I am writing this for my Dad,John Steele,born and bred in Manchester who served with The Fusiliers from 1945 to 1948. He reported to Wellington Barracks and then served in Ireland until he was demobbed.He is looking for Corporal Douglas W Dryburgh,his best friend from those days whose last known location was Pendleton in Salford. I know my Dad would be thrilled if anyone had any information on Douglas, and if anyone knows what the W stood for, Dougie would never say! Thank you.

Thomas Podmore of Salford served in Labour battalion 16th LF. I believe he died in or shortly after June 1918 from effects of gas. Is there any way I can check LF records to see if there is any information at all relating to him?
I have checked my records on Soldiers died in WW1 and cannot trace his name. Maybe he died after the War. Although only one third of WW1 records survived the 1940 bombing I suggest you write to the Public Record Office, Ruskin Ave, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU quoting as many details as possible including army number, rank, were and when he joined if possible etc., and they may be able to help.Have you any medals from WW1, his number would be on the edge. Best Wishes.Research Officer.

Could this be YOU!!!
We are trying to find out who was the last man to be sworn in as a Lancashire Fusilier.He would be at least 50 today by my rough reckoning.
Can I ask you all to put contenders with their date of enlistment on this page?There will be a small prize for the winning man at the end of this year.
Remember,he must have enlisted into the Lancashire Fusilier,not into 4RRF,and he must contact this page.
Thanks,Joe.
Editor
Omnia Audax XXth

With regard to the search for the last enlisted Lancashire Fusilier,we would also like to find the last person to enlist into 2LF ,to qualify,he must have enlisted and gone to the 2nd Bn,and actually served at least 1 day with them.
I will ask Roy to help with this one,what age is this chap likely be Roy?
A small prize to the man concerned at the end of the year.
Entries/contenders on this page please with your Regimental number and date of enlistment into 2LF.
Editor.
Omnia Audax XXth

John Steele was a serving LF from 1945 to 1948.His daughter Beth entered message number 92 asking if we could find her Dad's old mate,Dougie Dryburgh,who he had not seen since demob.
Dave used 192.com to locate any Salford men with the same name and was able to connect these two old friends in quick time!
I bet they are swinging the lamp at every chance they get!
Well done Dave,another XXth success!
Editor.
Omnia Audax XXth.

I have lost the E mail address of my dear friend Ray,can anyone help?
Ray,if you read this,please E mail so I can get in touch.
Thanks.
Joe.
OMNIA AUDAX XXth

I am hoping that someone out there maybe able to help me locate details on my great grandfather Alfred James - service number 5X3661. He served with the Lancashire Fusiliers during WW1.

EDITORS REPLY.
Dear Vanessa,you may find it useful if you click on to the museum web site on the LF site front page,give them all the detail you have,particularly Alfred's date of birth,and they should be able to help.
Please let me know what kind of service you get and any results,thanks,Joe.
Editor
Omnia Audax XXth

Hello to all ex LFs i came across this site about 4 hours ago and i havent stopped writing e mails since. I would like to say a big thank you to Joe who very kindly responded to my initial e mail within the hour THANk YOU JOE regards to all Mick Rae

hello all my name is mick rae served in hong kong,and all stations there in,Disbanded then on to Gibralter,cyprus,colchester,n/ireland,fallingbostel germany where i finished my time call me any time if you were in any of those places. Regards mick rae

photograph name caption "Flannery"
should read Feighery P.W.[Paddy]

EDITOR.
Can you change this please webmaster?It is the Irish number 17,or the English A8,Thanks,Joe.
Ed.
Omnia Audax XXth

"Question mark" on photo A8
is Jim Corrigan [PLUG]
EDITOR.
Thanks Paddy,keep them coming,there will be many more you will probably be able to name,great stuff!
Omnia Audax XXth.

Dave Yarnall has sent a great set of pics in. They can be seen by going to the Hong Kong Pics page, and clicking on the link at Top Right Hand. Unfortunately Dave, I have mislaid the list of names you sent. Please email me the list again, so I can include names. The older you get, the more you have to remember, but the ability to remember deteriorates! Isn't it sad?

If you want to submit pics for the LF site,please follow the following advice.
1.Read the "Tips for sending pics" on the front page,Dave has answered most of the problems you could face.
2.Using the requested format,submit your pics to me at the E mail address below(just click on to my name)
3.Please note that this is for Pics only,any other business should be via the "Exxchange news and views" page,so that everyone gets to see what is going on!

Webmaster,can you please add my E mail address to your"Tips on Pics" aide,thanks,Joe.
Editor
Omnia Audax XXth

Does anyone know where I can get in touch with drummy Robinson, not seen or heard of him since 1969. would be glad of any help. sorry Joe cant keep of the site now I have found it.
EDITOR.
No need for any apology Eddie,the LF web site belongs to YOU,and to ALL ex LFs and their families.There is a massive amount of memory space not yet touched,keep the contacts coming.
Omnia Audax XXth
Joe.

Can I ask everybody to conduct your contacts via this page,then everyone can enjoy the contact and share in the information.Just put the person's name you are trying to reach in the heading,and type away!
Would Dave Yarnall contact Eddie Potts using this method please?Thanks,Joe.
Editor.
Omnia Audax XXth.

Nice to see you have signed in Cyril,you have obviously received the News Sheet and read my notes which highlights this web page. The Editor will be delighted that the site has been circulated to over 1000 former L.F.s. Hopefully a lot more ex Lancashire Fusiliers will be able to get in touch with each other. Did you enjoy my story on the former LF bandsman who went down with the 'Titanic'.
EDITOR.
Thanks for the mention in the News Sheet Roy,I have sent Cyril a "Welcome Home" E mail and I hope he will put a little "Potted History" on this page for us all to read.
I thought the Titanic story was incredible.
Thanks again,
Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth.

I know this is a long shot, but here goes:-
The mule born at White City, the foal was eventually evacuated from Burma. Foal was reputedly to have been claimed on long-term loan by the 1LF, and went to Eygpt with them.
The mule used to get away with all sorts of liberties etc. and died in Eygpt. Please, is
there anybody out there can remember that
Mule's name?? - It was a soldier too you know! Thank You.

EDITOR.
Now there's a challenge for you historians!!
I have never heard the story,but I do know that the LFs were very prone to adopting animals,I once heard of a local circus in Germany losing the odd camel which ended up in the LF lines!
Do your best for Susan,she is a regular and very welcome contributor to this page,thanks,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth.

Just to let anyone know i have changed my e-mail address.It is now whoopsass@hotmail.com

Thanks Arthur, your new address is now on the Sign-In page. Dave.

During operations in Burma in 1944 the 1st Bn XX The Lancashire Fusiliers
was in the 77th Infantry Brigade, which formed part of the Special Force
commanded by General Wingate.
This force was specially organized and trained for operations behind the
Japanese lines,and men and animals had been specially selected.
In March the 77th Brigade, together with all its men, animal transport and equipment, was flown into Burma and operated behind the
Japanese lines. The Brigade established a "block" called White City, across the Japanese road and rail communications to Mytchina.
Six days after the White City block had been established a pack pony in the Brigade transport platoon unexpectly gave birth to a foal.
There was no record of the pony having been served on the veterinary history sheet, so the arrival of the foal was a complete surpise.
To be continued.

The foal was born during a determined Japanese attack and mortar bombs exploded all round Serjt. Lee, of the 1st Bn XX The Lancashire Fusiliers, and his staff as they worked to bring new "life" into the "block."
Immediately the troops heard of the new member of the Brigade the foal became the topic of the day. Something apart from death and destruction had arrived. During the quieter periods in the fighting, men would stroll down to the transport lines to see Minnie, so named because she was born near the mortar post called Minnie. British and Gurkha troops, united in battle, where all interested in Minnie's progress. During a heavy bombardment of our positions by the Japanese, bombs fell in the transport lines and killed several mules. One mule broke loose and, acting as only mules can, kicked Minnie above the right eye.
To be continued.

It seemed that Minnie might lose the sight of one eye, but Serjt.Lee worked ceaselessly, with improvised veterinary kit, to save her eye.
Brigadier Calvert, "Mad Mike" as our Brigadier was affectionately nicknamed, ordered periodic reports on Minnie's progress to be sent to all forward positions. As Minnies's condition improved so did the morale of the troops defending
the "block." When she was better she was often seen walking off to the mortar positions, where she would drink tea out of a pint pot. The advent of Minnie had definitely helped morale, and stories of
Minnie's pranks and antics, however trivial, brought happiness to everyone in the Brigade.
When orders were received to evacuate the "block" the problem of what to do with Minnie, who was still too young and weak to march far,came up. The Brigadier,
appreciating the part Minnie had played in building up the troops' morale, decided to have her flown back to India.
To be continued.

An attack to clear the airstrip was ordered
and was successful. An aircraft was able to land and every man "stood to." There were tense faces as Minnie was placed in the aircraft and there was a sign of genuine relief as the plane took off. It was sad to see Minnie go, but the troops had been told that she would be well looked after by the rear party which had been left behind in India. On 1st August,1944, the anniversary of the Battle of Minden, the Battalion returned to Dehra Dun in India, for rest and reorganization. Minnie was there to greet the Battalion,and, although she actually belonged to the Brigade, she made her home with the Lancashire Fusiliers. She soon began to control the Battalion. She used to enter the Serjeants' Mess and eat anything she fancied, including tablecloths.
To be continued.

Once, during the Adjutant's drill parade, Minnie decided to join Serjt.Lee on parade, and it was amusing to see Minnie prodding Serjt.Lee in the back. The Adjutant
eventually decided to dismiss the parade, so again Minnie's reputation soared. She was the only animal that could get the Battalion off a drill parade thirty-five minutes before time. When the Brigade was disbanded Minnie was allowed to remain with the Lancashire Fusiliers and the Commanding Officer promised that she would always be well cared for. In October,1947, when the Battalion left India permission was obtained for Minnie to be brought to England, and she travelled on the aft deck of the troopship "Georgic," where she was a constant source of interest to a large and admiring audience. She soon got her sea legs; her appetite never suffered and she would frequently be seen eating anything from Spam to Condensed milk which was offered her by the troops.

I have now come to an end of an extract of "Minnie" that was printed in the Gallipoli Gazette of the Lancashire Fusiliers in 1952. No doubt there will be further to add when I come across it. The story may vary slighly at times but it seems quite authentic to me. Maybe someone else can add a little.
I hope you and everyone else enjoys reading it.
Kindest Regards.
EDITOR
Cries of "More" can be heard all over the world! We are deeply in debt to Roy for researching and bringing us this warm and moving story,Now I want to know where she died,where she was buried,etc!!
Any one with any scrap of info to add,please put it on this page.Thanks,Joe.
Omnia Audaxx XXth

Dennis Laverick(he drives it!) has written to me to report that the Metrolink tram LRV1013 which was named "The Fusilier" has been re named "The Grenadier Guardsman" overnight(Did their band open the Commonwealth games??).
I would like to test the power of our readership by asking you all,from all over the world,to write to:-
Mr Phil Smith,Serco Metrolink,Metrolink House,Queen's Road,Manchester,M8 0RY.
Ask him to give back to the people of Lancashire the tram LRV1013 with the name"The Fusilier".
If you all write,it will happen.
I expect a 100% muster,
thanks,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth

We remember with pride the battle of Minden 1st August 1759 and send best wishes to Lancashire Fusiliers and their loved ones everywhere.
EDITOR.

Omnia Audax XXth.

1/8 Bn Lancashire Fusiliers Kohima 1944 veteran. Cpl. Richard Patterson. Just nicely
got it on line (with his son)then Mr Patterson suffered a stroke. It is a marvellous thing. He has lovingly listed a Roll of Honour of LF'S killed at Kohima. There are his personal tales of India/Kohima, some with a sprinkling of humour etc. it is a lovely site, and tribute to his comrades. I defy you not to smile at the 'The Brigadier' tale. www.talesfromlife.tripod.com/
It appears to me that not many people know it
is there on the web. I know that Northern Burma is my 'thing' - but I would recommend
Mr Patterson's fine tribute to Kohima ( and reminder to my generation that freedom does'nt come for free).
EDITOR
Very true Susan,it was true at MINDEN (241 years ago today)and it was true at at Kohima,Thanks for the info and keep up the good work,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth

Hello again. I messaged a little while back 07/06/2002 looking for details on my great grandfather Alfred James born 13 Aug 1892, who was in the Fusiliers back in WW1. You advised that I go to the museum web site and give his details to see if they could help. I dont know where to start looking for the museum or how to email them. Are you able to give me their address so that I can follow this up. Thanks
I am living in Australis so I would only be able to email them or call them.
EDITOR
Dear Vanessa,look on the home page of this web site and you will see a box with"Lancashire Fusiliers Museum" on it,click on to this and follow the guide for researching your ancestor,good luck,come back and let me know what reception and help you get,regards,Joe.

Dennis,I am having touble reaching you by E mail,they are returned with"undelivered".
Can you please E mail me to re establish comms? I am keen on a Sitrep on the tram situation,thanks,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth.

SERCO have agreed to allow one of their trams to be named "The Lancashire Fusilier".It will cost approximately £300.It will have our Regiment on both sides and our cap badge back and front.
I am starting a fund to try and raise this money,and I am appealing for your help.
Please send whatever you can manage to me ,made out to"The LF Tram Fund" at,
Captain(retd)J.Eastwood.BEM CQSW
Cherry Tree Cottage
Whittlesford
Cambs
CB2 4NQ
I will publish a list of donors on this site(unless you wish to remain anonymous.
If we beat the target,the fund can then be used to maintain the paintwork in pristine condition annually.
Hoping for your support,no matter how small,it will all help,thanks,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth

It was on the 8th November 1951 that "Minnie" died of pneumonia at the age of seven and a half. The loss was keenly felt throughout the Battalion, and in particular by L/Cpl Dwyer, who had looked after her so very well for three years.
At the time the Ist Battalion XX The Lancashire Fusiliers were stationed in Barracks in Moascar, before getting involved in the Ismalia Riots.
I do not know positively were she is buried but no doubt I shall find out.

I'm posting this appeal again as I'm writing a book about the British Forces role during the Eoka conflict in Cyprus (55-59).

So far I have no anecdotes or eye-witness accounts from a Lancs Fusilier to include. I don't think any regiment should be left out as they all served their country with distinction.

If you are one of those Cyprus veterans, please contact me directly. I would appreciate hearing from you.

Best wishes

David (Carter)
EDITOR.
David is a supporter of our web site,if there are any LFs out there with a Cyprus 1955 to 1959 story,memory,anecdote,etc,of any kind,no matter how insignificant it may seem,David would like to hear it.Thanks,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth

Hi Joe Eastwood.
Re the above, a letter is on its way, You should get it either tomorrow or Thursday.
Speak to you soon. Brian.
EDITOR.
I have your donation Brian,in life,there are a handful of people who can always be relied upon.Thank you.Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth

I shall continue my investigation as to were "Minnie" is buried, I would probably asume the barracks at Moascar but I shall find out eventually in my research. I will not rest until I can find an answer. I have some good sources to follow up.

John died a few years ago,his Grandson would like to know if anyone remembers him during his service with the LFs.He lived at Keighley West Yorks and had served with the York and Lancs from 1942 to 1943,when he was posted to the LFs.He was demobbed in 1946 having served at Casino,he claimed he was close to Jefferson VC when he carried out his heroic action.He holds the 39-45 Star,the Africa Star(1st Army) and the Italy Star.
His documents show that he had a campaign wound of a dislocated knee on the 1st October 1944.
He was born on the 4th March 1907 and his Regimental Number was 4758693.
His Grandson(also John Bailey) is trying to find a pic,any of the old and bold remember John?Reply on this page please,thanks,Joe.
Editor
Omnia Audax XXth.

I have established that "Minnie" was buried in the camp at Moascar. Before her internment her tail and four hooves were removed. Two of her hooves were made into an inkwell and paperweight and together with her tail and ceremonial blanket are on show in the Regimental Museum in Bury. The remaining two hooves were given to the Boroughs of both Bury and Rochdale in remembrance of "Minnie." The XX The Lancashire Fusiliers enjoys the Freedom of both these towns. I feel that I have now come to the conclusion of my story, no doubt there are many more amusing tales to tell of "Minnie."
THE END
EDITOR.
On behalf of the hundreds(more like thousands!)of readers who have followed this story with great interest,I would like to warmly thank Roy for his unstinting research and excellent presentation,the story is now timeless,as it has become part of the World Wide Web and therefore probably indestructable!
Thanks again Roy.
Omnia Audax XXth.

I must admit to being a little disappointed in the response,perhaps I got it wrong and the idea of a Lancashire Tram being named "The Lancashire Fusilier" is not such a popular idea as I was led to believe?
Anyway,many thanks to the members of my family and the ONE other donor.
Joe
Omnia Audax XXth.

Many thanks for your anonymous donation,you know how much it means to me personally,thanks,Joe.

Thanks for your donation Ron,all the way from Australia!
There is a good pic of you on the "Hong Kong" page,looks like you were I/C the bearer party at Paddy Daley's funeral?
Thanks again,there are MANY much closer who promised but so far have not managed it!
Omnia Audax XXth.

A few names for n/ks first front Cliff Armson
second only nickname Little Mo.
Regards to all LFs
Griff.

EDITOR.
Thanks Griff,if anyone else has identified anyone on any of the pics,please leave a message on this board so Dave,our webmaster,can update the info,thanks,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth

Whilst i was out doing some shopping in Bury i had a chance encounter with an old friend off mine by the name of Ken Boardman Drummer Later to be a Drum major if any one wishes to send him a message they can do so through me. Ken is now an amputee and in a wheel chair i am sure he will be thrilled to hear from anyone who knew him.
EDITOR.
Please would you give Hank my regards,we were very good friends when he was Drummie,and we go back a LONG way!
Would it be possible for someone to get him to where there is a computer,internet cafe or library and show him how to log on to the site? I would love to hear from him,please give him my warmest regards,Thanks Michael,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth.

We are getting towards the target of £350,but very slowly.There is a time factor,it is currently planned to have the formal naming ceremony on the 19th September,obviously the Tram will need to have been painted before then.I need the cash NOW to send to Metrolink.
If you have been considering sending a donation(remember it does not matter how large or small,it will never be revealed to anyone else)PLEASE send it NOW!
Cheques to "The LF Tram Fund" to my home address.(E mail me if you do not have it,just click on to my name in blue below))
Think of the pleasure it will give you and your family when they ride on "OUR" tram!
Come on the XXth! Do it now!!
Regards,Joe.
Omnia Audax XXth.

I could be one of last 2nd Bn lancashire fusiliers to enlist by national service in May 1954. My regimental No 23029405.I served in TRIESTE and then MALTA.and then to Lichfied for the disbanding of the regiment,I was then transfered to the 1st Border regiment to complete my service