The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
The Wardrobe, SalisburyFollowing the funeral of CSgt Navarro on 11 June, his daughter, Gianinna, has written to say how grateful his widow Iris and the family are to his former comrades for attending his funeral and to apologise to anyone who they failed to speak to. With that in mind, the family would love to get together with anyone who knew Miguel to hear their stories and chat about their reminisces. If you would like to get in touch with the family, please email Gianinna at <
Mr Nicholas Patten has informed the Association that his father, John Walter Patten (22467486), died at The Royal Gloucestershire Hospital on 14 April this year.
After completing his National Service basic training at Plymouth, John served in the 1st Battalion, The Royal Berkshire Regiment from 1951 -1953, serving initially in Eritrea before moving to the Canal Zone in Egypt and then, briefly, in Cyprus. He had a brass band background and on arriving in the 1st Battalion was asked to join the Band, where he played the tuba under the direction of Bandmaster Freeth. His son comments that he was very proud to have been a member of 1 R. Berks Band and kept in touch with 2 other former band members, Charlie Bull and Don Waltham. He joined the Severn Branch of the Association in 2000 and attended branch meetings for a few years.
I had the privilege to be asked to take the salute at Brock Barracks on Sunday. Of course I had to nip into Forbury Gardens to pay my respects to the Maiwand Lion and Col Galbraith’s men of the 66th, who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1880.
An excellent event organised by Peter Richens and the organising committee. Special thanks must go to:
The Band
The Sea Cadets carrying Standards (& others)
The ACF Platoon
Last, but not least the Old Comrades who attended
I was particularly pleased to see many faces from my past & special thanks must go to the 1WESSEX/RGBW contingent who travelled from Gloucestershire for the day.
Sad not to see many Wessex Old Boys & Girls or 1 WESSEX BN old comrades. Perhaps next year?
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Bob Garland after a long illness. Bob served in A Coy 1st battalion Also as an instructor in Sandhurst followed by House Csgt to Gen Robin Digby Grist.
Condolences have gone out to his wife Sharon and family RIP Bob duty done
Service Notice Update: 24343168 Robert (Rob) Bishop of the 1st Battalion of The Gloucestershire Regiment. Following the announcement of the death of Rob, who passed away on Sunday the 16th of June, we can now confirm that his funeral service will be on Monday, 8th July, 2024 at 3.15 pm at Woodlands, Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QP. The offer of Association services was greatly received but declined. Family and friends are invited to join the service in a celebration of his life and afterwards at the wake at Little Nannies Café (Feltham Farm, Hinton Road, Pucklechurch, BS16 9SJ). No flowers please, donations to Cancer Research.
No More Parades/Service Notice: It is my sad duty to inform the passing of Sgt Jim Watkins of the 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment on the 10th of June 2024. Jim is survived by his wife Ruth, who has requested the Association to assist by providing the Regimental Drape and Wreath. The County Chairman is liaising with Jim's brother-in-law Bob, who is the point of contact for the family. His details are held by the County Chairman should anyone wish to contact the family. The service will be on Monday the 1st of July at Exeter & Devon Crematorium, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 6EU at 12.30 hrs. “by our deeds, we are known”
No More Parades: It is my sad duty to inform the passing of 24343168 Robert (Rob) Bishop of the 1st Battalion of The Gloucestershire Regiment on the 17thof June 2024 at Taunton Musgrove Hospital after a brave fight against cancer. Rob is survived by three Sisters who are coordinating his funeral which will be held at Westerliegh. The County Chairman for Somerset is liaising with the family and will issue a service notice when all details are confirmed, On behalf of the Regimental Association, sincere condolences are sent to Linda, Hazel and Nina.
“by our deeds, we are known”
Dear Association members,
It is almost 2 months since I assumed the role of Chairman of the Rifles and RGBW Association and to say it has been a steep learning curve would be an understatement.
I am still in the fact finding/research phase and trying to understand a). What is the role of the Association as we grow older? b). What do the Association members want? I think it is fair to say that the answer to both questions differs depending upon length of service, Regiment served with and a million and one other factors, so please bear with me whilst I learn more.
My immediate findings fall into the following categories and my observations are included.
- Communications – I have yet to work in/with/for any organisation that has excellent communications, and the Rifles & RGBW Association is no exception. The Association has no desire to close any Facebook Groups/Pages etc, nor to use a one size fits all approach. However, with all the Association members being volunteers I am keen to reduce the burden on them, whilst improving communications. Listed at end of this message is a list of the communication portals we will use to send out details of Association matters. Individuals are actively encouraged to share any newsletters/messages far and wide on social media, or to friends they know who do not have access.
- Social Media – Not all our Association members use social media, or the same platforms, indeed some do not have access to e-mail, which provides unique challenges in itself. We will use Rifles & RGBW Facebook and Rifles & RGBW Website as the primary site for Association matters and ask everyone to repost/share to sites they are members/administrators of.
If you have not already joined the Facebook Group and the Website can I please ask you to do so, so that we can keep you informed about all Regimental Association matters?
We do not have a Twitter/X account and currently I cannot see the need for one. Please let me know if you think otherwise.
You may not have heard about SWIFT, which is the RIFLES wider Social Media network and is open to all Association members. It is easy to join, just follow this link and register - https://theriflesnetwork.co.uk.
I have picked up on the fact that many of you feel that the SWIFT network is too broad and does not meet your needs. I have been speaking with the Trustee responsible and hope to have a meeting with him and our branch chairmen to see how it can be adapted to help us. More news to follow. Meanwhile, I would encourage you all to register and obtain an account as I am sure we can do more to use it to the Association’s benefit.
- In Memoriam – Sadly hardly a week goes past without hearing the news that someone who served in our regiments has passed away.
The Association tries to ensure that we support the family at what is a very stressful time. This includes booking a bugler through the Army (if possible and the individual fits the category for having a bugler provided at MOD expense), arranging for Standard Bearers and Standards or ensuring a regimental wreath/flowers. Unfortunately we struggle to get all the information we need to provide timely support.
We have a simple form available on the website (Rifles & RGBW Website) where we can capture all the details we need (it will also be able to be sent out in paper form, if needed).
It would be incredibly helpful if you would go to - Service details, where you can enter your service details, to be used as the basis of an obituary
- Welfare – Welfare is handled by the Rifles and unless I am told to the contrary is working well. If you are aware of anyone needing welfare support, please do not hesitate to send an e-mail to myself, or the Secretary (contact details below).
- Branches – It is a delight to see the branches thriving and the allocation of funds for an annual event seems to have been well received and working to the branches advantage. If you have any observations and ideas for how we might improve on the current arrangements, please do let me know once you have discussed it with your County Chairmen, who are doing an excellent job and providing an invaluable service to the Association in helping the branches run smoothly.
- Meetings – Although I try and follow as many Facebook groups etc as I can I am sure I do not have a full picture of some of the excellent gatherings that are taking place not just across the Southwest, but across the rest of the country and world-wide.
- Forecast of events – We are working with the Webmaster for the Association (Rifles & RGBW Website) to:
- Provide a Calendar/Forecast of events where members can see what events are taking place throughout the year. If you do have an event coming up, can I ask you to ensure that County Chairmen add it to the calendar on the Website?
- Create a ticketing portal to allow individuals to book tickets for Association events and pay electronically so that branches are released from some of the admin burden.
Please feel free to e-mail or phone me if you have any observations/ideas on how we can best support our Association members, wherever they might be.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kindest regards,
Jon
Key Contact details:
Jon Wort
Chairman, Rifles & RGBW Association
Mobile: 07753 816598
Steven Bowkett
Secretary, Rifles & RGBW Association
Tel: 01367 240531
Primary communication channels:
The RIFLES Network
Rifles & RGBW Website
Rifles & RGBW Facebook
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum
What are you doing on the 20th July?
Do you live near Salisbury?
Are you a social creature?
If you answered:
Nothing.
Yes.
Yes.
Then a magical Hog Roast & hot rocks music is right up your alley.
What could be a finer place to spend a convivial evening than at the The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum enjoying yourself?
Spread the word & let other know what they could be missing.
More info here - https://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/.../hot-rocks-and-hog-roast
I am sad to inform you of the death of ex CSgt Miguel 'Spanish' Navarro on 21 May 2024. His funeral will be held on next Tuesday, 11 June at the Church of All Saints, Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4AE at 15:00 hours. The funeral will be followed by his burial at 16:00 hours. All mourners, family, friends and old comrades will then be welcome at his daughter Iris' home (10 minutes walk from the Church).
The Church of All Saints is in the centre of Sutton Courtenay village, near the village green. The village is easily accessed from the A34 and is close to Didcot GWR main line railway station. CSgt's Navarro's obituary will be published in this month's Association Newsletter in due course.
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The four county administrators can now submit news items directly onto this website to keep members informed. All they simply need to do is once registered onto the website, log in and a new item will appear in the main menu "Submit News" and the submission page will appear. Once checked the news will be published. Or follow this link https://www.rgbw-association.org.uk/submit-news/
Mr Dave Andrews has informed the Association that his father, ex-Pte Courtney Gibbard Andrews (14191220) who served in the Wiltshire Regiment for 4 years, died on Sunday 28 April 2024. He had celebrated his 95th birthday on the previous Friday.
Mr Andrews served as a Bandsman in 2nd Wilts in West Germany prior to amalgamation with the 1st Battalion and further service with 1st Wilts in Hong Kong. His son remarks that his father proudly wore his Regimental tie on every possible occasion and the family is very grateful to Bethany, the Curator of The Wardrobe Museum, for enabling them to purchase a replacement for one lost during his final stay in hospital.
Mr Andrews' funeral will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Fordingbridge on Tuesday 21 May at 11:00 hours.
John Tristram has informed the Association of the death of Professor Chris Williams. Christopher Williams was born in Monmouthshire in 1963 but his family later moved to Swindon. He completed a Short Service Limited Commission with 1 DERR in 1982/83 in his gap year between finishing school and attending Balliol College, Oxford University. He became a noted Welsh academic, lecturing at Cardiff University and Swansea University, and editing the diaries of Richard Burton, before becoming Professor of History at University College, Cork from 2017 until his death on 4 April.
he Association has been informed of the death on 28 April of Mr Peter Holmes, aged 64 years. He served as a private soldier in 1 DERR during 1971 - 77 and on discharge joined 2 Wessex, eventually becoming CSM of D Coy and later CSM N Coy 2 RGBW in Newbury. In between serving in 2 Wessex and 2 RGBW he completed commando and parachute training, serving with 29 Commando RA. His funeral will be at the West Berkshire Crematorium, Bath Road, Thatcham, RG19 4LD on Monday 20 May at 16:00 hours. Any Old Comrades wishing to attend are requested to arrive by 15:30 hours.
Mr David Smith has stood down as Chairman of the Reading Branch of the Association. At the Branch meeting on 30 April 2024, Mr Peter Richens was unanimously elected as the new Chairman
David Smith has given over half a century of service to the Association and Regiment. His military service began as a Sea Cadet in Reading which also saw the start of his career in military music as he became their 'Silver Bugler'. In 2009 he joined the Reading Scottish Pipe Band and spent 5 years as their Drum Major until forced to step down through ill health. He joined the Army in July 1962 the day before his 18th birthday and trained at Honiton, Devon prior to joining 1 DERR in Tidworth. Thereafter he served in Malta, Cyprus, West Germany and Catterick before he finally left the Drums Platoon in 1971. In 1973 he was a founding member of the Reading Branch of the Regimental Association. Following his regular service, he served for 5 years with 63 (SAS) Signal Squadron (V) and then joined the Berkshire Army Cadet Force where for 8 years he was the East Berkshire Company Sgt Maj Instructor. As he approaches his 80th birthday, David continues to be an active member of the Reading Branch and has surely earned our heartfelt thanks for his tremendous and continuing service.
Peter Richens also completed his recruit training at Honiton, joining the Army in August 1962. He was posted to 1 DERR in Malta in February 1963, joining 6 Platoon, B Company with whom he completed 2 Battalion exercises in Libya. In 1964 he served with the 1st Bn during its operational tour countering EOKA terrorists in Cyprus. A notable athlete, Peter won the Middle East Army Cross Country Championship, the Malta Inter Services Cross Country Championship and the 1 and 3 mile races and the Steeplechase at the Malta Army Athletic Championship. He then went on to win the Army (Cyprus) Cross Country Championship and completed the Bn Junior NCO's Cadre in 1965. Later that year, he transferred to The Parachute Regiment where he served for a further 20 years, retiring in 1985 as a Warrant Officer Class 2. In addition to taking over as Branch Chairman, Peter has been the driving force behind the annual Maiwand Reunion and Gathering for a number of years
CHAIRMAN
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Bristol ABF Charity Day at Bristol and Clifton Golf Club - Thursday 23 May 2024
The Regimental Golf Society hopes to enter 2 x 4-ball teams. Those interested should speak to John Marsh.
Annual Summer Meeting of the Regimental Golf Society - Erlestoke Golf Club - 30/31 May 2024
Fully subscribed this year with 20 members playing.
DERR 65th Anniversary Gathering - Warners Lakeside, Hayling Island - Friday 7 - Sunday 9 June 2024
Following on from the successful 50th and 60th DERR Anniversary Reunions, Bill Sherman has taken the initiative to organise a 65th Anniversary Reunion, again at Hayling Island, Hampshire. To book online, follow this link:
Alternatively, the telephone number to book is: 0330 100 9774 - Option 2
The Burma Cup - Thornbury Golf Club - 14 June 2024
The Slashers are hosting this event and Steve MacIntyre will be the Team Captain.
Maiwand Gathering and Reunion - Sunday 14 July 2024 at Brock Barracks
The Reading Branch of the Association will hold its annual Maiwand Reunion and Gathering at Brock Barracks in Reading on Sunday 14 July 2024. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM to include:
- Memorial Service at the Brock Barracks Cenotaph
- March Past
- Two Course Hot Lunch
- Cash Bar in the Dragon Club
- Static Displays by 7 Rifles
- Musical Event
The cost will be £14.50 per person. All Association members are encouraged to attend. Further details can be obtained from Mr Peter Richens (Email: <
A booking form is attached at the end of this newsletter.
The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) Devon Charity Day at Dainton Park Golf Club - Wednesday 17 July 2024
Organised by Trevor Ongley. See the notice in last month's Newsletter.
RGBW Officers' Club Lunch - The Wardrobe - Saturday 20 July 2024
Slashers Annual Meeting - Puckrup Hall Golf Club (Tewksbury) - 16 August 2024
Reading Branch Summer Lunch - Toby Carvery, Lower Early - Friday 6 September 2024
The cost will be £5.00 per head for members and spouses/partners or £8.00 per head for other guests. No charge will be made for widows of Association members.
The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) Dorset Charity Day - Rushmore Golf Club - Friday 20 September 2024
Officers’ Annual Back Badge Lunch 2024 - Chavenage House - Sunday 6 October 2024
The annual Officers’ Back Badge Lunch will be held on Sunday 6 October, again at Chavenage House, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8XP.
The Rifles Regimental Golf Meeting - South Winchester Golf Club - Monday 7 October 2024
Autumn Meeting of the Regimental Golf Society - Upavon Golf Club - Thursday 10 October 2024
59/94 Club Lunch - The Wardrobe - Friday 11 October 2024
The next 59/94 Club lunch will be held at The Wardrobe on Friday 11 October 2024. Further details will follow closer to the event. Club members are asked to ‘save the day’.
WOII Paul Jenkins ex Glosters passed away recently, his funeral will take place on Monday 3 June at 11:30 hrs at Fradley Crematorium Fradley Lane Litchfield Staffs WS13 8GA
Further to the announcement in the April Newsletter of the death of Captain Clive Ireson on 28 March 2024, his son Steve has now informed me that his Memorial Service will be held at 14:00 hours at St. James Church, Church Walk, Devizes, SN10 3AA on Friday 31 May. There will be a reception after the service at The Wyvern Club (opposite the Church).
The family have requested that donations be made to Cancer Research UK rather than sending flowers. Cancer Research UK has a 'donate' button on its website at <cancerresearchuk.org>.
Although car parking at the Wyvern Club and near the Church are limited, there are a number of public car parks in the town centre as well as at Morrisons and Sainsburys supermarkets, both of which are relatively close.
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Steven Bowkett
Secretary
The Rifles and RGBW Regimental Association
Capt Clive Ireson, commissioned into The Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire) from Mons Officer Cadet School in 1966 on a Short Service Commission, died in the early hours of 28 March 2024.
Clive was born in 1947 in a cottage overlooking The Crammer in Devizes and was Christened in St. James’ Church. His father joined the Wiltshire Regiment in Le Marchant Barracks, Devizes in 1926 and rose through the ranks to be commissioned in 1943. So Clive was a true Moonraker.
He joined 1 DERR in Clifton Barracks, Minden in March 1966 and his first role was to be OC of the Continuation Training Platoon for recruits arriving in the Battalion from the Wessex Depot, Exeter, who needed additional training to fit into a mechanised battalion in BAOR. He moved to command 2 Platoon vice 2nd Lt Snook the following September and in August 1968 Lt Ireson was posted to the Wessex Depot to command a recruit platoon. While at Exeter he was granted a Special Regular Commission.
In 1969 Clive returned to A Coy 1 DERR, commanding 3 Platoon during jungle training in Malaya and then in British Honduras, before assuming command of the Anti Tank Platoon in 1971. He married Caroline Chaundy in 1970. In 1973 he captained the 1 DERR shooting team at Bisley and was promoted to Captain, before being posted to command 27 Army Youth Team in Devizes in 1974.
Clive rejoined 1 DERR in 1976 as the Battalion moved from Shoeburyness in Essex to Warminster. There he took over as OC the APC Platoon, a high profile and demanding appointment in view of the Battalion’s role as Demonstration Battalion for the School of Infantry. He retired from the Army in 1978 as the Battalion was posted from Warminster to Osnabruck, West Germany.
In civilian life Clive set up his own chauffeuring business. He retained his cheerful and positive personality and frequently attended the Officers’ Club summer lunch in The Wardrobe as well as the Bath Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club. He was a keen supporter of Bath and England rugby. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2023, Clive lived latterly with his son Steve and his daughter-in-law, who helped to care for him as he became increasingly house bound. In addition to his son Steve, Clive also leaves his other son, Mark and daughter, Lyn.
Clive chose to have a direct cremation so there will not be a funeral service but, in keeping with his wishes, his family will hold a Memorial Service in St. James’ Church in Devizes. Details will be published once known.
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 years Service by getting in touch with the Association Secretary, Major (Retd) Steven Bowkett at <
