You will recall that I included a short piece about the Elizabeth Cross in the August Newsletter. The Elizabeth Cross was launched in 2009. It is granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations, or as a result of terrorism as a mark of national recognition for their loss. The award is available to the families of those who died in conflicts dating back to 1948, including the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland as well as more recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have recently visited the MOD Medal Office (at the aptly named Imjin Barracks in Gloucester) where I discussed the issue of how an Elizabeth Cross is awarded. As I thought it is now automatically awarded since its inception in 2009. However, anyone whose relatives are eligible to receive the award prior to 2009 must apply by completing a form. I have communicated with the MOD Medal Office and received confirmation that the following members of 1 DERR/ RGBWLI, who were killed on active service, or as an act of terrorism are entitled to receive the Elizabeth Cross but it has not been claimed: Corporal J. W. Leahy DERR Died: 08/03/1973 in Northern Ireland Colour Sergeant B. J. Foster DERR Died: 24/03/1973 in Northern Ireland Private M. Swanick DERR Died: 28/10/1974 in Northern Ireland Lance Corporal K. J. Pullin DERR Died: 17/07/1993 in Northern Ireland Lance Corporal P.E. Craddock RGBW LI Died: 27/03/2006 in Afghanistan To ensure that any surviving Next of Kin (NOK) receive what is a fitting award for a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice I must track down a surviving NOK to apply for the award. The official Next of Kin is the first person from the following list who is still alive. This order of precedence is based on Intestacy Law. A.    Surviving spouse B.    Eldest child C.    Eldest/grandchild/great grandchild D.    Parent E.    Brothers and Sisters of the whole blood F.    Children of brothers and sisters of the whole blood G.    Brothers and sisters of the half blood H.    Children of brothers and sisters of the half blood I.    Grandparents J.    Uncles/Aunts of the whole blood K.    Children of Uncles/Aunts of the whole blood L.    Uncles/Aunts of the half blood M.    Children of Uncles/Aunts of the half blood N.    Other The application form can be found at -  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b03f35b40f0b6304641fdab/20180521-ElizabethCrossandScrollApplication-O.doc

Please can I ask you to share this message far and wide on Social Media, Websites etc and help me track down the NOK for all those who served to ensure that the family rightly receives the award of the Elizabeth Cross?

"Summer at The Wardrobe" on 19 July 2025will be a family fun day with a DERR/RGBW theme, with open invitations to all former DERR and RGBW veterans, Regimental Association members, Patrons, Society of Friends members and Wardrobe volunteers.

Invitations will also go to former Wessex Regiment members, to Rifles adult cadets and to the local 5 Rifles community, if they wish to join us.  

There will be music (various bands) food and entertainment, as well as an informal BBQ evening for those wanting to stay longer.

The formal re-opening of the RBWM at The Wardrobe in Salisbury, in including the refurbished Museum exhibition space (Project Update 25) and the VE Display will take place on Saturday 10 May 2025 with this celebration event being open to the public on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May, with a variety of re-enactments and a range of historical stands on show.

As Summer fades away and Autumn races in like a thoroughbred racehorse I have been reflecting upon the role of the Association and its direction of travel.

I have now been the Chairman for a while and I am keen to know if the Association is delivering what the members want. To date I have not received any suggestions, or feedback on either activities or the newsletter, so I can only assume that all is well and no change is needed.

We are slowly starting to learn more about how we can better use Mailchimp and I am happy to advise that both museums now have access to it and that 2025 will see us working closer to ensure we communicate a consistent message regarding how the Association, the Soldiers of Gloster Museum and  the Rifles, Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum will work more closely. Especially when it comes to letting Association Members know about forthcoming events.

Mailchimp

I have looked at the statistics for the last few Newsletters/Funeral Notices and less than 50% of the e-mails sent out are never opened. Is this because:

1. We have the incorrect details for recipients and e-mails are no longer used?
2. The Newsletter/Funeral Notices do not contain information that people want to read?
3. Something else?

No 1 - Is very easy, we can update the database to not send e-mails to those who do not open them, but by far the best way is to ask everyone to keep their details up to date (see below).

No 2 - This can be changed very easily by asking you to let either myself, or Steven know what you wish to be included/excluded.

No 3 - Please let myself or Steven know.

Keeping your details up to date

At the bottom of every Newsletter/e-mail from the Association you will see a link - 'update subscription preferences'

if you click on the link it will allow you to make sure that the information held by the Association is correct and up to date.

If you unsubscribe we cannot send any Newsletters to you and you will need to re-register to receive them again!

Register on the Association website and Rifles Swift

We also need everyone to register on the Association website at - https://www.rgbw-association.org.uk/, or use the QR code below:

RGBW QR Code

Please also join the RIFLES Network at - https://theriflesnetwork.co.uk/?from=logout, or use the QR code below. Swift is also available as a very handy App for your smartphone, to keep you in touch with what is happening. This is the central repository for all welfare maters and guidance.

Swift QR Code

Please feel free to drop me an e-mail at - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or suggestions.

Eighteen members of the Association took part in the Royal British Legion Service and Parade at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London this year led by the Association President, Brig (Retd) P E O'R-B Davidson-Houston CBE DL.

Trevor Jones, who served in the Royal Berkshire Regiment during 1956 - 58, sadly had to withdraw this year due to deteriorating mobility.  He is the last Royal Berkshire soldier to have joined the parade.  He did so for many years accompanied by his comrade of nearly 70 years, Peter Legg.  Peter had to give up attending the Cenotaph last year in order to look after his wife.  We missed them both.

The Association bids for 30 places each year so our numbers were down this year.  It is always an uplifting and memorable day.  A number of our members take the opportunity also to attend The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey and to make an extended visit to London.  The RBL Cenotaph Parade is a great opportunity to take part in a revered national event so, if you would like to attend in 2025, do let the Association Secretary, Maj (Retd) Steven Bowkett, know by email at <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>.

Seven members of the Association, led by Association President Brigadier (Retd) P E O'R-B Davidson-Houston CBE DL, attended the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 7 November.  The photographs shows Brig Davidson-Houston meeting HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, Messrs Scott McBryde and Paul Witcher and a view of the Association's plot at the Field of Remembrance.

To all members, please take a look at the following website www.justrifles.co.uk it has a get help page where you can get assistance with a wide range of issues including mental health support and all of it is totally free.

Just Rifles is a private not for profit charity that only helps serving and former Riflemen. It’s totally confidential and is aimed at Veterans from the Rifles family of Regiments., irrespective of when you served. Their mental health counsellor is an ex-Rifleman veteran.  Please pass these details on to anyone from our Rifles family.

The funeral service for Colonel T B Dutton (Terry) who died on 19 October 2024 will be held at St. Michael & All Saints Church, Urchfont, Wiltshire, SN10 4QP at 14:00 hours on Monday 18 November 2024, following an earlier Commital Service for family only.  There will be tea and refreshments in the Urchfont Village Hall, close to the Church, following the service.  The family have requested that there should be no flowers but those who wish to may a charitable donation to Dementia UK.  Directions to Urchfont and a link for making donations can be found at:

<https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-notices/19-10-2024-terence-bruce-dutton/>.

Col Dutton's obituary will appear in the November edition of the Association Newsletter.

William Anthony Fox BILL Passed away peacefully in hospital comforted by his loving family, on October 25th 2024, aged 96 years of Moston. The loving and devoted Husband of Gemma. A precious and cherished Dad of Ian, Dee, Sean and Rosy. A caring and cherished Grandad of Imogen, Aimee, Isabella, Ava, Amelia and Lexi. Treasured Great Grandad to Florence and Matilda. Dear Brother to Joe, and loving God Father to Chris Hughes.

Bill was a Gloster & fought at the battle of Imjin River, & was then POW

Bill will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all his family and friends.

Requiem Mass to take place at St Dunstan’s RC Church, Moston on Tuesday 19th November at 10:00am followed by Interment at St Joseph’s Cemetery. 

All enquiries to Stewart McCrakan of Greater Manchester Funeral Service, Moston Tel: 0161 681 1864

2^nd Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment

Towns and villages all through Holland are celebrating the 80^th anniversary of their liberation in WW2.  One of the largest celebrations is a weeklong set of activities in Roosendaal.  Educational films, displays, re-enactments, displays, marches and events took place from 26^th Oct – 3^rd Nov 2024.

The Glosters were part of the 49^th Inf Div, nicknamed the polar bears, other units involved included the 4th Lincolns,1/4 KOYLI, Hallams Bn, 11^th Royal Scots, 1 Leicesters,  1/7^th DWR, 1 SWB, 2^nd Essex and supported by 55, 69, 89, 143, 185 RA, 49 Sigs, 2^nd Kensingtons and 9 RTR.  The division formed part of Monty’s drive up towards the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam and east towards Arnhem.

The RGBW Association was invited to take part in the celebrations at the end of the week to acknowledge the participation of the 2^nd Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment.  The townspeople of Roosendaal were extremely courteous and grateful for the handful of various association representatives from the UK to be in attendance.  They take their liberation extremely seriously; it is taught at an early age in schools and celebrated by all age groups.

On the first day, we were taken to “Camp Thruster” where there was a large display of military vehicles and equipments.  The enthusiasm and dedication were evident with many of them private collectors of equipment and memorabilia.  Most of the vehicles (over 20) were also in private hands after being lovingly restored over the decades.  The pride and joy of the display was an immaculate Churchill tank in full working order, the only private example in Europe.  During the evening, we were invited to a concert starring the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, proudly wearing their Polar Bear badges.

Day two involved going around the Roosendaal area on a battlefield tour and meeting up with the local veterans in the town's first in/last out pub - Café De Veestallen.  This was the first building secured by the British forces on entering Roosendaal and remained undamaged throughout the war.  Most of the internal fitments and decor have remained unchanged since WW2 and are fitting to the loyal veterans' watering hole.  The various local army associations sadly closed over the years as their memberships declined, but one of the locals, a Colonel from the Dutch commandos, started an all-arms Roosendaal Association four years ago and it has now over 100 members around Roosendaal, from all services and units, a fantastic achievement,

After a liquid lunch the veterans from all countries fell in outside, standards raised to greet the columns of re-enactment vehicles and men, proudly led by the Churchill tank.  After falling in behind we all marched to the memorial square where the Polar Bear monument is located.  The band gave a rendition of wartime tunes, regimental marches and national anthems before the wreath-laying ceremony which was led by the Duke of Wellington Regiment and The Gloucestershire Regiment, followed by the mayor and all the various dignitaries and representatives. After the service was finished there was a photo shoot for about an hour (there were about 1000 locals in attendance) and then back to that famous pub for more food and drink.

Overall, It was a memorable visit for which I am extremely grateful to have been invited.  The locals take their liberation extremely seriously and is a foundation for their freedom and democracy.  I would like to thank the owners of the Tongerlo Hotel for their impeccable service and for spending so much time with us.  I am also grateful for the party from the Duke of Wellingtons who adopted me over the weekend.  Attached are several snaps made; I will add some of the professional pictures when they become available.   “By our deeds, we are known”   Martin Talling, County Chairman

The funeral of Mr Ivor Gardner who has died aged 104 years, will be held at St. Nicholas' Church, Bromham, Wiltshire, SN15 2EU at 13:00 hours on Monday 18 November 2024.

Mr Gardner served in the Wiltshire Regiment in WWII, landing with the 4th Battalion on 19 June 1944 (D+13).  He fought through the Normandy bocage and on to the Seine, Nijmegen, the Crossing of the Rhine and into Germany until the end of the war.

Mr Gardner was a long standing and dedicated member of The Royal British Legion.  They have asked that those assisting with the funeral (standard bearers and bugler) be at the church from 12:30 hours.

It is my sad duty to inform  you that  Lt Col Terry Dutton died peacefully on Saturday 19th October 2024 in a home in Marlborough where he spent is latter years.

Funeral details will be published when I have them.

Field of Remembrance - 7th November 2024

I have sent out tickets to those individual who requested to attend the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, the opening of which is being undertaken by HM the Queen.More details are at - 

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/remember-a-loved-one/fields-of-remembrance/westminster-abbey-field-of-remembranceHowever, I still have a few spare tickets so if anyone wants one please e-mail me at - 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ASAP, so that I can post them this week.

Legacy donations

As we move out of Summer and into Winter we still have a very busy year ahead and I thought I would update you on some things that have been going on behind the scenes.

RHQ of the RIFLES in Winchester hosted myself with the Secretary and representatives from both the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Regiment Museum and the Rifles, Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum for a very productive meeting to update us on what is happening in the wider Rifles family.  A very useful meeting and one that helps ensure that we continue to support the current regiment's five Pillars (Regulars, Reserves, Cadets, Veterans and Communities) to the best of our abilities.

I was also pleased to receive an e-mail requesting that Joe Parker’s (a recently deceased Gloster soldier) family would like to gift a donation to the Association.  I am pleased to say that a very much appreciated gift of money was made to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, which will, I know, be put to good use.

---

It made me think that as we all get older and turn our mind to the children and passing on family heritage, have we ever considered leaving a legacy statement in our will to either museum?  It is inevitable that funding for the museums will not be forthcoming from the MOD in future and anything we can do to ensure our regimental legacy is maintained is to be supported.  You will need to discuss any form of payment with your solicitor (or whoever draws up you will) to insert a clear statement such as:
'I give free of tax to (The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum,Custom House the Docks, 31 Commercial Rd, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2HE , registered charity number 1095077) or (The Wardrobe
58 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EX registered charity number 1184091), the sum of £________ for the purposes of maintaining the museum, and I declare that the receipt of one of their Trustees or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge.’ 

MailchimpWe use Mailchimp to maintain our list of members of the Association, however, it is only as good as the information it holds. We have recently upgraded our account and over the coming months we will start to update the data we hold for everyone receiving this newsletter. So when you do receive an e-mail asking you to update your details (or check they are correct) please do so, so that we can maintain an up to date mailing list.  The last newsletter gave us the following ‘bounced' e-mails, so if anyone has contact with any of the following can you please ask them to get in touch and let the Association have their correct contact details:

• Roger Rees
• ? Rodriguez-Veglio
• Phillip Cooper
• Michael Smith
• Didier Jn

Keeping your details up to date

At the bottom of every Newsletter/e-mail from the Association you will see a link - ‘update subscription preferences’

if you click on the link it will allow you to make sure that the information held by the Association is correct and up to date.

If you unsubscribe we cannot send any Newsletters to you and you will need to re-register to receive them again!

lease also join the RIFLES Network at - https://theriflesnetwork.co.uk/?from=logout, or use the QR code below. Swift is also available as a very handy App for your smartphone, to keep you in touch with what is happening. This is the central repository for all welfare maters and guidance.

Swift QR Code

Please feel free to drop me an e-mail at - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or suggestions.

The Rifles annual Regimental Golf Meeting on 7 October was the start of a very successful final week of the 2024 season for the The Farmers Boys.  The DERR team of John Ledgister, Dave Gardner, Farren Drury, Ron Cooke, John Marsh and Arthur Christian came 2^nd, missing out on top spot to 5 Rifles by only 4 points so it came down to the last few holes.  Outstanding individual performances from John Ledgister, who came 3^rd overall, and Farren Drury for winning the closest to the pin prize.

A few days later we held our autumn meeting at Upavon Golf Course – our final meeting of the season.  Many thanks to Norman Minty for hosting the event at his local club and well done to Dave Gardner and Kev Flay who came 1^st and 2^nd respectively.

Keep an eye out for our 2025 fixtures towards the end of the year and please get in touch via the Association if you would like to play in any of our future meetings.

Please get in touch via the Association if you would like to play in any of our future meetings.

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 9^th.

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 25^th 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).

Allocation of places to attend the Commemoration Service on Saturday 26 October are now closed.

Parking spaces have been allocated to the Wardrobe Car Park and the Cathedral Close  car parking spaces, and all of those allocated have been informed.

There is no additional parking space within the Close, so if travelling by car please use the city car parks. 

We look forward to seeing everyone for the service on Saturday 26 October and have a safe journey.

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

Another comrade taken to the FRV

RIP Roy

Len RU