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Fusiliers'Association
(Lancashire) Newsheets |
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If you click on anything in White i.e. e mail address
or web site there is a automatic link to it (try doing that on a piece
of paper)
LIST OF OFFICIALS-FUSILIERS ASSOCIATION President: Col B M Gorski The Regimental Jottings give information
edited from the regular emails that I am sent from the Tower of
London . The information on the Op Banner Commemoration is important
to many of us. If you do not have computer access at home, remember
that most public libraries have free public internet access.
Letter from the Chairman - Capt. John O'Grady (Ret'd) Dear Members of the Association, E-mail addresses - Lancashire Headquarters,
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers SECRETARYS NOTES - Steven Fitt Firstly I thank Lt Col Eric Davidson DL for all the hard work he has put in over the last 3 years as Chairman of the Association Lancashire, I am sure you all wish him well in his new post. Thank you everyone who attended the Gallipoli weekend, 'what is it on the march past, there are Primrose hackles standing out in the crowd watching?' Come on gents next year is the BIG one, if you feel that you can't march ¾ of a mile, let us know in plenty of time (and I don't mean the week before) and we will see what can be done. At the end of June I am going to France and Belgium and will be visiting the Somme Battlefields to lay a wreath at Sunken Lane. A reminder for your diary Sunday 3rd August is Minden day at the Club. This is also the last day that the Regimental Museum will be open, so make sure that we give the old place a send off and it will be your last chance to purchase tie pins, cuff links, etc until April next year. REGIMENTAL JOTTINGS Fusilier News 4th January 2008 New Year's Honours Fusilier News 10th March 2008 OPERATIONAL HONOURS For the publication the following as having been Mentioned in Dispatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 April - 30 September 2007" Capt Robin David Smith, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers RECRUITING FOR THE REGIMENT Fusilier News 23rd April 2008 St George's and Gallipoli Weekend Celebrations Fusilier News 2nd June 2008 1ST FUSILIERS ON OPERATIONS OPERATION BANNER COMMEMORATION SERVICE - 10 SEPTEMBER 2008 You can apply for tickets for the Service
in St Pauls Cathedral by following the link http://www.veterans-uk.info/
Fusilier News 17th June HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
LIST Another massive success for the Band &
Drums. LT COL E DAVIDSON DL I first met Eric Davidson in 1967, as a young
Sgt PSI at the TAC in Bury. I was driving down the Bury/Bolton road
in a Land Rover when I noticed a Police motor cyclist following
me. I eventually got back to the TAC and he was still following
me, right into the TAC yard. My first thought was 'what have I done
now'. It transpired that this officer was Eric Davidson and he wanted
to get involved with the Army Cadet Force. We gave him all the details
he required and off he went. John Scotson BEM P.S. Congratulation to Lt Col Eric Davidson
MBE DL Inkerman Dinner. Dedication of a New Standard
Click here to see the photos of the parade Fusilier Platoon Lt Croxford, Cpl Brady, Lcpl Day, Fus Worsley, A further eight will deploy on Op TOSCA to
Cyprus in September. For many this is their second or third operational
tour and at the risk of being controversial there are few post war
regular or National Service Lancashire Fusiliers who can boast this
sort of operational experience. The Platoon is now looking forward
to the arrival of Sgt Jones formerly of the Regimental Recruiting
Team in Lancashire who will shortly take up the appointment of PSI.
In the mean time CSM Gilks will continue as acting Platoon Commander
and PSI as well as holding down a full time job. The Platoon continues
to be held in very high regard by their parent Battalion 4LANCS
and this is best summed up in this extract from B (Somme) Company
notes taken from the 2007 Kingsman Magazine. The Fusilier Association Club. Visits Events Gallipoli Weekend 2008 Looking Ahead M J GLOVER
At the time of writing we are gearing up
for our social evening on the 6th June. Obviously the event will
have passed by the time this issue of the News Sheet is published.
However judging by the response to verbal advertising on Gallipoli
/ St George's day in Bury a favourable turnout "is/was"
expected (more in next issue). Anticipation, expectation 'excitation',
these adjectives just about exhaust the dictionary of superlatives
but cover adequately the feeling running through the Liverpool Branch
at present, the reason? LIVERPOOL THE CITY OF CULTURE 2008. What
has this got to do with non Liverpudlians or non Merseysiders you
may ask, everything say I! Liverpool was a City in Lancashire on
a par with Manchester and our County Palatine City of Lancaster.
So you see even though 'dee doan talk like wot sum do doodle' Liverpudlians
or Merseysiders, whatever people may pre fix them are Lancastrians.
Culture? Perhaps this is another question on the lips or in the
minds of many. I will endeavour to answer that unspoken thought
/ question. (quote) culture, an understanding of intellectual achievement,
of customs, of civilization, of a particular time or people (un
quote). Time? Of war people? Of Lancashire people throughout this
great County of ours who paved the way for our present day (admittedly
not so appreciative at times) society. So this years Remembrance
Parade is eagerly awaited and being tied in with the City's 2008
status hopefully will add impetus. The state of the Branch membership
is stable at present, with attendances at our monthly meetings fluctuating
between 12 & 18 subject to holidays and ailments. We extend
a welcome to two new members in the person of Frank Cotham ex Signal
Platoon 1LF and Ted O'Hare ex MT/MT D Coy 1LF. For details of meeting please contact the Secretary ST HELENS BRANCH NOTES The St Helens Branch are still battling to keep the Boer War Memorial in its original location in Mesnes Park, Wigan. As is usual with this kind of campaign we are being faced with a number of obstacles, which hopefully we will overcome. Members will be informed of any progress we make here. Sadly one of our members has recently been admitted to hospital due to ill health and the group wish Ken Cordingly a full and speedy recovery and that our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time. Hopefully Ken and his family will make it to the Branch Concert on Friday 14th July at the Billinge Labour Club. The annual event is usually a huge success, raising much needed funds for the Branch. With tickets priced at £5 each, the artist Steve Brandon, a disco, buffet, bingo, a raffle and bar from 7-11.45pm we hope this year will be better than ever. If you're interested in attending this is a not to missed night, please contact either Barry Storey on 01744 892335 or the Branch Treasurer Frank Taylor for tickets on 01744 603525. ROCHDALE BRANCH NOTES Meetings held at the Rochdale Transport Club
first Wednesday in the month. With current membership of 31 the Branch
remains fairly active. So far this year we have held the Grand National
Draw followed by the Gallipoli Dinner and the Church Service and
Parade on the Sunday. On the 18th may 5 of us, Jack and Peggy Barlow,
Fred Wall and Olga Glover and myself, along with a coach party from
Rochdale Branch visited the National Aboretum near Lichfield Staffs.
We were able to locate the Armed Forces Memorial, on which were
the names of Captain Pring, 2/Lt Finlow, L/Cpl Jackson and Fus Parker
all of who lost their lives in Trieste and were buried with full
military honours, in the Military Section of the San Sabba Cemetary
Trieste. All in all this was a very worthwhile outing and was enjoyed
by all of us. We wish to thank Elwyn Pickup of the Rochdale Branch
and their members for the invitation to attend. The date of our
Annual Dinner has now been finalised and will take place on Saturday
the 18th October 2008 at the Grants Arms Hotel in Ramsbottom. Finally,
may I on behalf of all our members convery our best wished to Lt
Col Eric Davidson in his new ventures on the Museum Project and
thank him for his stirling work and dedication as Chairman of the
Association. We also wish a warm welcome to Captain John O'Grady,
his successor who I am sure will carry on the good work. Charles Davies. (meetings held Wellington Barracks on the first Tuesday of the month at 8.00pm) Branch membership stands at 159, from most
part of the Country. Barry 'Robo' Robinson is on the mend and recovering
well after his illness, he apologises for missing Gallipoli. We
have had a few days out since the last issue. 'Once a Fusilier always a Fusilier' `D` COY 5 LF/RRF The mortar platoon was always a bit different,
or odd you might say. If you strayed into earshot of them you would
hear strange phrases such as "condition the rounds, trilux
sights, stabilo pencils, post two, stamp in, in two, plotterboards,
Wendy House" etc. Anecdotes EVENTS Minden 2008 The Minden celebration this year
will once again take place at the Regimental Club on Sunday 3rd
August. Start time as normal will be early. It is hoped that we
will have the usual Band Concert and Display by the Corps of Drums.
You should also be aware that this will be the last day that the
present Museum will be open to the public. The Museum will close
to visitors after this event to prepare for the move to the new
site in the centre of Bury. Please pass this onto any ex LFs who
you may know of who do not keep in contact with the Regiment. 2009 IS THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF MINDEN (OMNIA AUDAX) John Scotson BEM VERSES ON DISPLAY AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM
LICHFIELD I am an only child I cannot say thank you
A life lived in freedom Whilst we have children like this, all is not lost! Charles Davies, Trieste branch
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(LANCASHIRE) President: Col B M Gorski
In July we welcomed our new Colonel of The Regiment Brigadier
Trevor J Minter I would particularly like to thank all those who attended our
Minden Day on Sunday I am aware of much hard work that is going on within our Association,
and our links I thank you for your loyal support during 2007 and I offer New
Year Greetings to all 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
Another 6 months have passed and we have lost several ex Fusiliers but it has also been a proud one, with Fusilier Andrew Barlow being awarded the George Medal. The Regiment has two serving George medal holders from Lancashire, who says the spirit of the old Lancashire Fusiliers does not live on in the present day, they are both from Lancashire and Fusiliers. Minden Day was well attended many thanks to those who attended. A few comments were made about the wreath laying ceremony, gentlemen if you have anything to complain about see your branch Chairman or Secretary who can then pass it on through the correct channels. Recently I was approached at a branch meeting about a death of a former Lancashire Fusilier and asked the question 'why did no one attend , and where were the Standards?' All Branch Secretaries have my home telephone number and as I am still in full time employment I can arrange for someone to stand in for me. Many thanks to those people from Oldham Branch that made the trip out to Cyprus. Where do all the Lancashire Area officers disappear to on the gatherings, on the last two we have had one Officer attend and that was Lt Col Glover, many thanks Sir. Branch Secretaries now is the time to think of the 2008 Gathering, accommodation and travel. And thank you Ronnie Owen for getting the Oldham lads together and to Tom king who came from Berlin. Remembrance Sunday, it was great to see so many Primrose hackles on Parade in town again. Regards Over the past few weeks I have been reading some old copies
of the News Sheet and there are some excellent anecdotes printed
in them. Some of them are seventeen or eighteen years old but they
are very good, and I thought they deserved a reprint. A lot of you
will not have seen them and they may jog your memory to come up
with a few more. Read on Gentlemen..! 'Tough - you're not tough Cyprus 1958. On their tour of Cyprus at one stage 1LF were based
in the huge mainly tented camp ar Kermia. HMS Blackpool the same
type of ship as HMS Euryalus was in the area and parties of LFs
went to the ship and sailors visited the Battlaion. Get Your Thinking Caps On Gents John Scotson Museum Project. The ground breaking ceremony took place at the
beginning of October when a silver plated shovel provided by Eric
Davidson, who appears to have everything in his garage, signalled
the start of the building phase of the Museum Project. Work on the
building will take 12 months. Fit out of the museum displays will
start at the end of October 2008 with a view to a "soft opening"
at the end of February 2009. A "soft opening" predates
the official opening and provides an opportunity to make sure that
the lights work and the cabinets do not fall on small children.
M J GLOVER Bury Grammar School Founders Day. The summer season began with
Bury Grammar School Founders Day at the beginning of May. The Regiment
has been associated with the School since 1891 when the School Cadet
Corps was attached to the 1st Volunteer Battalion of the XX The
Lancashire Fusiliers. The day began with a Church Service in the
Regimental Church of St Mary the Virgin and was followed by luncheon
at the School. Other than providing a fine lunch for the Area Secretary,
which is very important, it provides an opportunity to confirm the
link between school and Regiment. M J GLOVER BURY BRANCH NOTES Having visited the Imperial War Museum in Trafford Park, Manchester,
where they was an exhibition covering War Graves, one of our intrepid
standard bearers, Kevin Heselwood was spurred into action and discovered
that in Bury Cemetery there are three war graves. These belong to: Local Oldham Branch Members are still conducting a Tribute Parade
to our far Eastern prisoners of War after 62 years. The Town marks
the occasion on the 15th August every year. As a promise to Oldhams
Ex Far Eastern prisoners, which stated, that whilst and Ex prisoners
are alive, the Ex service would conduct a parade at the War Memorial
every year prior to 1969 the FEPOW Association would hold a small
Parade. But as of 1969 the Town made its pledge and the Parades
became an involvement, for all Ex servicemens Associations. There
are two remaining Far East prisoners alive today, within the Town,
both in homes. However families still attend every year. It is intended
that on the 40th year, since 1969-2009 the Oldham liaison will lay
up the Standard of the Far Eastern prisoners of War at Oldham Gallery.
Wreaths are laid by the Mayor of the Town, FEPOW families and the
Oldham liaison Sec / Chairman Alan Noble RRF, who does also remind
all of FEPOW Exaltation and Kohima statement, in 1969 the Chief
guest was Col Philip Toosey, Colonel of the River Kiwai. At the
time of the visit he was a Brigadier. He passed away 21/12/1975.
the FEPOW Association does not exist today of course, however, the
Standard is Paraded where ever possible, thanks to our Standard
Bearers of the Town, which also includes Les Berry Lancs Fus, Paul
Heywood RRF and Mick Fowles RRF. ONCE A FUSILIER ALWAYS A FUSILIER REGIMENTAL CLUB NOTES The committee continues to keep the club going with live entertainment every Saturday evening normally 2X acts with a quiz night on Thursday evening which has become popular football on Sunday afternoons backed up with wakes private parties etc. the steward and his good lady run a good good club which always proves value for money the committee with pat now fully in control of the finances work hard to make end meets the latest information is as follows there will be no movement of the club before late 2009 this is confirmed by lease so we ask all fusiliers, ex fusiliers to use the club whenever you can to keep the club going or book your branch into the club for a Friday evening perhaps after 2009 our lease will increase so we need your revenue now you are one of the few regiments that still have a club if ever there was a time to use it its now happy Christmas and new year to all committee remains the same with additions Mick rea and Tommy we are open every night all day Saturday and Sunday for your own bookings advance warning is essential all the best to you all, to all our members regimental/social thank you for your custom without you we are nothing have a good 2008 ROCHDALE BRANCH NOTES When I signed off in June this year our first Veterans Night
was fast approaching and I said I would report back and bring you
up to date. We held our Veterans Night on the 22nd June this was
a nearest as we could get to the 27th June which is the official
Veterans Day. It was decided by the committee that we should arrange
a sit down meal at a local restaurant (testing the waters) after
much deliberation the Crimble Restaurant at bamford Rochdale was
chosen. For those who do not know the Crimble the food is superb,
and the ambience, its surroundings are very hard to beat. From the
stone pillars that adorn either side of the open fireplace, which
carries the Lancashire Fusilier badge in the Conservatory Restaurant,
through to the Peacock Room and Restaurant and with the plaintive
calls of the peacocks echoing through the surrounding grounds, you
could not wish for a better venue. Twenty seven of us sat down to
the meal and to take it easy on the chefs and staff we kept to a
fixed menu as the rest of the restaurant was chocker as they say
in Geordie land. As I said the meal was superb, the waitresses great
and the evening was kept light in that the only Regimental ceremony
carried out was the loyal toast and absent friends. Due to the fact
that Veterans Day is all about them that served and came back, we
will remember our fallen on the appropriate date. Twenty seven members
enjoyed the first Veterans Night so much that members of the branch
have clamoured for a bigger venue in 2008, somewhere more central
they said. Well here goes a date for your diary, we have booked
our next Veterans Night for the 13th June 2008 (sorry this was the
nearest date available). It is to be held at the Masonic Buildings,
Richard Street, Rochdale. Tickets will be on sale in the New Year.
Our Minden Ball held on the 28th July 2007 was a great success in
that all that attended enjoyed themselves. This year the honor of
eating the roses went to one of our older members Mr Ellis Jones
and one of our younger members Mr David Day. The highlight of the
evening went to Cannon Alan Shackleton who is our acting Padre and
he keeps us on the path of all things righteous. Cannon Alan Shackleton
kindly agreed to bless our new St Georges Standard. The Standard
was presented to the Branch by our TA. Contingent on their return
from Iraq in 2006. Apologies to Lt Col P W Merriman MBE. His Officers
and all Ranks of 2RRF from all member of the Rochdale Branch of
the Fusilier Association in that we could not attend the Fusilier
Gathering in Cyprus, this was solely down to logistical reasons.
On October 14th Clegg & Thorpe Tours was brought into action
and the A team set off on their annual pilgrimage to France and
Belgium in one well packed car and minibus. This time we had chosen
to travel from Hull to Zebrugger on the ferry, this allowed for
a short trip up the motorway, a good nights sleep on the ferry (lucky
for some Sumo) and a short de-tour through Dunkirk and onto Ypre
and our base, which was the hotel Areianne. I am pretty sure one
round about was suffering from De-Ja-Vo syndrome but well done Truly
we got there. I know your used to reading maps from the sky (AAC
REME). Well we settled in to the hotel and went for a good walk
round Ypre calling at the Menin Gate Memorial, to check the events
board standing, there it felt like checking the part one notice
board (way back then). We were booked into parade at 2000hrs Wednesday
night for the wreath ceremony, so therefore off we went to plan
the next four day visits. Tuesday we visited Talbot House and the
site of the Shot at Dawn in Poperinge these are two sites well worth
a visit. Talbot house as a Museum is still going through some changes,
with a new entrance being constructed on the side street. But from
the chapel in the attic were the squaddies from yester year knelt
and prayed, down through the new cinema staged in the old concert
hall where you can stop and watch footage of the lads as they acted
out their burlesque performances, to the grounds below where you
can walk around the well manicured lawns and gardens, yes its worth
a visit. Ho bye the way if you bump into the Padre on your tour
please pay him no heed he will not harm you, he is still only tending
to his flock. (Ghost if you believe, but as you enter the chapel
there is a drop in temperature). The shot at dawn experience is
entirely different in that you can imagine what went through the
minds of some of the young men that were executed, thousands of
miles away from home and in a no win situation, thrown into the
cells, a court martial, sentenced, thrown back into the cells, only
to be led out at dawn and shot. What had theses lads gone through
not all were cowards as history has proved. Wednesday we visited
the war Museum at the Hooge crater, Hill 62 and Tyne Cot cemetery
here we visited the graves of the Known only to God Fusilier and
that of Private Richard Lancaster, poppy wreaths were laid as a
mark of our respects. It was also good to see so many youngsters
there in Tyne Cot. Weather they were visiting loved ones graves
or on school trips. One school that showed an interest in our party
was Bramhall Grammar School for girls from Stockport (of all places).
Questions were fired, fast and quick but in good old Fusilier fashion
what we could not answer, we winged it. We also visited the site
where the Fusiliers remains had been found, and again laid poppies.
This must have been a very solemn place to die all those years ago
but at last they are laid to rest, God Bless You Lads. Wednesday
night soon loomed and at 2000hrs we were at the Menin Gate Memorial,
Blazer, Slacks, Beret and hackle, Medals if you had them. A mixed
bunch on Parade but we represented, The Fusilier Association Rochdale
Branch. Fifteen of us against over a thousand tourist, site seers
and old comrades who had come to show their respects to the fallen
we looked rather a small bunch in comparison to the rest. The Last
Post was sounded, we were brought to attention and our standard
was lowered. The honour of laying the Poppy Wreath went to two of
our oldest members Mr Norman Holt and Mr Eric Townsend the epitaph
was given by Mr jack McCarrol (well done lads and I think it was
a better showing than the Kiwi Hacker the night before). After all
the wreaths were laid by all the organizations present, Sunrise
was sounded, our Standard was raised and we were fell out to do
our own thing. A Chinese meal was order of the night and we headed
for the New Shanghai City Restaurant. Must admit the Chinese meal
was good, washed down with half a dozen bottles of re, a good night
was had by all. Thursday morning, we rushed around the Belgium country
side visiting more sites of interest and at dinner time came to
a halt. Thursday afternoon was leisure time, time to do some shopping
and wind down and get ready for the Regimental Dinner that night.
The dinner was booked for 1900hrs for 1930hrs. Dressed in all our
glory we assembled in the lounge bar, chance for a couple of warmers
in the bank before being led into dinner by the organizers of Clegg
and Thorpe Battle Field Tours (Peter and Alan to us). The dinner
went smoothly along with a few lively debates, the two swear boxes
were in action as usual, and at the end of our meal fifty four euros
had been collected. It was decided to present this to St Georges
Memorial Church Ypre. Friday morning all were a bit hung over, but
one or two still went shopping for the famous Belgian Chocolate
and a bit of duty free. With a well packed car and minibus we set
off back calling in at the Chateau at Passchendaele, this is another
well planned Museum and played a vital roll in the First World War.
After a pleasant hour here we set off for Dunkirk and the beaches.
On arrival we parked up on a deserted car park and made for the
beach. After a stroll of about a quarter of a mile in braising condition
it was time for some food Pathfinder Dave Clegg (Peters brother)
spotted a burger van, we left behind one happy French man, burger
and chips fifteen times (at them prices) yes one happy French man.
Well onwards to the ferry and home. We boarded the ferry, everyone
dispersed to their cabins for a wash and brush up and dinner. After
a good night spending the last of our Euros in the bars and what
we can describe as a fitful nights sleep in our cabin (Sumo) we
docked in Hull. All had gone well we were one of the first to be
off the ferry, through passport control, only an hour down the motorway,
then came customs control. We think they were out for a laugh or
they were bored, but yes they pulled us over. Truly and the bunch
in the car just sailed through no problems, but us the dirty dozen
well it was passports checked again several times, who were they
looking for? Time wasting or what. Then appeared Lizzie, a cute
little English Springer Spaniel with her handler, up went a shout,
grab your kit they want us off the bus lads, there going to do a
full search of the bus. Line up over there with your kit in front
of you (it felt like being back in the ranks), waiting for Lizzie
to finish the bus, smelling in every corner with her ultra sensitive
nose, making a very through job of it. Lizzie then came over to
us, she was up and over the bags and the odd case, nose going ten
to the dozen, customs officers asking questions. Is that yours?
Do you have any duty free? What have you to declare? What were they
expecting to find on a bus full of old squaddies? After about an
hour Lizzie was reined in and we were allowed to re-pack the minibus,
passports returned, no contraband was found. Safely all back on
the bus we were allowed to carry on our journey home courtesy of
the Hull Customs and Excise Unit and Lizzie all laughing their socks
off no doubt. We wonder if the Taliban have such difficulties entering
our green and pleasant land as it seems we Dirty Dozen were well
suspected of something, and we served QUEEN AND COUNTRY. We arrived
back safe and sound in Rochdale at about 1100hrs courtesy of Clegg
and Thorpe Tours and dispersed to all points of a compass, to our
own little abodes. Thanks lads for a grand six days and if anyone
wants an experience, contact Cluthchie anf Truly of Clegg and Thorpe
Tours. Ominia Audax ST HELENS BRANCH NOTES D (INKERMAN) COY People: I am now completing my first year in command and have
been privileged to work with fantastic soldiers from across the
area. It is particularly fitting and enjoyable to be back with the
Fusiliers again. From Bury Lt Stuart Croxford has recently deployed
to 1 LANCS in preparation for a deployment to Basra. Meanwhile his
opposite number from the Ardwick side of the Coy Lt Chris Gilbert
is due to return. |