Mr David Smith has stood down as Chairman of the Reading Branch of the Association.  At the Branch meeting on 30 April 2024, Mr Peter Richens was unanimously elected as the new Chairman

David Smith has given over half a century of service to the Association and Regiment.  His military service began as a Sea Cadet in Reading which also saw the start of his career in military music as he became their 'Silver Bugler'.  In 2009 he joined the Reading Scottish Pipe Band and spent 5 years as their Drum Major until forced to step down through ill health.  He joined the Army in July 1962 the day before his 18th birthday and trained at Honiton, Devon prior to joining 1 DERR in Tidworth.  Thereafter he served in Malta, Cyprus, West Germany and Catterick before he finally left the Drums Platoon in 1971.  In 1973 he was a founding member of the Reading Branch of the Regimental Association.  Following his regular service, he served for 5 years with 63 (SAS) Signal Squadron (V) and then joined the Berkshire Army Cadet Force where for 8 years he was the East Berkshire Company Sgt Maj Instructor.  As he approaches his 80th birthday, David continues to be an active member of the Reading Branch and has surely earned our heartfelt thanks for his tremendous and continuing service.

Peter Richens also completed his recruit training at Honiton, joining the Army in August 1962.  He was posted to 1 DERR in Malta in February 1963, joining 6 Platoon, B Company with whom he completed 2 Battalion exercises in Libya.  In 1964 he served with the 1st Bn during its operational tour countering EOKA terrorists in Cyprus.  A notable athlete, Peter won the Middle East Army Cross Country Championship, the Malta Inter Services Cross Country Championship and the 1 and 3 mile races and the Steeplechase at the Malta Army Athletic Championship.  He then went on to win the Army (Cyprus) Cross Country Championship and completed the Bn Junior NCO's Cadre in 1965.  Later that year, he transferred to The Parachute Regiment where he served for a further 20 years, retiring in 1985 as a Warrant Officer Class 2.  In addition to taking over as Branch Chairman, Peter has been the driving force behind the annual Maiwand Reunion and Gathering for a number of years

CHAIRMAN

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Bristol ABF Charity Day at Bristol and Clifton Golf Club - Thursday 23 May 2024

The Regimental Golf Society hopes to enter 2 x 4-ball teams.  Those interested should speak to John Marsh.

Annual Summer Meeting of the Regimental Golf Society -  Erlestoke Golf Club - 30/31 May 2024

Fully subscribed this year with 20 members playing.
 

DERR 65th Anniversary Gathering - Warners Lakeside, Hayling Island - Friday 7 - Sunday 9 June 2024

Following on from the successful 50th and 60th DERR Anniversary Reunions, Bill Sherman has taken the initiative to organise a 65th Anniversary Reunion, again at Hayling Island, Hampshire.  To book online, follow this link:

Alternatively, the telephone number to book is: 0330 100 9774 - Option 2

The Burma Cup - Thornbury Golf Club - 14 June 2024

The Slashers are hosting this event and Steve MacIntyre will be the Team Captain.

Maiwand Gathering and Reunion - Sunday 14 July 2024 at Brock Barracks

The Reading Branch of the Association will hold its annual Maiwand Reunion and Gathering at Brock Barracks in Reading on Sunday 14 July 2024.  The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM to include:

• Memorial Service at the Brock Barracks Cenotaph
• March Past
• Two Course Hot Lunch
• Cash Bar in the Dragon Club
• Static Displays by 7 Rifles
• Musical Event

The cost will be £14.50 per person.  All Association members are encouraged to attend.  Further details can be obtained from Mr Peter Richens (Email: <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> or Tel: 07527 997392).

A booking form is attached at the end of this newsletter.

The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) Devon Charity Day at Dainton Park Golf Club - Wednesday 17 July 2024

Organised by Trevor Ongley.  See the notice in last month's Newsletter.

RGBW Officers' Club Lunch - The Wardrobe - Saturday 20 July 2024

Slashers Annual Meeting - Puckrup Hall Golf Club (Tewksbury) - 16 August 2024

Reading Branch Summer Lunch - Toby Carvery, Lower Early - Friday 6 September 2024

The cost will be £5.00 per head for members and spouses/partners or £8.00 per head for other guests.  No charge will be made for widows of Association members.

The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) Dorset Charity Day - Rushmore Golf Club - Friday 20 September 2024

Officers’ Annual Back Badge Lunch 2024 - Chavenage House - Sunday 6 October 2024

The annual Officers’ Back Badge Lunch will be held on Sunday 6 October, again at Chavenage House, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8XP.

The Rifles Regimental Golf Meeting - South Winchester Golf Club - Monday 7 October 2024

Autumn Meeting of the Regimental Golf Society - Upavon Golf Club - Thursday 10 October 2024

59/94 Club Lunch - The Wardrobe - Friday 11 October 2024

The next 59/94 Club lunch will be held at The Wardrobe on Friday 11 October 2024.  Further details will follow closer to the event.  Club members are asked to ‘save the day’.

WOII Paul Jenkins ex Glosters passed away recently, his funeral will take place on Monday 3 June at 11:30 hrs at Fradley Crematorium Fradley Lane Litchfield Staffs WS13 8GA

Further to the announcement in the April Newsletter of the death of Captain Clive Ireson on 28 March 2024, his son Steve has now informed me that his Memorial Service will be held at 14:00 hours at St. James Church, Church Walk, Devizes, SN10 3AA on Friday 31 May.  There will be a reception after the service at The Wyvern Club (opposite the Church).

The family have requested that donations be made to Cancer Research UK rather than sending flowers.  Cancer Research UK has a 'donate' button on its website at <cancerresearchuk.org>.

Although car parking at the Wyvern Club and near the Church are limited, there are a number of public car parks in the town centre as well as at Morrisons and Sainsburys supermarkets, both of which are relatively close.

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Steven Bowkett

Secretary
The Rifles and RGBW Regimental Association

Capt Clive Ireson, commissioned into The Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire) from Mons Officer Cadet School in 1966 on a Short Service Commission, died in the early hours of 28 March 2024.

Clive was born in 1947 in a cottage overlooking The Crammer in Devizes and was Christened in St. James’ Church.  His father joined the Wiltshire Regiment in Le Marchant Barracks, Devizes in 1926 and rose through the ranks to be commissioned in 1943.  So Clive was a true Moonraker.

He joined 1 DERR in Clifton Barracks, Minden in March 1966 and his first role was to be OC of the Continuation Training Platoon for recruits arriving in the Battalion from the Wessex Depot, Exeter, who needed additional training to fit into a mechanised battalion in BAOR.  He moved to command 2 Platoon vice 2nd Lt Snook the following September and in August 1968 Lt Ireson was posted to the Wessex Depot to command a recruit platoon.  While at Exeter he was granted a Special Regular Commission.

In 1969 Clive returned to A Coy 1 DERR, commanding 3 Platoon during jungle training in Malaya and then in British Honduras, before assuming command of the Anti Tank Platoon in 1971.  He married Caroline Chaundy in 1970.  In 1973 he captained the 1 DERR shooting team at Bisley and was promoted to Captain, before being posted to command 27 Army Youth Team in Devizes in 1974.

Clive rejoined 1 DERR in 1976 as the Battalion moved from Shoeburyness in Essex to Warminster.  There he took over as OC the APC Platoon, a high profile and demanding appointment in view of the Battalion’s role as Demonstration Battalion for the School of Infantry.  He retired from the Army in 1978 as the Battalion was posted from Warminster to Osnabruck, West Germany.

In civilian life Clive set up his own chauffeuring business.  He retained his cheerful and positive personality and frequently attended the Officers’ Club summer lunch in The Wardrobe as well as the Bath Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club.  He was a keen supporter of Bath and England rugby.  Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2023, Clive lived latterly with his son Steve and his daughter-in-law, who helped to care for him as he became increasingly house bound.  In addition to his son Steve, Clive also leaves his other son, Mark and daughter, Lyn.

Clive chose to have a direct cremation so there will not be a funeral service but, in keeping with his wishes, his family will hold a Memorial Service in St. James’ Church in Devizes.  Details will be published once known.

The annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London, organised by The Royal British Legion, will be held on Sunday 10 November this year.  The Association normally receives 30 places for those wishing to march on the parade.  It is always a great event, combining national significance with the opportunity to meet up with regimental friends both old and new.  Members are invited to bid to attend this years Service by getting in touch with the Association Secretary, Major (Retd) Steven Bowkett at <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> or by telephone on 01367 240531).  There is always plenty of demand for places so members are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The Somerset Branch of the Association held their annual Imjin Lunch at Taunton Rugby Club, Veritas Park, Hyde Lane, Bathpool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BU at 12:00 hours (for 12:45) on Sunday 21 April.  An excellent event including 2 course carver and dessert menu, including tea and coffee, it was very well organised by Martin Talling and his team and well attended.  Attendees included the new Association Chairman, Major Jon Wort.  The photograph below shows Brigadier Martin Vine, delighted to have won the raffle 'big prize'.

Nearly 130 members of the Association and guests sat down to a splendid luncheon in the WOs’ and Sgt’s Mess at HQ The ARRC at Innsworth on Saturday 23 March, following the packed Back Badge Reunion service at St. Mary de Lode church in Gloucester and march past through the city centre.  Fortuitously, the rain held off for the march past thus demonstrating that the sun shines on the good.  A stirring address was given by General Grist and the salute was taken by the Sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Justin Hudson, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Mr Henry Robinson DL and Mr Roger Head OBE DL representing HM Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.

Let me firstly introduce myself, if you don’t already know who I am, my name is Andy Spalding (Ex WO2 RGJ), I am the property Manager for all Regt property throughout the Regt, but I’m also the Estate Manager for Green Jacket Close here in Winchester, which I want to talk about.

A lot of people within the Regt or antecedent Regiments, don’t or haven’t even heard about Green Jacket Close and I’m hoping that you will pass this information down to your association and anyone else that you feel will benefit from knowing about it, and letting them to apply to live there if they wish.

There is a waiting list for Green Jacket Close and is prioritized by the needs of the person that are on the list. The list is controlled by me, but the Regt trustee make the final decision who would get the property once it becomes available.

Here is a bit of information about Green Jacket Close

1. Green Jacket Close consists of 21 units off Stanmore Lane, Winchester. Details are:

a. 3 x semi-detached 2-bedroom houses, built in 1904

b. 10 x 1-bedroom flats, built in 1904 and converted in the 1960s

c. 2 x 1-bedroom flats, 2 x 2-bedroom flats, and 4 x maisonettes, built in 1966

2. Application

a. It is quite acceptable to apply to be put on the waiting list before the age of 60 is reached. Applicants should apply to the Rifles Secretary Finance, RHQ the Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8TS.

b. Applicants should bear in mind that the homes are covered by a Trust Deed, regulated by The Charity Commissioners. As such, the Rifles Benevolent Trust is required to allocate vacancies to those in need of assistance.

3. Charges

Applicants should be aware that all properties are unfurnished, and residents pay their own Council Tax, water rates and utility bills and a maintenance charge of approximately for the properties are as follows:

a. 3 x semi-detached 2-bedroom houses = £353.08 per month

d. 13 x 1-bedroom flats = £278.94 per month

e. 2 x 2-bedroom flats, and 4 x maisonettes = £319.15 per month

I have attached an application form and the eligibility form for anyone that served in the Rifles or one of its forming or antecedent Regiments if they wish to apply to come and live in Green Jacket Close.

If anyone has any questions or knows of anyone in need, please pass my details on to that person and I will see what I can do.

Thank you all in advance.

Regards 

Andy Spalding

Andy Spalding I Estate/Property Manager I RHQ RIFLES, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, WINCHESTER, SO23 8TS I Mil: 94271 5135, Civ: 01962 828535, Mobile 07543 221733 I Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Val Watkins daughter Alison has put a message on Facebook about parking.

Ali has spoken to the Berkeley Estate Manager and we can use the Berkeley Castle Car Park and gain entrance to St Mary's Church at 1300hrs.

You drive through the main gates into Berkeley Castle Car Park, go up to the right and drive into the top car park which is tarmac with painted parking spaces.  There is a field with a wooden gate for cars and then the pedestrian gate through which you can gain entrance. If you arrive before 1300hrs you will have to wait in your cars.

There is a cafe there but it is closed at present as Berkeley Castle itself is not yet open to the public.

Hopefully this is all clear. Please pass on to any others you know are attending.  There is a car park in Berkeley but it is very small.

Len is making a contribution from his Funeral Fund for the special parking permission.  Individual Contributions will be welcome.

Ray's funeral will be held in Swindon on 22nd March 2024. There will be a church service followed by a cremation (Family only). Church TBC. More info later

Shortly after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer, former WO1 Jim Long, late DERR, died peacefully at his home in Chippenham in the early hours of Thursday 22 February.

His funeral service and cremation will take place at 10:15 hours on Friday 15 March at the West Wiltshire Crematorium (Devizes Road, Semington, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6HL).

Association members wishing to attend WO1 Long's funeral are asked to inform Lt Col (Retd) Norman Minty (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).  Alternatively, members can inform the Association Secretary, Maj (Retd) Steven Bowkett (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: 01367 240531).

Still to be confirmed.  It is anticipated that there will be a post service gathering at the Trowbridge Rugby Club (Paxcroft, Hilperton, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6JB

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We are saddened to inform you that Ray Deacon died on 3rd March 2024. More details will be published when known. Ray was a very much liked character in the Regt and attended most military events up to his passing.

I suspect that many of you have picked up that a major redevelopment of the regimental museum housed in the Wardrobe will take place from Nov 24 to Feb/Mar 25. Part of the project aims to bring the stories and histories of those that have served in our regiments to life and there is an opportunity to have your picture and a brief service history on display on the "Supporters Wall".

This prominent display will feature real life profiles sealed on wooden tiles which rotate to reveal a summary of service. Visitors can interact with the wall and look through a manuscript which has a full page for each person, with more pictures and life and service details.

Read more

Shortly after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer, Former WO1 Jim Long of 1 DERR. died peacefully at his home on the 22 February. Further details will be published when the arrangements for his cremation have been finalised.

Norman Minty has been asked by the family to co-ordinate the attendance of Jim Long’s military colleagues. Once Norman is able to provide the details of Jim’s service will those who are going to attend please use PM to let Norman know.

It is with great sadness that we have to inform the Regimental family to the Passing of Pte Kenny Vickery following a short illness, on Tuesday 30 January 2024, Kenny, originally from Swindon, later settling in Bournemouth and commuting between the two, enlisted in 1979 serving in B Company, 1 DERR until 1983, during postings to Osnabrück, Canada, Canterbury and South Armagh NI, a keen Boxer he represented B Company at Lightweight level, a cheerful, charismatic and humble individual, details of arrangements are unknown at the moment and colleagues are waiting to hear more from his family. 

Phillip (Tex) Teixeria died on the morning of 24 January 2024. He served in 1 DERR serving in Malta, Minden and Catterick. shown in this photograph on exercise in Libya in 1964. On leaving the Army he settled in Reading and both he and his wife Barbara became a members of the Reading Branch and committee. Our condolence to Barbara and the family.  Details of the funeral will be released when known.

"To be a Farmer's Boy"

Brian Sharp, who served with the 1^st Battalion the Royal Berkshire Regiment from 1947 to 1952 and whose service include the operational tour in Eritrea, died on the morning of 16^th  January . His funeral will be on 13 February at Vinters Park Crematorium, Bearsted Rd, Maidstone ME14 5LG.

"Dashing White Sergeant"