The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
The Wardrobe, Salisbury
The Society of Friends| The County Chairman of Gloucester, Captain Len Keeling, reports that on the 27 September 22 we held a Branch “Open Day” and sent invites to all branches and friends plus the public on the various military networks. This proved to be a tremendous success and as a result we managed to recruit 6 new members of much younger years from the 60 In attendance who hopefully will keep the flags flying for the coming years. Due to its success, it is intended to hold similar events twice a year organised be different branches to recruit younger blood and swap ideas. The one in September was organised by the Forest of Dean branch at the Ore-Pool Inn in Sling ( near Coleford). Hope this is of interest to our readers |
| Regimental Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum |
| There have been many voices raised concerning the state of the regimental memorial located at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA). For members who have not been to Alrewas and seen the memorial it has a separate face for each of the Regiments, namely in antecedent order, The Gloucestershire Regiment, The Royal Berkshire Regiment, The Wiltshire Regiment, The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire) and the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment. The memorial is made of Cotswold Stone, which whilst being a softer stone than, say granite, is synonymous with the three counties our regiments hail from. Due to the concerns raised at an AGM, prior to Covid, and concerns raised by recent visits, from a variety of Association veterans, we made contact with the National Memorial Arboretum, which resulted in the Association Secretary having an on site meeting with the Grounds and Landscape Manager, who look after the memorials with the arboretum. The NMA no longer allows Associations to carry out their own cleaning and maintenance of regimental memorials, due partially to eager volunteers using incorrect cleaning materials and thereby causing damage. As a result of the meeting with the NMA staff and the three options we were offered, the Association Secretary briefed inaugural meeting of the Rifles and RGBW Regimental Management Board. Fortuitously for us The Rifles County Colonel of Berkshire had a professional knowledge of stone work and was able to add weight to the discussion. The Management Board have agreed to that it would be appropriate to contract the NMA to carry out the following: Steam cleaning inc. hand wash where necessary, of memorial stone a minimum of four times per annum Steam clean PAVED area a minimum four times per annum Machine mowing as required throughout mowing season Strim around memorial footprint as required throughout mowing season Re-painting memorial lettering maximum once per 10 years Due to our concern that 10 years may be too large a time lapse for the lettering we are asking for a review of the letting every 5 years. We will keep you updated with the negotiations. |
| In the previous edition of the Association News Sheet we gave an update on the health of Phil Miller, who created, administered and essentially was the sole lynch pin of this excellent web site. Phil, for health reasons has acknowledged he can no longer devote the time and effort required to keep this fine web site going. Phil approached Martin Talling asking him to take temporary custody of the data and administration of the website. However with Martin being the Association County Chairman for the County of Bristol in addition to his role of Branch Secretary of the thriving Somerset Branch; taking on the mantle of permanent administrator of the website is not a viable proposition. So this is an appeal to any member of the 28th/61st who has either skill set or the preparedness to learn to come forward and assume the mantle of administering this excellent website.Anyone prepared to step forward should contact either Martin Talling or Len Keeling in the first instant or myself ( |
David Hill who served with 1 DERR, lost his battle with cancer and died on 8 October 2022. His funeral is being held at 14:10 hours on 27 October at Stourbridge Cemetery and Crematorium, 167 South Road, Stourbridge DY8 3RQ. The wake will be held after the service at The Birch Tree, Vicarage Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2PS.
The family of Carl Geoffrey Hart, who served with the Wiltshire Regiment and was a member of the Salisbury Old Comrades Branch have informed us that he died on 26 September 2022 and his funeral was held on 10 October 2022 and asked that his friends and fellow veterans be informed.
We have just learnt that Chris Kaye, who served in the Royal Berkshire Regiment and carried on of the Colours on the amalgamation paraded of 1st and 2nd battalions The Royal Berkshire regiment after World War 2, died on 1 October 2022. Chris' funeral takes place on Friday 28 October at 14:30 hours at St Mary's Church, Station Road, Wargrave, RG10 8EU
We have been informed by Brian Timbrell that his friend, Eric Russ, who Brain has known since they were both 7 year old school chums died in the week commencing 10 October 2022. Eric served as a National Serviceman in the Wiltshire Regiment from 1952 to 1954, serving in Hong Kong.
Eric Russ funeral is to be held on Thursday 27 October at 12 o'clock at North Wiltshire Crematorium, Swindon Road, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 8ET.
in conjunction with the Army Flying Museum
The Trustees of the Rifles, Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum have embarked on a bold initiative harnessing the already proven record of the Army Flying Museum’s of their online lectures. Benefitting from their technical and marketing expertise we are making three online presentations. To use the filming jargon, the first two lectures are already in the can.
The first online presentation is a closer look at the Battle of Maiwand given by Jon Wort, it is pre-recorded, but the presentation will be followed by a live Q & A session.
This hyperlink to the regimental museum’s online lecture page will provide a brief synopsis to the first two lectures:
https://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/online-lectures
The hyperlink that follows for the Army Flying Museum will take you to the page where you may book your ticket of the Maiwand Lecture:
https://armyflying.com/what-s-on/lockdown-lectures/the-battle-of-maiwand/
The third presentation has yet to be filmed but is likely to cover The Battle of the Island just short of Arnhem bridge in October 1944, involving the 4th and 5th Battalions the Wiltshire Regiment.
The Maiwand Online Presentation is on 17 May 2022 with the second lecture covering war experiences of Basil Tarrant MC, father of Chris Tarrant being shown on 15 June 2022.
Hopefully, the flyer and this brief explanation will encourage you to book a place.
| Sadly, we have to report the passing of James Doull on 2 February 2022. James served with 1 Glosters as a National Service Subaltern (453163: 2nd Lieutenant) from 1957 to 1958 in Cyprus and Germany. These are the only details we presently have been given. Our condolences and commiserations to the Family and his regimental colleagues |
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 70th-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 24th 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.
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:
Dragons Rest
Rosetree Paddock
Berrow
Somerset
TA8 2JP
- Introduction. It is intended to hold the Back Badge reunion this year on the 26th 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
FOR THE BOOKING PROFORMA CLICK HERE
Ultimate Member: Content Restriction
| The Somerset Branch report it is their sad duty to inform the Association of passing of Tisha Ladds, beloved wife of Maj (Retd) William (Alan) Ladds, President Somerset branch of the Regimental Association and formerly 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. Tisha died peacefully in Wilton Hospital on Saturday 29th January 2022 after a brave fight against cancer. At the moment, but in line with her wishes, she will be cremated at Taunton, not before 20th February 2022. Tisha Ladds will also be remembered for her time with 1 DERR when Major Alan Ladds served as the Demonstration Officer when the battalion were Demonstration Battalion, and then as a Company Commander in Osnabruck and N Ireland. The Association send the Ladds' family their heartfelt condolences and commiserations. |
The funeral of Ian Leather, whose passing was reported in the New Year News Sheet, will take place on 23 February at 14:30 hours at Easthampstead Park Cemetery, Bracknell, RG40 3DW. No flowers but donation if you wish to the Air Ambulance.
24908557 Marvin Grange, who served 1 Glosters/RGBW 1990/97 passed away on 2 February 2002. Marvin was assigned to RHQ Gloucester in 1994 to help with the preparations of the Tercentenary Event and was a well-respected member of the team.
Lionel Williams (also known as Willi or Bill), who served with 1 Glosters, passed away on 13 January 2022.
| 24093378 David Hodge, who served with 1 Glosters, passed away on 12 January 2022. His funeral will take place on 7 February at Memorial Woodlands, Earthcott Green, Near Thornbury BS35 37A. Followed by a wake at the Swan Thornbury. 17 High St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2AE. |
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