No More Parades. It is my sad duty to inform the passing of Brian Wright, former RSM, Officer and Gentleman of the 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment. Brian sadly passed away on Tuesday 14th November 2023, at his home in Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon. A service will be held at Torquay Crematorium, and dates/timings will be published when finalised. The Somerset County Chairman has been in contact with his Son and Daughter (Bob & Sadie) and they have requested full Association support at his funeral. Regimental Drape, Wreath, Hat and belt will be supplied by the County Chairman, but we will need volunteers as standard bearers and a bugler. Bob and Sadie cordially invites all Gloster friends and families to the service.

We are pleased to announce that we are now an accredited Charity!

We are presently waiting for

HMRC to approve this formally so that we can then push forward on reclaiming Gift Aid. This entitles us to use the Gift Aid scheme.

Gift Aid is a scheme run by the government that enables charities to increase the value of donations made by reclaiming basic rate tax that has been paid on the gift. At the moment, we can claim 25p per £1 donated, so on a gift of £100, we will actually receive an extra £25, at no cost to the donor which we can use to help towards the final balance.

 It is my sad duty to inform the passing of the Rev John Morley-Bunker, who died at the age of 95 on 9th September 2023. He is survived by his wife, Edna Morley-Bunker and by sons Michael and Nigel (notifier). Anyone wishing to contact Edna should contact the County Chairman who has her address. John’s funeral will take place at Clifton (RC) Cathedral on Wednesday 27 September at 1100hrs.

John joined the 1stBattalion The Gloucestershire Regiment after the retreat from Rangoon in WW2. He was stationed in India (now Pakistan) until the country's partition and independence in 1947. Later in life, he became a priest in Bristol, first of all, Anglican and later Roman Catholic. A letter of condolence has been sent to the family and the County Chairman will be in attendance, other association members are welcome.

Due to a previous booking of the Long Room, it has become necessary to move the location of the Association's AGM. This is to confirm that the 12th AGM will still be held on Saturday 21st October commencing at 10:30 hours. The location will now be the Walls Social Club, Hammond Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3HG.

For those using SATNAV use GL4 3YL

Would Branches please disseminate to those members who do not have access to email.

For a variety of reasons it has become necessary to change the date and location of the 2023 Association AGM. Branches and members are asked to note that the date of the AGM will now be Saturday 21st of October 2023 and the venue will be the Long Room of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire's Museum, Customs House, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2HE. Thank you Len Keeling for you prompt action in orchestrating the new arrangements.

The meeting will commence at 10:15, Coffee and Tea will be available for members on arrival. after the AGM there will be a curry lunch. So that the museum staff are able to deal with the influx of visitors, in addition to their usual paying visitors to the museum, and so we have the correct numbers for the catering it would be appreciated if those attending could log on to the hyperlink and complete the attendance proforma:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FAgHo32H3Pa0LOdqzm1PmBUgwKWaf4qTMQGQmFel4fo/edit?usp=sharing

Yesterday saw the funeral of Les Allen take place at Romsey Abbey, Hampshire and later a celebration of his life at Totten. The regiment was well represented with the last commanding officer giving a regimental tribute, both County Chairman's with four standard bearers in attendance and a total of eight standards on parade. The Korean military attaché, Lt Col Yang was also present with his family. It was also nice to see many other non Gloster veterans on parade. There is a video link attached for the service and a photo taken at the wake after a well earned beer.
Feedback from the family was outstanding and made all the hard work very worthwhile, the association really does live up to "by our deeds we are known"

We receive quite a lot of enquiries about Veterans’ Cards and are aware that our members are keen to hear about advancements in this area.

The latest news is that work is underway to develop the digital verification system required to begin the second phase of the card rollout (to those who left the Armed Forces before December 2018).

The Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) has led this work through the prototype stage, and it has now passed to the MOD for development and roll-out.

The Government will begin issuing cards by the end of this year and will be engaging with veterans over the coming months to participate in the Beta testing phase.

For future updates please visit GOV.UK where the latest news on progress will be shared.

Funeral details have now been updated, for Korean and Imjin veteran Leslie Alfred Ralph Allen, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, who died on the 19th of July 2023. The last commanding officer 1 Glosters, two county chairmen and a four-man standard party will support the family at the service, providing the Regimental drape, wreath and standards; the Rifles are supplying a bugler. All association veterans and serving Rifle personnel are invited to attend. The funeral will take place at Romsey Abbey, Church Lane Romsey SO51 8EP at 11 30am on Thursday 24th August. There will be a celebration of his life held afterwards at the Totton Recreation Club, 66 Rumbridge Street, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9DS. “By our deeds, we are known

Sad News that Dave Fredricks has just passed on. This morning Robert (Jock) Samson died in hospital. Our thoughts are with Elianed and the family. Jock Samson was a stalwart member of the Regiment, a really professional soldier, an excellent shot representing the battalion/regiment many times at Bisley. A dab hand at soccer and an all round brilliant guy. Further details will be published when known.

R. I. P Jock "To be a Farmer's Boy"

No More Parades - Service Notice: Funeral details have now been released for Korean and Imjin veteran Leslie Allen, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, who died on the 19th of July 2023. The Association County Chairman will be supporting the family at the service, providing the Regimental drape and wreath and the Rifles are supplying a bugler. We are still trying to supply standard bearers. The funeral will take place at Romsey Abbey, Church Lane Romsey SO51 8EP at 11 30am on Thursday 24th August. There will be a celebration of his life held afterwards at the Totton Recreation Club, 66 Rumbridge Street, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9DS.

The family of Bill Willoughby, former Wiltshire Regiment and DERR member, have informed us that died last week. His funeral will be held on Tuesday 15 August 2023 at 11:00 in the Holy Redeemer Church, Fotherby Crescent, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3EG..

Those who remember Bill Willoughby will recall he spent much of his service as member of the MT or a Coy MT Sgt during the Minden Tour, he then went on to be in the FAMTO stores or being the Tech Sgt, and the QM's Dept.

The Sun had Set beyond yon hill......To be a Farmer's Boy.

No More Parades/ Obituary - Lesley Allen, Ist Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment, 1930 – 2023

Lesley Allen, ex-C Company 1 Glosters, died peacefully at home on the 19th of July aged 93. Born in Hampshire, in 1930, he signed up in 1947, and served with the Royal Hampshires, the Dorsets and the Wiltshires, before volunteering for the Glosters to fight in Korea. In later life, he recounted his experiences for Operation Portrait, which is a record of the last survivors of the battle. Lesley will feature in a book - ‘The Final Roll Call’ - to be published this autumn.

Recalling the battle of the Imjin River, he described the shock of becoming aware of thousands of Chinese advancing from the valley below - like an army of ants. In wave after wave, they attacked - mostly in the dark - with bugles sounding all night long. When it got tough, someone said, “We are British Bulldogs, and we don’t give up”.

When the order came, he tried to break out but didn’t stand a chance. Initially, he believed that he was about to be summarily shot, but some of his chums joined him and the moment passed. He then became a POW for over two years and was kept in terrible conditions. Once more, the Glosters stuck together and helped each other through their harsh ordeal.

On his release in 1953, he returned to the UK and tried to sign on for a full career. Despite everything that he had been through he still loved army life – “we were all in it together” was the way he described it. However, he was persuaded not to apply and, instead, settled back in Hampshire in Southampton. There he lived for the rest of his life, married, and fathered 7 children. He is survived by over 80 direct descendants. There now remain just 8 survivors from the battle.

Plans for the funeral are currently yet to be agreed. Condolences to the family should be sent to Lesley’s daughter, Sabrina, at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Picture of Leslie taken earlier in the year at the Scattering of Sam Mercer's Ashes @ Imjin Barracks

I was in Sicily this weekend, for the anniversary of Operation Husky. As my grandfather, Sgt Charlie Howard MM, took part in the invasion, as part of the 98th Sussex and Surrey Yeomanry RA.

Whilst at the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Syracuse, I was asked to lay a wreath, on behalf of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, as part of the remembrance service.

I took some time to search for men from the regiment, who were laid to rest there. I did find two (I’m sorry if there were more, but time ran out) and paid my respects. 

I have attached photos I took, of the regiment's wreath at their graves. There were photos of Sgt Mackie and Capt Lloyd placed there already, which was quite moving. 

I just thought your association would appreciate knowing, that the wreath you sent, was placed at Syracuse with the respect that it deserved and 80 years on, those men were remembered. 

Kind regards

Luke Howard

Robbin ( Dobbin) Attwood, Glosters, died in Sat 23rd of June funeral details are- Hereford Crematorium HR4-0JE on the 26 July at 13:15 hrs and after at the Hereford Sailing Club.

No more parades - Reported by Michael Heavens (Glosters) It is with real sadness and sorrow that I have to tell you of the death last night of Tony "Kid" Harding. He had been fighting COPD and lately Emphysema. Kid was a big man with a huge personality and I will miss him loads. Our sympathy goes out to Nicki his lovely wife and his 3 Kids . Reported to me by his daughter, Debbie. RIP mucker your fight is over. Further details and funeral arrangements will be announced later.

No More Parades. It is my sad duty to inform the passing of Ex Regimental Padre the Reverend Brian Sherrington on Sunday, 5 June 2023, we were notified by The Reverend Dr David Hart, Secretary, Royal Army Chaplains Department Association. Brian was born on 6 June 1937 and joined the Chaplin's Department in September 1972. He served initially in BAOR with 4 Fd Rent RA at Munsterlarger. In March 1973, Brian was posted to 1 GLOSTERS whom he joined on an emergency tour in Northern Ireland, accompanying them to the UK and then on a six-month unaccompanied tour in Belize in August 75.

In June 1976, Brian was posted to the REME training centre at Aborfield. He was promoted to CF3 in September 1978, and in August 1979, was posted to 26 Fd Regt RA at Dortmund. This was followed by a posting to the Army Apprentices College at Chepstow in September 1981 before being appointed the Deputy Warden at Bagshot Park in January 1986. He was promoted to CF2 in April 1987 and retired from the Department in November 1988. Details of Brian's funeral will be circulated when they are available.

All reactions:

Sadly we learnt that Major J J (Jack)Thompson, formerly the Assistant Regimental Secretary of the Duke of Edinburgh's (Regiment Berkshire and WIltshire, passed away last night at home with his wife Valerie by his side. Jack was aged 90. He was the Assistant Regimental Secretary for 10 years and thoroughly enjoyed his time in The Wardrobe and paid great attention to looking after the Veterans of the Association.

As is Jack's wish it will be a family woodland burial. However anyone wishing to pass on their condolences to Valerie should write to:

Mrs Valerie Thompson, Tantaion, Gassons Lane, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6HF

St James’ Church, Church Walk Devizes SN10 3AA

The Commemoration of the Battle of Ferozeshah will be held in Devizes on the 3rd of December 2023

Meet at The Wyvern Club, 51a Church Walk SN10 3AA from 1230hrs

Church Service at St James’ Church 1330hrs.

A Curry Lunch will be available at the Wyvern Club after the service.
Please indicate on your return if curry is not acceptable. An alternative of
chicken fricassee or a Ham or Tuna filled roll will be available only if
requested (please state which). Any special dietary requirements should also
be mentioned. Please be specific to avoid any embarrassment.

Name………………………………………………………….

I will be attending the Ferozeshah Commemoration and will require a total of

………places at £7.00 per person.

(Unfortunately, I have had to increase the charge to cover the hire of the Church & Organist, the hire of The Wyvern Club Hall, kitchen and one extra bar staff for the period, the cost of wreaths to be laid in the Church and the food for the lunch).

Payment can be made by Bank Transfer to; Sort Code 08-08-06 Account No 36000179. Please include the reference as; Your surname & F/Shah e.g., Minty F/Shah.

If paying by Bank Transfer and you want an alternative to a Curry for lunch, you will need to inform me of your choice by email.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you would prefer you can pay by cheque.

Please send this return with your cheque made out to N Minty:

N Minty
6 Elm Tree Close
Devizes

SN10 3ER

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