The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
The Wardrobe, SalisburyThe funeral of Mel (Paddy) O'Reilly has been set for 2 March in Exeter, we are awaiting confirmation of exact location and timings. The family wish to have a DERR Standard Bearer, anyone available to carry out this duty is asked to Contact Capt Bill Sherman.
Joe served with 1st Bn Gloucestershire Regt 28th/61s from January 1960 to February 1983
Joe joined as a Junior Leader in 1960 and left after 23 years service as a WO2.
Army Certificate of Education Class 1 & Trade Clerk Class 1. Admitted as a member of the Institute of supervisory Management 1981. His last position was office manager with the TA - he served with distinction in Cyprus, Aden,Swaziland, Berlin, West Germany, Northern Ireland and England. Discharged at end of service with Exemplary Conduct sheet. Medals gained GSM & Bar and LS&GC.
Joe Died on 14th February 2023
No More Parades (Belated Notice): It is my sad duty to inform the passing of Mr & Mrs Stan and June Knipes. Stan Joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment in the fifty’s and then moved to the 5th battalion of the Gloucestershire regiment. In the seventies, he set up the Royal Berkshire Severn branch as he had found that a lot of Gloucester lads had been put in the Berks and not the Glosters like himself. He was the driving force behind the branch and association, when the regiment’s amalgamated into the RGBW, Stan and branch members decided to rename the branch to the RGBW Severn Branch.
He saw the only way to keep the former Regiment’s history alive was by encouraging younger members to join. To this aim, he has succeeded by leaving a successful branch. That supports the Maiwand Parade, Back Badged Day Parade, Imjin Lunch, Winchester Lunch, Local charities and events. Stan finally gave up standing on the Branch committee in 2016, after over forty year’s loyal commitment, not only to the branch but the association through all its changes. Both Stan and June’s funerals took place, at St James’s Church Quegdeley Gloucester on the 9th of February 2023
No More Parades: It is my sad duty to inform the passing of 24375344 Pte Alan Lloyd aged 69 Years. Quiet and thoughtful, Alan combined a dry sense of humour with a determined character. Being a private sort of man, he never sought the limelight but took pride in being a highly capable and utterly reliable field soldier.
Alan trained at Cwrt-y-Gollen camp in 1975, rebadging from the RWF to join D Coy, 1 Glosters in Weeton in 1976. Following the Canada exercise that year, he was selected for duty with the Gloster Close Observation Platoon (COP) for the 1977-79 Ballykelly tour.
The Glosters were privileged to be amongst the first to pioneer COP - then an exciting new concept. Over the next 18 months, Alan deployed on numerous testing operations, always serving with distinction. In later years, he recalled this period as the highlight of his career.
When the Glosters left Ballykelly, Alan returned to the Anti-Tank Platoon, he subsequently served on tours in both Germany and the UK, including a return to operations in Northern Ireland. On leaving the Army in 1989, he initially worked for the Royal Mint. Later, he became a Game Keeper and also worked with horses. Both roles suited him well and were a good fit for his personality. On retirement, he settled in Peterstow, Herefordshire, close to the Yew Tree Inn, where he was held in great affection. Alan lived there quietly and modestly until his death last month.
Alan’s funeral is being organised by his sister, Wendy Bevan, and will be held at the Forest of Dean crematorium (Yew Tree Brake, Speech House Road, GL14 3HU Cinderford) at 3.30 pm on Friday 3 March. Afterwards, a wake will be held at the Yew Tree Inn, Peterstow, HR9 6JZ. The family welcome any former Glosters who would like to attend both Alan’s funeral and the Wake. Condolences may be sent to his sister, Wendy Bevan, at
On Wednesday 17 May 2023, commencing at 14:30 hours, there will be a service in Salisbury Cathedral to dedicate the Book of Remembrance of the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (RGBW), the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBWLI) and The Rifles. It is envisaged the service will last approximately 45 minutes. Those who attend will be required to be seated by 14:15.
During the course of the service the names of the 16 members of RGBW and RGBWLI who died will be read out and then a representative ten names from the 62 Riflemen lost on Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan (those Riflemen ideally coming from the four counties of the RGBW (Berkshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire) will be read out.
At the end of the service the Book of Remembrance will be processed to St Michael’s Chapel in the South Transept of the Cathedral where the first Stand of Colours of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire) are laid up and the DERR book of Remembrance is housed.
The service will be confined to the area of the Cathedral known as The Quire which limits the attendance to 200 people. Priority of ticket allocation with go to the 62 Next of Kin of the 26 names to be read out with a further 47 to being allocated to guests of the Regiment representing former Colonels of the Regiment, Commanding Officers of 1 and 2 RGBW, Lord Lieutenants of the four counties, representatives of The Rifles, previous Regimental Trustees and a representative of each of the four County Army Cadet Forces. The balance of the 91 seats will be for members of the Association.
If any of the invited guests are unable to attend then those ‘reserved’ allocation will be transferred to become available to the Association.
Initially invitations to the guest will be sent out electronically. Those members of the association who wish to attend may do so through a link shortly to be promulgated on the RGBW Association web page, with hyperlinks being made available on social media. Those guests and Association members who are one of the 200 attendees will receive a Pour Memoire Ticket which will need to be produced on the day to gain access to the service. Those who served in RGBW will receive preferential allocation from the association allocation of 91 seats
After the service the attendees need to move as smoothly as possible to The Wardrobe, where once reassembled there will be a short service to scatter the cremated remains of the Disintegrated Colours of the H. M. 62nd (Wiltshire) Regiment of Foot into the Wiltshire Regiment’s quadrant of the Regimental Memorial garden followed by a short prayer for those who passed away during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Once those short services have been completed everyone is invited to partake of afternoon tea prior to dispersing for their onward journeys home.
A few points for those wishing to bid for an allocation of tickets. There will be no parking in the Wardrobe so once people have been allocated their tickets part of the information package will be advice as to suitable parking alternatives. We are examining the feasibility of having an area made available within the Close but that, at this point in time, has not been confirmed.
Should members of the Association wish to gain a definite allocation of a ticket, we are seeking a dozen member to act as ushers and we would wish to have Standards of our Regiments on parade, those being one each from The Gloucestershire Regiment, The Royal Berkshire Regiment, The Wiltshire Regiment, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire), The Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment and The Rifles. This would require six Standard Bearers.
We already have a member of the RGBW| prepared to be the person who will process the Book of Remembrance at the end of the Service.
Further questions or enquires made by made to either
or
Some Farmer's Boys are returning to the campsite at the Black Horse, Checkendon RG8 0TE on the weekend 29 Apr - 1May 2023. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/686235648552145/permalink/1371254620050241/ for photos of this fabulous pub with 30 acres, no neighbours and same family owners for 120 years. Bookings to
| This is formal notification that the 11th Annual General Meeting of the Rifles and RGBW Regimental Association will be held in the Training Wing of 5 Rifles at Ward barracks, Bulford Camp on Saturday 28 January 2023. For those of you who require an exact location for the entrance to Ward Barracks the address is Haig Road, Bulford Camp; the Grid Reference is SU 186435 or in Lat Long 51.191358, -1.734444 or in what 3 words it is escalates.path.rewarding It is appreciated that om the following Monday it is the funeral of Philip Miller, however the next few Saturdays until Back Badge Day are filled with the Six Nations fixtures. The Agenda is shown below. Minutes of the previous AGM can be found here (Logged in users only) |
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Service Notice: Funeral details have now been released for Peter Handel, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, who died on the 8th of January 2023. The service will be held at Sedgemoor Crematorium Stretcholt TA6 4SR at 1200hrs on Tuesday 24h January 2023. The Association will be supporting the family at the service, providing the Regimental drape and wreath, no standard bearers are required but Peter's veteran friends are very welcome to attend. Family flowers only but there will be a collection made which will be divided between two great organisations that he supported so well, the Royal British Legion Pawlett Branch and the Regimental Association.
Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Royal British Legion Club, 29 Old Main Road, Pawlett, Somerset TA6 4RY. Anyone wishing to attend the wake is asked to inform the Somerset County Chairman at
Major John Hector Peters MBE
John’s son, Neil Peters, has released the following information regarding the funeral arrangement for Major (QM) John Hector Peters MBE.
The funeral service will take place at St Mary’s church, Hight Street Shrewton on Tuesday 7 February 2023 starting at 11:30. After the funeral service the family will hold a private burial at St Andrew’s Church (Rollestone).
After the private family burial they will join those who wish to join the wake being held at the Holiday Inn, Solstice Park, Amesbury, SP4 7SQ.
To assist the family in knowing numbers for catering purposes, would you please advise Neil Peters if you intend going the wake at the Holiday Inn at Solstice Park. (
Note from the Chairman of the Association: St Mary’s Church is in the High Street in Shrewton, which is a narrow road. Parking with Shrewton is limited. Best places are the recreational sports ground or the limited spaces at the Village Community Club.
I appreciate that many of John Peters contemporaries from the Royal Berkshire Regiment or the early days of the Duke Of Edinburgh’s living further afield may not be able to make the the journey. For those who wish to send their condolence to Betty, Sarah, Alison and Neil the address for Betty is:
Mrs Betty Peters Millway House, Amesbury Road, Weyhill, Andover, SP11 8DE
Service Notification: As previously notified, 22988144 Philip Allen (Dusty) Miller, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, and Webmaster The Gloucestershire Regimental Website, passed away peacefully on 27th January 2022.
Funeral details have now been released and the service will be held at Sedgemoor Crematorium Stretcholt TA6 4SR at 1100hrs on Monday 30th January 2023, with family flowers only. Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Orchard Inn, 102 Church Road, Highbridge, TA9 3SA.
This will be a high-profile event, there is a call to arms for standard bearers and association members to form a guard of honour, we are also trying to locate a bugler for the event. Any association members wishing to attend the wake are asked to inform the County Chairman Somerset at
There will be a lot of members who would have wanted to attend Phil's funeral but cannot due to health/mobility/availability etc, so a memorial just giving site has been set up for Phil which will be divided between the two great organisations that he dedicated so much of his life, the Royal British Legion and the Regimental Association. Donations can be made online at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfu.../philip-dusty-miller...
Once again, on behalf of the Somerset branch and all association members, our sincere condolences go out to Sonia and her family on the sad loss of such a remarkable man
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No More Parades: It is with deep sadness, that I share with you all the passing of my dear friend and neighbour Peter Handel, ex-national service 1st Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment, who died unexpectedly, but peacefully, this morning the 8th of January at 1125hrs in Yeovil hospital. Peter was a staunch supporter of the Somerset Branch and his passing is a shock to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his beloved wife Avis and their family and friends. I will publish service detail when confirmed. “By our deeds, we are known”
Another Glosters family member passed on new years eve, Steve Wright, younger brother of R. B. Wright, Steve was in the signals platoon, Steve passed quietly at home
Good afternoon Gents. It is with much sadness that I need to inform you of the passing of one of your former Brothers in Arms (1 Glosters) and my good friend and fellow Veteran, Mark Bessell. Mark died on Friday afternoon after being caught in an avalanche on the north face of Ben Nevis. His climbing partner suffered severe injuries and is being treated in hospital. He leaves behind his wife, and son from a former relationship. No further details currently known regarding funeral arrangements etc. My apologies for being the bearer of such sad news.
Message from Len Keeling County Chairman Gloucestershire. I regret to inform you of the passing of Richard Smith yesterday at 1830hrs after a short stay in Gloucester hospital. Known fondly as Smith33 or smudger of the 1st Bn Glosters MT platoon a popular man with a wicked sense of humour. More details regarding funeral arrangements etc when I have them.
It is with deep sadness, anda profound sense of loss, that I share with you all the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Philip (Dusty) Miller, who died peacefully this evening (27th December 2100hrs) at Frome Community Hospital. Phil had been unwell for some time now, spending a couple of months in Weston super Mare and Taunton general hospitals and more recently the Frome Community hospital where he received outstanding care and attention from the staff.
During his time at Frome, he bravely fought his ailments and conducted himself with great dignity and courage, whilst family and friends made daily trips to be at his side. Phil has a vast circle of friends and colleagues and is a legend within the Regimental Association, dedicating over 30 years of service, at all levels; his departure will leave a huge void.
There will be a service notification and a detailed obituary produced later when all details are received. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his beloved wife Sonia, his two sons David and Richard and the rest of his family and friends. “By our deeds, we are known
Sadly Major (QM) John Peters died on Christmas Day. Details of his funeral will be released when known. John Peters enlisted into the Royal Berkshire Regiment and served with them until the amalgamation with the Wiltshire Regiment created the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment (Berkshire and WIltshire). He went on to become the RSM of 1 DERR , being commissioned he later went on to be the QM. John was a very successful Small Bore shot representing the battalion on many occasions. He will also be remembered for being an excellent curator of the Regimental Museum in Salisbury and then carrying on for many years as a stalwart museum volunteer. Our sincere condolences to Betty, Sarah and Alison and the whole family.
It is intended to hold the Back Badge reunion this year on the 18th of March at Walls
Social Club, Hammond Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3HG.
Please Note the Church service this year will be held at St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street GL21 2DR
followed by a march through Gloucester prior to the lunch gathering.
more detail can be found here BACK BADGE REUNION – SATURDAY 18th MARCH 2023 – The Rifles & RGBW Regimental Association (rgbw-association.org.uk)
Youo can now register on our online branch Please follow this link Home (rifles-rgbw-association-onlinebranch.org.uk)
We are looking at the possibility at setting up an "Online Branch" for those Association members who do not belong to a bricks & mortar branch. Not quite sure how it would work yet but just to gauge the feeling of members please can I ask you to complete the form below
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Whilst a venue and date have yet to be finalised, it is planned to have the 2022 Association AGM in late January or early February 2023. The delay has been caused by virtue of the fact the Rifles and RGBW Management Board needed to have it's inaugural meeting before the 11th Association AGM. That meeting was held in October and with the run in to Remembrance Poppy Collection fortnight, the present FIFA World Cup and then Christmas it was judged better to hold it in the New Year. Not unnaturally, catering costs have soared since we last meet and many venues are also charging for room hire so although enquires have been sought the final selection has to be made. In the meantime please find attached the Agenda for the 11th AGM and the Minutes of the 10th AG which will need a vote as being an accurate record of that last AGM.
