(Formally of XX Lancashire Fusiliers
(Omnia Audax)
Background
He joined Junior Boy's service in late1962 and enjoyed
a full military career of some 30 years. he was selected for a Short Service
Commission (SSC) in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1983. Some years
later converted to Late Entry {LE}. The former Company 2IC, Quartermaster
and Staff Officer of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Major (Retd) Les
Ingham BEM RRF is known for his straight talking and direct, uncompromising
style. he was often heard to say that he was a product and supporter of
the Large Regiment/ Divisional System meaning Queens Division as his service
spanned tours of duty with 2 QUEENS, 3 R ANGLIAN (The Pompadours), 2RRF
and 6 RRF (V). His service included two tours with 7th /10th (City of
Belfast Battalion) The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) & 7 R IRISH.
While he doubts it is a record for any young Fusilier reading this article
you too may be called upon to transfer between cap badge units when the
promotional opportunities arise. You may feel despondent on leaving your
family regiment but it will soon pass as you settle into new challenges.
Remember, your confidential reports are crucial to determining your next
career move. However, in today's re-balancing of Infantry numbers and
loss of many fine regiments promotional opportunities may be harder to
secure in your chosen regiment. Never give up and always follow your dreams!
It would be remiss of Les not to mention the encouragement shown to him
by one of 2RRF outstanding Commanding Officers the late Lt-Gen Sir Jeremy
Calcott Reilly KCB, DSO (commissioned into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment
(7th) in 1954) and commanded 2RRF from 1971-1973. Col JC as he was affectionately
known by his men selected him (half-way through an NI operational tour
at the timer) to attend the 6 week potential instructor's selection course
at RMA Sandhurst. Les passed the 6 week arduous and competitive selection
with flying colours.
Be yourself. But be good at it! Have a Mission & Vision!
His approach to his military career has hinged on loyalty, dedication,
unselfish commitment, honesty, and hard work and he believes he will be
judged by what he has achieved rather than what others might think. He
is a passionate believer in mission command. He looks forward and downwards
but never up. He cares passionately about his subordinates and peers gained
through experience and drawn from many operational tours of Northern Ireland.
He believes in letting his subordinates make mistakes and learning from
them. Gone are the days of screaming and old fashioned bollockings; soldiers
are more intelligent today but a well-meaning word of encouragement (every
now and then) often oils the wheels of leadership! Above all his attitude
has been to enjoy his work, always maintain a sense of humour and accept
the challenge no matter how difficult the task. Friends and professional
colleagues have played a huge part in his career development, advancement
and success, especially in the early years of his service. He will always
be grateful for their words of support and wisdom.
Final Period of Regular Army Service
Les retired from the Army in December 1992 having completed an illustrious
career spanning 30 years regular service. I always fancied a crack at
a staff appointment. The opportunity arose while QM of 7/10 UDR at Malone
base, Belfast. He joined HQ 39th Infantry Bde G4 team under DCOS Maj Stephen
Tetlow MBE REME. Les assumed the post of SO3 G4 (North) in Belfast, Northern
Ireland. His area of responsibility was wide-ranging and challenging.
His patch took in the whole of West Belfast operational bases (Musgrave
Park Hospital, Woodbourne, Fort Whiterock, North Howard Street Mill, New
Barnsley and all the Belfast Ops to name a few), One of his successes
was the complete removal of Antrim Road, Funeral Parlour OP in an effort
to make the local area less military-like. Antrim, Carrickfergus and Holywood,
Palace Barracks. Many requests for urgent operational requirements (UOR's)
were often received and needed prompt attention. This period in his career
was stimulating, challenging but immensely rewarding. On completion of
this staff appointment Les re-joined 2RRF at Ballykinler as OC HQ Company.
After a short tour Les returned as QM 7/10 UDR.
Challenges in Civvy Street and Civil Service
After a short break in Civvy Street Les returned to Ulster and interviewed
for work with the MoD Civil Service in Northern Ireland. I was lucky to
secure a C2 Staff appointment as SO2 Organisation & Developments (O
& D)/Establishments, HQNI. He undertook periods of work in civilian
life as Project Manager "Positively Belfast" (a Government Quango)
prior to becoming Housing Manager Aberdeen University.
The Early Years - An Enduring Career
Prior to joining the Army Les played soccer for Bury Boys and was a member
of the Lancashire Fusiliers ACF based at Castle Armoury, Bury and went
on to join the Junior Army in 1962, enlisting at the Army Recruiting Office
in Great Ducie Street, Manchester. Joining the Army at the young age was
both challenging and hugely rewarding. He entered Junior Service at the
age of 16 years old, thereafter completed his training and education at
the Junior Tradesman's Regiment (JTR), Troon, Ayrshire in Scotland. The
weather was appalling it was very cold and a record recorded. Interesting
this year 2018 is the coldest on record since 1962/63. Leaving home and
embarking on a new adventure was at the forefront of his mind. Les graduated
in 1964 (having completed 4 terms) passing out as a Junior Regimental
Sergeant Major (J/RSM) the highest rank achievable for a boy soldier
He also gained Regimental colours in soccer and cross
country running. He left Goodbody's Company as a Driver/Radio operator
(achieved 22 wpm in Morse code and Telegraphic procedures) and joined
his XX 1 LF Bn, Signal Platoon in Worcester. The Battalion was in the
process of relocating to UK from BAOR during the early part of 1964 (the
Bn having been based there since 1960). This involved a move from Quebec
Barracks, Osnabruck, to Norton Barracks, Worcester. The Commanding Officer
at the time was the late Lt Gen Sir Alexander James Wilson KBE MC formally
of the Rifle Brigade and a WW2 veteran.
British Guayna 11 January 1965
- 19 October 1965
Les's first emergency tour was with XX 1 LF totalling 9 months and based
at Lennora as Cpl Signal Detachment Commander. Much experienced gained
and lessons learnt.
Weeton Camp- Blackpool October
65 -67
Les attended what he considered to be the best course of his military
career in November 1964. He attended a 16mm Projectionist course run by
the Army Kinema Corporation (AKC) at Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire.
He became an expert overnight on Bell & Howell/Debrie projectors.
Hong Kong 26 September 1967 -
25 July 1969
During the flight to Hong Kong he celebrated his 21st birthday.
He deployed to Gun Club Barracks with A Company as Cpt/Pl Sgt understudying
Sgt Kiwi Johnson. Lt Col TD Lloyd-Jones OBE was the Commanding Officer
and his RSM was WO1 (RSM) Jack Nash at that time.It was routine for Rifle
Companies rotated between Gun Club Barracks and Erskine Camp,

Les taking it easy in the best hotel in Hong Kong with all mod coms
Erskine Camp Nissan Huts 1969

Si Kung Peninsular. St Georges Day April 1968 (Vesting
Day) XX 1 LF was re-named 4 RRF and on parade that day the distinctive
"Primrose" Hackle was assigned to history.. The most visible
symbolic element of the parade was to remove the "Primrose"
Hackle and replace with a "Red and White "Hackle; which so distinguishes
England's Fusiliers. (The "Red and White" Hackle worn by the
modern Fusilier is widely recognised as an enduring symbol of outstanding
Infantry professionalism with a history dating back to the Battle of Saint
Lucia in 1778).Yes, it was a sad day for all Lancashire Fusiliers but
amalgamation had been necessary to preserve the Fusilier name.
From an historical perspective it would be remiss of Les not to reflect
by highlighting the "order of the day" changing the regiment
forever. That said continuous change in the British army has evolved (roles,
tactics, equipment, financial etc.) over the centuries. By virtue of the
provisions of the Royal Warrant dated 5th April 1968 (published in Army
Order 18 of 1968) all officers of the Land Forces belonging to Royal Northumberland
Fusiliers (5th), Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers (6th), Royal Fusiliers (City
of London Regiment) (7th) and XX LF are transferred to Royal Regiment
of Fusiliers (RRF) with effect 23rd April 1968. Therefore all the above
regiments amalgamated and became RRF (this publication appeared in the
London Gazette on 23rd April 1968). One additional point on 23rd April
2018 England's Fusiliers will celebrate 50 years of continuous service.
Many organisational changes have taken place since Vesting Day but reaching
this important Regimental milestone of 50-years is highly significant
against a backdrop of today's ever changing Army. Les was absent
from the 1968 parade in Hong Kong due to being part of the exercise advance
party to Jungle Warfare School Training (JWS) at Kota Tinggi, Johore Bharu,
Malaysia with the Bn training team in preparation for Ex Minden Rose.
Ex Minden Rose enabled Company sized groups to rotate through a pre-arranged
jungle training packages for a short period prior to returning to Hong
Kong.
In 1969 whilst serving in Hong Kong the commencement of US President Richard
Nixon doctrine of Vietnamization and withdrawal of US Troops commenced.
Hong Kong became an R & R Centre for many American personnel. Les
recalls the massive Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise visiting when the
price of everything doubled and the China Fleet Club was the only sensible
"watering hole" left to visit for XX 1 LF. Many stories abound
of the Lancashire friendship offered to visiting GI's to help them spend
their hard earned dollars.
The Fusilier Brigade was an administrative formation
of the British Army from 1958 to 1968. The Brigade combined the depots
of the English infantry regiments designated as fusiliers. The Brigade
was created as part of the 1957 Defence White Paper announced in July
1957. It was formed on April 1, 1958.
Weeton Camp 26 July 1969 - 21
April 1970
Preparation commenced for disbandment of 4 RRF. Les joined one Draft commanded
by the late WO2 Brian Walsh which travelled by train to Watchet in Somerset.
Doniford Barracks, Watchet -
1969
On arrival at Watchet a Draft of Fusiliers of Company size were welcomed
by Lt Col A G Wooldridge, Commanding Officer and WO1 (RSM) P R Bateman
of 2RRF. Once Interviewed Les was immediately (the next day) reposted
to 2 QUEENS in Palace Barracks, Holywood, Northern Ireland. He assumed
the role of Signal Platoon Sgt until Oct 69 when he re-joined 2 RRF.
1969 -The start of troubles in Northern Ireland. Les's introduction to
civil disturbances was initially at Brown's Square (Lower Shankill) in
Belfast. The beginning of what was to become a long running campaign under
the heading Op BANNER which incidentally ended midnight on 31st July 2007.
Palace barracks, Holywood - 26
July 1969 - 21 April 1970.
I remained as Signal Pl Sgt until my departure for Berlin.
Les when Willie Whitelaw visited Fort Monagh
again with CO Lt Col JC Reilly
On far right is L/Cpl Halpin from Bolton
Les attended and passed the most important and competitive
selection course of his career (RMAS Pre-selection SNCO's Course No 29
from 7th January to 1st March 1974). It was a tough 8 weeks of tactical
assessment, teaching practices, weapon training and All Arms drill with
a final overseas exercise in Cyprus (flown in overnight and deployed in
darkness). This RMAS selection course set you on an accelerated promotional
path with the added bonus of gaining many friends throughout the Army.
Dec 77 - Nov 79
(Senior Permanent Staff Instructor (SPSI)) Y Company 6 RRF

Mar 87 - Nov 89
7/10 UDR/7 R IRISH Malone Major (Quartermaster)
This photo was taken of the beating retreat of th 7/10 UDR prior to merging
and renaming to become 7th Royal Irish Les was QM and supervised the cosmeticCastle
focarde and photo he is proud of

A Few Notable
Events
Date
(A)
|
Unit Location
(B)
|
Notable Events & Remarks
(C)
|
Oct 69 - Jul 71 2RRF
|
2RRF - Berlin
|
Platoon Sgt, C Company. Commanded 11 Platoon
until February 1972. During this tour of operational duty awarded
the BEM.
|
Jul 71 - Aug 75
|
2RRF - Catterick
|
Platoon Sgt, C Company.
|
Oct 71 -Feb 72
|
2RRF-West Belfast
|
Sgt Platoon Commander.
|
Jul 72 - Nov 72 Sgt
|
2RRF-Andersontown
|
Platoon Commander.
|
Oct 74 - Feb 75 Sgt
|
2RRF-Andersontown
|
Platoon Commander.
Attended RMAS Selection Course and became an infantry SNCO Instructor
after a gruelling 6-week selection course.
Took part in the Presentation of Colours to RMAS by Her Majesty
The Queen at Sandhurst on 30th May 1974. Commandant at RMAS at
that time was Major-General R. C. Ford C.B.,C.B.E.
|
Aug 75 - Oct 77
|
2RRF-Paderborn
|
(WO2 CSM) A Company.
The Queen's Silver Jubilee. The Review of the Army Sennelager
7th July 1977.
|
Jun 76 - Oct 76
|
2RRF-Armagh
|
WO2 (CSM) A Company.
|
Nov 77 - Dec 77
|
2RRF-Hemer
|
Arrived /Departed on posting
|
Dec 77 - Nov 79
|
WO2 6RRF(V)-Newcastle
|
(Senior Permanent Staff Instructor (SPSI))
Y Company.
Participated in the Presentation of New Colours to 6(V) RRF at
Alnwick Castle by HRH Duke of Kent GCMG, GCVO, ADC Colonel-in
Chief of the Regiment.
|
Nov 79 - Mar 81
|
2RRF-Holywood
|
WO2 (CSM) HQ Coy/ Regimental Quartermaster
Sergeant (RQMS).
|
Apr 81 - Jul 83
|
2RRF-Berlin
|
WO1 - Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).
Participated in the Berlin Tattoo.
Salute to Spandau. 750 year anniversary celebrations. One of twelve
Boroughs of West Berlin! From 1945 it was the home of the British
Garrison in Berlin. LP record produced by kind permission of CO
2RRF: Lt Col Mike Hayley and Senior Bandmaster WO1 John Dodd.
Cornet-soloist: C/Sgt John Bainbridge.
Participated part in the Queen's Birthday Parade
of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday 5th
June 1982.
|
Nov 83 - Apr 84
|
2RRF
|
Falklands Company Commander was Major J K
R Porter and Les was Company Second-in-command (2 IC) A Company
based at Goose Green (Quick Re-action Force (QRF)) Role.
|
Apr 84 - Mar 87
|
3 R ANGLIAN
|
Minden Major (Quartermaster) Technical -
Armoured Infantry Battalion.
|
Nov 86 - Mar 87
|
3 R ANGLIAN
|
West Belfast Major (Quartermaster) Technical
- Armoured Infantry Battalion.
|
Mar 87 - Nov 89
|
7/10 UDR/7 R IRISH
|
Malone Major (Quartermaster).
9th November 1989 - fall of Berlin Wall.
|
Nov 89 - Aug 91
|
HQ 39 Inf Bde
|
Thiepval Major - Staff Officer Grade 3, G4
(N). Responsible for all military works - West Belfast.
|
Aug 91- Oct 92
|
2RRF
|
Ballykinler Major Officer Commanding HQ Company.
|
Nov 92
|
7/10 UDR/7 R IRISH
|
Malone Presentation of Colours to 7/10 UDR
(City of Belfast) Bn.
Departed Regular Service on Redundancy.
|
Les is married to Zofia and describes his interests
as politics, reading, travel, football and rugby.
|