1.  Introduction: Finally, we can hold the Reunion on Back Badge Day 21st March 2026 in the WOs & Sgts Mess at Imjin Barracks Innsworth Gloucester GL113 1HW.

2. Anyone who has worn, or wears the Back Badge, and their guests, are welcome to attend. Any widows are also encouraged to attend.
3. Please Note: To gain access into the Barracks we intend to hold a block booking system with the Guard Room to ensure speedy access. To that end could you please return vehicle details i.e. Make, Model and Registration Number. Drivers will be directed to the various car parks and disabled passengers may alight at the Mess Main Entrance, whether it be by private vehicle or taxi. There will be no access into the Barracks before 1300hrs.
4. Background: Some key points for the day include:
· Church Service at St Mary de Lode. The service will be conducted by The Rev Canon Nikki Arthy accompanied by ex-members of the Glosters Band and friends, led by Rojer Phelps. Standard Bearers will also be in attendance. Please Note those attending please be seated by 1115hrs, the service will commence at 1130hrs.
· Veterans March through the City. Immediately after the service, the Veterans and Gloucestershire ACF will form up under the Parade Marshal Mr Anthony Jones (TJ). The Parade will then proceed from Archdeacon Street and turning left into Westgate Street, wheeling right into Southgate Street and then right again into Longsmith Street where the parade will Fall Out.
· Transport. This will once again be supplied and driven by Mrs Shirley Casey to ferry from Church/Longsmith Street to Imjin Barracks. There will be a short delay between the two. Could you please annotate your transport requirements on the proforma.
· Gathering. On arrival at the WOs & Sgts Mess you will be checked in and given a seating plan and then directed to the bar waiting area to await the bugle call to proceed to the main hall for lunch. The mess caterers are arranging a three-course luncheon at a cost of £30.00 per person (see menu below), this includes an aperitif on arrival at the bar, a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine on each table. Please indicate your seating preference. The lounge bar will remain open after lunch until late and there will be a finger buffet provided for the night owls.
lease book early to avoid disappointment.
Menu: Starter: Chicken Terrine with Apricot and Pancetta
Main Course: Roasted Chicken with Roasted Herb New Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables
Dessert: Treacle Tart with Custard, Tea and Coffee
5. A collection will be taken for the raffle and various gratuities so please bring a little cash. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Yours sincerely
Len Keeling
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mobile: 07414 945062
Please pay by electronic transfer to: Gloucestershire Regimental Association
Sort Code: 30-99-50 Account No: 38239962
Please include a reference on payment: e.g. Smith x 3
Cheques made payable to: Gloucestershire Regimental Association
13 Sunnyside Park, Claines, Worcester, WR3 7SP
PLEASE E-MAIL OR POST THIS PROFORMA BY 6th MARCH 2026.
Your Name:
Name of Guests:
E-Mail:
Telephone:
Car Registration & Description:
Seating Preference:
All are encouraged to attend the Church Service beginning at 1130hrs and then participate in the march through Gloucester.
Will you attend the Church Service? Yes/No
Will you be marching? Yes/No
Do you need transport and if so, how many seats are required to Imjin Barracks:
Do you have any special dietary needs? If so, please make this clear and we shall do our best to meet your requirement.
I look forward to seeing you all there.

2^nd Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment

Towns and villages all through Holland are celebrating the 80^th anniversary of their liberation in WW2.  One of the largest celebrations is a weeklong set of activities in Roosendaal.  Educational films, displays, re-enactments, displays, marches and events took place from 26^th Oct – 3^rd Nov 2024.

The Glosters were part of the 49^th Inf Div, nicknamed the polar bears, other units involved included the 4th Lincolns,1/4 KOYLI, Hallams Bn, 11^th Royal Scots, 1 Leicesters,  1/7^th DWR, 1 SWB, 2^nd Essex and supported by 55, 69, 89, 143, 185 RA, 49 Sigs, 2^nd Kensingtons and 9 RTR.  The division formed part of Monty’s drive up towards the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam and east towards Arnhem.

The RGBW Association was invited to take part in the celebrations at the end of the week to acknowledge the participation of the 2^nd Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment.  The townspeople of Roosendaal were extremely courteous and grateful for the handful of various association representatives from the UK to be in attendance.  They take their liberation extremely seriously; it is taught at an early age in schools and celebrated by all age groups.

On the first day, we were taken to “Camp Thruster” where there was a large display of military vehicles and equipments.  The enthusiasm and dedication were evident with many of them private collectors of equipment and memorabilia.  Most of the vehicles (over 20) were also in private hands after being lovingly restored over the decades.  The pride and joy of the display was an immaculate Churchill tank in full working order, the only private example in Europe.  During the evening, we were invited to a concert starring the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, proudly wearing their Polar Bear badges.

Day two involved going around the Roosendaal area on a battlefield tour and meeting up with the local veterans in the town's first in/last out pub - Café De Veestallen.  This was the first building secured by the British forces on entering Roosendaal and remained undamaged throughout the war.  Most of the internal fitments and decor have remained unchanged since WW2 and are fitting to the loyal veterans' watering hole.  The various local army associations sadly closed over the years as their memberships declined, but one of the locals, a Colonel from the Dutch commandos, started an all-arms Roosendaal Association four years ago and it has now over 100 members around Roosendaal, from all services and units, a fantastic achievement,

After a liquid lunch the veterans from all countries fell in outside, standards raised to greet the columns of re-enactment vehicles and men, proudly led by the Churchill tank.  After falling in behind we all marched to the memorial square where the Polar Bear monument is located.  The band gave a rendition of wartime tunes, regimental marches and national anthems before the wreath-laying ceremony which was led by the Duke of Wellington Regiment and The Gloucestershire Regiment, followed by the mayor and all the various dignitaries and representatives. After the service was finished there was a photo shoot for about an hour (there were about 1000 locals in attendance) and then back to that famous pub for more food and drink.

Overall, It was a memorable visit for which I am extremely grateful to have been invited.  The locals take their liberation extremely seriously and is a foundation for their freedom and democracy.  I would like to thank the owners of the Tongerlo Hotel for their impeccable service and for spending so much time with us.  I am also grateful for the party from the Duke of Wellingtons who adopted me over the weekend.  Attached are several snaps made; I will add some of the professional pictures when they become available.   “By our deeds, we are known”   Martin Talling, County Chairman

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Please find attached invite to the Imjin Commemorative Lunch 2023 sponsored by the Somerset Branch, Rifles & Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Association. The invitation is open to all association members and Korean War veterans with their partners/chaperones and other branch invited local friends & guests.

This event has become increasingly popular over the years and in 2022 we maxed out our 140 seats, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

To ensure maximum publicity, this invitation will be sent out on the global mail distribution list and all associated Facebook sites. The following attachment is in PDF format for ease of reading/printing.

Best regards and take care

Martin Talling
Somerset Branch
Secretary & Treasurer
Rifles & RGBW Association

We are planning to hold the event once again at the Taunton Rugby Football Club, Veritas
Park, Hyde Lane, Bath pool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BU on Sunday 23 April 2023 at 1200hrs for 1230hrs.
The two-course carvery & dessert menu, including tea & coffee, is £15.00p per person, which
is extremely excellent value, thanks to being generously discounted by the Association.
Online payment by bank transfer is the preferred payment option but cheques will also be
accepted, full details are attached.
Those who have been before to this venue are familiar with the superb food, the friendly staff,
the comfortable surroundings, the excellent ambience, and of course good company. There
are disabled facilities including a lift to the Hyde Suite. There will also be a raffle held after
lunch so please bring along a suitable gift.
The venue is easy to find just off J25 M5 and has parking for 250 cars. Please purchase your
reservations in advance from our Secretary Martin Talling; a booking proforma is attached.
Due to the continued success of this event and its popularity increasing, early booking is
strongly advised to avoid disappointment. We are capped at 140 seats (fully booked last
year).

As previously, we are giving additional focus on tracking down as many Korean Veterans as
possible and getting them to this prestigious event. There will be plenty of people attending
from Cardiff, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Bristol, Stroud, and all along the South Coast, so we
ask all association members to try and locate these heroes and get them to the lunch. Their
numbers are fewer every year so; so, let us make a year to remember these veterans

[wpgmza id="16"]

If you wish to attend, then complete the form below or click the button below for the return

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As is the custom our members attended various Remembrance Day Parades across the counties.

Featured below are some of the pictures of them.

  · 

For those who are unable to attend Major (QM) Douglas Clifford Mortimer's funeral and who would like to see the service there will be a webcast o the service: Details are as follows:

This email is confirmation that a webcast is required for the following service:

Name

Douglas Mortimer

Location

East Devon Crematorium, Whimple, Exeter - Default Chapel

Date & Time

Tuesday 22/11/2022 13:00

Requester

Martin Hunns - Walter H Squires & Son, Tiverton

Use the PIN number below to access your webcast

Webcast Login PIN

792-8113

https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view

Webcast Viewing Instructions are available here.

Please note that by sharing the secure PIN number you give full access to view the service and access the on-demand features. Your PIN number will be activated no earlier than 14 days before the service date.

Event Number

1148234 - please quote this on all correspondence and when calling

Thanks,

Wesley Media Team

With less than a month left before the Ferozeshah Gathering I am just putting out a reminder for those who intend to be there but have not yet confirmed it with me, and those who have said they are coming but have changed their minds for one reason or another.

The shopping for food has begun and I need firm numbers quickly or one of wo things is going to happen.

1 Those who turn up without informing me will not get fed, or

2 I will have paid for food for someone who has not turned up and it will leave me in be more in debt than I usually am, and somewhat disgruntled!

Please let me know either way with response to this post or better still a personal message via Facebook Messenger.

Thank you.

Norman.

Brock Barracks. Oxford Road. Reading. RG30 1 HW

Programme

Sunday 1 pm to 5pm to include: -
Memorial Service at the Cenotaph
March Past
2 Course Lunch
Cash Bar in the Dragon Club
Static Displays by 7 Rifles
Musical Event
Most of all come along and meet up with your old comrades and friends
The cost per person £12.50

Please support our Association

Further details & Booking Form contact
Mr David Smith e-mail: — 07785 950521

[easy_media_download url="https://www.rgbw-association.org.uk/downloads/maiwand22.pdf"]

Sunday 24th April 20221.   

It has been a long and hard two years since we were last able to organise an Imjin Commemorative Lunch. The dreaded COVID outbreak meant us cancelling the 70^th-anniversary event, which was a huge disappointment for everyone. We are now planning the next occasion, which will again be held at Taunton Rugby Football Club, Veritas Park, Hyde Lane, Bathpool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BU on Sunday 24^th April 2022 at 1200hrs for 1230hrs.

2.   The two-course carvery & dessert menu, including coffee, is £12.50p per person, which is extremely good value thanks to being generously discounted by the Association. Online payment by bank transfer is the preferred payment option but cheques will also be accepted, full details are attached.

3.   Those who have been before to this venue are familiar with the superb food, the friendly staff, comfortable surroundings, excellent ambience, and of course good company. There are disabled facilities including a lift to the Hyde Suite. There will also be a charity raffle held after the lunch so please bring along a suitable gift.

4.   The venue is easy to find just off J25 M5 and has parking for 250 cars. Directions from the M5 will be printed on your email ticket. Please purchase your tickets in advance from our Secretary Martin Talling, a booking proforma is attached. Further copies are available at the RGBW and Glosters Websites and bookings will close on 31st March 2022. This is a very popular event with a capacity seating limit, so early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

5.   As previously, we are giving additional focus on tracking down as many Korean Veterans as possible and getting them to this prestigious event. There will be plenty of people attending from Cardiff, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Bristol, Stroud, Exeter and further afield; so, we ask all association members to try and locate these heroes and get them to the lunch. Their numbers are fewer every year so; let’s make a year to remember for these veterans.

“By our deeds, we are known”

 BOOKING PROFORMA PDF FORMAT (for those who want to print and post)

 BOOKING PROFORMA WORD FORMAT (for those who wish to edit and email)

 Martin Talling

Somerset Branch

Secretary & Treasurer

Rifles & RGBW Association

Tel:    01278787278

Mob:  07568377259

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dragons Rest

Rosetree Paddock

Berrow

Somerset

TA8 2JP

1. Introduction. It is intended to hold the Back Badge reunion this year on the 26^th March at Walls social club , Hammond Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL43HG. As before a church service at St Marys deLode and subsequent march through Gloucester will precede the lunch and gathering.
2. Background. Some key points for the day include:

• Church Service at St Mary de Lode. The service will begin at 11.30 am. Please take your seats by 11.15 am. As before Canon Nikki Arty has kindly agreed to lead. All are most welcome and we plan on members of our former Regimental Band accompanying the service.
• March through Gloucester. Form up under parade marshal Len Keeling near to the West door of the Church, on Archdeacon Street, and proceed to Westgate Street. The salute will be taken on the steps to Gloucestershire County Hall. The march continues along Westgate to Southgate Street before turning in to Longsmith Street. There participants will halt and fall out.
• Transport. Mr Andy Casey is kindly making available transport to Walls Social Club from outside the Church and also Longsmith Street. If required, please annotate the proforma.

LIFTS Mrs Jenny McBryde will organise lifts from car owners with spare seats, drivers are requested to inform Jenny who will fill their seats.

• Gathering. Walls Social Club is kindly arranging lunch at a most reasonable price of

£25.00 per head (same as 2020) for a three-course menu plus coffee or tea, a bottle of red and white wine will be available at each table for no extra charge.

• Widows. The committee wish to encourage attendance by our regimental widows. Please try to bring along a widow or widower.
• Standard Bearers at the Church. Please attend the brief rehearsal at 10.45 am.

1. Participation. Those from the wider regimental family of Regulars, Reserves, Cadets, Association as well as key supporters from the community are encouraged to submit a proforma. Tickets will be issued in advance. Please assist in spreading the word to the widows of our comrades; the committee can facilitate attendance as regimental guests.
2. Concluding Comment. Due to the various strains of covid we have been unable to proceed with our Back Badge reunion for the last 2 years so I’m sure everyone is ready for a nice break . We really look forward to seeing as many as possible at the Church Service, the March and for the lunch and gathering at Walls Social Club. I am most grateful to all of those that are helping to organise this very special occasion and thank you for your patience after 2 organised reunions had to be cancelled. Should anyone have any queries you are most welcome to contact me direct. Please now complete the attached proforma, as per the instructions, and spread the word. This will be a very special event this year folks, so come along. Those who left ticket payments from previous years will have nothing to pay and if you are unsure I hold the list and you can ring me.
3. Ibis Hotel will not let me do any bookings due to some organisation who are taking over the whole hotel at this time, however, there is a premier inn close by and I will try to get a reduced rate for us there. Once I have I will publish on this means. We have missed you guys and look forward to seeing you, marching with you and catching up.

Yours sincerely, Len Keeling Tel: 07414 945062 ||
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 

FOR THE BOOKING PROFORMA CLICK HERE

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