had stood up with us, I don’t know if this was coincidence or just pure respect for us old vets, I like to think the latter. The change of menu proved a success and on paying the bill we found that the cost was not as much as expected.

We also had a tide sum left over, so at the branch meeting we made a quick decision to spend the left over on the ladies, for the Minden Ball all our ladies were presented with fresh Minden roses as a nice surprise for them.

On the 26th July 2008 we held our Minden Ball in the Masonic Hall Rochdale all who attended had a very good night, as usual we have had no bad reports. The entertainment was provided by Eddie Hilton Quartet and we found this better than some of the big bands we have had in the past, and it showed, the only time the dance floor was empty was when the members and guest were tucking into the buffet. This year the honour of eating the roses went to Mr Walter (Wally to his mates) Kirk and Mr David Barber. Now Dave has eaten the roses before and knew when to stop but not poor old Wally he carried on and down went the stalk and all. He was quoted as saying later that the petals are ok, a bit like cabbage but them stalks kept sticking between the teeth. Sorry Wally some one should have told you when to stop.

21st September 2008 and a dozen of us set off for the Royal Armouries Museum at Leeds, this was a good day out but you need more than a day to go round all the exhibitions on display, so you do need to set off early so you can browse the five floors and take in the jousting display over in the court yards. I think they have everything from the first club to Darth Vader's space gun in that collection.

Remembrance Day parade here in Rochdale went off well and the sun shone on the righteous once again, we got away with it and the heavens never opened and the parade went as planned from the forming up in Mere St (after a couple of warmers in the Polish Club) and marching down Drake St to forming up on the Cenotaph. There was a good turn out by the public, somewhere in the region of a thousand people had come to pay their respects. Congratulations must go to one of our members Mr Gordon Wharton who is a standard bearer for the British Legion. Gordan was on parade at Littleborough and judging from the write up in the local newspaper Gordon stole the show by appearing in all the photographs proudly leading the parade, who says Gordon is camera shy!

Well the ‘A Team’ is away at the moment, they set off straight after the Remembrance Parade for Ypre and the Mennin Gate with full intention of being on parade on the 11th November 2008. So until they return things seem rather quiet here in Rochdale, a sense of silence fell over our bottom office (Café Cali). We will have to see what story they come back with. I asked them to keep notes or is it bloggs these days.

Just a reminder, some dates for 2009.

29th February 2009 Ladies night at Masonic Hall, Richard St, Rochdale. Dinner, disco, raffle. Tickets £20.00.

27th June 2009 Veterans dinner. Arrangements to be confirmed.

25th July 2009 Minden Ball, Masonic Hall, Richard St, Rochdale.

If you wish to enjoy yourself and would like any tickets for these venues don’t hesitate to contact me. 01706 712370.

Hope you all have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep Safe Now.

OMINIA AUDAX

Oldham Branch

The Happenings

Mayoral Sunday

Festival of Remembrance (Oldham)

Remembrance Sunday

Visits to the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Oldham Xmas Party

Past & Present Dinner

Gathering Weekend

Most members are now looking forward to the Xmas function in Stockport, and in February to pay tribute to M63 families on Feb 4 at 1100hrs, Hartshead Services, Westbound, were a new Memorial will be opened to mark the 35th Anniversary of the tradgedy. It is pleasing to know that all families involved have been traced with some survivors and the coach driver.

Oldham branch is looking forward to another active year. Arthur Marshall is also working on some golf during the coming year with our own tee markers – for the Museum Appeal. All the best to all, with single thanks to our Band & Drums who support us so well throughout the year.

Oldham Branch Notes

The Branch remains prominently – Royal Regiment of Fusiliers however we do have 2x RWF, 1x Para & LF’s on the books membership is now approaching 200. We think that ex Fusiliers are now starting to get he message Oldham is somewhere central in the Country which can administer a branch of RRF Assoc consisting of serving and ex serving. We must thank Folkestone Branch for an excellent dinner and weekend out. During the last six months that’s Colchester & Folkestone visited and looks like Birmingham or Newcastle next.

Raffle prizes for functions. Please of you have something worthwhile to donate, give us a ring and we will attempt to pick it up if it is unmanageable. We thank Ray O’Brian for his donation which consisted of an off road childrens motor bike, and various other items which will support one of our functions in the near future. Thank you Ray in Sussex.

We also thank HRH The Duke of Kent for the signed Assoc shirt, which is in the process of being framed, he had it done for us whilst visiting the troops in Iraq & Afghanistan earlier this year. The Branch – The loss of CSgt Barry Robbo – Robinson hit us all hard, as did Billy Dean’s before him. We shall attend the funeral on 4th December 2008 which we understand is in the Dagenham area (next issue more news).

Locally Alan Noble, Ron Owen, Arthur Marshall, Joe Farquer, Popeye Cochrane & Tony Harrop continue to make things happen, and hopefully with great support from our five standard bearers we shall attract more & more Fusiliers to the branch.

We wish everyone a happy Xmas and New Year.

LAST POST

Edition 53

Russell Howard: Russell passed away on the 19th June 08 aged 85 years. He served with the 11th Bn in Malta, Italy and later in Palestine. Rest in Peace.

Alfred Williams passed away in July 2008. He served with 1LF 1947-1952.

John Huntington passed away July 2008. John served LF and Royal Marines.

Mrs Margaret (Peggy) Brackley wife of the late Jim Brackley passed away aged 78 years on the 26th June 2008. Rest in Peace.

Mr John Hughes, passed away on the 28th July 2008, he was 75 years of age. He served as a Cpl in 1LF in Egypt and Kenya in the early fifties. Rest in Peace.

Major C H Carmichael: Maj Carmichael served with 1LF and 1RRF as well as various staff posts passed away on Friday 15th August 2008, aged 67 years. Amongst his many jobs he served as signals officer in 1LF and Adjutant 1LF in Weeton and Hong Kong and OC Fire Support Company in 1RRF. A Gentleman.

Major John Smale: Maj Smale passed away on the 6th September 2008 aged 89 years. He served with 2LF in the BEF and at Dunkirk. John Smale volunteered for the Army Commandos when they were formed and served in No 3 Commando on many of the exploits during WW2. Rest in Peace.

Cpl Mike Maher passed away on 25th September 2008 aged 63 years. Mike served with 1LF as a member of the Anti-Tank PI in Weeton and Hong Kong. Stand Easy.

Dave Yarnall: Dave passed away on 15th September 2008 aged 61 years. He served with 1LF in Weeton and Hong Kong. He later served in 3RRF until the early seventies. Rest in Peace.

Brian Batey: Brian passed away on the 18th June 2008 aged 61 years. Brian served with 1LF in BG, Weeton and Hong Kong and later with RRF. Rest in Peace.

Captain Jim Shaw: Jim passed away in August 2008. Jim served with 1LF and two tours as a PSI with 5LF and 5RRF, also as a CSM Y Coy 1RRF and as RQMS and RSM 3RRF. A gentleman and a pleasure to have known him.

Sam Potts passes away on Saturday 25th October 2008 aged 89 years. He served with 2LF in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Austria. Rest in peace Old Soldier.

GALLIPOLI SUNDAY 26th APRIL 2009

BURY LANCASHIRE

On Sunday 26th April 2009, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the people of Bury will commemorate the 94th Anniversary of the landing at W Beach of the 1st Battalion the Lancashire Fusiliers. The programme for the day begins at 10.45 with a parade and inspection in the Castle Armoury, a service in the Regimental Church of Saint Mary The Virgin at 11.30, a parade and march past through Bury at 12.55, followed by a buffet curry lunch in the Town Hall, by invitation or ticket only. Following lunch there will be a guided tour of the new Fusilier Museum and Area Headquarters.

Tel 0161 764 2208

Don't forget the web site is still holding a Gallipoli Dinner on the 25th Saturday night at the
Woodthorpe Hotel Near Heaton Park

Click on the link below for details
Web Site Galliploi Dinner