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.
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.
The following message has been received from Rosemary and the family:
“We have finally arranged all the details for Ian's funeral. We will have a family cremation in the morning of Monday 17 July 2023 and then a service at 1 pm at The Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury in East Clandon (ten minutes from our house in Guildford on the Leatherhead road) followed by tea at Emma's house which is easy walking from the church or cars can get even nearer. We are hoping to make the church service a happy occasion (if possible!) with readings and eulogy from our children and grandchildren, with meaningful hymns".
Those wishing to send condolence to Rosemary should ask for the address from either Debbie Hards at the Rifles Office Taunton ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )or to the Chairman of the Association (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
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.
The following message has been received from Colonel (Retired) Mike Vernon-Powell "It is with immense sadness that I write to inform you of the sad demise of Captain Ian Spence DERR at 2am this morning Tuesday 27 June 2023. at the Royal Surrey Guildford Hospital. Ian had been surrounded by his family for many days and hopefully is now at rest. Details of proposed services of thanksgiving will be forwarded when known. May his God go with him".
Ian Spence was commissioned into DERR serving in Malta and Minden, West Germany. A promising career was cut short as a result of an accident in a ferret Scout car when he was the RSO of 1 DERR. On leaving the Army he had a successful career with W. H,. Smith. When the RGBW were formed in 1994 Ian applied for and was successful in getting the post of Regimental Secretary of RGBW,. Working out of Custom House in the city of Gloucester Ian remained the Regimental Secretary until the formation of The Rifles. For several years thereafter he was a member of the Regimental Trustess.
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.
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:
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:
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 and booking form contact Mr Peter Richens email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
It's with great sadness that I have to report the passing of a farmers boy l/corporal William (Blll) Blair he was a sliver service waiter in the officers mess in Berlin when he was medically discharged when we were in Berlin.Bill passed away on the 12th of April 2023.
The funeral will take place at the Exeter crematorium at1630 on 28th of April 2023 floral tributes to coop funeral directors Cowick Street Exeter if anyone wishes to attend all are welcome.
We have just learnt from his family that Gordon Hunt, who served with the Gloucestershire Regiment, died early this morning (25 March 2023) at the age of 95. Details of Gordon's funeral will be released when known; we believe the funeral will be in Gloucester.
The funeral of Major Philip Henry Hall MBE will take place at All Saints Church, Lydiard Millicent, Nr Swindon, SN5 5LS on Monday 20th March 2023 at 11.00 am. Family flowers only, donations if desired may be made to Myeloma UK (Myeloma.org.uk) and ABF, The Soldiers Charity (soldierscharity.org). The service will be followed by a reception at the Bolingbroke Arms, Hook Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 8DZ. All are welcome to attend but please inform either Mrs Debbie Hards (01823 333434 // This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Mrs Tracey Clarke (07887 556364) in advance. Several will know Sandra Hopwood, Phil’s partner, and correspondence may be addressed to her at 12 St Peter’s Close, Goodworth Clatford, Andover, Hants, SP11 7SF. Mrs Tracey Clarke is Philip Hall’s daughter and next of kin. Letters of condolence may be sent to Tracey at 26 Goose Green, Hook, Hants, RG27 9QT.
Please be warned there is limited parking in the vicinity of All Saints Church.
Sadly Major (QM) Philip Hall died earlier today, 28 February 2023, some eight days after his 78 birthday. Philip began his military career by joining the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion in September 1960 leaving that august body in August 1962 and moving to the Wessex Depot before passing into man's service in January 1963 and being posted to 1 Royal Hampshires, whom he served with until August 1970. He then rebadged to The Gloucestershire Regiment with whom he was commissioned in February 1979 and serving until April 1994 when the RGBW were formed. Philip retired from the Regular Army in September 2000 and became the Assistant Regimental Secretary remaining in post until 6 September 2010. I had the privilege of serving with Philip when he was Quartermaster of 1 Wessex and benefited from his advice and experience. He took an active part in the Association having been President of the Stroud Valley Branch for many years.We last saw him in January this year when he attended the AGM. His is a sad loss to the Association. Details of the funeral will be released when known.
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
The Wardrobe, Salisbury
