The DERR Golf Society (The Farmers Boys) entered 2 teams into this year’s Dorset ABF Charity Golf Day at Rushmore Golf Course (a lovely course near Shaftesbury with 9 holes in Dorset and 9 holes in Wiltshire) on 20 September 2024. A hugely enjoyable and successful day with 27 teams entering and raising over £4,000 for the ABF. Not only did the weather stay fine but the B Team of Farren Drury, Kev Flay, Arthur Christian and John Caiger came first, whilst the A Team of John Marsh, Ron Cooke, Steve Riddell and Tony Field put in a respectable mid-table performance. The A Team was on track for a top 5 finish until a disastrous couple of holes on the back 9 – but that is golf. The Wyvern Sunday Players, captained by Norman Minty came 9th.
Thirty years ago, C Company, 1RGBW, was deployed to Bugojno, Bosnia, as part of Op Grapple 5, from September 1995 to March 1996. Stationed in a shoe factory on the outskirts of Bugojno, we patrolled the main supply routes to deter banditry, manned observation posts like BM8 overlooking the front line between BiH and Serbian forces and operated a checkpoint between BiH and Croatian forces in the Volice Valley. Alongside these duties, we carried out crucial aid projects—delivering donated clothing from the UK and repairing schools to help local children return to education.
In September 2024, 14 veterans returned to Bugojno to revisit what was a formative and memorable tour. Our Company Commander, Farren Drury, reached out to the Stipo Derek school via Facebook to reconnect. The school was one of two we made safe during the 48-hour "Brandywine Challenge," which later expanded to five schools and returned 5,000 children to education. As we walked over, we met a local journalist who wanted to cover the story and contacted “Jupe”, the former BiH 307 Brigade commander, who came to the school and welcomed us like old friends. Touring the grounds, memories of the renovation work resurfaced, along with the heart-breaking letters children had exchanged with their British pen pals—raw, unfiltered accounts of life during the war.
Next, we visited our old base, the shoe factory, still much as it was 30 years ago, with bullet holes in the ceiling ventilation. The cold of that time came rushing back—temperatures dropping to -24°C, freezing water bottles and kettles alike. We then headed to Tito’s Lodge, which had once been part of our running route. Old habits kicked in as we cautiously stuck to the tarmacked roads, remembering the ever-present threat of mines.
Our journey continued up the hills east of Bugojno, where we were warmly welcomed by a family whose father had brought cakes to soldiers at BM8. Their hospitality, as 30 years before, was a reminder of the kindness we encountered amid the harshness of war. From there, we returned to BM8 itself, overlooking Bugojno, recalling how it provided a front-row view of the Serbian SA2 missiles streaking down the valley, leaving craters the size of double-decker buses. It was also the site of one of the largest contacts, where nearly 600 rounds were fired.
The convoy moved on to Gornji Vakuf via the Volice Valley, where we had manned a checkpoint between Croatian and Bosnian forces. It was here, in quiet moments, that the odd cow would occasionally trigger a landmine—a grim echo of the war.
In Gornji Vakuf, we paid our respects to Lance Corporal Wayne John Edwards at Edwards Bridge near the old UN base, where we had been evacuated during intense shelling. From there, we travelled to Sarajevo, passing the half-built ski chalets we once used as a FOB for patrols along the eastern supply routes.
In Sarajevo, we took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the British Residence, led by the British Ambassador. We honoured the four RGBW soldiers killed in Goražde: Privates Ben Hinton, Phillip Armstrong, Martin Dowdell, and Chris Turner, who were killed in two separate incidents whilst on patrol in September 1994. We also remembered all 59 British personnel who lost their lives in Bosnia.
The trip concluded with tours of Sarajevo and Mostar, followed by a final celebration in Split.
It was a deeply meaningful trip, reconnecting with old comrades and revisiting the places that had shaped us. It felt like no time had passed. We shared stories from our time in Bosnia, some we had missed 30 years ago, and reflected on the role we had played in helping restore peace. Seeing the country now at peace was a powerful reminder of the difference we made.
The following former C Company, 1RGBW comrades participated: Anthony Boocock, Farren Drury, Steven Farley, Cain Howley, Matt Keates, Iain Lunt, Andy McGurk, John Morris, Lee Murray, Dave Paniccia-Brown, Alan Pocock, Craig Rogers, Colin Simmons and James Woodley.
Chairman’s Note: The four RGBW soldiers killed in Goražde are remembered in the Memorial Garden within the Rifles, Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum. Please do pay your respects next time you are in the museum.
NB. This article also appears on The Rifles 'Swift' website. The Rifles and RGBW Regimental Association assisted this event with a grant.
After nearly thirty years of work, the Glosters memorial takes its rightful place at the National Memorial Arboretum. As a monument to the British infantry regiment in which carried more battle honours on its colours than any other regiment of the line, it is certainly a most worthy creation.
Wednesday September 25th saw the unveiling of The Gloucestershire Regimental Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum attended by 250 Association members. Built out of black polished granite etched with gold leaf lettering it stand out proudly on a prime site. Designed and created by Lt Col Richard James, Brig Martin Vine and Capt Len Keeling (ably assisted by his wife Lynda), the Memorial was erected by Nick Johnson with the apex Sphinx by Mark Swan.
The unveiling was conducted by HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. A short service was conducted by the Rev Andew Grant ex Glosters followed by lunch and a chance to catch up with old friends. The Weather Gods were kind to us and a very special day was had by all.
The Memorial reflects great credit on the project team whose dedication and tenacity over many years has finally resulted in this outstanding monument.
Received from the Chairman of the Bromham Branch of the Royal British Legion.
It is with the greatest sadness that I write to inform you that our most senior and longest-standing member, Ivor Gardner, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday 12 October at the age of 104.
Ivor served with the Wiltshire Regiment during World War II, landing with the 4th Battalion at the Mulberry Harbours at Arromanches on 19 June 1944 (D+13). He and his comrades would fight through the awfulness of the Normandy Bocage and across the Seine for more than 2 months without a rest.
He was dedicated to the Royal British Legion and immensely proud to be part of the Bromham commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in June. He was a true gentleman and a legend in the Village.
As yet, we have no details of his funeral, but we intend to be there with the Branch Standard to honour him. I will let you know as soon as I am aware of the arrangements.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him.
The photographs show Mr Gardner as a young man and on the left of the lower image, at the age of 95 years, receiving the Legion d'honneur along with his Wiltshire Regiment comrade Victor Reed (aged 96).
I have just received notice that Roy Osborne Passed on Sunday
Roy lived alone in Middlesbrough he had no immediate family except for a friendly neighbour who has power of attorney over his estate.
Unfortunately she ( Leanne) as no other information on Roy so I’m afraid I have nothing further to add I remember Roy as MT WO11 in Tidworth a living in member who drifted away from his family due to living apart
No More Parades/Service Notice: It is my sad duty to inform the passing of Peter Cross of the 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment. Snowy, as he was known in the Regiment, passed away on the 3rd of October 2024 in hospital. Beloved husband of the late Marie and adored father of Daren and Andrew. Also very much loved by Daren's partner Grace. Will be sadly missed by the entire family circle. Pete's funeral will be held on Wednesday 9th October at 10 am in Roselawn Crematorium, 127 Ballygowan Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT5 7TZ. No flowers. Donations in lieu, if desired, can be made to The Royal British Legion via Pete's MuchLoved tribute page, c/o www.johngrayfuneraldirectors.com (Tributes and Donations tab) https://www.funeraltimes.com/petercross698519536
The Regimental Association has posted a sympathy notice on the Funeral Times website.
Capt Bill Sherman, Wiltshire County Chairman, has informed the Association of the death of Ex Cpl Barry Shears in June this year at the age of 79. Mr Shears served with 1 DERR and was injured in the Ballykinler Bomb on 28 October 1974 (see below). In spite of his own injuries, Cpl Shears carried a very severely injured comrade, who was bleeding profusely, out of the destroyed Sandes Home and thus undoubtedly saved his life.
Mr Parker sadly died on 14 February 2023. He served with 1 GLOSTERS and his family contacted the Association via his solicitors to generously make a gift of £5,000 to The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum. Further news of this kind gesture will be included in a future Newsletter once arrangements have been completed.
Dave King, formerly a Bandsman in the Wiltshire Regiment, has completed his last parade. Dave died at home on the Isle of Wight on 25 August 2025 having reached 87 years old
Introduction. From 2017-18 a sale of regimental artefacts took place. Proceeds of the sale were credited to the RGBW Regimental Charities (RGBW RC). The objects that did not sell are now offered for regimental sale. Many, but not all, objects relate to Gloucestershire and Bristol. Such management is now overseen by the RGBW Management Board (MB).
Background. The table within these notes provide a list of regimental artefacts that remain available. Those wishing to purchase items should cross reference the table with an electronic copy of the catalogue ‘Disposal of RGBW Regimental Charities’ Artefacts’ (pages 1-82). Electronic copies of these notes and catalogue are available from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The catalogue remains a formal record and subsequent to this sale unsold items will be sent to public auction. All proceeds will be credited to the RGBW MB.
Descriptions and process of sale. Potential purchasers should view electronic photos and the descriptions within the catalogue. Requests for purchase may be sent electronically or via the post and submitted on the form at the end of the table. Submissions must be received by 22 November 2024. Subsequently individuals will be contacted for payment and in due course objects may be collected by the purchaser. Should two or more individuals wish to buy the same object or objects the following will be considered:
The content and comment within the purchase request.
Whether an individual purchased objects during the former sale
Ensuring the maximum number of members benefit from the sale
Each request to purchase will be considered alongside others
After 22 Nov 24 a fair allocation to each individual will be determined.
Warning. All items, with only a tiny number of exceptions, have been ‘well used’ and their condition reflects this. Purchasers should expect silver to be dented and/or scratched, pictures to need attention including reframing, and books to be very worn; valuations reflect this. M Motum Lt Col (Retd) for RGBW MB Attachments:
List of objects remaining available for sale – for cross reference with catalogue.
Individual purchase form.
Interested? Then please complete the bidding form below
Service Notice: I am pleased to announce that a military bugler and two standard bearers have been found to attend the funeral previously announced of Marc Stannard, formerly of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Wiltshire Regiment on Friday 6th September 2024, at 2.45 pm. The Waterside Chapel, Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol. BS37 8RF. I will be representing the RGBW and Rifles Associations on the day and any support from local veterans will be greatly appreciated.
No More Parades/Service Notice: It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Marc Stannard, formerly of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Wiltshire Regiment on the 12th of August 2024, at the age of 44. Marc served in the Regiment from 1999-2004 and was originally from London. He was in a Hospital in Dorchester when the Rifles were informed of his situation. With the help of Macmillan Nurses, he was moved up to stay in Scotland with his Brother who reports that he was at peace in his last few months with the ones he loved.
Marc picked Bristol as his funeral location to allow maximum attendance from his friends & family. The Service details are as follows: Friday 6th September 2024, at 2.45 pm. The Waterside Chapel, Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol. BS37 8RF https://www.westerleighcrem.co.uk/index.php
I will be representing the association on the day, but we are also looking for a standard bearer and bugler to be in attendance (I have RGBW standard if required). Any local veterans would be gratefully received if they could attend.
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 year's Service by contacting 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 are still plenty of places available.
We are delighted to announce that all Riflemen now have free access to Leafyard. Leafyard is a mental fitness app designed to help you take charge of your thoughts, build healthier habits, and train your mind to better handle life's challenges.
It has been rigorously tested in both the veteran and serving communities, and is proven to improve mental performance and to help veterans, soldiers, and our families feel healthier, happier, and more mentally fit.
Think of Leafyard as a gym membership for your mind, a way to train your resilience. And let's not forget to send this on to our families, who we rely on for much-needed support.
Redeeming your free access is easy. If you have SWIFT, you can sign up directly via the app.
We encourage you to give this a go, and to share this opportunity with your family and fellow Riflemen in the hope that we can all strengthen our resilience together.
The new Gloucestershire Regiment Memorial is due to be unveiled by HRH The Duke of Gloucester at The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Wednesday 25 September. Those attending are asked to arrive at the Memorial site by 13:30 hours.
Capt Len Keeling has arranged for coaches to transport anyone who does not wish to drive themselves. Coaches will depart from the TA Centre in Gloucester at Carne Place, Eastern Avenue, Gloucester, GL4 3BD where car parking will be available for those travelling by coach to leave their private vehicles.
Further information can be obtained from the Gloucestershire Regimental Association website <glosters.org> or by getting in touch with Capt Keeling: Glosters Memorial Unveiling – The Slashers
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
The Wardrobe, Salisbury
The Society of Friends
