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.

There are several veteran’s breakfast clubs around the country that maybe of interest to our veterans

Details of these clubs can found here Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Clubs (AFVBC), By Veterans For Veterans they can be found on facebook here Facebook

Congratulations go out to Len Keeling on winning a volunteer Award at the BBC Make a Difference Award

The volunteer award was given to 83-year-old former soldier Len Keeling from Worcester.

He supports grieving families of servicemen and women as well as orchestrating military funerals.

Despite committing 32 years to the British Army, Mr Keeling continues his service by travelling around the country to help those who need support.

"I don't know who put me forward for this award, but I'm grateful to see that people really appreciate the things that we do," said Mr Keeling.

"It's a shock, but it feels fantastic...I'm so grateful."

Read more here Community heroes celebrated at Make a Difference awards - BBC News

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.

 The family of Mr Denis Lock have informed us of his death before Christmas 2023, after a short illness.  Denis served with 1 DERR between 1963 - 71.

 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.

Good morning all

Sean Karby funeral is at Rose Hill crematorium at 10:10 on the 26th September 2024, Rose Hill Crematorium, Cantley Lane Cantley Doncaster , DN4 6NE

Family has asked for friends to be there

Thanks all Jacko

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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

1. 
   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).
2. 
   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.
3. 
   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.

1. 
   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:
2. List of objects remaining available for sale – for cross reference with catalogue.
3. 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.

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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.

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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.  

Otherwise, use the links below: 

Veterans: https://app.leafyard.com/users/sign_up?voucher=Z8F9-QBSD-MER7-8KLN 

Families: https://app.leafyard.com/users/sign_up?voucher=XF1W-9XF8-6VCZ-E3PO 

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. 

Thank you. 

Lt Col (Ret’d) Baz Melia MBE 

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

Captain Len Keeling has been shortlisted by the BBC Hereford & Worcester local radio as a finalist in the Volunteer Category of the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2024.  The BBC launched the Awards at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in March 2020 to celebrate local heroes, shining a light on people who go above and beyond in their local communities.  The Volunteer Award is made to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.  

Capt Keeling responded that "It is very rewarding to know that people appreciate the efforts made by my team and I for the military 'send off' given to ex members and old comrades of our Regiment."  The winners for 2024 will be selected by a panel of judges in September, so congratulations to Len for making the shortlist and the best of luck next month!

Jane Ellis has informed the Association that her father, Brian Ellis, of Huccaby, Cheltenham, who did his National Service in The Wiltshire Regiment, died on 26 July 2024.  He leaves his son and daughter, 2 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

The Association has been informed by his son-in-law, that Colonel David Jones, late DERR, died aged 87 years on 13 June.  A Service of Thanksgiving was held at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin at Powerstock, Dorset on 5 July.

Born in 1936, Colonel Jones was educated at Abingdon School where he was Head Boy and Captain of Cricket.  In those days Abingdon was still in Berkshire and the school CCF was affiliated to The Royal Berkshire Regiment.  Consequently, following 2 years at RMA Sandhurst he was commissioned into the Royal Berkshire Regiment, joining the 1st Battalion in Cyprus in December 1957.  He joined The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire) when the Royal Berkshire Regiment and The Wiltshire Regiment amalgamated in 1959.  He served with 1 DERR in the Isle of Wight, Tidworth, Canada, Libya, Malta, Cyprus and Minden until 1967, with the single exception of a tour at the Wessex Brigade Depot at Honiton where he commanded the Junior Soldiers Company.

In 1967 he was posted to Mons Officer Cadet School as an instructor before attending the RAF Staff College at Bracknell.  From 1969 - 1970 he was the Brigade Major of 2nd Infantry Brigade and then took over command of A Company 1 DERR, serving in Catterick, Northern Ireland and Berlin.  During 1973 - 1975 he was posted to RMA Sandhurst as Chief Instructor at New College prior to promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.  He then spent 2 years as the Military Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) and Commander Northern Army Group (NORTHAG).

He took over command of 1 DERR in July 1977 in Warminster where the Battalion was employed as The Demonstration Battalion for The School of Infantry and led the Battalion in fire fighting duties in Scotland during the winter of 1977/78.  In the summer of 1978 he moved the Battalion to its new role as a mechanised infantry battalion based in Osnabruck, West Germany.  In 1979 he took the Battalion to Northern Ireland for an operational tour in Londonderry, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches the following year.

At the beginning of 1980 Col David left the 1st Battalion to move as GSO1 Directing Staff at the Army Staff College in Camberley and in February 1981 he was posted on Loan Service to be the Deputy Commandant of the Ghanaian Staff College. This was a time of considerable political and economic turmoil for Ghana which had only recently returned to civilian rule following a coup d'etat lead by Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings.  Claiming that the new government under President Hilla Limann was corrupt and incompetent, Rawlings then executed another coup d'erat on 31 December 1981.  It speaks volumes for Colonel Jones' effective diplomacy and the esteem in which he was held by senior Ghanaian officers that the newly installed government insisted that he stay in post.  He and his wife Nerissa remained in Ghana until June 1983.  Col David's final tour in the Army was as Colonel (Operation Requirements) working for the Assistant Chief of the General Staff in the MoD for 23 months before retiring in August 1985.

In January 1983, towards the end of Col David and Nerissa's tour in Ghana, President Shagari of Nigeria ordered West African migrant workers, including a million Ghanaians, to leave Nigeria.  While Col David persuaded the Ghanaian military to set aside their differences and provide transport and aid to the many thousands returning to Ghana, both he and Nerissa set about personally helping with their reception and care, almost literally in their back garden.

That experience set the tone for both their lives after Col David's retirement from the Army.  In a move which caused consternation to some he took up an appointment as Deputy Director of Oxfam, quite an achievement for a soldier to be accepted into an organisation whose founders included Quakers and pacifists.  For more than a decade, Col David's service at Oxfam took him to the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.  In early April 1991, Oxfam received a call for help from the Turkish Red Crescent.  After the 03 March ceasefire following the 1st Gulf War, rebel Iraqi and Kurdish rebels had risen against Saddam Hussein who responded by unleashing his remaining armed forces against them resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and some 1.5 million Kurdish refugees trapped between the Turkish border and Hussein's troops.  Within 36 hours of receiving the Turkish request Col David was above the snow line on the Turkey/Iraq border.  His grandson recalls that he quickly understood that the only feasible solution was to get the Kurds back down the Iraqi side of the mountains into safe areas.  His advocacy rapidly evolved into the British/Dutch Operation Haven led by the Royal Marines.  As more nations became involved, including the USA, Op Haven evolved into Operation Provide Comfort and Northern Iraq 'No Fly Zone'.  Although he would never claim it himself, Col David really was the saviour of the Kurds of Iraq.

While Col David laboured with Oxfam, Nerissa began training for the priesthood, taking up a parish in Coventry once ordained, moving to Dorset in 2001.  Their daughter Anna recalls "Nerissa as the star lead with David supporting as the super charged Vicar's 'wife'. He fulfilled the role with aplomb ... running the Powerstock fete, starting the 5 pubs challenge, chairing the Eggerton View, helping at the Cider Festival and much, much more.  He was especially good at jumping through hoops and raising money for worthwhile causes, especially in Coventry, where huge amounts of work by them both ended up with £54 million being allocated to the Wood End area by Government."

Col David and Nerissa married in 1960 and were very much a team from then on, both within the Army and the Church.  She predeceased him by 10 months in 2023.  They had 3 children, Anna, Tom and Harriet.  Harriet, who sadly was severely handicapped, also died in 2023, six months before her mother.  We send our heartfelt condolences to Anna and Tom and to their families and conclude with these words from David and Nerissa's grandson Charlie's eulogy for his grandfather - "As we remember David today let us take comfort from the fact that there are thousands around the world, people we will never know, people we will never meet, who will today break bread with their loved ones because of the deeds of this Christian soldier.  May his legacy be an inspiration to us all."
 

No More Parades/Service Notice: It is my sad duty to inform the passing of SSgt Herbert (John) Wake of the 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment on the 5th of August 2024 at the age of 96. Hector, as he was known at the Regimental, served from 1956 to 1974 and was a popular soldier with many friends. Sadly, Hector has no direct relatives, and his final parade would have been very small. However, as news of his passing was circulated, we contacted all those concerned and arranged a full military send-off for Hector in keeping with the traditions of the Gloucestershire Regiment. Both County Chairmen will be attending, as well as Rojer Phelps and his trusty bugle for the last post, two standard bearers and the Regimental coffin drape and wreath. All we need now is some additional boots on the ground to make the numbers up. Please can any members of the Regiment who are local and available please attend the funeral service at Weston Super Mare Crematorium on Thursday 22nd August 2024 at 12:30 pm. “By our deeds, we are known”

We are reaching out to see if you can offer some support to the Wardrobe for our major fundraising event of the year.

This year, on Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th August we are holding our Living History Festival, with groups representing armed combat from Medieval times, through the Napoleon Period, the two World Wars and up to the modern day.

Support Area 1

Can you spare a couple of hours over the weekend to come and help? 

Last year this event went well, with over 1,500 people through the doors during the two days. This year we intend to do better and to trial a new way of making some money from the footfall, to support our museum redevelopment which starts in October this year.

Entry to the venue of the Wardrobe, which will include access to the museum, gardens and the Living History events will be free (that is how the event was first publicised and we can't change it now) but we need to encourage entrance by donation. 

We will establish a small meet and greet area as a choke point by the front entrance. This will quickly process people through, directing them into the museum where they will follow the museum route round to the garden door.

What we need are the right sort of people to welcome visitors, very quickly explain:

• The whole event is free, including entry to the museum which is normally £5.
• You can stay as long as you want and leave and come back later.
• Look through the museum, wander the gardens, see all the events, visit the shop and cafe. 
• We are a charity and it would be great if you could support us so we are able to run such events in the future - by making a small cash or card donation - how about just £5 or £10 for your family of 5? 

(or similar)

We also need people to be explaining the story of our Regiments at the front end of the museum route and ushering people through and/or be on hand to answer any questions.

We have our normal volunteers, but with an event of this scale we need more support - in particular at the front end - the meet and greet and to encourage donations.

So the request is can you spare a couple of hours over the weekend of 10th and 11th August to come and help. Will you also spread this request out through your network so others can come and enjoy the date/weekend and give is some additional support? You can bring partners, kids, grandchildren and enjoy the event yourself - in addition to a short shift at the entrance!

Please respond by sending an email to Ross Keel at:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ross will be putting together the schedule for manning the meet and greet area, so please tell him your available/preferred times across the two days. Also note that we will have vintage vehicles and food outlets on the front drive so there will be no parking available on site. 

Full instructions will be given on the day and passed down across the shifts. You can wear what you want, collar and Regimental tie, polo shirt and regimental golf cap or just shorts and T shirts. We will try to get some caps for the on shift team to wear.

Support Area 2

We are running a 'Military Surplus' style stall which will contain stock from the Wardrobe that has drifted in/donated over the years - such as military and historical books,  mugs, tankards, sleeping bags, webbing, buttons etc. These are not accessioned or historical items.

Please can you add to our stock? If you still have your old respirator, webbing, helmet, some uniform or military books you have read and don't want anymore then please can you donate these and we will try to sell them for the benefit of the museum redevelopment project.

Either send them to the museum FAO Alistair Riggs and marked as a donation for the stall, or drop them in, or bring them in person on the weekend of 10/11 August and put them on the stall.

We are sure you all have something to clear out - so this is an excellent opportunity and for a good cause.

And Finally.....

Apologies if you get this message several times from different directions. Our contact lists are fragmented and owned by different people. We are looking at how we can best combine these going forwards and who wants to receive what emails on what subjects!  Thank you for your patience.

Please do everything you can to support us on this important day. Its a great opportunity to meet up with old comrades and see the old Lee Enfield you may have once used?

Very many thanks.

Numbers of Association members applying to take part in this year's Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London are very much down on previous years.  Members who would like to join the Association contingent marching this year are requested to inform the Secretary as soon as possible via email <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>.