The Rifles & RGBW Regimental Association

As many of you will be aware this year's Cyprus Memorial Service will be held at the NMA on Sunday the 19th August at 1100hrs.

The Death of Roy Smith, R Berks

We would just like to inform you that Roy Smith who was in the Royal Berkshire regiment passed away on 28th June, aged 80. No further details as yet.

The. Death of John Sealy, Glosters

It has been reported by his daughter, the death of 23638132 John Sealy who Served 1 Glosters 1959-61, he died on the 6th August 2018.

The Death of Fredrick Perkins

This is to inform you of the recent death of 5351928 Pte Fredrick George Perkins who passed away on the 13 July at The Royal Surrey County Hospital.

Death of 24809026 Cpl (Retd) Mathew Henderson-Williams

We have been informed of the death of Cpl (Retd) Mathew Henderson-Williams who sadly died on the 1st August 2018.
Mathew served in the Glosters, 1RGBW and 5 Rifles.
Mathew's twin sister has requested a military funeral and would like to know if a Standard Bearer could be present at his funeral.
As yet there are no details of when the funeral will take place.
If any branches have a Standard Bearer that can attend once details are known, can you please contact the Association Secretary direct.

The Death of Byron Murphy(Spud) Glosters & 1 Wessex

Those who served in The Gloucestershire Regiment and 1 WESSEX will wish to be aware of the recent death of Mr Byron James Murphy (Spud), aged 92.

We can confirm the funeral of the late CSgt Saiasi Baleimatuku (Bali) is to take place on Friday 31st August 2018 at 3.30pm at the Fradley Crematorium and afterwards at the Enots Football Club on Brownsfield Rd, Eastern Ave, Lichfield WS136AY. 
The following link will take you to the Fradley Crematorium:
http://www.lichfield-crematorium.co.uk

The death of Leslie Raymond Middlecote

I have been informed of the death of Leslie Raymond Middlecote who peacefully passed away on the 15th July 2018. His funeral will take place at the Gloucester Crematorium 31st July at 2pm.
Leslie proudly served his country in the 2nd Battalion of the Glosters going in on D-Day to Gold Beach. Regrettably, I have no further information apart from the following link:
http://www.family-announcements.co.uk/gloucestershire/view/4607765/leslie-raymond-middlecot

The Death of Saiasi Baleimatuku, DERR

We have been informed of the passing of CSgt Saiasi Baleimatuku commonly known as Bali. Bali died in the early hours of Sunday morning after a long illness.

Bali enlisted into the British Army in 1961 along with 200 men and 12 women of various ethnic backgrounds in what was then the Crown Colony of Fiji. They became widely known as the "212".
Joe Ravu recalls that six Fijians were bound for the training camp at Honiton on the 4th December 1961, unfortunately for them, this was the coldest winter the UK had in 31 years.

Bali was inspirational he what he achieved, representing the Battalion in Rugby, Boxing and other sports. He was looked on as an ambassador for the Battalion and respected by all that knew him. He will be sadly missed.

Further details are to following regarding funeral arrangements.

Our sincere condolences go out to Julia and all her family.

The death of Mr Kevin Hamblin

The death of Mr Kevin Hamblin has been reported on Facebook by Mr Richard Randall and forwarded to the Association via Mr Phil Miller and The Rifles. The details are:
It is with great sadness and regret I have to inform you that Kevin Hamblin, formerly of The Gloucestershire Regiment, passed away on the 30th of June 2018 following a short fight with Cancer. Many will remember Kevin from the MT Platoon in Minden and Weeton Camp. He left the Battalion in 1976/77. Kevin was also in the Battalion Boxing Team and represented 1 Glosters on several occasions.

Those wishing to attend his funeral will wish to be aware it is taking place this Friday, 27th July 2018 beginning at 1.15 pm. Kevin Hamblin’s funeral service will take place at Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol, BS37 8QP.

Sat Nav users are recommended to use the Postcode BS37 8RF. If required Mr Richard Randall may be contacted via e-mail…This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.